Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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DESCRIPTION
SWEEPING APPARATUS WITH SWEEPING ROLLER
[001] The invention relates too a sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller
arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface and a collecting
container or storage bin for swept material, particular:Ly dirt or the like,
which is fixed to the sweeping apparatus arid has a sweeping edge facing the
sweeping roller.
[002] Such sweeping apparatuses are used in many different sectors, e.g. for
road cleaning, for cleaning floors in factories and the like. However, it is
problematical if the sweepin~:3 apparatus has to overcome an obstacle, e.g. a
road kerb. The storage bin may then no longer be align.=_d with the sweeping
roller and it can arise that the swept material is no longer delivered by the
sweeping roller to the storage bin. It is also possible for the swept
material to drop out o.f the :>torage bin again, e.g. if said bin tilts at the
obstacle and its opening is ~:~irected towards the ground.
[003] De 196 17 986 A1 discloses a sweeping machine, where a sweeping roller
arranged horizontally to the ground is preceded by two circular brooms
rotating in opposite direction. The sweeping roller takes up the swept
material swept up by the circular brooms and delivers it to the collecting
container of the sweeping machine.
PROBLEM AND SOLUTION
[004] The problem of the invention is to provide a sweeping apparatus, which
is easy to handle and which has improved sweeping characteristics compared
with conventional sweeping apparatuses.
[005] This problem is solved by a sweeping apparatus having the features of
claim 1. Further developments of the invention are described in the
subclaims.
[OD6] A sweeping apparatus according to the invention is characterized in
that the sweeping edge is movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a
way that the vertical positioz-. of the sweeping edge with respect to the
sweeping surface is independent= of the vertical position of the sweeping
roller relative to the sweepir~q surface.
[007] In the sense of the present patent application, a sweeping apparatus
is understood to mean all means suitable for sweeping essentially flat
sweeping surfaces, e.g. roads, paths, floors, roof surfaces, etc. The
sweeping apparatus is preferably manually guided. However, it is also
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conceivable for essent:ia.L parts of the sweeping apparatus to form part of a
travelling sweeping machine. The sweeping apparatus has a sweeping roller by
means of which the swept material, particularly dirt, waste, dust and the
like can be delivered into a collecting container or storage bin. The
sweeping roller is equipped with a plurality of sweeping bristles. It is
preferably motor-driven, but can also have its own driva, e.g. using drive
wheels, which optionally by means of a step-up gear initiate a rotary
movement on the sweeping roller. The sweeping roller i,s preferably oriented
substantially horizontally t~:a a sweeping surface. The collecting or storage
container for the swept material has a :>weeping lip or edge close to the
sweeping surface in the dire~~tion of the sweeping roller and by means of
which the rotating sweeping rc7l.ler delivers dust and dirt to the storage
bin.
[008] The sweeping lip position which is independent of the sweeping roller
height above the ground ~~nsu~-es that the distance between the sweeping lip
and the ground optimized for a normal operating position of the sweeping
roller, is still maintained if the latter in the case of increased ground
pressure force by the user and accompanied by the deformation of the sweeping
roller bristles, moves closer to the ground or if the distance between the
sweeping roller and the ground becomes smaller as a result of bristle wear.
[009] Preferably on encountering an obstacle on the sweeping surface, the
sweeping edge is raised as a result of resistance on the obstacle. The
sweeping edge can also move upwards if, as a result of a pressure force on
the sweeping roller, the latter is deformed, e.g. if the handle or column is
drawn rearwards counter to the sweeping direction or the sweeping roller is
pressed more strongly onto the sweeping surface. Therefore the sweeping edge
or lip evades the obstacle, so that a tilting of the sweeping edge at said
obstacle is prevented. This :is preferably brought about in that the sweeping
edge is pivotable or swivellable about the sweeping roller. In particular,
the sweeping edge is constructed in such a way that it is movable with
substantial equispacing, particularly tangential to the sweeping bristles of
the sweeping roller. This ensures that the sweeping edge and the sweeping
bristles always have approximately the same mutual spacing and e.g. a bearing
surface is obtained in which tr:e sweeping bristles pass over the sweeping
edge. The sweeping edge is preferably fitted substantially firmly to the
storage bin. However, it is preferably flexible, e.g. the sweeping edge is a
sweeping lip of rubber-like :nat.erial.
[010] The sweeping apparatus according to the invention is also
characterized in that the co:Llecting container performs a pivoting movement
with the sweeping edge on raising the sweeping apparatus from the sweeping
surface, so that its opening :is directed upwards away from the sweeping
surface. This ensures that the swept in dirt or the like does not drop out
again. This is in particular achieved in that the collecting container is
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pivotably mounted on the sweeping roller, particularly on a housing of said
roller, preferably by means ~:~f a type of intermediate lever. For pivotable
mounting purposes there is preferably an articulated connection between the
collecting container and the sweeping roller. The connection can in
particular be provided by a lever arrangement, which preferably runs
bilaterally along the side of the sweeping apparatus and the collecting
container. This has the particular further advantageous effect that when the
sweeping edge strikes against an edge or some other obstacle in the sweeping
path, the collecting contains=_r with the sweeping edge side pivots upwards
and
effortlessly overcomes the o~stacle. There are preferably two, more
particularly mutually parall_e:~ pivot pins about which the collecting
container can be pivoted. A :First pivot pin is preferably located on the
collecting container in the vicinity of the sweeping lip or edge. A second
pivot pin of the connection is preferably displaced on sides of the sweeping
apparatus preferably by at least 120° relative to the sweeping roller
axis
against the position of the sweeping lip and is in particular arranged
diametrically to the sweeping lip with respect to the sweeping roller axes on
the sweeping apparatus. The diametral arrangement of the two pivot pins
permits an approximately tanger.t~al movement of the sweeping lip with respect
to the sweeping bristles. There is also a tangential movement for an
arrangement in which the sweeping apparatus-side pivot pin coincides with the
sweeping roller axis. A pivot pin separate from the sweeping roller axis on
the sides of the sweeping apparatus permits a particularly advantageous and
easily handleable handle arr<~ngement for a separate handling of the storage
bin detached from the sweeping apparatus.
[011] On its end remote from the sweeping roller, the storage bin is
supported against the ground t.y sliding surfaces, runners or preferably by
ground or floor wheels. On she sweeping roller-side end the sweeping
apparatus is preferably supported by the sweeping roller. Therefore the
sweeping roller can form a type of elastic back-up roller as a front support
for the sweeping apparatus. In an area close to the sweeping edge it is
possible to set a clearly de.f.ined spacing cf the sweeping edge with respect
to the ground and towards the latter by means of further support means on the
bin or container. For example, the sweeping lip can be mounted in vertically
adjustable manner on the stcra.ge bin. The optimum spacing from the sweeping
lip to the ground can also be zero and then there is a supporting of the
sweeping roller-side, open en~:l of the storage bin, preferably by means of
said sweeping lip. This als~a ensures that fine dust and dirt, which would
otherwise pass through the gap between the sweeping edge and sweeping surface
is delivered into the storagN bin.
[012] The storage bin or c<:llecting container car: be detached from the
sweeping apparatus and separately handled. Fcr this purpose it is possible
to provide a bow, particularly a metal bow, which can be hung in rotary
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manner in the housing, particularly in an upwardly open receptacle of the
housing and can be raised upwards therefrom, said bow simultaneously serving
as a holding grip or handle 'or the storage bin.
[013] The sweeping apparatus can preferably be stored with the connected
storage bin in a hanging or suspended position. As a result of the
articulated connection between the storage bin and the sweeping roller, on
raising the sweeping apparatus, the storage bin is pivoted downwards below
the sweeping roller so t:zat, :if the sweeping apparatus is e.g. hung on a
wall, the storage bin does not. pro=ject vertically therefrom and is instead
parallel thereto.
[014] The above and further features can be gathered from the claims,
description and drawings and t:he individual features, both singly and in the
form of subcombinations, can be implemented in an embodiment of the invention
and in other fields and can represent advantageous, independently protectable
constructions. The subdivision of the appl,_cation into individual sections
and the subheadings no way l:Lmit the general validity of the statements made
thereunder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[015] An embodiment of the invention is described hereinafter relative to the
drawings, wherein show:
Fig. 1 A side view of the sweeping apparatus according to the invention.
Fig. 2 A side view of the sweeping apparatus, the dotted lines showing
a storage bin position displaced by approximately 90° to the
starting position.
Fig. 3 A front view of the sweeping apparatus, particularly of the
sweeping roller.
Fig. 4 A three-dimensional view of the sweeping apparatus.
Fig. 5 Another side view of the sweeping apparatus.
[016] As shown in figs. 1, 4 and 5, the sweeping apparatus 11 essentially
comprises a handle or column 12., a motor casing 13 with a not shown motor
housed therein for driving a sweeping roller 14, the sweeping roller 14 and a
collecting container or storage bin 15.
[017] The sweeping apparatus '11 according to the invention is manually guided
and the column 12 fulfils this function. 'fhe column 12 is a metal tube,
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which is rigidly connected to the motor casing 13. The motor casing 13
comprises two plastic half-shells (fig. 3), which embrace the motor. 'The two
plastic half-shells are :interconnected by means of screws 16. The motor
casing 13 is also rigidly connected to a sweeping roller housing 17, which
surrounds the sweeping roller 14 in an essentially semi-arcuate manner. The
sweeping roller 14 is mounted in the roller ~~entre and :LS motor-driven
there.
The sweeping roller 14 is provided with a plurality of sweeping bristles 18.
As the bristle materia_L are e.g. suitable synthetic fibre bristles,
particularly of polyam:Lde. ~'he central drive of the sweeping roller a:nd the
sweeping bristles 18 projecting axially and in inclined manner over the
bilateral ends 19, 20 of sai~a ro1_ler "4 (fig. 3), permit a close moving up
of
the sweeping apparatus, even if difficultly accessible or cleanable edges or
corners. The sweeping bristles 18 are arranged in wavy rows along the
central axis 21 of the sweepvng roller '14. 'rhe bristle configuration of the
sweeping roller 14 is only interrupted in the roller centre by the bearing or
drive unit 22 of the said ro.i.ler 14.
[018] On the shield-like sweeping roller housing 17 is provided a first
pivot pin 23, constructed as e3 pivot bearing, in the form of two upwardly
open bearing yokes 24. The bearing yokes 2~4 are connected in one piece with
the sweeping roller housing. Optionally in this area there can be a
reinforcement for absorbing the forces which occur. Preferably the sweeping
roller housing 17 is an injection moulding on which the bearing yokes 24 are
formed. In said bearing yokes 24 is hung a horizontal tubular portion 26 of
a preferably metallic handle 2'_. and which on the sides ~af the sweeping
apparatus 11 embraces in arcuate manner the sweeping bristles 18 of the
sweeping roller 14 and consequently does not laterally restrict the sweeping
zone. The handle 25 leads to a second pivct pin 27 on a storage bin 15 of
the sweeping apparatus 11.
[019] The storage bin or co:Llecting container 15 is preferably made from an
inexpensive, lightweight plastics material. It is supported in a rear area
remote from the sweeping rol:Ler 14 by means of ground or floor wheels 28 with
respect to a sweeping surface 29. Towards the sweeping bristles 18 of the
sweeping roller, the storage bin 15 has a sweeping edge 30, constructed as a
sweeping lip, passing through para:Llel to t'ae central axis 21 of the
sweeping
roller 14. The sweeping lip :is either .Located on or just above the sweeping
surface 29. It is also poss:Lbl_e to provide a not shown device with which it
is possible to adjust the distance between the sweeping lip and the sweeping
surface 29. The handle 25 i.s hung on a projection 23 on the underside 31 of
the storage bin 15 in the vio.ir;ity of the sweeping lip. The portion of the
projection 31 facing the sweeping :Lip has a fork-like construction and forms
the pivot bearing for the sec~:~rid pivo;: pin 27. The two horizontal pivot.
pins
23, 27 are parallel to one another and are positioned facing one another
diametrically to the Central. axis 21 of the sweeping roller 14. The opening
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33 of the storage bin 15 directed towards the sweeping bristles is
constructed in complimentary manner to the arcuate sweeping roller housing 17
and in a position in which the projection-free underside 31 of the storage
bin 15 is parallel to the sweeping surface 29, engages on the sweeping roller
housing 17.
[020] For supporting the motor casing 13 can be provided a not shown column
support and as a result of the weight of the sweeping apparatus 11 and the
column 12, said apparatus 11 stands up in this position on the sweeping
bristles 18 of the sweeping roller 14 on the one hand and on the ground
wheels 28 on the other and thE: column 12 is oriented in upwardly sloping
manner. If no handle support i-s provided, a particularly flat or shallow
design is obtained, which in I:articular for hanging storage is of a more
especially space-saving nature.
FUNCTION
[021] Firstly the sweeping roller 14 is rotated. According to the
embodiment shown the rotary movement is produced by a motor housed in the
motor casing 13 and is introduced by means of a gear on the centre of the
sweeping roller 14. T'he rotation direction of the sweeping roller 14 is
counterclockwise, so that the sweeping bristles 18 are moved towards the
sweeping lip and dirt is delivered by means of said lip into the interior of
the hollow storage bin 15. If the sweeping apparatus 11 encounters an
obstacle, then the sweeping :L.ip and storage bin 15 give way in the upwards
direction. The handle 25 is ~_~ivoted somewhat counterclockwise about the
first pivot bearing 23 constructed on the sweeping roller housing 17. The
storage bin 15 pivotably mounted on the second pivot bearing 27 is again
pivoted in such a way that its opening 33 points upwards away from the
sweeping surface 29. Thus, tl-.e storage bin 15 and sweeping lip are set in
upwardly inclined manner and consequently overcome the obstacle without any
downward opening.
[022] The column 12 can be brought into a further upright position and the
articulated connection between the motor casing 13 and the storage bin 15
ensures that the latter is moved together with the sweeping roller 14 and the
sweeping lip is still guided close to t:he ground and bristles. Through the
pressure of the user on the cc:,lumn, the pressing action of the sweeping
bristles 18 on the sweeping surface 29 can be increased, e.g. in order t:o
sweep out gaps or joints, the distance between the centre axis 21 of the
sweeping roller 14 with respect. to the sweeping surface 29 being reduced.
The position of the storage bin 15, particularly the sweeping lip relative to
the sweeping surface 29 remai.riv unchanged.
[023] As shown in dotted line form. in fig. 2, on raising the sweeping
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apparatus 11, the handle 25 is pivoted downwards on raising the sweeping
apparatus 11 in the clockwise direction together with the storage bin.
Simultaneously the storage bin 15 v~s pivoted about the second pivot pin 27
with its opening 33 directed upwards, so that no dirt can drop out. By
means of the handle 25 the downwardly hanging storage bin 15 can easily be
raised from the pivot bearing 23 and can be separately handled for disposing
of the dirt or waste. The sweeping apparatus 11 can be stored in a
particularly space-saving manner in the hanging position with downwardly
hanging storage bin 15, particularly in the case of a flat or shallow
embodiment of the storage bin 15 without a column support.
[024] Thus, the sweeping apparatus can be provided with a motor-driven,
horizontal sweeping roller and with a collecting container or storage bin
connected to the sweeping apparatus, which has a sweeping edge facing the
sweeping roller and which, independently of the height position of the
sweeping roller, is supported on the surface to be swept and in this way is
connected to the sweeping ro:L_Le:r ar a housing carrying the latter. The
position of the sweeping edge relative to the ground can be independent of a
height change of the sweeping roller with respect to the ground in the
operating position. The storage bin can be connected by a lever connection
to the sweeping roller or the housing, which is pivotable about a first pivot
pin on the sweeping roller or housing and about a second pivot pin on the
storage bin. The connection of the storage bin to the sweeping apparatus can
be such that the sweeping edge, on encountering an obstacle on the surface to
be swept, is raised upwards by resistance on said obstacle. The storage bin
can be detached from the sweeping apparatus and separately handled. The
lever arrangement can be formed by a bow hung in the housing. The storage
bin can be separated from the=_ sweeping apparatus by attaching the bow from
the housing. On raising the sweeping apparatus from the surface to be swept,
the storage bin can be pivota_cl downwards with its opening directed upwards.
The storage apparatus with the cannected storage bin can be stored in the
hanging position and the stara.ge bin hangs below the sweeping roller.
