EP2778287B1 - Floor cleaning machine with a fluid supply device for the cleaning unit - Google Patents

Floor cleaning machine with a fluid supply device for the cleaning unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2778287B1
EP2778287B1 EP14159617.1A EP14159617A EP2778287B1 EP 2778287 B1 EP2778287 B1 EP 2778287B1 EP 14159617 A EP14159617 A EP 14159617A EP 2778287 B1 EP2778287 B1 EP 2778287B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning
valve
cleaning unit
lever
cleaning machine
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP14159617.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2778287A2 (en
EP2778287A3 (en
Inventor
Bertram Ulrich
Carsten Protz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hako GmbH
Original Assignee
Hako GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hako GmbH filed Critical Hako GmbH
Publication of EP2778287A2 publication Critical patent/EP2778287A2/en
Publication of EP2778287A3 publication Critical patent/EP2778287A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2778287B1 publication Critical patent/EP2778287B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/10—Hydraulically loosening or dislodging undesirable matter; Raking or scraping apparatus ; Removing liquids or semi-liquids e.g., absorbing water, sliding-off mud
    • E01H1/101—Hydraulic loosening or dislodging, combined or not with mechanical loosening or dislodging, e.g. road washing machines with brushes or wipers
    • E01H1/103—Hydraulic loosening or dislodging, combined or not with mechanical loosening or dislodging, e.g. road washing machines with brushes or wipers in which the soiled loosening or washing liquid is removed, e.g. by suction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a chassis for moving the floor cleaning machine over a surface to be cleaned, with a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and with a liquid supply, wherein the cleaning unit is mounted on the chassis and by means of a lifting device between a raised rest position and a lowered cleaning position, wherein the liquid supply comprises a liquid supply, which is connected to an arranged on the cleaning unit outlet, wherein between the liquid supply and the outlet, a valve is arranged, wherein a closing of the valve, the connection between the outlet and the liquid supply interrupts and wherein the floor cleaning machine has a coupled to the lifting actuator, which closes the valve when the cleaning unit from the cleaning position is moved to the raised rest position.
  • Floor cleaning machines with lowerable or height-adjustable cleaning units are well known from the prior art.
  • the cleaning units of this floor cleaning machines are mounted on the chassis of the floor cleaning machine and can be moved by means of a lifting device between a raised rest position and a lowered cleaning position.
  • the cleaning unit is brought into the cleaning position in which it is arranged directly above or on the surface to be cleaned. If the floor cleaning machine is moved without the cleaned surface to be cleaned, then the cleaning unit with the lifting device in the rest position raised. In the rest position, the cleaning unit is spaced from the surface to be cleaned or run over and does not come into contact with it.
  • liquid to the cleaning unit In various types of floor cleaning machines, it is desirable to supply liquid to the cleaning unit during cleaning.
  • a cleaning liquid is applied to the surface to be cleaned via the cleaning unit.
  • an outlet is provided in the cleaning unit, such as a rotating brush head, which is connected to a liquid supply.
  • the liquid supply may for example be a tank with a cleaning liquid.
  • An alternative form of liquid supply is provided in sweeping machines, which generally have a suction mouth connected to a fan which generates in the suction mouth an air flow with which debris and other coarse dirt can be absorbed by the surface to be cleaned, previously have been promoted with the help of possibly driven brooms in front of the suction mouth.
  • liquid is introduced into the air flow.
  • the liquid should preferably not hit the surface to be cleaned, but only moisten the air flow above the suction mouth and, for example, in a dirt collecting container.
  • a valve is provided which is arranged between the liquid supply and the outlet of the liquid supply device and which interrupts the connection between the outlet and the liquid supply when it is closed.
  • the valve must be manually opened and closed by an operator of the floor cleaning machine by operating a switch. If, after cleaning, it is forgotten to close the valve, liquid from the outlet may leak to and contaminate the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, it must also be remembered to open the valve before cleaning operation. Without scrubbing liquid, the scrubber-drier can not achieve a satisfactory result and the sweeper is subject to increased dust generation.
  • a floor cleaning machine with a cleaning unit in which a valve between a liquid supply and an outlet is arranged on the cleaning unit.
  • a pedal on the machine frame of the floor cleaning machine can be configured as an actuating device, so that when the pedal is pressed down, the cleaning unit can be moved to the cleaning position and the valve can be opened somewhat later.
  • the EP 0 162 769 A1 describes a cleaning unit for cleaning a bottom surface, which is connected via a liquid supply device with a liquid supply.
  • the cleaning unit is designed as a suction device with a suction line. By means of two nozzles, the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply device is applied to the floor surface to be cleaned under pressure and sucked through the suction line.
  • a floor cleaning machine is described with a cleaning unit for cleaning a bottom surface, which has a liquid supply and a liquid supply device, in which a solenoid valve may be arranged.
  • a mode selector switch having an actuator in the form of a knob, wherein in the second operating position, the cleaning unit is brought into the cleaning position and the solenoid valve is opened.
  • valve is a pinch valve and that the pinch valve has a hose portion, an abutment and a closure element, which are arranged so that the closing element can be moved to close the pinch valve to the anvil, whereby the between the Seated abutment and the closure element arranged hose section squeezed and thus the pinch valve can be closed.
  • the floor cleaning machine may, for example, be a scrubber-drier or a sweeper, driven either by an operator sitting on the machine or is guided as a hand-held machine by an operator behind the machine.
  • the floor cleaning machine has a chassis, with which it can be moved over a surface to be cleaned.
  • the chassis may have both driven and non-driven wheels.
  • the floor cleaning machine comprises a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning unit may be, for example, a suction mouth for sucking debris or coarse dirt from a surface to be cleaned or a brush head.
  • Common to these cleaning units that they are height-adjustable mounted on the chassis. By means of a lifting device they can move between a raised resting position, i. a position in which the cleaning unit is spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and a lowered cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the cleaning unit is regularly at least partially on the surface to be cleaned on or on the surface to be cleaned.
  • a lifting device In order to move the cleaning unit between the rest and the cleaning position, a lifting device is provided.
  • the lifting device can lift the cleaning unit, for example, hydraulically, via a cable or a Bowden cable or via an electromechanical lifting element.
  • the floor cleaning machine has a liquid supply device with an outlet arranged on the cleaning unit.
  • the liquid supply device may be used for supplying circulating water in a floor cleaning machine designed as a sweeping machine, while it is used, for example, in a scrubber-type suction machine for supplying a cleaning liquid.
  • the outlet of Liquid supply device is connected to a liquid supply, which may be, for example, a tank for circulating water, which may also be the dirt container, or a tank for cleaning liquid.
  • a valve is arranged between the liquid supply and the outlet.
  • the valve may be a mechanically actuated valve but also an electromagnetically actuated valve.
  • the floor cleaning machine has an actuating device coupled to the lifting device.
  • the actuator opens the valve when the cleaning unit is in the cleaning position and closes the valve when the cleaning unit is moved from the cleaning position to the rest position so that the valve is closed when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position.
  • the actuating device can be a sensor which detects the height of the cleaning unit and, when the cleaning unit is lowered into the cleaning position, opens the valve electrically or mechanically. On the other hand, if the sensor detects that the cleaning unit is lifted out of the cleaning position, it can also close the valve electrically or mechanically.
  • the present invention offers the advantage that the liquid supply to the outlet is automatically closed when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position.
  • the automatic operating device avoids an additional work step and the floor cleaning machine is more user-friendly.
  • liquid from the liquid supply device is prevented from leaking to the bottom when the floor cleaning machine is not used for cleaning. This prevents in particular that when the floor cleaning machine is turned off, the liquid tank runs empty and no liquid is available when it is to be cleaned.
  • the valve is automatically opened whenever the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position and thus liquid escapes from the outlet when it is needed. It is thus ensured that cleaning liquid is applied to the soil or circulating water is discharged into the suction device.
  • the actuator mechanically couples the lift to the valve.
  • the mechanical coupling of the actuator has the advantage over the electrical coupling that it is more robust. Cleaning units of floor cleaning machines are permanently exposed to dirt and moisture, which can easily lead to malfunction of electrical components.
  • the lifting device has a lifting element, and the cleaning device can be moved by means of a change in length of the lifting element between the cleaning position and the rest position.
  • a first end of the lifting element is connected to the chassis and a second end of the lifting element is connected to the actuating device. With a change in length of the lifting element, which moves the cleaning unit from the cleaning position, the actuator closes the valve.
  • the lifting element is preferably a hydraulic cylinder or excavating cylinder which is shortened to raise the cleaning unit and extended to lower the cleaning unit.
  • One end of the lifting element is connected to the chassis and the other end of the lifting element is directly connected to the actuating device.
  • the actuating device closes the valve.
  • the lifting element can in this preferred Embodiment be connected for example via the actuator with the cleaning unit. In this case, the actuator transmits the force from the lifting element to the cleaning unit.
  • the cleaning device in the case of a suction mouth, for example with support wheels provided on a chassis thereof, rests on or on the surface to be cleaned in the cleaning operation.
  • the lifting element is shortened and the cleaning unit is raised so that it comes out of contact with the surface to be cleaned, the part of the weighting force of the cleaning unit previously carried by the surface is transferred to the lifting element via the actuating device.
  • the actuating device is designed such that it closes the valve simultaneously with the lifting, preferably the entire weight force or a part of the weight force of the cleaning unit can be available as a closing force for the valve. There are no additional actuators or motors necessary in this preferred embodiment to close the valve.
  • the actuating device on a lever which is pivotally supported.
  • the lever is connected to the second end of the lifting element and to the valve.
  • a change in length of the lifting element for lifting the cleaning device pivots the lever and the pivoting of the lever closes the valve.
  • the lever is pivotable, preferably one parallel to the to be cleaned Surface extending axis, supported on the cleaning unit.
  • the lever is biased by a spring element that pivots the lever such that the valve opens when the lifting element does not lift the cleaning unit. This will ensure that the valve opens when the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position.
  • a manual actuator is provided by means of which the lever can be pivoted to close the valve, e.g. when the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position.
  • the valve can be closed by an operator of a floor cleaning machine, for example, if it is to be parked with the cleaning unit lowered.
  • the valve is designed as a pinch valve.
  • the pinch valve has a hose portion, an abutment and a closure member which are arranged so that the closure member for closing the pinch valve can be moved to the anvil, whereby the arranged between the abutment and the closure member hose portion squeezed and thus the pinch valve are closed can.
  • Pinch valves are durable valves in which the closing mechanism does not affect the cross-section of the pipe when it is open.
  • the primarily mechanically stressed component of a pinch valve is the short tube section, which can be easily replaced if damaged.
  • the pinch valve is a particularly maintenance-friendly or low-maintenance component.
  • the closure element is preferably spherical or hemispherical and the anvil preferably of a half-Das Closure element is preferably spherical or hemispherical and the abutment is preferably formed by a half-shell.
  • a half shell preferably has the shape of an inner side of a halved hollow cylinder with a circular cross section. A half-shell holds the hose section in position during squeezing and prevents it from twisting or buckling and the valve is not tightly closed.
  • the closure element is connected to the lever, and by pivoting the lever, the closure element can be moved towards the anvil. It is particularly preferred if the lever between its ends is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and the lever is connected on one side of the pivot axis with the lifting element and on the other side of the pivot axis with the closure element.
  • the lever is first pivoted when shortening the lifting element for lifting the cleaning unit until the closure element rests completely on the counter bearing. Only then is the cleaning unit raised by the surface to be cleaned.
  • the valve is closed as soon as the cleaning unit is raised or spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and thus as soon as it is moved out of the cleaning position. No liquid can inadvertently escape to the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position.
  • the cleaning unit has a chassis, which is in the cleaning position in contact with the surface to be cleaned.
  • the chassis can be, for example, one or more wheels which are arranged at a rear end of the cleaning unit, so that it can be cleaned on the Surface can be discontinued and the weight of the cleaning unit does not have to be worn permanently by the lifting device.
  • the cleaning unit is a suction unit, which has a suction mouth with an opening facing the surface to be cleaned.
  • the suction mouth is connected to a blower which generates an air flow in the suction mouth, and the outlet is arranged so that liquid emerging from the outlet is introduced into the air flow.
  • the debris absorbed by the cleaning unit is moistened and bonded by the liquid exiting the outlet.
  • FIG. 1 to 6b an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention is shown, wherein the floor cleaning machine only in Fig. 1 is completely shown and the remaining figures show the cleaning unit or details of the cleaning unit.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 is in the embodiment shown here a so-called sweeper with two brooms 3, which are rotationally driven about a substantially perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned 5 extending axis. Of the two brooms 3 is only in the direction of travel 7 of the floor cleaning machine 1 left broom 3 in Fig. 1 shown in order not to restrict the view of the underlying cleaning unit 9.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 has a chassis 11 with four wheels 13 for moving the floor cleaning machine 1 over the surface to be cleaned 5. Of the four wheels 13 may be two or three also be driven four wheels 13. On the chassis, the cleaning unit 9 is held vertically adjustable.
  • the cleaning unit 9 is a suction unit 9.
  • the suction unit 9 is connected via a suction pipe 15 (see Fig. 2 ) connected to a dirt collecting 17.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 comprises means in the form of a blower mounted above the dirt container, with which an air flow in the suction pipe 15 can be generated, the coarse dirt or debris from the surface to be cleaned 5 absorbs and promotes into the dirt collecting 17.
  • the cleaning unit 9 is connected via four struts 19 with the chassis 11, wherein the struts 19 are pivotally hinged to the chassis 11 and the cleaning unit 9.
  • the struts 19 are supported both on the chassis 11 and on the cleaning unit 9 rotatable or pivotable about perpendicular to the direction of travel 7 and parallel to the surface to be cleaned 5 extending axes.
  • the cleaning unit 9 can be pivoted relative to the chassis 11.
  • a lifting device 21 is provided to the cleaning unit 9 from a raised rest position, as shown in the Fig. 4b and 5b is shown in a lowered cleaning position, shown in the Fig. 4a and 5a to move.
  • the lifting device 21 comprises a lifting element in the form of a lifting cylinder 23, which is hydraulically operated.
  • a first end 25 of the Aushebezylinders 23 is hinged to the chassis 11, and a second end 27 of the Aushebezylinders 23 is connected to a lever 29 which is pivotable about a parallel to the surface to be cleaned 5 and perpendicular to the direction of travel 7 axis Cleaning unit 9 is supported.
  • the lifting cylinder 23 To lift the cleaning unit 9 from the cleaning position to the rest position or from the rest position to the cleaning position to decrease, only the length of the Aushebezylinders 23 must be changed. Is the cleaning unit 9 in the cleaning position ( FIGS. 4a and 5a ), the lifting cylinder 23 must be shortened to lift the cleaning unit 9. The cleaning unit 9 then pivots against the direction of travel 7 on the struts 19 away from the surface 5 to be cleaned. Conversely, the cleaning unit 9 from the rest position ( FIGS. 4b and 5b ) are lowered by extending the Aushebezylinders 23 on the surface 5 to be cleaned. The cleaning unit 9 pivots on the struts 19 in the direction of travel 7 to the surface 5 to be cleaned.
  • the cleaning unit or suction unit 9 comprises a base 31 which in the exemplary embodiment is in the form of a flat plate and which is fixedly connected to the chassis 11 of the floor cleaning machine via the struts 19 and the lifting cylinder 23, and a suction mouth 33 detachably connected to the base 31.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 further comprises a liquid supply device 35, which schematically in the Fig. 4a and 4b is shown.
  • the illustrated liquid supply device 35 is formed in the embodiment shown here as a circulating water system for humidifying the air flow generated in the suction mouth 33 and the suction unit 9.
  • a circulating water system is a liquid supply device 35 with a closed fluid circuit.
  • the liquid supply device 35 then comprises an outlet 37, which is arranged on the cleaning unit 9.
  • the outlet 37 is connected to a liquid feed 39 in the form of a circulating water tank 39.
  • the dirt container 17 serves as circulation water tank 39 at the same time, in which circulation water is introduced before the start of the cleaning.
  • the water introduced into the suction unit 9 is transported via the suction pipe 15 into the dirt collecting container 17, collected at the bottom thereof and returned via the circulating water tank 39 or directly to the suction unit 9.
  • the circulating water binds the dust collected by the suction unit 9 and reduces the dust load in the vicinity of the floor cleaning machine 1. If the circulating water is not turned on during operation of the suction unit 9, the dust content in the air discharged from the fan significantly increases. It is therefore desirable that the liquid supply device or the circulating water device during operation of the cleaning or suction unit 9 at any time also in operation. Conversely, however, it is important to close the outlet 37 of the circulating water device when the suction unit 9 is not in operation, since the recycled water recovered from the dirt collecting 17 is contaminated and the surface to be cleaned 5 heavily contaminated when it exits on this.
  • a valve 41 is provided between the liquid supply 39 and the outlet 37. If the valve 41 is closed, the connection between the liquid supply 39 and the outlet 37 is interrupted.
  • the valve 41 is mechanically coupled to the lifting device 21 via an actuating device 43. If the lifting device 21 moves the cleaning unit 9 from the cleaning position into the rest position, the valve 41 is closed by the actuating device 43. Conversely, the valve 41 is opened by the actuating unit 37 when the cleaning unit 9 is lowered by the lifting device 21 in the cleaning position.
  • the actuating device 43 can basically be configured electrically or mechanically.
  • a sensor detects the distance of the cleaning unit 9 from the surface 5 to be cleaned and the valve 41 closes as soon as the cleaning unit 9 is more than a predetermined distance from the surface to be cleaned 5 spaced.
  • a mechanical coupling via the actuator 43 between the valve 41 and the lifting device 21 is provided.
  • the second end 27 of the lifting element or the lifting cylinder 23 is coupled to the lever 29.
  • the lever 29 is pivotally supported between its ends 45, 47 about a pivot axis 49 on the base 31 of the cleaning unit 9. At one end 45 of the lever 29, this is coupled to the valve 41, and at the other end 47 of the lever 29, this is connected to the second end 27 of the Aushebezylinders 23.
  • the valve 41 which in detail in the Fig. 6a and 6b It comprises a closure element 51, an abutment 53 and a tube section 55.
  • the closure element 51 which is attached to the first end 45 of the lever 29, abuts against the anvil 53 is squeezed and the tube portion 55 squeezed between the anvil 53 and the closure member 51, so that the inner tube cross-section is effectively reduced to zero and no liquid can flow through the tube section 55.
  • Pinch valves 41 offer the advantage that, when the valve 41 is open, the tube cross-section or tube cross-section is not impaired by the closure.
  • pinch valves 41 are very low maintenance, since the only affected by wear element of the pinch valve 41 is the hose portion 55, which is easily replaceable and also very cheap.
  • valve 41 in which the closure element 51 is spherical or hemispherical and the abutment 53 follows according to a spherical shell or a semicircle, can only be seen by way of example.
  • Other embodiments of a pinch valve 41 are quite conceivable.
  • the function of the actuator 43 is the easiest to Fig. 4a to 6b remove.
  • the cleaning unit 9 is initially shown in a lowered cleaning position, in which a chassis 57 of the cleaning unit 9 is in contact with the surface 5 to be cleaned and at least part of the load of the cleaning unit 9 carries.
  • the lever 29 experiences no tensile load from the lifting cylinder 23 in the cleaning position.
  • the end 47 of the lever 29, to which the lifting cylinder 23 is fastened is pressed by the lifting cylinder 23 even in the direction of the surface 5 to be cleaned.
  • the other end 45 of the lever 29, to which the closure element 51 is attached is moved away from the surface 5 to be cleaned, and thus also the tube section 55 and the abutment 53 of the pinch valve 41.
  • a spring element 59 is also provided at the first end 45 of the lever 29, that the first end 45 of the lever 29 biases away from the surface to be cleaned 5 and thus the valve 41 opens.
  • the valve 41 is thus open and liquid can flow from the liquid feed 39 to the outlet 37. In the cleaning position, the valve 41 is thus permanently open, and it is ensured that the cleaning unit 9 is permanently supplied with circulating water.
  • the operator of a floor cleaning machine 1 does not have to pay attention to open the circulation water valve 41 in addition to lowering the cleaning unit 9.
  • the spring element 59 connects the first end 45 of the lever 29 with one of the struts 19.
  • the spring element 59 on one of the struts 19 to steer has proved to be particularly advantageous. since the spring element 59 serves only the valve opening when the cleaning unit 9 is lowered. If the cleaning unit 9 is raised, it becomes smaller distance between the strut 19 and the first end 45 of the lever 29 and the spring element 59 does not bias the lever 29 further. As a result, an unintentional opening of the valve 41 is avoided in the raised rest position.
  • the lifting element or the lifting cylinder 23 is shortened.
  • the lever 29 tilts about the pivot axis 49, since the second end 47 of the lever 29 initially moves away from the surface 5 to be cleaned.
  • the first end 45 of the lever 29 is moved toward the surface 5 to be cleaned.
  • the closure member 51 moves to the anvil 53 of the pinch valve 41 and squeezes the tube portion 55 between the closure member 51 and the anvil 53 a.
  • the lever 29 tilts so far until the closure member 51 abuts against the abutment 53. Only then does the lever 29 no longer tilt about the pivot axis 49. Instead, further shortening of the lifting element 23 lifts the cleaning unit 9 from the surface 5 to be cleaned and brings it from the cleaning position into the rest position.
  • the lifting of the cleaning unit 9, the associated tilting of the lever 29 and the closing of the valve 41 is in the FIGS. 4b . 5b and 6b shown.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention is thus characterized by an actuating device 43 which mechanically couples the lifting device 21 to the valve 41.
  • the valve 41 of the liquid supply device 39 is first closed and only then the cleaning unit 9 is raised. This ensures that the liquid supply 39 is always interrupted at the outlet 37 when the cleaning unit 9 is not in the cleaning position.
  • the selected mechanical coupling between the lifting device 21 and the valve 41 is extremely robust, works well even if it is heavily contaminated, and has the hose section 55 only a single wearing part, which also can be easily replaced and is very cheap.
  • the floor cleaning machine 1 further comprises a manual operating device 61, by means of which an operator can pivot the lever 29 into a position in which the valve 41 is closed, even if the cleaning unit 9 is in a lowered cleaning position.
  • the actuator 61 is formed by a cable and allows the operator to interrupt the circulation water supply 35 when once no circulation water is needed or when the suction unit 9 is indeed lowered, but the air flow generating fan is not activated.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Bodenreinigungsmaschine mit einem Fahrgestell zur Bewegung der Bodenreinigungsmaschine über eine zu reinigende Oberfläche, mit einer Reinigungseinheit zur Reinigung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche und mit einer Flüssigkeitsversorgung, wobei die Reinigungseinheit an dem Fahrgestell gehaltert ist und mittels einer Hubvorrichtung zwischen einer angehobenen Ruheposition und einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition bewegt werden kann, wobei die Flüssigkeitsversorgung eine Flüssigkeitszuführung aufweist, die mit einem an der Reinigungseinheit angeordneten Auslass verbunden ist, wobei zwischen der Flüssigkeitszuführung und dem Auslass ein Ventil angeordnet ist, wobei ein Schließen des Ventils die Verbindung zwischen dem Auslass und der Flüssigkeitszuführung unterbricht und wobei die Bodenreinigungsmaschine eine mit der Hubvorrichtung gekoppelte Betätigungseinrichtung aufweist, die das Ventil schließt, wenn die Reinigungseinheit aus der Reinigungsposition in die angehobene Ruheposition bewegt wird.The present invention relates to a floor cleaning machine with a chassis for moving the floor cleaning machine over a surface to be cleaned, with a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and with a liquid supply, wherein the cleaning unit is mounted on the chassis and by means of a lifting device between a raised rest position and a lowered cleaning position, wherein the liquid supply comprises a liquid supply, which is connected to an arranged on the cleaning unit outlet, wherein between the liquid supply and the outlet, a valve is arranged, wherein a closing of the valve, the connection between the outlet and the liquid supply interrupts and wherein the floor cleaning machine has a coupled to the lifting actuator, which closes the valve when the cleaning unit from the cleaning position is moved to the raised rest position.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind Bodenreinigungsmaschinen mit absenkbaren bzw. höhenverstellbaren Reinigungseinheiten hinlänglich bekannt. Die Reinigungseinheiten dieser Bodenreinigungsmaschinen sind am Fahrgestell der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gehaltert und können mittels einer Hubvorrichtung zwischen einer angehobenen Ruheposition und einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition bewegt werden. Für den Reinigungsbetrieb wird die Reinigungseinheit in die Reinigungsposition gebracht, in der sie unmittelbar über oder auf der zu reinigenden Oberfläche angeordnet ist. Wird die Bodenreinigungsmaschine bewegt, ohne dass die befahrene Oberfläche gereinigt werden soll, dann wird die Reinigungseinheit mit der Hubvorrichtung in die Ruheposition angehoben. In der Ruheposition ist die Reinigungseinheit von der zu reinigenden bzw. der überfahrenen Oberfläche beabstandet und kommt nicht mit dieser in Kontakt.Floor cleaning machines with lowerable or height-adjustable cleaning units are well known from the prior art. The cleaning units of this floor cleaning machines are mounted on the chassis of the floor cleaning machine and can be moved by means of a lifting device between a raised rest position and a lowered cleaning position. For the cleaning operation, the cleaning unit is brought into the cleaning position in which it is arranged directly above or on the surface to be cleaned. If the floor cleaning machine is moved without the cleaned surface to be cleaned, then the cleaning unit with the lifting device in the rest position raised. In the rest position, the cleaning unit is spaced from the surface to be cleaned or run over and does not come into contact with it.

Bei verschiedenen Typen von Bodenreinigungsmaschinen ist es wünschenswert, der Reinigungseinheit während des Reinigens Flüssigkeit zuzuführen. Zum Beispiel wird bei sogenannten Scheuersaugmaschinen über die Reinigungseinheit eine Reinigungsflüssigkeit auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche aufgebracht. Hierzu ist in der Reinigungseinheit, wie beispielsweise einem rotierenden Bürstenkopf, ein Auslass vorgesehen, der mit einer Flüssigkeitszufuhr verbunden ist. Die Flüssigkeitszufuhr kann beispielsweise ein Tank mit einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit sein.In various types of floor cleaning machines, it is desirable to supply liquid to the cleaning unit during cleaning. For example, in so-called scrubber-driers, a cleaning liquid is applied to the surface to be cleaned via the cleaning unit. For this purpose, an outlet is provided in the cleaning unit, such as a rotating brush head, which is connected to a liquid supply. The liquid supply may for example be a tank with a cleaning liquid.

Eine alternative Form der Flüssigkeitsversorgung ist bei Kehrmaschinen vorgesehen, die in der Regel einen Saugmund aufweisen, der mit einem Gebläse verbunden ist, das in dem Saugmund einen Luftstrom erzeugt, mit dem Kehrgut und anderer Grobschmutz von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche aufgesaugt werden kann, der zuvor mit Hilfe von ggf. angetriebenen Kehrbesen vor den Saugmund gefördert worden sind.An alternative form of liquid supply is provided in sweeping machines, which generally have a suction mouth connected to a fan which generates in the suction mouth an air flow with which debris and other coarse dirt can be absorbed by the surface to be cleaned, previously have been promoted with the help of possibly driven brooms in front of the suction mouth.

Um den Schmutz in der Reinigungsmaschine zu binden und übermäßige Staubbildung zu verhindern, wird in den Luftstrom Flüssigkeit eingebracht. Die Flüssigkeit soll vorzugsweise nicht auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche treffen, sondern lediglich den Luftstrom oberhalb des Saugmundes und beispielsweise in einem Schmutzsammelbehälter befeuchten.In order to bind the dirt in the cleaning machine and to prevent excessive dust formation, liquid is introduced into the air flow. The liquid should preferably not hit the surface to be cleaned, but only moisten the air flow above the suction mouth and, for example, in a dirt collecting container.

Um Flüssigkeit zu sparen, wird die Feuchtigkeit aus dem Schmutzsammelbehälter in der Regel gesammelt und der Flüssigkeitsversorgung wieder zugeführt. Man spricht in diesem Fall von einem Umlaufwassersystem, das jedoch mit dem Nachteil verbunden ist, dass das Wasser mit zunehmender Betriebszeit schmutzbelastet ist. Daher sollte ein Kontakt mit der zu reinigenden Oberfläche nach Möglichkeit vermieden werden.In order to save liquid, the moisture from the dirt collector is usually collected and fed back to the liquid supply. In this case one speaks of a recirculating water system, which however has the disadvantage that the water with increasing operating time dirt is loaded. Therefore, contact with the surface to be cleaned should be avoided if possible.

Sowohl bei den beschriebenen Scheuersaugmaschinen als auch bei den beschriebenen Kehrmaschinen stellt sich das Problem, dass möglichst keine Flüssigkeit aus dem Auslass auslaufen und auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche fließen sollte, wenn die Bodenreinigungsmaschine nicht im Reinigungsbetrieb ist, d.h. die Reinigungseinheit nicht in der abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist. Hierzu ist ein Ventil vorgesehen, das zwischen der Flüssigkeitszuführung und dem Auslass der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung angeordnet ist und das die Verbindung zwischen dem Auslass und der Flüssigkeitszuführung unterbricht, wenn es geschlossen ist. Das Ventil muss von einem Bediener der Bodenreinigungsmaschine manuell durch Betätigen eines Schalters geöffnet und geschlossen werden. Wird nach dem Reinigen vergessen, das Ventil zu schließen, so kann Flüssigkeit aus dem Auslass auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche auslaufen und diese verschmutzen. Umgekehrt muss auch daran gedacht werden, das Ventil vor dem Reinigungsbetrieb zu öffnen. Ohne Reinigungsflüssigkeit kann die Scheuersaugmaschine kein zufriedenstellendes Ergebnis erreichen, und bei der Kehrmaschine kommt es zu einer verstärkten Staubentwicklung.Both in the described scrubber-driers and in the sweepers described, the problem arises that as far as possible no liquid should run out of the outlet and flow onto the surface to be cleaned if the floor-cleaning machine is not in the cleaning mode, i. the cleaning unit is not in the lowered cleaning position. For this purpose, a valve is provided which is arranged between the liquid supply and the outlet of the liquid supply device and which interrupts the connection between the outlet and the liquid supply when it is closed. The valve must be manually opened and closed by an operator of the floor cleaning machine by operating a switch. If, after cleaning, it is forgotten to close the valve, liquid from the outlet may leak to and contaminate the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, it must also be remembered to open the valve before cleaning operation. Without scrubbing liquid, the scrubber-drier can not achieve a satisfactory result and the sweeper is subject to increased dust generation.

In der DE 20 2005 011 999 U1 , von der die vorliegende Erfindung ausgeht, wird eine Bodenreinigungsmaschine mit einer Reinigungseinheit offenbart, bei der ein Ventil zwischen einer Flüssigkeitszuführung und einem Auslass an der Reinigungseinheit angeordnet ist. Ein Pedal am Maschinenrahmen der Bodenreinigungsmaschine kann als Betätigungseinrichtung ausgestaltet sein, sodass beim Niederdrücken des Pedals die Reinigungseinheit in die Reinigungsposition bewegt werden kann und etwas verzögert das Ventil geöffnet werden kann.In the DE 20 2005 011 999 U1 , from which the present invention proceeds, a floor cleaning machine with a cleaning unit is disclosed in which a valve between a liquid supply and an outlet is arranged on the cleaning unit. A pedal on the machine frame of the floor cleaning machine can be configured as an actuating device, so that when the pedal is pressed down, the cleaning unit can be moved to the cleaning position and the valve can be opened somewhat later.

Die EP 0 162 769 A1 beschreibt eine Reinigungseinheit zum Reinigen einer Bodenfläche, die über eine Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführung verbunden ist. Die Reinigungseinheit ist als eine Saugvorrichtung mit einer Saugleitung ausgestaltet. Mittels zweier Düsen wird die Reinigungsflüssigkeit aus der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung, auf die zu reinigenden Bodenfläche unter Druck aufgebracht und über die Saugleitung abgesaugt.The EP 0 162 769 A1 describes a cleaning unit for cleaning a bottom surface, which is connected via a liquid supply device with a liquid supply. The cleaning unit is designed as a suction device with a suction line. By means of two nozzles, the cleaning liquid from the liquid supply device is applied to the floor surface to be cleaned under pressure and sucked through the suction line.

In der DE 10 2004 022 359 A1 wird eine Bodenreinigungsmaschine mit einer Reinigungseinheit zum Reinigen einer Bodenfläche beschrieben, die eine Flüssigkeitszuführung und eine Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung, in der ein Magnetventil angeordnet sein kann, aufweist. Es ist ein Betriebsartenauswahlschalter vorgesehen, der eine Betätigungseinrichtung in Form eines Drehknopfes aufweist, wobei in der zweiten Betriebsstellung die Reinigungseinheit in die Reinigungsposition gebracht wird und das Magnetventil geöffnet wird.In the DE 10 2004 022 359 A1 a floor cleaning machine is described with a cleaning unit for cleaning a bottom surface, which has a liquid supply and a liquid supply device, in which a solenoid valve may be arranged. There is provided a mode selector switch having an actuator in the form of a knob, wherein in the second operating position, the cleaning unit is brought into the cleaning position and the solenoid valve is opened.

Es ist daher die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Bodenreinigungsmaschine mit einer Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung bereitzustellen, die sicherstellt, dass keine Flüssigkeit aus dem Auslass der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung austritt, wenn die Bodenreinigungsmaschine nicht zur Reinigung verwendet wird.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a floor cleaning machine with a liquid supply device, which ensures that no liquid exits from the outlet of the liquid supply device when the floor cleaning machine is not used for cleaning.

Diese Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass das Ventil ein Quetschventil ist und dass das Quetschventil einen Schlauchabschnitt, ein Gegenlager und ein Verschlusselement aufweist, die so angeordnet sind, dass das Verschlusselement zum Schließen des Quetschventils auf das Gegenlager zu bewegt werden kann, wodurch der zwischen dem Gegenlager und dem Verschlusselement angeordnete Schlauchabschnitt zusammengequetscht und somit das Quetschventil geschlossen werden kann.This object is achieved in that the valve is a pinch valve and that the pinch valve has a hose portion, an abutment and a closure element, which are arranged so that the closing element can be moved to close the pinch valve to the anvil, whereby the between the Seated abutment and the closure element arranged hose section squeezed and thus the pinch valve can be closed.

Bei der Bodenreinigungsmaschine kann es sich beispielsweise um eine Scheuersaugmaschine oder eine Kehrmaschine handeln, die entweder von einem auf der Maschine sitzenden Bediener gefahren wird oder als handgeführte Maschine von einem hinter der Maschine hergehenden Bediener geführt wird. Die Bodenreinigungsmaschine weist ein Fahrgestell auf, mit dem sie über eine zu reinigende Oberfläche bewegt werden kann. Das Fahrgestell kann sowohl angetriebene als auch nicht angetriebene Räder aufweisen.The floor cleaning machine may, for example, be a scrubber-drier or a sweeper, driven either by an operator sitting on the machine or is guided as a hand-held machine by an operator behind the machine. The floor cleaning machine has a chassis, with which it can be moved over a surface to be cleaned. The chassis may have both driven and non-driven wheels.

Weiterhin umfasst die erfindungsgemäße Bodenreinigungsmaschine eine Reinigungseinheit zur Reinigung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche. Die Reinigungseinheit kann beispielsweise ein Saugmund zum Aufsaugen von Kehrgut oder grobem Schmutz von einer zu reinigenden Oberfläche sein oder einen Bürstenkopf. Gemeinsam ist diesen Reinigungseinheiten, dass sie höhenverstellbar an dem Fahrgestell gehaltert sind. Mittels einer Hubvorrichtung können sie zwischen einer angehobenen Ruheposition, d.h. einer Position, in der die Reinigungseinheit von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche beabstandet ist, und einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition bewegt werden. In der Reinigungsposition liegt die Reinigungseinheit regelmäßig zumindest teilweise an der zu reinigenden Oberfläche an bzw. auf der zu reinigenden Oberfläche auf.Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine according to the invention comprises a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning unit may be, for example, a suction mouth for sucking debris or coarse dirt from a surface to be cleaned or a brush head. Common to these cleaning units that they are height-adjustable mounted on the chassis. By means of a lifting device they can move between a raised resting position, i. a position in which the cleaning unit is spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and a lowered cleaning position. In the cleaning position, the cleaning unit is regularly at least partially on the surface to be cleaned on or on the surface to be cleaned.

Um die Reinigungseinheit zwischen der Ruhe- und der Reinigungsposition zu bewegen, ist eine Hubvorrichtung vorgesehen. Die Hubvorrichtung kann die Reinigungseinheit beispielsweise hydraulisch, über einen Seilzug bzw. einen Bowdenzug oder über ein elektromechanisches Hubelement anheben. Weiterhin weist die Bodenreinigungsmaschine eine Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung mit einem an der Reinigungseinheit angeordneten Auslass auf. Die Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung kann bei einer als Kehrmaschine ausgeführten Bodenreinigungsmaschine zum Zuführen von Umlaufwasser verwendet werden, während sie beispielsweise bei einer Scheuersaugmaschine zum Zuführen einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit genutzt wird. Die Erfindung ist aber nicht auf diese Ausführungsformen beschränkt. Der Auslass der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung ist mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführung verbunden, die beispielsweise ein Tank für Umlaufwasser, der auch der Schmutzbehälter sein kann, oder ein Tank für Reinigungsflüssigkeit sein kann. Zwischen der Flüssigkeitszuführung und dem Auslass ist ein Ventil angeordnet. Bei dem Ventil kann es sich um ein mechanisch betätigtes Ventil aber auch um ein elektromagnetisch betätigtes Ventil handeln.In order to move the cleaning unit between the rest and the cleaning position, a lifting device is provided. The lifting device can lift the cleaning unit, for example, hydraulically, via a cable or a Bowden cable or via an electromechanical lifting element. Furthermore, the floor cleaning machine has a liquid supply device with an outlet arranged on the cleaning unit. The liquid supply device may be used for supplying circulating water in a floor cleaning machine designed as a sweeping machine, while it is used, for example, in a scrubber-type suction machine for supplying a cleaning liquid. The invention is not limited to these embodiments. The outlet of Liquid supply device is connected to a liquid supply, which may be, for example, a tank for circulating water, which may also be the dirt container, or a tank for cleaning liquid. Between the liquid supply and the outlet, a valve is arranged. The valve may be a mechanically actuated valve but also an electromagnetically actuated valve.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Bodenreinigungsmaschine eine mit der Hubvorrichtung gekoppelte Betätigungseinrichtung auf. Die Betätigungseinrichtung öffnet das Ventil, wenn die Reinigungseinheit in der Reinigungsposition ist, und schließt das Ventil, wenn die Reinigungseinheit aus der Reinigungsposition in die Ruheposition bewegt wird, sodass das Ventil geschlossen ist, wenn die Reinigungseinheit nicht in der Reinigungsposition ist. Die Betätigungseinrichtung kann beispielsweise ein Sensor sein, der die Höhe der Reinigungseinheit erfasst und beim Absenken der Reinigungseinheit in die Reinigungsposition das Ventil elektrisch oder mechanisch öffnet. Erfasst der Sensor hingegen, dass die Reinigungseinheit aus der Reinigungsposition angehoben wird, so kann sie das Ventil ebenfalls elektrisch oder mechanisch verschließen.According to the invention, the floor cleaning machine has an actuating device coupled to the lifting device. The actuator opens the valve when the cleaning unit is in the cleaning position and closes the valve when the cleaning unit is moved from the cleaning position to the rest position so that the valve is closed when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position. By way of example, the actuating device can be a sensor which detects the height of the cleaning unit and, when the cleaning unit is lowered into the cleaning position, opens the valve electrically or mechanically. On the other hand, if the sensor detects that the cleaning unit is lifted out of the cleaning position, it can also close the valve electrically or mechanically.

Die vorliegende Erfindung bietet den Vorteil, dass die Flüssigkeitszufuhr zum Auslass automatisch geschlossen wird, wenn die Reinigungseinheit nicht in der Reinigungsposition ist. Durch die automatische Betätigungseinrichtung wird ein zusätzlicher Arbeitsschritt vermieden und die Bodenreinigungsmaschine ist bedienerfreundlicher. Weiterhin wird verhindert, dass Flüssigkeit aus der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung auf den Boden austritt, wenn die Bodenreinigungsmaschine nicht zum Reinigen verwendet wird. Hierdurch wird insbesondere verhindert, dass bei abgestellter Bodenreinigungsmaschine der Flüssigkeitstank leer läuft und keine Flüssigkeit zur Verfügung steht, wenn gereinigt werden soll. Umgekehrt wird das Ventil aber immer dann automatisch geöffnet, wenn die Reinigungseinheit in der abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist und damit Flüssigkeit aus dem Auslass austritt, wenn diese benötigt wird. Es wird somit sichergestellt, dass Reinigungsflüssigkeit auf den Boden aufgebracht wird bzw. Umlaufwasser in die Saugeinrichtung abgegeben wird.The present invention offers the advantage that the liquid supply to the outlet is automatically closed when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position. The automatic operating device avoids an additional work step and the floor cleaning machine is more user-friendly. Furthermore, liquid from the liquid supply device is prevented from leaking to the bottom when the floor cleaning machine is not used for cleaning. This prevents in particular that when the floor cleaning machine is turned off, the liquid tank runs empty and no liquid is available when it is to be cleaned. Conversely, that will But the valve is automatically opened whenever the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position and thus liquid escapes from the outlet when it is needed. It is thus ensured that cleaning liquid is applied to the soil or circulating water is discharged into the suction device.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform koppelt die Betätigungseinrichtung die Hubvorrichtung mechanisch mit dem Ventil. Die mechanische Kopplung der Betätigungseinrichtung hat gegenüber der elektrischen Kopplung den Vorteil, dass sie robuster ist. Reinigungseinheiten von Bodenreinigungsmaschinen sind dauerhaft Schmutz und Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt, die bei elektrischen Komponenten leicht zu Fehlfunktionen führen können.In a preferred embodiment, the actuator mechanically couples the lift to the valve. The mechanical coupling of the actuator has the advantage over the electrical coupling that it is more robust. Cleaning units of floor cleaning machines are permanently exposed to dirt and moisture, which can easily lead to malfunction of electrical components.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist die Hubvorrichtung ein Hubelement auf, und die Reinigungseinrichtung kann mittels einer Längenänderung des Hubelementes zwischen der Reinigungsposition und der Ruheposition bewegt werden. Ein erstes Ende des Hubelementes ist dabei mit dem Fahrgestell verbunden und ein zweites Ende des Hubelementes ist mit der Betätigungseinrichtung verbunden. Bei einer Längenänderung des Hubelementes, die die Reinigungseinheit aus der Reinigungsposition bewegt, verschließt die Betätigungseinrichtung das Ventil.In a further preferred embodiment, the lifting device has a lifting element, and the cleaning device can be moved by means of a change in length of the lifting element between the cleaning position and the rest position. A first end of the lifting element is connected to the chassis and a second end of the lifting element is connected to the actuating device. With a change in length of the lifting element, which moves the cleaning unit from the cleaning position, the actuator closes the valve.

Bei dem Hubelement handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen Hydraulikzylinder oder auch Aushubzylinder, der verkürzt wird, um die Reinigungseinheit anzuheben, und verlängert wird, um die Reinigungseinheit abzusenken. Ein Ende des Hubelementes ist mit dem Fahrgestell verbunden und das andere Ende des Hubelements ist direkt mit der Betätigungseinrichtung verbunden. Wenn die Längenänderung des Hubelements die Reinigungseinheit aus der Reinigungsposition bewegt, schließt die Betätigungseinrichtung das Ventil. Das Hubelement kann in dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform beispielsweise über die Betätigungseinrichtung mit der Reinigungseinheit verbunden werden. In diesem Fall überträgt die Betätigungseinrichtung die Kraft von dem Hubelement auf die Reinigungseinheit.The lifting element is preferably a hydraulic cylinder or excavating cylinder which is shortened to raise the cleaning unit and extended to lower the cleaning unit. One end of the lifting element is connected to the chassis and the other end of the lifting element is directly connected to the actuating device. When the length change of the lifting element moves the cleaning unit out of the cleaning position, the actuating device closes the valve. The lifting element can in this preferred Embodiment be connected for example via the actuator with the cleaning unit. In this case, the actuator transmits the force from the lifting element to the cleaning unit.

In dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform liegt die Reinigungseinrichtung, im Falle eines Saugmundes beispielsweise mit an einem Fahrgestell davon vorgesehenen Stützrädern, im Reinigungsbetrieb an der zu reinigenden Oberfläche an bzw. auf dieser auf. Das Hubelement und weitere Elemente, die die Reinigungseinheit mit dem Fahrgestell verbinden, tragen also nur einen Teil der Gewichtskraft der Reinigungseinheit. Der übrige Anteil lastet auf der zu reinigenden Oberfläche.In this preferred embodiment, the cleaning device, in the case of a suction mouth, for example with support wheels provided on a chassis thereof, rests on or on the surface to be cleaned in the cleaning operation. The lifting element and other elements that connect the cleaning unit to the chassis, so only a part of the weight of the cleaning unit. The remaining portion rests on the surface to be cleaned.

Wird das Hubelement verkürzt und die Reinigungseinheit angehoben, sodass sie außer Kontakt mit der zu reinigenden Oberfläche kommt, wird der bisher von der Oberfläche getragene Teil der Gewichtskraft der Reinigungseinheit über die Betätigungseinrichtung auf das Hubelement übertragen. Ist die Betätigungseinrichtung derart ausgestaltet, dass sie gleichzeitig mit dem Anheben das Ventil schließt, kann vorzugsweise die gesamte Gewichtskraft oder ein Teil der Gewichtskraft der Reinigungseinheit als Schließkraft für das Ventil zur Verfügung stehen. Es sind in dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform keine zusätzlichen Aktuatoren oder Motoren notwendig, um das Ventil zu schließen.If the lifting element is shortened and the cleaning unit is raised so that it comes out of contact with the surface to be cleaned, the part of the weighting force of the cleaning unit previously carried by the surface is transferred to the lifting element via the actuating device. If the actuating device is designed such that it closes the valve simultaneously with the lifting, preferably the entire weight force or a part of the weight force of the cleaning unit can be available as a closing force for the valve. There are no additional actuators or motors necessary in this preferred embodiment to close the valve.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist die Betätigungseinrichtung einen Hebel auf, der schwenkbar gehaltert ist. Der Hebel ist mit dem zweiten Ende des Hubelementes und mit dem Ventil verbunden. Eine Längenänderung des Hubelementes zum Anheben der Reinigungseinrichtung verschwenkt den Hebel und das Verschwenken des Hebels verschließt das Ventil. Der Hebel ist schwenkbar, vorzugsweise um eine parallel zu der zu reinigenden Oberfläche verlaufende Achse, an der Reinigungseinheit gehaltert.In a preferred embodiment, the actuating device on a lever which is pivotally supported. The lever is connected to the second end of the lifting element and to the valve. A change in length of the lifting element for lifting the cleaning device pivots the lever and the pivoting of the lever closes the valve. The lever is pivotable, preferably one parallel to the to be cleaned Surface extending axis, supported on the cleaning unit.

Vorzugsweise ist der Hebel mit einem Federelement vorgespannt, dass den Hebel derart verschwenkt, dass das Ventil öffnet, wenn das Hubelement die Reinigungseinheit nicht anhebt. Hierdurch wird sichergestellt, dass das Ventil öffnet, wenn die Reinigungseinheit in der abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist.Preferably, the lever is biased by a spring element that pivots the lever such that the valve opens when the lifting element does not lift the cleaning unit. This will ensure that the valve opens when the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist eine manuelle Betätigungseinrichtung vorgesehen, mittels der der Hebel verschwenkt werden kann bzw. gehalten werden kann, um das Ventil zu schließen, z.B. wenn die Reinigungseinheit in der abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist. Mit der manuellen Betätigungseinrichtung kann das Ventil von einem Bediener einer Bodenreinigungsmaschine beispielsweise verschlossen werden, wenn diese mit abgesenkter Reinigungseinheit abgestellt werden soll.In a preferred embodiment, a manual actuator is provided by means of which the lever can be pivoted to close the valve, e.g. when the cleaning unit is in the lowered cleaning position. With the manual actuating device, the valve can be closed by an operator of a floor cleaning machine, for example, if it is to be parked with the cleaning unit lowered.

Erfindungsgemäß ist das Ventil als Quetschventil ausgestaltet. Das Quetschventil weist einen Schlauchabschnitt, ein Gegenlager und ein Verschlusselement auf, die so angeordnet sind, dass das Verschlusselement zum Schließen des Quetschventils auf das Gegenlager zu bewegt werden kann, wodurch der zwischen dem Gegenlager und dem Verschlusselement angeordnete Schlauchabschnitt zusammengequetscht und somit das Quetschventil geschlossen werden kann. Quetschventile sind langlebige Ventile, bei denen der Verschlussmechanismus im geöffneten Zustand den Leitungsquerschnitt nicht beeinträchtigt. Das vornehmlich mechanisch beanspruchte Bauteil eines Quetschventils ist der kurze Schlauchabschnitt, der bei Beschädigung einfach ausgetauscht werden kann. Es handelt sich bei dem Quetschventil um ein besonders wartungsfreundliches bzw. wartungsarmes Bauteil.According to the invention, the valve is designed as a pinch valve. The pinch valve has a hose portion, an abutment and a closure member which are arranged so that the closure member for closing the pinch valve can be moved to the anvil, whereby the arranged between the abutment and the closure member hose portion squeezed and thus the pinch valve are closed can. Pinch valves are durable valves in which the closing mechanism does not affect the cross-section of the pipe when it is open. The primarily mechanically stressed component of a pinch valve is the short tube section, which can be easily replaced if damaged. The pinch valve is a particularly maintenance-friendly or low-maintenance component.

Das Verschlusselement ist vorzugsweise kugelförmig oder halbkugelförmig und das Gegenlager vorzugsweise von einer Halb-Das Verschlusselement ist vorzugsweise kugelförmig oder halbkugelförmig und das Gegenlager vorzugsweise von einer Halbschale gebildet. Eine Halbschale weist vorzugsweise die Form einer Innenseite eines halbierten Hohlzylinders mit kreisförmigem Querschnitt auf. Eine Halbschale hält den Schlauchabschnitt beim Zusammenquetschen in Position und verhindert, dass dieser sich verwindet bzw. ausweicht und das Ventil nicht dicht verschlossen wird.The closure element is preferably spherical or hemispherical and the anvil preferably of a half-Das Closure element is preferably spherical or hemispherical and the abutment is preferably formed by a half-shell. A half shell preferably has the shape of an inner side of a halved hollow cylinder with a circular cross section. A half-shell holds the hose section in position during squeezing and prevents it from twisting or buckling and the valve is not tightly closed.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist das Verschlusselement mit dem Hebel verbunden, und durch ein Verschwenken des Hebels kann das Verschlusselement auf das Gegenlager zu bewegt werden. Dabei ist es besonders bevorzugt, wenn der Hebel zwischen seinen Enden schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse gehaltert ist und der Hebel auf einer Seite der Schwenkachse mit dem Hubelement und auf der anderen Seite der Schwenkachse mit dem Verschlusselement verbunden ist. In dieser bevorzugten Ausführungsform wird der Hebel beim Verkürzen des Hubelementes zum Anheben der Reinigungseinheit zunächst verschwenkt, bis das Verschlusselement vollständig auf dem Gegenlager aufliegt. Erst danach wird die Reinigungseinheit von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche angehoben. In dieser Ausführungsform wird das Ventil verschlossen, sobald die Reinigungseinheit von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche angehoben bzw. von dieser beabstandet ist und damit sobald sie aus der Reinigungsposition herausbewegt wird. Es kann keine Flüssigkeit unbeabsichtigt auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche austreten, wenn die Reinigungseinheit nicht in der Reinigungsposition ist.In a preferred embodiment, the closure element is connected to the lever, and by pivoting the lever, the closure element can be moved towards the anvil. It is particularly preferred if the lever between its ends is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis and the lever is connected on one side of the pivot axis with the lifting element and on the other side of the pivot axis with the closure element. In this preferred embodiment, the lever is first pivoted when shortening the lifting element for lifting the cleaning unit until the closure element rests completely on the counter bearing. Only then is the cleaning unit raised by the surface to be cleaned. In this embodiment, the valve is closed as soon as the cleaning unit is raised or spaced from the surface to be cleaned, and thus as soon as it is moved out of the cleaning position. No liquid can inadvertently escape to the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning unit is not in the cleaning position.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform weist die Reinigungseinheit ein Fahrgestell auf, das in der Reinigungsposition mit der zu reinigenden Oberfläche in Kontakt ist. Bei dem Fahrgestell kann es sich beispielsweise um ein oder mehrere Räder handeln, die an einem hinteren Ende der Reinigungseinheit angeordnet sind, sodass dieses auf der zu reinigenden Oberfläche abgesetzt werden kann und das Gewicht der Reinigungseinheit nicht dauerhaft von der Hubvorrichtung getragen werden muss.In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning unit has a chassis, which is in the cleaning position in contact with the surface to be cleaned. The chassis can be, for example, one or more wheels which are arranged at a rear end of the cleaning unit, so that it can be cleaned on the Surface can be discontinued and the weight of the cleaning unit does not have to be worn permanently by the lifting device.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist die Reinigungseinheit eine Saugeinheit, die einen Saugmund mit einer zu der zu reinigenden Oberfläche weisenden Öffnung aufweist. Der Saugmund ist mit einem Gebläse verbunden, das in dem Saugmund einen Luftstrom erzeugt, und der Auslass ist so angeordnet, dass aus dem Auslass austretende Flüssigkeit in den Luftstrom eingebracht wird. In dem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel wird der mit der Reinigungseinheit aufgesaugte Schmutz von der aus dem Auslass austretenden Flüssigkeit befeuchtet und gebunden.In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning unit is a suction unit, which has a suction mouth with an opening facing the surface to be cleaned. The suction mouth is connected to a blower which generates an air flow in the suction mouth, and the outlet is arranged so that liquid emerging from the outlet is introduced into the air flow. In the preferred embodiment, the debris absorbed by the cleaning unit is moistened and bonded by the liquid exiting the outlet.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand einer lediglich ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung erläutert, wobei

Fig. 1
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsmaschine ist,
Fig. 2
eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Reinigungseinheit des Ausführungsbeispiels ist,
Fig. 3
eine Seitenansicht der Reinigungseinheit aus Fig. 2 ist,
Fig. 4a
eine schematische Darstellung der Reinigungseinheit aus den Fig. 2 und 3 in einer Reinigungsposition ist,
Fig. 4b
eine schematische Darstellung der Reinigungseinheit aus den Fig. 2 und 3 in einer angehobenen Ruheposition ist,
Fig. 5a
eine Seitenansicht eines Details der Reinigungseinheit aus den Fig. 2 und 3 in einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist,
Fig. 5b
eine Seitenansicht eines Details der Reinigungseinheit aus den Fig. 2 und 3 in einer angehobenen Position ist,
Fig. 6a
ein Quetschventil der Reinigungseinheit des Ausführungsbeispiels in einem geöffneten Zustand zeigt,
Fig. 6b
das Quetschventil aus Fig. 6a in einem geschlossenen Zustand zeigt und
Fig. 7
eine perspektivische Ansicht der Reinigungseinheit des Ausführungsbeispiels mit einer manuellen Betätigungseinrichtung.
The present invention will be explained below with reference to a drawing showing only a preferred embodiment, wherein
Fig. 1
a perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a perspective view of a cleaning unit of the embodiment is,
Fig. 3
a side view of the cleaning unit Fig. 2 is
Fig. 4a
a schematic representation of the cleaning unit of the FIGS. 2 and 3 is in a cleaning position,
Fig. 4b
a schematic representation of the cleaning unit of the FIGS. 2 and 3 is in a raised resting position,
Fig. 5a
a side view of a detail of the cleaning unit of the FIGS. 2 and 3 is in a lowered cleaning position,
Fig. 5b
a side view of a detail of the cleaning unit of the FIGS. 2 and 3 is in a raised position,
Fig. 6a
shows a pinch valve of the cleaning unit of the embodiment in an opened state,
Fig. 6b
the pinch valve off Fig. 6a in a closed state shows and
Fig. 7
a perspective view of the cleaning unit of the embodiment with a manual actuator.

In den Figuren 1 bis 6b ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Bodenreinigungsmaschine dargestellt, wobei die Bodenreinigungsmaschine lediglich in Fig. 1 vollständig dargestellt ist und die übrigen Figuren die Reinigungseinheit bzw. Details der Reinigungseinheit zeigen.In the Figures 1 to 6b an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention is shown, wherein the floor cleaning machine only in Fig. 1 is completely shown and the remaining figures show the cleaning unit or details of the cleaning unit.

Die Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 ist in dem hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel eine sogenannte Kehrmaschine mit zwei Kehrbesen 3, die drehend um eine im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 verlaufende Achse angetrieben sind. Von den zwei Kehrbesen 3 ist lediglich die in Fahrtrichtung 7 der Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 linke Kehrbesen 3 in Fig. 1 dargestellt, um den Blick auf die dahinterliegenden Reinigungseinheit 9 nicht einzuschränken. Die Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 verfügt über ein Fahrgestell 11 mit vier Rädern 13 zur Bewegung der Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 über die zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5. Von den vier Rädern 13 können zwei oder auch vier Räder 13 angetrieben sein. An dem Fahrgestell ist die Reinigungseinheit 9 höhenverstellbar gehaltert.The floor cleaning machine 1 is in the embodiment shown here a so-called sweeper with two brooms 3, which are rotationally driven about a substantially perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned 5 extending axis. Of the two brooms 3 is only in the direction of travel 7 of the floor cleaning machine 1 left broom 3 in Fig. 1 shown in order not to restrict the view of the underlying cleaning unit 9. The floor cleaning machine 1 has a chassis 11 with four wheels 13 for moving the floor cleaning machine 1 over the surface to be cleaned 5. Of the four wheels 13 may be two or three also be driven four wheels 13. On the chassis, the cleaning unit 9 is held vertically adjustable.

In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel handelt es sich bei der Reinigungseinheit 9 um eine Saugeinheit 9. Die Saugeinheit 9 ist über ein Saugrohr 15 (siehe Fig. 2) mit einem Schmutzsammelbehälter 17 verbunden. Zudem weist die Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 Mittel in Form eines oberhalb des Schmutzbehälters angebrachten Gebläses auf, mit denen ein Luftstrom in dem Saugrohr 15 erzeugt werden kann, der Grobschmutz bzw. Kehrgut von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 aufsaugt und in den Schmutzsammelbehälter 17 fördert.In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning unit 9 is a suction unit 9. The suction unit 9 is connected via a suction pipe 15 (see Fig. 2 ) connected to a dirt collecting 17. In addition, the floor cleaning machine 1 comprises means in the form of a blower mounted above the dirt container, with which an air flow in the suction pipe 15 can be generated, the coarse dirt or debris from the surface to be cleaned 5 absorbs and promotes into the dirt collecting 17.

Die Reinigungseinheit 9 ist über vier Streben 19 mit dem Fahrgestell 11 verbunden, wobei die Streben 19 schwenkbar an dem Fahrgestell 11 und der Reinigungseinheit 9 angelenkt sind. Dabei sind die Streben 19 sowohl an dem Fahrgestell 11 als auch an der Reinigungseinheit 9 dreh- bzw. schwenkbar um senkrecht zur Fahrtrichtung 7 und parallel zu der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 verlaufende Achsen gehaltert. Die Reinigungseinheit 9 kann relativ zu dem Fahrgestell 11 verschwenkt werden. Um die Reinigungseinheit 9 von einer angehobenen Ruheposition, wie sie in den Fig. 4b und 5b dargestellt ist, in eine abgesenkte Reinigungsposition, dargestellt in den Fig. 4a und 5a, zu bewegen, ist eine Hubvorrichtung 21 vorgesehen. Die Hubvorrichtung 21 umfasst ein Hubelement in Form eines Aushebezylinders 23, der hydraulisch betrieben ist. Ein erstes Ende 25 des Aushebezylinders 23 ist an dem Fahrgestell 11 angelenkt, und ein zweites Ende 27 des Aushebezylinders 23 ist mit einem Hebel 29 verbunden, der um eine parallel zu der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 und senkrecht zu der Fahrtrichtung 7 verlaufende Achse schwenkbar an der Reinigungseinheit 9 gehaltert ist.The cleaning unit 9 is connected via four struts 19 with the chassis 11, wherein the struts 19 are pivotally hinged to the chassis 11 and the cleaning unit 9. The struts 19 are supported both on the chassis 11 and on the cleaning unit 9 rotatable or pivotable about perpendicular to the direction of travel 7 and parallel to the surface to be cleaned 5 extending axes. The cleaning unit 9 can be pivoted relative to the chassis 11. To the cleaning unit 9 from a raised rest position, as shown in the Fig. 4b and 5b is shown in a lowered cleaning position, shown in the Fig. 4a and 5a to move, a lifting device 21 is provided. The lifting device 21 comprises a lifting element in the form of a lifting cylinder 23, which is hydraulically operated. A first end 25 of the Aushebezylinders 23 is hinged to the chassis 11, and a second end 27 of the Aushebezylinders 23 is connected to a lever 29 which is pivotable about a parallel to the surface to be cleaned 5 and perpendicular to the direction of travel 7 axis Cleaning unit 9 is supported.

Um die Reinigungseinheit 9 von der Reinigungsposition in die Ruheposition anzuheben bzw. aus der Ruheposition in die Reinigungsposition abzusenken, muss lediglich die Länge des Aushebezylinders 23 verändert werden. Ist die Reinigungseinheit 9 in der Reinigungsposition (Figuren 4a und 5a), so muss der Aushebezylinder 23 verkürzt werden, um die Reinigungseinheit 9 anzuheben. Die Reinigungseinheit 9 schwenkt dann entgegen der Fahrtrichtung 7 an den Streben 19 von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 weg. Umgekehrt kann die Reinigungseinheit 9 aus der Ruheposition (Figuren 4b und 5b) durch ein Verlängern des Aushebezylinders 23 auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche 5 abgesenkt werden. Dabei schwenkt die Reinigungseinheit 9 an den Streben 19 in Fahrtrichtung 7 auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche 5 zu.To lift the cleaning unit 9 from the cleaning position to the rest position or from the rest position to the cleaning position to decrease, only the length of the Aushebezylinders 23 must be changed. Is the cleaning unit 9 in the cleaning position ( FIGS. 4a and 5a ), the lifting cylinder 23 must be shortened to lift the cleaning unit 9. The cleaning unit 9 then pivots against the direction of travel 7 on the struts 19 away from the surface 5 to be cleaned. Conversely, the cleaning unit 9 from the rest position ( FIGS. 4b and 5b ) are lowered by extending the Aushebezylinders 23 on the surface 5 to be cleaned. The cleaning unit 9 pivots on the struts 19 in the direction of travel 7 to the surface 5 to be cleaned.

Die Reinigungseinheit oder Saugeinheit 9 umfasst eine im Ausführungsbeispiel als ebenes Blech ausgebildete Basis 31, die über die Streben 19 und den Aushebezylinder 23 fest mit dem Fahrgestell 11 der Bodenreinigungsmaschine verbunden ist, und einen lösbar mit der Basis 31 verbundenen Saugmund 33.The cleaning unit or suction unit 9 comprises a base 31 which in the exemplary embodiment is in the form of a flat plate and which is fixedly connected to the chassis 11 of the floor cleaning machine via the struts 19 and the lifting cylinder 23, and a suction mouth 33 detachably connected to the base 31.

Die Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 umfasst weiterhin eine Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung 35, die schematisch in den Fig. 4a und 4b dargestellt ist. Die dargestellte Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung 35 ist in dem hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel als ein Umlaufwassersystem zur Befeuchtung des in dem Saugmund 33 bzw. der Saugeinheit 9 erzeugten Luftstroms ausgebildet. Ein Umlaufwassersystem ist eine Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung 35 mit einem geschlossenen Flüssigkeitskreislauf. Die Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung 35 umfasst dann einen Auslass 37, der an der Reinigungseinheit 9 angeordnet ist. Der Auslass 37 ist mit einer Flüssigkeitszuführung 39 in Form eines Umlaufwassertanks 39 verbunden. Bei der als Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellten Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 ist kein separater Umlaufwassertank 39 vorgesehen. Stattdessen dient der Schmutzbehälter 17 gleichzeitig als Umlaufwassertank 39, in den vor Beginn der Reinigung Umlaufwasser eingefüllt wird.The floor cleaning machine 1 further comprises a liquid supply device 35, which schematically in the Fig. 4a and 4b is shown. The illustrated liquid supply device 35 is formed in the embodiment shown here as a circulating water system for humidifying the air flow generated in the suction mouth 33 and the suction unit 9. A circulating water system is a liquid supply device 35 with a closed fluid circuit. The liquid supply device 35 then comprises an outlet 37, which is arranged on the cleaning unit 9. The outlet 37 is connected to a liquid feed 39 in the form of a circulating water tank 39. In the floor cleaning machine 1 shown as an embodiment no separate circulating water tank 39 is provided. Instead, the dirt container 17 serves as circulation water tank 39 at the same time, in which circulation water is introduced before the start of the cleaning.

Bei einem Umlaufwassersystem wird das in die Saugeinheit 9 eingebrachte Wasser über das Saugrohr 15 in den Schmutzsammelbehälter 17 transportiert, am Boden desselben gesammelt und über den Umlaufwassertank 39 bzw. direkt zur Saugeinheit 9 zurückgeführt. Das Umlaufwasser bindet den mit der Saugeinheit 9 aufgenommenen Staub und verringert die Staubbelastung in der Umgebung der Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1. Ist das Umlaufwasser beim Betrieb der Saugeinheit 9 nicht eingeschaltet, erhöht sich der Staubgehalt in der von dem Gebläse ausgestoßenen Luft erheblich. Es ist daher erstrebenswert, dass die Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung bzw. die Umlaufwassereinrichtung bei Betrieb der Reinigungs- bzw. Saugeinheit 9 jederzeit ebenfalls in Betrieb ist. Umgekehrt ist es jedoch wichtig, den Auslass 37 der Umlaufwassereinrichtung zu verschließen, wenn die Saugeinheit 9 nicht in Betrieb ist, da das aus dem Schmutzsammelbehälter 17 zurück gewonnene Umlaufwasser verunreinigt ist und die zu reinigende Oberfläche 5 stark verschmutzt, wenn es auf diese austritt.In a circulating water system, the water introduced into the suction unit 9 is transported via the suction pipe 15 into the dirt collecting container 17, collected at the bottom thereof and returned via the circulating water tank 39 or directly to the suction unit 9. The circulating water binds the dust collected by the suction unit 9 and reduces the dust load in the vicinity of the floor cleaning machine 1. If the circulating water is not turned on during operation of the suction unit 9, the dust content in the air discharged from the fan significantly increases. It is therefore desirable that the liquid supply device or the circulating water device during operation of the cleaning or suction unit 9 at any time also in operation. Conversely, however, it is important to close the outlet 37 of the circulating water device when the suction unit 9 is not in operation, since the recycled water recovered from the dirt collecting 17 is contaminated and the surface to be cleaned 5 heavily contaminated when it exits on this.

Daher ist zwischen der Flüssigkeitszuführung 39 und dem Auslass 37 ein Ventil 41 vorgesehen. Ist das Ventil 41 geschlossen, so ist die Verbindung zwischen der Flüssigkeitszuführung 39 und dem Auslass 37 unterbrochen. Das Ventil 41 ist über eine Betätigungseinrichtung 43 mechanisch mit der Hubvorrichtung 21 gekoppelt. Bewegt die Hubvorrichtung 21 die Reinigungseinheit 9 aus der Reinigungsposition in die Ruheposition, so wird das Ventil 41 von der Betätigungseinrichtung 43 verschlossen. Umgekehrt wird das Ventil 41 von der Betätigungseinheit 37 geöffnet, wenn die Reinigungseinheit 9 von der Hubvorrichtung 21 in die Reinigungsposition abgesenkt wird.Therefore, a valve 41 is provided between the liquid supply 39 and the outlet 37. If the valve 41 is closed, the connection between the liquid supply 39 and the outlet 37 is interrupted. The valve 41 is mechanically coupled to the lifting device 21 via an actuating device 43. If the lifting device 21 moves the cleaning unit 9 from the cleaning position into the rest position, the valve 41 is closed by the actuating device 43. Conversely, the valve 41 is opened by the actuating unit 37 when the cleaning unit 9 is lowered by the lifting device 21 in the cleaning position.

Die Betätigungseinrichtung 43 kann grundsätzlich elektrisch oder mechanisch ausgestaltet sein. Beispielsweise ist es vorstellbar, dass ein Sensor den Abstand der Reinigungseinheit 9 von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 erfasst und das Ventil 41 schließt, sobald die Reinigungseinheit 9 weiter als ein vorher festgelegter Abstand von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 beabstandet ist.The actuating device 43 can basically be configured electrically or mechanically. For example, it is conceivable that a sensor detects the distance of the cleaning unit 9 from the surface 5 to be cleaned and the valve 41 closes as soon as the cleaning unit 9 is more than a predetermined distance from the surface to be cleaned 5 spaced.

In dem vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel ist jedoch eine mechanische Kopplung über die Betätigungseinrichtung 43 zwischen dem Ventil 41 und der Hubvorrichtung 21 vorgesehen. Das zweite Ende 27 des Hubelements bzw. des Aushebezylinders 23 ist an dem Hebel 29 angekoppelt. Der Hebel 29 ist zwischen seinen Enden 45, 47 schwenkbar um eine Schwenkachse 49 an der Basis 31 der Reinigungseinheit 9 gehaltert. An einem Ende 45 des Hebels 29 ist dieser mit dem Ventil 41 gekoppelt, und an dem anderen Ende 47 des Hebels 29 ist dieser mit dem zweiten Ende 27 des Aushebezylinders 23 verbunden.In the present embodiment, however, a mechanical coupling via the actuator 43 between the valve 41 and the lifting device 21 is provided. The second end 27 of the lifting element or the lifting cylinder 23 is coupled to the lever 29. The lever 29 is pivotally supported between its ends 45, 47 about a pivot axis 49 on the base 31 of the cleaning unit 9. At one end 45 of the lever 29, this is coupled to the valve 41, and at the other end 47 of the lever 29, this is connected to the second end 27 of the Aushebezylinders 23.

Das Ventil 41, das im Detail in den Fig. 6a und 6b dargestellt ist, ist ein sogenanntes Quetschventil 41. Es umfasst ein Verschlusselement 51, ein Gegenlager 53 sowie einen Schlauchabschnitt 55. Um das Ventil 41 zu schließen, wird das Verschlusselement 51, das an dem ersten Ende 45 des Hebels 29 angebracht ist, gegen das Gegenlager 53 gedrückt und der Schlauchabschnitt 55 zwischen dem Gegenlager 53 und dem Verschlusselement 51 zusammengequetscht, sodass der innere Schlauchquerschnitt effektiv auf Null reduziert wird und keine Flüssigkeit mehr durch den Schlauchabschnitt 55 fließen kann. Quetschventile 41 bieten den Vorteil, dass bei einem geöffneten Ventil 41 der Schlauchquerschnitt bzw. Rohrquerschnitt nicht durch den Verschluss beeinträchtigt wird. Zudem sind Quetschventile 41 sehr wartungsarm, da das einzige von Abnutzung betroffene Element des Quetschventils 41 der Schlauchabschnitt 55 ist, der jedoch einfach austauschbar und zudem sehr günstig ist.The valve 41, which in detail in the Fig. 6a and 6b It comprises a closure element 51, an abutment 53 and a tube section 55. To close the valve 41, the closure element 51, which is attached to the first end 45 of the lever 29, abuts against the anvil 53 is squeezed and the tube portion 55 squeezed between the anvil 53 and the closure member 51, so that the inner tube cross-section is effectively reduced to zero and no liquid can flow through the tube section 55. Pinch valves 41 offer the advantage that, when the valve 41 is open, the tube cross-section or tube cross-section is not impaired by the closure. In addition, pinch valves 41 are very low maintenance, since the only affected by wear element of the pinch valve 41 is the hose portion 55, which is easily replaceable and also very cheap.

Die hier dargestellte Ausführungsform eines Ventils 41, bei der das Verschlusselement 51 kugel- bzw. halbkugelförmig ist und das Gegenlager 53 entsprechend einer Kugelschale bzw. einem Halbkreis folgt, ist lediglich exemplarisch zu sehen. Andere Ausgestaltungen eines Quetschventils 41 sind durchaus denkbar.The embodiment shown here of a valve 41, in which the closure element 51 is spherical or hemispherical and the abutment 53 follows according to a spherical shell or a semicircle, can only be seen by way of example. Other embodiments of a pinch valve 41 are quite conceivable.

Die Funktion der Betätigungseinrichtung 43 lässt sich am einfachsten den Fig. 4a bis 6b entnehmen. In den Fig. 4a, 5a und 6a ist die Reinigungseinheit 9 zunächst in einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition dargestellt, in denen ein Fahrgestell 57 der Reinigungseinheit 9 mit der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 in Kontakt ist und zumindest einen Teil der Last der Reinigungseinheit 9 trägt. Der Hebel 29 erfährt in der Reinigungsposition keine Zuglast von dem Aushebezylinder 23. Vorzugsweise wird das Ende 47 des Hebels 29, an dem der Aushebezylinder 23 befestigt ist, von dem Aushebezylinder 23 sogar in Richtung der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 gedrückt. Hierdurch wird das andere Ende 45 des Hebels 29, an dem das Verschlusselement 51 befestigt ist, von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 und damit auch dem Schlauchabschnitt 55 und dem Gegenlager 53 des Quetschventils 41 weg bewegt. Zu diesem Zweck ist zudem am ersten Ende 45 des Hebels 29 ein Federelement 59 vorgesehen, dass das erste Ende 45 des Hebels 29 von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 weg vorspannt und damit das Ventil 41 öffnet. Das Ventil 41 ist somit offen, und Flüssigkeit kann aus der Flüssigkeitszuführung 39 zu dem Auslass 37 strömen. In der Reinigungsposition ist damit das Ventil 41 dauerhaft geöffnet, und es ist sichergestellt, dass die Reinigungseinheit 9 dauerhaft mit Umlaufwasser versorgt wird. Der Bediener einer Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 muss nicht darauf achten, zusätzlich zum Absenken der Reinigungseinheit 9 auch noch das Umlaufwasserventil 41 zu öffnen.The function of the actuator 43 is the easiest to Fig. 4a to 6b remove. In the Fig. 4a . 5a and 6a the cleaning unit 9 is initially shown in a lowered cleaning position, in which a chassis 57 of the cleaning unit 9 is in contact with the surface 5 to be cleaned and at least part of the load of the cleaning unit 9 carries. The lever 29 experiences no tensile load from the lifting cylinder 23 in the cleaning position. Preferably, the end 47 of the lever 29, to which the lifting cylinder 23 is fastened, is pressed by the lifting cylinder 23 even in the direction of the surface 5 to be cleaned. As a result, the other end 45 of the lever 29, to which the closure element 51 is attached, is moved away from the surface 5 to be cleaned, and thus also the tube section 55 and the abutment 53 of the pinch valve 41. For this purpose, a spring element 59 is also provided at the first end 45 of the lever 29, that the first end 45 of the lever 29 biases away from the surface to be cleaned 5 and thus the valve 41 opens. The valve 41 is thus open and liquid can flow from the liquid feed 39 to the outlet 37. In the cleaning position, the valve 41 is thus permanently open, and it is ensured that the cleaning unit 9 is permanently supplied with circulating water. The operator of a floor cleaning machine 1 does not have to pay attention to open the circulation water valve 41 in addition to lowering the cleaning unit 9.

Das Federelement 59 verbindet das erste Ende 45 des Hebels 29 mit einer der Streben 19. Das Federelement 59 an einer der Streben 19 anzulenken hat sich als besonders vorteilhaft erwiesen, da das Federelement 59 lediglich der Ventilöffnung dient, wenn die Reinigungseinheit 9 abgesenkt ist. Wird die Reinigungseinheit 9 angehoben, wird er Abstand zwischen der Strebe 19 und dem ersten Ende 45 des Hebels 29 kleiner und das Federelement 59 spannt den Hebel 29 nicht weiter vor. Hierdurch wird eine unbeabsichtigte Öffnung des Ventils 41 in der angehobenen Ruheposition vermieden.The spring element 59 connects the first end 45 of the lever 29 with one of the struts 19. The spring element 59 on one of the struts 19 to steer has proved to be particularly advantageous. since the spring element 59 serves only the valve opening when the cleaning unit 9 is lowered. If the cleaning unit 9 is raised, it becomes smaller distance between the strut 19 and the first end 45 of the lever 29 and the spring element 59 does not bias the lever 29 further. As a result, an unintentional opening of the valve 41 is avoided in the raised rest position.

Zum Anheben der Reinigungseinheit 9 wird das Hubelement bzw. der Aushebezylinder 23 verkürzt. Dabei verkippt der Hebel 29 um die Schwenkachse 49, da sich das zweite Ende 47 des Hebels 29 von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 zunächst weg bewegt. Das erste Ende 45 des Hebels 29 wird auf die zu reinigende Oberfläche 5 zu bewegt. Somit bewegt sich auch das Verschlusselement 51 auf das Gegenlager 53 des Quetschventils 41 zu und quetscht den Schlauchabschnitt 55 zwischen dem Verschlusselement 51 und dem Gegenlager 53 ein. Der Hebel 29 verkippt so weit, bis das Verschlusselement 51 an dem Gegenlager 53 anliegt. Erst dann verkippt der Hebel 29 nicht weiter um die Schwenkachse 49. Stattdessen hebt ein weiteres Verkürzen des Hubelements 23 die Reinigungseinheit 9 von der zu reinigenden Oberfläche 5 an und bringt diese aus der Reinigungsposition in die Ruheposition.To lift the cleaning unit 9, the lifting element or the lifting cylinder 23 is shortened. In this case, the lever 29 tilts about the pivot axis 49, since the second end 47 of the lever 29 initially moves away from the surface 5 to be cleaned. The first end 45 of the lever 29 is moved toward the surface 5 to be cleaned. Thus, the closure member 51 moves to the anvil 53 of the pinch valve 41 and squeezes the tube portion 55 between the closure member 51 and the anvil 53 a. The lever 29 tilts so far until the closure member 51 abuts against the abutment 53. Only then does the lever 29 no longer tilt about the pivot axis 49. Instead, further shortening of the lifting element 23 lifts the cleaning unit 9 from the surface 5 to be cleaned and brings it from the cleaning position into the rest position.

Das Anheben der Reinigungseinheit 9, das damit verbundene Verkippen des Hebels 29 und das Verschließen des Ventils 41 ist in den Figuren 4b, 5b und 6b dargestellt. Die erfindungsgemäße Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 zeichnet sich somit durch eine Betätigungseinrichtung 43 aus, die die Hubvorrichtung 21 mechanisch mit dem Ventil 41 koppelt. Beim Anheben der Reinigungseinheit 9 aus der Reinigungsposition in eine Ruheposition wird zunächst das Ventil 41 der Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung 39 geschlossen und erst dann die Reinigungseinheit 9 angehoben. Damit ist sichergestellt, dass die Flüssigkeitszuführung 39 am Auslass 37 stets unterbrochen ist, wenn die Reinigungseinheit 9 nicht in der Reinigungsposition ist. Die gewählte mechanische Kopplung zwischen der Hubvorrichtung 21 und dem Ventil 41 ist äußerst robust, funktioniert auch dann einwandfrei, wenn sie stark verschmutzt ist, und weist mit dem Schlauchabschnitt 55 nur ein einziges Verschleißteil auf, das zudem leicht ausgetauscht werden kann und sehr günstig ist.The lifting of the cleaning unit 9, the associated tilting of the lever 29 and the closing of the valve 41 is in the FIGS. 4b . 5b and 6b shown. The floor cleaning machine 1 according to the invention is thus characterized by an actuating device 43 which mechanically couples the lifting device 21 to the valve 41. When lifting the cleaning unit 9 from the cleaning position to a rest position, the valve 41 of the liquid supply device 39 is first closed and only then the cleaning unit 9 is raised. This ensures that the liquid supply 39 is always interrupted at the outlet 37 when the cleaning unit 9 is not in the cleaning position. The selected mechanical coupling between the lifting device 21 and the valve 41 is extremely robust, works well even if it is heavily contaminated, and has the hose section 55 only a single wearing part, which also can be easily replaced and is very cheap.

Die Bodenreinigungsmaschine 1 umfasst weiterhin eine manuelle Betätigungseinrichtung 61, mittels der ein Bediener den Hebel 29 in eine Position verschwenken kann, in der das Ventil 41 geschlossen ist, selbst wenn die Reinigungseinheit 9 in einer abgesenkten Reinigungsposition ist. Die Betätigungseinrichtung 61 wird von einem Seilzug gebildet und erlaubt es dem Bediener, die Umlaufwasserzufuhr 35 zu unterbrechen, wenn einmal kein Umlaufwasser benötigt wird bzw. wenn die Saugeinheit 9 zwar abgesenkt, aber das den Luftstrom erzeugende Gebläse nicht aktiviert ist.The floor cleaning machine 1 further comprises a manual operating device 61, by means of which an operator can pivot the lever 29 into a position in which the valve 41 is closed, even if the cleaning unit 9 is in a lowered cleaning position. The actuator 61 is formed by a cable and allows the operator to interrupt the circulation water supply 35 when once no circulation water is needed or when the suction unit 9 is indeed lowered, but the air flow generating fan is not activated.

Auch wenn die vorliegende Erfindung mit Bezug auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Kehrmaschine beschrieben worden ist, kann die erfindungsgemäße Anordnung ebenso in einer Scheuersaugmaschine angewendet werden, bei der über die Flüssigkeitsversorgungseinrichtung eine Reinigungsflüssigkeit zu einer Scheuerbürste bzw. Scheuerwalze zugeführt wird.Although the present invention has been described with reference to an embodiment of a sweeping machine, the arrangement according to the invention can also be applied in a scrubber-drier where a cleaning liquid is supplied via the liquid supply means to a scrubbing brush.

Claims (12)

  1. Floor cleaning machine (1) with a chassis (11) for moving the floor cleaning machine (1) across a surface (5) to be cleaned,
    with a cleaning unit (9) for cleaning the surface (5) to be cleaned, and
    with a fluid supply means (35),
    wherein the cleaning unit (9) is held on the chassis (11) and can be moved between an elevated resting position and a lowered cleaning position by means of a lifting device (21),
    wherein the fluid supply means (35) comprises a fluid inlet (39) connected with an outlet (37) located on the cleaning unit (9), and
    wherein a valve (41) is located between the fluid inlet (39) and the outlet (37), wherein a closing of the valve (41) interrupts the connection between the outlet (37) and the fluid inlet (39),
    wherein the floor cleaning machine (1) comprises an actuation means (43) coupled with the lifting device (21), which closes the valve (41) when the cleaning unit (9) is moved from the cleaning position to the resting position,
    characterised in that,
    the valve (41) is a pinch valve (41) and
    in that the pinch valve (41) comprises a hose section (55), a counterbearing (53) and a closure element (51), arranged in such a way that the closure element (51) can be moved towards the counterbearing (53) for closing the pinch valve (41), which enables the hose section (55) located between the counterbearing (53) and the closure element (51) to be compressed and the pinch valve (41) to be closed.
  2. Floor cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuation means (43) mechanically couples the lifting device (21) with the valve (41).
  3. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the lifting device (21) comprises a lifting element (23), wherein the cleaning unit (9) can be moved between the cleaning position and the resting position by means of a length change of the lifting element (23),
    that a first end (25) of the lifting element (23) is connected with the chassis (11) and a second end (27) of the lifting element (23) is connected with the actuation means (43), and
    that the actuation means (43) closes the valve (41) following a length change of the lifting element (23) that moves the cleaning unit (9) out of the lowered cleaning position.
  4. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the actuation means (43) comprises a lever (29) that is pivotably held,
    that the lever (29) is connected with the second end (27) of the lifting element (23) and with the valve (41),
    that a length change of the lifting element (23) pivots the lever (29) for lifting the cleaning unit (9), and
    that pivoting the lever (29) closes the valve (41).
  5. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the lever (29) is pre-tensioned with a spring element (59), that the lever (29) is pivoted in such a way that the valve (41) opens when the lifting element (23) does not lift the cleaning unit (9).
  6. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the claims 3, 4 or 5, characterised in that the lifting element (21) comprises a siphoning cylinder (23), wherein a length of the siphoning cylinder (23) can be changed for moving the cleaning unit (9) between the resting position and the cleaning position.
  7. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the claims 4, 5 or 6, characterised in that a manual actuation means (61) is envisaged, with which the lever (29) can be pivoted for closing the valve (41).
  8. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure element (51) is spherical or semi-spherical and the counterbearing (53) is formed by one half-shell.
  9. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 1, where dependent on one of the claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the closure element (51) is connected with the lever (29), and
    that the closure element (51) can be moved towards the counterbearing (53) by pivoting the lever (29).
  10. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the lever (29) is held to pivot around a pivot axis (49) between its ends, and
    that the lever (29) is connected with the lifting element (21) on one side of the pivot axis (49), and with the closure element (51) on the other side of the pivot axis (49).
  11. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning unit (9) comprises a chassis (57) that is in contact with the surface (5) to be cleaned in the cleaning position.
  12. Floor cleaning machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning unit (9) is a suction unit (9) that comprises a suction mouth (33) with an opening directed at the surface to be cleaned, wherein the suction mouth (33) is connected with a fan that generates an air stream in the suction mouth (33), and
    that the outlet (37) is arranged in such a way that fluid exiting from the outlet (37) is guided into the air stream.
EP14159617.1A 2013-03-13 2014-03-13 Floor cleaning machine with a fluid supply device for the cleaning unit Active EP2778287B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE201310204398 DE102013204398A1 (en) 2013-03-13 2013-03-13 Floor cleaning machine with a liquid supply device for the cleaning unit

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2778287A2 EP2778287A2 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2778287A3 EP2778287A3 (en) 2015-04-15
EP2778287B1 true EP2778287B1 (en) 2016-10-12

Family

ID=50241310

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP14159617.1A Active EP2778287B1 (en) 2013-03-13 2014-03-13 Floor cleaning machine with a fluid supply device for the cleaning unit

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2778287B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102013204398A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110424315B (en) * 2019-09-06 2020-05-05 湖南启辉建筑工程有限公司 Cement road surface desilting device among hydraulic engineering
CN111250689B (en) * 2020-03-29 2024-04-12 无锡巨力重工股份有限公司 Hot repair system for molten steel pot

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1592775A (en) * 1976-11-18 1981-07-08 Johnston Bros Eng Ltd Refuse collecting vehicles
DE2834644A1 (en) * 1978-08-08 1980-02-28 Hartmut Dietrich DEVICE FOR CLEANING PLANNER SURFACES, IN PARTICULAR FLOORS OR THE LIKE.
US4558484A (en) * 1984-03-02 1985-12-17 Regina Corporation Tank unit for cleaning devices
EP0162769A1 (en) * 1984-05-11 1985-11-27 TROTTOIRNET Société Anonyme Device for cleaning a ground surface, particularly for removing dog faeces
DE9017025U1 (en) * 1990-12-17 1991-03-07 Walter GmbH, 6642 Mettlach Mobile device for cleaning floor coverings
CA2072710C (en) * 1991-07-15 2002-05-28 Kent J. Furcron Improved cleaning device
JP3623202B2 (en) * 2002-03-14 2005-02-23 ペンギンワックス株式会社 Electric floor work machine
DE102004022359A1 (en) * 2004-04-30 2005-11-17 Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg Mobile floor cleaning machine
DE202005011999U1 (en) * 2005-07-30 2005-10-13 G. Staehle Gmbh U. Co. Floor scrubbing machine has water outlet at center of rotating brush, flow of water being controlled by shut-off valve which is opened by switch which simultaneously switches on brush drive
FR2949795B1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2011-09-30 Icee Gmbh SUCTION PIPE WITH A NOZZLE WITH A REMOVABLE PART FOR ARTICULATED STEERING ROAD VEHICLES.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2778287A2 (en) 2014-09-17
DE102013204398A1 (en) 2014-09-18
EP2778287A3 (en) 2015-04-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3206549B1 (en) Surface cleaning machine having a damping device
EP3079553B1 (en) Floor-cleaning machine
DE102018111499B3 (en) Floor cleaning machine with combined suction and discharge line
EP2954817A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine
EP3474714A1 (en) Wet-cleaning appliance having a cleaning roller
EP2778287B1 (en) Floor cleaning machine with a fluid supply device for the cleaning unit
DE102009047368A1 (en) Reverse mounting device for self-propelled vehicle, has fixing unit for mounting reverse mounting device at vehicle, and holding unit with swivel arm, at which brush is set
DE102021116685B3 (en) floor cleaning machine
EP2377446B1 (en) Floor cleaning machine
DE2741043A1 (en) CARPET CLEANER
EP1913859B1 (en) Floor cleaning machine with a pivotable suction foot
DE102011001631A1 (en) Damp cleaning device, particularly ground wiping devices for damp cleaning of hard floor mats, e.g. tile grounds or parquet floor, has guiding part and damp element, which has cloth
DE19715435C2 (en) Overhead projector cleaning machine
EP3106567A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine with liquid storage device
EP1219225B1 (en) Apparatus for moistening of mops
EP1838198B1 (en) Mop with a flat holder
DE10221351A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine has dirt collection container positioned separate from brush chamber and arranged to maintain constant contact pressure of brushes on floor
EP3417756A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine with brush pressure adjustment
DE626014C (en) Vacuum cleaner with connection for a movable dust removal tool
DE10342455A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine
DE653905C (en) vacuum cleaner
EP4111931B1 (en) Floor cleaning machine
EP2397058A2 (en) Cleaning device with area cleaning element
EP1970492A1 (en) Road sweeper with a control unit for its machine units
DE102018113691A1 (en) Floor cleaning machine with side apron device and method for operating a floor cleaning machine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20140313

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: E01H 1/10 20060101AFI20150306BHEP

R17P Request for examination filed (corrected)

Effective date: 20151015

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160525

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: PROTZ, CARSTEN

Inventor name: ULRICH, BERTRAM

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 836636

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20161015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502014001668

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502014001668

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: BIRD & BIRD LLP, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 4

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170113

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170112

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170213

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170212

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502014001668

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170112

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170713

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170331

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170331

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170313

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20170331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20140313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161012

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 836636

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20190313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190313

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240321

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240322

Year of fee payment: 11

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240329

Year of fee payment: 11

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240319

Year of fee payment: 11