Leaf vacuum with an inlet for sucking in leaves and an outlet for emptying the leaves

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a leaf vacuum with an inlet for sucking in leaves and an outlet for discharging the leaves, wherein the inlet and the outlet are connected to one another via a preferably channel-shaped flow guide, and with a fan driven by a drive for generating an air flow for transporting the leaves through the flow guide from the inlet to the outlet.

[0002] Leaf vacuums are well known in practice. These vacuum up the leaves and transport them to a collection container. The disadvantage of these is that – especially with large leaves and / or when the leaves are very wet – blockages can occur, particularly in the area of ​​the outlet. In this case, operation must be interrupted and the blockage removed. The leaves collected in the collection container also take up a considerable volume. Furthermore, due to their size, the vacuumed leaves are not directly suitable for fertilizing or mulching.

[0003] CN 114557188 ​​A and CN 114558876 A each disclose leaf vacuums with four edges. DE 30 05 701 A1 discloses a device for collecting and removing plants. CN 111576294 A describes a sweeper for sweeping leaves. CN 114197364 A also discloses a machine for collecting branches and leaves. Furthermore, US Pat. No. 5,317,783 discloses a vacuum trailer.

[0004] The object of the invention is to avoid the aforementioned disadvantages and to provide a leaf vacuum in which the risk of blockages / stickings caused by the sucked-in leaves in the area of ​​the outlet is reduced.

[0005] This task is achieved by equipping the leaf vacuum with a shredding device located along the flow path. The shredding device can be designed as a shredding device, in which the vacuumed material, such as leaves, is shredded.

[0006] In this respect, the leaf vacuum according to the invention has, in addition to the fan, which serves to suck in the leaves and transport the sucked-in leaves or possibly other sucked-in objects, such as small branches, within the flow feed, a shredding device for shredding the sucked-in material, such as the sucked-in leaves. The shredding device shreds the sucked-in material, such as the sucked-in leaves, into smaller leaf components. The shredding device also ensures the shredding of leaves of greater thickness and size. Since the components shredded by the shredding device, such as the leaf components, are smaller than the sucked-in material, such as the leaves, the shredded components, such as the leaf components, can be safely transported by the air flow generated by the fan via the outlet into the collection container.Furthermore, more material, such as leaves, can be collected in the collection container because the smaller dimensions of the shredded components allow the material to be collected more densely. This reduces volume, meaning the collection container doesn't need to be emptied as quickly. The shredding device shreds the sucked-in leaves or other objects, such as small branches, to such a size that the shredded end product can be used for fertilization and mulching without further treatment.

[0007] The shredding device can be arranged along the flow path of the leaf vacuum between the fan and the outlet. Of course, a reverse arrangement is also conceivable, with the shredding device positioned in front of the fan, i.e., between the inlet and the fan.

[0008] The shredding device is arranged inside the flow guide, wherein the flow guide forms a housing section having a circular flow cross-section at least over the length of the shredding device, and the shredding device has at least one shredding device which comprises at least one shredding element oriented orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the housing section, and at least one shredding element of at least one shredding device is mounted in the flow guide so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation R aligned coaxially to the housing section. The leaves are shredded by tearing them up by the at least one shredding element mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation R aligned coaxially to the housing section. To increase the shredding result, a plurality of shredding elements are preferably provided.

[0009] If several comminution devices are provided which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between the comminution device closest to the inlet and the comminution device closest to the outlet can be approximately 50 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 30 cm.

[0010] If several shredding units are arranged one behind the other in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between two adjacent shredding units can be identical. The distance between two adjacent shredding units can preferably be between 10 cm and 20 cm. However, it is also entirely possible for the distance between two adjacent shredding units to decrease towards the outlet.

[0011] In at least one shredding device, at least one further shredding element can be assigned to at least one shredding element, wherein at least one of these two shredding elements is relatively movable in relation to the other shredding element and wherein the relative movement occurs in such a way that, in the position in which these two shredding elements are closest to one another, a gap S remains between these two shredding elements as seen in the direction of the rotation axis R, so that the leaves can be torn by the relative displacement in the relevant gap S. For the relative movement, one of the two shredding elements can be arranged in a stationary manner, while the other of the two shredding elements is rotatably mounted. It is of course also possible for both shredding elements to be rotated in the same direction but at different speeds.It is also possible for both shredding elements to rotate in different directions. Each additional shredding element is also aligned orthogonally or essentially orthogonally to the housing section. The interaction of two corresponding shredding elements can improve the shredding process, as the leaves in the respective gap are shredded by the relative movement of the two corresponding shredding elements.

[0012] An axis aligned coaxially with the housing section is arranged in the housing section and at least one radially projecting comminution element of at least one comminution device is fastened to the axis.

[0013] The axis can be driven by a drive.

[0014] The housing section can be fixedly attached to the leaf vacuum.

[0015] At least one radially oriented comminution element of at least one comminution device is arranged on the inside of the housing section. If multiple comminution elements are provided, the multiple comminution elements can be arranged in a plane oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis. Alternatively or additionally, multiple comminution elements can also be arranged one behind the other in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0016] At least two comminution elements can be arranged on the inside of the housing section for at least one comminution device, wherein the two comminution elements are arranged at a distance A from one another, viewed in the direction of the rotation axis R, such that the corresponding comminution element arranged on the axis can be rotated without contact between the two comminution elements arranged on the inside of the housing section, forming a gap S in each case.

[0017] At least two comminution elements are arranged on the inside of the housing section of at least one comminution device, wherein one of the two comminution elements belongs to a larger number of comminution elements which are arranged in a plane oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation, and the other of the two comminution elements belongs to a larger number of other comminution elements which are arranged in another plane oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation, wherein the two planes formed by the respectively formed comminution elements are arranged at a distance A from one another in the direction of the axis of rotation R such that the corresponding comminution element arranged on the axis can be rotated without contact between the two comminution elements arranged on the inside of the housing section, forming a gap S in each case.The shredding element arranged on the axis can in turn belong to a larger number of shredding elements which are arranged in a plane oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation R. In an embodiment of the leaf vacuum which has a housing section which is immovably fastened to the leaf vacuum and a rotating axis, both the larger number of shredding elements which are arranged in one plane oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation R and the larger number of shredding elements which are arranged in the other plane oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation R are not rotatable, i.e. stationary, while the shredding element(s) arranged on the axis rotate(s) about the axis of rotation R.

[0018] The width of the gap S can be between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm.

[0019] The width of the gap S between two comminution elements can decrease continuously or discontinuously toward the outlet. In such a configuration, the width of the gap S between two comminution elements that cooperate during the tearing process and are arranged closer to the inlet is greater than the width of the gap S between two comminution elements that cooperate during the tearing process and are arranged closer to the outlet. In such a configuration, coarse comminution takes place in the gap S between two comminution elements arranged closer to the inlet, while fine comminution subsequently takes place in the gap S between two comminution elements arranged closer to the outlet.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the width of the gap S may decrease from the comminution device facing the inlet to the comminution device facing the outlet.

[0021] At least one shredding device can comprise at least two, preferably three, shredding elements arranged in a plane, wherein the shredding elements are offset from one another by at least 30°, preferably by 120°. An increased number of shredding elements within a plane oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis increases the number of edges available for shredding the leaves.

[0022] The ends of the comminution elements of at least one comminution device, arranged in a plane, facing away from the housing section can be attached to a ring, preferably a ring designed as a mounting ring. If the ring is designed as a mounting ring, the corresponding comminution elements can be attached to the axle in a rotationally fixed manner. If the ring is intended merely to serve as a bearing in which the axle is rotatably mounted, the ring has an opening large enough to allow the axle to rotate freely therein.

[0023] The ends of the comminution elements of at least one comminution device, which are arranged in a plane, facing the housing section, can be enclosed on the outside by an outer ring. The comminution elements can be attached to the housing section, for example, by means of the outer ring. If a ring, such as a ring designed as a mounting ring, is additionally provided, the outer ring is also arranged coaxially and in a plane with the ring.

[0024] The shredding elements of two adjacent shredding devices can be arranged offset from one another, preferably offset by at least 30°. This offset arrangement ensures that, for example, leaves are shredded by at least one of the four shredding devices as they pass through the housing section. Of course, the shredding elements of two adjacent shredding devices, or even all shredding devices, can be aligned with one another.

[0025] At least one edge of the edges of the shredding elements of at least one shredding device that cooperate when shredding leaves can have a sawtooth-like serration. If both edges of the edges of the shredding elements of at least one shredding device that cooperate when shredding leaves have a sawtooth-like serration, the edge pointing in the direction of rotation D of one shredding element has the serration, while the edge pointing opposite to the direction of rotation D of the corresponding shredding element of this shredding device has the serration.

[0026] In at least one shredding device, at least one of the two mutually facing regions of the shredding elements of this shredding device that cooperate in shredding the leaves can have a sawtooth-like ridge. Preferably, in at least one shredding device, both of the mutually facing regions of the shredding elements of this shredding device that cooperate in shredding the leaves can have a sawtooth-like ridge. The ridge is preferably oriented orthogonally to the direction of movement of the respective region during the shredding process. One region is, for example, a side surface or side flank of a shredding element.

[0027] A paddle wheel for separating the leaves can be installed at the end of the shaft closest to the inlet. Separating the leaves improves the shredding result.

[0028] The drive that drives the fan and the drive that drives the axle can be the same. The axle can rotate at a speed between 1000 rpm and 5000 rpm, preferably at a speed of 3000 rpm.

[0029] A gearbox with a gear ratio between 1:2 and 1:10, preferably 1:3, can be arranged between the drive and the axle.

[0030] A collection container can be provided at the outlet to collect the expelled leaves. This allows the shredded leaves to be collected in the collection container.

[0031] For ease of movement, the leaf vacuum can have at least two wheels, preferably four. With such a design, the leaf vacuum is mobile and suitable, for example, for use on private properties. In the simplest version, the leaf vacuum is pushed by the operator. The leaf vacuum can also be wheel-driven. In this case, the operator only steers the leaf vacuum using a handle.

[0032] The leaf vacuum can also be designed as a ride-on leaf vacuum. In this configuration, the leaf vacuum has, for example, a steering wheel, pedals, and a driver's seat. This configuration is suitable for larger properties, for example.

[0033] The leaf vacuum can also be designed as a robotic leaf vacuum, i.e., a fully automatic leaf vacuum. A robotic leaf vacuum has, among other things, its own drive, a power storage device, such as a battery, and a suitable control unit. Once switched on, the robotic leaf vacuum operates freely and independently, without requiring operator intervention. Its actions are controlled by the control unit. Software stored in the control unit determines, for example, the path of the robotic leaf vacuum or the charging times.

[0034] For vacuuming up leaves in public spaces, for example in avenues, it is advisable for the leaf vacuum to be part of a car, a truck, or a truck trailer. In this way, large quantities of leaves that have previously been collected, for example, from the side of the road can be vacuumed up. With such a design, the shredding device, which is designed as a shredding device, for example, is adapted to the larger quantities of leaves to be shredded. This applies, for example, to the dimensions, such as the length or diameter of the housing section, the speed of rotation, the number of shredding devices, or the number of shredding elements per shredding device. If several shredding devices are provided, arranged one behind the other in the direction of the rotation axis, the distance between two adjacent shredding devices can be identical.The distance between two adjacent comminution devices can preferably be between 10 cm and 50 cm. However, it is also entirely possible for the distance between two adjacent comminution devices to decrease towards the outlet. The width of the gap S can be between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, and particularly preferably 2 mm.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advisable to provide a detection device, such as an optical detection device, connected to a control device in the inlet area. If, for example, a lamppost is detected by the detection device, the inlet is guided around the lamppost without contact using the control device.

[0036] The following are exemplary embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a leaf vacuum according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a section through a first embodiment of a channel-shaped flow guide including a drive, Fig. 3 shows an oblique view of the object according to Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 the detail "X" from Fig. 3 with sectioned flow guide, Fig. 5 a side view of one of the four crushing devices from Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 an exploded view of the article according to Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a view from the left in the direction of the axis into the interior of the object according to Fig. 3 , Fig. 8 an oblique side view of a second embodiment of the housing section of a channel-shaped flow guide including a drive, Fig. 9 the object according to Fig. 8 without a housing section surrounding the shredding device, Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the leaf vacuum according to the invention, Fig. 11 shows an embodiment in which the leaf vacuum according to the invention is part of a truck, Fig. 12 shows an embodiment in which the leaf vacuum according to the invention is again part of a truck and Fig. 13 shows an exploded view of another embodiment of a shredding device.

[0037] In all figures, identical reference symbols are used for identical or similar components.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a leaf vacuum according to the invention with an inlet 1 for sucking in leaves and an outlet 2 for discharging the leaves, wherein the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 are connected to one another via a channel-shaped flow guide 3. A collecting container 4 for receiving the discharged leaves is provided at the outlet 2. For emptying, the collecting container 4 can be dismantled, for example by unhooking. A closable opening in the collecting container 4 is also possible, for example. The leaf vacuum has four wheels 26. If at least one wheel 26 is driven, the leaf vacuum is self-propelled. The leaf vacuum also has a handle 5.

[0039] Furthermore, the leaf vacuum comprises a fan 7 driven by a drive 6 for generating an air flow for transporting the leaves through the flow guide 3 from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the fan 7 is designed as a radial fan.

[0040] In addition, the leaf vacuum is additionally equipped with a shredding device 8, which is provided along the flow guide 3. The shredding device 8 is arranged along the flow guide 3 of the leaf vacuum between the fan 7 and the outlet 2. The shredding device 8 is arranged inside the flow guide 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow guide 3 forms a housing section 9 with a circular flow cross-section, at least over the length of the shredding device 8. The housing section 9 is immovably attached to the leaf vacuum.

[0041] The shredding device 8 itself has - as for example Fig. 2 shows - viewed in the direction of the rotation axis R - four comminution devices 10 arranged one behind the other. Each comminution device 10 comprises several comminution elements 11 aligned orthogonally to the housing section 9.

[0042] In the housing section 9, an axis 12 is arranged which is aligned coaxially with the housing section 9 and forms the rotation axis R. The axis 12 can be driven by means of a drive 13. In the embodiment according to Fig. 1 The drive 6 of fan 7 and the drive of axle 12 are the same drive. The drive 6 engages one end of the shaft of fan 7. The drive 6 is connected to axle 12 via a V-belt 14 and drives the axle 12.

[0043] It is advisable for the leaf vacuum to additionally have an external housing (not shown), which extends, for example, from the transition from the fan 7 to the drive 6 on the one hand to at least the right of the V-belt 14 on the other, and encloses at least both sides and the top of the leaf vacuum. Such a housing would thus, among other things, enclose the drive 6 and the V-belt 14. This reduces noise emissions, and also serves as protection against the rotating V-belt 14.

[0044] The design in which the drive 6 is connected to the axle 12 via the V-belt 14 and in this way drives the axle 12 is also shown in an enlarged view, for example in the Fig. 8 and 9 For example, in Fig. 2 Another embodiment is shown. Here, a separate drive 13 is assigned to the axis 12. The drive 13 engages directly with the end of the axis 12 protruding from the flow guide 3 and sets the axis 12 in a rotational movement.

[0045] Fig. 8 shows an oblique side view of the channel-shaped housing section 9 and the drive 13 arranged at a distance next to it. Fig. 8 The end of the housing section 9 pointing diagonally downwards to the right is - as for example in Fig. 1 shown - facing inlet 1 and the one in Fig. 8 The end of the housing section 9 pointing diagonally upwards to the left is directed towards the outlet 2. Thus, the leaves sucked up and to be shredded flow through the housing section 9 from right to left.

[0046] The Fig. 8 The end of the housing section 9 pointing diagonally upwards to the left is connected to a channel-shaped housing (not shown) so that the shredded leaves are blown into the collecting container 4. Fig. 8 The remaining flow guide 3 is connected to the end of the housing section 9 pointing diagonally downwards to the right. The gap-shaped circumferential free space between the flow guide 3 and the Fig. 8 At the end of the housing section 9 pointing diagonally downwards to the right, in which a pulley 15 guiding the V-belt 14 is also located, a cover plate (not shown) is provided that completely encloses and thus covers the free space. The cover plate has two openings through which the V-belt 14 is guided out of the free space.

[0047] For effective comminution by tearing, the axle 12 can rotate at a speed between 1000 rpm and 5000 rpm, preferably at a speed of 3000 rpm. By selecting suitable diameters of the pulleys 15 or pulleys 15, 21 guiding the V-belt 14 in Fig. 10 the desired gear ratio between the respective drive and the axle 12 can be set, such as 1:2 to 1:10, preferably 1:3.

[0048] In each of the four shredding devices 10, at least one further shredding element 11 is assigned to a shredding element 11, one of these two shredding elements 11 being relatively movable in relation to the other shredding element 11. The relative movement occurs in such a way that, in the position in which these two shredding elements 11 are closest to each other, a gap S remains between these two shredding elements 11, as seen in the direction of the rotation axis R, so that the leaves are torn by the relative displacement in the respective gap S.

[0049] Fig. 6 shows in the form of an exploded view the basic structure of one of the four shredding devices 10. For example Fig. 6 can be seen, are located at the Fig. 6 Three radially projecting comminution elements 11 are fastened to each of the four comminution devices 10 on a rotating axis 12 (not shown). The three comminution elements 11 of each comminution device 10 are arranged in a plane, with the angle between the comminution elements 11 being 120°. The plane is aligned orthogonal to the axis of rotation R and thus also to the axis 12. The three comminution elements 11 of each comminution device 10 thus form a Mercedes star lying in a plane. The ends of the three comminution elements 11 arranged in a plane that are facing away from the housing section 9 are fastened to a ring 16 that is designed as a mounting ring. Each ring 16 designed as a mounting ring is fastened to the axis 12 in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, each of these mounting rings has a groove 17 that interacts with a corresponding projection on the axis 12.Thus, the three shredding elements 11 of each shredding device 10 are firmly attached to the axis 12 and rotate with the rotation of the axis 12. For example, . Fig. 4 shows, three comminution elements 11 arranged in a plane are fastened to each mounting ring designed as a ring 16, wherein the three comminution elements 11 are arranged offset by 120° from one another within the plane. On the axis 12, four mounting rings, each designed as a ring 16, each with three comminution elements 11 arranged offset by 120° from one another are arranged. When the axis 12 rotates, the total of 12 comminution elements 11 rotate with it. The axis 12 is aligned coaxially to the housing section 9. The axis 12 forms the rotation axis R aligned coaxially to the housing section 9.

[0050] For example Fig. 6 As can be further seen, each of the four comminution devices 10 further comprises comminution elements 11 which are also radially aligned and are attached to the inside of the housing section 9. For example Fig. 4 As can be seen, the comminution elements 11 of a comminution device 10 are arranged in two planes on the inside of the housing section 9, which are aligned orthogonally to the axis of rotation R, and are fastened to the inside of the housing section 9. The comminution elements 11 of two planes are arranged at a distance A from one another, as seen in the direction of the axis of rotation R, such that the corresponding comminution elements 11 arranged in one plane on the axis 12 can be rotated without contact between the two comminution elements 11 arranged on the inside of the housing section and fastened to the inside of the housing section 9, each forming a gap S. In total, three comminution elements 11 are arranged in one plane, the angle between the comminution elements 11 in one plane being 120°.Three comminution elements 11 of a comminution device 10 each form a Mercedes star lying in a plane. The ends of each of the comminution elements 11 of each comminution device 10 arranged in a plane facing away from the housing section 9 are each fastened to a ring 16. However, each ring 16 has an opening large enough that the axle 12 passing through it can rotate freely. A suitable bearing (not shown) is provided in the area of ​​each opening so that the axle 12 can rotate in the housing section 9 with as little friction as possible. The ends of the comminution elements 11 of each comminution device 10 arranged in a plane facing the housing section 9 are enclosed on the outside by an outer ring 18. Each outer ring 18 is arranged coaxially and in a plane with the corresponding ring 16.Each outer ring 18 is in contact with the inside of the housing section 9 and is screwed to the housing section 9 by means of screws 19. Since the housing section 9 is immovably attached to the leaf vacuum, the total of eight outer rings 18 and consequently also the shredding elements 11 arranged on each outer ring 18 are immovably attached to the leaf vacuum.

[0051] For example in Fig. 5 In this respect, an embodiment is shown in which at least two comminution elements 11 are arranged on the inside of the housing section 9 of the comminution device 10 and are fastened to this via the respective mounting ring 18, wherein the left outer comminution element 11 belongs to a larger number of comminution elements 11 - in the present case three comminution elements 11 - which are arranged in a plane oriented orthogonal to the rotation axis R, and the right outer comminution element 11 belongs to a larger number of other comminution elements 11 - in the present case three comminution elements 11 - which are arranged in another plane oriented orthogonal to the rotation axis R.The two planes formed by the respective comminution elements 11 are arranged at a distance A from one another in the direction of the rotation axis R such that the corresponding comminution element 11 arranged on the axis 12 can be rotated without contact between the two comminution elements 11 arranged on the inside of the housing section 9, each forming a gap S. The comminution element 11 arranged on the axis 12 - in . Fig. 5 the middle comminution element 11 - in turn belongs to a larger number of comminution elements 11 - in this case three comminution elements 11 - which are arranged in a plane aligned orthogonally to the rotation axis R.

[0052] The leaves are sucked in by the fan 7 and transported via the flow guide 3 into the shredding device 8. Here, the leaves strike the rotating axle 12 with the shredding elements 11 attached to it. The rotation of the axle 12 and thus the rotation of the shredding elements 11 on the one hand and the stationary shredding elements 11 attached to the housing section 9 on the other hand result in a relative movement. The leaves are shredded and thus shredded by the shredding elements 11 of each of the four shredding devices 10, which move relative to one another.

[0053] The relative movement takes place in such a way that in the position in which two interacting crushing elements 11 are closest to each other, a gap S remains between these two crushing elements 11 as seen in the direction of the rotation axis R. For this purpose, for example, Fig. 5 , in which the gap S is shown. The leaves are torn by the relative displacement in the respective gap S. The width of the gap S is between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiments, a total of four shredding devices 10 are provided. Since the leaves pass through all four shredding devices 10 on their way from inlet 1 to outlet 2, the leaves, or the already shredded leaves, are shredded or further shredded a total of four times by tearing. The number of shredding devices 10 depends on the size of the sucked-in leaves and the desired degree of shredding and should be selected accordingly. Of course, the number of shredding elements arranged in one plane can also be selected differently.

[0055] The comminution elements 11 of adjacent comminution devices 10 can be aligned in the direction of the rotation axis R. Then the comminution elements 11 of these comminution devices 10 have the same orientation with respect to the axis 12. An alternative embodiment is shown in Fig. 4 shown. How Fig. 4 As can be seen, in this embodiment, the shredding elements 11 of adjacent shredding devices 10 are arranged offset from one another in the direction of the axis 12, preferably offset by at least 30°. The offset arrangement ensures that, for example, the leaves are shredded by at least one of the four shredding devices 10 as they pass through the housing section 9.

[0056] For example Fig. 6 As can be seen, the two edges of the shredding elements 11 that interact when shredding leaves have a sawtooth-like serration. In the shredding elements 11 that are non-rotatably mounted on the axle 12, the edge facing in the direction of rotation D is provided with the serration, while in the corresponding shredding elements 11 that are mounted on the housing section 8, the edge facing opposite to the direction of rotation D has the serration. The serration of the shredding elements 11 promotes shredding, as the material to be shredded is somewhat "held" for shredding by the serrated edges of the interacting shredding elements 11 and is then torn by the relative movement. In the illustrated embodiments, the shredding elements 11 have a rather elongated design, with the respective edge that acts during shredding being straight.Of course, other designs, such as a sickle-shaped edge, are also possible.

[0057] The Fig. 13 The shredding device 10 shown corresponds in its basic structure to the design according to Fig. 6 The only difference is that in Fig. 13 the mutually facing areas of the shredding elements 11 which cooperate in shredding the leaves have a sawtooth-like serration 24. In this case, one area is a side surface or side flank of a shredding element 11. The three shredding elements 11 which form the Mercedes star fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft 12, each have a serration 24 on their two side surfaces. In contrast, the two groups of three shredding elements 11 each which form the Mercedes star fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the inside of the housing section 9, only have a serration 27 in the form of a flank serration on the side surface facing the three shredding elements 11 fastened in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft 12.The corrugation 27 is aligned orthogonally to the direction of movement, which in the illustrated embodiment corresponds to the direction of rotation D, of the area in question during the tearing process.

[0058] In the embodiment according to Fig. 10 The shaft 12 protrudes at one end from the flow guide 3, which is curved in this area, and has a pulley 15 at its protruding end, which carries the V-belt 14. The drive 6 has a shaft 20 protruding from the drive 6 on both sides. The fan 7 is attached to one end. The opposite end of the shaft 20 is guided through the collecting container 4 and has a pulley 21 around which the V-belt 14 is guided.

[0059] To ensure adequate support for both shaft 12 and shaft 20, a retaining element 23 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is mounted on the rear outside of the collecting container 4. The retaining element 23 has a bearing 24 through which the shaft 12 is guided, and a bearing 25 through which the shaft 20 is guided. The bearings 24 and 25 can be designed as ball bearings, for example. The respective shaft 12 or 20 is mounted and supported by the bearing 24 or 25. The bearings 24 or 25 are preferably arranged as close as possible to the end of the shaft 12 or to the end of the shaft 20, respectively, in order to prevent bending of the shaft 12 and the shaft 20.

[0060] For example, in the Fig. 1 or 10The illustrated designs are mobile leaf blowers suitable, for example, for use on private properties. The leaf blower is pushed and steered by the operator using handle 5. The leaf blower can also be wheel-driven, so that it only needs to be steered using handle 5.

[0061] In the Fig. 11 and 12 Leaf blowers are shown that are ideal for vacuuming leaves in public spaces, such as avenues. The leaf blower is part of a truck. This design is suitable for large areas and large quantities of leaves that have previously been collected, for example, from the side of the road.

[0062] In the Fig. 11 and 12only the rough design is shown. A trailer which is pulled by the truck serves as the collection container 4. The leaf vacuum has an inlet 1 and an outlet 2. The channel-shaped flow guide 3 connecting the inlet 1 and the outlet 2 is designed as a hose. This allows the free end of the channel-shaped flow guide 3 to be adjusted relative to the truck by a rod 22 (not shown in detail) which has at least one adjustment drive and which can preferably be actuated by the driver while the truck is driving. Arranged on the truck is the fan 7, which is driven by a drive (not shown) for generating an air flow for transporting the leaves through the flow guide 3 from the inlet 1 to the outlet 2.

[0063] Furthermore, a comminution device 8 is provided. In the embodiment according to Fig. 11 the comminution device 8 is arranged directly in the inlet 1 of the flow guide 3, while in the embodiment according to Fig. 12 the shredding device 8 is only arranged in the transition from the outlet 2 into the collecting container 4. The shredding device 8 is in the Fig. 11 and 12 only roughly outlined. Also in the Figuren 11 and 12 The drive 13 driving the shaft 12 is not shown. The shredding device 8 corresponds in its basic structure to the design according to Fig. 9 .

Claims

1. Leaf vacuum with an inlet (1) for sucking in leaves and an outlet (2) for discharging the leaves, the inlet (1) and the outlet (2) being connected by a preferably channel-shaped flow guide (3), and with a fan (7) driven by a drive (6) for generating an airflow to transport the leaves through the flow guide (3) from the inlet (1) to the outlet (2), the leaf vacuum additionally comprising a shredding device (8) provided along the flow guide (3), the shredding device (8) preferably being arranged along the flow guide (3) of the leaf vacuum between the fan (7) and the outlet (2), the shredding device (8) being arranged inside the flow guide (3), the flow guide (3) forming, at least along the length of the shredding device (8), a housing section (9) having a circular flow cross-section, which is preferably fixedly attached to the leaf vacuum, and the shredding device (8) comprising at least one shredding unit (10) that includes at least one shredding element (11) oriented orthogonally or substantially orthogonally to the housing section (9), and at least one shredding element (11) of at least one shredding unit (10) being rotatably mounted about a rotation axis R coaxial with the housing section (9) in the flow guide (3), a shaft (12) being arranged coaxially within the housing section (9) and at least one radially protruding shredding element (11) of at least one shredding unit (10) being mounted on the shaft (12), characterised in that at least one radially oriented shredding element (11) of at least one shredding unit (10) is arranged at the inner side of the housing section (9), and that at least two shredding elements (11) of at least one shredding unit (10) are arranged at the inner side of the housing section (9), one of the two shredding elements (11) belonging to a larger number of shredding elements (11) arranged in a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis R, and the other of the two shredding elements (11) belonging to a larger number of other shredding elements (11) arranged in another plane orthogonal to the rotation axis R, the two planes formed by the respective shredding elements (11) being arranged, as viewed along the rotation axis R, at such a distance A from each other that the corresponding shredding element (11) mounted on the shaft (12) can rotate without contact between the two shredding elements (11) arranged at the inner side of the housing section (9), forming a respective gap S.

2. Leaf vacuum according to the preceding claim, characterised in that a paddle wheel for separating the leaves is arranged at the end of the shaft (12) facing the inlet (1).

3. Leaf vacuum according to the preceding claim, characterised in that, for at least one shredding unit (10), at least one shredding element (11) is associated with at least one further shredding element (11), at least one of these two shredding elements (11) being movable relative to the other shredding element (11), and the relative movement being such that, in the position in which the two shredding elements (11) are closest to each other, a gap S remains between these two shredding elements (11) as viewed along the rotational axis R, so that the leaves can be torn in the respective gap S by the relative displacement, the width of the gap S preferably being between 0.5 mm and 7 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 4 mm, particularly preferably 2 mm, and / or the width of the gap S between two shredding elements (11) preferably decreasing towards the outlet (2).

4. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shaft (12) can be driven by means of a drive (6 or 13).

5. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two shredding elements (11) are arranged at the inner side of the housing section (9) of at least one shredding unit (10), the two shredding elements (11) being positioned, as viewed along the rotational axis R, at such a distance A from each other that the corresponding shredding element (11) arranged on the shaft (12) can rotate without contact between the two shredding elements (11) arranged at the inner side of the housing section (9), forming a respective gap S.

6. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one shredding unit (10) comprises at least two, preferably three, shredding elements (11) arranged in a plane, the shredding elements (11) being offset relative to each other by at least 30°, preferably 120°.

7. Leaf vacuum according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the ends of the shredding elements (11) arranged in a plane of at least one shredding unit (10) facing away from the housing section (8) are attached to a ring (16), preferably to a ring (16) designed as a mounting ring.

8. Leaf vacuum according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the ends, facing the housing section (9), of the shredding elements (11) arranged in a plane of at least one shredding unit (10) are encompassed by an outer ring (18).

9. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the shredding elements (11) of two adjacent shredding units (10) are arranged offset relative to each other, preferably offset relative to each other by at least 30°.

10. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one edge of the mutually cooperating edges of the shredding elements (11) of at least one shredding unit (10) has a sawtooth-like serration.

11. Leaf vacuum according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that, in at least one shredding unit (10), at least one of the two areas of the shredding elements (11) of this shredding unit (10) that cooperate in tearing the leaves, preferably both of the areas of the shredding elements (11) of this shredding unit (10) that work together to tear the leaves apart, have a sawtooth-like corrugation (27).

12. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive (6) driving the fan (7) and the drive (13) driving the shaft (12) are the same drive.

13. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a gearbox with a transmission ratio between 1:2 and 1:10, preferably 1:3, is arranged between the drive (6 or 13) and the shaft (12).

14. Leaf vacuum according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the leaf vacuum is part of a car, a lorry or a lorry trailer.