A follow-up cleaning device and a self-cleaning automated guided vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of workshop transportation, in particular to a following cleaning device and a self-cleaning automatic guide vehicle, wherein the following cleaning device comprises a main body, a cleaning wheel mechanism arranged on the main body, a traction mechanism arranged on the main body and used for being hung on a power driving device, and a mud starting device arranged on the main body and corresponding to the position of a tire of the power driving device. The AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) tire adheres to pollutants and transfers the pollutants to other areas. The current cleaning mode is low in efficiency, high in labor cost and unstable in cleaning effect. The following power driving device synchronously sweeps the ground along the advancing path, the structure is simple and practical, the cleaning effect is good, and the efficiency of manual cleaning is greatly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of workshop transportation technology, and in particular to a following cleaning device and a self-cleaning automatic guided vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In automobile manufacturing workshops, AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) serve as core equipment in intelligent manufacturing, reshaping production processes through automated logistics and transportation. In the automotive welding workshop, various critical body components rely on AGVs for transport. AGV transport precisely matches the needs of each workstation, significantly improving logistics efficiency and reducing the labor intensity and safety risks of manual handling.

[0003] While AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) technology has driven a leap in production efficiency, its use has also created other problems. For example, metal shavings, dust particles, and other impurities easily remain on the floor of automotive welding workshops. During operation, the tires of the AGVs inevitably pick up these contaminants, transferring dust and marks to other areas of the workshop floor, affecting the cleanliness of the workshop environment. Currently, to address the problems caused by AGVs during workshop operations, most companies use methods such as strong adhesive mats and manual wiping for regular cleaning to remove tire marks and adhering contaminants.

[0004] However, the current treatment methods have drawbacks such as low efficiency, high labor costs, and unstable cleaning effects. They cannot solve the pollution problem caused by the operation of AGV vehicles at its root, nor can they meet the high-efficiency cleaning needs of intelligent and automated production in automotive welding workshops. Utility Model Content

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to overcome the problems of existing AGV trolley tires adhering to pollutants and transferring them to other areas, resulting in low efficiency, high labor costs, and unstable cleaning effects. This invention provides a following cleaning device and a self-cleaning automatic guided vehicle. This application describes a following-powered driving device that synchronously cleans the ground along its path. It features a simple and practical structure, good cleaning effect, and significantly improved efficiency compared to manual cleaning.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A follow-up cleaning device includes a main body, a sweeping wheel mechanism disposed on the main body, a traction mechanism disposed on the main body and for mounting on a powered vehicle, and a mud-removing device disposed on the main body and corresponding to the tire position of the powered vehicle.

[0007] This application utilizes a traction mechanism attached to the rear of powered vehicles such as AGVs. During idle periods and while transporting parts, the traction mechanism follows behind the powered vehicle for cleaning. The cleaning is achieved through a rolling cleaning wheel mechanism, eliminating the need for a dedicated power source and enabling both following and non-powered cleaning. Simultaneously, mud-lifting devices are installed at corresponding positions on the tires of the powered vehicle. If contaminants carried by the tires adhere to the ground as the powered vehicle moves forward, the mud-lifting devices at the following positions can rub against the contaminants, causing them to detach. This allows for more thorough cleaning as the cleaning wheel mechanism passes, resulting in a better cleaning effect. This application allows the sweeper to simultaneously clean the ground along its path using a powered sweeping device, eliminating the need for personnel to push the sweeper. It can simultaneously clean up dust and debris kicked up by the tires of the powered sweeping device, significantly improving efficiency compared to manual cleaning. Furthermore, this application requires no power drive and can operate solely through towing by the powered sweeping device, reducing the cost and maintenance expenses of the power system. It features a simple and practical structure, excellent cleaning effect, and reduced secondary pollution.

[0008] Furthermore, the mud-removing device includes a connecting seat with one end connected to the main body, a movable rod with one end movably passing through the connecting seat, and a mounting block provided at the end of the movable rod facing the ground; it also includes a mud-removing block provided on the mounting block and facing the ground, and a spring sleeved on the movable rod and located between the connecting seat and the mounting block.

[0009] In this application, a connecting seat connected to the main body at one end provides a reliable installation foundation for the entire mud-removing device, ensuring the stability of the device when working together with the main body. A movable rod is movably inserted through the connecting seat and can slide relative to it. Together with the mounting block at its ground-facing end, it forms a device that acts on the ground and can float relative to it. A spring, fitted onto the movable rod and located between the connecting seat and the mounting block, provides elastic cushioning when the mud-removing block contacts the ground, adapting to minor ground undulations (avoiding damage from hard impacts). After the mud-removing action is completed, the spring force drives the movable rod and mud-removing block to return to their original positions, preparing for the next mud-removing operation. This mud-removing device can remove and eliminate adhering mud or contaminants on the ground. The spring's cushioning effect allows the mud-removing block to fit more closely to the ground, improving the mud removal effect.

[0010] Furthermore, the mud-removing block includes Velcro fasteners fixed to the mounting block, and a cleaning block detachably connected to the Velcro fasteners. The Velcro fasteners facilitate the removal and fixing of the cleaning block, making maintenance and replacement convenient.

[0011] Furthermore, the cleaning block is a material such as a scouring pad or steel wool that can scrape off mud from the ground.

[0012] Furthermore, the traction mechanism includes U-shaped hooks rotatably connected to the main body at both ends. The traction device can be located at the front end of the main body, with the U-shaped hooks quickly engaging with the traction ring at the rear of the powered travel device to achieve power transmission.

[0013] Furthermore, the U-shaped hook is provided with an elastic buffer pad at the U-shaped corner. The U-shaped corner is the hooking point, and the elastic buffer pad at the U-shaped corner can reduce the shaking during the traction process and improve the stability of the sweeper when following the turn.

[0014] Furthermore, the sweeping wheel mechanism includes a walking wheel rotatably connected to the main body via a rotating shaft, a roller brush fixed to the rotating shaft and rotating with the rotating shaft, and a dust collection box with an opening facing the roller brush. The roller brush contacts the ground, and the dust collection box is detachably connected to the main body.

[0015] This application's sweeping wheel device establishes a synchronous transmission relationship of "walking wheel - rotating shaft - roller brush". When the main body is traction-driven, the walking wheel rotates during forward movement via the rotating shaft, while the roller brush is fixed on the rotating shaft. As the walking wheel rotates with the main body, the rotating shaft drives the roller brush to rotate synchronously. Because the roller brush is in direct contact with the ground, its rotation generates friction and sweeping action on the dust and debris, stripping away the dirt. The dust collection box opening faces the roller brush, and the dust swept up by the roller brush falls directly into the dust collection box with the opening facing it, aided by its own rotational inertia and airflow, thus completing the centralized collection of dirt. The roller brush and walking wheel share the same rotating shaft transmission, eliminating the need for an additional independent drive component for the roller brush, achieving powerless sweeping, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the overall structure, and lowering production and assembly costs.

[0016] It's important to note that the dustbin opening is oriented directly towards the roller brush. Without suction, the roller brush cannot remove dirt through negative pressure; it relies solely on mechanical force (the pushing action of the bristles / scraper) to move the dirt. As the roller brush rolls forward, its bristles or scraper contact the ground, generating a forward thrust on dust, debris, and other dirt, similar to the action of sweeping forward with a broom. With the dustbin at the front, the dirt pushed by the roller brush directly enters the dustbin opening. This design, aligning the dustbin opening with the roller brush, forms a closed loop of "sweeping → pushing → collecting." The dustbin uses a detachable connection; when full, it can be easily removed from the main body for emptying and cleaning without disassembling other parts, simplifying operation and reducing the difficulty and time cost of daily maintenance.

[0017] Furthermore, the roller brush includes elastic, abrasion-resistant scrapers arranged along the axial direction and / or bristles arranged radially in the circumferential direction. The optional combination design of the "elastic, abrasion-resistant scrapers" and "radial bristles" can address diverse cleaning needs. Using the scrapers alone is suitable for stubborn stains and large particles, while using the bristles alone is suitable for fine dust and hair. Combining them can handle both coarse and fine dirt, adapting to multiple scenarios without the need to replace the roller brush, thus reducing limitations on equipment usage.

[0018] Furthermore, the main body is also provided with a counterweight mounting position. A metal block or other counterweight can be added to this pre-reserved mounting position. When the roller brush has a large contact area with the ground and its own weight is insufficient to provide enough downward pressure for the tires to rotate, the added counterweight increases the downward pressure, causing the wheels to rotate and drive the roller brush, thus enhancing the cleaning force.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a handle provided on the main body. Installing a handle on the main body allows for the application of anti-slip rubber material to the grip area, or the handle can be designed as a retractable length structure to facilitate manual pushing and meet the needs of manual pushing for localized fine cleaning.

[0020] A self-cleaning automated guided vehicle (AGV) includes an AGV trolley and a following cleaning device as described above. The AGV trolley and the following cleaning device are connected via a traction mechanism. AGV trolleys typically have a hook at their rear, enabling coordinated movement of multiple AGV trolleys. This application utilizes the hook structure inherent in the AGV trolley to attach the traction mechanism to the rear of the AGV trolley, achieving following cleaning.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: (1) This application utilizes a traction mechanism attached to the rear of a powered vehicle. During the "idle time of air transport" and "during the movement of transported parts", the traction mechanism follows behind the powered vehicle to perform cleaning. The cleaning wheel mechanism performs rolling cleaning while walking. Without the need for a power device, it can achieve the functions of following forward and cleaning without power. At the same time, mud-lifting devices are set at the corresponding positions of the tires of the vehicle. When the powered vehicle moves forward, if the pollutants carried by the tires adhere to the ground, the mud-lifting device at the corresponding position behind moves to that position during the forward movement. The mud-lifting device can rub the pollutants, causing them to detach from the adhered state. Thus, when the cleaning wheel mechanism passes by, the pollutants can be more completely cleaned, achieving a better cleaning effect.

[0022] (2) This application follows the power-driven equipment to clean the ground along its forward path. No personnel are required to push the sweeper to clean. It can simultaneously clean up the dust and debris carried by the tires of the power-driven equipment. Compared with manual cleaning, the efficiency is greatly improved. At the same time, this application does not require power drive and can work by being pulled by the power-driven equipment, which reduces the cost and maintenance of the power system. The structure is simple and practical, the cleaning effect is good, and the occurrence of secondary pollution is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a simplified perspective view of the structure of the cleaning device in one embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the sludge removal device in one embodiment; Figure 3 This is a simplified perspective view of the self-cleaning automated guided vehicle structure in another embodiment.

[0024] 1-Main body, 11-Counterweight mounting position, 12-Handle, 2-Sweeping wheel mechanism, 21-Walking wheel, 23-Roll brush, 24-Dust collection box, 3-Traction mechanism, 4-Mud lifting device, 41-Connecting seat, 42-Modular rod, 43-Mounting block, 441-Hook and loop fastener, 442-Cleaning block, 45-Spring, 100-AGV trolley. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only, representing schematic diagrams rather than actual physical objects, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some components in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings of this utility model, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, a following cleaning device includes a main body 1, a sweeping wheel mechanism 2 disposed on the main body 1, a traction mechanism 3 disposed on the main body 1 and used for hanging on a powered vehicle, and a mud-lifting device 4 disposed on the main body 1 and corresponding to the tire position of the powered vehicle.

[0029] This application utilizes a traction mechanism 3 attached to the rear of a powered vehicle such as an AGV trolley 100. During idle periods and while transporting parts, the traction mechanism 3 follows behind the powered vehicle for cleaning. The cleaning wheel mechanism 2 performs rolling cleaning as it moves, eliminating the need for a power source and enabling both following and non-powered cleaning. Simultaneously, mud-lifting devices 4 are installed at corresponding positions on the tires of the powered vehicle. If contaminants carried by the tires adhere to the ground while the powered vehicle is moving forward, the mud-lifting devices 4, positioned relative to the tires, can rub against the contaminants, causing them to detach. This allows for more thorough cleaning when the cleaning wheel mechanism 2 passes by, achieving a better cleaning effect.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, the mud-removing device 4 includes a connecting seat 41 with one end connected to the main body 1, a movable rod 42 with one end movably passing through the connecting seat 41, and a mounting block 43 at the end of the movable rod 42 facing the ground; it also includes a mud-removing block provided on the mounting block 43 and facing the ground, and a spring 45 sleeved on the movable rod 42 and located between the connecting seat 41 and the mounting block 43.

[0031] In this application, a connecting seat 41, connected to the main body 1 at one end, provides a reliable installation foundation for the entire mud-removing device 4, ensuring the stability of the device when working in conjunction with the main body 1. A movable rod 42 is movably inserted into the connecting seat 41, allowing it to slide relative to the ground. This, combined with the mounting block 43 at its ground-facing end, forms a device that acts on the ground and can float relative to it. A spring 45, fitted onto the movable rod 42 and located between the connecting seat 41 and the mounting block 43, provides elastic cushioning when the mud-removing block contacts the ground, adapting to minor ground undulations and preventing damage from hard impacts. After the mud-removing action is completed, the spring 45's elastic force drives the movable rod 42 and the mud-removing block to return to their original positions, preparing for the next mud-removing operation. The mud-removing device 4 of this application can remove and eliminate adhering mud or contaminants on the ground. The cushioning effect of the spring 45 allows the mud-removing block to adhere more closely to the ground, improving the mud removal effect.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the mud-removing block includes a Velcro strap 441 fixed to the mounting block 43, and a cleaning block 442 detachably connected to the Velcro strap 441. The Velcro strap 441 enables the cleaning block 442 to be removed and fixed, facilitating maintenance and replacement.

[0033] In this embodiment, the cleaning block 442 is a material such as a scouring pad or steel wool that can scrape off the mud on the ground.

[0034] In this embodiment, the traction mechanism 3 includes U-shaped hooks rotatably connected to the main body 1 at both ends. The traction device can be located at the front end of the main body 1, and the U-shaped hooks can be quickly engaged with the traction ring at the rear of the power-driven device to achieve power transmission.

[0035] In this embodiment, an elastic buffer pad is provided at the U-shaped corner of the U-shaped hook. The U-shaped corner is the hooking point, and the elastic buffer pad at the U-shaped corner can reduce the shaking during the traction process and improve the stability of the sweeper when following the turn.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the sweeping wheel mechanism 2 includes a walking wheel 21 rotatably connected to the main body 1 via a rotating shaft, a roller brush 23 fixed on the rotating shaft and rotating with the rotating shaft, and a dust collection box 24 with its opening facing the roller brush 23. The roller brush 23 contacts the ground, and the dust collection box is detachably connected to the main body 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, the rotating shaft and the main body 1 are rotatably connected by a bearing. The outer ring of the bearing is fixed to the main body 1, and the inner ring of the bearing is fixed to the rotating shaft. This enables the main body 1 to move forward and drive the rotating shaft 22 to rotate, so that the roller brush 23 outside the rotating shaft 22 and the walking wheels 21 at both ends of the rotating shaft 22 move together.

[0038] In this embodiment, the dust collection box 24 and the main body 1 can be installed in such a way that a clearance cavity is provided on the main body 1, and the dust collection box 24 has an opening on one side that can be snapped into the clearance cavity; the opening of the dust collection box 24 is a sloping guide opening similar to a winnowing basket.

[0039] The sweeping wheel device of this application forms a synchronous transmission relationship of "walking wheel 21 - rotating shaft - roller brush 23". When the main body 1 is pulled, the walking wheel 21 rotates during the forward movement because it is rotatably connected to the main body 1 through the rotating shaft. The roller brush 23 is fixed on the rotating shaft. When the walking wheel 21 moves and rotates with the main body 1, the rotating shaft drives the roller brush 23 to rotate synchronously. Because the roller brush 23 is in direct contact with the ground, it will generate friction and sweeping action on the dust and debris on the ground during its rotation, peeling off the dirt. The dust collection box 24 faces the roller brush 23. The dust swept up by the roller brush 23 will fall directly into the dust collection box 24 with the opening facing it under its own rotational inertia and airflow assistance, completing the centralized collection of dirt. The roller brush 23 and the walking wheel 21 share the same rotating shaft transmission, eliminating the need to design an independent drive component for the roller brush 23, realizing powerless sweeping, reducing the number of parts, simplifying the overall structure, and reducing production and assembly costs.

[0040] In this embodiment, the opening of the dust collection box 24 is oriented towards the roller brush 23. When there is no suction, the roller brush 23 cannot suck up dirt through negative pressure. It can only rely on the mechanical force of the brush bristles / scraper to push the dirt. When the roller brush 23 rolls forward, the bristles or scraper on its surface come into contact with the ground, which will generate a forward pushing force on the dust, debris and other dirt, similar to the action of "sweeping forward" with a broom. The direction of the broom is forward, and the garbage will move forward with it. With the dust collection box 24 in front, the dirt pushed by the roller brush 23 will directly "enter" the opening of the dust collection box 24. It needs to be designed with the opening of the dust collection box facing the roller brush to form a closed loop of "sweeping → pushing → collecting". The dust collection box 24 adopts a detachable connection method. When the dust collection box 24 is full of dirt, it can be directly removed from the main body 1 for emptying and cleaning without disassembling other parts. The operation is simple and reduces the difficulty and time cost of daily maintenance.

[0041] In this embodiment, the roller brush 23 includes an elastic, wear-resistant scraper strip arranged along the axial direction and bristles arranged radially in the circumferential direction. The optional combination design of the "elastic, wear-resistant scraper strip" and the "radial bristles" can address diverse cleaning needs. The scraper strip alone is suitable for stubborn stains and large particles, while the bristles alone are suitable for fine dust and hair. Combining them can handle both coarse and fine dirt. The roller brush 23 can be adapted to multiple scenarios without needing to be replaced, reducing limitations on equipment usage.

[0042] The advantages of this application are as follows: This application follows the powered vehicle along its forward path to simultaneously sweep the ground it has passed, eliminating the need for personnel to push the sweeper. It can simultaneously clean up the dust and debris kicked up by the tires of the powered vehicle, significantly improving efficiency compared to manual cleaning. At the same time, this application does not require power drive and can work simply by being towed by the powered vehicle, reducing the cost and maintenance expenses of the power system. It has a simple and practical structure, good cleaning effect, and reduces the occurrence of secondary pollution.

[0043] Example 2 This embodiment is similar to Embodiment 1, except that in this embodiment: like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 1 is also provided with a counterweight mounting position 11. In the counterweight mounting position 11 reserved in the main body 1, counterweights such as metal blocks can be added. When the roller brush 23 has a large contact with the ground and its own weight is insufficient to make the tires difficult to rotate, the counterweight is added to increase the downward pressure of gravity, so that the walking wheel 21 rotates and drives the roller brush 23, thereby enhancing the cleaning force.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a handle 12 provided on the main body 1. The handle 12 is installed on the main body 1. The gripping part of the handle 12 can be made of non-slip rubber material, or the handle 12 can be set as a telescopic length structure to facilitate manual pushing and meet the needs of manual pushing for local fine cleaning.

[0045] The other structures and principles of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0046] Example 3 like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a self-cleaning automated guided vehicle (AGV), including an AGV 100 and a following cleaning device as described in Embodiment 2 above. The AGV 100 and the following cleaning device are connected by a traction mechanism 3. The AGV 100 typically has a hanging ring at its rear, enabling coordinated movement of multiple AGVs 100. This application utilizes the hanging ring structure of the AGV 100 to attach the traction mechanism 3 to the rear of the AGV 100, achieving following cleaning.

[0047] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A follow-up cleaning device, characterized in that It includes a main body (1), a sweeping wheel mechanism (2) provided on the main body (1), a traction mechanism (3) provided on the main body (1) and used for hanging on a powered vehicle, and a mud-removing device (4) provided on the main body (1) and corresponding to the tire position of the powered vehicle.

2. A following cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The mud-removing device (4) includes a connecting seat (41) with one end connected to the main body (1), a movable rod (42) with one end movably passing through the connecting seat (41), and a mounting block (43) at the end of the movable rod (42) facing the ground; it also includes a mud-removing block disposed on the mounting block (43) and facing the ground, and a spring (45) sleeved on the movable rod (42) and located between the connecting seat (41) and the mounting block (43).

3. A following cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The mud-removing block includes a Velcro strap (441) fixed to the mounting block (43) and a cleaning block (442) detachably connected to the Velcro strap (441).

4. A following cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that The cleaning block (442) is a scouring pad or a steel wool pad.

5. A following cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The traction mechanism (3) includes a U-shaped hook that is rotatably connected at both ends to the main body (1).

6. A following cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that The U-shaped hook is equipped with an elastic cushioning pad at the U-shaped corner.

7. A following cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The sweeping wheel mechanism (2) includes a walking wheel (21) rotatably connected to the main body (1) via a rotating shaft, a roller brush (23) fixed on the rotating shaft and rotating with the rotating shaft, and a dust collection box (24) with an opening facing the roller brush (23). The roller brush (23) contacts the ground, and the dust collection box is detachably connected to the main body (1).

8. A following cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body (1) is also provided with a counterweight mounting position (11).

9. A following cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that It also includes a handle (12) provided on the main body (1).

10. A self-cleaning automated guided vehicle comprising an AGV cart (100), characterized in that, It also includes a follow-up cleaning device as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the AGV trolley (100) and the follow-up cleaning device are connected via the traction mechanism (3).

Images