Patent Publication Number: US-4546512-A

Title: Mechanical sweeper

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a mechanical sweeper of the type including a housing, brush means, a dirt-collecting receptacle and means for moving the housing over a surface to be swept. 
     A mechanical sweeper of this type is known from German Pat. No. 2,259,964. However, the mounting of the axles for the drive/running wheels is very complicated and difficult to assemble. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The aim of the invention is to produce a mechanical sweeper wherein the axles are mounted in such a way that simple assembly is possible and also the housing can be recessed in the region of the drive/running wheels. 
     This aim is achieved by providing means for supporting the housing on the surface to be cleaned which includes an assembly having at least one axle with end portions and means for bounding a slot in each of the oppositely located lateral walls of the housing, each slot having an open end for removably introducing the respective end portions of the axle into the slot. By this mounting of the axles, it is possible to simply plug the drive/running wheels onto the axles. The axles themselves are assembled extremely rapidly through the slots. 
     Due to the possibility of merely plugging the drive/running wheels onto the axles, it is also possible to make the latter externally smooth. This also particularly fulfills stylistic demands, according to which the drive/running wheels should be freely visible. Apart from that, this also has advantages in cleaning the appliance. The construction of the bearing bore as an L-shaped introduction slot creates further security in the bearing in addition to simple assembly. Even under extreme loads, caused by somewhat inexpert handling, the axle cannot jump out. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     Above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will become more apparent by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which: 
     FIG. 1 shows a general view of the mechanical sweeper according to this invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a section along the line II--II of FIG. 1, the drive/running wheel being shown in elevation on the left and in section on the right; 
     FIG. 3 shows a detail on a larger scale according to the detail III of FIG. 2; and 
     FIG. 4 shows a section along the line IV--IV of FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The sweeper comprises, externally, substantially of a housing 1, a handle yoke 2 with a handle 3, a cylindrical brush 4, drive/running wheels 5 and axles 6 supporting the latter. 
     The axles 6 are accommodated by slotlike bearing bores 7 which merge into introduction slot 8. The axles 6 are prevented from falling out by the counterpressure of the cylindrical brush 4 or by a friction wheel, not shown in detail. The bearing bores 7 are located in lateral or partition walls 9 of the housing 1. 
     Retaining pockets 10, in which check plates 11 of the drive/running wheels 5 engage, are molded on the partition walls 9. Projections 11 extend from the partition wall 9 and the retaining pockets 10 are formed by the projections 11 and the partition wall 9. It is thereby possible for the drive/running wheels to be placed on the ends 12 of the axles 6 with no additional retaining device. 
     The housing 1 is recessed in the region 13 of the drive/running wheels 5. The drive/running wheels 5 are provided with a bearing hub 14 on one side only. The outwardly facing part is closed in a smooth surface with a guard cap 15. This guard cap 15 serves simultaneously as retaining means for the running wheel tire 16. 
     While we have described above the principles of our invention in connection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of our invention as set forth in the objects thereof and in the accompanying claims.