Unearthing plants or buried objects – Earth removal and separation
Reexamination Certificate
2002-03-18
2004-10-19
Pezzuto, Robert E (Department: 3671)
Unearthing plants or buried objects
Earth removal and separation
C111S143000, C404S124000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06805204
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a vehicle, especially for beach cleaning, with a vehicle frame on which a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle are arranged.
BACKGROUND ART
Such a vehicle is disclosed in EP 0 387 794 B1. The vehicle is used for beach cleaning and features a vehicle frame on which a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle are arranged. The vehicle is propelled by a hydraulic driving mechanism, which acts on at least one of the two axles. The vehicle frame is rigidly designed. A steering mechanism is assigned to the wheels of the front wheel axle.
The object of the invention is to provide a vehicle of the type specified initially, but which exhibits favorable mobility and maneuverability characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is solved by dividing the chassis into a front section and a rear section, which are connected to one another by an articulated bearing with a vertical steering type axle. In contrast to the state of the art, in the vehicle described by the invention the vehicle frame is not rigid, but is instead designed as an articulated rod frame. As a result, the vehicle exhibits favorable mobility and maneuverability characteristics. In an especially preferred embodiment, the vehicle is used for beach cleaning and features a relatively narrow vehicle width. As a result of the favorable mobility and maneuverability characteristics imparted by the articulated steering mechanism defined by the articulated bearings, the vehicle can also traverse narrow paths which change direction significantly and abruptly, especially between beach chairs on a beach.
In an embodiment of the invention, a steering mechanism is assigned to the rear wheels of the rear wheel axle. This further improves the mobility and maneuverability of the vehicle. The rear wheel steering mechanism is preferably designed as an axle pivot steering mechanism.
In an embodiment of the invention, the front wheels of the front wheel axle are provided with a steering mechanism. As a result, both the front and rear wheels can be steered individually, or only the front wheels can be provided with a steering mechanism.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a hydrostatic all-wheel drive system is provided as the driving mechanism. In this type of driving mechanism, a hydromotor supplied by one or two hydraulic pumps through a hydraulic pumping unit is preferably assigned to each wheel. This, in turn, is driven by a diesel motor.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an electrical all-wheel drive system is proved as the driving mechanism. This is a highly environmentally friendly variant.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a hybrid all-wheel drive system in the form of a diesel-electric drive is provided as the driving mechanism. In this case, the diesel motor can serve as the generator for the electric drives, which are allocated to each wheel.
In a further embodiment of the invention, an internal combustion engine for the vehicle's driving mechanism is arranged in the front section of the vehicle frame, with a power takeoff arranged in the front of the vehicle connected to it. An attachment device for additional equipment, which can be operated by the power takeoff, is preferably provided in the front section of the vehicle. Various devices can be provided as additional equipment, such as those that have already been proposed for the front section of the vehicle in EP 0 387 794 B1. Depending on the application, other appropriately modified pieces of additional equipment can be provided.
In a further embodiment of the invention, which is provided with a leveling device in the rear section of the vehicle, it is provided that the leveling device pivots between an operating position in which it is lowered to the ground and a resting position. This embodiment is especially advantageous if the vehicle is used for beach cleaning, as the ground can be provided with a smooth surface by the leveling device after it has been traversed by the cleaning unit.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the leveling or smoothing device is designed as a rotating roller, which is provided with a barrel profile that presses a specific pattern into the ground. This type of pattern can be used for advertising purposes. The ground can also be provided with a uniformly shaped surface which is aesthetically pleasing.
In a further embodiment of the invention, in which a collection container for collected material is provided, a floor section of the collection container runs on moveable bearings between a closed operating position and an emptying position that exposes the interior of the container. This enables the collection container to be emptied without the need to tilt it. The collection container is preferably linked to the chassis with the aid of support arms or another form of mounting mechanism, or is permanently or detachably connected to it by some other means.
In a further embodiment of the invention, in which the collection container is mounted onto the rear section on pivoting or tilting bearings, the rear section features a horizontally spatially displaceable auxiliary frame to which the collection container is linked, and which is especially provided with a platform. Because of the spatial displacement, preferably in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's vertical direction, it is possible to empty the collection container. If the auxiliary frame is provided with a platform, the spatial displacement in a horizontal direction advantageously enables this platform to be used as a loading surface, as the platform remains horizontally aligned even when displaced in space, i.e., when moved up, down, forward, or backward.
In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one driving mechanism is provided for spatial displacement of the auxiliary frame. At least one hydraulic control unit in the form of at least one hydraulic cylinder is especially provided as the driving mechanism.
In a further embodiment of the invention, parallel articulated mechanisms are provided for spatial displacement of the auxiliary frame, which are actively connected to an automatic guiding mechanism linked to the collection container, so that the collection container is automatically brought into its emptying position when the auxiliary frame is moved upward and backward (relative to the normal direction of travel), and is brought into a collecting position when the auxiliary frame is moved into its lowered position. This embodiment eliminates the need for an additional driving or control mechanism for tilting or pivoting the collection container, as the automatic guiding mechanism itself derives the respective tilting or pivoting motion from the spatial displacement motion of the auxiliary frame. The parallel articulated mechanisms represent an especially simple and functionally reliable form of spatial displacement of the auxiliary frame in horizontal alignment.
In a further embodiment of the invention, which includes a cleaning device for loose ground arranged on a support frame mounted on pivoting bearings between a receiving position lowered toward the ground and a resting position pivoted upward, wherein the cleaning device features a filter device with a circumferential filter belt, it is provided that a carrying run of the filter belt is mounted on vibrating rollers running on eccentric bearings, which rollers are offset against one another. As a result, the carrying run forms a vibrating surface to separate the sand from other material, especially stones or garbage. Preferably, driving mechanisms are provided for the vibrating rollers that ensure a defined phase shift which remains uniform for the duration of operation.
In a further embodiment of the invention, which includes a cleaning device for loose ground arranged on a support frame mounted on pivoting bearings between a receiving position lowered toward the ground and a resting position pivoted upward, wherein the cleaning device features a filter device with a circumferential filter belt, i
Bauer Christian
Grobler Hendrik
Kaessbohrer Gelaendefahrzeug AG
Mammen Nathan
Pezzuto Robert E
Traurig Greenberg
LandOfFree
Vehicle, especially for beach cleaning does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle, especially for beach cleaning, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle, especially for beach cleaning will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3276323