Sweeping machine and method for operating a sweeping machine

Abstract

Sweeper comprising a chassis (12); a drive mechanism (14); at least one sweeping roller (26); at least one flap (92) pivotably arranged on a material collection device (54) and which is associated with the at least one opening (82), wherein the at least one flap (92) has at least a first position (142) in which the material collection device (54) at the at least one opening (82) is closed by the at least one flap (92), and a second position (146) which is a position used for sweeping operation, and wherein during sweeping operation material is conveyed by the at least one sweeping roller (26) through the at least one opening (82) into the at least one material container (44), and a first actuator (122) which causes a pivoting movement of the at least one flap (92) between the first position (142) and the second position (146),wherein the at least one flap (92) has at least one third position (150) in which the at least one flap (92) is raised relative to a mounting plane (18) and a passage (152) for sweeping material to the at least one sweeping roller (26) is formed between the at least one flap (92) and the mounting plane (18), and wherein the at least one flap (92) is assigned a second actuator device (156) for bringing the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sweeper comprising a chassis; a driving device which is arranged on the chassis and which defines a setup plane of the sweeper for a floor to be cleaned; at least one sweeping roller which is rotatable with a rotation axis at least approximately parallel to the setup plane; a sweeping material receiving device with at least one sweeping material container and with at least one opening;at least one flap which is pivotably arranged on the sweepings receiving device and which is assigned to the at least one opening, wherein the at least one flap has at least a first position in which the sweepings receiving device is closed at the at least one opening by the at least one flap, and a second position which is a position used for sweeping operation, and wherein during sweeping operation sweepings are conveyed by the at least one sweeping roller through the at least one opening into the at least one sweepings container, and a first actuator device which causes a pivoting movement of the at least one flap between the first position and the second position. ;

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for operating a sweeper.

[0003] JP H05-321 219 A discloses a floor cleaning vehicle for cleaning a floor surface.

[0004] DE 699 08 720 T2 discloses cleaning machines, in particular so-called "over-the-top" cleaning machines.

[0005] DE 10 2014 102 540 A1 discloses a sweeping machine comprising a chassis for moving on a floor surface, a sweeping roller sweeping according to the overhead sweeping principle for cleaning the floor surface, a coarse sweeping material cover having a sweeping threshold, wherein the sweeping threshold is arranged in front of the sweeping roller in a main direction of movement of the sweeping machine and partially covers the sweeping roller in a covering position of the coarse sweeping material cover, and an actuating unit for transferring the coarse sweeping material cover from the covering position into a release position.

[0006] DE 26 29 967 A1 discloses a dust filter device for sweeping and floor cleaning machines.

[0007] EP 0 578 442 A1 discloses a sweeper based on the front loader principle.

[0008] Further sweepers are disclosed in EP 0 606 713 A1, US 4,206,530 A, US 2002 / 0138939 A1, EP 1 612 335 A2 and WO 2016 / 166616 A1.

[0009] DE 44 16 132 A1 discloses a suction device for sweeping vehicles.

[0010] DE 196 31 536 A1 discloses a method for cleaning surfaces by means of a self-collecting, pneumatically operating sweeper with a suction nozzle for picking up the sweeping material, which is arranged on a suction shaft and sucks the sweeping material into the sweeper.

[0011] Further sweepers are disclosed in EP 1 612 335 A2, US 3,233,274 A, WO 2004 / 071654 A2, US 8,458,855 B2, EP 1 535 564 A2, WO 2019 / 149343 A1 and US 5,940,928 A.

[0012] The invention is based on the object of providing a sweeper of the type mentioned above which enables an optimized cleaning result for a floor to be cleaned.

[0013] This object is achieved according to the invention in the sweeper mentioned at the outset in that the at least one flap has at least one third position in which the at least one flap is raised relative to the installation plane and a passage for sweeping material to the at least one sweeping roller is formed between the at least one flap and the installation plane, and in that a second actuator device for bringing the at least one flap into the at least one third position is assigned to the at least one flap.

[0014] During sweeping (cleaning) operation of a sweeper according to the invention, the at least one flap is in the second position. As a result, waste that is in front of the flap relative to the sweeper's direction of travel and is of a corresponding size cannot reach the at least one sweeping roller due to the position of the flap, with the flap serving as a blocking surface.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one third position of the at least one flap is provided, which opens the passage for sweeping debris to the at least one sweeping roller. This allows the debris to reach the sweeping roller below the at least one flap and then be transported accordingly (particularly after the at least one flap has been returned to the second position) into the at least one sweeping debris container.

[0016] The solution according to the invention allows, in addition to "dust sweeping," also "light waste" to be removed from the floor to be cleaned. By temporarily raising the at least one flap and holding it in at least one third position, this light waste can reach the sweeping roller and from there be transported into the at least one waste container.

[0017] According to the invention, it is provided that in the second position of the at least one flap at least one of the following is present: the at least one flap touches the installation plane with a front end which faces the at least one sweeping roller, or the front end is at a distance of no more than 1 cm from the installation plane; the passage for sweeping material between the at least one sweeping roller and one end of the chassis is blocked by the at least one flap; the at least one flap forms a guide device towards the at least one sweeping roller for guiding sweeping material into the at least one sweeping material container; the at least one flap forms a dustpan which in particular rests against the installation plane; the at least one flap forms a ramp towards the at least one sweeping material container.

[0018] If the at least one flap in the second position (in a sweeping operation) touches the installation plane with a front end or at least has only a small distance, then sweepings can be transported through the at least one flap and through the opening into the sweepings container in the manner of a dustpan.

[0019] In this case, in particular the passage for sweeping material between the at least one sweeping roller and one end of the chassis (and in particular at a fourth end of the chassis) is blocked by the at least one flap in order to implement a dustpan principle.

[0020] The at least one flap preferably forms a guide device for directing sweepings into the at least one sweepings hopper. It forms a sweeping blade, which in particular rests against the installation plane and thus against the floor to be cleaned, in order to be able to convey sweepings into the sweepings in a defined manner. The at least one flap forms a ramp (inclined plane) towards the at least one sweepings hopper.

[0021] Furthermore, it is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: a pivot axis for the pivotability of the at least one flap is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation of the at least one sweeping roller; the at least one flap has a region made of a flexibly flexible material, which serves to bear the at least one flap against the floor to be cleaned and which is assigned to the at least one sweeping roller; a pivot axis of the at least one flap is spaced vertically from the installation plane; the at least one flap is arranged on an underside of the chassis, which faces the installation plane; the at least one opening has an upper side and a lower side, which faces the installation plane, and a pivot bearing of the at least one flap is positioned in the region of the underside.

[0022] This results in a simple constructive design.

[0023] A targeted transport of sweepings into the sweepings container can be achieved by means of an area made of flexible material, which is designed in particular as a lip and in particular as a contact lip on a floor to be cleaned.

[0024] By spacing the pivot axis from the installation plane, at least one flap can be implemented as a dustpan or as a "feed ramp" for sweepings.

[0025] By arranging a pivot bearing in the area of ​​the underside of at least one opening, a dustpan can be easily implemented via the flap.

[0026] The at least one flap has a number of functions, namely, firstly, as a closure element when the at least one flap is in the first position. In the second position, the at least one flap forms a type of dustpan for transporting debris into the debris container and for guiding the debris in a defined manner.

[0027] It is advantageous if the sweeper has a forward direction of travel and at least one sweeping roller rotates in a direction parallel to the forward direction of travel on the floor to be cleaned. This allows sweepings to be transported precisely into the at least one sweeping waste container according to the sweeping bucket principle.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the sweeper has a front end and the at least one flap is positioned between the front end and the at least one sweeping roller. Such a sweeper is also referred to as a front-loading machine. In particular, the rotational speed of the at least one sweeping roller can be kept relatively low, and the sweeping path can also be kept short. This allows for low-dust sweeping and minimizes roller wear.

[0029] It is advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: in the at least one third position of the at least one flap, the passage between the at least one flap and the installation plane has a minimum height of at least 20 mm and in particular of at least 25 mm and in particular of at least 30 mm; a front end of the at least one flap, which faces the at least one sweeping roller, has a distance from the installation plane in the at least one third position; a front end of the at least one flap has a distance from the installation plane of at most 150 mm and in particular of at most 100 mm and in particular of at most 80 mm in the at least one third position.

[0030] In at least one third position, a passage for "light waste" can be achieved to allow for a stop.

[0031] If a front end of the at least one flap in the at least one third position has a corresponding maximum distance from the installation plane, then the at least one third position can be reached quickly from the second position and the second position can then also be reached quickly from the at least one third position.

[0032] It is also advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: the at least one third position lies between the first position and the second position; a pivoting direction of the at least one flap, starting from the second position into the third position, is away from the installation plane; a pivoting direction of the at least one flap, starting from the second position into the first position, is away from the installation plane.

[0033] This results in a simple design for the corresponding sweeper. At least one third position can be reached quickly, and from at least one third position, for example, the second position can be quickly reached.

[0034] In principle, it is possible for the flap to be pivotably driven, for example, directly via an electric motor. In a structurally advantageous embodiment, a lever mechanism and / or linkage mechanism is hinged to the at least one flap, which is coupled to the first actuator device. This allows for a simple movement of the at least one flap, particularly between the first position and the second position.

[0035] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the second actuator device is coupled to the first actuator device, in particular mechanically coupled. This allows at least one third position to be achieved through the action of the second actuator device on the first actuator device, or it allows a simple transition from the at least one third position to the second position.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous if the second actuator device is designed and / or arranged in such a way that, starting from the second position of the at least one flap, it moves the at least one flap into the at least one third position, and / or starting from the at least one third position, it moves the at least one flap into the second position. The starting point for the at least one third position is then the second position. This allows the passage to be easily opened so that "light waste" can reach the at least one sweeping roller.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first actuator device is hinged to the second actuator device. This results in a structurally simple design.

[0038] It can be provided that the first actuator device has a base and at least one movement element, wherein the at least one movement element is movable (relative to the base) and in particular displaceable, and the at least one movement element is articulated to the at least one flap or to a lever mechanism and / or linkage mechanism for the at least one flap. This allows a pivoting movement of the flap to be easily implemented, in particular for bringing it into the first position and the second position.

[0039] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, the second actuator device is coupled to the base and, in particular, causes a joint movement of the combination of the base and at least one movement element. As a result, the second actuator device, mediated by the first actuator device, can move the at least one flap and bring it into or out of the at least one third position.

[0040] In particular, it is provided that the second actuator device is coupled to the first actuator device in such a way that the first actuator device as a whole is moved via the second actuator device. The second actuator device then moves the first actuator device, and this movement of the first actuator device as a whole in turn causes a pivoting movement of the at least one flap, whereby the at least one flap is then brought into the at least one third position.

[0041] In a structurally simple embodiment, the first actuator device comprises at least one pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder. In principle, the first actuator device can also be embodied as an electric motor, for example.

[0042] It is further preferably provided that the second actuator device comprises an electric motor or in particular a linear motor.

[0043] In a structurally advantageous embodiment, at least one bridge element is provided, which is positioned so as to be movable and, in particular, pivotable relative to the chassis. The first actuator device and the at least one bridge element are articulated, and the second actuator device is coupled to the at least one bridge element. The second actuator device can cause a movement of the at least one bridge element, which leads to a movement of the first actuator device. By "fixing" the at least one bridge element, a pivoting movement of the at least one flap between the first position and the second position can be effected, with this pivoting movement being driven by the first actuator device.The second actuator device can then move the bridge element itself (unlock it) to effect a pivoting movement into the at least one third position of the at least one flap. This allows, for example, a pivoting movement into the at least one third position to be easily activated by the second actuator device, starting from the second position of the at least one flap.

[0044] It is advantageous if, during the transition from the second position of the at least one flap to the at least one third position of the at least one flap, the second actuator device causes a movement, and in particular a pivoting movement, of the at least one bridge element starting from an initial position of the at least one bridge element. This results in a structurally simple design.

[0045] It is further advantageous if, during the transition between the first position of the at least one flap and the second position of the at least one flap, the second actuator device is not activated and, in particular, at least one movable bridge element, to which the first actuator device is coupled, is fixed in an initial position. This results in a mechanically simple structure.

[0046] In one embodiment, an operating device for an operator to control the first actuator device and the second actuator device is provided with at least one of the following: The operating device is designed such that holding the at least one flap in the at least one third position requires sustained active operator intervention, wherein, in particular, upon termination of the active operator intervention, the at least one flap automatically moves to the second position; holding the at least one flap in the first position and / or the second position does not require sustained operator intervention.

[0047] This makes it easy to achieve at least one third position as a temporary position. The second position is the operative position for sweeping. In the at least one third position of the at least one flap, the passage to the at least one sweeping roller is temporarily (and in particular, relatively briefly) opened.

[0048] In particular, the operating device for the second actuator device comprises a button, wherein by pressing and holding the button, the at least one flap is moved into and held in the at least one third position. Upon termination of the button holding, the at least one flap automatically moves from the at least one third position to the second position. This allows an operator to temporarily set the at least one third position of the at least one flap, for example, if they detect that light waste is being moved by the sweeper.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the debris receiving device has a first side wall and an opposite second side wall, wherein the at least one flap is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall has a first end facing the at least one sweeping roller, and the second side wall has a second end facing the at least one sweeping roller, and the at least one opening is set back from the first end and the second end in a direction which is transverse to the axis of rotation of the at least one sweeping roller. This makes it easy to arrange a pivot bearing for the at least one flap in a protected manner, for example. Furthermore, this makes it possible to keep dust pollution in the environment to a minimum.

[0050] It is also advantageous if at least one of the following is provided: by a design as a front-loading machine, in which the sweeping material receiving device is arranged between a front end of the sweeping machine and the at least one sweeping roller; by a self-propelled design; by a design as a ride-on machine or trailing machine; by filling the at least one sweeping material container according to the dustpan principle, wherein the at least one flap forms a dustpan.

[0051] This results in effective cleaning of a floor.

[0052] It is advantageous if at least one side brush is mounted on the chassis. This results in a "widening" of the cleaning area beyond a corresponding length (parallel to the rotation axis) of the at least one sweeping roller.

[0053] In one embodiment, a sensor device is provided that monitors a space for the accumulation of debris, wherein the space in front of the at least one flap is located in front of the passage. The sensor device can check whether debris is accumulating or has accumulated in front of the at least one flap (particularly when the flap is in the second position).

[0054] The sensor device is, for example, an optical sensor device and includes a camera. The sensor device provides, for example, the possibility of indicating to an operator of the sweeper that debris has accumulated, allowing the operator to intervene and, in particular, manually activate the second actuator device. It also provides the possibility of automatically activating the second actuator device to move the at least one flap into at least one third position.

[0055] In one embodiment, the sensor device is mounted on the chassis with a field of view facing the installation plane. This allows for monitoring the accumulation of garbage on the floor to be cleaned in the space in front of the passage (with the at least one flap in the second position).

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment, a control device is provided, to which the sensor device is signal-effectively coupled and which controls the second actuator device, in particular automatically. The sensor device delivers its sensor signals to the control device. In the control device, the sensor signals are evaluated, in particular in an evaluation unit of the control device. For example, an evaluation is carried out by image processing if the sensor device provides optical data. If necessary, the second actuator device can then be activated via the control device, in particular automatically, in order to move the at least one flap into the at least one third position.

[0057] It is particularly advantageous if, upon detection of a specific accumulation of debris in the space in front of the passage with the at least one flap in the second position, the control device automatically activates the second actuator device to move the at least one flap into at least one third position. This allows such accumulated debris to enter the passage by driving over it and be conveyed into the at least one debris container by the at least one sweeping roller.

[0058] In this context, it is particularly advantageous if the at least one third position is held for a specific period of time, which in particular is no more than 30 seconds, and then the at least one flap is automatically moved into the second position by a control device. This allows accumulated debris to be collected within a relatively short period of time, and the "normal" sweeping process (with the at least one flap in the second position) can then be resumed. To collect accumulated light waste in front of the at least one flap when it is in the second position, the at least one flap is automatically moved into the at least one third position for a specific, relatively short period of time and then returned to the second position.

[0059] It is advantageous if at least one flap is positioned between the first side wall and the second side wall. This protects it from the sides of the sweeper.

[0060] According to the invention, a method of the type mentioned at the outset is provided, in which the at least one flap is brought into the at least one third position in order to open the passage for sweepings between the at least one flap and the installation plane to the at least one sweeping roller, and then the at least one flap is brought into the second position in order to bring sweepings into the at least one sweepings container.

[0061] This allows the appropriate sweeper to sweep up light waste in addition to finer debris (dust). This opens up a wider range of applications.

[0062] Advantages of the method according to the invention have already been explained in connection with the sweeper according to the invention.

[0063] In particular, the second actuator device is coupled to the first actuator device in such a way that the first actuator device is moved as a whole via the second actuator device. This results in a structurally simple design.

[0064] The following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, serves to further explain the invention. They show: Figure 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of a sweeping machine according to the invention with a partial sectional view (in the area of ​​a sweeping material receiving device); Figure 2 shows a partial view of the sweeping machine according to Figure 1 in the area of ​​the sweeping material receiving device; Figure 3 a partial view of the sweeper according to Figure 1with sweeping material collection device and sweeping roller (main sweeping roller) during sweeping operation, with a flap of the sweeping material collection device in a second position; Figure 4 a similar view to Figure 3 , wherein the flap is in a first position in which the sweeping material receiving device is closed towards the sweeping roller; Figure 5 is a similar view to Figure 3 , wherein the flap on the sweeping material receiving device is in a third position, which allows a passage of sweeping material to the sweeping roller below the flap; Figure 6 a perspective partial view of the sweeping machine according to Figure 1 in direction A according to Figure 5 with the flap in the third position; Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a sweeper in side view in a partial section; and Figure 8 shows an enlarged view of a region of the sweeper according to Figure 6 in the area of ​​the sweepings collection facility.

[0065] An embodiment of a sweeper, which is shown in the Figures 1 to 5 is shown and designated 10, comprises a chassis 12. The chassis 12 forms the base (the base support) of the sweeper 10, to which further components of the sweeper 10 are fixed directly or indirectly.

[0066] The chassis 12 carries a driving device 14. The driving device 14 enables the sweeper 10 to be set up on a floor 16 to be cleaned and to be driven over this floor.

[0067] The driving device 14 defines a mounting plane 18 for positioning the sweeper 10 on the floor 16 to be cleaned. If the floor 16 to be cleaned is flat, then the mounting plane 18 coincides with a corresponding surface of the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0068] In one embodiment, the driving device 14 comprises a front wheel device 20 with left and right front wheels, and a rear wheel device 22 with left and right rear wheels.

[0069] The chassis 12 has a bottom side 24 which faces the installation plane 18.

[0070] The sweeper 10 comprises (at least) one sweeping roller 26, which is arranged on the chassis 12 and is positioned on the underside 24 of the chassis 12 or between the installation plane 18 and the underside 24.

[0071] The sweeping roller 26 is a main sweeping roller. It is mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 28. The sweeping machine 10 has a drive, in particular a motor drive, for the rotational movement of the sweeping roller 26 about the rotation axis 28.

[0072] The rotation axis 28 is oriented parallel to the installation plane 18.

[0073] The front wheel assembly 20 and the rear wheel assembly 22 have wheel axles that are also parallel to the mounting plane 18. The rotation axis 28 is parallel to these wheel axles.

[0074] In one embodiment (compare Figure 1 ) the sweeping roller 26 is positioned between the front wheel device 20 and the rear wheel device 22 on the underside 24 of the chassis 12.

[0075] The sweeping roller 26 is, in particular, a brush roller provided with bristles (in particular in the form of bristle bundles) 30. The bristle bundles 30 form the actual active elements of the sweeping roller 26 during the sweeping operation of the sweeper 10.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sweeping roller 26 is rotatably mounted on a swinging device 32. The swinging device 32 is pivotally positioned on the chassis 12.

[0077] The distance between the sweeping roller 26 and the installation plane 18 can be adjusted and fixed via the swing device 32. In particular, this makes it possible, as shown in Figure 1 shown to lift the sweeping roller 26 from the installation level 18, for example for a transport journey.

[0078] In principle, it is also possible, with a correspondingly designed or controlled swing device 32, to adjust a contact pressure of the sweeping roller 26 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0079] As mentioned, in Figure 1 a position of the sweeping roller 26 is shown in which it is spaced apart from the installation plane 18 and thus does not act on a floor 16 to be cleaned. For sweeping operation, the sweeping roller 26 is lowered to the installation plane 18 via the swing mechanism 32 under appropriate control (and initiated by an operator).

[0080] The sweeper 10 has a front end 34 and a rear end 36. In particular, the front end 34 and / or the rear end 36 are located on the chassis 12.

[0081] The sweeper 10 has a forward travel direction 38, which is a direction extending from the rear end 36 to the front end 34.

[0082] The rear wheel assembly 22 is located closer to the rear end 36 than the front wheel assembly 20.

[0083] The sweeping roller 26 is positioned in a central area between the front end 34 and the rear end 36.

[0084] A structure 40 is arranged on the chassis 12 above the sweeping roller 26. This structure 40 comprises a housing 42. A drive for the driving device 14 for moving the sweeper 10 over the floor 16 to be cleaned is arranged in the housing 42. Further components are arranged in the housing 42.

[0085] In one embodiment, a blower device is arranged adjacent to a debris hopper 44. During operation, it generates a negative pressure. This negative pressure acts, in particular, on the debris hopper 44 to minimize dust pollution around the sweeper 10.

[0086] In one embodiment, a drive for the swing device 32 for lowering the sweeping roller 26 to the installation level 18 and for lifting it is arranged in the housing 42.

[0087] A drive for rotating the sweeping roller 26 about the rotation axis 28 can be arranged on the swing mechanism 32 or in the housing 42. A corresponding transmission gear is then necessary.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the sweeper 10 is designed as a ride-on machine. It includes a seat 46 for an operator positioned on the superstructure 40. A rear side of the seat 46 is located, in particular, at the rear end 36 of the sweeper 10.

[0089] Furthermore, control elements 48 are arranged on the body 40. These include a steering wheel 50, accelerator pedals, and an operating device 52 for actuator devices, which are described in more detail below.

[0090] A debris collection device 54 is positioned on the chassis 12. The debris collection device 54 includes the debris container 44. In principle, multiple debris containers can also be provided.

[0091] The debris collection device 54 is arranged in front of the sweeping roller 26, relative to the direction from the rear end 36 to the front end 34. The sweeping roller 26 conveys debris into the debris container 44.

[0092] The sweeping material receiving device 54 with the sweeping material container 44 is located in the region of the front end 34 of the sweeping machine 10. In one embodiment, the front end 34 is formed on the sweeping material receiving device 54.

[0093] The sweeper 10 is a front-loading machine in which the sweeping material container 44 is located in front of the sweeping roller 26 in the direction from the rear end 36 to the front end 34.

[0094] Accordingly, the sweeping waste container 44 in the sweeping machine 10 is also positioned in front of the seat 46 in this direction.

[0095] In one embodiment, a high-level emptying of the debris hopper 44 is provided. A hydraulic drive 47 is provided with which the debris hopper 44 can be lifted for emptying.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, a deep emptying of the dirt container 44 is provided, for which purpose a corresponding drive is provided.

[0097] Alternatively, it may also be possible to remove the debris container 44 from the debris receptacle 54 for emptying.

[0098] In one embodiment, the sweeper 10 has one or more side brush assemblies 56. A side brush assembly 56 comprises a holder 58, which is positioned relative to the chassis 12, and a side brush 60 as a sweeping tool. The side brush 60 is held on the holder 58.

[0099] A side brush 60, in turn, comprises a bristle holder 62, for example in the form of a disc, on which bristle bundles are arranged. The bristle bundles are fixed, in particular, along a circular line on the bristle holder 62 and protrude obliquely outward, so that the side brush 60 has a truncated cone shape with respect to the bristle bundles.

[0100] During operation, the side brush 60 is driven in rotation about a rotation axis 64. The rotation axis 64 during sweeping operation of the sweeper 10 is oriented transversely to the installation plane 18. In particular, it is at an acute angle to the installation plane 18 and is not oriented perpendicular to the installation plane 18.

[0101] A drive and in particular a motor drive 66 for the rotational movement of the side broom 60 about the rotation axis 64 is arranged on the holder 58.

[0102] The holder 58 is movably positioned with respect to the chassis 12 so that the corresponding side brush 60 of the side brush device 56 can be lowered onto the floor 16 to be cleaned for sweeping operation and can be lifted off, for example, during a non-cleaning operation.

[0103] In one embodiment, the side brush device 56 is arranged to extend beyond the front end 34.

[0104] The task of a side brush device 56 is to convey sweepings from the side inward (toward the chassis 12) so that they can be captured by the sweeping roller 26. A side brush device 56 widens the sweeping area of ​​the sweeper 10 and, in particular, makes it wider than the length of the sweeping roller 26 and the rotation axis 28.

[0105] The sweeping roller 26 has a rotation direction 68 such that it can convey sweepings into the sweepings container 44. The rotation axis 68 is such that, during sweeping operation of the sweeping machine 10, it is parallel to the forward travel direction 38 of the sweeping machine 10 on the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0106] At the Figure 1 In the illustration shown, this direction of rotation 68 is clockwise.

[0107] When the sweeper 10 is designed as a front-loading machine, in which an operator sitting on the seat 46 looks forward towards the front end 34, and in which the sweeping material container 44 lies in front of him in this direction, the direction of rotation 68 of the sweeping roller 26 is clockwise.

[0108] The debris collection device 54 has a first side wall 70 and an opposite second side wall. A floor 72 lies between them. The floor 72 faces the installation plane 18. The first side wall 70 and the second side wall are fixed transversely and, in particular, vertically to the floor 72.

[0109] Towards the front end 34, the sweepings receiving device 54 has a front wall 74.

[0110] In one embodiment, the front wall has a first region 76 starting from the bottom 72, which is positioned obliquely to the installation plane 18 from the bottom 72 to the front end 34.

[0111] As a result, a space is provided in the first area 76 in front of the front wall in which a corresponding side broom 60 can be positioned.

[0112] A second region 78 of the front wall 74 adjoins the first region 76 at the front end 34.

[0113] The sweepings receiving device 34 also has a rear wall 80 (compare for example Figure 2 and 3 ) towards the sweeping roller 26.

[0114] The dirt container 44 is arranged or formed between the front wall 74, the rear wall 80 and the first side wall 70 as well as the second side wall.

[0115] On the rear wall 80, the sweeping roller 26 is assigned (at least) one opening 82 (compare Figures 3 and 6 ) is formed. Sweepings collected from the floor 16 to be cleaned can be conveyed through the opening 82 into the sweepings container 44.

[0116] The first side wall 70 has a first end face 84 (compare Figure 3 ), which is assigned to the sweeping roller 26. Accordingly, the second side wall has a second front end.

[0117] The opening 82 is set back from the first end 84 and the second end. A distance of the opening 82 from the sweeping roller 26 is greater than a distance of the first end 84 or the second end from the sweeping roller, relative to a direction directed from the rear end 36 to the front end 34.

[0118] The area of ​​the first side wall 70 and the second side wall, which projects beyond the opening 82 in the direction of the sweeping roller 26, each forms a side apron 86.

[0119] The opening 82 is formed between the first side wall 70 and the opposite second side wall and extends, for example, over the entire width of the sweepings receiving device 54 between the first side wall 70 and the opposite second side wall, or over a partial area relative to this width (in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 28).

[0120] The opening 82 is positioned away from the underside of the chassis 12 (towards the installation plane 18) and is arranged in front of the sweeping roller 26 (relative to the direction from the rear end 36 to the front end 34) in order to be able to throw sweepings into the sweepings hopper 44 through the opening 82.

[0121] In one embodiment, the opening 82 is positioned between the left and right front wheels of the front wheel assembly 20.

[0122] The opening 82 has a bottom side 88 which faces the installation plane 18 (compare Figures 3 and 6 ), and an opposite top 90.

[0123] A flap 92 is located on the debris collection device 54 in the area of ​​the opening 82. The flap 92 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 96 via a pivot bearing 94. The pivot axis 96 is parallel to the installation plane 18 and parallel to the rotation axis 28.

[0124] In one embodiment, the pivot bearing 94 is located on the bottom 92 of the sweepings receiving device 54 and thus in the area of ​​the underside 88 of the opening 82.

[0125] In one embodiment, the flap 92 is covered laterally outwardly at least in a partial area by the side skirts 86 of the first side wall 70 and the second side wall and is thus also protected.

[0126] The flap 92 has several functions, which are explained below. In particular, one function of the flap 92 is determined by its pivoting position on the pivot bearing 94.

[0127] The flap 92 has a base 98. The base 98 is made of a rigid material, such as a metal or plastic material. A region 100 made of a flexible material is arranged on the base 98. This region 100 forms a front end 102 of the flap 92. This front end 102 faces the sweeping roller 26. The flap 92 can be placed against the floor 16 to be cleaned via the region 100.

[0128] The area 100 is made, in particular, of a rubber material. The area 100 forms a contact lip of the flap 92 against the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0129] Spaced-apart side walls 104 are located on the base 98. The side walls 104 extend transversely and, in particular, vertically from the base 98. They do not protrude into the area 100.

[0130] In one embodiment, the side wall 104 has a triangular shape (compare Figures 3 and 6 ), with a first leg 106 and a second leg 108. The first leg 106 and the second leg 108 each originate from the base 98 and from opposite ends of the base 98 and then intersect.

[0131] The first leg 106 is shorter than the second leg 108, with the first leg 106 bordering the area 100 and the second leg 108 leading to the area at the pivot bearing 94.

[0132] Relative to the side wall 104 and a distance above the floor 98, the flap 92 has a greater height at the area 100 than in the area of ​​the pivot bearing 94, this height decreasing continuously from the area 100 towards the pivot bearing 94.

[0133] The bottom 98 of the flap 92 forms a guide surface for the debris to transport it into the debris hopper 44. The side walls 104 form guide stops to hold the debris laterally (in the flap 92) and prevent it from falling out sideways. This, in turn, ensures that essentially all of the debris that reaches the flap 92 is also transported into the debris hopper 44.

[0134] As will be explained in more detail below, the flap 92 with its flexible area 100 forms a type of dustpan or ramp during sweeping operation of the sweeping machine 10.

[0135] The sweeper 10 includes a movement mechanism 110 for the flap 92. The movement mechanism 110 in turn includes a lever mechanism or linkage mechanism 112.

[0136] It is particularly provided that the movement mechanism 110 comprises a first part, which is assigned to a side wall 104, and a second part, which is assigned to the corresponding opposite side wall. The first part and the second part are basically of the same design, wherein in the Figures 1 to 5 only a part is shown.

[0137] It is provided in particular that the corresponding movement mechanism 110 is arranged outside the dirt container 44 and is positioned, for example, in a space between the dirt container 44 and the corresponding first side wall 70 (first part) or the second side wall (second part), at least in a partial area.

[0138] When describing the elements of the movement mechanism 110 below, reference is made to one part (first part or second part, respectively). The corresponding elements are then also present in the other part. The first part and the second part are synchronized.

[0139] The movement mechanism 110 comprises a bridge element 114. The bridge element 114 is movably mounted relative to the chassis 12. In one embodiment, the bridge element 114 is pivotally mounted. The pivot bearing 116 is arranged on the corresponding first side wall 70 or second side wall. A pivot axis 118 is parallel to the installation plane 18 or parallel to the rotation axis 28 of the sweeping roller 26.

[0140] The bridge element 114 has an initial position 120 ( Figures 3 , 4 ), which is a basic position of the bridge element 114.

[0141] A first actuator device 122 is coupled to the bridge element 114. The first actuator device is, in particular, a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 124 with a base 126 and a movement element 128 (cylinder piston). The cylinder 124 is pivotally coupled to the base 126 to the bridge element 114 with a pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis 118. A corresponding coupling point 129 is spaced apart from the pivot bearing 116.

[0142] The moving element 128 (the piston) is hinged at its end to a first web 130. The first web 130 is hinged to a pivot bearing 132, which is fixedly positioned relative to the chassis 12. A rotation axis of the pivot bearing 132 is parallel to the pivot axis 118.

[0143] The first web 130 is connected to a second web 134, and in particular is connected in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0144] In particular, pivoting of the first web 130 on the pivot bearing 132 (and relative to the movement element 128) causes a coordinated and in particular synchronous movement of the second web 134.

[0145] A third web 136 is hinged to the second web 134 via a pivot bearing 138. A rotation axis of the pivot bearing 138 is parallel to the pivot axis 118.

[0146] The third web 136 is hinged to the flap 92, and in particular to the corresponding side wall 104, via a pivot bearing 140. A rotation axis of the pivot bearing 140 is parallel to the pivot axis 118.

[0147] The pivot bearing 138 allows the distance between the pivot bearing 132 and the pivot bearing 140 to be adjusted depending on the rotational position of the first web 130. The corresponding rotational position of the first web 130 is in turn adjusted by the first actuator device 122 and thereby by the linear position of the movement element 128. A corresponding pivot position of the flap 92 on the pivot axis 96 can be adjusted via the actuator device 122.

[0148] In Figure 4 A first position 142 of the flap 92 is shown. In this first position 142, the flap 92 is pivoted away from the installation plane 18, and the opening 82 is closed by the flap 92 toward the installation plane 18 and toward the sweeping roller 26.

[0149] The first position 142 of the flap 92 is not a cleaning operating position. The first position 142 for the flap 92 is set particularly for a non-cleaning travel of the sweeper 10 to or from a work site.

[0150] In the embodiment shown, the first position 142 of the flap 92 is reached when the movement element 128 is extended to the base 126 ( Figure 4 ). This means that compared to the retracted position (compare Figure 3 ; see below) a distance of a linkage point 144 of the first web 130 to the movement element 128 to the linkage point 129 is greater than in a second position 146 of the flap 92 (compare Figure 3 ).

[0151] The second position 146 of the flap 92 ( Figure 3 ) is an operational position for a cleaning company.

[0152] In the second position 146 of the flap 92, the movement element 128 is retracted (the distance between the articulation point 144 and the articulation point 129 is minimized). In particular, in the second position 146, the first web 130, the second web 134, and the third web 136 lie on a straight line.

[0153] In the second position 92, the flap 92 is pivoted toward the installation plane 18 and, in particular, the area 100 then touches the floor 16 to be cleaned.

[0154] The flap 92 is positioned relative to the installation plane 18 such that the bottom 98 of the flap 92 is at an acute angle to the installation plane 18 and forms an inclined plane to the floor 16 to be cleaned. The flap 92 then forms a ramp over its bottom 98. Starting from the pivot bearing 94, the bottom 98 has a decreasing distance from the installation plane 18 toward the area 100.

[0155] In the second position 146, the rotating sweeping roller 26 can pick up sweepings from the floor 16 to be cleaned and throw them in the direction of the opening 82, whereby the flap 92 then forms a guide device for sweepings to be conveyed into the sweepings container 44.

[0156] In the second position 146, the flap 92 forms a type of dustpan which, over the area 100 (the flexible lip), rests against the floor 16 to be cleaned (or has at most a minimum distance of, for example, at most 10 mm or less).

[0157] In the first position 142, the flap 92 functions as a closure element. In the second position 146, the flap 92 functions as a sweeping blade, which forms a guide device for the sweeping material path from the sweeping roller 26 through the opening 82 into the sweeping material container 44.

[0158] In the first position 142 and the second position 146 of the flap 92, the bridge element 114 is in its initial position 120.

[0159] On an underside of the chassis 12, between the sweepings receiving device 54 and the installation level 18, a space 148 (compare for example Figure 3 ) is present. In the second position 146, this space 148 is blocked off from the sweeping roller 26 by the flap 92 with the area 100.

[0160] In the first position 142 of the flap 92, this space 148 is open towards the sweeping roller 26.

[0161] The flap 92 has (at least) a third position 150 ( Figure 5 ), this third position 150 being located between the first position 142 and the second position 146.

[0162] In the third position 150, the flap 92 is raised relative to the installation plane 18, and the flap 92, with its area 100, does not touch the floor 16 to be cleaned. The space 148 is thus open toward the sweeping roller 26; a passage 152 is formed under the debris receiving device 54 and the flap 92 toward the sweeping roller 26.

[0163] A minimum height 154 of this passage 152 is at least 20 mm and in particular at least 25 mm and preferably at least 30 mm.

[0164] The minimum height 154 refers in particular to a minimum distance of the area 100 (for example at a front edge of the area 100 towards the sweeping roller 26) to the installation plane 18.

[0165] In the third position 150 of the flap 92, sweeping material can pass under the sweeping machine 10 and thereby under the sweeping material receiving device 54 towards the sweeping roller 26 when it is driven over by the sweeping machine 10.

[0166] In the second position 146 of the flap 92, sweepings below the sweepings pickup device 54 are displaced by the flap 92 in the forward travel direction 38 when the sweeper 10 passes over them. In the second position 146, the flap 92 acts as a plough.

[0167] By bringing the flap 92 into the third position 150, access of this sweeping material to the sweeping roller 26 is made possible.

[0168] A second actuator device 156 is provided for setting the third position 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the second actuator device 156 acts on the bridge element 114 and moves the bridge element 114 from its initial position 120 into a corresponding position. This movement of the bridge element 114 from the initial position 120 moves and, in particular, displaces the first actuator device 122, including the base 126 and the movement element 128, as a whole, which in turn affects the first web 130 and thus, in turn, the second web 134 and the third web 136.

[0169] This movement of the bridge element 114 causes the flap 92 to be lifted from the second position 146 into the third position 150 ( Figure 5 ).

[0170] The second actuator device 156 is mechanically coupled to the first actuator device 122 via the bridge element 114. Activation of the second actuator device 156 causes a movement of the first actuator device 122 as a whole and thus a pivoting of the flap 92 about the pivot axis 96. However, the pivoting is such that the passage 152 is opened and the third position 150 is below the first position 142.

[0171] In one embodiment, the second actuator device 156 is an electric motor, and in particular a linear motor 158. This linear motor 158 has a linearly movable rod 160. The rod 160 is coupled to the bridge element 114 at a distance from the pivot bearing 116.

[0172] A displacement position of the rod 160 determines a rotational position of the bridge element 114 on the pivot bearing 116.

[0173] In the first position 142 and the second position 146, the second actuator device 156 with its linear motor 148 is not active and the rod 160 is positioned so that the bridge element 114 is in its initial position 120 ( Figures 3 , 4 ).

[0174] When the second actuator device 156 is activated, the rod 160 is moved and pivoted, for example, in the direction of the sweeping roller 26 (compare Figure 5 ) that the first actuator device 122 with the base 126 and the movement element 128 is moved toward the sweeping roller 26. This in turn causes the flap 92 to be raised from the second position 146 and brings the flap into the third position 150 with the passage 152 open.

[0175] The third position 150 of the flap 92 was described above. It is generally possible for there to be exactly one third position 150, or for there to be multiple third positions 150. If there are multiple third positions 150, these can be set in steps or continuously.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment of the sweeper 10, the second actuator device 156 is arranged above the first actuator device 122 with respect to a height direction transverse to the installation plane 18.

[0177] The first actuator device 122 and the second actuator device 156 can be activated by the operating device 52.

[0178] It is fundamentally intended that only a "brief" activation process is necessary for the transition from the first position 142 to the second position 146 and for holding the flap 92 in the second position 146, as well as for the transition from the second position 146 to the first position 142 and for holding the first position 142 of the flap 92 by an operator on the operating device 52, and no operator intervention is required for holding. For example, if the flap 92 is in the first position 142, a brief button press is sufficient to move the flap 92 from the first position 142 to the second position 146 and to hold it in the second position 146. Accordingly, a "brief" button press is sufficient to move the flap from the second position 146 to the first position 142 and hold it there.

[0179] The operating device 52 is designed such that permanent operator intervention is necessary to maintain the third position 150. For example, the operating device 52 comprises a button 162 (see Figure 1 ), which is assigned to the second actuator device 156. When the button 162 is not actuated, the bridge element 114 is in its initial position 120.

[0180] When the button 162 is pressed, the second actuator device 156 is activated accordingly, displacing the rod 160 and pivoting the bridge element 114, as described above. For this activation, the button 162 must remain pressed, and to maintain the third position 150, the button 162 must also remain pressed. When an operator releases the button 162, the rod 160 returns to its initial position (automatically) and the bridge element 114 automatically returns to its initial position 120. The flap 92 thereby automatically moves to the second position 146. Therefore, without active operator intervention on the button 162, the flap 92 does not remain in the third position 150.

[0181] This allows an operator to briefly (the time being determined by how long the operator presses the button 162) move the flap 92 from its second position 146 to the third position 150 during sweeping operation. Sweepings that cannot reach the sweeping roller 26 in the second position 146 due to the blocking effect of the flap 92 toward the installation plane 18 can then reach the sweeping roller and be carried along by it through the passage 152 opened in the third position 150. Sweepings can thus reach the space in front of the sweeping roller 26 and between the flap 92.

[0182] An operator then lowers the flap 92 back into the second position 146 (by releasing the button 162) and the corresponding sweepings can then be conveyed through the flap 92 into the sweepings hopper 44.

[0183] The sweeper 10 according to the invention functions as follows: During a non-cleaning journey, for example to a job or from a job site, the flap 92 is in the first position 142. As a result, the opening 82 is closed by the flap 92 (compare Figure 4 ).

[0184] For sweeping operation, the flap 92 is moved by the operator into the second position 146 (compare Figure 3 ). Sweepings can then be transported by the sweeping roller 26 (which is lowered onto the floor 16 to be cleaned) through the flap into the sweepings container 44.

[0185] If an operator detects larger accumulations of waste on the floor 16 to be cleaned, which are displaced in particular by the sweeper 10 on the floor 16 to be cleaned, they actuate the button 162 and the flap 92 moves to the (at least one) third position 150. Such accumulations of waste ("light waste") can then pass through the passage 152 to the sweeping roller 26. By releasing the button 162, the operator ensures that the flap 92, in its function as a dustpan, is returned to a corresponding operative position (the second position 146) in order to convey sweepings, including the previously passed light waste, into the sweepings container 44.

[0186] Setting the position 150 was described above using operator intervention.

[0187] In a variant of an embodiment, it is provided that a sensor device 164 (see Figure 3 ) is positioned, which monitors the space 148 for the accumulation of "light waste." The sensor device 164 is, for example, an optical sensor device or a camera sensor device.

[0188] The sweeper 10 comprises a control device 166 (see Figure 1 ), which is signal-effectively coupled to the sensor device 164. The control device 166 evaluates, in particular, signals from the sensor device 164 regarding an accumulation of "light waste" in the space 148. If an accumulation or excessive accumulation is detected, the control device 166 controls the second actuator device 156, which then briefly moves the flap 92 into the third position 150 in order to open the passage 152 to the sweeping roller 26.

[0189] The third position 160 is held for only a relatively short period of time, for example, 10 s, 20 s, or 30 s. Subsequently, the second actuator device 156 is controlled so that the flap 92 automatically returns to the second position 146.

[0190] Another embodiment of a sweeper 168, which is shown in the Figures 7 and 8 is shown, is basically designed the same as the sweeper 10. In this embodiment, a second actuator device 170 is provided, which also acts on a bridge element 114', wherein the second actuator device 170 is positioned in particular between the first actuator device 122 and the installation plane 18.

[0191] The second actuator device 170 is, for example, an electric motor which acts directly on the pivot bearing 116 in order to pivot the bridge element 114'.

[0192] Otherwise, the second sweeper 168 works as described above. List of reference symbols

[0193] 10Sweeper (first embodiment) 12Chassis 14Drive mechanism 16Floor to be cleaned 18Installation level 20Front wheel mechanism 22Rear wheel mechanism 24Underside 26Brush roller 28Rotation axis 30Bristle bundle 32Swing arm mechanism 34Front end 36Rear end 38Forward drive mechanism 40Superstructure 42Housing 44Sweeping material hopper 46Seat 47Hydraulic drive 48Control element 50Steering wheel 52Control mechanism 54Sweeping material pickup mechanism 56Side brush mechanism 58Holder 60Side level 62Bristle holder 64Rotation axis 66Drive 68Direction of rotation 70First side wall 72Floor 74Front wall 76First area 78Second area 80Rear wall 82Opening 84First front end 86Side skirt 88Bottom 90Top 92Flap 94Pivot bearing 96Pivot axis 98Floor 100Area 102Front end 104Side wall 106First leg 108Second leg 110Movement mechanism 112Lever mechanism 114Bridge element 114Bridge element 116Pivot bearing 118Pivot axis 120Starting position 122FirstActuator device 124 Cylinder 126 Base 128 Movement element 129 Articulation point 130 First web 132 Pivot bearing 134 Second web 136 Third web 138 Pivot bearing 140 Pivot bearing 142 Position 144 Articulation point 146 Second position 148 Space 150 Third position 152 Passage 154 Minimum height 156 Second actuator device 158 Linear motor 160 Rod 162 Button 164 Sensor device 166 Control device 168 Sweeper (second embodiment) 170 Second actuator device

Claims

1. A sweeper, comprising - a chassis (12); - a driving device (14) which is arranged on the chassis (12) and which defines a setup plane (18) of the sweeper for a floor (16) to be cleaned; - at least one sweeping roller (26) which is rotatable with an axis of rotation (28) at least approximately parallel to the setup plane (18); - a sweeping material receiving device (54) with at least one sweeping material container (44) and with at least one opening (82);- at least one flap (92) which is pivotably arranged on the sweepings receiving device (54) and which is assigned to the at least one opening (82), wherein the at least one flap (92) has at least a first position (142) in which the sweepings receiving device (54) is closed at the at least one opening (82) by the at least one flap (92), and a second position (146) which is a position used for sweeping operation, and wherein, during sweeping operation, sweepings are conveyed by the at least one sweeping roller (26) through the at least one opening (82) into the at least one sweepings container (44), and - a first actuator device (122) which causes a pivoting movement of the at least one flap (92) between the first position (142) and the second position (146); characterized in thatthe at least one flap (92) has at least one third position (150) in which the at least one flap (92) is raised relative to the installation plane (18) and a passage (152) for sweeping material to the at least one sweeping roller (26) is formed between the at least one flap (92) and the installation plane (18), and in that a second actuator device (156; 170) for bringing the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150) is assigned to the at least one flap (92).

2. Sweeper according to claim 1, characterized in thatin the second position (146) of the at least one flap (92), at least one of the following is present: - the at least one flap (92) touches the installation plane (18) with a front end which faces the at least one sweeping roller (26), or the front end is at a distance of no more than 1 cm from the installation plane (18); - the passage (152) for sweeping material between the at least one sweeping roller (26) and one end of the chassis (12) is blocked by the at least one flap (92); - the at least one flap (92) forms a guide device towards the at least one sweeping roller (26) for guiding sweeping material into the at least one sweeping material container (44); - the at least one flap (92) forms a sweeping blade which in particular rests against the installation plane (18); - the at least one flap (92) forms a ramp towards the at least one sweeping material container (44).

3. Sweeper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized byat least one of the following: - a pivot axis (96) for the pivotability of the at least one flap (92) is at least approximately parallel to the rotation axis (28) of the at least one sweeping roller (26); - the at least one flap (92) has a region (100) made of a flexibly flexible material, which serves to support the at least one flap (92) against the floor (16) to be cleaned and which is assigned to the at least one sweeping roller (26); - a pivot axis (96) of the at least one flap (92) is spaced vertically from the installation plane (18); - the at least one flap (92) is arranged on an underside of the chassis (12), which faces the installation plane (18); - the at least one opening (82) has an upper side (90) and a lower side (88) which faces the installation plane (18), and a pivot bearing (94) of the at least one flap (92) is positioned in the region of the lower side (88).

4. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sweeper has a forward direction of travel (38) and the at least one sweeping roller (26) has a direction of rotation (68) in sweeping operation which is parallel to the forward direction of travel (38) on the floor (16) to be cleaned, and in particular characterized in that the sweeper has a front end (34) and the at least one flap (92) is positioned between the front end (34) and the at least one sweeping roller (26).

5. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one of the following: - in the at least one third position (150) of the at least one flap (92), the passage (152) between the at least one flap (92) and the installation plane (18) has a minimum height of at least 20 mm and in particular of at least 25 mm and in particular of at least 30 mm; - a front end of the at least one flap (92), which faces the at least one sweeping roller (26), has a distance from the installation plane (18) in the at least one third position (150); - a front end of the at least one flap (92), in the at least one third position (150), has a distance from the installation plane (18) of at most 150 mm and in particular of at most 100 mm and in particular of at most 80 mm; - the at least one third position (150) lies between the first position (142) and the second position (146);- a pivoting direction of the at least one flap (92) from the second position (146) to the third position (150) is away from the installation plane (18); - a pivoting direction of the at least one flap (92) from the second position (146) to the first position (142) is away from the installation plane (18); 6. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that to the at least one flap (92) a lever mechanism (112) and / or linkage mechanism is articulated, which is coupled to the first actuator device (122).

7. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuator device (156; 170) is coupled to the first actuator device (122) and in particular is mechanically coupled, and in particular that the first actuator device (122) is articulated to the second actuator device (156; 170).

8. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe second actuator device (156; 170) is designed and / or arranged such that, starting from the second position (144) of the at least one flap (92), it brings the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150), and / or starting from the at least one third position (150), it brings the at least one flap (92) into the second position (146).

9. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first actuator device (122) has a base (126) and at least one movement element (128), wherein the at least one movement element (128) is movable and in particular displaceable relative to the base (126), and that the at least one movement element (128) is articulated to the at least one flap (92) or to a lever mechanism (112) and / or a linkage mechanism for the at least one flap (92), and in particular characterized in thatthe second actuator device (156; 170) is coupled to the base (126) and in particular causes a movement of the combination of base and at least one movement element (128) together.

10. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second actuator device (156; 170) is coupled to the first actuator device (122) in such a way that the first actuator device (122) is moved as a whole via the second actuator device (156; 170).

11. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one bridge element (114; 114') which is positioned movable and in particular pivotable with respect to the chassis (12), that the first actuator device (122) is articulated to the at least one bridge element (114; 114'), and that the second actuator device (156; 170) is coupled to the at least one bridge element (114; 114'), wherein a movement of the at least one bridge element (114; 114') can be effected by the second actuator device (156; 170), which leads to a movement of the first actuator device (122), and in particular characterized in that during a transition between the second position (146) of the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150) of the at least one flap (92), the second actuator device (156; 170) causes a movement and in particular a pivoting movement of the at least one bridge element (114; 114') starting from an initial position (120) of the at least one bridge element (114; 114').

12. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that during the transition between the first position (142) of the at least one flap (92) and the second position (146) of the at least one flap (92), the second actuator device (156; 170) is not activated and in particular at least one movable bridge element (114; 114'), to which the first actuator device (122) is coupled, is fixed in an initial position (120).

13. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byan operating device (52) for an operator to control the first actuator device (122) and the second actuator device (156; 170), with at least one of the following: - the operating device (52) is designed such that holding the at least one flap (92) in the at least one third position (150) requires a sustained active operator intervention, wherein in particular upon termination of the active operator intervention the at least one flap (92) automatically goes into the second position (146); - holding the at least one flap in the first position (142) and / or the second position (146) does not require a sustained operator intervention, and in particular characterized in thatthe operating device (52) for the second actuator device (156; 170) comprises a button (162), wherein upon actuation and holding of the button (162) the at least one flap (92) is brought into the at least one third position (150) and is held, and upon termination of holding of the button (162) the at least one flap (92) automatically moves from the at least one third position (150) into the second position (146).

14. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe sweepings receiving device (54) has a first side wall (70) and an opposite second side wall, wherein the at least one flap (92) is positioned between the first side wall (70) and the second side wall, and wherein the first side wall (70) has a first end face (84) facing the at least one sweeping roller (26), and the second side wall has a second end face face, and that the at least one opening (82) is set back from the first end face (84) and the second end face in a direction transverse to the rotational axis (28) of the at least one sweeping roller, and in particular characterized in that the at least one flap (92) is located between the first side wall (70) and the second side wall.

15. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byat least one of the following: - by being designed as a front-loading machine, in which the sweeping material receiving device (54) is arranged between a front end (34) of the sweeping machine and the at least one sweeping roller (26); - by being designed as a self-propelled machine; - by being designed as a ride-on machine or trailing machine; - by filling the at least one sweeping material container (46) according to the dustpan principle, wherein the at least one flap (92) forms a dustpan.

16. Sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bya sensor device (164) which monitors a space (148) with regard to the accumulation of sweepings, wherein the space (148) is located in front of the at least one flap (92) in front of the passage (152), in particular with at least one of the following: - the sensor device (164) is located on the chassis (12) with a field of vision towards the installation plane (18); - a control device (166) is provided, to which the sensor device (164) is signal-effectively coupled and which controls the second actuator device (156; 170); and in particular upon detection of a certain accumulation of sweepings in the space (148) in front of the passage (152) with the at least one flap (92) in the second position (146), the control device (166) automatically controls the second actuator device (156;170) in order to bring the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150), wherein preferably the at least one third position (150) is held for a certain period of time, which in particular is at most 30 s, and then the at least one flap (92) is automatically brought into the second position (146); 17. A method for operating a sweeping machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one flap (92) is brought into the at least one third position (150) in order to open the passage (152) for sweeping material between the at least one flap (92) and the installation plane (18) to the at least one sweeping roller (26), and then the at least one flap (92) is brought into the second position (144) in order to bring sweeping material into the at least one sweeping material container (46).

18. A method for operating a sweeper according to claim 17, characterized byat least one of the following: - the second actuator device (156; 170) is coupled to the first actuator device (122) in such a way that the first actuator device (120) is moved as a whole via the second actuator device (156; 170); - a sensor device (164) is provided which monitors a space (148) with regard to the accumulation of sweepings, the space (148) being located in front of the at least one flap (92) in front of the passage (152); - a control device (166) is provided, to which the sensor device (164) is signal-effectively coupled and which controls the second actuator device (156; 170), and in particular, upon detection of a certain accumulation of sweepings in the space (148) in front of the passage (152) with the at least one flap (92) in the second position (146), the control device (166) automatically controls the second actuator device (156;170) in order to bring the at least one flap (92) into the at least one third position (150), wherein in particular the at least one third position (150) is held for a certain period of time, which in particular is at most 30 s, and then the at least one flap (92) is automatically brought into the second position (146);

Images