U.S. patent application number 09/927847 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for sweeping apparatus with sweeping roller.
Invention is credited to Kress, Werner.
Application Number | 20030028982 09/927847 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25455353 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030028982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kress, Werner |
February 13, 2003 |
Sweeping apparatus with sweeping roller
Abstract
In a sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller arranged
substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface and a storage bin
for swept material fixable to the sweeping apparatus and which has
a sweeping edge facing the sweeping roller, the sweeping edge is
movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a way that the
vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping
surface is independent of the vertical position of the sweeping
roller with respect to the sweeping surface. The storage bin or
collecting container is preferably pivotably mounted, so that the
bin or container is moved together with the sweeping roller and the
sweeping edge is always guided close to the ground and
bristles.
Inventors: |
Kress, Werner; (Ulm,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
J. Rodman Steele, Jr.
Akerman, Senterfitt & Eidson, P.A.
Post Office Box 3188
West Palm Beach
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Family ID: |
25455353 |
Appl. No.: |
09/927847 |
Filed: |
August 10, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/52.1 ;
15/41.1; 15/79.2; 15/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 11/4013 20130101;
A46B 13/001 20130101; A46B 9/02 20130101; A47L 11/4041 20130101;
A47L 11/4061 20130101; A47L 11/4091 20130101; A46B 2200/302
20130101; A47L 11/22 20130101; A47L 11/4025 20130101; A47L 11/33
20130101; E01H 1/045 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/52.1 ;
15/41.1; 15/83; 15/79.2 |
International
Class: |
A46B 013/02; E01H
001/04 |
Claims
1. Sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller (14) arranged
substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface (29) and a storage
bin (15) for the swept material, which can be fixed to the sweeping
apparatus (11) and which has a sweeping edge (30) facing the
sweeping roller (14), wherein the sweeping edge (30) is movable
relative to the sweeping roller (14) in such a way that the
vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to the sweeping
surface (29) is independent of the vertical position of the
sweeping roller (14) with respect to the sweeping surface (29).
2. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping
edge (30) is constructed in such a way that when a pressure force
is exerted on the sweeping roller, it gives way in the upwards
direction away from the sweeping surface (29).
3. Swepping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swepping
edge is constructed in such a way that on encountering an obstacle
on the sweeping surface (29) it gives way in the upwards direction
away from the sweeping surface (29).
4. Swepping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the swepping
edge is constructed in such a way that in the case of a deformation
of the sweeping roller (14) it gives way in the upwards direction
away from the sweeping surface (29).
5. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping
edge (30) is pivotable about the sweeping roller (14).
6. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sweeping
edge (30) is constructed in such a way that it is movable in a
substantially equispaced manner to the sweeping bristles (18)
formed on the sweeping roller (14).
7. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the swepping
edge (30) is tangentially movable.
8. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping
edge (30) is fitted substantially firmly to the storage bin
(15).
9. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the swepping
edge (30) is flexible.
10. Sweeping apparatus with a sweeping roller (14) arranged
substantially horizontally to a sweeping surface (29) and a storage
bin (15) for the swept material, which can be fixed to the sweeping
apparatus (11) and which has a sweeping edge (30) facing the
sweeping roller (14), wherein, on raising the sweeping apparatus
from the sweeping surface (29), the storage bin (15) with the
sweeping edge (30) performs a pivoting movement, so that its
opening (33) is directed upwards, away from the sweeping surface
(29).
11. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage
bin (15) is pivotably mounted on the sweeping roller (14).
12. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the storage
bin is mounted on a sweeping roller housing (17), by means of an
intermediate lever.
13. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 11, wherein for pivotable
mounting purposes an articulated connection is formed between the
storage bin (15) and the sweeping roller (14), the connection
having two pivot pins (23, 27), which are in particular parallel to
one another and about which the storage bin (15) can be
pivoted.
14. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a first pivot
pin (23) is constructed for connection to the storage bin (15) in
the vicinity of the sweeping edge (30) and a second pivot pin (27)
is constructed on the sweeping roller (14).
15. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second
pivot pin 24 is constructed on the swepping roller housing
(17).
16. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second
pivot pin (27) is displaced by at least 120.degree. with respect to
a central axis (21) of the sweeping roller (14) against the
position of the sweeping edge (30).
17. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage
bin (15) is detachable from the sweeping apparatus (11) and can be
separately handled.
18. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein for the
construction of the articulated connection is provided a bow (25),
such as a metal bow, which is connected to the storage bin (15) and
can be hung in rotary manner in the housing (17) of the sweeping
roller (14).
19. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping
roller (14) forms an elastic back-up roller as a front support for
the sweeping apparatus.
20. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sweeping
apparatus (11) with the connected storage bin (15) can be stored in
a hanging position and in particular the storage bin (15) hangs
below the sweeping roller (14).
21. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the storage
bin (15) is detachable from the sweeping apparatus (11) and can be
separately handled.
22. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein for the
construction of the articulated connection is provided a bow (25),
such as a metal bow, which is connected to the storage bin (15) and
can be hung in rotary manner in the housing (17) of the sweeping
roller (14).
23. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sweeping
roller (14) forms an elastic back-up roller as a front support for
the sweeping apparatus.
24. Sweeping apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the sweeping
apparatus (11) with the connected storage bin (15) can be stored in
a hanging position and in particular the storage bin (15) hangs
below the sweeping roller (14).
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a sweeping apparatus with a
sweeping roller arranged substantially horizontally to a sweeping
surface and a collecting container or storage bin for swept
material, particularly dirt or the like, which is fixed to the
sweeping apparatus and has a sweeping edge facing the sweeping
roller.
[0002] 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 sweeping
apparatus has to overcome an obstacle, e.g. a road kerb. The
storage bin may then no longer be aligned 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 of the storage bin again, e.g. if said
bin tilts at the obstacle and its opening is directed towards the
ground.
[0003] 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
[0004] 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.
[0005] This problem is solved by a sweeping apparatus according to
the present invention.
[0006] Such sweeping apparatus is characterized in that the
sweeping edge is movable relative to the sweeping roller in such a
way that the vertical position of the sweeping edge with respect to
the sweeping surface is independent of the vertical position of the
sweeping roller relative to the sweeping surface.
[0007] 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 conceivable for essential 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 drive, 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 is preferably oriented substantially horizontally to a
sweeping surface. The collecting or storage container for the swept
material has a sweeping lip or edge close to the sweeping surface
in the direction of the sweeping roller and by means of which the
rotating sweeping roller delivers dust and dirt to the storage
bin.
[0008] The sweeping lip position which is independent of the
sweeping roller height above the ground ensures 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.
[0009] 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 the 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
material.
[0010] The sweeping apparatus according to the invention is also
characterized in that the collecting 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 pivotably mounted on the
sweeping roller, particularly on a housing of said roller,
preferably by means of 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 container with the sweeping edge side pivots upwards and
effortlessly overcomes the obstacle. There are preferably two, more
particularly mutually parallel 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.o slashed. 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
tangential 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
arrangement for a separate handling of the storage bin detached
from the sweeping apparatus.
[0011] On its end remote from the sweeping roller, the storage bin
is supported against the ground by sliding surfaces, runners or
preferably by ground or floor wheels. On the 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
defined spacing of 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 storage 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 end of
the storage bin, preferably by means of said sweeping lip. This
also ensures that fine dust and dirt, which would otherwise pass
through the gap between the sweeping edge and sweeping surface is
delivered into the storage bin.
[0012] The storage bin or collecting container can be detached from
the sweeping apparatus and separately handled. For this purpose it
is possible to provide a bow, particularly a metal bow, which can
be hung in rotary 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 for the storage bin.
[0013] 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 that, if the
sweeping apparatus is e.g. hung on a wall, the storage bin does not
project vertically therefrom and is instead parallel thereto.
[0014] The above and further features can be gathered from the
claims, description and drawings and the 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 application into individual sections and the
subheadings no way limit the general validity of the statements
made thereunder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT
[0015] An embodiment of the invention is described hereinafter
relative to the drawings, wherein show:
[0016] FIG. 1 A side view of the sweeping apparatus according to
the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 A side view of the sweeping apparatus, the dotted
lines showing a storage bin position displaced by approximately
90.o slashed. to the starting position.
[0018] FIG. 3 A front view of the sweeping apparatus, particularly
of the sweeping roller.
[0019] FIG. 4 A three-dimensional view of the sweeping
apparatus.
[0020] FIG. 5 Another side view of the sweeping apparatus.
[0021] 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.
[0022] The sweeping apparatus 11 according to the invention is
manually guided and the column 12 fulfils this function. The column
12 is a metal tube, 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 centre and is
motor-driven there. The sweeping roller 14 is provided with a
plurality of sweeping bristles 18. As the bristle material are e.g.
suitable synthetic fibre bristles, particularly of polyamide. The
central drive of the sweeping roller and the sweeping bristles 18
projecting axially and in inclined manner over the bilateral ends
19, 20 of said roller 14 (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 sweeping roller 14. The
bristle configuration of the sweeping roller 14 is only interrupted
in the roller centre by the bearing or drive unit 22 of the said
roller 14.
[0023] On the shield-like sweeping roller housing 17 is provided a
first pivot pin 23, constructed as a pivot bearing, in the form of
two upwardly open bearing yokes 24. The bearing yokes 24 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 25 and which on the sides of 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 pivot pin 27 on a storage bin 15 of the sweeping apparatus
11.
[0024] The storage bin or collecting container 15 is preferably
made from an inexpensive, lightweight plastics material. It is
supported in a rear area remote from the sweeping roller 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 parallel to the 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 possible 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
is hung on a projection 23 on the underside 31 of the storage bin
15 in the vicinity 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 second pivot 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 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.
[0025] 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 is provided, a particularly flat or shallow design is
obtained, which in particular for hanging storage is of a more
especially space-saving nature.
FUNCTION
[0026] 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. The 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 1 1 encounters an
obstacle, then the sweeping lip and storage bin 15 give way in the
upwards direction. The handle 25 is pivoted 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, the storage bin 15 and sweeping lip are set in
upwardly inclined manner and consequently overcome the obstacle
without any downward opening.
[0027] 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
the ground and bristles. Through the pressure of the user on the
column, the pressing action of the sweeping bristles 18 on the
sweeping surface 29 can be increased, e.g. in order to 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 remains
unchanged.
[0028] As shown in dotted line form in FIG. 2, on raising the
sweeping 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 is
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.
[0029] 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 roller or 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 pivoted downwards with its opening
directed upwards. The storage apparatus with the connected storage
bin can be stored in the hanging position and the storage bin hangs
below the sweeping roller.
* * * * *