EP2721219A1

EP2721219A1 - Sweeping vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2721219A1
Application number: EP11725478.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bastian Du Maire; Dietmar Kull; Uwe Weller; Martin SICKINGER
Original assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Alfred Kaercher SE and Co KG
Priority date: 2011-06-17
Filing date: 2011-06-17
Publication date: 2014-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-17
Also published as: CN103608521A; EP2721219B1; WO2012171580A1; US9249547B2; JP5898308B2; CN103608521B; KR20140041580A; KR101622331B1; US20140101874A1; JP2014523983A

Abstract

The invention relates to a sweeping vehicle comprising a disk brush (26) for sweeping dirt off a floor surface (11) to be cleaned, said disk brush (26) having a brush disk (88) with brushes (90) held thereon and being drivable so as to rotate about an axis of rotation (86). The sweeping vehicle further comprises a holding device (46) for holding the disk brush (26), said holding device (46) having a holding element (54) and a holding arm (56) which is pivotally connected thereto. The holding device (46) is held on the sweeping vehicle (10) by means of the holding element (54) and the disk brush (26) is held on the holding arm (56). The sweeping vehicle further comprises an adjuster (94) having an adjusting unit (96) acting upon the holding arm (56) and being variable in length. The holding arm (56) can be pivoted relative to the holding element (54) depending on a variation in length of the adjusting unit (96), for lowering or lifting the disk brush (26). The aim of the invention is to improve said sweeping vehicle such that the contact area of the disk brush can be varied in a constructively easy manner. According to the invention, the holding device (46) comprises a brush support (80) that is pivotally mounted on the holding arm (56) and that holds the disk brush (26). The sweeping vehicle (10) comprises a coupling device (122) for coupling the brush support (80) to the adjuster (94), the brush support (80) being pivoted relative to the holding arm (56) depending on a variation in length of the adjusting unit (96) for pivoting the disk brush (26) about a swivel axis (144) that is at an angle to the axis of rotation (86).

Description

KE H RFAH RZ E U G

The invention relates to a sweeping vehicle comprising a disc brush for sweeping dirt from a bottom surface to be cleaned, which disc brush has a brush plate with brushes held thereon and is rotatably driven about a rotational axis, and comprising a holding device for holding the disc brush, wherein the holding device is a holding part and a holding arm pivotably connected thereto, the holding device being held on the sweeping vehicle via the holding part and the plate brush being held on the holding arm, and comprising an adjusting device comprising a variable-length actuator engaging the holding arm, the holding arm being relative to the holding part as a function of a change in length of the actuator is pivotable for lowering and raising the plate brush.

In such a sweeping vehicle, the plate brush is held by means of the holding device on the sweeping vehicle otherwise. The holding device has a holding part, which may be formed, for example, by a frame of the sweeping vehicle, but may also be formed separately from this or fixed thereto, and a support arm pivotally mounted on the holding arm. On the arm the plate brush is held directly or indirectly. Under the action of the variable-length actuator of the adjusting device of the support arm can be pivoted relative to the holding part and thereby the disc brush can be lowered to the floor surface to be cleaned, such as commissioning the sweeper, and be lifted from the floor surface to be cleaned, for example at the end of operation. The actuator engages the support arm and is for example mounted pivotably on this. As an abutment for the actuator acts, for example, the holding part, a frame or other structural part of the sweeper.

Usually, the brush plate is inclined relative to the horizontal in a sweeping vehicle of the type mentioned, so that not all brushes of the disc brush contact the bottom surface simultaneously. Instead, the con- Clock area of the brush with the bottom surface, also called "sweeping mirror" or "work area", by the inclination of the brush plate, for example, a kidney-shaped, sickle-shaped or circular segment shape. This has the purpose of sweeping dirt in a defined direction from the bottom surface, so that the dirt can be picked up by means of a dirt pick-up device of the sweeping vehicle, such as a brush roller or a suction device, from the bottom surface.

EP 1 769 950 A2 describes a generic sweeper vehicle in which an ensemble of holding device and plate brush can be tilted by means of an additional adjusting device so that the brush plate inclined starting from a horizontal position in an inclined position with respect to the horizontal and accordingly the sweeping mirror of a circular shape a kidney shape can be changed.

Position, position and directional indications such as "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical" or the like are presently considered to be related to a position of use of the sweeping vehicle, in which the sweeping vehicle is positioned on a horizontal bottom surface.

Object of the present invention is to provide a sweeping vehicle of the type mentioned, in which the sweeping mirror of the disc brush is changed in a structurally simple manner.

This object is achieved in a generic sweeper according to the invention that the holding device comprises a brush holder which is pivotally mounted on the arm and on which the disc brush is held, and that the sweeping vehicle comprises a coupling device for coupling the brush holder with the adjusting device, wherein the brush holder in dependence on a change in length of the actuator relative to the support arm is pivotable for pivoting the disc brush about an inclined to the axis of rotation pivot axis. When sweeper according to the invention, the plate brush is held indirectly on the support arm. The holding device comprises for this purpose a brush holder on which the disc brush is held and which in turn is pivotally connected to the support arm and thereby is pivotable relative thereto. By acting on the brush holder this can be pivoted relative to the support arm and thus the disc brush can be pivoted relative to the sweeper. Furthermore, the sweeping vehicle according to the invention comprises a coupling device for coupling the adjusting device with the brush holder. By means of the coupling device, a change in length of the actuator can be detected and be acted upon on the brush holder, that this is pivotable relative to the support arm and consequently the plate brush about a pivot axis aligned to the pivot axis. The oblique orientation of the pivot axis relative to the axis of rotation causes a change in the inclination of the brush plate relative to the horizontal and the bottom surface and thus a change in the sweeping mirror. The ability to change the sweeping mirror is beneficial to alter the direction in which dirt is swept from the ground surface. For example, the sweeping mirror may be changed depending on a direction of travel of the sweeping vehicle to improve the cleaning result. Since the actuator can be used for pivoting the brush holder and the plate brush, it is not necessary to provide a further adjustment device in the sweeping vehicle according to the invention, by means of which the sweeping mirror is changed. The sweeping vehicle according to the invention instead, in contrast to a conventional sweeper under constructive simplification with only one actuator to raise and lower the disc brush and to pivot it to change the sweeping mirror.

The pivot axis and the axis of rotation can be skewed aligned with each other and do not need to cut, so that the change in the inclination of the brush plate is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of the sweeping vehicle according to the invention, it is expedient for the coupling device to move between the brushing device and the brushing device. carrier and the holding arm acting elastic element comprises, against the action of the brush holder is pivotable relative to the support arm. By a change in length of the actuator approximately in a first direction of the brush carrier can be pivoted relative to the support arm in a first pivoting direction against the action of the elastic element. By a change in length of the actuator in the opposite second direction, the pivoting of the brush holder relative to the support arm takes place in the opposite second pivoting direction under the action of the elastic element. The elastic element makes it possible, for example, to reduce or even completely eliminate the load acting on the actuator for pivoting the brush holder in the second pivoting direction. The elastic element is in particular a spring, for example a thigh or coil spring.

The coupling of the brush holder with the actuator can be done by the coupling device in many ways. For example, the brush holder may be indirectly or directly connected to the actuator. A change in length of the actuator can thereby be transmitted indirectly or directly to the brush holder for pivoting relative to the support arm.

In another advantageous embodiment, it has proved to be advantageous if the coupling device comprises a first, connected to the brush holder in operative connection coupling stop member with a second, operatively connected to the actuator coupling stop member for pivoting the brush holder relative to the support arm in response to a Length change of the actuator cooperates. By a change in length of the actuator, the second, associated with him coupling stop element can be moved. The coupling stop elements can act as a driver stops, so that acted upon stop of the second coupling stop member on the first, the brush holder associated coupling stop member on the brush holder and this can be pivoted relative to the support arm. To the brush holder relative to To pivot the support arm in the opposite pivoting direction, the sweeping vehicle preferably comprises the above-mentioned elastic element. However, it can also be provided that in each case further coupling stop elements are in operative connection with the brush holder and the actuator, which can cooperate in a change in length of the actuator in the opposite direction to the pivoting of the brush holder in the opposite direction of pivoting.

In a structurally simple embodiment of the sweeping vehicle can be provided that the first coupling stop member is disposed directly on the brush holder and / or is covered by this and / or the second coupling stop member is disposed directly on the actuator and / or is covered by this.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the sweeper according to the invention can be provided that the coupling device comprises a coupling lever which is pivotally connected to the brush holder and which comprises the coupling stop member. The use of the coupling lever allows a more compact and robust design of the brush holder.

In another advantageous embodiment of the sweeping vehicle it is provided that the coupling device comprises a first coupling lever, which is pivotally connected to the brush holder, and a second coupling lever which is pivotally connected to the first coupling lever and pivotally connected to the holding device and that the first or the second coupling lever comprises the first coupling stop member. The provision of two coupling levers allows a robust design and reliable operation of the coupling device. One of the coupling levers, for example the second coupling lever, comprises the first coupling stop element. With a change in length of the actuator, the coupling stop elements can cooperate to move the first coupling stop member with the second coupling stop member. These Movement is transmitted via the first coupling lever to the brush holder in order to pivot it relative to the holding arm. For structurally simple design of the coupling device, it is advantageous if the second coupling lever is articulated on a hinge part connecting the holding part and the holding arm to one another. This makes it possible to save another joint.

It is advantageous if the adjusting device comprises a pivotally connected to the adjusting lever adjusting lever which is pivotally connected to the holding device.

The adjusting lever preferably comprises the second coupling stop element.

The adjusting lever is conveniently connected to achieve a simple construction of the adjusting device at a joint with the holding device, on which the holding arm is pivotally connected to the holding part. Thereby, as in the case of the aforementioned second coupling lever, a joint can be saved. A change in length of the actuator leads to a movement of the adjusting lever and the second coupling stop element arranged thereon in order to effect, in cooperation with the first coupling stop element, a pivoting of the brush holder relative to the holding arm.

The adjusting device preferably comprises a first adjusting stop element arranged on the adjusting lever, which cooperates with a second adjusting stop element arranged on the holding part for pivoting the holding arm relative to the holding part as a function of a change in length of the adjusting member. The actuator acts on the one hand on the support arm and on the other hand articulated to the adjusting lever, which in turn is pivotally connected to the holding device, in particular with a joint formed between the support arm and the holding part. By a change in length of the actuator, the angle between the actuator and the lever can be changed until the Verstellanschlagelemente the Ver Adjusting lever and the holding part to each other to the plant advised. As a result, the adjusting lever can be supported on the holding part. At the same time, this results in a support of the adjusting member connected to the adjusting lever relative to the holding arm. With further change in length of the actuator of the support arm can thereby be pivoted relative to the holding part. This allows the disc brush to be raised or lowered.

In the lowered state of the plate brush, the Verstellanschlagelemente preferably at a distance from each other. As a result, there is the possibility that unevenness in the floor can be detected by the plate brush and released via the brush holder to the holding arm, which can be pivoted relative to the holding part, without this pivoting being blocked by the adjusting stop elements.

It is advantageous if the holding device forms a jointed parallelogram with a first articulated member formed by the holding part and three articulated members formed by the holding arm. The holding part forms a first joint member, which is in each case articulatedly connected to two further, mutually parallel and formed by the support arm hinge members. The holding arm further forms a third joint member, which is articulated in each case articulated to the two mutually parallel hinge members and extends parallel to the holding part. The articulated parallelogram provides a structurally simple way the ability to change the distance of the brush plate relative to the bottom surface, wherein the position of the plate brush is maintained relative to the bottom surface. As a result, for example, a "floating" storage of the plate brush done in the uneven floors are compensated automatically. The pivoting of the support arm relative to the holding part takes place under a change in shape of the Gelenkparallelogramms, wherein the two connected to the holding part of the hinge arms of the support arm are pivoted simultaneously.

Advantageously, the brush holder is pivotally connected to the holding arm at a joint connecting two joint members. For example, on two formed by the support arm hinge members. This makes it possible to save a joint and allows a structurally simpler mounting of the brush holder on the support arm.

It is advantageous if the Gelenkparallelogramm defines a vertical plane, so that does not change the position of the brush plate relative to the sweeping vehicle otherwise when raising and lowering the plate brush.

The axis about which the brush holder is pivotable relative to the support arm, and / or the pivot axis of the disc brush are preferably aligned horizontally. This can be achieved in a structurally simple manner in the last-mentioned advantageous embodiment. In this case, the axis or the pivot axis of the disc brush is aligned perpendicular to the plane defined by the articulated parallelogram.

It is advantageous if the actuator is arranged between the joint members of the articulated parallelogram. The hinge members, which are formed by the holding part and the support arm, so to speak form a frame surrounding the actuator. This allows for a compact design of the holding device and the adjusting device of the sweeping vehicle. At the same time the actuator is protected by the hinge members.

Preferably, the pivot axis is not orthogonal, that is aligned at an angle other than 90 ° to the axis of rotation. This is to be understood in the case of windshaft pivoting and pivoting axis such that an axis parallel to the axis of rotation and intersecting the pivot axis does not intersect this axis at an angle of 90 °. This embodiment has the advantage that the sweeping mirror rolls on the bottom surface during pivoting of the plate brush in the circumferential direction of the ends of the brushes facing the bottom surface. The sweeping mirror can be rolled continuously in this way, for example, by continuous change in length of the actuator and associated pivoting of the brush holder on the bottom surface. This allows the direction in which dirt is swept from the ground surface, continuously changing, for example, depending on the impact of a steering of the sweeper.

It was mentioned in the introduction that in order to achieve a defined sweeping direction with the plate brush, the brush plates can be aligned obliquely with respect to the horizontal and the axis of rotation obliquely with respect to the bottom surface.

It is advantageous if the axis of rotation is aligned obliquely with respect to the bottom surface, regardless of the length of the actuator. This makes it possible to save an adjusting device in order to adjust the axis of rotation from a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface in a direction obliquely to the bottom surface. This simplifies the structural design of the sweeping vehicle.

Advantageously, the pivot axis extends through or substantially through the center of the brush plate. This makes it possible to change the inclination of the brush plate relative to the bottom surface, wherein the position of the brush plate relative to the sweeping vehicle is otherwise stationary. The space required to change the sweeping mirror is thereby minimized.

It has already been mentioned that the plate brush can be pivoted depending on the steering angle. It is advantageous if the adjusting device has a steering engagement member operatively connected to the actuator for detecting the impact of a steering of the sweeping vehicle and if the length of the actuator is adjustable in dependence on the impact of the steering. This makes it possible to adjust the length of the actuator during cornering of the sweeping vehicle and to pivot under the action of the coupling device the plate brush so that the direction in which dirt is swept from the ground surface assigns a dirt pick-up device of the sweeping vehicle. In different directions, especially when cornering, thereby a very good sweeping result can be achieved. The steering angle detection element may for example be designed as a rotary encoder, such as a potentiometer or Hall sensor. A stepwise coupling of the steering angle detection member to the steering can be done by one or more switches, such as microswitch. It can also be provided that the adjusting device has a depending on the impact of the steering adjustable positive guide for the steering angle detection organ, based on the position of which detects the impact of the steering. If the steering of the sweeping vehicle actuated, this leads to an adjustment of the positive guidance, such as a slotted guide, which in turn can be detected by the steering angle detection member.

The coupling of the actuator with the steering angle detection member is mechanically, for example via a Bowden cable. An electrical coupling of the steering angle detection member and the actuator is conceivable, for example, when the actuator comprises a motor-driven threaded spindle.

In a different embodiment of the sweeping vehicle can be provided that the steering angle detection member and the actuator are each piston-cylinder units of a hydraulic or pneumatic system, in particular a closed system. For example, the steering angle detection member and the actuator via a hydraulic line connected donor piston-cylinder units or slave-slave cylinder units whose lengths are reciprocally mutually variable.

As mentioned, it is known to receive the swept with the plate brush from the bottom surface dirt by means of a dirt pick-up device. The dirt-collecting device is usually arranged in the direction of travel behind the plate brush, preferably at a rear portion of the sweeping vehicle.

It is advantageous if the brush plate is tiltable when cornering of the sweeping vehicle in the direction of a vehicle center of the sweeping vehicle. When cornering ride can be changed in the manner explained above, the length of the actuator and pivoted under the action of the coupling device of the brush plates. In particular, the pivoting of the brush plate can be carried out upon impact of the steering in a manner in which the sweeper performs a turn in a direction opposite to the arrangement of the disc brush side of the sweeper. For example, if the disc brush is a right disc brush, it may tilt the brush plate from the right towards the vehicle center when the sweeper is in a left turn. As a result, the sweeping mirror is shifted in the direction of the center of the vehicle. In a left turn this allows to sweep with the right disc brush areas of the floor surface, which would otherwise remain unpurified without a change in the inclination of the brush plate in the direction of the vehicle center. In sweepers, in which the dirt-collecting device consists of a sweeping roller arranged behind and at a distance from the lateral disc brush, the so-called "dirt sickle", an unclean sickle-shaped area of the bottom surface during left-hand turning, can thereby be reduced. Correspondingly, in the case of a right-hand turn, the brush plate of a left plate brush can be inclined in the direction of the vehicle center so that its sweeping mirror is displaced from the left in the direction of the vehicle center.

It is expedient for the sweeper to have an auxiliary actuator brush arranged behind the plate brush in the vehicle longitudinal direction and a dirt-holding device arranged behind the auxiliary actuator brush, the auxiliary actuator brush being liftable from the floor surface when the sweeper vehicle is traveling straight ahead and being lowered onto the floor surface when the sweeping vehicle is cornering. It was mentioned in the last described embodiment of the sweeping vehicle that when cornering the so-called "dirt sickle" can be reduced by tilting the brush plate in the direction of the vehicle center. In the present embodiment, by using the auxiliary actuator brush disposed between the disc brush and the dirt receiving device, the dirt sickle can even be completely removed by lowering the auxiliary actuator brush when cornering. Dirt in the area the alone by using the disc brush remaining dirt sickle can namely turned away when cornering by means of the auxiliary actuator brush or the dirt receiving device, such as a sweeping roller, facing. For this purpose, the brush plate of the auxiliary actuator brush is preferably inclined in the direction of the vehicle center. When driving straight ahead of the sweeper vehicle, however, the auxiliary actuator brush is not needed. To avoid unnecessary brush wear, it can be lifted off the floor surface.

It has just been mentioned that the sweeping vehicle can have a right and a left plate brush. In particular, it is favorable if the sweeping vehicle comprises two plate brushes which are designed symmetrically to one another and which are arranged on mutually opposite sides on the sweeping vehicle. The two symmetrically mutually designed plate brushes are preferably a left and a right plate brush of the sweeping vehicle, and they are each held like the disc brush one of the above-described sweeping vehicles with the holding device on the sweeper and by means of the adjusting device and under the action of the coupling device relative to this. As far as present references to the plate brush, the holding device, the adjusting device and the coupling device and their respective components or features are made, this is to be construed as a reference to at least one disc brush, at least one holding device, at least one adjusting device or at least one coupling device.

To achieve a compact design, a drive motor for the disc brush is preferably held on the brush carrier.

It is advantageous if the holding part is mounted pivotably about a vertical axis on a frame of the sweeping vehicle, in particular against the action of a return element. This gives the possibility that in a collision of the sweeping vehicle with an obstacle, the holding device can be pivoted relative to the frame in order to damage the holding device, the adjusting device, the coupling device and / or the Tel. To avoid brushing. Under the action of the return element, the holding part can automatically return to the starting position.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention. Show it :

Figure 1: a perspective view of an inventive

Sweeper;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a chassis of the sweeping vehicle of Figure 1 when driving straight ahead;

Figure 3 is a view corresponding to Figure 2 in a left turn of the sweeper;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a plate brush, a holding device, an adjusting device and a coupling device of the sweeping vehicle of Figure 1, partially in exploded view;

FIG. 5 shows a view in the direction of the arrow "5" in FIG. 2, which shows a plate brush of the sweeping vehicle lowered onto the bottom surface;

Figure 6: a view in the direction of arrow "6" in Figure 3 with the

Bottom surface of lowered disc brush, which is inclined relative to the position shown in Figure 5, and

Figure 7: a view corresponding to Figures 5 and 6 with of the

Floor surface of lifted plate brush. A preferred embodiment of a sweeping vehicle according to the invention is designed as a so-called "ride-on sweeper", shown in perspective in Figure 1 and there occupied by the reference numeral 10. The sweeping vehicle 10 serves to clean a bottom surface 11 indicated in FIGS. 5 to 7 and can be moved over the bottom surface 11 by means of a running gear 12 for this purpose. The chassis 12 comprises two wheels 16 and 17 rotatable about a common axis on a rear side of the sweeping vehicle 10. For sweeping and driving purposes, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises near its front side 18 a rotatably drivable steering roller 20 arranged in the region of its vehicle center plane 19. On the steering roller 20 an operator can act on the basis of a steering wheel 21 comprising a steering wheel 22.

For receiving dirt from the floor surface 11 to be cleaned, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of sweeping units. A dirt pick-up device 25 in the form of a sweeping roller 24 is rotatably mounted near the rear side 14 about an axis of rotation oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheels 16 and 17. On the front side 18, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises a right disc brush 26 and a left disc brush 28, and between the right disc brush 26 and the sweeping roller 24, an auxiliary actuator brush 30 is disposed on the right side of the sweeping vehicle 10. By means of the sweeping roller 24 and the disc brushes 26, 28 and 30 sweeping material can be swept up from the bottom surface 11 and transferred to a arranged on the back 14 dirt container 32.

The sweeping units and the chassis 12 are, like the other components of the sweeping vehicle 10, such as a structure 34, held on a chassis 36 of the sweeping vehicle 10 shown in plan view in Figures 2 and 3. The chassis 36 includes a rear rectangular portion 38 and a front trapezoidal portion 40. To support the sweeping roller 24 on the rectangular portion 38 is a holding device, not shown in the drawing. The auxiliary actuator brush 30 is connected to a cross member 42 of the section 38 by means of a combined holding and lifting device 44 can be raised and lowered. The plate brushes 26 and 28 are held by means of holding means 46 and 48, respectively, on a right support 50 and a left support 52 of the trapezoidal section 40, wherein the supports 50 and 52 form the non-parallel sides of the section 40.

The plate brushes 26 and 28 and the holding devices 46 and 48 are designed symmetrically relative to each other with respect to the vehicle center plane 19. Subsequently, therefore, only the right plate brush 26 and the right holding device 46 will be discussed.

As is clear in particular from FIGS. 4 to 7 and in particular FIG. 4, the holding device 46 comprises a holding part 54 and a multi-part holding arm 56 pivotable relative thereto. The holding part 54 serves for fastening the holding device 46 to the chassis 36 and in particular to the carrier 50 For this purpose, the holding part 54 has a holding projection 58 which engages over and under the carrier 50 and is pivotably connected thereto by a vertical pivot axis 60.

Location, direction and position information such as "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "vertical" and the like are presently considered to be based on a use position of the sweeping vehicle 10, in which this is positioned on the horizontally oriented bottom surface 11.

The holding part 54 and the holding arm 56 in combination with each other form a jointed parallelogram 62 with a total of four joint members whose first joint member 64 is formed by the holding part 54. The support arm 56 forms three hinge members 66, 68 and 70. The hinge members 66 and 68 are parallel longitudinal sides of the Gelenkparallelogramms 62, which are pivotally connected to the first hinge member 64. Another hinge member 70 formed by the support arm 56 is aligned parallel to the first hinge member 64 and hingedly connected to the two other hinge members 66 and 68 of the support arm 56. The hinge member 66 is the uppermost of the hinge members of the articulated parallelogram 62, and is pivotally connected to the support member 54 at a hinge 72 about a first pivot axis 73. On its opposite side, the hinge member 66 is pivotally connected to the hinge member 70 at a hinge 74 about a second pivot axis 75. The hinge member 68 is disposed below the hinge member 66 and connected to a hinge 76 about a third pivot axis 77 pivotally connected to the holding part 54. On its opposite side, the hinge member 68 is pivotally connected to the hinge member 70 at a hinge 78 about a fourth pivot axis 79.

The pivot axes 73, 75, 77 and 79 are each defined by the hinge members 64, 66, 68 and 70 zusammenhaltende, not provided with separate reference numerals bearing pin.

All four hinge members 64 to 70 lie in a common, vertical plane relative to which the pivot axes 73, 75, 77 and 79 are vertically aligned, i.e. These each run horizontally. The Gelenkparallelogramm 62 can be pivoted in the vertical plane, so that the support arm 56 can be pivoted with deformation relative to the holding part 54, about the pivot axes 73 and 77 alike.

The holding device 46 further comprises a brush holder 80. The brush holder 80 is pivotally connected to the pivoting arm 56 at the hinge 78 and thereby pivotable relative to the holding arm 56 about the fourth pivot axis 79. The brush holder 80 comprises a holding section 82 which is arranged on the side of the hinge member 70 facing away from the hinge members 66 and 68 and via which the brush holder 80 is mounted on the hinge 78. From the holding portion 82 is in the forward direction of the sweeping vehicle 10, a support portion 84 from. The support portion 84 is inclined with respect to the plane defined by the articulated parallelogram 62, in which the holding portion 82 is arranged, aligned and thus obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane. Further, the support portion 84 is planar and comprises a surface normal obliquely to the bottom surface 11 and thus obliquely to the plane defined by the articulated parallelogram 62.

At the support portion 84, the disc brush 26 is rotatably supported, wherein the axis of rotation 86 is aligned parallel to the surface normal of the support portion 84 and obliquely to the bottom surface 11. This means that arranged below the support portion 84 brush plate 88 of the disc brush 26 is parallel to the support portion 84 and inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. From the brush plate 88, brushes 90 of the plate brush 26 extend in the direction of the bottom surface 11. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the approximate position of the lowered plate brush 26 relative to the bottom surface 11 is shown. Unlike illustrated, the brushes 90 do not penetrate into the bottom surface 11, but bend slightly over and lie on this, which is not taken into account in the drawing.

At the top of the support portion 84, a drive motor 92 (not shown in FIGS. 4 to 7) for driving the disc brush 26 is held around the rotation axis 86.

To raise the plate brush 26 from the bottom surface 11 and to lower the plate brush 26 on the bottom surface 11 and to change the inclination of the plate brush 26 with respect to a horizontal plane, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises an adjusting device 94. The adjusting device 94 has an actuator 96 with a drive motor 98th and one of this drivable threaded spindle 100. The drive motor 98 and the threaded spindle 100 form a common structural unit, in which the threaded spindle 100 can be selectively extended or shortened under the action of the drive motor 98. For this purpose, a shaft 102 can be moved out of a socket 103 of the threaded spindle 100 or moved into it.

The actuator 96 is disposed between the hinge members 66 and 68 and 64 and 70 in a space enclosed by the articulated parallelogram 62 receiving space 104. A first end of the actuator 96 is slightly obliquely below the Joint 74 held pivotally on the upper joint member 66. For this purpose, the hinge member 66 and the actuator 96 form a hinge 106 which defines a pivot axis 107.

On the opposite side of the joint 96 of the actuator 96, an adjusting lever 108 of the adjusting device 94 is arranged and connected to a hinge 109 about a pivot axis 110 pivotally connected to the shaft 102. The adjusting lever 108 further engages the hinge 72, on which the holding part 54 is pivotally connected to the hinge member 66 of the support arm 56 about the first pivot axis 73. As a result, the adjusting lever 108 is likewise pivotable about the first pivot axis 73 relative to the holding part 54 and the holding arm 56.

By means of a control line 112, the actuator 96 can be controlled by a user to lower the plate brush 26 on the bottom surface 11 or to lift them from this. For this purpose, an operating element 114 can be provided on a control unit 113 arranged near the steering wheel 21, with which a user can trigger the lifting and lowering of the plate brush 26. The control element 114 is connected via the control line 112 to the actuator 96 in operative connection.

In a lowered state of the plate brush 26 (Figure 5) when driving straight ahead of the sweeping vehicle 10, the actuator 96 is shortened maximum, d .h. the shaft 102 has retracted as far as possible into the socket 103. The adjusting lever 108 is shaped and dimensioned so that it projects approximately at a right angle from the shaft 102 and is arranged below the joint 72 in the receiving space 104. In this case, the adjusting lever 108 does not contact the holding part 54 on its inner wall facing away from the holding projection 58 and facing the receiving space 104.

To lift the plate brush 26 of the bottom surface 11, the actuator 96 is controlled via the control line 112 so that the shaft 102 is extended from the socket 103, the actuator 96 thus extends. This causes the hinge 109 is moved in the direction of the receiving space 104 facing the inner wall of the holding part 54. At the same time, the adjusting lever 108 is pivoted relative to the shaft 102 about the pivot axis 110 and relative to the holding part 54 about the first pivot axis 73.

From a predetermined length of the actuator 96, d .h. upon protrusion of the shank 102 out of the socket 103 by a predetermined length, the adjusting lever 108 contacts the holding part 54 with an end face 116 facing it (FIG. 4). The end face 116 forms a Verstellanschlagelement 118 of the adjusting device 94. Another Verstellanschlagelement 120 is formed by the receiving space 104 facing inner wall of the holding part 54 (Figures 5 to 7).

Upon abutment of the adjusting lever 108 on the holding part 54, the Verstellanschlagelemente 118 and 120 together and block further pivoting of the adjusting lever 108 about the first pivot axis 73. This also means that the movement of the shaft 102 is stopped in the direction of the holding part 54. With further extension of the actuator 96, this has the consequence that the Gelenkparallelogramm 62 deformed so that the hinge members 66 and 68 are pivoted about the pivot axes 73 and 77 relative to the holding part 54. This causes the brush holder 80 to be lifted and thus the plate brush 26 raised from the bottom surface 11 (FIG. 7).

When reversing lowering the plate brush 26 on the bottom surface 11, only the hinge members 66 and 68 pivot relative to the holding part 54 with change in shape of the Gelenkparallelogramms 62 by the actuator 96 is shortened. Under gravity the disc brush 26 comes to rest on the bottom surface 11, wherein the adjusting lever 108 is pivoted away from the holding part 54, so that the Verstellanschlagelemente 118 and 120 no longer cooperate.

To change an inclination of the brush plate 88 relative to a horizontal plane under the action of the actuator 96, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises a Coupling device 122. The coupling device 122 includes a first coupling lever 124. The first coupling lever 124 is pivotally hinged to the top of the holding portion 82 by means of a hinge 125 about a pivot axis 126 on the brush holder 80. It protrudes from the brush holder 80 in the direction of the holding part 54 and extends approximately to below the joint 72, wherein it is angled in the direction of the bottom surface 11.

At the opposite end of the brush holder 80, the first coupling lever 124 is pivotally connected to a second coupling lever 128 of the coupling 122, about a pivot axis 130 at a hinge 129. The second coupling lever 128 is also angled and extends towards the upper end of the holding part 54. At the joint 72, the second coupling lever 128 is articulated with its end facing away from the joint 129, so that it can also be pivoted about the pivot axis 73. Neighboring the hinge 129, a projection projects from the second coupling lever 128 into the receiving space 104 at right angles, forming a coupling stop element 132 of the coupling device 122.

Another coupling stop element 134 is arranged on the adjusting lever 108. The coupling stop element 134 is formed by one of the end sides of the adjusting lever 108, which lie opposite the shaft 102 of the socket 103 at its perpendicular orientation relative to the shaft 102 (Figures 4 and 5).

In addition, the coupling device 122 has an elastic element 136 in the form of a spring 138. The spring 138 is designed as a leg spring with a first leg 139 which engages on a retaining projection 140 of the hinge member 70, and with a second leg 141 which on a Holding projection 142 on the support portion 84 of the brush holder 80 engages. The spring 138 biases the brush support 80 for rotation about the pivot axis 79 relative to the support arm 56 such that the support portion 82 is biased toward the hinge member 70 and the support portion 84 in a direction away from the hinge member 68 pivoting direction, ie in the Figures 5 to 7 in a clockwise direction. To rotate the brush holder 80 in the opposite direction, a force opposite the action of the spring 138 is applied to pivot the holding portion 82 away from the hinge member 70 and the support portion 84 toward the hinge member 68, ie counterclockwise in Figs. 5-7.

If, as explained above, the plate brush 26 is raised by the bottom surface 11 at the maximum extent of the actuator 96, the coupling stop elements 132 and 134 are arranged at a distance from one another (FIG. 7). Under the action of the spring 138 of the holding portion 82 abuts the hinge member 70. The axis of rotation 86 of the plate brush 26 is aligned obliquely to the bottom surface 11 and points in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19 in the forward direction of the sweeping vehicle 10th

When lowering the plate brush 26 on the bottom surface 11, the coupling stop members 132 and 134 abut each other and can cooperate. By shortening the actuator 96, the adjusting lever 108 contacts the projection on the second coupling lever 128. This has the consequence that the coupling lever 128 pivots on the hinge 72 about the pivot axis 73 and pivot the coupling levers 124 and 128 relative to each other on the hinge 129 about the pivot axis 130. The movement of the shaft 102 transmitted from the adjusting lever 108 to the second coupling lever 128 is transmitted to the first coupling lever 124 and from there to the brush holder 80. The brush holder 80 pivots relative to the coupling lever 124 on the hinge 125 about the pivot axis 126 and further relative to the support arm 56th at the hinge 78 about the pivot axis 79th

The plate brush 26 contacts the bottom surface 11 as a result of gravity before the coupling stop members 132 and 134 cooperate with each other. If the brush holder 80 is pivoted, the plate brush 26 is pivoted relative to the chassis 36, specifically about a pivot axis 144 which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush holder Swivel axis 79 runs and is also aligned horizontally like this. The pivot axis 144 differs from the pivot axis 79, because the plate brush 26 is supported on the bottom surface 11 during pivoting with the brushes 90. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the support is schematically symbolized by the fact that the bottom surface 11 intersects the brushes 90, which actually deform under the influence of gravity. The pivot axis 144 extends at a small distance to a center of the brush plate 88, so that the plate brush 26 is pivoted almost stationary with respect to the chassis 36.

The brush holder 80 is shaped such that, when the sweeping vehicle 10 is traveling straight ahead, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the axis of rotation 86 is inclined in a direction pointing away from the vehicle center plane 19 and pointing in the direction of travel of the sweeping vehicle 10, i. the brush plate 88 is inclined obliquely forward to the right of the sweeping vehicle 10 away. As a result, the brushes 90 rest on the bottom surface 11 along an approximately kidney-shaped or semi-annular contact region, referred to below as "sweeping mirror" 146.

The sweeping mirror 146 is arranged on the basis of the position of the rotation axis 86 at a right front corner region of the sweeping vehicle 10 (FIG. 2). As a result, when driving straight ahead dirt to the right of the base of the sweeping vehicle 10, such as when it is moved along a lateral boundary of the ground surface, are swept in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19. This dirt can then be swept up by means of the sweeping roller 24.

The adjusting device 94 comprises a steering impact detection member 148 which is arranged on the steering 22 and which is in operative connection with the actuator 96 via a signal line 150. Depending on the impact of the steering 22, the control element 96 can be provided with a control signal, so that under the action of the drive motor 98, the shaft 102 is extended out of the socket 103 or retracted into it. The steering angle detection member 148 is for example a rotary encoder, z. As a potentiometer or a Hall sensor. A stepwise coupling of the steering angle detection member to the steering 22 can be done for example by one or more switches, such as microswitch. In this way, the steering angle detecting member 148 is electrically coupled to the actuator 96. A mechanical coupling, a hydraulic or a pneumatic coupling of the actuator 96 and the steering angle detection member 148 is conceivable.

If the sweeping vehicle 10 makes a left turn, the actuator 96 is actuated such that the shank 102 extends out of the socket 103, thereby extending the actuator 96. The adjusting lever 108 thereby deviates with the coupling stop element 134 in the direction of the holding part 54, as has already been explained above with reference to the example of raising the plate brush 26. Under the action of the spring 138, the brush holder 80 is pivoted relative to the holding arm 56. The pivot angle of the brush holder 80 is limited by the still cooperating coupling stop members 132 and 134 (Figure 6).

By pivoting the brush holder 80 about the pivot axis 90 and the plate brush 26 is pivoted about the pivot axis 144. In addition, the support arm 56 is pivoted upwardly relative to the holding part 54 while deforming the articulated parallelogram 62, because the plate brush 28 is supported on the bottom surface 11 (not taken into account in FIG. 6).

When pivoting the plate brush 26 and the brush plate 88 is pivoted about the pivot axis 144 so that its inclination with respect to the bottom surface 11 changes. In particular, the brush plate 88 is tilted in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19, as well as the obliquely and in particular skewed to the pivot axis 144 aligned axis of rotation 86. This has the consequence that the sweeping mirror 146 moves in left turn of the steering wheel 21 in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19 (Figure 3 ). Because the axis of rotation 86 is oriented obliquely with respect to the pivot axis 144, the sweeping wheel rolls. Mirror 146 on the bottom surface 11 in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19 from. The displacement of the sweeping mirror 146 is carried out at left turn of the steering wheel 21 continuously under the action of the spring 138 and the cooperating coupling stop members 132 and 134th

The displacement of the sweeping mirror 146 in the direction of the vehicle center plane 19 with left turn of the steering wheel 21 serves to be able to sweep dirt between the disc brush 26 and the sweeping roller 24 in one direction from the bottom surface 11, so that it can still be absorbed by the sweeping roller 24. Otherwise, due to the distance of the disc brush 26 and the brush roller 24 from each other, a crescent-shaped area of dirt on the bottom surface 11, referred to as the left-hand sweeping vehicle 10, remains without displacement of the sweeping mirror 146

"Dirt sickle" (not shown). Thus can be reduced by the displacement of the sweeping mirror 146 at left turn the size of the dirt sickle.

Since the sweeping vehicle 10, the disc brush 26 and the brush roller 24 have a relatively large distance from each other, it is no longer possible alone with the disc brush 26 above a certain impact of the steering wheel 21 to completely eliminate the dirt sickle. For this reason, the sweeping vehicle 10 comprises the already mentioned auxiliary actuator brush 30. When the steering wheel 21 is turned left, the auxiliary actuator brush 30 is lowered onto the base surface 11 by means of the combined holding and lifting device 44. Its axis of rotation 152 is inclined with respect to the vehicle center plane 19, so that its sweeping mirror 154 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 3 as well as the sweeping mirror 146) with respect to the vehicle center plane 19 has a concave shape regardless of the impact of the steering wheel 21. The sweeping mirror 154 essentially adjoins the sweeping mirror of the sweeping roller 24 so that the dirt sickle can be completely eliminated by means of the auxiliary actuator brush 30. Above a certain impact of the steering wheel 21, the sweeping mirrors 146 and 154 of the disc brushes 26 and 30 may even slightly overlap for this purpose. When driving straight ahead of the sweeping vehicle 10, the auxiliary actuator brush 30, as mentioned, lifted from the bottom surface 11, so that it is not unnecessarily worn.

If the sweeping vehicle 10 is to travel straight again and for this purpose the steering wheel 21 is rotated, the actuator 96 is again actuated via the control line 112 to the effect that the shaft 102 is retracted into the socket 103. As previously explained, the coupling stop members 132 and 134 cooperate to pivot the brush support 80 relative to the support arm 56 such that the support portion 82 pivots away from the hinge member 70. This has the pivoting of the plate brush 26 about the pivot axis 144 and the displacement of the sweeping mirror 146 in the position shown in Figure 2 result.

As the above explanations show, the formation of the holding device 46, the adjusting device 94 and the coupling device 122, the plate brush 26 by means of only one actuator 96 on the bottom surface 11 to lower and raise from this. In addition, a pivoting of the plate brush 26 is possible such that the brush plate 88 with respect to the chassis 36 depending on the impact of the steering 22 can tilt. This allows a demand-driven displacement of the sweeping mirror 146 to improve the cleaning result by reducing the dirt sickle, in addition to the removal of the auxiliary actuator brush 30 is used.

The formation of the Gelenkparallelogramms 62 by the holding part 54 and the support arm 56 allows a "floating" storage of the plate brush 26 regardless of the impact of the steering 22. This allows unevenness of the bottom surface 11 compensate.

Around the vertical pivot axis 60, the holding device 46 can be pivoted relative to the frame in order to avoid damage to the plate brush 26 when it comes into contact with an obstacle. A return element 156 in FIG Shape of a coil spring leads the holding device 46 back to the starting position (Figures 2 and 3).

On the left plate brush 28 above explanations are to be applied in a similar manner. To hold the left plate brush 28, the previously mentioned holding device 48 is provided. Furthermore, a coupling device 122 which is designed to be symmetrical with respect to the coupling device 122 is provided on the plate brush 28, and an adjusting device which is symmetrical to the adjusting device 94 and which also includes the steering angle detection element 148 for detecting the impact of the steering 22.

Claims

PAT E N TA N S P R O C H E

A sweeping vehicle comprising a disc brush (26) for sweeping

Dirt from a floor surface (11) to be cleaned, which brush disc (26) has a brush plate (88) with brushes (90) held thereon and is rotatably drivable about an axis of rotation (86), and comprising holding means (46) for holding the disc brush (26), wherein the holding device (46) has a holding part (54) and a pivotably connected thereto holding arm (56), wherein the holding device (46) via the holding part (54) on the sweeper (10) is held and the plate brush ( 26) on the holding arm (56), and comprising an adjusting device (94) which comprises a on the support arm (56) engaging variable length actuator (96), wherein the holding arm (56) relative to the holding part (54) in response to a change in length of the actuator (96) is pivotable for lowering and raising the plate brush (26), dadu rch ge ke n nze i ch n et that the holding device (46) has a brush holder (80), the support arm (56) supported pivotally rt is and on which the disc brush (26) is held, and that the sweeping vehicle (10) comprises a coupling device (122) for coupling the brush holder (80) with the adjusting device (94), wherein the brush holder (80) in response to a Length change of the actuator (96) relative to the support arm (56) is pivotable for pivoting the disc brush (26) about an obliquely to the axis of rotation (86) aligned pivot axis (144).

Sweeping vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling device (122) between the brush holder (80) and the holding arm (56) acting elastic element (136), against the action of the brush holder (80) relative to the support arm (56) pivotally is.

3. sweeper vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling device (122) comprises a first, with the brush holder (80) operatively connected coupling stop member (132), with a second, with the actuator (96) in operative connection Coupling stop member (134) for pivoting the brush holder (80) relative to the support arm (56) in response to a change in length of the actuator (96) cooperates.

4. sweeper vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the coupling device (122) comprises a first coupling lever (124) which is pivotally connected to the brush carrier (80), and a second coupling lever (128) pivotally connected to the first coupling lever ( 124) and pivotally connected to the holding device (46) and that the first coupling lever (124) or the second coupling lever (128) comprises the first coupling stop member (132).

5. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (94) comprises a with the actuator (96) pivotally connected adjusting lever (108) which is pivotally connected to the holding device (46).

6. sweeping vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the adjusting lever (108) comprises the second coupling stop member (134).

7. sweeper vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the adjusting device (94) comprises a first, on the adjusting lever (108) arranged Verstellanschlagelement (118) with a second, on the holding part (54) arranged Verstellanschlagelement (120) for pivoting the support arm (56) cooperates relative to the holding part (54) in response to a change in length of the actuator (96).

8. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device (46) forms a Gelenkparallelogramm (62) formed by the holding part (54) first hinge member (64) and three of the support arm (56) formed hinge members (66, 68 , 70).

9. sweeping vehicle according to claim 8, characterized in that the brush holder (80) on a two hinge members (68, 70) interconnecting joint (78) is pivotally connected to the support arm (56).

10. sweeper vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the articulated parallelogram (62) defines a vertical plane.

11. sweeper vehicle according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the adjusting member (96) between the hinge members (64, 66, 68, 70) of the Gelenkparallelogramms (62) is arranged.

12. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis of rotation (86) is independent of the length of the actuator (96) obliquely aligned with respect to the bottom surface (11).

13. A sweeping vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (94) with the actuator (96) operatively connected to steering input member (148) for detecting the impact of a steering (22) of the sweeping vehicle (10) and that Length of the actuator (96) in dependence on the impact of the steering (22) is adjustable.

14. Sweeper according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brush plate (88) when cornering of the sweeping vehicle (10) in the direction of a vehicle center (19) of the sweeping vehicle (10) is tilted.

15. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping vehicle (10) arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction behind the plate brush (26) Hllfstellerbürste (30) and behind the Hllfstellerbürste (30) arranged dirt receiving device (25), wherein the Hllfstellebürste (30) can be raised by the floor surface (11) when the sweeping vehicle (10) is traveling straight ahead and can be lowered onto the floor surface (11) when the sweeping vehicle (10) is cornering.

16. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeping vehicle (10) comprises two symmetrically designed to each other plate brushes (26, 28) which are arranged on opposite sides of the sweeping vehicle (10).

17. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drive motor (92) for the disc brush (26) on the brush holder (80) is held.

18. sweeper vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding part (54) about a vertical axis (60) pivotally mounted on a frame (38) of the sweeping vehicle (10) is mounted.