Floor cleaning machine

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a dirt receiving container, via a suction line with a suction unit in fluid communication , it being arranged on the suction line, a pleated filter , and with a filter cleaning, the at least one stripper which engages the filter cleaning at the folds of the folded filter, wherein the pleated filter and the scraper relative to one another transversely to the longitudinal direction the wrinkles are movable.

Such floor cleaning equipment are, for example as a flip-sucker for use, by means of which a bottom surface can be cleaned. Using a broom may dirt from the floor to be cleaned in area be transferred to the dirt receptacle, wherein by means of the suction unit in the area of ​​the sweeping roller and the dirt receptacle a Suction flow can be generated. As a result, the dust in the floor cleaning can be considerably reduced, and simultaneously, due to the suction flow increases the effectiveness of cleaning.

During operation of the floor cleaning machine, the pleated filter sets gradually with dirt particles, so that the pleated filter an increasing Flow resistance for the suction flow is formed, characterized the gradually loses its effect. It is therefore necessary, the pleated filter by certain operating time of the floor cleaning machine cleaning off. For this purpose, it is for example, known from DE 37 34 355 C2, a stripper at the folds to run along the folded filter, so that the folds deformed by stripper be and then snap back to their original position. Thereby is achieved on pleated filter adhering dirt, which then from Dirt receptacle is received.

In the EP 0793988 a floor cleaning machine of the initially named described type in which a hollow cylindrical pleated filter for use comes, the manual for filter cleaning or motorized his Cylinder axis can be set in rotation, while the scraper in fixed dirt receptacle. For filter cleaning is the suction unit switched off, so that the pleated filter is not subject to suction flow. This has an effective filter result, however, it is disadvantageous, that during filter the floor cleaning machine is not can be used for cleaning floors, because with off suction unit would be the operation of the floor cleaning machine with a strong Dust connected. In EP 0793988 A2 is therefore additional proposed two pleated filter inside the dirt receptacle rotatably supporting said suction flow alternatively through one of the two Pleated filter is passed. Thus, one of the pleated filter be cleaned effectively without it undergoes a suction flow, while the other pleated filter for dirt separation is used. this, however, are two in the flow direction parallel pleated filter required, each of which a rotary drive as well as a flow connection the suction unit selectively releasing and interrupting Closing flap is associated. This results in a structurally complex building the floor cleaning machine itself and increases their manufacturing costs.

Object of the present invention is to provide a floor cleaning machine of further develop the aforementioned type such that it is a constructive simpler including configuration and the pleated filter are reliably cleaned can.

This object is at a floor cleaning machine of the generic Art inventively achieved in that the pleated filter first and second filter region, said first filter area permanently the suction unit in fluid communication, and wherein said flow connection between the second filter region and the suction unit selectively can be released and interrupted.

In the floor cleaning machine according to the invention, by the first Filter area through a continuous suction flow can be maintained, as long as the suction unit is in operation. If when the suction unit the pleated filter moved relative to the stripper, the first filter area cleaned with the scraper with sustained suction flow. In contrast, the second filter portion may be separated from the suction unit are such that a filter cleaning of the second filter region without a suction flow acting on it can be done. If the suction unit off, then both filter sections can without acting on it Suction flow are cleaned effectively by means of the scraper.

It is advantageous if the filter cleaning a blocking element for selectively enabling and interrupting the flow connection between the second filter region and the suction unit includes as well as a drive element for generating a relative movement between the wipers and the pleated filter, the blocking element coupled to the drive element is. By means of the drive member, relative movement between the pleated filter and the scraper are generated and by means of the Locking element, the flow connection between the second filter region and the suction unit are interrupted. The actuation of the The blocking element can be effected with the aid of the drive element, with the is coupled to the locking element. An additional actuator can for the blocking element omitted. Rather, it can be provided that the locking element by means of the drive element between its release position and its interrupted position can be moved back and forth, for example, a Rotation axis can be made to rotate.

The drive element can be configured for example as an electric motor. It is of advantage if the direction of rotation of reversible electric motor is, because that can structurally simple manner reciprocation the locking element between its release position and its interrupt position be achieved.

It is advantageous if the locking element rotatably supported on a drive shaft is, which is from the electric motor can be rotationally driven. By means of the drive shaft in addition to the locking member and the pleated filter or the associated Scrapers are set in motion.

In a preferred embodiment of the floor cleaning machine according to the invention is the locking element configured as a rotatable shutter which in a first rotational position releases an associated passage opening and in a second rotational position covers the through opening, wherein the passage opening disposed downstream of the second filter area in the suction line is. By means of the rotatable locking member, the passage opening optional be released or covered, thereby the flow connection between the second filter region and the suction unit selectively provide or interrupt.

It is favorable when the pleated filter, a cylindrical, rotatably mounted and perforations surrounding exhibiting support tube in the circumferential direction, wherein the support tube by means of the drive element about its cylinder axis is rotatable and picks up the locking element. The support tube thus forms a Part of the suction line between the folded filter and the suction unit and serves the support of the folded filter by this with his downstream side of the support tube can be applied. For generating a relative movement between the folded filter and the scraper, the support tube be rotated about its cylinder axis in rotation. Within the Support tube is arranged the locking element. An additional space for the locking element is consequently not required, and by operating the Locking element can in a structurally simple manner, the upstream of the Blocking element positioned area of ​​the pleated filter with either the placed suction unit in fluid communication or separated from the suction unit will.

Of particular advantage with regard to a compact design of the floor cleaning machine is when the locking member rotationally fixed to at a the cylinder axis of the support tube is held rotatable drive shaft, which in the support tube is immersed, wherein the locking element via coupling elements with is coupled to the support tube. This gives the possibility, by means of the drive shaft to enable the drive element in rotation, so that the locking element to rotate the cylinder axis of the support tube and between its release position and its interruption position can be reciprocated, and the rotational movement of the locking element, via the coupling elements the support tube is transmitted, so that the support tube and with this offset which is applied to him pleated filter for filter cleaning in rotation can be.

Preferably, the coupling elements comprise at least one stop cooperates with a support member. The rotational movement of the locking element Consequently, over the stopper and the support element on the support tube be transmitted. The stop is conveniently on the locking element positioned and the supporting element can be held on the support tube.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop is at a Opening of the blocking element disposed. The aperture can example, be designed as an elongated hole which is penetrated by the support element is, the longitudinal extent of the slot is chosen to be greater than the diameter of the support element. If the locking element is rotated, Thus, the rotational movement of the locking element on the support member rendered once this to a first wall portion of the slot strikes. This has the advantage that the locking element initially based on the support tube is free to rotate and thus, for example, starting from its Release position can be converted into its interrupt position, and only upon further rotational movement of the locking member abuts the support member to the first wall region of the slot, so that then the rotational movement transfer of the blocking element on the support element on the support tube can be. If the direction of rotation of the locking element is reversed so can the locking element initially turn - based on the support tube - rotated freely be and are thus converted back into its release position, and only in a further rotational movement pushes the support member at a the first wall portion opposite the second wall area of the elongated hole, so that then a further rotational movement of the locking element can be transferred to the support tube.

The support element is in an advantageous embodiment, as the support tube designed thoroughgoing Traverse longitudinally. The truss can to be held end-face end cap of the supporting tube, which with the support tube are rigidly connected. A first end cap may form a lid the support tube end fluid-tight manner, while the second end cap may have openings through which pass the suction flow can.

As already explained, is running suction unit, a filter cleaning carried out, with only the first filter section of the suction flow applied , while the second filter section is decoupled from the suction flow can be. To bring about the first filter region without applying to be able to clean off a suction flow is in a particularly preferred Embodiment, provided that the folded filter with switched off Suction unit is movable relative to strippers.

Here, it is advantageous if the folds of the filter after switching off Suction unit is movable relative to the stripper itself. This greatly simplifies the handling of the floor cleaning machine, for after completion of the floor cleaning the user only has the suction unit off, and then can automatically filter cleaning be carried out without an area of ​​the folded filter with suction flow is acted upon.

The floor cleaning machine according to the invention is preferably as mobile Vacuum Sweepers designed and includes a broom, which the Dirt receptacle is located adjacent.

The following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention serves in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. It show:<dl tsize="8"><dt>Figure 1:</dt><dd>a schematic representation of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention;</dd><dt>Figure 2:</dt><dd>a sectional view of a pleated filter, the floor cleaning machine with a first and a second filter region, both Filter areas are flowed through by suction air;</dd><dt>Figure 3:</dt><dd>a sectional view of the folded filter in accordance with Figure 2, only the first filter region is traversed by suction air;</dd><dt>Figure 4:</dt><dd>a perspective view of the folded filter with an associated scrapers and</dd><dt>Figure 5:</dt><dd>a perspective view of a locking element.</dd></dl>

1 shows a floor cleaning machine according to the invention is shown schematically in Form an overall by the numeral 10 mobile Vacuum Sweepers are displayed, cleaned with the aid of which a bottom surface 12 can. It comprises a driving Placed 14, the upper side a battery box 15 bears, which accommodates a battery for powering the Vacuum Sweepers. On the battery box 15, a seat 16 is held, where the user can take 10 place in the process of Vacuum Sweepers.

The traveling drive in Vacuum Sweepers 10 is powered by a hydraulic power unit 17, with an electric pump, not shown in the drawing coupled and positioned with a behind the battery box 15 Hydrostatic transmission 18 is operatively connected.

Underside are held on the chassis 14 front wheels 20 and rear wheels 21st The front wheels 20 are in a direction 19 in front of the seat 16 arranged steering wheel 23 coupled. Between the front and rear wheels 20, 21 is the bottom side on the chassis 14 a lowerable on the bottom surface 12 and held by these liftable roller brush 25, which for about a transversely Direction 19 aligned roller shaft 26 is driven in rotation and with the aid of which the floor surface can be swept. In the direction of travel 19 before Broom 25 is a bulk waste flap 28 at the bottom of the chassis 14 positioned and behind the sweeping roller 25 is a dirt receptacle 30 arranged in the image captured by the sweeping roller 25 Debris 32 can be transferred.

The inclusion of Kehrguts in the dirt receptacle 30 is of a Suction flow 34 supported by a hydrostatic transmission of the above 18 arranged suction unit 36 ​​is generated which has a suction channel 38 with the dirt receptacle 30 in fluid communication stands. The suction channel 38 is on one long side of the Vacuum Sweepers 10 am Chassis set 14 and is connected via a transverse to the direction 19 aligned Support tube 40 with the dirt receptacle 30 in fluid communication. The support tube 40 is cylindrical in shape and can by means a drive element in the form of an electric motor 43 to its cylindrical axis 41 are rotated. As shown particularly in Figures 2 and 3 clearly has the support tube 40 on se ine entire length and its entire circumference on a plurality of perforations 42nd In the figures, 2 and 3 are to achieve a better overview, these openings 42 only partially shown. In the circumferential direction is the Support tube 40 surrounded by a star-shaped folded pleated filter 44, by which the suction flow 34 is guided.

To empty the dirt receptacle 30 can be raised. To this end, the Vacuum Sweepers 10 includes upwardly projecting arm 46, where a direction of travel 19 transversely to the pivot axis oriented 47 pivotable pivot arms 48 are held, the dirt receptacle to 30 take sides between them. In Figure 1, the dirt receptacle in solid lines in its lowered, immediately downstream of the Kehrwalze represented 25 positioned position, and is in the broken line the dirt receptacle 30 illustrated in its raised position.

To also detect edge portions of the floor to be cleaned reliably surface 12 can be, before the front wheels 20 on the chassis 14 via a laterally the outer contour of the chassis 14 protruding side brush 50 rotatably maintained, which is configured as a cup brush.

As already explained, with the sweeping roller 25 debris in the dirt receptacle be 30 transferred, at the same time by means of the suction unit 36, a suction flow is caused that the recording Sweepings 32 support and a dust when sweeping the floor surface 12 prevented. The suction flow 34 is in the radial direction by the Pleated filter 44 passes, then flows across the vehicle 19 along the support tube 40 and by this - in the figures 2 and 3 on the right - handed over to the suction channel 38, from which the suction flow 44 is passed to the suction unit 36th The support tube 40 forms Thus in combination with the suction channel 38, a suction pipe, the on Dirt receptacle 30 with the suction unit 36 ​​in flow communication stands.

Fine dust which is carried by the suction flow 34, is deposited on the Outer side of the pleated filter 44, so that this an increasing flow resistance forms for the suction flow 34th When Vacuum Sweepers 10 is therefore provided that the pleated filter 44 cleaned can. For this purpose, below the pleated filter 10 is a filter cleaning fixed with a scraper 52 to the folds 54 of the pleat filter 44 attacks. For filter cleaning, the support tube 40 and the held him Pleated filter 44 about the cylinder axis 41 in the electric motor 43 by means of Rotation can be offset so that the pleated filter 44, a relative movement with respect executes on the stripper 52, the folds formed flexibly 54 deflected by the scraper 52 from its original position and then So that adhering to these snap back to the fold 54 Dirt is detached and falls in the dirt receptacle 30th

The rotary drive of the support tube 40 is carried by the electric motor 43 via a coaxial the support tube 40 aligned and received by this drive shaft 56, via a known per se and therefore in the drawing unillustrated gear coupled to the electric motor 43 and at its into the support tube 40 dipping the end of a locking element in the form of a first aperture 58 carries. This is particularly clear from FIG. 5 The first Lens 58 has four arranged uniformly distributed over its circumference Perforations 59 and is held rotationally fixed to the drive shaft 56th In addition, the first orifice 58 has two diametrically opposite each other Longitudinal bores 61, 62 which in the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 56 are aligned. The longitudinal holes 61, 62 are each of a cross-member 64 and 65, respectively penetrated, parallel to the cylinder axis 41 of the support tube 40 are aligned and fixed to the end face end caps 67, 68 of the support tube 40 are. The end cap 67 is facing away from the drive shaft 56 end face the support tube 40 arranged to form a support tube 40 frontally flow-tight lid. In contrast, the End cap 68 which is penetrated by the drive shaft 56, a plurality of outlet apertures 70, through which the suction flow 34 may pass therethrough.

At the cross members 64, 65, a second diaphragm 70 is fixed to the first Lens 58 is located directly adjacent to and by means of a support sleeve 71 is supported on the drive shaft 56th During a rotary movement of the drive shaft 56, the support sleeve 71 on the outer periphery of the drive shaft 56 slide along. The second aperture 70 has corresponding to the first shutter 58 Apertures 72 which, depending on the rotational position of the shaft 56 to the drive fixed first diaphragm 58 with the openings 59 of the first aperture 58 can be made to coincide, as shown in Figure 2, or but offset in rotational direction of the drive shaft 56 to the openings 59 of the first orifice 58 can be positioned so that the first Aperture 58 the perforations 72 of the second shutter 70 covers, as in Figure 3 is illustrated.

Is used for filter cleaning, the electric motor 43 is switched on, the drive shaft 56 and the set of her first aperture 58 to the cylinder axis 41 rotated. Here, due to the longitudinal extension of the Longitudinal holes 61 and 62, the first aperture 58 relative to the second aperture 70 are first rotated to a rotational position, in which the perforations 72 the second shutter 70 are covered by the first diaphragm 58th At the further rotation of the drive shaft 56 abut the crossmembers 64 and 65 respectively at one end side of the longitudinal bores 61 and 62, respectively, so that the rotational movement the drive shaft 56 through the first aperture 58 and the cross members 64, 65 transferred to the support tube 40 and held at this pleated filter 44 becomes. The pleated filter 44 thus performs a rotational movement, so that the Wrinkles are 54 reliably cleaned by the scraper 52nd However, since in this State the perforations 72 of the second aperture 70 from the first Aperture 58 are covered, is only during filter a first filter region, namely between the end cap 68 and the first Aperture 58 disposed portion 74 of the folded filter 44, of the suction flow flows through, while a second filter portion 75, namely the region of the Pleated filter 44, which is arranged between the first orifice 58 and the end cap 67 is, is separated from the suction flow 34th This is illustrated in FIG. 3 Due to the lack of action on the second filter region 75 with the suction flow 74, this filter can the most efficient manner be cleaned, at the same time the result of maintaining Suction flow is ensured through 34 through the first filter portion 74, that during filter a dirt receptacle 30 thoroughgoing suction flow is maintained to avoid Dust during filter.

In a further method step, the direction of rotation of the electric motor 43 vice versa. This has the result that firstly the first aperture 58 is rotated relative to the second aperture 70 in a rotational position in which the respective openings 59 and 72 can be made to coincide, as shown in Figure 2, so that now the suction flow 34 pass both the first filter section 74 and the second filter region 75 can. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 Thus, the filter cleaning is completed.

After cleaning, the bottom surface 12 of the user to the suction unit 36 off. This has the result that, by means of a in the drawing Controller of Vacuum Sweepers 10 of the electric motor, not shown, 43 activated at short notice and because of the consequent rotational movement Pleated filter 44, both the first filter portion 74 and the second filter portion 75 cleaned reliably when switched off the suction unit 36 can. This ensures that even the first filter section 74 undergoes a cleaning, in which it is not acted upon by the suction flow 74 becomes.