Soil treatment apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soil treatment apparatus (100) for loosening soil, in particular along a working direction (B), in particular soil covered with grass, said apparatus comprising: a support device (102) and a holding device (142) which is preferably movably held thereon and on which a plurality of injection elements (144) are held; a reciprocating device (146) by means of which the injection elements (144) can be inserted into and withdrawn from the soil; and a fluid supply device (134) which is fluidically connected, directly or indirectly, to the injection elements (144) for supplying fluid, characterised in that each injection element (144) is held on the holding device (142) and can be inserted into and withdrawn from the soil individually and / or separately and / or independently of the other injection elements (144).

Description

[0001] SOIL TREATMENT DEVICE

[0002] The present invention relates to a soil treatment device for loosening soil, in particular along a processing direction.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a soil treatment device for loosening the soil, in particular along a working direction in soils with grass growth.

[0004] A generic soil treatment device is described, for example, in DE 10 2018 122 086 A1 and is used for soil maintenance. For example, needle-shaped injection elements are used to inject a fluid into the soil. The effect of the fluid, particularly compressed gas or a compressed gas mixture, especially compressed air (in this case referred to as aeration), loosens the soil, resulting in better aeration and drainage. Air and water can penetrate the soil more easily, and the drainage effect is improved. In soils covered with grass, for example, at sports or recreational facilities, the root system can spread more effectively in the soil to promote growth.

[0005] Further soil treatment devices for fluid injection and in particular for aeration are described in DE 10 2016 105 248 A1, DE 10 2015 115 991 A1 and DE 10 2016 105 253 A1.

[0006] Such soil treatment devices generally comprise a plurality of said needle-shaped injection elements for injecting a fluid into the soil. These injection elements are lowered until they penetrate the soil. The fluid is then injected through the injection elements to loosen the soil, after which the injection elements can be withdrawn from the soil. During this process, the injection elements are lowered and raised together as one unit. Irregularities in the soil composition are generally not taken into account, and / or targeted soil loosening—for example, by omitting defined areas—cannot be achieved without having to change the direction of movement of the soil treatment device.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved soil treatment device of the type mentioned above, which in particular enables a more flexible and / or versatile use for loosening soils.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a soil treatment device for loosening the soil, particularly along a working direction, particularly in soils with grass growth, having the features of the independent device claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to this, a soil treatment device for loosening the soil, in particular in soils with grass growth, comprises: a carrying device and a holding device which is preferably movably held thereon and on which a plurality of injection elements are held, a lifting device via which the injection elements can be inserted into the soil and withdrawn therefrom, and a fluid supply device which is directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the injection elements for providing fluid, characterized in that a respective injection element is held on the holding device and can be inserted into the soil and withdrawn therefrom individually and / or independently of the respective other injection elements.

[0010] This makes it possible, in particular, to provide a soil treatment device in which each injection element can be inserted into and withdrawn from the soil individually and / or independently of the other injection elements, so that the insertion and / or withdrawal process of a respective injection element is advantageously not influenced by other injection elements. For example, if an injection element encounters high resistance during insertion into the soil, for example, due to a stone or other foreign body, the remaining injection elements of the soil treatment device can function as intended and, in particular, inject fluid into the soil.In addition, for example, only certain injection elements for injecting fluid into the soil can be specifically controlled, whereby a processing area of ​​the soil treatment device can advantageously be further and / or specifically processed in sections and thus flexibly without changing the processing direction.

[0011] It should be understood that orientation and position information relates in particular to the intended use of the floor treatment device, which is or is moved in particular along a processing direction on the floor surface. For example, a transverse direction can be oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction. In particular, for the purposes of the present description, it is assumed, without limitation, that the floor surface is oriented substantially horizontally and that a contact plane of the floor treatment device substantially coincides with the plane defined by the floor surface.

[0012] It can be provided that a respective injection element is movable and in particular displaceable via the lifting device under the action of the fluid for the respective insertion into the ground and / or respective withdrawal from the ground.

[0013] In particular, it can be provided that, when the injection elements are introduced into the ground, the fluid can be made available or supplied to the ground via the injection elements, in particular can be injected into the ground.

[0014] It can be provided that a respective injection element is held movably and in particular displaceably on the holding device and the lifting device comprises a number of lifting elements corresponding to the injection elements, via which the respective injection elements can be inserted into the ground and / or withdrawn therefrom, in particular individually and / or independently of the other injection elements and / or withdrawn.

[0015] In particular, a respective lifting element can be assigned to a respective injection element for insertion into the ground and / or withdrawal from the ground. For example, exactly one respective lifting element can be assigned to exactly one respective injection element.

[0016] In particular, the lifting elements can be fixed to the holding device.

[0017] Advantageously, the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, can be in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device.

[0018] This can be understood, in particular, to mean that the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and the injection elements can be supplied with fluid from a common fluid source. However, it should be understood that alternatively, different types of fluid sources can also be provided, e.g., a first fluid supply device that is directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and a second fluid supply device that is directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the injection elements.

[0019] It can be provided that a respective injection element for the respective insertion into the ground and / or respective withdrawal from the ground is operatively connected to a respective lifting element of the lifting device.

[0020] A respective lifting element of the lifting device can be designed as a fluidically actuated lifting cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, or comprise one which is advantageously in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device. For example, a respective fluidically actuated lifting cylinder can be designed as single-acting or double-acting.

[0021] The double-acting lifting cylinder can accordingly have a fluidic control input for extending and a fluidic control input for retracting. The control inputs can be fluidically connected to a control valve, for example, attached to the holding device, which can be assigned to the respective lifting element. In particular, each lifting element can be directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the fluid supply device via a corresponding control valve.

[0022] The single-acting lifting cylinder can accordingly have a fluidic control input for extending or retracting and / or further has an elastic counter element, in particular a counter spring element, for applying a restoring force, which serves in the opposite direction to the control input for retracting or extending.

[0023] Alternatively, it may be conceivable that a respective lifting element of the lifting device can be designed as an electrically actuated lifting cylinder, in particular a lifting actuator, or can comprise such a cylinder.

[0024] It can be provided that the soil treatment device comprises at least one control device for controlling and / or regulating an operation and in particular a fluid operation of the soil treatment device.

[0025] In addition, it can be provided that the injection elements can be controlled jointly and in particular in a clocked manner via the control device and can advantageously be supplied with fluid in a clocked manner.

[0026] It can be provided that the soil treatment device for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil via the respective injection elements above their respective reversal points can be controlled and / or regulated in particular in a clocked manner by means of the control device.

[0027] In particular, a respective reversal point can be defined by a change between an insertion into the ground and a withdrawal from the ground of a respective injection element.

[0028] It is understood that the lifting device, for example the lifting elements of the lifting device, can advantageously be controlled by the control device of the soil treatment device.

[0029] It can be provided that the holding device comprises a number of holding parts corresponding to the injection elements, which are fastened to the remaining holding device, in a sense to the remaining part of the holding device, in particular detachably, and by means of which the respective injection elements are held individually on the holding device.

[0030] This can be understood in particular to mean that the holding parts are detachable, in particular degradable, components which belong to the holding device and / or form part of it.

[0031] In particular, a respective holding part can be assigned to a respective injection element. For example, exactly one respective holding part can be assigned to exactly one respective injection element.

[0032] In particular, it can be provided that each holding part comprises a first holding part section and a second holding part section, which are arranged opposite one another and between which the respective injection element is held transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction. It can be provided that the holding parts are fastened, in particular detachably, to the remaining holding device, so to speak to the remaining part of the holding device, via a common carrier element, in particular a common positioning rail.

[0033] The common support element can be encompassed by the holding device and / or form part of it.

[0034] For example, the common support element can extend transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction.

[0035] It can be provided that a respective injection element is guided between the holding sections of the respective holding part by means of a guide element when inserted into the ground and / or when withdrawn from the ground.

[0036] For example, the guide element can be encompassed by the respective holding part and / or form part of it. Alternatively, the guide element can be designed as a separate component relative to the respective holding part and can be rigidly or detachably fastened or attached to the respective holding part.

[0037] It can be provided that the fluid supply device comprises a number of fluid containers corresponding to the injection elements, wherein a fluid container is assigned to each injection element and is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the latter for providing fluid, preferably for the synchronized aeration of the soil.

[0038] It can be provided that the fluid supply device comprises a number of outlet valves corresponding to the injection elements, wherein each outlet valve is assigned to an injection element, and wherein a fluid passage through the respective injection element can be switched by means of the assigned outlet valve for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil and preferably for cyclically aerating the soil. It can be provided that the fluid supply device comprises a drivable delivery unit for fluid, for example, an air compressor.

[0039] It can be provided that the fluid supply device further comprises at least one reservoir for fluid, which can be filled with fluid for intermediate storage and which is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the injection elements.

[0040] It can be provided that the at least one storage container is fixed to the holding device and / or forms part of the holding device.

[0041] For example, the at least one storage container can comprise at least one structural element formed as a substantially closed hollow profile or as a pressure vessel, or can be designed as such, which advantageously extends transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction. This can enable a structurally simple design of the storage container. The at least one storage container can impart the required rigidity to the holding device. An interior space of the at least one storage container can temporarily store the fluid, in particular compressed air, for injection.

[0042] For example, said common support element, in particular said common positioning rail, can be fixed directly or indirectly to the storage container.

[0043] It can be provided that the at least one storage container has a round and preferably circular cross-section.

[0044] The at least one reservoir is advantageously made of metal. Advantageously, the reservoir can be fluidly connected to the respective injection elements via the respective fluid reservoirs and / or via the respective outlet valves.

[0045] It can be provided that the fluid container and the associated injection element are held as a coherent assembly on the holding device and the assembly is movable and in particular displaceable, in particular during insertion and / or withdrawal of the associated injection element into and from the ground.

[0046] Advantageously, a respective fluid container and the associated injection element can form a pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly, which is held on the holding device and is movable and, in particular, displaceable relative to the holding device, particularly during insertion and / or withdrawal of the associated injection element into and from the soil. This can, for example, simplify assembly of the soil treatment device.

[0047] The coherent assembly or the pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly can, in particular, be detachably secured to the holding device. This can simplify, for example, repair of the soil treatment device and / or replacement of said assemblies, e.g., for maintenance purposes.

[0048] It can be provided that a respective fluid container is preferably rigidly connected to a respective outlet valve and the injection element associated with it, and the fluid container and the outlet valve are movable and in particular displaceable together with the injection element.

[0049] For example, a respective fluid container can be connected to its associated injection element via a rigid fluid line. This can, for example, eliminate the need for hose lines and / or a separate holder for the respective fluid container. In particular, the respective outlet valve can be fluidically arranged between the respective fluid container and a fluid outlet of the respective injection element.

[0050] Advantageously, the respective outlet valve can be arranged adjacent to a particular fluidic connection point between the respective fluid container and the respective injection element and in particular downstream of the fluid container.

[0051] It can be provided that said coherent assembly or said pre-assemblable or pre-assembled assembly further comprises the respective outlet valve which is assigned to the respective injection element of the assembly.

[0052] It can be provided that the holding device comprises a number of depth adjustment devices corresponding to the injection elements, by means of which an insertion depth into the bottom of the respective injection elements can be individually and / or individually adjusted.

[0053] In particular, a respective depth adjustment device can be assigned to a respective injection element. For example, exactly one respective depth adjustment device can be assigned to exactly one respective injection element.

[0054] The insertion depth can be set and / or adjustable, for example, in a range of greater than or equal to 5 cm and less than or equal to 30 cm, in particular greater than or equal to 6 cm and less than or equal to 26 cm, advantageously greater than or equal to 7 cm and less than or equal to 22 cm, for example greater than or equal to 8 cm and less than or equal to 20 cm.

[0055] The insertion depth can be adjusted and / or adjusted incrementally via the holding device. For example, a respective depth adjustment device can be force-fittingly and / or positively engaged with the holding device and in particular with the holding part of the holding device assigned to the respective injection element to adjust the insertion depth. In particular, this can be done at discrete locations on the holding device and in particular on the respective holding part.

[0056] A number of display devices corresponding to the injection elements can be provided on the holding device, wherein the insertion depth of a respective injection element can be displayed by means of a respective display device.

[0057] For example, a respective display device can comprise an area of ​​greater than or equal to 5 cm and less than or equal to 30 cm, in particular of greater than or equal to 6 cm and less than or equal to 26 cm, advantageously of greater than or equal to 7 cm and less than or equal to 22 cm, for example of greater than or equal to 8 cm and less than or equal to 20 cm.

[0058] For example, a respective indicator device can indicate multiple insertion depth positions through discrete indicator points. These indicator points can correspond to the aforementioned discrete points of the holding device, and in particular of the respective holding part. The respective indicator points can be arranged, for example, at intervals of 5 mm, 10 mm, or 20 mm from one another.

[0059] The insertion depth can, for example, be adjustable and / or adjustable without tools and / or manually. For example, a respective depth adjustment device can be engageable with the holding device, and in particular with the holding part of the holding device associated with the respective injection element, for adjusting the insertion depth without tools and / or manually.

[0060] It can be provided that the holding device comprises a number of return elements corresponding to the injection elements, in particular elastically designed return elements, by means of which a return force can be exerted on the respective injection elements, said return force being directed away from the base. In particular, a respective return element can be assigned to a respective injection element. For example, exactly one respective return element can be assigned to a respective injection element.

[0061] Advantageously, a respective return element can be designed as a spring element, in particular a mechanical spring element, or can comprise such a spring element.

[0062] Alternatively, it may be conceivable that a respective return element is designed as a spring element, in particular a gas spring element, for example a gas pressure spring element, or comprises such a spring element.

[0063] For example, a respective return element can be effective for enlarging an injection area of ​​the respective injection element in the ground. In this case, the respective return element can cause the respective injection element, upon and / or after reaching the respective reversal point, under the action of the said return force, to be returned for a specific distance along the direction of movement and in particular the direction of displacement of the respective injection element. The specific distance can, for example, be greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm, advantageously greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm. As a result, a free space for injecting fluid can be realized below a fluid outlet of a respective injection element. It can be provided that fluid can only be injected into the ground when the specific distance is reached.This can, in particular, lead to better fluid distribution in the soil.

[0064] Furthermore, a respective return element can advantageously serve to dampen a movement, in particular a downward movement, of a respective injection element toward the ground. It can be provided that each injection element comprises a stop element, which, upon insertion and / or withdrawal of the injection element into and from the ground, is operatively connectable to the associated depth adjustment device and / or to the associated return element to limit the insertion depth of the injection element into the ground and / or to move the injection element in a direction oriented away from the ground.

[0065] The stop element can, for example, be formed on an outer circumferential surface of the respective injection element or can be mounted thereon. For example, it is conceivable for a thread to be formed on the circumferential surface of the respective injection element, to which a stop element, e.g., designed as a nut or union nut, can be mounted. For example, it is conceivable for a projection to be formed on the circumferential surface of the respective injection element, which projection forms the stop element. It should be understood that the embodiments mentioned are exemplary and not exhaustive.

[0066] It can be provided that a respective depth adjustment device comprises a counter stop element which interacts with the stop element of the respective injection element and which can be releasably fixed to the holding device along a direction of movement and in particular a direction of displacement of the respective injection element for adjusting the insertion depth.

[0067] For example, it can be provided that a respective injection element is further guided by means of the respective counter-stop element. For example, a guide passage can be formed in the counter-stop element, through which the respective injection element extends in the assembled state and is thus guided along the direction of movement and, in particular, the direction of displacement.

[0068] For example, it can be provided that a respective counter-stop element forms the said guide element. The counter-stop element can, in particular, be detachably attachable or attached to the respective holding part relative to the respective injection element. This can enable adjustment of the insertion depth, in particular via the detachable attachment.

[0069] For example, it can be provided that a respective return element is arranged between the stop element of the respective injection element and the associated depth adjustment device and in particular the counter stop element of the associated depth adjustment device.

[0070] A respective return element can thus be supported on the stop element of the respective injection element and the associated depth adjustment device and in particular the counter stop element of the associated depth adjustment device.

[0071] This makes it possible to provide damping between the stop element of the respective injection element and the associated depth adjustment device and in particular the counter stop element of the associated depth adjustment device, in particular when inserting the respective injection element into the ground.

[0072] It can be provided that each injection element is held individually on the holding device and a holding position of each injection element on the holding device is adjustable.

[0073] In particular, the holding position of each injection element on the holding device can be adjustable transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction.

[0074] For example, the holding device can comprise at least one positioning rail, via which the holding position of each injection element can be fixed on the holding device with respect to the direction transverse and in particular perpendicular to the machining direction, in particular by force-locking and / or positive locking. For example, it can be provided that a respective holding part can be mounted on the positioning rail, thereby fixing a respective injection element in its holding position.

[0075] For example, the positioning rail can form the said common support element, via which the holding parts are fastened to the remaining holding device, in a sense to the remaining part of the holding device, in particular detachably.

[0076] It can be provided that the support device comprises at least a first support device section and a second support device section, wherein the soil treatment device can be caused to move in the processing direction via the first support device section and the holding device is held on the second support device section, wherein the first support device section and the second support device section are arranged one behind the other along the processing direction and are connected to one another so as to be movable and in particular displaceable relative to one another along the processing direction.

[0077] The support device, in particular the first support device section and the second support device section of the support device, is / are, among other things, the subject of the non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant with the same filing date as the present patent application. The support device described in the present patent application, in particular the first support device section and the second support device section of the support device, is / are essentially designed and functions as described in said other non-prepublished patent application.

[0078] In particular, it can be provided that the injection elements can be inserted into the ground and withdrawn from it by means of the lifting device, during a relative movement and in particular a relative displacement of the first support device section and the second support device section to one another or when the soil treatment device is not caused to move.

[0079] In particular, it can be provided that the first support device section and the second support device section are at least partially mounted in one another and / or on one another in order to be movably and in particular displaceably connected to one another.

[0080] In particular, it can be provided that the first support device section and the second support device section are movable and in particular displaceable between a first relative position and a second relative position relative to one another along the processing direction.

[0081] In particular, it can be provided that, when the first support device section and the second support device section are located at the first relative position, the support device has a shortest extension along the machining direction and, when the first support device section and the second support device section are located at the second relative position, the support device has a longest extension along the machining direction.

[0082] It can be provided that the soil treatment device comprises at least one braking device, by means of which the second support device section can be slowed down and / or braked relative to the first support device section, in particular with regard to a movement in the processing direction.

[0083] The braking device is, among other things, the subject of the aforementioned, non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant, with the same filing date as the present patent application. The braking device described in the present patent application is essentially designed and functions as described in the aforementioned other non-prepublished patent application.In particular, it can be provided that at least one support element for resting on the ground is provided on the second support device section, via which the floor treatment device and in particular the support device of the floor treatment device can be guided and in particular driven over the ground, wherein the at least one braking device for slowing down and / or braking the second support device section can be brought into engagement with the at least one support element and / or directly with the ground, wherein in particular the at least one support element is designed as a wheel or as a roller.

[0084] It can be provided that the soil treatment device comprises at least one return device which is fixed to the first support device section and the second support device section and connects the first support device section and the second support device section to one another, wherein the first support device section and the second support device section are movable relative to one another and in particular towards one another by means of the at least one return device, wherein in particular the at least one return device is in direct or indirect fluid connection with the fluid supply device.

[0085] The recirculation device is, among other things, the subject of the aforementioned, non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant, with the same filing date as the present patent application. The recirculation device described in the present patent application is essentially configured and functions as described in the aforementioned non-prepublished patent application.

[0086] It is understood that the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device can advantageously be controlled by the control device of the soil treatment device. It can be provided that the soil treatment device comprises an adjusting device by means of which the holding device can be raised and lowered relative to the ground. In particular, the adjusting device can be designed mechanically or electrically. For example, the adjusting device can be designed as an electrical adjusting unit, in particular as an electrical linear actuator. The adjusting device can, for example, serve to adjust a distance of the holding device with respect to the ground and / or can, for example, enable a soil treatment position of the holding device in which the holding device is lowered, and a transport position of the holding device in which the holding device is raised.

[0087] It can be provided that the soil treatment device has at least one guide device by means of which the holding device is movably held on the support device, in particular the second support device section, and via which the holding device can be raised and lowered, in particular by means of the adjusting device and / or the lifting device, for example by means of a further or additional lifting element of the lifting device.

[0088] It can be provided that the at least one guide device comprises or forms at least one joint device or at least one linear guide device for translational guidance. The guide device can form a parallelogram guide for raising and lowering.

[0089] It can be provided that the soil treatment device has at least one travel drive, in particular at least one motor, which is arranged on and / or in the support device and by means of which the soil treatment device can be caused to move in the processing direction.

[0090] It can be provided that at least one support element for resting on the ground is provided on the first support device section, via which the ground treatment device and in particular the support device of the ground treatment device can be guided and in particular moved over the ground, wherein the at least one support element can be driven by means of the at least one travel drive.

[0091] It can be provided that the at least one support element, in particular the front one, is designed as a guided or unguided support element.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the soil treatment device has at least one coupling device which is arranged on and / or in the support device for coupling the soil treatment device to a separate drive system, in particular a towing vehicle, and via which the soil treatment device can be caused to move in the processing direction, in particular by means of a tensile force exerted by the separate drive system.

[0093] It can be provided that the soil treatment device has a steering device via which the processing direction can be varied, wherein the steering device can be actuated manually by a user and / or by a separate drive system, in particular a towing vehicle, in particular by means of a pulling movement that can be generated thereby and / or can be actuated and in particular controlled automatically by means of a control unit assigned to the soil treatment device or comprised by the soil treatment device, preferably in a self-propelled and / or self-steering manner.

[0094] For example, it can be provided that the steering device comprises a motor, in particular an electric motor, via which the machining direction can be varied.

[0095] It can be provided that the at least one drive and / or the steering device can advantageously be controlled by the control device of the soil treatment device. It is understood that the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device with corresponding supply lines for fluid are directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the fluid supply device, for example indirectly via the at least one reservoir.

[0096] It is also understood that the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device are equipped with corresponding valves for controllable actuation, wherein these valves can advantageously be controlled by the control device of the soil treatment device. In this case, a respective clocked control of the valves is preferably provided.

[0097] It should be understood that, although the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device are described as being fluidically actuated and / or operable, the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device may alternatively be designed mechanically and / or electrically.

[0098] When implementing the soil treatment device in practice, it proves advantageous if the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device are designed pneumatically. This allows, for example, a drivable fluid delivery unit, in particular an air compressor, to be used jointly, and additional units and / or devices can be avoided. For example, a separate hydraulic system and / or unit can be dispensed with.However, it should be understood that the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device can alternatively be designed hydraulically and the soil treatment device can accordingly have a hydraulic motor for providing hydraulic fluid at least for the lifting device, in particular the lifting elements of the lifting device, and / or the at least one braking device and / or the at least one return device.

[0099] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the present invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

[0100] The schematic figures show:

[0101] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a floor treatment device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a user;

[0102] Fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1;

[0103] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1;

[0104] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a pre-assembled assembly of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1 with an injection element;

[0105] Fig. 5 is a detailed view A of Fig. 4;

[0106] Fig. 6 is a detailed view B of Fig. 2;

[0107] Fig. 7 is a side view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1 in a soil treatment position and / or in a collapsed state;

[0108] Fig. 8 is a side view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1 in a transport position and / or in a collapsed state;

[0109] Fig. 9 is a side view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 1 in a soil treatment position and / or in an extended state;

[0110] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a floor treatment device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 11 is a side view of the floor treatment device of Fig. 10 in a floor treatment position and / or in a collapsed state;

[0111] Fig. 12 is a plan view of the soil treatment device of Fig. 10;

[0112] Fig. 13 is a side view of a soil treatment device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a transport position and / or in a collapsed state; and

[0113] Fig. 14 is a side view of a soil treatment device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a transport position and / or in a collapsed state.

[0114] Identical or equivalent features are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0115] Referring to Figs. 1 to 9, there is schematically shown a soil treatment device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The soil treatment device 100 serves in particular for loosening the soil, preferably for loosening the soil in soils with grass growth.

[0117] The beneficial soil loosening can improve soil aeration, drainage, and drainage. This allows the root system of the turf to spread more effectively through the soil, promoting growth.

[0118] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to application to a floor of the type described and this merely serves to better explain the invention.

[0119] The soil treatment device 100 serves in particular to loosen the soil along a processing direction B. This is to be understood in particular that the soil treatment device 100 is movable in particular along the processing direction B on a soil surface.

[0120] In the processing direction B, the soil treatment device 100 can be moved, for example, in a straight line.

[0121] It should be understood that the processing direction B refers to the intended use of the soil treatment device 100. The processing direction B corresponds to a main direction of movement during the intended use.

[0122] A transverse direction Q of the soil treatment device 100 is aligned transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction B.

[0123] The soil treatment device 100 comprises a support device 102, which, for example, comprises a frame made of interconnected supports or is formed as such.

[0124] The support device 102 comprises at least a first support device section 104 and a second support device section 106.

[0125] The soil treatment device 100 can be caused to move in a processing direction B via the first support device section 104.

[0126] The support device 102, in particular the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 of the support device 102, is / are, among other things, the subject of the non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant with the same filing date as the present patent application. The support device 102 described in the present patent application, in particular the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 of the support device 102, is / are essentially configured and functions as described in said other non-prepublished patent application.

[0127] The first and second support device sections 104, 106 are arranged one behind the other along the machining direction B, with the first support device section 104 being the leading one.

[0128] The first and second support device sections 104, 106 are connected to one another so as to be movable and, in particular, displaceable relative to one another along the machining direction B (cf. Figs. 7 and 9).

[0129] Furthermore, the soil treatment device 100 comprises a fluid supply device 134, a holding device 142, a plurality of injection elements 144 and a lifting device 146.

[0130] The injection elements 144 serve, in particular, to inject a fluid into the soil. Under the action of the fluid, in particular a compressed gas or compressed gas mixture, especially compressed air, the soil can be loosened, for example, and thus improved aeration and drainage can be achieved.

[0131] As can be seen particularly in Figs. 1 to 3, the fluid supply device 134 comprises a drivable fluid delivery unit, in particular an air compressor 162, and an internal combustion engine 164, wherein the air compressor 162 is drivable by means of the internal combustion engine 164 and is driven during operation. Instead of the internal combustion engine 164, a different type of engine could be used.

[0132] It should be understood that a torque transmission element between the air compressor 162 and the combustion engine 164 has been omitted to improve the clarity of the figures. The torque transmission element can be designed, for example, as a belt or a chain. The fluid supply device 134 is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the injection elements 144 for providing fluid.

[0133] The holding device 142 is held on the support device 102 in particular in a movable manner.

[0134] In particular, the holding device 142 is held on the second support device section 106.

[0135] In the present case, the injection elements 144 are held on the holding device 142. In other words, a respective injection element 144 is held on the holding device 142.

[0136] The injection elements 144 can be inserted into and removed from the ground via a lifting device 146. In other words, each injection element 144 can be inserted into and removed from the ground via the lifting device 146.

[0137] In particular, the injection elements 144 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the ground by means of the lifting device 146, during a relative movement and in particular a relative displacement of the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 to one another, or when the soil treatment device 100 is not caused to move.

[0138] This can ensure, for example, that damage to the injection elements 144 during insertion into the ground, during insertion, and / or during withdrawal, for example due to a shear force caused by movement, can be reliably avoided. A respective injection element 144 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the ground individually and / or independently of the other injection elements 144 by means of the lifting device 146.

[0139] This can ensure, in particular, that an insertion process and / or a withdrawal process of a respective injection element 144 is not influenced by other injection elements 144. For example, if an injection element 144 encounters high resistance during insertion into the soil, for example, due to a stone or other foreign body, the remaining injection elements 144 of the soil treatment device 100 can function as intended and, in particular, inject fluid into the soil.

[0140] In addition, for example, only certain injection elements 144 can be specifically controlled for injecting fluid into the soil, whereby a processing area of ​​the soil treatment device 100 can advantageously be further processed in sections and thus flexibly without changing the processing direction B.

[0141] The injection elements 144 are movably held on the holding device 142.

[0142] In particular, the injection elements 144 are held on the holding device 142 so as to be movable along a direction relative to the machining direction B and the transverse direction, for example vertically.

[0143] A respective injection element 144 is movable and, in particular, displaceable under the action of the fluid via the lifting device 146. This serves for the respective insertion into the ground and / or respective withdrawal from the ground.

[0144] This can be understood, in particular, to mean that a respective injection element 144 is movably and, in particular, displaceably held on the holding device 142. The lifting device 146 comprises a number of lifting elements 148 corresponding to the injection elements 144 movably held on the holding device 142.

[0145] The lifting elements 148 are fixed to the holding device 142.

[0146] The respective injection elements 144 can be inserted into and removed from the ground via the lifting elements 148.

[0147] When a respective injection element 144 is introduced into the soil, the fluid can be supplied to the soil via the injection element 144, in particular injected, in particular for loosening the soil.

[0148] In particular, each injection element 144 is assigned a lifting element 148 on which the injection element 144 is movably held.

[0149] The corresponding injection element 144 can be inserted into and removed from the ground via the respective lifting element 148.

[0150] As can be seen in particular in Figs. 1 to 9, in the present case exactly one respective lifting element 148 is assigned to exactly one respective injection element 144.

[0151] In particular, the respective injection elements 144 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the ground individually and / or individually and / or independently of the other injection elements 144 via the respectively assigned lifting elements 148.

[0152] For this purpose, the respective lifting elements 148 are operatively connected to the respective injection elements 144 for insertion into and withdrawal from the ground. In other words, a respective injection element 144 is operatively connected to a respective lifting element 148 of the lifting device 146 for insertion into the ground and / or withdrawal from the ground. In this case, a respective lifting element 148 of the lifting device 146 is designed as a fluidically actuated lifting cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder.

[0153] In particular, a respective lifting element 148 is designed to be double-acting and accordingly has a first fluidic control inlet 178 for extending and a second fluidic control inlet 180 for retracting (see in particular Figs. 2 and 4).

[0154] The first and second control inputs 178, 180 are fluidically connected to a control valve 182 fixed to the holding device 142, which is assigned to the respective lifting element 148.

[0155] This can be understood in particular to mean that each lifting element 148 is assigned such a control valve 182 and is fluidically connected thereto.

[0156] Each lifting element 148 of the lifting device 146 is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device 134.

[0157] In particular, each lifting element 148 is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device 134 via a respective control valve 182.

[0158] This can be understood in particular as meaning that the lifting device 146, in particular the lifting elements 148 of the lifting device 146, and the

[0159] Injection elements 144 through a common fluid source, here the

[0160] Fluid supply device 134, can be supplied or are supplied with fluid.

[0161] The fluid supply device 134 further comprises a number of fluid containers 184 corresponding to the injection elements 144 and a number of outlet valves 186 corresponding to the injection elements 144. Each fluid container 184 is assigned to an injection element 144 and is in fluid communication with the latter directly or indirectly for providing fluid, preferably for cyclically aerating the soil.

[0162] Each fluid container 184 is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device 134.

[0163] A respective fluid container 184 can temporarily store the fluid, in particular compressed air, for injection through the respective injection element 144.

[0164] Each outlet valve 186 is assigned to an injection element 144.

[0165] A fluid passage through the respective injection element 144 can be switched by means of the associated outlet valve 186 for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil and preferably for cyclically aerating the soil.

[0166] This may be the fluid from the respective assigned fluid container 184.

[0167] Furthermore, the fluid supply device 134 comprises a reservoir 166 for fluid, which can be supplied with fluid for intermediate storage by means of the compressed air compressor 162.

[0168] The storage container 166 is in fluid communication with the injection elements 144 via the respective fluid containers 184.

[0169] The reservoir 166 is also in fluid communication with the lifting elements 148 via the respective control valves 182.

[0170] The two aforementioned connections are schematically illustrated in Fig. 6 using a fluid connection designated by reference numeral 188. These fluid connections 188 can be realized, for example, by a particularly flexible hose 188. It is understood that the other fluid connections can be realized in the same way and are not explicitly shown in the figures for reasons of clarity.

[0171] The storage container 166 forms part of the holding device 142.

[0172] The storage container 166 is designed as a pressure vessel-shaped structural element which extends transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction B. The storage container 166 can be used to impart the required rigidity to the holding device 142.

[0173] The storage container 166 has a round and preferably circular cross-section. The storage container 166 is advantageously made of metal.

[0174] The fluid container 184 and the associated injection element 144 are held as a coherent assembly 190 on the holding device 142.

[0175] This assembly 190 may be preassembled. In a sense, the coherent assembly 190 can be described as a preassemblable or preassembled assembly.

[0176] In this case, a respective fluid container 184 is preferably rigidly connected to a respective outlet valve 186 and the injection element 144 associated with it, so that the fluid container 184 and the outlet valve 186 are movable and in particular displaceable together with the injection element 144.

[0177] In the present case, a respective fluid container 184 is connected to its associated injection element 144 via a rigid fluid line. This allows, for example, the elimination of hose lines and / or the elimination of a separate holder for the respective fluid container 184. The respective outlet valve 186 is fluidically arranged between the respective fluid container 184 and a fluid outlet 192 of the respective injection element 144.

[0178] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 4, the respective outlet valve 186 is arranged adjacent to a particular fluidic connection point between the respective fluid container 184 and the respective injection element 144 and in particular downstream of the fluid container 184.

[0179] The assembly 190 is movable and in particular displaceable, in particular during insertion and / or withdrawal of the associated injection element 144 into and out of the ground.

[0180] This can be understood in particular to mean that all components belonging to the assembly 190 are jointly movable and in particular displaceable.

[0181] The coherent assembly 190 or the pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly 190 can, in particular, be releasably held on the holding device 142. This can, for example, simplify repair of the soil treatment device 100.

[0182] As can be seen in particular in Figs. 1 to 3, the holding device 142 comprises a number of holding parts 194 corresponding to the injection elements 144.

[0183] The holding parts 194 are detachably attached to the remaining holding device 142, in a sense to the remaining part of the holding device 142.

[0184] A respective coherent assembly 190 and, accordingly, a respective injection element 144 and a respective lifting element 148 are individually held on the holding device 142 via a respective holding part 142.

[0185] A respective holding part 142, a respective interconnected assembly 190, and a respective lifting element 148 can be preassembled. Therefore, a respective holding part 142, a respective interconnected assembly 190, and a respective lifting element 148 can also form a preassemblable or preassembled assembly that is superior to the interconnected assembly 190. In a sense, this is a superior assembly.

[0186] Each holding part 142 comprises a first holding part section 196 and a second holding part section 198, which are connected to one another via a central section 200 (see in particular Figs. 4 and 5).

[0187] The first and second holding portions 196, 198 are arranged opposite one another, in particular along the transverse direction Q.

[0188] Between the first and the second holding section 196, 198, the respective injection element 144 is held transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction.

[0189] The respective holding parts 194 are mounted on the remaining holding device, in a sense on the remaining part of the holding device, in particular detachably fastened via at least one support element, wherein the at least one support element in the present case comprises a first pair of positioning rails 202 and a second pair of positioning rails 204.

[0190] The detachable fastening is effected, for example, via a detachable screw connection 206, which is shown as an example in the figures.

[0191] The first pair of positioning rails 202 can serve as a common support element for the holding parts 194 held thereon, and the second pair of positioning rails 204 can serve as a common support element for the holding parts 194 held thereon.

[0192] A respective pair of positioning rails 202, 204 extends transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction B. A respective pair of positioning rails 202, 204 is fixed directly to the storage container 166.

[0193] The first and second pairs of positioning rails 202, 204 are arranged on opposite sides of the storage container 166 relative to the processing direction B. The first pair of positioning rails 202 is leading relative to the processing direction B.

[0194] The first and second pair of positioning rails 202, 204 serve to adjust a holding position of each injection element 144 on the holding device 142.

[0195] In a sense, a holding position of each injection element 144 on the holding device 142 can be adjusted via the respective holding part 194 and the corresponding pair of positioning rails 202, 204.

[0196] In particular, the holding position of each injection element 144 on the holding device 142 is adjustable transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction B.

[0197] As can be seen in the figures and particularly in Figs. 4 and 5, the holding device 142 comprises a number of depth adjustment devices 208 corresponding to the injection elements 144.

[0198] A respective depth adjustment device 208 is arranged on the respective holding parts 194.

[0199] In particular, a respective depth adjustment device 208 is assigned to a respective injection element 144.

[0200] By means of a respective depth adjustment device 208, the insertion depth into the base of the respective injection elements 144 can be individually and / or individually adjusted. Each injection element 144 comprises a stop element 210, and each depth adjustment device 208 comprises a counter-stop element 212, which interacts with the stop element 210 of the respective injection element 144.

[0201] By abutting the stop element 210 of a respective injection element 144 against the respective counter stop element 212, the insertion depth of the respective injection element 144 is limited.

[0202] The stop element 210 can be mounted on an outer circumferential surface of the respective injection element 144. In the present case, a thread (not shown in the figures) is formed on the circumferential surface of the respective injection element 144, to which a stop element 210, designed as a nut or union nut, can be mounted and is mounted in the present case.

[0203] A respective counter-stop element 212 can be releasably secured to a respective holding part 194 of the holding device 142 along a direction of movement and in particular displacement direction of the respective injection element 144 for adjusting the insertion depth.

[0204] The releasable fixing is effected here via a positive and / or non-positive connection between a first connecting element, for example a pin, bolt, screw, etc., and at least one recess 214 in the respective holding part 194 (cf. in particular Figs. 4 and 5).

[0205] The insertion depth is advantageously adjustable without tools and / or manually and / or adjustable in particular via the detachable fixing.

[0206] In particular, a plurality of recesses 214 are formed in a respective holding part 194 along the direction of movement and, in particular, the direction of displacement of the respective injection element 144, which recesses correspond to an insertion depth of the respective injection element 144. The respective recesses 214 define discrete positions for setting and / or adjusting the insertion depth.

[0207] By the counter stop element 212 being detachably fastened and / or fixable or fastened and / or fixed to the respective holding part 194, in particular via the said recesses 214, the insertion depth can be adjusted.

[0208] The insertion depth is adjustable and / or adjustable in a range of greater than or equal to 8 cm and less than or equal to 20 cm.

[0209] The insertion depth can be adjusted and / or incrementally adjusted, in particular via the respective recesses 214.

[0210] Furthermore, a number of display devices 216 corresponding to the injection elements are provided on the holding device 142, wherein the insertion depth of a respective injection element 144 can be displayed by means of a respective display device 216.

[0211] In the present case, a respective display device 216 is configured as insertion depth markings associated with the recesses 214, which are provided in the respective holding parts 194. It should be understood that this is an exemplary embodiment, and additionally or alternatively, another embodiment may be provided, such as an electronic display device 216, for example, with a display and / or a corresponding sensor unit.

[0212] In the present case, each display device 216 encompasses a range of greater than or equal to 8 cm and less than or equal to 20 cm. Each display device 216 indicates insertion depth positions through discrete display points that correspond to the recesses 214. The respective display points are arranged at intervals of 20 mm from one another.

[0213] In the embodiment of Figs. 4 and 5, the counter stop element 212 is releasably secured in the lowest recess 214, which is arranged 20 mm below the 18 cm display point and therefore corresponds to an insertion depth of 20 cm.

[0214] In addition to the depth adjustment function, a respective counter stop element 212 serves to guide a respective injection element 144.

[0215] As can be seen in particular in Figs. 4 to 6, a respective injection element 144 is guided between the holding sections 196, 198 of the respective holding part 194 when inserted into the ground and / or when withdrawn from the ground.

[0216] For this purpose, a guide passage 218 is formed in each counter stop element 212.

[0217] The respective injection element 144 extends through this guide passage 218 in the assembled state and is thus guided along the direction of movement and in particular the direction of displacement.

[0218] In a sense, a respective counter-stop element 212 can form a guide element for an injection element 144.

[0219] As can be seen in the figures, the holding device 142 has a number of return elements 220 corresponding to the injection elements 144.

[0220] A respective return element 220 is assigned to a respective injection element.

[0221] Each return element 220 is designed as a spring element, in particular a mechanical spring element; in this case, for example, as a helical spring. By means of a respective return element 220, a return force can be exerted on the respective injection element 144, which force is directed away from the floor.

[0222] A respective return element 220 is arranged between the stop element 210 of the respective injection element 144 and the counter stop element 212 of the associated depth adjustment device 208.

[0223] A respective return element 220 is arranged in particular on the respective counter stop element 212 of the associated depth adjustment device 208 and is supported thereon.

[0224] A respective return element 220 serves in particular to enlarge an injection area of ​​the respective injection element 144 in the ground.

[0225] In this case, the respective return element 220 can cause the respective injection element 144 to be returned a specific distance along the direction of movement and in particular the direction of displacement of the respective injection element 144 upon and / or after reaching a respective reversal point under the action of said return force. The specific distance can, for example, be greater than or equal to 3 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm, advantageously greater than or equal to 5 mm and less than or equal to 15 mm.

[0226] As a result, a free space for injecting fluid can be realized below the fluid outlet 192 of a respective injection element 144.

[0227] Advantageously, the fluid can only be injected into the ground once the specific distance has been reached by the respective injection element 144. Furthermore, a respective return element 220 advantageously serves to dampen a movement, in particular a downward movement, of a respective injection element 144 toward the ground.

[0228] In particular, a respective return element 220 can be used to provide damping between the stop element 210 of the respective injection element 144 and the associated depth adjustment device 208 and in particular the counter stop element 212 of the associated depth adjustment device 208, in particular when inserting the respective injection element 144 into the ground.

[0229] Furthermore, the soil treatment device 100 has a control device 168 for controlling an operation, in particular a fluid operation, of the soil treatment device 100.

[0230] The control device 168 is housed in the end section of the second support device section 106, which ensures safe storage and protection from external influences.

[0231] The injection elements 144 can be controlled jointly and / or individually and / or individually and / or independently of each other via the control device 168 and can advantageously be supplied with fluid in a timed manner.

[0232] In particular, the respective exhaust valves 186 can be controlled by means of the control device 168.

[0233] It is understood that the respective outlet valves 186 are connected to the control device 168 for signaling purposes.

[0234] Furthermore, the lifting elements 148 can be controlled jointly and / or individually and / or independently of each other via the control device 168, and can advantageously be supplied with fluid in a timed manner. In particular, the respective control valves 182 can be controlled by the control device 168 for this purpose.

[0235] It is understood that the respective control valves 182 are connected to the control device 168 for signaling purposes.

[0236] This can be understood in particular to mean that the soil treatment device 100 can be controlled in a clocked manner by means of the control device 168 for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil via the respective injection elements 144.

[0237] In particular, the soil treatment device 100 can be controlled in a clocked manner by means of the control device 168 for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil via the respective injection elements 144 above their respective reversal points.

[0238] A respective reversal point is defined by a change between insertion into the ground and withdrawal from the ground of a respective injection element 144.

[0239] Insertion into the ground and withdrawal from the ground of the respective injection element 144 depends on the fluidic control of the lifting elements 148, in particular depending on the actuation of the respective first and / or second control input 178, 180.

[0240] As already described, the first and second support device sections 104, 106 are connected to each other so as to be movable and, in particular, displaceable relative to each other along the machining direction B (see Figs. 7 and 9). The first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are at least partially mounted within and / or against each other in order to be movably and, in particular, displaceably connected to each other.

[0241] As can be seen in particular in Figs. 1 to 3, the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are connected to one another on opposite sides with respect to the transverse direction Q via a respective first guide element 108 and a respective second guide element 110, which each extend in the processing direction B.

[0242] Each first guide element 108 is held displaceably in and on the respectively associated second guide element 110, for example via a bearing arrangement not shown in the figures, in particular a rolling element arrangement or roller bearing arrangement.

[0243] The first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are movable and in particular displaceable relative to one another along the machining direction B via the bearing arrangements 112 between a first relative position (cf. Figs. 1 to 3, 7 and 8) and a second relative position (cf. Fig. 9).

[0244] The soil treatment device 100 is in a collapsed state when the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are in the first relative position.

[0245] The soil treatment device 100 is in an extended state when the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are in the second relative position.

[0246] A change from the first relative position to the second relative position, or from the collapsed state to the extended state, can be understood as an extension and / or pulling apart. A change from the second relative position to the first relative position, or from the extended state to the collapsed state, can be understood as a shortening and / or contracting.

[0247] The injection elements 144 can be inserted into and withdrawn from the ground by means of the lifting device 146 and in particular by means of the lifting elements 148 of the lifting device 146, during a relative movement and in particular a relative displacement of the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 to one another, or when the soil treatment device 100 is not caused to move.

[0248] In particular, the injection elements 144 can be inserted into and pulled out of the ground by means of the lifting device 146 and in particular by means of the lifting elements 148 of the lifting device 146 during the extension and / or extension of the support device 102.

[0249] To a certain extent, the fluid can be supplied to the ground via the respective injection elements 144, in particular injected, when a respective injection element 144 is introduced into the ground during the extension and / or extension of the support device 102.

[0250] On the first support device section 104, a support element 116 designed as a wheel is provided for resting on the ground.

[0251] In a sense, since the support element 116 designed as a wheel is provided on the first support device section 104, the support element 116 can be referred to as a front support element 116 and in particular as a front wheel 116.

[0252] On the second support device section 106, two further support elements 118, each designed as a wheel, are provided for resting on the ground, which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction Q. In a sense, since the further support elements 118, each designed as a wheel, are provided on the second support device section 104, these support elements 118 can be referred to as rear support elements 118 and in particular as rear wheels 118.

[0253] The soil treatment device 100 and in particular the carrying device 102 of the soil treatment device 100 can be guided and in particular driven over the ground via the front wheel 116 and the rear wheels 118.

[0254] In the present case, the front wheel 116 is fixed to a front end portion of the first support device portion 104 with respect to the machining direction B.

[0255] The rear wheels 118 are here fixed to a rear end portion of the second support device portion 106 with respect to the processing direction B.

[0256] The support device 102 thus extends with respect to the processing direction B essentially between the front wheel 116 and the rear wheels 118.

[0257] In particular, the front wheel 116 is arranged substantially centrally with respect to an extension of the first support device section 104 in the transverse direction Q.

[0258] In particular, the rear wheels 118 are arranged laterally and on opposite sides with respect to the extension of the second support device section 106 in the transverse direction Q.

[0259] The front wheel 116 is steerable and, for example, directly or indirectly drivable and is arranged on the first support device section 104.

[0260] For this purpose, the soil treatment device 100 has a steering device 120 and a drive 122. The processing direction B of the soil treatment device 100 can be varied via the steering device 120.

[0261] The steering device 120 can be manually operated by a user.

[0262] The steering device 120 comprises a lever-shaped handle device 124 with a handle head 126, which serves the user to operate, in particular to steer, the steering device 120, and a suspension device 128 which is rotatably mounted on the first support device section 104 and on which the front wheel 116 is mounted and via which the front wheel 116 is attached to the first support device section 104.

[0263] The suspension device 128 is mounted on the first support device section 104 so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the processing direction B and the transverse direction Q in order to realize steerability of the soil treatment device 100.

[0264] In this case, the drive 122 is attached to the suspension device 128 for driving the front wheel 116. The drive 122 is designed as a motor, in particular an electric motor.

[0265] The front wheel 116 can be driven by means of the drive 122 and thus the soil treatment device 100 can be caused to move in the processing direction B.

[0266] In a sense, the entire soil treatment device 100 can be driven by means of the drive 122 via the front wheel 116.

[0267] In this case, the rear wheels 118 are not steerable and are not drivable, attached to the second support section 106. This could nevertheless be provided.

[0268] The soil treatment device 100 further comprises two braking devices 130 and two return devices 132. The braking devices 130 and the return devices 132 are each directly or indirectly fluidically connected to the fluid supply device 134 and are fluidically actuated and / or operable.

[0269] In particular, the braking devices 130 and the feedback devices 132 can be controlled by means of the control device 168.

[0270] By means of the braking devices 130, the second support device section 106 can be slowed down and / or braked relative to the first support device section 104, in particular with respect to a movement in the processing direction B.

[0271] In particular, the respective braking devices 130 are arranged corresponding to the rear wheels 118, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 3.

[0272] Each rear wheel 118 is assigned a respective braking device 130.

[0273] Each braking device 130 can be brought into engagement with the respective associated rear wheel 118 for slowing down and / or braking the second support device section 106.

[0274] The braking device 130 is, among other things, the subject of the aforementioned non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant, with the same filing date as the present patent application. The braking device 130 described in the present patent application is essentially configured and functions as described in the aforementioned other non-prepublished patent application.

[0275] The return devices 132 are fixed to the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 and connect the first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 to each other.

[0276] The first support device section 104 and the second support device section 106 are movable relative to one another and in particular towards one another by means of the return devices 132.

[0277] The return device 132 is, among other things, the subject of the aforementioned non-prepublished patent application entitled "Soil Treatment Device" by the same applicant, with the same filing date as the present patent application. The return device 132 described in the present patent application is essentially configured and functions as described in the aforementioned other non-prepublished patent application.

[0278] The floor treatment device 100 further comprises an adjustment device 150, by means of which the holding device 142 can be raised and lowered relative to the floor.

[0279] The adjustment device 150 is designed, for example, as an electric linear actuator, which can be optionally shortened or lengthened when actuated.

[0280] The adjustment device 150 serves in particular for fine adjustment of a distance of the holding device 142 with respect to the ground.

[0281] Furthermore, the adjustment device 150 serves to realize a soil treatment position of the holding device 142, in which the holding device 142 is lowered (see Figs. 7 and 9), and a transport position of the holding device 142, in which the holding device 142 is raised (see Fig. 8). It should be understood that the holding device 142 is preferably in the soil treatment position during the intended insertion and removal of the injection elements 144.

[0282] The adjustment device 150 is mounted internally and in particular centrally on the second support device section 106 and the holding device 142 with respect to an extension of the second support device section 106 and the holding device 142 oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the machining direction B and connects the second support device section 106 and the holding device 142 to one another.

[0283] The holding device 142 is movably mounted on the support device 102, and in particular on the second support device section 106, by means of a guide device 152. Via this guide device 152, the holding device 142 can be raised and lowered in a guided manner by means of the adjustment device 150.

[0284] In particular, the guide device 152 is designed as an articulated device and comprises two first guide members 154 and two second guide members 156.

[0285] The guide members 154, 156 are respectively mounted on the holding device 142 and on the support device 102 and in particular on the second support device section 106 and are arranged spaced apart from one another and substantially parallel to one another.

[0286] The guide device 150 thus forms a parallelogram guide 158 for raising and lowering.

[0287] Furthermore, a roller-shaped support device 160 is movably held on the holding device 142 and in particular on the storage container 166.

[0288] The roller-shaped support device 160 is arranged downstream of the injection elements 144 with respect to the processing direction B. The roller-shaped support device 160 extends transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction B.

[0289] In particular, the roller-shaped support device 160 is held rotatably on the holding device 142 and in particular on the storage container 166 with respect to a rotational axis oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction B.

[0290] For example, sections of the soil surface can be injected with fluid, in particular compressed air, via the injection elements 144, thereby loosening the soil. Subsequently, the loosened soil section is moved over by the trailing support device 160 in order to smooth out any elevations in the soil caused or induced by the fluid injection, for example.

[0291] Furthermore, an energy storage device, e.g. a particularly rechargeable battery, can be accommodated in said end section of the second support device section 106, by means of which the adjustment device 150 and / or the travel drive 122 and / or the control device 168 can be supplied with energy.

[0292] Referring in particular to Figs. 7 to 9, the operation of the soil treatment device 100 will be described again in detail.

[0293] The operation reflects in particular the synchronized movement sequence of the entire soil treatment device 100 and in particular the synchronized aeration by the injection elements 144.

[0294] The soil treatment device 100 is manually steered by a user to a destination via the steering device 120, wherein the drive 122 drives the soil treatment device 100.

[0295] Here, the holding device 142 is in the transport position (see Fig. 8). Furthermore, the user can, especially beforehand, adjust the holding positions of the injection elements 144 transversely and, in particular, perpendicularly to the processing direction B via the positioning rails 202, 204 and the respective holding parts 194. This allows, in particular, a processing width to be adjusted.

[0296] At the destination, the holding device 142 is lowered into the soil treatment position by means of the adjusting device 150 (see Fig. 7).

[0297] The soil treatment device 100 is then driven and steered by the user over the soil to be treated.

[0298] The support device 102 is first in the retracted state or the first relative position is present (see Fig. 7).

[0299] The rear wheels 118 are now braked by means of the braking devices 130 (see Fig. 9), so that the second support device section 106 stops, while the first support device section 104 continues to move.

[0300] The support device 102 is extended.

[0301] The respective injection elements 144 are introduced into the ground individually and / or individually and / or independently of the other injection elements 144 by means of the respective lifting elements 148.

[0302] In particular, the respective connected or pre-assemblable or pre-assembled assemblies 190 are introduced into the ground by means of the respective lifting elements 148 individually and / or individually and / or independently of the other injection elements 144 and in particular assemblies 190.

[0303] Fluid, in particular the compressed gas or compressed gas mixture, for example air, is injected from the respective fluid containers 184 through the respective injection elements 144 into the soil for soil loosening by switching the respective outlet valves 186.

[0304] At the same time, new fluid flows from the storage container 166 into the respective fluid containers 184.

[0305] The respective injection elements 144 are then pulled out of the ground again by means of the respective lifting elements 148.

[0306] In particular, the respective connected or pre-assemblable or pre-assembled assemblies 190 are pulled out of the ground individually and / or individually and / or independently of the other injection elements 144 and in particular assemblies 190 by means of the respective lifting elements 148.

[0307] The support device 102 is now in the extended state or the second relative position is present (see Fig. 9).

[0308] The braking devices 130 are released and the second support device section 106 is moved again in the direction of the first support device section 104 by means of the return devices 132.

[0309] It should be understood that during these operations, the soil treatment device 100 and in particular the first support device section 104 are moved further.

[0310] When the second support device section 106 and the first support device section 104 are returned to their initial position, in particular the first relative position or in the collapsed state (see Fig. 7), the rear wheels 118 are braked again to extend the support device 102, and the process begins again. This allows for a virtually continuous operation of the soil treatment device 100.

[0311] Referring to Figs. 10 to 12, there is schematically shown a soil treatment device 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0312] The soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 10 to 12 is substantially configured and / or designed like the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9, so that the differences are described in particular below.

[0313] In particular, the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 10 to 12 does not include a front wheel 116 and an internal combustion engine 164.

[0314] However, the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 10 to 12 comprises a coupling device 170.

[0315] The coupling device 170 is arranged and fixed on the first support device section 104 for coupling the soil treatment device 100 to a separate drive system, in particular a towing vehicle, for example a tractor.

[0316] Via the coupling device 170, the soil treatment device 100 can be caused to move in the processing direction B, in particular by means of a tensile force exerted by the separate drive system.

[0317] In a sense, the soil treatment device 100 is pulled by the separate drive system.

[0318] The soil treatment device 100 can be steered via the coupling device 170, and in particular the processing direction B can be varied. To a certain extent, the steering device 120 is realized by the coupling device 170 and can be actuated by the separate drive system by means of a pulling movement generated by the latter.

[0319] Furthermore, a torque can be transmitted via the coupling device 170 to the soil treatment device 100 and in particular to the compressed air compressor 162 for its operation by the separate drive system.

[0320] The operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 10 to 12 is carried out in a corresponding manner to the operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9.

[0321] Referring to Fig. 13, there is schematically shown a soil treatment device 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0322] The soil treatment device 100 of Fig. 13 is essentially configured and / or designed like the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9, so that the differences are described in particular below.

[0323] The soil treatment device 100 of Fig. 13 comprises a control unit 168, by means of which the soil treatment device 100 can be actuated and in particular controlled in an automated manner, preferably in a self-propelled and / or self-steering manner.

[0324] The steering device 120 here comprises a motor 172, in particular an electric motor, via which the machining direction B can be varied and which can be controlled by means of the control unit 168.

[0325] The drive 122 can also be controlled by the control unit 168. The control unit 168 further comprises a navigation device, for example, comprising a GPS unit, an optical navigation unit (lidar, camera, etc.), and / or a detection unit for detecting a ground contour.

[0326] It can be provided that the control unit 168 is or comprises a computer system and / or is connectable or connected to a computer system. It can be provided that the computer system can be a server, in particular a cloud-based server.

[0327] It can be provided that the control unit 168 is configured to detect and / or provide at least one piece of information about the ground, for example via sensor units connected to the control unit 168, e.g. a camera unit and / or a detection unit.

[0328] In particular, the information can be provided to one or more information recipients, wherein an information recipient can be, for example, a user, in particular an end user, e.g. a gardener, groundskeeper, and / or greenkeeper, a display unit, a mobile device, software, in particular an app, a server, a computer, a cloud, etc.

[0329] This makes it possible to realize autonomous operation of the soil treatment device 100.

[0330] Furthermore, the injection elements 144 can be individually selected and / or grouped, particularly depending on information about the soil. Therefore, the soil can be aerated in a targeted manner and / or in sections.

[0331] The operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Fig. 13 otherwise takes place in a corresponding manner to the operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9. Referring to Fig. 14, a soil treatment device 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0332] The soil treatment device 100 of Fig. 14 is essentially configured and / or designed like the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9, so that the differences are described in particular below.

[0333] The floor treatment device 100 of Fig. 14 comprises a seat unit 174 for seating a user.

[0334] An operating unit 176 for operating and controlling, in particular steering, the soil treatment device 100 is provided on the seat unit 174.

[0335] For this purpose, the steering device 120 comprises in particular a motor 172, in particular an electric motor, via which the machining direction B can be varied and which can be controlled by means of the control unit 168 in accordance with a user input via the operating unit 176.

[0336] In this case, the motor 172 is integrated into the seat unit 174.

[0337] Optionally, the control unit 168 can further comprise a navigation device, for example, comprising a GPS unit, an optical navigation unit (lidar, camera, etc.), and / or a detection unit for detecting a soil contour, whereby autonomous operation of the soil treatment device 100 can additionally be realized. For example, it is conceivable for the soil treatment device 100 to be driven to its destination by a user and for the soil treatment device 100 to autonomously treat the soil there, in particular to aerate it. The mode of operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Fig. 14 otherwise takes place in a manner corresponding to the mode of operation of the soil treatment device 100 of Figs. 1 to 9.

[0338] List of reference symbols

[0339] Soil treatment device Supporting device First supporting device section Second supporting device section First guide element Second guide element Front support element, front wheel Rear support element, rear wheel Steering device

[0340] Drive

[0341] Handle device handle head

[0342] Suspension device Braking device Return device Fluid supply device Holding device Injection element Lifting device Lifting element

[0343] Adjustment device Guide device First guide member Second guide member Parallelogram guide Support device Air compressor Combustion engine Storage tank

[0344] Control device, control unit 170 coupling device

[0345] 172 Motor of steering device

[0346] 174 seat unit

[0347] 176 Control unit

[0348] 178 first control input

[0349] 180 second control input

[0350] 182 control valve

[0351] 184 fluid containers

[0352] 186 exhaust valve

[0353] 188 Fluid connection, hose

[0354] 190 coherent or pre-assembled or pre-assembled assembly

[0355] 192 Fluid outlet of injection element

[0356] 194 Holding part

[0357] 196 first holding section

[0358] 198 second holding section

[0359] 200 middle section

[0360] 202 first pair of positioning rails

[0361] 204 second pair of positioning rails

[0362] 206 screw connection

[0363] 208 Depth adjustment device

[0364] 210 stop element

[0365] 212 Counter stop element

[0366] 214 recess

[0367] 216 Display device

[0368] 218 Guided tour

[0369] 220 reset element

[0370] B Machining direction

[0371] Q transverse direction

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Soil treatment device (100) for loosening the soil, in particular along a working direction (B), in particular in soils with grass growth, comprising a support device (102) and a holding device (142) which is preferably movably held thereon and on which a plurality of injection elements (144) are held, a lifting device (146) via which the injection elements (144) can be inserted into the soil and withdrawn therefrom, and a fluid supply device (134) which is directly or indirectly in fluid communication with the injection elements (144) for providing fluid, characterized in that a respective injection element (144) is held on the holding device (142) and can be inserted into the soil and withdrawn therefrom individually and / or independently of the respective other injection elements (144).

2. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a respective injection element (144) is movable and in particular displaceable under the action of the fluid via the lifting device (146) for the respective insertion into the soil and / or respective withdrawal from the soil.

3. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective injection element (144) is held movably and in particular displaceably on the holding device (146) and the lifting device (146) comprises a number of lifting elements (148) corresponding to the injection elements (144), via which the respective injection elements (144) can be inserted into the soil and / or withdrawn therefrom, in particular individually and / or independently of the other injection elements (144), wherein advantageously the lifting device (146), in particular the lifting elements (148) of the lifting device (146), are in direct or indirect fluid communication with the fluid supply device (134).

4. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a respective injection element (144) for the respective insertion into the soil and / or respective withdrawal from the soil is operatively connected to a respective lifting element (148) of the lifting device (146), wherein a respective lifting element (148) of the lifting device (146) is designed as a fluidically actuated lifting cylinder, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, or comprises such a cylinder, which is advantageously directly or indirectly in fluid connection with the fluid supply device (134).

5. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soil treatment device (100) comprises at least one control device (168) for controlling an operation and in particular a fluid operation of the soil treatment device (1009), wherein the injection elements (144) can be controlled jointly and in particular in a synchronized manner via the control device (168) and can advantageously be subjected to fluid in a synchronized manner.

6. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that the soil treatment device (100) for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil via the respective injection elements (144) above their respective reversal points is controllable in particular in a clocked manner by means of the control device (168), wherein in particular a respective reversal point is determined by a change between an introduction into the soil and a withdrawal from the bottom of a respective injection element (144).

7. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (142) comprises a number of holding parts (194) corresponding to the injection elements (144), which are in particular releasably fastened to the remaining holding device (142) and by means of which the respective injection elements (144) are individually held on the holding device (142), wherein in particular each holding part (194) comprises a first holding part section (196) and a second holding part section (198), which are arranged opposite one another and between which the respective injection element (144) is held transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction (B).

8. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding parts (194) are fastened, in particular detachably, to the remaining holding device (142) via a common carrier element, in particular a common positioning rail (202, 204).

9. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a respective injection element (144) is guided between the holding sections (196, 198) of the respective holding part (194) during insertion into the soil and / or during withdrawal from the soil by means of a guide element (212).

10. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid supply device (134) comprises a number of fluid containers (184) corresponding to the injection elements (144), wherein each fluid container (184) is assigned to an injection element (144) and is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the latter for providing fluid, preferably for the synchronized aeration of the soil.

11. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid supply device (134) comprises a number of outlet valves (186) corresponding to the injection elements (144), wherein in each case one outlet valve (186) is assigned to an injection element (144) and wherein a fluid passage through the respective injection element (144) can be switched by means of the assigned outlet valve (186) for providing, in particular injecting, fluid into the soil and preferably for the cyclically aerated soil.

12. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid supply device (134) comprises a drivable conveying unit for fluid and wherein, optionally, the fluid supply device (134) further comprises at least one storage container (166) for fluid, which can be charged with fluid for intermediate storage and which is in direct or indirect fluid communication with the injection elements (144), in particular via the respective fluid containers (184).

13. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 10 or claim 11 or 12 with claim 10, characterized in that the fluid container (184) and the associated injection element (144) are held as a coherent assembly (190) on the holding device (142) and the assembly (190) is movable and in particular displaceable, in particular during insertion and / or withdrawal of the associated injection element (144) into and from the ground.

14. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of claims 10, 12 or 13 with claim 11, characterized in that a respective fluid container (184) is preferably rigidly connected to a respective outlet valve (186) and the injection element (144) assigned to it, and the fluid container (184) and the outlet valve (186) are movable and in particular displaceable together with the injection element (144), wherein the respective outlet valve (186) is arranged fluidically between the respective fluid container (184) and a fluid outlet (192) of the respective injection element (144).

15. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (142) comprises a number of depth adjustment devices (208) corresponding to the injection elements (144), by means of which an insertion depth into the soil of the respective injection elements (144) can be individually and / or individually adjusted.

16. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one of the following applies: - the insertion depth is adjustable and / or adjustable in particular incrementally via the holding device (142), and / or - a number of display devices (216) corresponding to the injection elements (144) is provided on the holding device (142), wherein the insertion depth of a respective injection element (144) can be displayed by means of a respective display device (216), and / or - the insertion depth can be adjusted without tools and / or manually.

17. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (142) comprises a number of restoring elements (220), in particular elastically designed restoring elements, corresponding to the injection elements (144), by means of which a restoring force can be exerted on the respective injection elements (144), which is directed away from the ground, wherein advantageously a respective restoring element (220) is designed as a spring element, in particular a mechanical spring element, or comprises such a spring element.

18. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, each with claim 17, characterized in that each injection element (144) comprises a stop element (210) which, when inserting and / or withdrawing the injection element (144) into and from the ground, is operatively connectable to the associated depth adjustment device (208) and / or to the associated return element (220) in order to limit the insertion depth of the injection element (144) in the ground and / or to move the injection element (144) in a direction oriented away from the ground.

19. Soil treatment device (100) according to claim 18, characterized in that - a respective depth adjustment device (208) comprises a counter-stop element (212) which cooperates with the stop element (210) of the respective injection element (144) and which can be releasably secured to the holding device (142) along a direction of movement and in particular a direction of displacement of the respective injection element (144) for adjusting the insertion depth, and / or - a respective return element (220) is arranged between the stop element (210) of the respective injection element (144) and the associated depth adjustment device (208) and in particular the counter stop element (212) of the associated depth adjustment device (208).

20. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each injection element (144) is held individually on the holding device (142) and a holding position of each injection element (144) on the holding device (142) is adjustable, in particular transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction (B), wherein in particular the holding device (142) comprises at least one positioning rail (202, 204) via which the holding position of each injection element (144) with respect to the direction transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the processing direction (B) on the holding device (142) can be fixed, in particular can be fixed in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.

21. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support device (102) comprises at least a first support device section (104) and a second support device section (106), wherein the soil treatment device (100) can be caused to move in the processing direction (B) via the first support device section (104) and the holding device (142) is held on the second support device section (106), wherein the first support device section (104) and the second support device section (106) are arranged one behind the other along the processing direction (B) and are connected to one another so as to be movable and in particular displaceable relative to one another along the processing direction (B), wherein, optionally, the injection elements (144) can be moved by means of the lifting device (146) into the can be inserted into and removed from the ground during a relative movement and in particular a relative displacement of the first support device section (104) and the second support device section (106) to one another or when the ground treatment device (100) is not caused to move.

22. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the soil treatment device (100) has at least one drive (122), in particular at least one motor, which is arranged on and / or in the support device (102) and by means of which the soil treatment device (100) can be caused to move in the processing direction (B), and / or - the soil treatment device (100) has at least one coupling device (170) which is arranged on and / or in the support device (102) for coupling the soil treatment device (100) to a separate drive system, in particular a towing vehicle, and via which the soil treatment device (100) can be caused to move in the processing direction (B), in particular by means of a tensile force exerted by the separate drive system.

23. Soil treatment device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the soil treatment device (100) has a steering device (120) via which the processing direction (B) can be varied, wherein the steering device (120) can be manually actuated by a user and / or by a separate drive system, in particular a towing vehicle, in particular by means of a pulling movement that can be generated thereby and / or by means of a control unit (168) assigned to the soil treatment device (100) or comprised by the soil treatment device (100). can be operated and in particular controlled automatically, preferably in a self-propelled and / or self-steering manner.

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