Hand-held soil compacting machine with electric water sprinkling system and method for controlling a water sprinkling system of a hand-held soil compacting machine

Abstract

A hand-held soil compaction machine with a water sprinkler system, wherein the water sprinkler system comprises a water sprinkler device; a water tank connected to the water sprinkler device via a piping system; an electric valve for controlling a water flow through the piping system; and a control device for controlling the electric valve with an input module, and wherein the electric valve has at least one defined closed state and at least one defined first open state. Furthermore, there is a method for controlling a water sprinkler system of a hand-held soil compaction machine with an electric valve.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hand-held soil compaction machine with a water sprinkler system and a method for controlling a water sprinkler system of a hand-held soil compaction machine

[0002] Water sprinkler systems for hand-held soil compaction machines are known from the prior art. DE 10 2017 000 951 A1 describes a hand-held soil compaction roller with various sprinkler modes. DE 10 2019 000 966 A1 discloses outlet nozzles for a sprinkler system of a mobile soil tillage machine.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a hand-held soil compaction machine with a water sprinkling system and a method for controlling a water sprinkling system of a hand-held soil compaction machine, which are improved over the prior art, in particular have improved operating comfort for an operator.

[0004] This object is achieved with a hand-held soil compaction machine with a water sprinkling system and a method according to the independent claims. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a hand-held soil compaction machine with a water sprinkling system. The water sprinkling system has a water sprinkling device, a water tank which is connected to the water sprinkling device by a line system, an electric valve for controlling a water flow through the line system, and a control device for controlling the electric valve with an input module. The electric valve is designed such that it has or can assume at least one defined closed state and at least one defined first open state. Between the defined closed state and the defined first open state, there can preferably be orThe electric valve can be designed such that, in addition to assuming the defined closed state and the defined first open state, it enables or can assume a defined second open state. The electric valve refers, in particular, to a valve that can be actuated or adjusted by electrical energy or current from an initial state of the valve. It can be provided that the electric valve is designed such that, in the de-energized or unenergized state, for example by means of a spring action, it always assumes one initial state, in particular one, especially the defined closed state.

[0006] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a water sprinkling system of a hand-held soil compaction machine, in particular according to one of the embodiments described herein, comprising an electric valve for controlling a water flow in the water sprinkling system and a control device with an input module for controlling the electric valve. The method comprises compacting a soil with the hand-held soil compaction machine, adjusting a water flow through the electric valve with the control device, and sprinkling at least one component of the hand-held soil compaction machine and / or the soil with the water sprinkling system.

[0007] The term "electric valve" refers to an electrically controlled component for regulating the flow of a fluid, particularly water. The electric valve can comprise several elements in combination, in particular a plurality of electric valves or electric shut-off valves. The term "electric valve" also includes valves that can be controlled both mechanically and electrically.

[0008] The water sprinkling system comprises all the elements required for sprinkling the hand-held soil compactor and / or the soil. In particular, the water sprinkling system includes both elements for guiding the water and elements for controlling the water flow. The water sprinkling system also includes elements for supplying electrical energy, in particular an electrical energy source, and most particularly a storage device for electrical energy, such as a battery.

[0009] The water sprinkling device comprises in particular elements which define the concrete shape or position of the sprinkling, for example one or more nozzles, in particular pressure nozzles.

[0010] In particularly preferred embodiments, the hand-held soil compaction machine is a vibratory rammer, a vibratory plate, or a hand-held roller. The hand-held soil compaction machine can comprise machines with at least one vibration excitation device, in particular an imbalance exciter with a rotating imbalance. The hand-held soil compaction machine can have an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor as the primary drive unit.

[0011] The hand-held soil compaction machine may comprise a handle. The handle is particularly suitable for guiding the machine. The handle can be used to specify a working direction of the hand-held soil compaction machine. Typically, the handle is part of a guide device, in particular a guide bar or a guide drawbar. A vibration decoupling device, in particular comprising a flexible material, may be provided between the handle, in particular the operator's contact area on the handle, and compaction elements of the hand-held soil compaction machine. The vibration decoupling device may, for example, comprise one or more elastomer elements.

[0012] In preferred embodiments, the water sprinkling device has a plurality of sprinkling units, in particular nozzles, very particularly pressure nozzles. The sprinkling units can functionally be, in particular, water outlets through which water exits the soil compaction machine to the outside. It can preferably be provided that the water sprinkling device has at least one sprinkling unit in the forward and reverse directions, preferably in every possible working direction. In embodiments, individual sprinkling units of the water sprinkling device can be controlled by the control device, in particular individually or in groups. The sprinkling units can be designed such that water is applied flatly onto a component of the hand-held soil compaction machine or onto a ground surface, in particular onto a working surface of the hand-held soil compaction machine.

[0013] The water tank is connected to the water sprinkler system via a conduit system. This can include suitable pipes and / or hoses for this purpose. Preferably, the water tank, in a working configuration when used as intended, is further away from the center of the earth than the water sprinkler system. In other words, it is preferably arranged vertically above the water sprinkler system, in particular at least the water outlet(s), on the soil compaction machine. This advantageously enables gravity-driven operation of the water sprinkler system without the need for an additional water pump.

[0014] It can be provided that the water sprinkling system has a pump, in particular an electric or electrically driven pump. The pump can pump the water from the water tank to the water sprinkling device, in particular against gravity and / or under pressure. Preferably, the pump is controlled by the control device. In particular, the control device can switch the pump on or off or adjust a pumping power, for example a delivery volume flow and / or a delivery pressure. Typically, the pumping power can be adjusted in at least one intermediate stage between a minimum pumping power and a maximum pumping power, or continuously. In embodiments, the pump replaces the electric valve, so that the water flow through the piping system is controlled, in particular regulated, by the pump. The pump is therefore in particular a water pump.It is also possible to use an air pump instead of the water pump, which can create excess pressure in the water tank, forcing the water out of it. The drainage from the water tank can then also be controlled and / or regulated by the electric valve.

[0015] The hand-held soil compaction machine can have a battery that supplies at least the control device and the electric valve or the electric pump with electrical energy. In further preferred embodiments of the invention, the hand-held soil compaction machine is designed to be fully electrically driven. Such a soil compaction machine is driven exclusively by electrical energy, in particular from an on-board energy storage device for electrical energy. In these machines, the primary drive unit is thus formed from one or more electric motors, which drive in particular a vibration excitation device and, if present, one or more fluid pumps and / or travel drive motors. It can be provided that one or more hydraulic circuits and / or hydraulically actuated actuators are driven by the electric primary drive unit.This can, for example, be a hydraulic phase adjustment device for one or more unbalance devices of the vibration excitation device.

[0016] The term "water" also includes aqueous solutions or emulsions with water. In particular, the water can contain additives that influence the physical, chemical, or biological properties of the water. This can, for example, influence the freezing point of the water or the surface tension of the water. In some embodiments, the growth of organisms, such as algae, can be reduced.

[0017] Preferably, the electric valve is arranged near a connection of the water tank to the piping system. In particular, the electric valve is arranged before a split or upstream of a branching point of the piping system to different sprinkler units of the water sprinkler system. This can advantageously enable a simpler water sprinkler system with a small number of valves, in particular with only one electric valve. A shut-off valve, in particular a manual one, can be arranged before the piping system is split into different sprinkler units. This allows the operator to open or close the piping system, for example, at the beginning or end of a work session.

[0018] In embodiments, the water sprinkling system has a plurality of electric valves. In particular, the water sprinkling system has 2, 3, 4, 5 or more electric valves. In preferred embodiments, at least one electric valve is located in the line system between each sprinkling unit and the water tank. In embodiments, each sprinkling unit is assigned an electric valve, so that a water flow through the sprinkling unit can be individually controlled with the electric valve for each of the plurality of sprinkling units. However, it is also possible to design the electric valve such that, in addition to a blocking position or the closed state, it has a first release position or the first defined opening state, in which water can flow through a first sprinkling unit or a first group of sprinkling units, and a second release position orhas a second opening state in which water can flow away through a second sprinkling unit or through a second group of sprinkling units. The first sprinkling unit or the first group of sprinkling units can be arranged, for example, at the front, as viewed in a forward direction of the soil compaction machine, and in particular in front of a ground contact device of the soil compaction machine, for example a base plate or a roller drum. The second sprinkling unit or the second group of sprinkling units can be arranged, for example, at the rear, as viewed in a forward direction of the soil compaction machine, and in particular behind a ground contact device of the soil compaction machine, for example a base plate or a roller drum. Additionally or alternatively, the electrical orThe electrically actuated valve must be designed in such a way that it has a further release position in which fluid can escape from all the sprinkling units together or fluid can escape from all the sprinkling units simultaneously.

[0019] The electric valve can be an electromagnetic valve or an electromotive valve. The electromotive valve can typically be an electric ball valve, an electric butterfly valve, or an electric diaphragm valve. Typically, the electric valve is closed when the hand-held soil compactor is switched off or when a control device is switched off and / or in a de-energized state. In embodiments, the water sprinkling system comprises electric valves of different designs, in particular electromagnetic and electromotive valves. This allows the advantageous properties of the different valve types to be combined.

[0020] In preferred embodiments, the electric valve has a manual override actuation device with which the electric valve can be manually controlled and / or adjusted, particularly when the control device is de-energized. This can advantageously make it possible to empty the water tank when the control device or the hand-held soil compaction machine is de-energized, particularly for maintenance or storage purposes. In the event of a failure or defect of the control device, the water sprinkler system can still be used by the operator adjusting the valve with the manual override actuation device.

[0021] The defined closing state of the electric valve typically involves setting the valve with a minimum flow cross-section. Preferably, the electric valve is closed in the defined closing state, so that no water can flow through the valve. However, particularly in combination with other, also manually operable, elements such as shut-off valves or one or more other valves, it may be possible to allow water to drain even when the electric valve is in the defined closing state. This can, in particular, allow the use of simpler or less expensive electric valves.

[0022] The at least one defined first opening state is typically a setting of the valve with maximum flow cross-section. The electric valve is then usually in a release position that allows maximum fluid flow.

[0023] The second opening state of the electric valve is a setting of the valve with a flow cross-section that lies between the flow cross-section of the defined closed state and the flow cross-section of the defined first open state. In embodiments, the second opening state is defined; in particular, the second opening state is linked to a fixed flow cross-section. However, it is also possible for the second opening state to be freely selectable, controlled, and / or regulated within an adjustment range between the defined closed state and the defined first open state. This can be helpful, for example, if a certain volume flow of water passing through the electric valve is to be specified and / or adjusted and maintained in a regulated manner.Within the adjustment range, the setting of at least one second opening state can be continuous or stepped.

[0024] In typical embodiments, the electric valve has a plurality of second opening states, in particular 2, 3, 4, 5, or more second opening states or intermediate opening states. Typically, the plurality of second opening states is predefined.

[0025] Preferably, the flow cross-section of the second opening state can be continuously adjusted by the operator using the control device. In particular, the flow cross-section of the second opening state can be continuously adjusted from the minimum flow cross-section to the maximum opening cross-section. The term "continuously adjustable" can also encompass embodiments with a very large number of defined second opening states, in particular more than 10, more than 20, or more than 50 defined second opening states.

[0026] A set flow cross-section of the second opening state can be stored by the operator in the control device and kept ready for retrieval. In particular, this allows the operator to access a set value of the second opening state via the control device, which is optimized for specific environmental or operating parameters.

[0027] In embodiments, the hand-held soil compaction machine has an electric additive valve for controlling, in particular regulating, an additive flow through the line system. In particular, the electric valve regulates the water flow through the line system, and the electric additive valve regulates the additive flow through the line system. Water and additive can be mixed via a mixing device, in particular a passive one, of the line system, for example, a static mixer.

[0028] The electric valve can be a mixing valve, with a line leading from the water tank and a line from an additive tank to the mixing valve. The mixing valve allows for adjustment of the mixing ratio of water and additive. The use of two individual valves for mixing purposes is also possible.

[0029] It is possible for the hand-held soil compaction machine to have a sensor for determining an environmental parameter or an operating parameter of the hand-held soil compaction machine. Typically, a measured value from the sensor is transmitted to the control device via a suitable signal transmission path, which can be wireless or wired. The operating parameter can be, for example, an actual operating parameter or a target operating parameter. It can be provided that the control device receives the data, in particular sensor data or target data, from a controller of the hand-held soil compaction machine.

[0030] The operating parameter can be, for example, a temperature of the hand-held soil compaction machine, in particular a temperature of a base plate of the hand-held soil compaction machine, a setting of the hand-held soil compaction machine, a fill level of a fuel tank, for example a fuel tank, or a charge level of a battery of the hand-held soil compaction machine. The operating parameter can include a vibration value, in particular a vibration frequency, of the hand-held soil compaction machine. The operating parameter can, in particular, alternatively or additionally include a fill level of the water tank or the additive tank, wherein the fill level of the water tank or the additive tank is typically a relative or an absolute fill level of the water tank or the additive tank.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that the operating parameter includes a working direction or a working speed of the hand-held soil compaction machine.

[0032] In embodiments, the fill level of the water tank comprises a fill level threshold, wherein falling below the fill level threshold is associated with an empty water tank or one that needs to be filled, and exceeding the fill level threshold is associated with a full water tank.

[0033] In typical embodiments, the environmental parameter includes a temperature or humidity of ambient air; a temperature or humidity of a soil; or a degree of compaction of the soil. The environmental parameter may include a type of soil.

[0034] In embodiments, the hand-guided soil compaction machine, for example the control device, has an interface for communication with external sensors, in particular for receiving sensor data.

[0035] In preferred embodiments, the sensor is an electrical sensor, in which a parameter value of the operating parameter or the environmental parameter is typically linked to a specific current or voltage. The sensor can be a digital sensor that transmits a measurement signal as a digital value.

[0036] It is preferred if the hand-held soil compaction machine has a fill level sensor for determining the fill level of the water tank or the additive tank. The fill level sensor can be integrated into the electric valve. In particular, the fill level of the water tank or the additive tank can be determined by a measured water pressure or additive pressure at the electric valve.

[0037] The control device preferably controls, in particular regulates, the electric valve depending on the at least one environmental parameter or the at least one operating parameter of the hand-held soil compaction machine. Typically, the electric valve is opened wider for environmental parameters or operating parameters that are associated with a greater water requirement than for environmental parameters or operating parameters that are associated with a lower water requirement.

[0038] The control device preferably controls, in particular regulates, the electric valve automatically depending on the at least one environmental parameter or the at least one operating parameter of the hand-held soil compaction machine. In particular, the control device automatically changes a setting of the electric valve when an environmental parameter or an operating parameter changes. This advantageously allows optimized operation of the water sprinkling system even when environmental parameters or operating parameters change. The control device can display an optimal setting of the water sprinkling system to the operator, in particular via the input module. The operator can then follow the setting and make it themselves, or accept a change in the setting through a confirmation interaction. The control device can comprise various control methods, in particular for selection by the operator.

[0039] For example, the control device controls the electric valve depending on the base plate temperature of the hand-held soil compaction machine. The control device can control the electric valve via threshold values ​​for the base plate temperature of the hand-held soil compaction machine. If a first threshold value of the base plate temperature is exceeded, the control device increases the water flow through the water sprinkler device, in particular by increasing the flow cross-section of the electric valve, or, in certain embodiments, by increasing the pumping power of the pump.Additionally, if a second threshold value is undershot, the control device can reduce the water flow through the water sprinkler device, in particular by reducing the flow cross-section of the electric valve or, in embodiments, by reducing the pumping power of the pump. For other environmental and operating parameters, as also mentioned above, the control device can control the water flow through the water sprinkler device in a similar manner.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the control device may comprise a reference table and / or characteristic map which indicates a setting of the water sprinkling device, in particular the electric valve or the pump, for values ​​of the ambient parameter or the operating parameter.

[0041] The control device may have similar control methods as described above for the base plate temperature for other or additional environmental parameters or operating parameters.

[0042] In typical embodiments, the control device has a forecasting module for forecasting at least one operating parameter. The forecasting module can use a current value of an operating parameter or a past value of the operating parameter or a change in the current value of the operating parameter, for example as a first time derivative, to create a forecast for a future value of the operating parameter. In particular, the control device extrapolates a development of the value of the operating parameter from the past into the future.

[0043] Preferably, the control device can receive forecasts for environmental parameters from an external device.

[0044] For example, the forecast module predicts future water consumption. Specifically, the forecast module compares future water consumption with the water tank's fill level and predicts the water tank's remaining capacity, for example, as the remaining working time.

[0045] In embodiments, the prediction module predicts the water coverage in the water tank for different settings of the water sprinkler system. This can allow an operator to select a water sprinkler system setting with an appropriate coverage for a work goal or a defined working time.

[0046] In preferred embodiments, the hand-held soil compaction machine has a valve status indicator for indicating the status of the electric valve. The status of the electric valve typically includes the degree of opening of the electric valve, basic functionality (freedom from defects) of the electric valve, or a defective status of the electric valve. The valve status indicator can include a visual or an acoustic indication.

[0047] In particular, the acoustic display can comprise a different acoustic signal for different states of the electric valve, for example the defined closing state, the defined first opening state and the second opening state.

[0048] The visual indicator may include a numeric display, particularly for indicating the degree of opening, or a signal lamp, particularly for indicating discrete valve states, for example, a defect state. The signal lamp may indicate different states using different color signals or intensity signals.

[0049] The hand-held soil compactor can have an electrical level indicator. The electrical level indicator shows the fill level of the water tank. In embodiments with an additive tank, the electrical level indicator can alternatively or additionally indicate the fill level of a consumable tank or the additive tank. The electrical level indicator can include a visual or acoustic indicator. In addition to the features described above with regard to the valve status indicator, the electrical level indicator can display a visual or acoustic warning signal when the level falls below a threshold value, for example, a minimum water quantity in the water tank.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the hand-held soil compaction machine has a status indicator for the water sprinkler system. In particular, the status indicator comprises the electrical fill level indicator or the valve status indicator. The status indicator is typically designed as a visual or acoustic indicator. The status indicator may comprise a screen or a signal light arrangement for displaying the status of the water sprinkler system. Typically, a visual indicator of the status indicator is mounted within the operator's field of vision during operation of the hand-held soil compaction machine.

[0051] Typically, the status display comprises an input interface, in particular for selecting operating or environmental parameters or states of the water irrigation system to be displayed.

[0052] In embodiments, the hand-held soil compaction machine has an interface for communication with an external device. The interface for communication with the external device is then considered the status display, whereas the actual display of the status takes place on the external device. The status display is connected by the operator to the external device, typically wirelessly or via a plug-in connection. The external device can be, in particular, a handheld device, for example a tablet computer, a smartphone, or another communication device. The status of the water sprinkler system can be displayed using an application on the handheld device.

[0053] The input module can have input interfaces. Typically, the input interfaces include switches, for example, rotary, toggle, push-button, or rotary push-button switches, or knobs. The input interfaces can be used to change settings of the water sprinkler system or to turn the water sprinkler system on or off.

[0054] In embodiments, the input module has an interface for communication with an external device. The interface for communication with the external device is then considered the input module, whereas the actual input takes place through user interaction on the external device. In particular, the input module has an interface for communication with a handheld device, for example a tablet computer, a smartphone, or another communication device. The input on the external device can be captured using an application.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, the status indicator is integrated into the input module. In particular, the status indicator and the input module form a physical unit, for example, with a shared housing, which can also be referred to as a control unit, for the operator's interaction with the water sprinkler system.

[0056] In some embodiments, the input module or status display, particularly the control unit, can be designed as a touchscreen. This advantageously enables a dynamic display of relevant states and settings, particularly according to the operator's requirements.

[0057] In typical embodiments, the input module or status indicator is attached to the handle. The input module or status indicator can be integrated into the handle. A vibration-damping element can be arranged between the input module or status indicator and the handle.

[0058] Preferably, the electric valve of the hand-held soil compactor is closed when the hand-held soil compactor or the water sprinkler system is switched off. In particular, the electric valve is closed when the hand-held soil compactor or the water sprinkler system is switched off. This advantageously prevents the water tank from running dry when the hand-held soil compactor is not in operation. As already described above, the electric valve can be equipped with a manual override, with which the electric valve can be opened manually. This advantageously allows the water tank to be emptied before storage or, at particularly low temperatures, to prevent the water from freezing.

[0059] Typically, the hand-held soil compactor has a housing. The housing can comprise a grid, a frame, or a continuous enclosure, for example, with cladding panels such as metal sheets or panels, a hood, or the like. In particular, the housing protects components of the hand-held soil compactor from external mechanical influences. In typical embodiments, the water tank and the electric valve are arranged inside the housing, particularly protected from external mechanical influences.

[0060] The housing can be designed to be adjustable, for example, between a closed protective position and an open maintenance position. For this purpose, the housing can be pivotably mounted on the rest of the soil compaction machine. Particularly in the case of comparatively larger and therefore heavy housings, a drive device, particularly one driven by an electric motor, can be provided for adjusting the housing.

[0061] Typically, a method for controlling a water sprinkling system of a hand-held soil compaction machine, in particular according to the embodiments described herein, comprises compacting a soil with the hand-held soil compaction machine, adjusting a water flow through the electric valve with the control device and sprinkling at least one component of the hand-held soil compaction machine or the soil with the water sprinkling system.

[0062] Preferably, the water flow through the electric valve is adjusted based on at least one value from a sensor.

[0063] Typically, the value of the sensor used to adjust the electric valve is a value of an environmental or operating parameter, in particular a temperature, a humidity or a level of a water tank.

[0064] In preferred embodiments, the water flow is adjusted continuously or with at least one second opening state between a defined closed state and a defined first opening state.

[0065] The method may comprise displaying a state of the water sprinkler system, in particular the fill level of the water tank or an opening state of the electric valve.

[0066] Typically, the method includes sensing environmental parameters or operating parameters and predicting future environmental parameters or operating parameters.

[0067] The method may comprise setting the at least one second opening state, and in particular storing the set second opening state.

[0068] The method may comprise connecting an external device to the hand-held soil compaction machine, in particular for adjusting the hand-held soil compaction machine or for displaying a status of the hand-held soil compaction machine.

[0069] The method may include actions described herein, in particular control actions of the hand-held soil compaction machine or its control device.

[0070] In typical embodiments, a hand-held soil compaction machine comprises a control device for carrying out the method according to the embodiments described herein.

[0071] The invention provides hand-held soil compaction machines with an improved water sprinkler system. In particular, an electric valve with a control device allows for integration of the water sprinkler system into the overall control system of the hand-held soil compaction machine, improved adjustment of the water sprinkler system, particularly in the face of changing operating or environmental parameters, and ergonomically improved operation of the electric valve by the operator. The electric valve and the control of the electric valve by a control device with an input module allow the electric valve and the water tank to be arranged within a housing of the hand-held soil compaction machine, thus shielding them from external influences.

[0072] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show schematically: Fig. 1a shows a soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 1b shows a further embodiment of the soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 1c shows a further embodiment of the soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows an input module of a soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 4 shows the embodiment of the Fig. 1b with further optional features; Fig. 5 the embodiment of the Fig. 1c with further optional features; Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 7 shows a water sprinkling device of a soil compaction machine according to the invention; Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a method according to the invention, and Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electric valve.

[0073] Typical embodiments are described below with reference to the figures, whereby the invention is not limited to the embodiments. Rather, the scope of the invention is determined by the claims. When describing the embodiments, the same reference numerals may be used for the same or similar parts in different figures and for different embodiments in order to make the description clearer. However, this does not mean that corresponding parts of the invention are limited to the variants shown in the embodiments. In some cases, features that have already been described in connection with other figures are not described again for the sake of clarity. In some cases, features that are shown more than once in a figure are only identified by reference numerals.

[0074] The Fig. 1a-1c show hand-held soil compaction machines 100a-c according to the invention.

[0075] Fig. 1a shows a vibratory rammer 100a. Fig. 1b shows a vibrating plate 100b. Fig. 1c shows a hand-guided tandem roller 100c. The following examples of the Fig. 1b und 1c explained in more detail. The features of the embodiments of the Fig. 1b und 1c can be analogously shown in the examples of Fig. 1a, 1b oder 1c find.

[0076] The hand-held soil compaction machine 100c of the Fig. 1c may comprise a water sprinkler system with two sprinkler units 11a and 11b. A first sprinkler unit 11a is arranged at the front of the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c in the working direction A. A second sprinkler unit 11b is arranged at the rear of the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c with respect to the working direction A. The water sprinkler system is connected to the water tank 15 via a line system 13. An electric valve 17 is arranged in the line system 13, which controls the water flow through the line system 13. The hand-held soil compaction machine 100c further comprises a control device 1 for controlling the electric valve 17 with an input module 2. The input module 2 is attached to a handle 4 of the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c.A vibration decoupling module 6 can be arranged between the handle 4 and a housing 5 of the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c. The control device 1 is connected to the input module 2 and the electric valve 17 via communication lines 8. The water tank 15, control device 1, and electric valve 17 are located inside the housing 5.

[0077] Fig. 2 shows the input module 2 in detail. The input module 2 can be attached to the schematically illustrated handle 4. The input module 2 comprises input interfaces 21, 22 for entering settings or control commands into the control device. The rotary switch 21 enables continuous adjustment of an opening cross-section of the electric valve, in particular between a defined closed state and a defined first open state. The rotary switch 21 can be designed as a rotary push-button switch. By pressing the rotary push-button switch, it is possible to switch between setting modes, for example, or to save a setting. The push-button switch 22 can enable a setting mode of the input module to be switched on or off. For example, it is possible to switch between a manual and an automatic control mode of the control device.The push button 22 may have a light-emitting element that provides feedback regarding the setting that can be adjusted by the push button. In particular, the light-emitting element may illuminate when the control mode associated with the push button 22 is active.

[0078] The input module 2 includes a status indicator for the water sprinkler system. The status indicator may comprise a signal light arrangement with two signal lights 23a, 23b and a fill level indicator 24. The signal lights 23a, 23b may indicate an exceedance or undershoot of a threshold value, the presence of an operating state, or a state of the electric valve. The fill level indicator 24 displays a fill level of the water tank in, for example, five steps. In embodiments not shown, the fill level indicator 24 may be designed as a segment display for displaying a number or substantially continuously, for example with a high-resolution screen.

[0079] The Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c. In contrast to the embodiments of the Fig. 1c , 4 und 5 , in which the water tank 15 is arranged above (in other words: further away from the ground) the pipe system 13 and the water flows to the sprinkler units 11a, 11b due to gravity, is in the Fig. 3 The water tank 15 is mounted below a portion of the piping system 13. A pump 31 can convey (pump) the water from the water tank 15 into the piping system 13. The pump 31 is connected to the control device 1 via communication lines 8. An electric valve 17 can be assigned to each of the sprinkler units 11a, 11b. The sprinkler units can thus each be individually controlled.

[0080] The Fig. 4 shows the hand-held soil compaction machine 100b of the Fig. 1b schematically with additional elements. The additional elements of the Fig. 2, 3 and 5 can be used with the elements of Fig. 4 At the same time, the additional elements of the Fig. 4 with the hand-held soil compaction machines of Fig. 1a, 1c , 2, 3 , and 5 In addition to the water tank 15, the hand-held soil compactor 100c of the Fig. 4 have an additive tank 45. The water tank 15 and the additive tank 45 are connected to the electric valve 17 via the piping system. The electric valve 17 may include a mixing valve for mixing the water from the water tank 15 and the additive from the additive tank 45.

[0081] The Fig. 5 shows the hand-held soil compaction machine 100c of the Fig. 1c with additional elements. The hand-guided soil compaction machine 100c can have sensors 51 for detecting an environmental parameter, for example a soil temperature, or an operating parameter, for example a fill level of the water tank 15. The sensors are connected to the control device 1 via communication lines 8.

[0082] The Fig. 6 shows abstract elements of a hand-guided soil compaction machine according to the invention and relationships between the elements. The water sprinkler system of the hand-guided soil compaction machine comprises two piping systems. The water piping system can supply water from the water tank 15 to the sprinkler units 11a. In the water piping system, at least one electric valve 17, in the Fig. 6 Four electric valves 17m control the water flow in the water supply system. The electric valves 17 are controlled by the control device 1 via communication lines. Each of the electric valves is connected to the control device 1 via a communication line and can, in particular, be controlled individually. The control device 1 can comprise an electronic control unit, in particular a microcontroller. The control device can receive information, in particular operating and environmental parameters. Fig. 6 The control device 6 can receive position information 61a from a position sensor, which is particularly suitable for processing information from a global navigation system such as GPS or Galileo. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 6 can receive performance information 61c, for example from a battery or an electric motor of the hand-held soil compaction machine. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 6 can receive temperature information 61d, in particular from a thermometer, or fill level information 61e, in particular from a fill level sensor. The control device 1 can be connectable to an external device 61b, for example a computer, a tablet computer, or a smartphone. The control device 1 can receive inputs from the external device 61b and display states via the external device 61b.The control device 1 can receive environmental information or a work plan from the external device 61b.

[0083] The Fig. 7 shows schematically a water sprinkler device 70. The water sprinkler device 70 of the Fig. 7 comprises two sprinkler units 11a, 11b. Each of the sprinkler units 11a, 11b comprises four nozzles 71a-d and 71e-h. In the embodiment of the Fig. 7 Each of the nozzles 71a-h is assigned an electric valve. Thus, each of the nozzles 71a-h can be controlled individually by the control device 1. In the Fig. 7 For example, nozzles 71b and 71g are active. This allows for spatially specific irrigation.

[0084] The Fig. 8 shows a method 800 for controlling a water sprinkler system of a hand-held soil compaction machine. The method 800 includes compacting 810 a soil with the hand-held soil compaction machine; adjusting 820 a water flow through an electric valve with a control device; and sprinkling 830 at least one component of the hand-held soil compaction machine or the soil with the water sprinkler system.

[0085] In Fig. 91 shows an example of an electric valve 17 with further details. The electric valve can, for example, be a valve controlled by an electromagnet 90 that can be adjusted between a blocking position 95 or a defined closed state and a release position 93 or a first open state. In the closed state, a fluid passage through the electric valve 17 from a fluid or, in particular, water supply line 92 to a fluid or, in particular, water discharge line 91 is blocked. In the defined first release position 93 or the first open state, however, the electric valve is in a switching state in which a maximum water flow is permitted or the opening cross-section released by the valve 17 is at a maximum.Because the electric valve 17 is a controlled valve, one or more second opening states can also be set, in which the opening cross-section released by the valve 17 lies between a complete closure and the maximum released opening cross-section according to the first opening state.

[0086] The electric valve can be equipped with a spring-loaded device 94. This can be designed, in particular, such that the valve switches to the closed state when the electromagnet is de-energized.

Claims

1. A hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) with an electric water sprinkler system, the water sprinkler system comprising: a water sprinkler device (70); a water tank (15) connected to the water sprinkler device (70) by a line system (13); an electric valve (17) for controlling a water flow through the line system (13); a control device (1) for controlling the electric valve (17) with an input module (2); the electric valve (17) having at least one defined closed state and at least one defined first open state.

2. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 1, wherein at least one second opening state lies between the defined closed state and the defined first opening state.

3. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one second opening state is continuously adjustable.

4. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) has at least one sensor (51) for detecting at least one environmental parameter and / or at least one operating parameter, and in particular a value of the sensor (51) is transmitted to the control device (1).

5. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 4, wherein the sensor (51) is a fill level sensor (51) and the operating parameter is a fill level (61e) of the water tank (15).

6. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 5, wherein the fill level sensor (51) is integrated into the electrical valve (17).

7. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the control device (1) controls the electric valve (17) as a function of the at least one environmental parameter and / or the at least one operating parameter of the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c).

8. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 7, wherein the operating parameter of the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) comprises a degree of compaction and / or wherein the ambient parameter is an ambient temperature, in particular a soil temperature or an air temperature.

9. Hand-guided soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the control device (1) has a forecasting module for forecasting the at least one operating parameter.

10. A hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) comprises at least one of the following features: - a status indicator of the water sprinkler system; - a valve status indicator (23a, 23b) for indicating a status of the electric valve, in particular a degree of opening of the electric valve (17); - an electric fill level indicator (24).

11. A hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to claim 10, wherein the status indicator comprises the valve status indicator (23a, 23b) and the electrical fill level indicator (24); is part of the input module (2), and the input module (2) is attached to a handle (4) of the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c).

12. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric valve (17) is closed when the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) is switched off.

13. A hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) comprises a housing (5); and wherein the water tank (15) and the electric valve (17) are arranged inside the housing (5) of the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c), in particular protected from external mechanical influences.

14. Hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) has an additive tank (45) and the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) has a mixing device (17) for mixing water from the water tank (15) and additive from the additive tank (45).

15. A method (800) for controlling a water sprinkling system of a hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, with an electric valve (17) for controlling a water flow in the water sprinkling system and a control device (1) with an input module (2) for controlling the electric valve (17), the method (800) comprising: compacting (810) a soil with the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c); adjusting (820) a water flow through the electric valve (17) with the control device (1); sprinkling (830) at least one component of the hand-held soil compaction machine (100a-c) and / or the soil with the water sprinkling system.

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