WO2015010723A1

WO2015010723A1 - Floor cleaning machine and method for adjusting the position of a sweeping roller on a floor cleaning machine

Info

Publication number: WO2015010723A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/065528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Kral; Bastian Du Maire; Uwe Weller; Christian Hofner
Original assignee: Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2013-07-23
Filing date: 2013-07-23
Publication date: 2015-01-29
Also published as: JP6313442B2; CN105407776B; CN105407776A; EP3024370B1; EP3024370A1; US20160138231A1; DK3024370T3; JP2016527015A

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a chassis, at least one sweeping roller that is held on the chassis, an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the at least one sweeping roller relative to a floor to be cleaned, a sensor device, which determines one or several values characterizing the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller to the floor to be cleaned, and a control device, which controls and/or regulates the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller to the floor to be cleaned. The at least one sweeping roller is held on the chassis by means of a rocker device, the adjusting device acts upon the rocker device, wherein a position of the at least one sweeping roller relative to the floor to be cleaned is adjusted by way of a pivoting position of or on the rocker device. The sensor device is dedicated to the rocker device and detects a contact of the at least one sweeping roller with the ground by way of the rocker device.

Description

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis, at least one sweeping roller, which is held on the chassis, an adjusting device for adjusting a position of the at least one sweeping roller relative to a floor to be cleaned, a sensor device which determines one or more variables which characterize the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller to the soil to be cleaned, and a control device which controls and / or regulates the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller to the soil to be cleaned.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of a sweeping roller on a floor cleaning machine.

From WO 2011/09599 AI a sweeper is known, which comprises a rotatably driven sweeping brush and a hopper and a suction fan, wherein the suction fan via a suction channel and a suction tube with the sweeping brush is in flow communication.

EP 0 526 907 B1 discloses a device for setting a preselected sweeping mirror width of a roll broom rotatable about an axis for cleaning surfaces, such as roads, runways or the like, with an adjusting device for the distance between the axis and the surface to be cleaned for setting the Sweeping mirror, wherein a sensor device is provided for detecting the roll diameter, which comprises a contact with the lateral surface of the roll broom testable body, and with a arranged between the sensor device and the adjusting device arranged measuring and control device, by means of which the sweeping mirror of the roll broom on the adjusting device is adjustable depending on the roll diameter. A measuring device is for determining the actual actual distance between the axis and the surface to be cleaned intended. Furthermore, a control arrangement is provided for comparing the desired distance with an actual distance and for generating a Einsteilgröße the distance of the axis at the desired distance. In a floor cleaning machine and sweeper in particular, a roller-shaped sweeping roller is placed on the floor. The sweeping mirror is the contact surface between the sweeping roller and the surface to be cleaned and is a measure of the working surface during sweeping. In different applications, different sweeping levels may be useful.

The invention has for its object to provide a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned, by means of which can be adjusted relative to the ground to be cleaned in a simple manner, the position of the at least one sweeping roller.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the above-mentioned floor cleaning machine, that the at least one sweeping roller is held on the chassis via a swing device, that the adjusting device acts on the swinging device, wherein a position of the at least one sweeping roller relative to the floor to be cleaned via a pivoting position is set or on the swing device, and that the sensor device is associated with the swing device and detects a ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller via the swing device.

In the solution according to the invention, different sweeping levels can be defined in a simple manner and, in particular, adjusted automatically. About a pivot position of or on the swing device, the position of the at least one sweeping roller is adjusted to the ground and thus set the sweeping mirror.

The diameter of sweeping rollers changes in their operation due to wear. Basically, therefore, should be the defined attitude or maintaining a sweeping mirror and the current diameter of the at least one sweeping roller are detected. In the solution according to the invention, a reaction of the rocker device is detected when the brush surface touches the ground via the sensor device. As a result, the diameter of the at least one sweeping roller can be determined in a simple manner and, in turn, a defined sweeping level can be set or maintained even if a sweeping roller wear occurs.

The number of actuators and sensors can be minimized. In particular, an actuator via the adjusting device and a sensor element via the sensor device is sufficient to adjust the sweeping mirror or to set different sweeping levels.

Since the ground contact is determined by a reaction on the rocker device, the reciprocating roll diameter can be determined without contact.

In particular, the at least one sweeping roller is associated with a rotary drive for a sweeping operation, wherein in particular a rotation axis of the at least one sweeping roller is at least approximately parallel to the floor to be cleaned. This results in an effective sweeping process.

In one embodiment, the at least one sweeping roller is pivotally supported about a pivot axis on the chassis, wherein in particular the pivot axis is at least approximately parallel to a rotation axis of the at least one sweeping roller. The swing device causes the pivotable fixing of the at least one sweeping roller on the chassis. About setting a specific pivot position can be easily adjust a height position of the at least one sweeping roller relative to the chassis or to the ground and thus can be set to the sweeping mirror. This makes it easy to set different sweeping levels in a defined manner and also to set them automatically. It is advantageous if a sweeping roller housing is arranged on the chassis, which is open to the ground to be cleaned and in which the at least one sweeping roller is positioned. About the sweeping roller housing a remaining part of the floor cleaning machine is protected from dirt accumulation. The sweeping roller housing itself can be used to fix structural parts of a corresponding sweeping roller unit.

In one embodiment, the adjusting device is fixed to the sweeping roller housing and / or supported. This results in a compact construction of the corresponding sweeping unit.

It can be provided that the sweeping roller housing has openings on opposite end faces through which articulation elements of the oscillating device have penetrated and which hold at least one sweeping roller. As a result, the at least one sweeping roller can be positioned "protected" in an interior space of the sweeping roller housing in a simple manner, and positioning of the at least one sweeping roller relative to the floor to be cleaned can be set in a simple manner. It is advantageous if the adjusting device comprises an actuator with at least one movable actuator element, which is articulated to the swinging device. The actuator is an actuator for setting a certain height position of the at least one sweeping roller to the floor to be cleaned and is thus an actuator for setting a sweeping mirror. The actuator causes a setting of a pivot position on the

Swing device or swing device as a whole. This results in a simple structural design.

In particular, it is advantageous if the at least one actuator element is linearly displaceable. This can be easily done via a

Linear drive, which is for example a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric motor drive, set a pivot position of the at least one sweeping roller on the swing device and set. Conveniently, the actuator is associated with a position measuring device which determines a position of the at least one actuator element, wherein in particular the position measuring device is signal-effectively connected to the control device. About the position measuring device is obtained a measure of a pivotal position on the swing device. It can be determined in a simple manner in connection with the sensor device, a current diameter of the at least one sweeping roller and it can be a defined setting a position of the sweeping roller relative to reach the chassis.

Conveniently, the control device comprises a diameter determining device for the at least one sweeping roller, which determines its diameter by means of a measured by the position measuring device position on an actuator at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller. The ground contact can be detected by the sensor device. If signals provided by the position measuring device during ground contact are then used, then the diameter can be determined without contact (with respect to scanning of the at least one sweeping roller). As a result, in turn, a defined sweeping level can be set and maintained in a simple and defined manner even when the at least one sweeping roller is worn.

It is favorable if the control device comprises a signaling device which provides an alarm signal if the determined diameter of the at least one sweeping roller is below a threshold value. As a result, an operator of the floor cleaning machine can be provided with an alarm signal that the at least one sweeping roller must be replaced. In a structurally favorable embodiment, the sensor device comprises a switch or is a switch which provides a switching signal at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller. It can then go on simple way the diameter of the at least one sweeping roller can be determined.

In a structurally favorable embodiment, the at least one actuator element and the swing device are connected via a rotary slide guide, wherein for adjusting a position of the at least one sweeping roller a pivoting position or on the swing device is adjustable, and at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller a shift on the rotary slide guide feasible is. It can thus easily adjust a position and also recognize a ground contact.

In particular, the sensor device is then assigned to the rotary slide guide and the sensor device checks for displacement on the rotary slide guide. As a result, a contact with the ground can be recognized in a simple manner, in which case in turn the diameter of the at least one sweeping roller can be determined even when it is worn.

It can be provided that the rocker device comprises a lever element, which is pivotable relative to the chassis, and acts on the adjusting device. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the at least one brush roller relative to the floor to be cleaned and in particular can be set a sweeping mirror. In particular, a pivot axis of the lever element is at least approximately parallel to a rotation axis of the at least one sweeping roller. As a result, a flat resting of the at least one sweeping roller is achieved on the floor to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, the at least one actuator element of the adjusting device is articulated to the lever element and articulated in particular via a rotary slide guide. This can be a swing at the Swing device can be effected and it can also be easily detect a ground contact.

By the rotary slide guide is at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller a relative displacement between the at least one

Aktuatoreiement and the lever element at a hinge region feasible. This shift can in turn be detected by the sensor device and, for example, a switching signal can be provided. This allows a simple and in particular non-contact diameter determination of the at least one sweeping roller.

The sensor device monitors a relative displacement between the lever element and the at least one actuator element in the articulation region. It can thereby be done while minimizing a number of components in a simple manner a diameter determination.

In one embodiment, the rotary slide guide has a receptacle for a connecting element between the at least one Aktuatoreiement and the lever element, wherein the connecting element in the receptacle is pivotable and displaceable. As a result, a pivoting operation of the lever element and thus of the swing device by means of the actuator element (and, for example, a linear displacement of the actuator element) can be achieved in a simple manner. Furthermore, a ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller can be achieved due to the corresponding buoyancy.

In a manufacturing technology favorable embodiment, the receptacle is formed as a slot or comprises one or more slots. As a result, a rotary slide guide can be realized in a simple manner.

It is advantageous if the connecting element is spring-loaded. As a result, for example, a certain buoyancy force is necessary so that at all a shift can be done on the rotary slide guide. A spring device is expediently provided which is articulated on the connecting element and on the lever element. This spring means can be used to facilitate "floating" in the receptacle. Basically, for a floating, that is, a displacement of the connecting element in the recording, the full

Weight of the sweeping roller to be overcome. By providing a spring device (which in particular has one or more tension springs), the necessary force required for "floating" can be reduced, that is to say the corresponding force is less than the weight force of the at least one sweeping roller and corresponds at least approximately to Difference of the weight of the at least one brush and the spring force. The spring device thus effectively supports the "floating state" of the at least one sweeping roller.

By the spring means also a damping effect is achieved at least for one or more specific sweeping levels, so that vibrations of the at least one sweeping roller, which occur during operation relative to the chassis, are damped.

It is advantageous if the rotary slide guide has a first stop opposite a second stop, wherein at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller, the connecting element with support of the spring force of the spring device between the first stop and the second stop is displaceable. The first stop and the second stop limit the mobility of the connecting element in the receptacle. In particular, the first stop is used when the connecting element abuts against it in order to set a defined pivot position of the at least one sweeping roller to the chassis. When touching the bottom of the at least one sweeping roller, the at least one sweeping roller is floated, whereby the connecting element is thereby displaceable from the first stop in the direction of the second stop. The second stop limits these Displacement movement. The moving out of the connecting element from the first stop is detectable. By means of the spring device, this outward movement is supported in such a way that, in particular, the force required for a removal movement does not have to be the full weight force of the at least one sweeping roller.

In particular, the sensor device provides a switching signal at the position of the connecting element at or in the vicinity of the second stop and in particular when positioned at one or more specific positions. This switching signal can be used in conjunction with a measured measurement signal for the position of the at least one actuator element to calculate the diameter of the at least one sweeping roller.

In one embodiment, the swinging device comprises spaced-apart holders, between which the at least one sweeping roller is held. These holders can be pivoted on the swing device to set a position of the at least one sweeping roller to the ground to be cleaned and set particular adjustable. For example, the holders sit on a rod on which the lever element is arranged. This makes it easy to set and fix their position relative to the ground to be cleaned via a pivoting positioning of the at least one sweeping roller. Preferably, the rod is translationally fixed and pivotable relative to the chassis, wherein a pivoting operation of the lever member the

Pivoting the rod causes. This results in a structurally simple construction. In particular, one or more different sweeping levels of the at least one sweeping roller are adjustable. This results in a high

Variability for the floor cleaning machine. The floor cleaning machine is in particular a sweeper and in particular self-propelled and formed, for example, as Aufsitzmaschine. The invention is further based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, which can be realized in a structurally simple manner.

This object is achieved in that the sweeping roller is held on a swinging device, wherein a pivot position or on the swing device determines a position of the sweeping roller relative to the floor to be cleaned, that a pivot position is set on the swing device via an actuator that a Ground contact of the sweeping roller is determined by a sensor device on the swing device, and at ground contact of the sweeping roller a position on

Actuator is measured.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

Further advantageous embodiments have also already been explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

The method according to the invention can be carried out on the floor cleaning machine according to the invention or the floor cleaning machine according to the invention can be operated with the method according to the invention.

In particular, a diameter of the sweeping roller is calculated from the measured position on the actuator at ground contact of the sweeping roller. It can thereby be determined in a simple manner and with respect to the sweeping roller contact-free diameter. In particular, a predetermined sweeping level is then set with a known diameter via the actuator.

It is favorable if the sensor device determines a variable at the swinging device which characterizes a buoyancy of the sweeping roller during ground contact. As a result, a diameter of the sweeping roller can be determined in a simple manner even when it is worn, without the sweeping roller having to be scanned, for example, by means of push-buttons or the like. In particular, when the brush surface touches the ground, there is a relative displacement between the actuator and the swinging device, which is detectable by the sensor device. This minimizes the number of actuators and also sensors. In particular, the actuator is articulated to the swing device via a rotary slide guide, a rotary slide guide is articulated, wherein on the rotary guide part of the rotary slide guide, the actuator a

Pivoting movement of the or on the swing device causes and on the sliding part of the rotary slide guide a ground contact of the sweeping roller is detected. This makes it easy to determine the current diameter of the sweeping roller and it can be a certain sweeping adjusted. The number of actuators and sensors can be minimized. The following description of preferred embodiments is used in

In conjunction with the drawings, the detailed explanation of the invention.

Show it

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a sweeping roller unit; Figure 3 is a view of the sweeping roller unit according to Figure 2 of

Direction A;

Figure 4 is a view of the sweeping roller unit according to Figure 2 in the

Direction B;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area C of Figure 5; and

8 shows an enlarged illustration of the region D according to FIG. 6. An embodiment of a floor cleaning machine 10, which is shown in a side view in FIG. 1, is a sweeper. The floor cleaning machine 10 (sweeping machine 10) comprises a chassis 12.

In one embodiment, the floor cleaning machine 10 is designed as a seated machine. To the chassis 12 to a seat 14 is arranged for an operator.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a housing 16, which is arranged on the chassis 12. In the housing 16, a Sauggebläseein- device 18 is positioned.

The floor cleaning machine 10 includes a sweeping roller 20 which is positioned in a sweeping roller housing 22. The sweeping roller housing 22 with the sweeping roller 20 is lower in relation to the direction of gravity

Area of the housing 18 is arranged.

The sweeping roller 20 is rotatable about a rotation axis 24, wherein a corresponding rotary drive is provided. The sweeping roller 20 is to be cleaned Floor 26 can be placed. The axis of rotation 24 is parallel to the ground 26 (with a flat bottom 26). When the ground 26 on which the floor cleaning machine 10 rests is oriented horizontally, the axis of rotation 24 is oriented horizontally.

In FIG. 1, the axis of rotation 24 is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

The drive of the sweeping roller 20 (not visible in FIG. 1) is, for example, an electric motor or combustion engine.

The floor cleaning machine 10 also has a drive for a driving movement. The floor cleaning machine 10 is designed in particular self-propelled. The drive motor may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

It can be provided that the motor for the travel drive also provides the rotary drive for the sweeping roller 20.

In one embodiment, the floor cleaning machine 10 also includes plate brushes 28, 30, which are held on the chassis 12 and are positioned below the chassis 12. The disc brushes 28, 30 are each assigned a corresponding rotary drive. A corresponding axis of rotation is transverse to the bottom 26. The floor cleaning machine 10 has a hopper 32. This hopper 32 is disposed on or in the housing 16 and in particular releasably held on a lower housing part. The dirt hopper 32 serves to receive coarse debris that has been picked up by the sweeping roller 20 from the bottom 26 to be cleaned.

Within the lower housing part extends a suction duct 34, which is in fluid-effective connection with an inner space 36 of the sweeping roller housing 22. The suction duct 34 starts from this interior 36 and extends to a suction opening 38 of the housing base. At the suction opening 38, a filter device 40 is arranged with one or more filters and in particular flat pleated filters. The suction fan 18 is connected via a suction channel 42 with a clean side 44 of the filter device 40 in fluidly effective connection.

The filter device 40 is assigned in one embodiment, a cleaning device 46 for cleaning the filter. In this context, reference is made to WO 2011/095591 Al, to which reference is expressly made and full content.

Between the suction duct 34 and the suction channel 42 extends a partition 48, which forms a shaft wall of the suction duct 34. Sweeping material, which is indicated in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 50, is sucked through the suction duct 34 by a vacuum flow, which is generated by the Sauggebläseeinrichtung 18, and the corresponding vacuum flow flows through the filter device 40. The floor cleaning machine 10 has a designated as a whole 52 Radeinrichtung on, in Figure 1, a front wheel is visible, via which the floor cleaning machine 10 is supported on the chassis 26 on the ground 26. The floor cleaning machine 10 has a sweeping roller unit 54 with the sweeping roller 20 and the sweeping roller housing 22.

An exemplary embodiment of a sweeping roller unit 54 according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, comprises the sweeping roller housing 22. The sweeping roller housing 22 has opposite end walls 56a, 56b. The end walls 56a, 56b are basically the same and have

For example, three edges each having a first edge 58a, a second edge 58b and a third edge 58c. The first edge 58a and the second Edge 58b meet each other. The second edge 58b and the third edge 58c meet each other. The first edge 58a and the third edge 58c also meet each other. Between the opposite first edges 58a of the end walls 56a, 56b is a first lid wall 60 which has an opening to the suction duct 34 (not visible in the figures). Between the respective second

Edges 58b of the end walls 56a, 56b is a second cover wall 62, which is closed. The first cover wall 60 extends to the third edge 58c. Further, the second lid wall 62 extends to the third edge 58c.

The interior 36 is open down between the third edges 58c of the end walls 56a, 56b, so that the sweeping roller 20 can act on the floor 26 to be cleaned.

At the third edges 58c, a contact element 64 is arranged on the floor 26 to be cleaned. This abutment element 64 is formed, in particular, from an elastic material such as a rubber material and is, for example, also arranged and / or designed to be movable such that a spacing space between the third edge 58c and the bottom 26 is covered.

The sweeping roller 20 is held on the chassis 12 via a swing device 66. The swing device 66 allows a position adjustment of the sweeping roller 20 and in particular adjustment of a height position of the sweeping roller 20 relative to the chassis 12 and thus also relative to the bottom 26th

On the swing device 66, a pivoting movement can be performed in order to adjust the position of the sweeping roller 20 to the bottom 26 can.

The swingarm 66 includes a first holder 68a and a spaced second holder 68b. The first holder 68a and the second holder 68b are basically the same as each other. Openings 70 are formed on the end walls 56a, 56b, respectively. Through the openings 70, respectively, articulation elements 72 are positioned, which sit on the respective holder 68a or 68b. The coupling elements 72 in turn are fixed on both sides on the sweeping roller 20. Through the first holder 68a and the second holder 68b, the sweeping roller 20 on opposite sides in the

Interior space 36 of the sweeping roller housing 22 is held, wherein the first holder 68 a and the second holder 68 b are positioned outside of this inner space 36. The openings 70 are designed so that a pivoting movement of the holder 68 a and 68 b is made possible, which allows a height adjustment of the sweeping roller 20 relative to the bottom 26.

The first holder 68a and the second holder 68b are connected to each other via a rod 74. The rod 74 lies opposite the second cover wall 62 at a distance from it. In one embodiment, the first holder 68a and the second holder 68b are non-rotatably connected to the rod 74.

The rod 74 is pivotally mounted on spaced pivot bearings 76a, 76b. The pivot bearings 76a, 76b are translationally fixed and rotationally fixed to or positioned relative to the chassis 12. As a result, the rod 74 is also translationally fixed relative to the chassis 12. Pivoting of the rod 74 causes the first holder 68a and the second holder 68b to pivot together relative to the chassis 12 and relative to the end walls 56a, 56b. Thereby, the relative height position of the sweeping roller 20 to the bottom 26 can be adjusted.

The pivot bearings 76a, 76b are positioned near the end walls 56a, 56b, respectively. A pivot axis 77 of the rod 74 is in particular at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 24 of the sweeping roller 20th In a central region of the rod 74 sits on this a lever element 78. The lever element 78 has an extension transversely and, for example, perpendicular to the pivot axis 77. The lever member 78 is non-rotatably mounted on the rod 74th

To set a specific position of the sweeping roller 20 relative to the bottom 26, an adjusting device 80 is provided. The adjusting device 80 sits above the second cover wall 62 and is fixed to the sweeping roller housing 22.

In one embodiment, the adjusting device comprises an actuator 82 with an actuator element 84. The actuator element 84 is linearly displaceable in a direction / opposite direction 86, which lies transversely and in particular perpendicular to the pivot axis 77.

In this case, the actuator 82 comprises a drive and, for example, an electromotive drive for displacing the actuator element 84.

The Aktuatoreiement 84 is in turn articulated to the lever member 78. An articulation point 88 of the Aktuatoreiements 84 to the lever member 78 is located opposite a fixation point (is spaced from this fixation point 90), via which the lever member 78 is connected to the rod 74.

A displacement position on the actuator 82 and in particular a position of the Aktuatoreiements 84 is assigned via an actuator 82

Position measuring device 92 can be determined. The position measuring device 92 determines the path and / or the position of the Aktuatoreiements 84 with respect to a starting position. The position measuring device 92 is designed for example as a potentiometer. By the position measuring device 92 in particular an absolute position of the Aktuatoreiements 84 relative to the starting position can be determined. The actuator element 84 is connected to the lever element 78 via a rotary slide guide 94. For connection, a connecting element 96 is provided, which is designed as a pin. The connecting element 96 is fixed and in particular non-rotatably arranged on the actuator element 84. It extends transversely to the direction / opposite direction 86 with an extension both to the left and to the right of the actuator element.

The lever element 78 is fork-shaped in the region of the articulation point 88 and has a receptacle 98 (FIGS. 7 and 8) for the connecting element 96.

In one embodiment, the receptacle 98 includes opposing apertures 100 on spaced tabs 102a, 102b in the forked portion of the lever member 78. A portion of the actuator member 84 is positioned in a gap 104 between the tabs 102a and 102b.

The receptacle 98 or the openings 100 are formed as a slot, which allows a relative pivoting between the lever member 78 and the actuator member 84 and a relative displaceability.

The receptacle with its openings 100 defines a first stop 106 (FIGS. 7 and 8). This first stop 106 is formed by a boundary wall of the receptacle 98 or the openings 100. Opposite the first stop, a second stop 108 is formed by a boundary wall. The first stop 106 and the second stop 108 are stops for the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98. The first stop 106 has a greater distance to a fixing point of the adjusting device 80 on the sweeping roller housing 22 than the second stop 108. On the lever member 78, a holder 110 for a spring device 112 is arranged. The holder extends to the left and to the right of the lever member 78. On it a first spring 114a and a second spring 114b is held, wherein the first spring 114a and the second spring 114b are spaced and between which the actuator element 84 is located. The first spring 114 a and 114 b of the spring device 112 are fixed to the connecting element 96.

The springs 114a, 114b of the spring device 112 are designed as tension springs. They exert a pulling force on the connecting element 96 and reduce the force which is necessary for a displacement movement of the connecting element 96. The necessary force for a "floating" of the sweeping roller 20 is then smaller than the weight of the sweeping roller 20. Ideally (without consideration of frictional forces), this necessary force is the difference between the weight of the sweeping roller 20 and the spring force.

In a stop position of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98 on the first stop 106, a pivoting operation of the lever element 78 is achieved by driving the actuator element 84 in the direction or opposite direction 86 and also determines a specific pivot position. A pivot axis 116, which is defined by a rotatability of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98, is parallel to

The pivoting operation of the lever member 78 in turn causes a pivoting operation of the rod 74 and thus the holder 68 a, 68 b, which in turn causes a pivoting operation of the sweeping roller 20. It can be adjusted to the ground 26 by a certain pivot position and thus height position of the sweeping roller 20.

For a pivoting operation of the lever member 78 via a linear movement of the actuator 84, the connecting element 96 and / or the receptacle 98 is provided with a driving device 118. In one exemplary embodiment, the entrainment device 118 is formed in that the connecting element 96 is a polygonal cross-section (and not a circle), so that the connecting element 96 in the rotary slide guide 94 can not rotate freely.

The connecting element is also displaceable in the rotary slide guide 94; it is displaceable between the first stop 106 and the second stop 108.

When the sweeping roller 20 touches the ground 26, the sweeping roller 20 experiences a buoyancy force, which is transmitted via the swinging device 66. This buoyancy force causes movement of the lever member 78 such that the connecting member 96 is moved out of the first stopper 106. By the second stop 108, this movement is stopped. By monitoring whether the connecting element is moved out of the first stop 106 and in particular by monitoring whether the connecting element 96 abuts against the second stop 108, it can be checked whether the sweeping roller 20 is seated on the ground. The swing device 66 is associated with a sensor device 120, through which a bottom contact of the sweeping roller 20 can be detected. The

Sensor device 120 monitors a movement and in particular displacement movement between lever element 78 and connecting element 96 on the rotary slide guide 94.

In one exemplary embodiment, the sensor device 120 comprises a switch, and in particular a microswitch 122, which sits on the lever element 78 in the region of the articulation point 88. In principle, it is possible that a separate switch 122 is seated on each tab 102a, 102b or that only a single switch 122 is arranged, for example, on the tab 102a. The sensor device comprises a movable element 124 (FIGS. 7 and 8) which bears against the connecting element 96 and is, for example, spring-loaded. Upon displacement of the connecting element 96 in the rotary slide guide 94, the element 124 moves with.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a position in which the sensor device 120 or the switch 122 does not supply a switching signal.

If the element 124 is moved due to a relative displacement of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98 and then lies in a specific position to the sensor device 120, a switching signal is generated. The specific position is defined, for example, by abutment of the connecting element 96 on the second stop 108 or by a specific position of the connecting element 96 in the rotary slide guide 94 away from the first stop 106.

The sensor device 120 thus monitors whether the sweeping roller 20 is seated on the floor 26. If this is the case, then the sensor device 120 provides a corresponding signal and in particular switching signal, which is usable.

The movement of the connecting element 96 away from the first stop 106 towards the second stop 108 is assisted by the spring force of the spring device 112. The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a control device 126 (FIG. 4) for controlling and / or regulating the position of the sweeping roller 20 relative to the floor 26 to be cleaned (and thus also relative to the chassis 12). The control device 126 is integrated in particular into a general control of the floor cleaning machine 10 for sweeping operation and driving operation.

The control device 126 is signal-effectively connected to the sensor device 120; this represents their sensor signals and in particular switching signals the controller 126 ready. Furthermore, the control device is signal-effectively connected to the position-measuring device 92. The position measuring device 92 provides its measuring signals to the control device 126.

Furthermore, the control device 126 controls the actuator 82 for setting a specific displacement position of the actuator 84.

The control device has a diameter determination device 128. By means of this can be the diameter of the sweeping roller 20th

determine. The sweeping roller 20 has brushes or the like, which wear during normal operation of the floor cleaning machine 10. As a result, the diameter of the sweeping roller 20 is reduced. The position of the sweeping roller 20 relative to the bottom 26 is adjusted via the position of the actuator element 84. It is the pivot position of the rod 74 and thus the holder 68 a, 68 b adjusted relative to the chassis 12.

For example, if the sweeping roller 20 is moved towards the floor 26 and then seated on the floor 26 in the actuator operation 82, then the sensor means 120 of the diameter determining means 128 provides a corresponding switching signal upon seating. At the time of the input of the switching signal, the diameter determination device 128 determines the measured position of the actuator element 84 on the basis of the data of the position measuring device 92. The diameter of the sweeping roller 20 can thereby be calculated. For example, a relation between the position of the sweeping roller 20 and diameter are produced when inserting a new sweeping roller 20, this initial relation can then also be used in the sweeping roller wear for diameter determination without further sensor.

In one embodiment, the control device 126 comprises a signaling device 130, which communicates with the diameter determination device 128 is linked. If, for example, the determined diameter falls below a specific threshold value, then the reporting device 130 transmits a corresponding message signal and in particular a warning signal to the operator of the floor cleaning machine 10. This message signal is in particular a warning signal that a new sweeping roller 20 must be used because the wear is too large.

The floor cleaning machine 10 according to the invention functions as follows: During operation of the floor cleaning machine 10, the sweeping roller 20 is placed on the floor 26 to be cleaned. A sweeping mirror is the amount of working surface of the sweeping roller 20, via which it is in contact with the soil to be cleaned. For different cleaning processes or different types of soil different sweeping levels may be useful.

Via the sweeping unit 54, different sweeping levels can be set and, in particular, adjusted automatically.

About the swing device 66, the sweeping roller 20 is held on the chassis 12 and it can be the position of the sweeping roller 20 set to the bottom 26 and thereby also the sweeping mirror can be adjusted. When the sweeping roller 20 sits on the ground 26, a corresponding signal is provided via the sensor device 120, so that the diameter can be determined. About this known diameter then the sweeping mirror can be set defined by appropriate actuator actuation of the actuator 82 and also adapt.

By evaluating the position of the actuator element 84 in conjunction with a corresponding signal of the sensor device 120, the sweeping roller diameter can be determined and different sweeping programs (sweeping mirrors) can be set by means of corresponding positioning via the actuator element 84. In the solution according to the invention, the number of actuators and sensor elements or switching elements is minimized. As an actuator, the actuator 82 with the actuator element 84 with the position measuring device 92 is sufficient. The switching element which serves to determine the diameter is realized by the sensor device 120 and reacts to a variable characterizing a buoyancy force of the sweeping roller 20 when sitting on the ground 26.

The diameter of the sweeping roller 20 is determined without contact, so that the sweeping operation is minimally disturbed. No key zones or the like need be provided in an area of the floor cleaning machine 10 which is subject to a high mechanical load and dirt load.

In principle, in a "new state" of the sweeping roller 20, the relationship between the diameter of the sweeping roller 20 and the position of the actuator element 84 is determined. For the corresponding sweeping roller 20 can then be determined by means of the sensor device 120 even with wear of the diameter. In principle, an automatic adjustment of the sweeping mirror can also be carried out by monitoring a variable characterizing the buoyancy force of the sweeping roller 20 via the sensor device 120.

In the solution according to the invention, a displacement of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98 characterizes a placing of the sweeping roller 20 on the bottom 26. This placement is detected via a displacement of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98 via the sensor device 120. Basically, the weight of the sweeping roller 20 must be overcome to such a shift. The spring device 112 is designed such that a "floating" of the sweeping roller 20, which results in a displacement of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98 away from the first stop 106, is supported. For example, if the broom 20 has a mass of 16 kilos, then a buoyancy of about 160 N is needed for such a shift. For example, the spring device 112 is set to provide an assist force of approximately 100N. Only a driving force of approximately 60 N is then necessary in order to establish the "floating state" with displacement of the connecting element 96 in the receptacle 98.

The spring device 112 also has a damping effect for vibrations of the swing device 66 with the sweeping roller 20 relative to the chassis 12.

In one embodiment, a first sweeping mirror, a second sweeping mirror and a third sweeping mirror are provided for the floor cleaning machine 10, wherein the first sweeping mirror is smaller (has a smaller contact area) than the second sweeping mirror and the second sweeping mirror is smaller than the third sweeping mirror.

For example, in the first sweeping mirror, a contact width (contact area divided by the length of the sweeping roller 20) of approximately 30 mm is provided. For the first sweeping mirror, the sweeping roller 20 may be slightly raised above the swinging device 66.

When operating with the second sweeping mirror and the third sweeping mirror, the sweeping roller 20 is pressed against the bottom 26 via the swinging device 66, whereby these two cases differ quantitatively.

The spring device 112 is in particular adjusted so that the sweeping roller 20 can still follow an uneven floor to some extent in the second sweeping mirror. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Floor cleaning machine

chassis

Seat

casing

Sauggebläseeinrichtung

broom

Broom housing

axis of rotation

ground

Circular brush

hopper

extraction well

inner space

suction

filter device

suction

clean side

cleaning device

partition wall

sweepings

wheel means

Sweeping roller unit

a front wall

b front wall

a First edge

b Second edge

c Third edge

First cover wall

Second cover wall

contact element Swingarma First holder

b Second holder

opening

articulation element

pole

a swivel bearing

b swivel bearing

swivel axis

lever member

Setting means

actuator

Direction / reverse direction

articulation

fixation site

Position measuring device

Rotary sliding guide

connecting element

admission

0 opening

2a tab

2b tab

4 space

6 First stop

8 Second stop

0 holder

2 spring device

4a First spring

4b Second spring

6 pivot axis

8 entrainment device0 sensor device 122 switches

124 element

126 control device

128 diameter determination device

130 signaling device

Claims

claims

A floor cleaning machine comprising a chassis (12), at least one sweeping roller (20) supported on the chassis (12), adjusting means (80) for adjusting a position of the at least one sweeping roller (20) relative to a floor to be cleaned (26), sensor means (120) which determines one or more quantities characterizing the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller (20) to the floor (26) to be cleaned, and a control means (126) which determines the relative position of the at least one sweeping roller (20) to the floor to be cleaned controls and / or regulated, characterized in that the at least one sweeping roller (20) via a swing device (66) on the chassis (12) is held, that the adjusting device (80) the swinging device (66) acts, wherein a position of the at least one sweeping roller (20) relative to the floor (26) to be cleaned via a pivoting position of the or on the swinging device (66 ), and in that the sensor device (120) is associated with the rocker device (66) and detects ground contact of the at least one brush roller (20) via the rocker device (66).

2. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sweeping roller (20) is associated with a rotary drive for a sweeping operation, wherein in particular a rotation axis (24) of the at least one sweeping roller (20) at least approximately parallel to the floor to be cleaned (26 ).

3. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one sweeping roller (20) about a pivot axis (77) is pivotally supported on the chassis (12), wherein in particular the pivot axis (77) at least approximately parallel to a rotation axis of at least one sweeping roller (20).

4. floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the chassis (12) a sweeping roller housing (22) is arranged, which is open to the floor to be cleaned (26) and in which the at least one sweeping roller (20) positioned is.

5. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the adjusting device (80) on the sweeping roller housing (22) is fixed and / or supported.

6. floor cleaning machine according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the sweeping roller housing (22) at opposite end faces (56 a, 56 b) has openings (70) through which articulation elements (72) of the swing device (66) are immersed and at least Hold a sweeping roller (20).

7. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting device (80) a

Actuator (82) with at least one movable actuator element (84), which is articulated to the rocker device (66).

8. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one actuator element (84) is linearly displaceable.

9. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the actuator (82) is associated with a position measuring device (92) which determines a position of the at least one actuator element (84), wherein in particular the position measuring device (92) signal effective with the Control device (126) is connected.

10. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device (126) comprises a diameter determining device (128) for the at least one sweeping roller (20), which by means of a position measuring device (92) measured position on the actuator (82) at ground contact the at least one sweeping roller (20) determines its diameter.

11. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (126) comprises a signaling device (130) which provides an alarm signal when the determined diameter of the at least one sweeping roller (20) is below a threshold value.

12. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor device (120) is a switch (122) or comprises, which provides a switching signal at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller (20).

13. Floor cleaning machine according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the at least one actuator element (84) and the swing device (66) via a rotary slide guide (94) are connected, wherein for adjusting a position of the at least one sweeping roller (20) a Pivoting position of or on the rocker device (66) is adjustable, and at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller (20), a shift on the rotary slide guide (94) is feasible.

14. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the sensor device (120) of the rotary slide guide (94) is associated and checks for displacement on the rotary slide guide (94).

15. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker device (66) comprises a lever element (78) which is pivotable relative to the chassis (12), and on which the adjusting device (80) acts.

16. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 15, characterized in that a pivot axis (77) of the lever element (78) is at least approximately parallel to a rotation axis (24) of the at least one sweeping roller (20).

17. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one actuator element (84) of the adjusting device (80) is articulated to the lever element (78) and in particular via a rotary slide guide (94) is articulated.

18. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 17, characterized in that at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller (20), a relative displacement between the at least one actuator element (84) and the lever element (78) can be performed on a hinge region.

19. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 18, characterized in that the sensor device (120) monitors a relative displacement between the lever element (78) and the at least one actuator element (84) in the articulation region.

20. Floor cleaning machine according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the rotary slide guide (94) has a receptacle (98) for a connecting element (96) between the at least one actuator element (84) and the lever element (78), wherein the connecting element (96) in the receptacle (98) is relatively pivotable and displaceable.

21. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 20, characterized in that the receptacle (98) is formed as a slot or one or more slots (100).

22. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 20 or 21, characterized

characterized in that the connecting element (96) is spring-loaded.

23. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 22, characterized by a spring device (112) which is articulated on the connecting element (96) and on the lever element (78).

24. floor cleaning machine according to claim 23, characterized in that the rotary slide guide (94) has a first stop (106) opposite the second stop (108), wherein at ground contact of the at least one sweeping roller (20), the connecting element (96) with the support of the spring force the spring device (112) is displaceable between the first stop (106) and the second stop (108).

25. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 24, characterized in that the sensor device (120) provides a switching signal when positioning the connecting element (96) at or in the vicinity of the second stop (108).

26. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rocker device (66) spaced-apart holder (68 a, 68 b) comprises, between which the at least one sweeping roller (20) is held.

27. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 26, characterized in that the holders (68a, 68b) sit on a rod (74) on which the lever element (78) is arranged.

28. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 27, characterized in that the rod (74) is translationally fixed and pivotable relative to the chassis (12), wherein a pivoting operation of the lever member (78) causes the pivoting of the rod (74).

29. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an adjustability of one or more different sweeping levels of the at least one sweeping roller (20).

30. Floor cleaning machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a self-propelled training and in particular training as Aufsitzmaschine.

31. A method for adjusting the position of a sweeping roller on a floor cleaning machine, wherein the sweeping roller is held on a rocker device (66), wherein a pivoting position of or on the swing device (66) a position of the sweeping roller (20) relative to the floor to be cleaned (26) determines, a pivot position on the swing device (66) via an actuator (82) is set, a bottom contact of the sweeping roller (20) via a sensor device (120) on the swing device (66) is determined, and at ground contact of the sweeping roller ( 20) a position on the actuator (82) is measured.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that a diameter of the sweeping roller (20) is calculated from the measured position on the actuator (82) when the sweeping roller (20) comes into contact with the ground.

33. The method according to claim 32, characterized in that at

known diameter over the actuator (82) a predetermined sweeping mirror is set.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that the sensor device (120) has a size at the

Swing device (66) determines which characterizes a buoyancy of the sweeping roller (20) at ground contact.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 34, characterized in that when the bottom brush of the sweeping roller (20), a relative displacement between the actuator (82) and swing device (66), which is detectable by the sensor device (120).

36. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 35, characterized in that the actuator (82) on the swing device (66) via a rotary slide guide (94) is articulated, wherein on the rotary guide part of the rotary slide guide (94) of the actuator (82)

Pivoting movement of or on the swinging device (66) causes and on the sliding part of the rotary slide guide (94) a bottom contact of the sweeping roller (20) is detected.