Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a cleaning device, which is provided in particular to clean a ground surface such as a lawn, an artificial turf or a sports field. 
         [0002]    Cleaning devices of this type are typically used to clean materials such as sand or artificial turf fillers. In particular, materials such as these can be picked up, cleaned and then returned. In particular, a vibrating screen can be used for the cleaning. 
         [0003]    Known cleaning devices often have a relatively complex design. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    It is therefore the objective of the invention to produce a cleaning device in an alternative, e.g. simpler, way. 
         [0005]    According to the invention, this is accomplished with a cleaning device according to claim  1 . Advantageous embodiments can be found in the sub-claims. 
         [0006]    The invention relates to a cleaning device with a frame, which is configured to drive over a ground surface, and with a vibrating screen, which is attached to the frame such that it can be moved to a limited extent and which is connected to a contact element. 
         [0007]    The cleaning device has at least one vibrating roller, which is attached to the frame such that it can rotate about a rotary axis. The vibrating roller has an outer surface, in which a plurality of radial elevations are formed. 
         [0008]    Furthermore, a pre-tensioning element is provided, which is configured to pre-tension the vibrating screen such that the contact element lies against the vibrating roller. 
         [0009]    Using the claimed cleaning device, a drive for the vibrating screen can be produced in a simple way such that it can be moved continuously and such that materials placed on the vibrating screen are thereby effectively cleaned by the vibrating motion. The drive utilizes the outer surface provided with radial elevations and is particularly reliable and low-maintenance. 
         [0010]    According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device has at least one drive roller that rests on the ground surface and is coupled with the vibrating roller such that the drive roller causes the vibrating roller to rotate when the frame moves on the ground surface. In this way, the movement of the frame on the ground surface can be used to drive the vibrating roller. For example, the frame can be pulled by another unit as a trailer, and the movement and energy thereby transmitted to the vehicle can be acquired by the drive roller. It is then possible to forgo a separate drive for the vibrating roller, for example, which saves effort and weight. 
         [0011]    According to one embodiment, the vibrating roller can be connected to the drive roller by a gearing mechanism. The rotational speeds between the vibrating roller and the drive roller can be modified in this way. 
         [0012]    The vibrating roller can also be configured concentrically with the drive roller. For instance, the drive roller and the vibrating roller can have a common rotary axis. 
         [0013]    The vibrating roller can also have a separate drive, in particular a motor or electric motor. This permits an independent drive for the vibrating roller. 
         [0014]    The vibrating roller can also be coupled with a drive of the cleaning device. In particular, this kind of drive can be a drive that is responsible for the forward movement of the frame over the ground surface. It can be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, for example. 
         [0015]    According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device has at least one cleaning brush for lifting material from the ground surface. Material that is to be removed from the floor and especially cleaned by the vibrating screen can therefore be lifted from the floor or ground surface and can be supplied to the vibrating screen. 
         [0016]    The cleaning brush is suitably arranged upstream of the drive roller in the driving direction. This is proven to be advantageous in typical use situations. 
         [0017]    The cleaning brush can especially be coupled with the drive roller by a gearing mechanism such that the drive roller causes the cleaning brush to rotate when the frame moves over the ground surface. This allows the aforementioned movement of the frame over the ground surface to be used to drive the cleaning brush, as well. 
         [0018]    Alternatively, however, the drive roller may also be provided with its own drive, such as in the form of a motor, or it may be that the drive of the cleaning roller is derived from a drive of the cleaning device. 
         [0019]    According to a development, a sliding carriage can be arranged next to the cleaning brush to adjust the depth of the cleaning brush. The cleaning device can thus be adapted to different ground conditions, such as different grass lengths. 
         [0020]    The vibrating screen can suitably be moved linearly, in particular substantially horizontally linearly. This results in a simple and practical embodiment. Other patterns of movement, such as circular or ellipsoid movements, as well as vertical movements are entirely possible, however. 
         [0021]    Preferably, the outer surface of the vibrating roller is divided into a plurality of flat surfaces, preferably eight flat surfaces, the elevations being formed on the respective edges between the flat surfaces. This has proven to be advantageous for typical applications. In particular, the vibrating roller can be simple to manufacture. 
         [0022]    According to a different embodiment, the outer surface of the vibrating roller is configured with a wave-like shape, the elevations being formed on the respective wave peaks. This can result in a different, especially more even, curve of the movement of the vibrating screen. 
         [0023]    Preferably, the contact element is configured as a wheel to bear upon the vibrating roller. An advantageously low level of friction can be achieved in this way, in particular when the wheel is configured to rotate parallel to the vibrating roller. 
         [0024]    The contact element can be part of the frame or can be provided on a support that is connected to the frame. 
         [0025]    The pre-tensioning element is suitably configured as a spring or as an elastic element. Reliable pre-tensioning can be provided in this way. 
         [0026]    Said pre-tensioning element can be configured in particular as part of a screen mounting suspension. This allows two functions to be united in one element, which saves space and weight. 
         [0027]    Advantageously, the vibrating screen can be oscillatingly mounted. A movement that achieves the intended cleaning effect can thereby be performed in a simple way. 
         [0028]    According to an embodiment, the vibrating screen is suspended from a plurality of rubber strips. 
         [0029]    According to a development, the vibrating screen can be adjusted for different grain sizes. This permits a simple adaptation for different cleaning tasks. 
         [0030]    The cleaning device or the frame can be designed to be pulled by hand or can be configured with a coupling for attachment to a utility vehicle, especially a tractor, tractor mower or municipal vehicle. This permits the movement of the cleaning device over a ground surface that is to be cleaned, in particular a lawn, by means of an external unit such as a vehicle or else by hand. 
         [0031]    However, the cleaning device or the frame can also be self-propelled. A motor, particularly an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, can be provided for this purpose, for example. The motor can also perform other drive tasks, such as driving the vibrating roller or cleaning brush, as has already been described above. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0032]    The invention description below refers to the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a cleaning device, 
           [0034]      FIG. 2  is a lateral sectional view of the cleaning device in  FIG. 1 , and 
           [0035]      FIG. 3  is another lateral sectional view of the cleaning device in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements are identified with the same reference signs and will therefore not be described again unless it is necessary. Similarly, the disclosures contained throughout the description can be attributed to identical parts with the same reference signs or component designations. The selected position specifications in the description, e.g. above, below, lateral, etc., also refer to the drawing currently being described and shown and, in the event of a change of position, similarly apply to the new position. Moreover, individual features or combinations of features of the various embodiments shown and described can also represent solutions that are independent, inventive or in accordance with the invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  shows a cleaning device  10  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         [0038]    The cleaning device  10  has a frame  15 , which delimits the cleaning device  10  primarily outwardly and in particular upwardly. 
         [0039]    The cleaning device  10  has a drive roller  30 , which extends transversely to an intended direction of travel of the cleaning device  10  and is configured to rest on a ground surface. 
         [0040]    The cleaning device  10  further has a cleaning brush  40  that is cylindrical, likewise extends transversely to the direction of travel of the cleaning device  10  and is likewise configured to rest on a ground surface. 
         [0041]    The drive roller  30  and the cleaning brush  40  permit the frame  15  and the cleaning device  10  to move over a ground surface. In particular, this can be a ground surface that is a lawn, a patch of grass, an artificial turf or a sports field. Materials such as filler or sand are often found on ground surfaces such as these, and they must be cleaned using the cleaning device  10 . 
         [0042]    The drive roller  30  in particular performs the further function of bringing about a movement of the frame  15  over the ground surface. This movement can be utilized to drive components of the cleaning device  10 , as will be discussed below. 
         [0043]    The cleaning brush  40 , on the other hand, performs the further function of picking up materials from the ground surface and subjecting them to cleaning within the cleaning device  10 . 
         [0044]    The cleaning device  10  is preferably configured such that it can be pulled by a vehicle, such as a tractor or a municipal vehicle. Owing especially to the configuration with the drive roller  30 , which picks up the movement conveyed by the vehicle, it is possible to forgo separate drives, such as motors or another form of energy supply, within the cleaning device  10 . This allows for a particularly compact and light design. 
         [0045]    The cleaning device  10  further has a vibrating screen  50 . Said screen can be discerned in  FIG. 1  only by its outer parts, which protrude over the frame  15 . The vibrating screen  50  is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 2  further below. 
         [0046]    A sliding carriage  45  is arranged directly adjacent to the cleaning brush  40 . This is designed to slide on the ground surface. The sliding carriage  45  is arranged on the frame  15  such that it is vertically adjustable, and so the height of the rotary axis of the cleaning brush  40  can be set by the height adjustment of the sliding carriage  45 . In this way, various properties of the ground surface that is to be cleaned can be accommodated; for instance, grass of different lengths can prompt adjustments to appropriate heights. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows the cleaning device  10  in a lateral sectional view. A direction of travel  5  is also marked here, this being the direction in which the cleaning device  10  is typically moved during normal operation for cleaning a ground surface. This does not rule out the possibility that the cleaning device  10  is also moved in the other direction, especially for purposes of transport, i.e. precisely when it is not in operation. 
         [0048]    It can also be seen in particular in  FIG. 2  that the vibrating screen  50  is disposed between the drive roller  30  and the cleaning brush  40 . The vibrating screen  50  is suspended in the frame  15  in the manner described below. 
         [0049]    On the left side, the vibrating screen  50  is suspended by a pre-tensioning element  57 , which is configured as a rubber element. Said rubber element is responsible for pre-tensioning the vibrating screen  50  to the right. At the same time, however, the rubber element is elastic, and so, to a limited extent, the vibrating screen  50  can yield to a force that is directed to the left. 
         [0050]    On the right side, the vibrating screen  50  is suspended on the frame  15  by a plurality of rubber strips  58 . The rubber strips  58  permit a limited horizontal movement of the vibrating screen  50  within the frame  15 . 
         [0051]    As a result of the interaction between the pre-tensioning element  57  and the rubber strips  58 , the vibrating screen  50  is held within the frame  15  at a height that is at least approximately constant and that, in particular, can then easily be varied when the vibrating screen  50  makes a possible pendulum-like motion. 
         [0052]    A contact element  55  that is preferably configured as a wheel is arranged on the right side of the vibrating screen  50 . The significance of this element will be addressed in greater detail below. 
         [0053]    As can also be seen in  FIG. 2 , the cleaning device  10  additionally has a vibrating roller  20 . Said roller is configured concentrically with the drive roller  30 , and so the drive roller  30  and the vibrating roller  20  have a common rotary axis  24 . 
         [0054]    The vibrating roller  20  has an outer surface  22  that is preferably octagonal. This means that the outer surface  22  has a total of eight flat surfaces adjoining each other at the respective corners. The corners represent radial elevations here, since they are furthest removed from the rotary axis  24 . 
         [0055]    The contact element  55  is immediately adjacent to the vibrating roller  20 , so it comes into contact with the outer surface  22  of the roller. When the cleaning device  10  is moved over the ground, the drive roller  30  moves due to the contact between the ground and the drive roller  30 , this rotation being transmitted directly to the vibrating roller  20 . As a result, the outer surface  22  of the vibrating roller  20  also similarly rotates. 
         [0056]    As has already been mentioned above, the pre-tensioning element  57  exerts rightward pre-tension on the vibrating screen  50 . This pre-tension causes the contact element  55  to lie directly against the outer surface  22  of the vibrating roller  20 . It thus alternatingly comes into contact with one of the corners and one of the surfaces. Owing to the different radial distances to the rotary axis  24 , an alternating leftward force is exerted on the contact element  55  and thus on the vibrating screen  50 , and so the vibrating screen  50  is correspondingly moved horizontally. This results in a movement of the vibrating screen  50  that is particularly simple to implement and that is derived directly from the movement of the cleaning device  10  over the ground. 
         [0057]      FIG. 3  shows a further lateral sectional view of the cleaning device  10 , with the direction of travel  5  here pointing in the other direction so that the positions of the drive roller  30  and the cleaning brush  40  are also reversed compared to  FIG. 2 . 
         [0058]    A gearing mechanism  60  can be seen here which links the drive roller  30  with the cleaning brush  40  such that the cleaning brush  40  is also driven by the rotary movement of the drive roller  30 . Therefore, the drive roller  30  can cause not only the vibrating screen  50  but also the cleaning brush  40  to rotate. 
         [0059]    The wording of the claims submitted with the application at this time and subsequently is without prejudice to the obtaining of further protection. 
         [0060]    Should a closer examination, in particular also of the relevant prior art, reveal that one feature or another is advantageous for the objective of the invention but not crucially important, it is understood that a wording is sought which no longer includes such a feature, in particular in the main claim. Sub-combinations of this type are also covered by the disclosure of the present application. 
         [0061]    It should further be noted that the configurations and variants of the invention described in the various embodiments and shown in the figures can be freely combined with one another. In so doing, individual or multiple features can be freely interchanged with each other. These combinations of features are likewise included in the disclosure. 
         [0062]    The back-references made in the dependent claims refer to further embodiments of the subject matter of the main claim by the features of the respective sub-claims. These back-references, however, should not be interpreted as renouncing the right to obtain independent protection as subject matter for the features of the related sub-claims. 
         [0063]    Features that were only disclosed in the description, or individual features from claims that contain multiple features, can be incorporated into the independent claim or claims at any time as features that are essential to the invention in order to delimit it over the prior art, even in cases where these features were mentioned in connection with other features or achieve particularly favorable results in connection with other features. 
         [0064]    Although the invention has been described on the basis of exact embodiments that are illustrated in the most extensive detail, it is noted that this serves only for illustration and that the invention is not necessarily limited to it as alternative embodiments and methods become clear for experts in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, changes may be taken into consideration which can be made without departing from the contents of the described invention.

Technology Category: 1