EP2826743A2 - Cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a staircase (12), in particular an escalator (14), with at least one working space wall (18) delimiting at least one working space (16), with at least one cleaning unit (20) which is at least partially inside the at least one working space (16) is arranged, with at least one outer shell (22) and with at least one tank unit (24). It is proposed that the at least one outer shell (22) is at least partially formed by the at least one tank unit (24).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a cleaning device according to the preamble of claim 1.

In the DE 195 39 186 A1 An apparatus for cleaning escalator steps with a tank for receiving dirty water has already been proposed.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with advantageous properties in terms of usability and handling. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and modifications of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention relates to a device for cleaning a staircase, in particular an escalator, with at least one working space bounding a working space, with at least one cleaning unit, which is at least partially disposed within the at least one working space, with at least one outer shell and at least one tank unit.

It is proposed that the at least one outer shell is at least partially formed by the at least one tank unit.

In this context, a "cleaning" is intended in particular to mean an operation for the mechanical and / or chemical removal of contaminants, in particular surface impurities, in particular using water and / or in particular liquid cleaning agents. In this context, a "staircase" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an entry or exit formed from a plurality of steps, which allows a particularly sure-footed and / or comfortable negotiation of a height difference. In particular, a staircase comprises at least two successive stages. An "escalator" is to be understood in this context in particular as a staircase in which, in at least one operating state, moving segments form steps. In particular, the steps are mounted on at least one conveyor belt, which is movable up and / or downwards. In this context, a "working space" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a spatial area within which a cleaning process takes place. In particular, the at least one working space is located in a region of the device facing a staircase. In this context, a "work space wall" delimiting a work space is to be understood in particular to mean a wall which, in particular, surrounds the work space at at least four, preferably five sides. In particular, the at least one working space is limited by the at least one working space wall in such a way that the at least one working space is free of bounds to a staircase. In particular, the at least one working space wall is provided to shield an environment, in particular during a cleaning process, in particular against splash water, and / or to prevent an intervention in the at least one working space during at least one operating state. Preferably, the at least one working space wall is at least partially made of a corrosion-resistant material. By "intended" is intended to be understood in particular specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should in particular mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. A "cleaning unit" is to be understood in this context, in particular a unit, which is intended to carry out a cleaning. In particular, the at least one cleaning unit comprises at least one cleaning element. In particular, the at least one cleaning unit comprises a plurality of cleaning elements. Preferably, the cleaning unit comprises a plurality of different types of cleaning elements. A "cleaning element" is to be understood in this context, in particular an element which at least makes a contribution to a cleaning process. In particular, the at least one cleaning unit comprises at least one brush unit, in particular a brush belt, with a plurality of brush elements and / or a discharge unit, in particular a spray unit, with at least one discharge element, in particular at least one spray nozzle, and / or a suction unit with at least one suction element. In this context, an "outer shell" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a shell, in particular a solid, which at least partially surrounds the device. In particular, the at least one outer shell is formed as an outer wall of the device. In particular, the at least one outer shell for the device is at least partially shape and / or size-determining. In particular, the at least one outer shell is at least partially formed integrally with the working space wall. The term "integral" should be understood to mean, in particular, materially bonded, such as, for example, by a welding process and / or adhesive process, etc., and particularly advantageously formed. A "tank unit" should be understood in this context, in particular a unit which comprises at least one tank element. In this context, a "tank element" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is provided in particular for the storage and / or storage and / or transport of, in particular, liquid media. In particular, the at least one tank element is designed as a hollow body, preferably as a hollow plastic body. In particular, the at least one tank element has at least one opening for filling and / or emptying the at least one tank element. The at least one tank unit preferably has at least two tank elements. Preferably, at least one first tank element is provided for the storage of fresh water and / or a cleaning liquid. In particular, at least a second tank element is provided for receiving wastewater arising during a cleaning process. In this context, it should be understood in particular that at least part of the at least one outer shell is identical to at least one part of an outer wall of the at least one tank unit, such that "the at least one outer shell is at least partially formed by the at least one tank unit". In particular, at least one upper part of the at least one outer shell is at least partially formed by the at least one tank unit. In particular, at least 10%, advantageously at least 15% and particularly advantageously at least 20% of the at least one outer shell are formed by the at least one tank unit. Preferably, the Device on at least one control unit. A "control unit" is to be understood in particular as a unit having at least one control unit. A "control unit" is to be understood in particular as meaning a unit having a processor unit and a memory unit as well as an operating program stored in the memory unit. In particular, the at least one control unit is arranged within at least one control housing. In particular, the at least one control housing is arranged above the at least one working space. In particular, the at least one control housing is separated from the at least one working space by the at least one working space wall. Preferably, the at least one control housing is at least partially disposed between the at least two tank elements of the at least one tank unit. In particular, the at least one control housing has an in particular removable housing cover, which is provided to allow access to the at least one control unit. In particular, the at least one housing cover of the at least one control housing is at least partially covered by at least one tank element of the at least one tank unit in an assembled state of the tank unit.

The embodiment according to the invention makes it possible to provide a device with advantageous properties with regard to operability and handling. In particular, it is advantageously possible to dispense with an additional outer cover which conceals the at least one tank unit. In this way, an advantageously simple and quick access to the tank unit can be made possible, whereby a time-saving and efficient operation of the device can be achieved. In particular, an advantageous time saving can be achieved with a necessary emptying and / or filling of the tank unit.

It is also proposed that the at least one tank unit is removable. The fact that the at least one tank unit is "removable" should in this context be understood in particular to mean that the at least one tank unit, in particular the tank elements of the at least one tank unit, is detachably connected to the apparatus. Preferably, the at least one tank unit is removable without tools. In particular, the at least one tank unit is mounted in a mounted state on a part of the at least one working space wall. Preferably, the at least one tank unit is mounted in a mounted state on a part of the at least one working space wall, which the at least one working space upwards limited. As a result, a simple and rapid emptying and / or filling of the at least one tank unit can be achieved, since only the at least one tank unit has to be brought to a filling and / or emptying location.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the device has at least one securing unit which is provided to prevent the at least one tank unit from slipping. In particular, the at least one securing unit prevents the at least one tank unit from slipping relative to the at least one working space wall. In this context, a "securing unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which comprises at least one securing element. In particular, the at least one fuse unit can have a plurality of fuse elements. A "securing element" should in particular be understood to mean an element which is intended to prevent, in particular, unintended movements of the at least one tank unit relative to the at least one working space wall. In particular, the at least one securing unit is at least partially formed by the at least one working space wall. In particular, the at least one working space wall forms at least one securing element, which at least partially engages in at least one recess of the at least one tank unit. Furthermore, securing elements, for example locking pins, are conceivable, by means of which the at least one tank unit can be fixed to the at least one working space wall. This makes it possible to achieve an advantageously reliable and / or simple securing of the at least one tank unit, in particular during a cleaning process and / or during a transport of the apparatus.

Advantageously, the device has at least one hollow conduit, which is provided to connect the at least one tank unit with the at least one cleaning unit. Preferably, the device has a plurality of hollow conduits. In this context, a "hollow conduit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a conduit which is provided for transporting in particular liquid substances. Preferably, the at least one hollow conduit has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the at least one hollow conduit is designed as a hose line and / or as a pipeline. In particular, the at least one hollow conduit has a coupling element at at least one end, which is provided in particular with at least one connection element of the at least one tank unit and / or the at least one cleaning unit to be connected. Preferably, the at least one hollow duct is guided at least partially outside the at least one outer shell and / or the at least one working space wall. Particularly advantageously, the at least one hollow duct is guided over at least 10%, preferably over at least 25%, advantageously over at least 50% and particularly advantageously over at least 75% of its length outside the at least one outer shell and / or the at least one working space wall. However, it is also conceivable that the at least one hollow conduit is guided completely within the at least one outer shell and / or working space wall. In particular, the at least one hollow conduit is provided for the transport of dirty water. As a result, in particular during a cleaning process, an advantageously simple and / or direct transport of liquids, in particular of dirty water, into which at least one tank unit and / or out of the at least one tank unit can be achieved.

It is also proposed that the at least one hollow line is at least partially transparent. The fact that the at least one hollow duct is at least partially "transparent" should in this context be understood in particular to mean that the at least one hollow duct is transparent in at least one partial section for light in at least one wavelength range which is visible to humans. In particular, the at least one hollow conduit is transparent over at least 10%, preferably over at least 25%, advantageously over at least 50% and particularly advantageously over at least 75% of its length. In particular, the at least one hollow conduit is transparent in at least one subsection over at least 10%, preferably over at least 25%, advantageously over at least 50% and particularly advantageously over at least 75% of its circumference. In particular, the at least one transparent partial section of the at least one hollow conduit is intended to allow visibility of a liquid transported in the at least one hollow conduit. The transparent partial section of the at least one hollow conduit is preferably guided outside the at least one outer shell and / or the at least one working space wall. However, it is also conceivable that the at least one transparent portion of the at least one hollow duct is guided within the at least one outer shell and / or the at least one working space wall, the at least one outer shell and / or the at least one working space wall having at least one viewing window behind wherein the at least one transparent section of the at least one hollow conduit extends. In this way, advantageously, a visibility of a liquid transported in the at least one hollow conduit can be achieved. In particular, an advantageously simple and / or rapid assessment of a degree of contamination and / or turbidity of the transported liquid, in particular of the dirty water received by the at least one cleaning unit, can be made possible for an operator of the device, which in particular allows conclusions to be drawn about a cleaning state of the staircase , Furthermore, the operator can be enabled to monitor a proper function of the at least one cleaning unit, in particular a suction unit of the at least one cleaning unit.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one working space wall has at least two maintenance openings which are provided to allow access to the at least one cleaning unit. In particular, the at least two maintenance openings are closed by a cover and / or a flap during at least one operating state of the device. In particular, the at least two maintenance openings can be opened and / or closed with a tool and / or without tools. In particular, the at least two maintenance openings can in particular be opened and / or closed independently of one another. In particular, the at least two maintenance openings are arranged on the at least one working space wall on opposite sides of the at least one working space. In particular, the at least two maintenance openings are aligned with one another. In this way, an advantageously simple and / or rapid cleaning of the at least one cleaning unit and / or an exchange of at least one cleaning element of the at least one cleaning unit can be achieved.

In addition, it is proposed that the at least one cleaning unit has at least one unit which is provided to generate a pressure for the transport of liquid in the at least one hollow conduit, and which is arranged at least partially within the at least one working space. An "aggregate" is to be understood in this context in particular a pump unit. In particular, the at least one unit has at least one pump element. In particular, the at least one pump element is designed as a vacuum pump. The at least one pump element is for example as Positive displacement pump, for example as a piston pump and / or diaphragm pump, and / or as a flow pump, for example as an axial and / or radial pump. In particular, the at least one unit has at least one drive element which is provided to drive the at least one pump element in at least one operating state. The at least one drive element can be designed, for example, as an electric motor. Preferably, the at least one unit is arranged on a stepped downstream side of the at least one working space. In this way, an advantageous transport of liquids in the at least one hollow conduit can be achieved. In particular, by the arrangement of the at least one unit within the at least one working space, an advantageously direct guidance of the at least one hollow conduit can be achieved, whereby in particular a length of the at least one hollow conduit can advantageously be reduced and / or a suction power can be advantageously increased.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the device comprises at least one shielding unit formed at least partially by the at least one outer sheath and at least substantially enclosing the at least one aggregate in an assembled state. In this context, a "shielding unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which has at least one shielding element. In this context, a "shielding element" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is intended to insulate an environment in particular against a noise emission of the at least one aggregate and / or the at least one aggregate from soiling and / or damage, in particular due to the action of water. to protect. The at least one shielding element is designed, for example, as a metal sheet, for example made of sheet steel and / or aluminum sheet. The fact that the at least one shielding unit "at least substantially encloses" at least one unit should in this context be understood to mean that the at least one shielding unit in a mounted state surrounds a spatial area around the at least one aggregate and a total surface area of all the recesses in an outer wall of the at least one shielding unit is in particular at most 40%, in particular at most 30%, preferably at most 20% and particularly advantageously at most 10% of a total surface area of the outer wall of the at least one shielding unit. In particular, the shielding unit can at least partially be integrally formed with the at least one working space wall. As a result, a reduction of noise emissions can be advantageously reduced. Furthermore, the at least one unit can be advantageously protected, as a result of which an advantageously prolonged service life of the at least one unit can be achieved.

Moreover, it is proposed that the device has at least one lifting unit which is provided for a step-up displacement. In this context, a "lifting unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which comprises at least one lifting element. In particular, the at least one lifting unit is provided to raise and / or lower the device in at least one operating state. A "lifting element" is to be understood in this context, in particular an element which is linearly movable in particular by the at least one drive unit of the at least one lifting unit. In particular, the at least one lifting element is infinitely movable. The at least one lifting unit comprises, for example, a hydraulic piston and / or a lifting spindle. In particular, the at least one lifting unit has at least one drive unit. In particular, the at least one lifting unit is aligned such that the at least one lifting element points in the direction of the staircase. In particular, the at least one lifting element has at least one wheel and / or at least one roller on an end facing the staircase. Preferably, the device has at least two lifting units. In this context, a "step-up displacement" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a gradual displacement while overcoming a height difference with a positive gradient. In particular, the step-up offset corresponds to a cleaning direction. In this way, a comfortable and / or fast and / or safe upward displacement of the device, in particular on a staircase, can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one lifting unit has at least one adjusting unit which is provided to adapt in particular a lifting height of the at least one lifting unit to a step height of the staircase. In this context, a "setting unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit which comprises at least one adjusting element. In this context, a "setting element" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is intended to be an input variable from an operator during a setting process to be received and in particular to be contacted directly by an operator, wherein sensing a touch of the adjusting element and / or senses an actuating force exerted on the adjusting element and / or is mechanically forwarded to the at least one lifting unit. In particular, the input size is stored electronically and / or mechanically. In this context, the "lifting height of the at least one lifting unit being adapted to a step height of the staircase" should be understood to mean that a travel path of the at least one lifting element, in particular on the basis of a presetting via the at least one setting element, is limited in such a way that in the case of a step-up displacement, the device is raised in accordance with the step height. As a result, advantageously an unnecessarily far raising of the device can be avoided in an upwardly directed displacement, whereby an advantageous time saving can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the device has at least one anti-tilt unit, which has at least one anti-tilt element which can be adjusted from a stepped-down side. The at least one anti-tilt unit preferably has a plurality of anti-tilt elements, preferably two anti-tilt elements. In this context, a "anti-tilt element" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is intended to prevent tilting of the device, in particular in a direction pointing downwards. In particular, the at least one anti-tip element is designed as a foot adjustable in particular length. In particular, the at least one tilt protection element is provided to support the device against at least one step of a staircase, in particular its tread surface. In particular, the at least one anti-tilt element is arranged on a staircase-side of the device. The fact that the at least one anti-tip element is "adjustable from a step-down side" should in this context be understood in particular to mean that the at least one anti-tilt unit has at least one adjusting means on a stepped-down side of the device, by means of which a change in length of the at least one anti-tilt element can be carried out is. In particular, the stepped-down side corresponds to an operating side of the device. This allows an advantageously reliable protection of the device against tilting in a staircase down direction be prevented. By means of an anti-tilting element which can be adjusted from a step-down side, an advantageously comfortable adaptation of the anti-tilting unit, in particular to a step height of a staircase, can be made possible.

It is also proposed that the at least one cleaning unit has at least one dirty water collecting unit. The at least one dirty water collecting unit is provided, in particular, for collecting waste water accumulating during cleaning. As a result, a backflow of water, especially dirty water, can be prevented on the stairs. In particular, thus re-contamination of the stairs and / or damage to the stairs can be advantageously reduced and / or prevented by dirty water.

The at least one dirty water collecting unit preferably comprises at least one base, which comprises at least two partial surface elements, and a connecting element, which connects the at least two partial surfaces to one another. Preferably, the at least one connecting element has at least one surface curvature with a radius of curvature of at least 2 mm in a sectional plane perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one base. In particular, the radius of curvature is at least 3 mm, preferably at least 5 mm, advantageously at least 7.5 mm, and particularly advantageously at least 10 mm. A "base" should be understood in this context, in particular a basic element of the dirty water collecting unit. In particular, the at least one base is determining the size, in particular width and / or depth determining, of the dirty water collecting unit. In particular, the base provides at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, preferably at least 70% and particularly advantageously at least 80% of a total mass of the dirty water collecting unit. In particular, the at least one base is in particular integrally formed from a plate element. A "plate element" should in particular be understood to mean an element which has a thickness which corresponds to a maximum of 50%, in particular not more than 20%, advantageously not more than 10%, preferably not more than 5%, of a length and / or a width of the element. Preferably, the base is made of a metal sheet. Preferably, the at least one base is made of a corrosion-resistant material. In particular, the at least one connecting element is integral with the at least two Part surface elements formed. A "main direction of extension" of an object should be understood in particular to mean a direction which is parallel to a longest edge of a smallest geometric cuboid which just completely encloses the object. In this context, a "surface curvature" is to be understood as meaning in particular a preferably concave curvature of a surface of the at least one connecting element, which preferably faces a waste water collecting region of the dirty water collecting unit. In this context, a "radius of curvature" should be understood as meaning, in particular, a radius of a circle which best approximates the surface in at least one point. In particular, the at least one surface curvature has an at least substantially constant radius of curvature. By the fact that the radius of curvature is "at least substantially constant", it should be understood here in particular that a deviation from a predetermined value is in particular less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and particularly preferably less than 2% of the predetermined value. As a result, it is advantageously possible to prevent the accumulation of dirt and / or dirty water in the region of the at least one connecting element. Furthermore, an advantageously simple and / or quick cleaning of the dirty water collecting unit can be made possible.

Preferably, at least one of the at least two partial surface elements has a curvature in at least one partial region. In particular, a surface of one of the at least two partial surface elements, which preferably faces a dirty water collecting region of the dirty water collecting unit, has a preferably concave curvature in at least one partial region. The at least one of the at least two partial surface elements preferably has the curvature in a central partial region with respect to a main extension of the at least one of the at least two partial surface elements. A "central subregion" is to be understood in particular as a subregion of the at least one of the at least two subarea elements, which extends laterally from a cutting line between the at least two subarea elements and a symmetry plane of a main extension surface perpendicular to a main extension direction of the at least one of the at least two subarea elements the at least one of the at least two partial surface elements extends outgoing. Under a "main extension surface" of a unit is in particular an area be understood, which is identical to a largest side surface of a smallest geometric cuboid, which just completely encloses the unit, and whose center corresponds in particular to the center of the cuboid. In particular, the at least one subregion extends over at least 5%, advantageously over at least 10% and particularly advantageously over at least 15% of the main extension of the at least one of the at least two sub-surface elements. In this way, an advantageously fast and / or complete discharge of dirty water can be achieved.

Advantageously, the at least two partial surface elements form an angle greater or at least substantially equal to 90 °. The fact that the at least two partial surface elements "enclose" an angle greater than or equal to at least substantially 90 ° should be understood in this context to mean that the two partial surface elements enclose an angle which is greater in a sectional plane perpendicular to the main extension direction of the at least one base or at least substantially equal to 90 °. Advantageously, the included angle between 90 ° and 120 °. By the fact that the included angle is at least "substantially equal to 90 °", it should be understood in particular that the included angle deviates in particular a maximum of 10 °, advantageously not more than 5 ° and particularly advantageously not more than 2 ° from a right angle. As a result, advantageously complete collection and / or collection of dirty water can be achieved.

Preferably, the at least one base is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry. The fact that the at least one base is designed "mirror-symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry" is intended to mean, in particular, that the at least one base has at least one plane of symmetry and is imaged onto itself by a vertical reflection at the at least one symmetry plane. In particular, the at least one plane of symmetry runs perpendicular to the main extension direction of the at least one base. As a result, an advantageously uncomplicated production of the at least one base can be achieved. Furthermore, an advantageous uniform discharge of dirty water can be achieved.

Preferably, the at least one dirty water collecting unit comprises at least one side element which limits the at least one base at least partially laterally. In this context, a "side element" should be understood as meaning, in particular, an element which is intended, in particular, to prevent a lateral outflow of dirty water from the at least one dirty water collecting unit. Preferably, the dirty water collecting unit has at least two side elements. In particular, the at least one side element is designed as a plate element. In particular, the at least one side element is formed integrally with the at least one base. In particular, at least two edges of the at least one side element terminate flush with the at least two partial surface elements of the at least one base. By the fact that the at least one side element "partially limits" the base, it should be understood that the at least one side element terminates the at least one base laterally at least 75%, advantageously at least 85% and particularly advantageously at least 95%. In particular, the at least one side element has at least one edge on at least one depression, which is intended to guide in particular laterally outflowing water into the dirty water collecting unit. Preferably, the at least one recess has a semicircular cross-section. In particular, at least one fastening element is arranged on the at least one side element, which fastening element is provided in particular for fastening cleaning elements, in particular brush elements. In this way, an advantageous sealing of the at least one dirty water collecting unit can be achieved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the at least one dirty water collecting unit has at least one waste water removal recess. In this context, a "waste water removal recess" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a recess which is provided to discharge collected waste water from the dirty water collecting unit. In particular, the at least one dirty water removal opening is intended to be coupled to the at least one hollow pipe. In this way, an advantageously fast and / or complete removal of dirty water can be achieved.

Preferably, the at least one dirty water removal recess is arranged at least partially in the at least one connecting element. The fact that the at least one dirty water removal recess is at least partially "arranged" in the at least one connecting element should be understood in particular to mean that at least one segment of the at least one waste water removal cut the at least one connecting element.

Preferably, the at least one dirty water removal recess is arranged at least partially in at least one of the at least two partial surface elements. In this context, it should be understood, in particular, that at least one of the at least two partial surface elements of at least one segment of the at least one waste water removal recess is cut. Preferably, at least a first segment of the at least one waste water removal opening which intersects a first of the at least two partial surface elements is many times larger than at least one second segment which intersects a second of the at least two partial surface elements. Preferably, the at least one first segment of the at least one dirty water drainage unit is at least a factor of 2, advantageously a factor of 2.5 and more preferably a factor of 3 larger than the at least one second segment of the at least one dirty water drainage unit. In this way, an advantageous good drainage of dirty water from the at least one dirty water collecting unit can be achieved.

Preferably, the at least one dirty water removal opening is arranged at least substantially centrally with respect to a main extension of the at least one base. It is to be understood, in particular, that a position of a center of the at least one waste water removal recess is at least substantially on a cutting line between the at least one base and the at least one dirty water removal recess in relation to a main extension of the at least one base a plane of symmetry extending to the main extension direction of the at least one base of a main extension surface of the base. By the fact that the position of the center of the at least one Schmutzwasserabführausnehmung "at least substantially on the cutting line", should be understood in particular that the position of the center of at least one Schmutzwasserabführausenehmung 10 mm maximum, preferably at most 5 mm and most preferably at most 2 mm next the cut line lies. Due to the central arrangement of the recess, a advantageous unhindered and / or uniform removal of dirty water can be achieved.

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, an embodiment of the invention is shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1,

Fig. 3

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Schmutzwasserauffangeinheit einer Reinigungseinheit der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1,

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht auf die Schmutzwasserauffangeinheit aus Figur 3.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a side view of the device FIG. 1 .

Fig. 3

a perspective view of a dirty water collecting unit of a cleaning unit of the device FIG. 1 .

Fig. 4

a plan view of the dirty water collecting unit FIG. 3 ,

Description of the embodiments

FIG. 1 shows a simplified illustration of a device 10 according to the invention for cleaning a staircase 12. The device 10 is placed on the staircase 12 to be cleaned. There are only three stages 50, 52, 54 of the staircase 12 shown, but it is also conceivable that a staircase has a deviating number of stages. The staircase 12 is exemplified as escalator 14. The device 10 has an outer shell 22 which surrounds the device 10 and determines an outer shape and / or size of the device 10. Furthermore, the device 10 has a working space wall 18, which limits a working space 16 of the device 10 to the outside. The working space 16 is in the FIG. 1 obscured by the working space wall 18 and therefore not visible. The device 10 has a tank unit 24 which comprises two tank elements 56, 58. The tank elements 56, 58 are formed as a hollow body, for example made of plastic. A first tank element 56 is provided for the storage of fresh water and / or a cleaning liquid. A second tank element 58 is provided for receiving dirty water. The tank elements 56, 58 are arranged laterally on the device 10. A control housing 64 is disposed between the two tank elements 56, 58. The control housing 64 is laterally covered by the two tank elements 56, 58. The two tank elements 56, 58 are designed such that they form part of the outer shell 22 of the device 10. Other parts of the outer shell 22 are formed by the control housing 64 and the working space wall 18. The tank elements 56, 58 are removable, in particular for emptying and / or filling. The tank elements 56, 58 are in FIG. 1 shown in a mounted state.

The working space wall 18 is stepped towards the staircase 12. Furthermore, the working space wall 18 has two maintenance openings 30, of which in FIG. 1 only one is visible. The maintenance openings 30 are arranged on opposite sides of the working space wall 18. During a cleaning operation, the maintenance openings 30 are closed by a flap and / or a lid. In the open state, the maintenance openings 30 allow access to the working space 16 located behind. On a downwardly directed side 92 of the device 10, a handle bar 94 is arranged. The down-facing side 92 of the apparatus 10 thus constitutes an operator side 96 of the apparatus 10. A cleaning direction 98 of the apparatus 10 extends in an upwardly-directed direction 76. Also on the down-stairs side 92 of the apparatus 10 is a hollow conduit 28. The hollow conduit 28 connects one in the FIG. 1 The cleaning unit 20, which is not visible, of the apparatus 10 with the second tank element 58. During a cleaning operation, the hollow conduit 28 serves to convey dirty water from the cleaning unit 20 into the second tank element 58. The hollow conduit 28 is made transparent in a section 100 in which it extends outside the outer shell 22 of the device 10. This allows an operator of the device 10 during a cleaning process, for example, to assess a degree of turbidity of the dirty water and so to determine a cleaning progress.

The FIG. 2 shows the device 10 from FIG. 1 in a side view. In this illustration, a side wall of the working space wall 18 is not shown, so that arranged in the working space 16 cleaning unit 20 is visible. The working space wall 18 shields the working space 16 to the sides and upwards, while the working space 16 for in the FIG. 2 stairs 12 not shown open is. Furthermore, the working space wall 18 forms a securing unit 26, which prevents slippage of the tank elements 56, 58 of the tank unit 24 relative to the device 10. The securing unit 26 is formed by the working space wall 18. The working space wall 18 forms two securing elements 68, 70 for each tank element 56, 58 of the tank unit 24. First securing element 68 is thereby by a raised side wall 72 (see FIG. 1 ) of the working space wall 18 is formed. The first securing element 68 engages in a corresponding recess 74 of the tank elements 56, 58. The first securing element 68 thus prevents both lateral slipping and / or tilting as well as slippage in a staircase-up direction 76. A second securing element 70 is formed by a portion 66 of the working space wall 18, which limits the working space 16 at the top. This portion 66 of the working space wall 18 has a slope 78. The tank elements 56, 58 each have on their undersides an area with a corresponding slope 84 and an area with a slope 86 with an opposite slope. In an assembled state of the tank elements 56, 58, the second securing element 70 thus prevents slippage of the tank elements 56, 58 of the tank unit 24 both in the upwardly-directed direction 76 and in the stair-down direction 90. Further, the slope 84 on the tank elements 56, 58 causes that when emptying the tank elements 56, 58 only small residual amounts of liquid in the tank elements 56, 58 remains.

The cleaning unit 20 has a drivable brush unit 102. The brush unit 102 is designed as a brush belt 104, which is deflected by deflection rollers 106. At the end of a cleaning section 170, a suction unit 112 of the cleaning unit 20 is arranged. The suction unit 112 of the cleaning unit 20 comprises a horizontally across the width of the brush unit 102 extending dirty water collecting unit 46, an aggregate 32, which is designed as a suction unit and promotes via the hollow conduit 28 sucked dirty water into the second tank element 58. The transparent design of the hollow conduit 28 allows an operator to monitor proper operation of the aspiration unit 112 and, in particular, to detect obstructions to decreased fluid flow. The dirty water collecting unit 46 is mounted inclined by 10 ° within the working space 16. The unit 32 is disposed within the working space 16. The unit 32 is of a shielding unit 34 opposite to the Brush unit 102 shielded. The shielding unit 34 dampens noise emissions of the unit 32. Furthermore, the shielding unit 34 protects the unit 32 from splash water and / or in particular aggressive cleaning fluids. At the step-down side 92, the device 10 has a tilt-lock unit 42. The anti-tilt unit 42 comprises two anti-tilt elements 44, of which in the FIG. 2 only one is visible, which are designed as elongated foot elements. By means of screw elements 116 accessible from the step-down side 92 of the device 10, a length of the anti-tilt elements 44 is adjustable and thus adaptable to a step height. The anti-tip elements 44 support the device 10 in a step-down direction 90 and thus prevent tilting of the device 10. A working height of the device 10 can be adapted to a step height. The adaptation takes place via a lifting unit 36, by means of which the device 10 can be raised and lowered. The lifting unit 36 has two lifting elements 118, 120, which are designed as lifting spindles. At the extendable ends of the lifting elements 118, 120 wheels 122 are attached. The lifting elements 118, 120 are independently extended and retracted. A lifting height of the lifting unit 36 is adjustable via an adjustment unit 38 and thus adaptable to a step height of the staircase 12. To move the device 10 to another stage 50, the lifting elements 118, 120 are extended so far that the brush unit 102 is lifted from a tread surface. By means of the wheels 122, the device 10 can be moved to another stage 50 and settle there to the required working height by retracting the lifting elements 118, 120. The processing and cleaning of the steps 50, 52, 54 takes place when the escalator 14 is stationary. The device 10 is moved with the lifting elements 118, 120 extended to a first step 52 and lowered there to a working position. Via a not shown discharge unit of the cleaning unit 20, which comprises for example a plurality of spray nozzles, water and / or a cleaning liquid is applied to the tread surface of the step 52. The brush unit 102 is put into operation. The brush unit 102 is first moved over an end face of a first stage 50 and then over the tread surface of a second stage 52. Dirt released by the water and / or the cleaning liquid is scraped off by the brush unit 102. At the end of the cleaning section 170, the dirty water is received by means of the dirty water collecting unit 46 arranged there. By means of the unit 32, the dirty water is conveyed via the hollow conduit 28 into the second tank element 58. To To complete the cleaning process, the device 10 can be moved by one step by means of the lifting unit 36.

Figures 3 and 4 show a detailed view of the dirty water collecting unit 46 of the cleaning unit 20 of the device 10. Die FIG. 3a shows a perspective view, while the FIG. 4 shows a top view. The dirty water collecting unit 46 has a base 124 with two partial surface elements 126, 128. Furthermore, the dirty water collecting unit 46 has a connecting element 130, which is arranged between the partial surface elements 126, 128. The connecting element 130 connects the two partial surface elements 126, 128 with each other. The connecting element 130 has a surface curvature 132. When the connecting element 130 is viewed in a sectional plane 136 perpendicular to a main extension direction 134 of the base 124, the surface curvature 132 has a radius of curvature 138 of 2 mm. However, surface curvatures with larger radii of curvature are also conceivable. The radius of curvature 138 prevents dirt from settling in the region of the connecting element 130. The base 124 of the dirty water collecting unit 46 may be formed by a bending process of a metal sheet, for example. In addition, when the base 124 is viewed in a sectional plane 136 perpendicular to a main extension direction 134 of the base 124, the two partial surface elements 126, 128 enclose an angle 140 of 90 °. However, it is also conceivable that the two partial surface elements 126, 128 include angles greater than 90 °. Advantageously, the two partial surface elements 126, 128 form an angle no greater than 120 °.

Laterally, the dirty water collecting unit 46 is limited by two side elements 142, 144. The side members 142, 144 may be cut and / or stamped from a sheet of metal, for example. The side members 142, 144 are welded to the base 124 of the dirty water collecting unit 46, for example. The side members 142, 144 are intended to prevent lateral leakage of dirty water during a cleaning operation. In the side members 142, 144 each have a recess 174, 176 is introduced. In a mounted state of the dirty water collecting unit 46, the shielding unit 34 ends with a lower portion within the recesses 174, 176. Via the recesses 174, 176, in particular in the edge regions of the shielding unit 34 effluent water is reliably conducted into the dirty water collecting unit 46. Furthermore, the Side members 142, 144 fastening tabs 146, 148, which are intended to attach, for example, a stripping brush 172 to the dirty water collecting unit 46. The base 124 and the side members 142, 144 define a dirty water collecting area 150 of the dirty water collecting unit 46 on four sides. The base 124 of the dirty water collecting unit 46 is mirror-symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry 152.

The dirty water collecting unit 46 has a dirty water removal recess 48, which is arranged centrally with respect to a main extension 154 of the base 124. The Schmutzwasserabführausenehmung 48 is circular. In the in the Figures 3 and 4 In the embodiment shown, a center of the waste water removal recess 48 lies on a cutting line 158 of the base 124 with the plane of symmetry 152 of the base 124. The dirty water removal recess 48 is further arranged in such a way that a partial segment 160, 162 of the dirty water removal recess is arranged in one of the partial surface elements 126, 128. Furthermore, a partial segment 164 of the dirty water removal recess 48 is arranged in the connecting element 130.

Especially in the FIG. 4 shown top view of the dirty water collecting unit 46 shows that in a mounted state of the dirty water collecting unit 46 facing away from the brush unit 102 partial surface element 128 in a portion 166 has a curvature 168. The curvature 168 of the partial surface element 128 is located in a partial region 166 of the partial surface element 128 in which the waste water removal recess 48 is also arranged. The curvature 168 of the partial surface element 128 has the result that the partial surface element 128 extends obliquely from the lateral elements 142, 144 to the waste water removal recess 48. This allows for improved drainage of dirty water to the waste water removal recess 48. In a mounted state, the dirty water collecting unit 46 is connected to the suction unit 112 via the hollow conduit 28. The hollow conduit 28 is coupled to the waste water removal recess 48 of the dirty water collecting unit 46. In a cleaning operation, thus collected waste water can be sucked out of the dirty water collecting unit 46 by the unit 32 of the suction unit 112 via the dirty water removal recess 48.

reference numeral

10

contraption

12

stairway

14

escalator

16

working space

18

Arbeitsraumwandung

20

cleaning unit

22

outer shell

24

tank unit

26

backup unit

28

hollow line

30

maintenance opening

32

aggregate

34

shielding

36

lifting unit

38

adjustment

42

Kippsicherungseinheit

44

tilt securing

46

Wastewater collection unit

48

Schmutzwasserabführausnehmung

50

step

52

step

54

step

56

tank member

58

tank member

64

control housing

66

subregion

68

fuse element

70

fuse element

72

Side wall

74

deepening

76

direction

78

slope

84

slope

86

slope

90

direction

92

page

94

Grab bars

96

operator side

98

cleaning direction

100

part Of

102

brush unit

104

brush belt

106

idler pulley

112

suction

116

screw

118

lifting

120

lifting

122

Wheel

124

Base

126

Part surface element

128

Part surface element

130

connecting element

132

surface curvature

134

Main direction

136

cutting plane

138

radius of curvature

140

angle

142

page element

144

page element

146

mounting tab

148

mounting tab

150

Wastewater collection area

152

plane of symmetry

154

main extension

158

line of intersection

160

subsegment

162

subsegment

164

subsegment

166

subregion

168

curvature

170

cleaning section

172

scraper brush

174

deepening

176

deepening

Claims (13)

Device for cleaning a staircase (12), in particular an escalator (14), with at least one working space wall (18) delimiting at least one working space (16), with at least one cleaning unit (20) which is at least partially disposed inside the at least one working space (16) is arranged, with at least one outer shell (22) and at least one tank unit (24), characterized in that the at least one outer shell (22) is at least partially formed by the at least one tank unit (24). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one tank unit (24) is removable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one securing unit (26), which is provided to prevent slippage of the at least one tank unit (24). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one hollow conduit (28) which is provided to connect the at least one tank unit (24) with the at least one cleaning unit (20). Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one hollow conduit (28) is at least partially transparent. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one working space wall (18) has at least two maintenance openings (30) which are provided to allow access to the at least one cleaning unit (20). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning unit (20) has at least one unit (32) which is provided to generate a pressure for transporting liquid in the at least one hollow conduit (28), and which at least partially within the at least one working space (16) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by at least one of the at least one outer shell (22) at least partially differently formed shielding unit (34) which at least substantially encloses the at least one unit (32) in an assembled state. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one lifting unit (36), which is provided for a step-up displacement. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one lifting unit (36) has at least one adjusting unit (38) which is provided to adjust a lifting height of the at least one lifting unit (36) to a step height of the staircase (12). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one anti-tilting unit (42), which has at least one anti-tilting element (44) adjustable from a stepped-down side (92). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one cleaning unit (20) has at least one dirty water collecting unit (46). Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the at least one dirty water collecting unit (46) has at least one waste water removal recess (48).

Images