EP3274510B1 - Ground-cleaning machine and method for operating a ground-cleaning machine - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a floor cleaning machine, comprising a chassis, at least one tool device with at least one tool holder and with a soil working tool seated on the at least one tool holder, and a holding device which holds the at least one tool holder on the chassis, the holding device comprising a polygonal link with a first cross strut, which is fixed relative to the chassis, with a second cross strut, relative to which the at least one tool holder is fixed, with a first longitudinal strut, which is articulated on the first cross strut via a first swivel joint about a first swivel axis, and which via a second swivel joint is articulated on the second cross strut pivotably about a second swivel axis, and with a second longitudinal strut which is articulated on the first cross strut via a third swivel joint and is pivotally connected to the second cross strut via a fourth swivel joint about a fourth swivel axis, a spring device being integrated in at least one strut of the polygonal link, by means of which a length of the corresponding strut between pivot axes for the at least one strut depending on a force acting on the polygonal link is variable.

Such a floor cleaning machine is designed, for example, as a sweeper or as a floor cleaning machine with a sweeping function.

The US 3,292,195 discloses a street sweeper with an arm pivotally mounted on a body. The arm carries a side brush, which is movable with the arm.

The DE 2 242 718 discloses a sweeper suspension for street cleaning vehicles. It is a and carried by a vehicle frame Support member pivotable about a vertical axis is provided. An arrangement carrying a broom is attached to the mounting member. A spring associated with the mounting member is provided for pivoting the sweeping broom into a working position.

From the WO 2012/171579 A1 a sweeper is known with a plate brush for sweeping dirt from a floor surface to be cleaned, the plate brush having a brush plate inclined relative to the horizontal with brushes held thereon and being rotatable about an axis of rotation. An adjusting element of an adjusting device is provided for changing the inclination of the brush plate with respect to the horizontal and for changing the contact area of the brush with the bottom surface. A holding device for holding the plate brush on the sweeper is also provided. The holding device comprises an articulated member which is connected to each other at joints assembled joint polygon with a first joint member, via which the joint polygon is held on the sweeper, and with a second joint member, on which the plate brush is held. The adjusting element is variable in length and connected to at least one articulated member, the orientation of the first articulated member relative to the second articulated member being changeable as a function of a change in the length of the adjusting element, and the disk brush being pivotable about a pivot axis oriented obliquely to the axis of rotation.

From the EP 0 021 784 a device for mounting a rotating brush is known.

From the US 4,368,554 a street sweeper is known.

The invention has for its object to provide a floor cleaning machine of the type mentioned, which has additional functionalities with a simple construction.

This object is achieved according to the invention in the floor cleaning machine mentioned at the outset in that the at least one strut is associated with the spring device with a stop which is effective at a defined height position of the holding device relative to the chassis, and in that the stop is designed such that it Mobility of an area of the at least one strut with the spring device blocks when the area rests against the stop, and then the at least one strut can be extended via the spring device.

The stop can be used to act on the at least one strut with the spring device in a specific position in such a way that a change in length of the at least one strut is effected and in particular an increase in length is effected.

By integrating the spring device into at least one strut (in the first longitudinal strut and / or the second longitudinal strut and / or the first cross strut and / or the second cross strut), the shape of a polygon of the polygonal link can be changed if the external force is applied accordingly.

This change in shape causes a relative change in position of the tool holder relative to the chassis or to a floor on which the floor cleaning machine is installed. That agility can be used, for example, to actively increase the ramp ability of the floor cleaning machine or to enable an automatic evasive movement when a soil cultivation tool hits an obstacle.

This results in additional movement options on the holding device and thus for a tillage tool. For this additional mobility, however, no additional active adjustment drive has to be provided, but mobility can be achieved by the action of corresponding forces.

This results in an increased functionality with a simple structural design, in particular with regard to ramp accuracy and in a working position with regard to the avoidance of obstacles.

The tillage tool is in particular a cleaning tool such as a sweeping tool or a scrubbing tool. It is also possible, for example, that the tillage tool is a cutting deck, a snow blade, a floating bar, etc.

The floor cleaning machine is designed, for example, as a sweeper and in particular a municipal sweeper with additional uses in addition to a cleaning function.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the first cross strut is of fixed length and / or the second cross strut is of fixed length. This results in a simple construction.

By appropriate design of the spring device, the spring device in particular having a minimum hardness, it can be achieved that for the normal cleaning operation and for a "normal" transport operation the at least one strut with the spring device can be regarded as rigid.

In one embodiment, it is provided that the first cross strut is of fixed length and / or the second cross strut is of fixed length. This results in a simple construction.

It is then advantageous if the spring device and the first longitudinal strut and / or the second longitudinal strut are integrated. This results in advantageous additional functionalities.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring device is arranged and designed on the polygonal link such that the shape of a polygon formed between the pivot axes can be varied by the spring device due to a change in length of the at least one strut, in particular a change in shape of the polygon means a change in position of the at least one causes a tool holder relative to the chassis. In this way, for example, a tilting transport position can be actively set to increase ramp mobility, but no additional active (tilting) adjustment drive has to be provided. Furthermore, in a working position of a tillage tool, the tillage tool can be avoided when it encounters an obstacle, with automatic resetting when the obstacle is no longer present. Evasion is in turn achieved automatically without, for example, corresponding control or regulation having to be provided.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring device is arranged and designed on the polygonal link such that an effective, sufficiently large force on the polygonal link causes a relative pivoting of the at least one tool holder to the chassis or a floor on which the floor cleaning machine is installed. As a result, the passive spring device can be used to actively reach a tilting transport position and thereby to increase the ramp mobility of the floor cleaning machine. Furthermore, the spring device can be used to automatically allow a cleaning tool to evade if the tillage tool encounters an obstacle (outside of a normal cleaning operation).

It is very particularly advantageous if the spring device has a minimum hardness such that the forces occurring during a normal tillage process do not cause a relevant change in position of the at least one tool holder relative to the chassis. In a normal tillage process, the polygon handlebar can then be viewed as a handlebar with rigid sides. If exceptional force loads occur, such as when the tillage tool strikes an obstacle, then the spring device can be effective in terms of its elastic properties in order to allow evasion and subsequent resetting. Furthermore, a transport position can be set, for example, via the polygonal link, in which, for example, an envelope plane of the tillage tool is at least approximately parallel to a floor. If, for example, increased ramp mobility is required because the floor cleaning machine runs onto a ramp, then a tilting transport position can be actively achieved by corresponding action on the spring device. However, no additional active (tilt) drive is required for this; one adjustment device is sufficient for a height adjustment of the tillage tool relative to the chassis.

In particular, the spring device has a spring rate which is at least 10 N / mm and advantageously at least 20 N / mm and in particular at least 30 N / mm and in particular at least 40 N / mm and in particular at least 50 N / mm and in particular at least 55 N / mm , The corresponding strut with the spring device can then be regarded as rigid for "normal operation". Only when there are special conditions, in particular knocking against an obstacle of a cleaning tool, or hitting an area of the strut against a stop, can the Spring device become effective with a corresponding change in length of the strut.

The polygonal link is designed in particular as a trapezoidal link or parallelogram link depending on the application.

It is very particularly advantageous if the at least one strut with the spring device has a first region which is fixed in length and which is arranged on a swivel joint, has a second region which is fixed in length and which is arranged on a further swivel joint, and at least one Has spring which is fixed to the first region and the second region and is positioned between the first region and the second region. This makes it easy to achieve a variable length of the strut with the spring device. This change in length is basically force-controlled as a function of a force component which acts along a spring force direction of the at least one spring.

In one embodiment, the spring device is integrated in the second longitudinal strut and the first longitudinal strut is designed to be fixed in length, the first longitudinal strut being arranged above the second longitudinal strut in relation to the direction of gravity when the floor cleaning machine stands on a floor and / or engages on the first longitudinal strut an adjusting device for setting a height position of the tool holder relative to the ground. This enables a compact structure to be achieved. The tool holder can be adjusted in height in a simple manner via the holding device, and a length variability can be obtained on the polygonal link.

It is expedient if the spring device has a basic position, by which an initial length of the at least one strut with the spring device is defined, and that a spring force of the spring device strives to bring the spring device into the basic position. For a normal one Operation of the floor cleaning machine, the spring device is in the basic position. In "normal" operation, a tillage process such as a cleaning process or a tillage tool (such as a cleaning tool) is in a transport position. By moving the spring device out of the basic position, additional functionalities can be achieved, such as, for example, increased ramp accuracy or evasibility with regard to the impact of a tillage tool on obstacles.

It is advantageous if the length of the at least one strut can be reduced or increased with the spring device as a function of the acting force compared to the initial length. This allows (at least) two additional functionalities to be implemented; a tilting transport position can be set actively without having to provide an additional active drive. It is possible to passively evade the tillage tool when a tillage tool bumps into an obstacle.

In particular, in the case of a reduction compared to the initial length, a relative tilting of the at least one tool holder is effected, in which a distance to a floor of an end of a tillage tool facing the first cross strut increases. For example, in a working position of a tillage tool during a cleaning operation, the tillage tool hits an obstacle, an abutment surface being oriented transversely to a floor to be cleaned, then a corresponding force is exerted on the tillage tool. This force is transferred to the polygon handlebar. If a corresponding force is sufficiently large, it can cause the spring device to be compressed. This compression on the spring device in turn leads to a deflection of the tool holder with the tillage tool from the obstacle. As a result, a load on the force of the tool device of the holding device is reduced and the risk of damage is reduced.

In the case of an increase in relation to the initial length, in particular a relative tilting of the at least one tool holder is brought about, in which a distance to a floor of an end of a tillage tool facing away from the first cross strut increases. The end of the tillage tool facing away from the first cross strut is a front end. Its distance from the floor is increased. This results in an increased ramp ability of the floor cleaning machine. This relative tilting is actively achieved in that, in particular, an area of the at least one strut is brought up to a stop with the spring device. For this active tilting, however, no additional active drive to the adjustment device for the height adjustment, which is present anyway, is necessary.

Advantageously, an adjustment device is provided, which is assigned to the holding device, by means of which a height distance of the at least one tool holder from a floor on which the floor cleaning machine stands can be determined. By means of the adjusting device, in particular a tillage tool can be moved between a working position (such as a cleaning position) and a transport position and corresponding positions can be determined.

Conveniently, one or more working positions of the at least one tool device are provided, in which one or more tillage tools act on the soil to be worked (for example, to be cleaned), and there are one or more transport positions in which the tillage tool or tools are spaced apart from the floor. In one embodiment, the adjustment device comprises at least one driven length-adjustable member (such as a pneumatic cylinder or hydraulic cylinder) which is articulated with a first articulation point on the first longitudinal strut or the second longitudinal strut and articulated with a second articulation point on the first cross strut or on the chassis , whereby a distance between the first articulation point and the second articulation point can be determined by the length-adjustable link. This makes it easy to actively create a Drive the pivoting movement of the first longitudinal strut or the second longitudinal strut, wherein a set pivot position can also be determined in a simple manner. As a result, the height distance of the tool holder and thus of a tillage tool from the chassis or from a floor to be cleaned can be adjusted in a simple manner.

It is very particularly advantageous if the spring device is arranged and designed on the polygonal link such that, when force is exerted on the at least one tillage tool with a sufficiently large force component, a length of the at least one strut with the spring device decreases along a spring force action direction of the spring device. As a result, when the load is correspondingly high, the tillage tool can be avoided in order to reduce the load. No additional active drive has to be provided for this evasion and no control or regulation has to be provided.

According to the invention, the at least one strut with the spring device is assigned a stop which is effective at a defined height position of the holding device relative to the chassis and in particular in a transport position of the at least one tool holder. The stop can be used to act on the at least one strut with the spring device in a specific position in such a way that a change in length of the at least one strut is effected and in particular an increase in length is effected.

The stop is designed in such a way that it blocks the mobility of an area of the at least one strut with the spring device when the area lies against the stop and then the at least one strut can be extended via the spring device. If the corresponding area of the at least one strut rests on the stop with the spring device, then the polygonal link can move as it moves Area can not be moved. A constraint is introduced into the system of the polygonal link. The spring device then enables "evasion" with respect to this constraint, in particular by extending the at least one strut with the spring device. In this way, a tilting transport position of a tillage tool can be achieved in order to increase ramp mobility. The tilting transport position can be achieved in an active manner by the corresponding area of the at least one strut, such as the spring device, being brought up to the stop. However, no tilting drive or the like is necessary, since the setting of the tilting transport position can be used for a height position of the tool holder with the tillage tool by means of an adjustment device that is present anyway.

Conveniently, the at least one tool holder is assigned a rotary drive for the tillage tool, which is seated in particular on the at least one tool holder. This allows a rotational movement of the tillage tool to be driven in order to effect an effective cleaning process and, for example, a sweeping or scrubbing process.

In one embodiment, the at least one tool device is designed as a cleaning tool device. The floor cleaning machine is in particular a sweeper or scrubbing machine or a floor cleaning machine with a sweeping function or scrubbing function. The (at least one) cleaning tool is then a sweeping or scrubbing tool. In particular, it is designed to be self-propelled. For example, it is designed as a ride-on machine.

In one embodiment, the vehicle has a front end and a rear end with respect to a forward driving direction, and the at least one tillage tool projects beyond the front end and / or the rear end and / or beyond a side end. When approaching an obstacle, the tillage tool bumps into end of the floor cleaning machine to the obstacle. Automatic evasion can be implemented via the spring device.

According to the invention, a method for operating a floor cleaning machine according to the invention is provided, in which, in a transport position, a distance to a floor of an end of a tillage tool facing away from the first cross strut is increased by pivoting the holding device away from the floor and the at least one strut with the Spring device rests with an area against a stop, whereby the length of the at least one strut is increased with the spring device.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

In this way, a tilting transport position can be actively reached in order to increase the ramp cleaning ability of the floor cleaning machine without an additional active drive being necessary to reach the tilting transport position.

In particular, the spring device is designed such that, in a working position of a soil cultivation tool, a tilting movement of the soil cultivation tool is brought about when the soil cultivation tool encounters an obstacle which has an abutment surface which is oriented transversely to a floor on which the floor cleaning machine is installed, wherein the at least one strut with the spring device shortens its length due to the force acting upon the impact, and thereby a distance to the bottom of an end of the tillage tool facing the first cross strut increases.

The method according to the invention has the advantages already explained in connection with the floor cleaning machine according to the invention.

If a sufficiently large force acts, the spring device allows the tillage tool to move away from the obstacle. This reduces the load on the tillage tool and the holding device, thereby reducing the risk of damage.

Figur 1

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Bodenreinigungsmaschine in Form einer Kehrmaschine;

Figur 2

eine Draufsicht auf eine Werkzeugeinrichtung der Bodenreinigungsmaschine gemäß Figur 1 in einer Transportstellung (vor einer Kippung);

Figur 3(a)

eine Seitenansicht der Werkzeugeinrichtung gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 3(b)

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 3(b)-3(b) gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 3(c)

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 3(c)-3(c) gemäß Figur 2;

Figur 4

eine weitere seitliche Schnittansicht der Werkzeugeinrichtung gemäß Figur 2 in der Transportstellung;

Figur 5

eine Draufsicht auf die Werkzeugeinrichtung gemäß Figur 2 in einer Kipp-Transportstellung;

Figur 6(a)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 3(a), wobei sich ein Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Transportstellung befindet;

Figur 6(b)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 3(b) mit dem Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Transportstellung;

Figur 6(c)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 3(c), wobei sich das Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Transportstellung befindet;

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht entsprechend den Figuren 3(a) und 6(a), wobei sowohl die Transportstellung als auch die Kipp-Transportstellung gezeigt sind;

Figur 8

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 4, wobei das Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug weiter verschwenkt ist;

Figur 9

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 8, wobei das Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug noch weiter verschwenkt ist und ein Anschlag erreicht ist;

Figur 10

eine Draufsicht auf die Werkzeugeinrichtung gemäß Figur 2 in einer Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 11(a)

eine Seitenansicht der Werkzeugeinrichtung in der Arbeitsstellung gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 11(b)

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 11(b)-11(b) gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 11(c)

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie 11(c)-11(c) gemäß Figur 10;

Figur 12

eine Draufsicht ähnlich wie Figur 10 auf eine Kipp-Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 13(a)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 11(a) mit dem Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 13(b)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 11(b) mit dem Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 13(c)

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 11(c) mit dem Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Kipp-Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 14

eine Darstellung entsprechend den Figuren 11(a) und 13(a) mit dem Bodenbearbeitungswerkzeug in der Arbeitsstellung und Kipp-Arbeitsstellung;

Figur 15

schematisch ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Polygonallenkers mit einer längenvariierbaren Längsstrebe;

Figur 16

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Polygonallenkers mit einer längenvariablen Querstrebe; und

Figur 17

eine Seitenansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Bodenreinigungsmaschine.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves in conjunction with the drawings to explain the invention in more detail. Show it:

Figure 1

is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a floor cleaning machine in the form of a sweeper;

Figure 2

a plan view of a tool device of the floor cleaning machine according to Figure 1 in a transport position (before tipping);

Figure 3 (a)

a side view of the tool device according to Figure 2 ;

Figure 3 (b)

a sectional view taken along line 3 (b) -3 (b) according to Figure 2 ;

Figure 3 (c)

a sectional view taken along line 3 (c) -3 (c) Figure 2 ;

Figure 4

another side sectional view of the tool device according to Figure 2 in the transport position;

Figure 5

a plan view of the tool device according to Figure 2 in a tilting transport position;

Figure 6 (a)

a view similar to Figure 3 (a) , with a tillage tool in the tilting transport position;

Figure 6 (b)

a view similar to Figure 3 (b) with the tillage tool in the tilting transport position;

Figure 6 (c)

a view similar to Figure 3 (c) , with the tillage tool in the tilting transport position;

Figure 7

a side view corresponding to the Figures 3 (a) and 6 (a) , with both the transport position and the tilt transport position shown;

Figure 8

a view similar to Figure 4 , wherein the tillage tool is pivoted further;

Figure 9

a view similar to Figure 8 , wherein the tillage tool is pivoted further and a stop is reached;

Figure 10

a plan view of the tool device according to Figure 2 in a working position;

Figure 11 (a)

a side view of the tool device according to the working position Figure 10 ;

Figure 11 (b)

a sectional view taken along line 11 (b) -11 (b) according to Figure 10 ;

Figure 11 (c)

a sectional view taken along line 11 (c) -11 (c) according to Figure 10 ;

Figure 12

a top view similar to Figure 10 to a tilting work position;

Figure 13 (a)

a view similar to Figure 11 (a) with the tillage tool in the tilting working position;

Figure 13 (b)

a view similar to Figure 11 (b) with the tillage tool in the tilting working position;

Figure 13 (c)

a view similar to Figure 11 (c) with the tillage tool in the tilting working position;

Figure 14

a representation corresponding to the Figures 11 (a) and 13 (a) with the tillage tool in the working position and tilting working position;

Figure 15

schematically a first embodiment of a polygonal link with a length-variable longitudinal strut;

Figure 16

a further embodiment of a polygonal link with a variable-length cross strut; and

Figure 17

a side view of another embodiment of a floor cleaning machine.

An embodiment of a floor cleaning machine according to the invention, which in Figure 1 shown and there designated 10 includes a sweeping function. The floor cleaning machine can be designed as a pure sweeper or have a sweeping function in addition to one or more other cleaning functions; for example, the floor cleaning machine is a sweeping scrubbing machine with scrubbing function and sweeping function.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises a chassis 12. A front wheel device 14 and a rear wheel device 16 are arranged on the chassis 12. In one embodiment, the rear wheel device includes 16 a right rear wheel 18 and a left rear wheel (in Figure 1 not visible). The front wheel device 14 comprises in particular a steerable front wheel 20.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has, in particular, a traction drive and is self-propelled.

A driver seat 22 is arranged on the chassis 12. The floor cleaning machine 10 is then a ride-on machine. A steering wheel 24 is provided which is operatively connected to the steerable front wheel 20.

A structure 26 is arranged on the chassis 12, on which the corresponding components of the floor cleaning machine 10, such as a travel drive, are arranged.

The chassis 12 has a front end 28 and a rear end 30. The front wheel device 14 lies at the front end 28 and the rear wheel device 16 lies at the rear end 30.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has a forward driving direction 32, which corresponds to the direction from the rear end 30 to the front end 28.

The chassis 12 also has side ends 34, 36. The side ends 34, 36 are opposite.

The floor cleaning machine 10 comprises tool devices 38 Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, four tool devices are provided (three of which are visible in the illustration).

A tool device 38 has a tool holder 40. The tool holder 40 is held on the chassis 12 via a holding device 42; the holding device 42 can directly on the chassis 12 be held or held indirectly on an element which in turn is fixed to the chassis 12.

A cleaning tool 44 of the tool device 38 sits on the tool holder 40 as a tillage tool.

In principle, it is also possible for a soil cultivation tool other than a cleaning tool to sit on the tool device 38, such as, for example, a mowing tool, a snow blade, a floating bar, etc. In particular, it is provided that the floor cleaning machine 10 can alternatively be operated with a plurality of soil cultivation tools (cf. also the embodiment according to Figure 17 ).

A rotary drive 46 is arranged on the tool holder 40, by means of which a cleaning tool 44 seated on the tool holder 40 can be rotated about an axis of rotation 48.

In one embodiment, a cleaning tool 44 is designed as a sweeping tool 50. The sweeping tool 50 is designed in particular as a plate brush with a brush plate 52. Brushes 54 are held on the brush plate 52. These brushes 54 are oriented without an application of force at an obtuse angle 56 to the brush plate 52 (cf. for example Figure 3 (b) ).

The angle 46 is, for example, approximately 135 °.

A lower end 58 of the brushes 54 lies on an envelope plane 60. Without applying force to the brushes 54, the envelope plane 60 and the brush plate 52 are oriented parallel to one another.

For a cleaning operation, the floor cleaning machine 10 with the front wheel device 14 and the rear wheel device 16 is on a floor 62 to be cleaned (cf. for example Figure 3 (b) ) set up. About the Holding device 42, the distance of a cleaning tool 44 to the floor 62 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance of the tool holder 40 to the floor 62.

The floor cleaning machine 10 has tool devices 38a, 38b which are arranged in the region of the front end 28 of the chassis 12. The corresponding cleaning tools 44 of these tool devices 38a, 38b protrude beyond the front end 28. They also protrude beyond the side ends 34 and 38, respectively.

When the floor cleaning machine 10 approaches an obstacle, such as a wall, which is oriented transversely to the floor 62, one or more cleaning tools 44 of the tool devices 38a, 38b first hit this obstacle.

The holding device 42 (cf. the Figures 2 to 16 ) comprises a polygonal link 64. The polygonal link 64 has a first cross strut 66. The first cross strut 66 is fixedly attached to the chassis 12 and in particular is fixed directly to the chassis 12.

The polygonal link 64 further comprises a second cross strut 68. This second cross strut 68 is spaced apart from the first cross strut 66.

The second transverse strut 68 is in particular oriented parallel to the first transverse strut 66 (the polygonal link 64 is then a parallelogram link) or at an acute angle thereto (the polygonal link 64 is then a trapezoidal link).

A fixing device 70 is arranged on the second cross strut 68. The tool holder 40 is firmly fixed to the second cross strut 68 via this fixing device 70.

It is fundamentally possible that an angular position of the tool holder 40 relative to the second cross strut 68 can be determined. For example, a screw connection or bolt connection is provided, by means of which such an angular position can be set. Such an adjusted angular position cannot be varied during operation of the floor cleaning machine 10.

Furthermore, the polygonal link 64 comprises a first longitudinal strut 72 and a spaced-apart second longitudinal strut 74. Relative to the direction of gravity g when the floor cleaning machine 10 stands on the floor 62, the first longitudinal strut 72 lies above the second longitudinal strut 74.

The first longitudinal strut 72 is articulated to the first cross strut 66 via a first swivel joint 76. The first swivel joint 76 defines a first swivel axis 78 about which the first longitudinal strut 72 can be swiveled relative to the first cross strut 66. For example in Figure 3 (a) is the first pivot axis 78 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

Furthermore, the first longitudinal strut 72 is articulated to the second cross strut 68 via a second swivel joint 80. The second swivel joint 80 defines a second swivel axis 82 which is parallel to the first swivel axis 78. The second cross strut 68 can be pivoted relative to the first longitudinal strut 72 about this second pivot axis 82.

Furthermore, the second longitudinal strut 74 is articulated to the first cross strut 66 via a third swivel joint 84. The third swivel joint 84 enables the second longitudinal strut 74 to swivel about a third swivel axis 86. This third swivel axis 86 is parallel to the first swivel axis 78.

Furthermore, the second longitudinal strut 74 of the polygonal link 64 is articulated to the second cross strut 68 via a fourth swivel joint 88. The fourth swivel joint 88 enables the second cross strut 68 to swivel about a fourth swivel axis 90 on the second longitudinal strut 74.

The fourth pivot axis 90 lies parallel to the first pivot axis 78.

Points on the pivot axes 78, 82, 86, 90 at the same height (for example penetration points on the drawing plane) form the corner points of a polygon. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the polygon is a trapezoid, so that the polygonal link 64 is a trapezoidal link.

The distance between the first pivot axis 78 and the third pivot axis 86, which is a distance on the first cross strut 66, is fixed.

Furthermore, the distance between the second pivot axis 82 and the fourth pivot axis 90, which is a distance on the second cross strut 68, is fixed.

The distance between the first pivot axis 78 and the second pivot axis 82, which is a distance on the first longitudinal strut 72, is also fixed.

A spring device 72 is integrated in the second longitudinal strut 74.

The second longitudinal strut 74 has a first region 94 which is articulated to the second cross strut 68 via the fourth swivel joint 88. This first area 94 of the second longitudinal strut 74 is of fixed length.

Furthermore, the second longitudinal strut 74 has a second region 96. This second area 96 is also of fixed length and is articulated to the first cross strut 68 via the third swivel joint 84. The spring device 92 is connected to the first area 94 and to the second area 96 and lies between them.

In particular, the spring device 92 comprises a spring 98 and in particular a helical spring, which is connected to the first region 94 is connected to the second area 96 and is thereby connected between the first area 94 and the second area 96.

Due to the spring device 92, which is integrated in the longitudinal strut 74, the length of the second longitudinal strut is variable, depending on the state of expansion or compression of the spring device 92.

The first cross strut 66, the second cross strut 68 and the first longitudinal strut 72 are fixed in length (in particular based on the distances between the corresponding pivot axes). As mentioned, the second longitudinal strut 74 is variable in length. The distance between the third pivot axis 86 and the fourth pivot axis 90 depends on the state of the spring device 92.

A spring force 100 of the spring device 92 acts in a direction 102 which corresponds on one side of the polygon of the polygonal link 64 on the second longitudinal strut 74.

In Figure 15 the relationship is shown schematically, where the polygonal link is shown as a parallelogram link; the first longitudinal strut 72, the first cross strut 66 and the second cross strut 68 have a fixed length. The spring device 92 is integrated into the second longitudinal strut 74 and enables the length of the second longitudinal strut 74 to be changed between the third pivot axis 86 and the fourth pivot axis 90.

This length variability on the second longitudinal strut 74 enables, as will be explained in more detail below, a change in shape of the polygon of the polygon link 64. This change in shape in turn enables a change in position of the tool holder 40, which is fixed relative to the second cross strut 68. The change in shape of the polygonal link then controls a change in position of the tool holder 40.

The spring device 92 is designed to be relatively hard in order to provide a sufficiently rigid second longitudinal strut 74 during "normal operation". In particular, the spring rate of the spring device 92 is at least 10 N / mm and preferably at least 20 N / mm and preferably at least 30 N / mm and preferably at least 40 N / mm and in particular at least 50 N / mm and preferably at least 55 N / mm.

In one embodiment, the spring rate is approximately 61 N / mm.

An adjusting device 104 is assigned to the holding device 42 (cf. for example Figures 3 (a) and 3 (b) ). The adjusting device 104 is used to adjust the height and to establish a set height position of the holding device 42 and thus the tool holder 40 relative to the chassis 12 or to the floor 62.

In one exemplary embodiment, the adjusting device acts on the first longitudinal strut 72. For this purpose, the adjusting device 104 comprises a driven, length-adjustable member 106. This member 106 is articulated to the first longitudinal strut 72 via a first articulation point 108. It is articulated to the first cross strut 66 via a second articulation point 110.

By increasing the length of the length-adjustable member 106, the first longitudinal strut 72 is driven pivoted upward away from the floor 62. As a result, the tool holder 40 is raised with the cleaning tool 44.

By shortening the length of the link 106, the first longitudinal strut 72 is pivoted downward toward the floor 62. This allows the cleaning tool 44 to be lowered for a working position on the floor 62.

The determinable length-variable member 106 is, for example, a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

It is also possible for the adjusting device 104 to have a motor drive, and in particular an electric motor drive, which acts on the first longitudinal strut 72, for example, in the region of the first swivel joint 76.

In the Figures 2 . 3 . 4 the tool holder with the cleaning tool 44 is shown in a transport position 112. In this transport position 112, the cleaning tool 44 is lifted off the floor 62, so that the envelope plane 60 is completely spaced apart from the floor 62 and in particular is at least approximately parallel spaced apart.

In a working position 114 (cf. for example the Figures 1 and 11 (a) ) of the cleaning tool 44, brushes 54 touch the floor 62. The envelope plane 60 is oriented at an acute angle 116 to the floor 62. This acute angle is, for example, on the order of 5 to 15 °. In principle, different working positions 114 are possible; for example, the brushing tool 44 can be “lowered” when the brush is worn.

The polygonal link 64 is dimensioned such that in the working position 114 there is the acute angle 116 of the cleaning tool 44 to the floor 62 that is desired for a good cleaning result, and in the transport position 112, which is not a working position for the cleaning tool, the cleaning tool 44 with the envelope plane 60 is oriented at least approximately parallel to the floor 62 on which the floor cleaning machine 10 is installed.

This dimensioning is achieved by a corresponding length dimensioning of the struts 66, 68, 72, 74 of the polygonal link 64.

A stop 118 is assigned to the second longitudinal strut 74 ( Figure 4 ). The stop 118 is arranged, for example, on the first cross strut 66 and fixed relative to the latter.

The stop 118 is not effective in the working position 114. It only becomes effective when, starting from a certain transport position 112, the first longitudinal strut 72 is actively pivoted upward. A tilting transport position 120 ( Figures 5 to 10 ) to reach.

The second longitudinal strut 74, associated with its second region 96, has a counter region 122 for the stop 118.

The counter region 122 lies opposite the stop 118. If the longitudinal strut 72 is pivoted upward away from the floor 62 via the adjusting device 104, then the counter region 122 is moved in the direction of the stop 118.

The stop 118 is arranged and designed in relation to the counter region 122 such that in the working position 114 (a plurality of working positions 114 can be provided) and in or shortly before the transport position with the envelope plane 60 parallel to the floor 62 and in all intermediate positions in between the counter region 122 does not abut the stop 118.

In Figure 8 such an intermediate position is shown.

By further swiveling the first longitudinal strut 72 upward, the counter region 122 comes to rest against the stop 118 (cf. Figure 9 ). In particular, the stop 118 is arranged and designed in relation to the counter region 122 such that this stop is achieved precisely when the transport position 112 is reached with the cleaning tool 44 parallel (at least approximately) with respect to its envelope plane 60 to the floor 12 starting from this position of the second longitudinal strut 74 relative to the first cross strut 66 (which is set by a corresponding position of the first longitudinal strut 72 relative to the first cross strut 66), the first longitudinal strut 72 further upwards is pivoted, then the second region 96 of the second longitudinal strut 74 abuts the stop 118 and can no longer follow the pivoting movement of the first longitudinal strut 72.

As a result, there is a constraint on the polygonal link 64 which causes the spring device 92 to move out of a basic position 124 (cf. for example Figure 8 ) is moved out; the spring 98 is stretched. This increases the length of the second longitudinal strut 74 between the third pivot axis 86 and the fourth pivot axis 90. This increase in length compared to an initial length of the second longitudinal strut 74 causes the tool holder 14 with the cleaning tool 44 to pivot relative to the chassis 12 or to the floor 62 and the tilting transport position 120 is reached.

This is based on the Figures 6 (a) to 6 (c) explained again.

By abutting the counter region 122 against the stop 118 and further pivoting the first longitudinal axis 72 upward, the spring device 92 is moved with the spring 98 in the direction 102 (cf. Figure 6 (a) ) stretched.

As a result, the polygon of the polygonal link 64 on the second longitudinal strut 74 is stretched. This is in Figure 15 shown schematically.

This in turn causes the tool holder 40 to pivot relative to the front 62 away from the bottom 62. The front end 126 is closer to the second cross strut 68 than to the first cross strut 66. This front end 126 of the cleaning tool 44 faces away from the first cross strut 66.

In the embodiment shown in the Figures 6 is the clockwise rotation.

In the area of the front end 126, the distance D from the floor 62 increases. In the area of a rear end 162 of the cleaning tool 44, which is closest to the first cross strut 66, the distance is maintained.

By increasing the distance D from the floor 62 at the front end 162, the rampability of the floor cleaning machine 10 in the tilting transport position 120 of the tool holder 40 with the cleaning tool 44 is increased. In comparison to the transport position 112 with an approximately parallel orientation of the envelope plane 60 to the floor 62, the distance D is increased, in particular to be able to drive onto a ramp without the cleaning tool 44 increasing the ramp in the region of the front end 126.

In Figure 7 the transport position 112 with parallel orientation of the envelope plane 60 to the floor 62 and the tilting transport position 120 are shown for comparison.

The tilting transport position 120 is reached on the cleaning tool device 38 without an additional adjustment drive. An operator of the floor cleaning machine can actively set the tilting transport position 120.

The length-adjustable design of the second longitudinal strut 74 with the spring device 92 allows the length of the second longitudinal strut 74 to be changed by introducing force into the polygonal link 64 by means of the stop 118, and the tilting transport position 120 can be reached.

The floor cleaning machine 10 can thus be implemented in a structurally simple manner with increased ramp mobility.

As already mentioned, the spring device 92 is arranged and designed in this case and in particular has such a great spring hardness that the variable-length design of the second longitudinal strut 74 only becomes effective comes when the counter region 122 abuts the stop 118 and the first longitudinal strut 72 is then pivoted upward.

A constraint is thereby introduced and ultimately an external force is introduced which leads to an extension of the spring device 92 with respect to the basic position 124 and thus to an extension of the second longitudinal strut 74 with respect to an initial length between the third pivot axis 86 and the fourth pivot axis 90 leads.

A typical way of changing the length of the second longitudinal strut is about 1 cm.

In working position 114 ( Figures 10 . 11 ), the cleaning tool 44 is lowered on the floor 62 via the adjustment device 104 such that the brushes 54 touch the floor 62, the acute angle 116 being set as mentioned. In this working position 114, the spring device 92 has no function. The spring device 92 is adjusted with regard to its spring hardness such that the second longitudinal strut 74 can be regarded as rigid (fixed in length).

It can happen that in the working position 114 the cleaning tool 44 hits an obstacle 130 ( Figure 13 (a) ) abuts, the obstacle being oriented transversely to the floor 62. By bumping into the obstacle 130, forces are exerted on the tool device 38 and the holding device 42, which under certain circumstances can lead to damage.

The forces arising from the impact on the obstacle 130 are directed onto the polygonal link 64. Basically, the first cross strut 66, the second cross strut 68 and the first longitudinal strut 72 are rigid.

The second longitudinal strut 74 is not rigidly constructed via the spring device 92. Forces which act with a force component 132 parallel to the direction 102 can lead to compression of the spring device 92. This shortens the second longitudinal strut 74, that is to say the distance between the third pivot axis 86 and the fourth pivot axis 90 is shortened. This in turn causes the cleaning tool 44 to rotate relative to the floor 62.

Compared to its basic setting 124, the spring device 92 is compressed when the force components 132 are sufficiently large. The length of the second longitudinal strut 74 is thereby shortened compared to its initial length.

This in turn causes an increase in the acute angle 116 with which the cleaning tool 44 is oriented with its envelope plane 60 relative to the floor 62. A distance between the rear end 128 and the floor 62 increases.

This enlargement is also made possible by the fact that the brushes 54 are designed to be correspondingly flexible and can be bent at the bottom 62.

As a result, the cleaning tool 44 swings to a certain extent away from the obstacle 130 and thereby avoids the acting force.

In the presentation according to the Figures 13 (a) to 13 (c) is the corresponding evasive pivoting movement of the tool holder 40 with the cleaning tool 44 counterclockwise.

As a result, the force load on the cleaning tool 44 is reduced and the risk of damage is reduced.

A corresponding "short" bumping of the cleaning tool against an obstacle 130 can often occur in a cleaning operation in the working position 114 of the cleaning tool 44.

The solution according to the invention reduces a load of force in a structurally simple manner and thereby reduces the risk of damage to the cleaning tool 44 and also the holding device 42.

The cleaning tool 44 can deflect through the spring device 92.

In Figure 14 The working position 114 for the cleaning tool 44 is shown schematically and an evasive position in which the cleaning tool 44 deviates from an obstacle 130 against which the cleaning tool 44 bumps.

After the removal of the obstacle 130, for example when the floor cleaning machine 10 resets somewhat, the spring force of the spring device 92 causes a reset; the spring device 92 returns to its basic position 124, which is then the working position 114, in which the cleaning tool 14 lies with the specific acute angle 116 to the floor 62. The cleaning process can continue.

An exemplary embodiment was explained above in which the spring device 92 is on the second longitudinal strut 74. Such a design is structurally advantageous, in particular if the second longitudinal strut 74 lies below the first longitudinal strut 72 in relation to the direction of gravity g and the first longitudinal strut 72 is actively pivoted (via the adjusting device 104).

It is also possible for a corresponding spring device to be arranged on one or more other struts in order to provide a strut which is variable in length.

In a schematic embodiment, which in Figure 16 a length-fixed first cross strut 66, a length-fixed first longitudinal strut 72, a length-fixed second cross strut 74 and a variable-length second cross strut 68 'are provided, a spring device 92' being integrated in the second cross strut 68 '.

A corresponding polygonal link works as described above with reference to the polygonal link 64.

For some applications it can be advantageous if a spring device 92 'is oriented in the cross strut 68' on which the tool holder 40 is seated.

For example, it is also possible for a spring device to be integrated in the first longitudinal strut 72 and / or in the first cross strut 66.

According to the invention, a holding device 42 is provided for a tool device (and in particular a cleaning tool device), in which at least one strut of a polygonal link 64 is of variable length. This variable-length training is passive. The variable-length design is achieved by integrating a spring device 92, 92 '. The spring device 92, 92 'is so hard that for the "normal" application the corresponding strut with the spring device 92, 92' can be regarded as rigid. The normal operation is a normal cleaning operation or a transport operation in which, for example, the cleaning tool 44 with its envelope plane 60 is oriented parallel to a floor 62.

The variable-length training can be used to actively or controlledly increase ramp mobility. The adjustment device 104, by means of which a height adjustment of the cleaning tool with respect to the chassis 12 or the floor 62 is made possible, can be used to increase a distance at the front end 126 to the floor without an additional adjustment drive having to be provided.

The passive spring device 92, 92 'is used to design the polygonal link 64 to be variable in length and thereby to achieve a defined pivoting of the tool holder 40 in order to increase ramp mobility.

Furthermore, the spring device 92, 92 ′ can be used to automatically avoid obstacles 130 in a working position 114 of the cleaning tool 44 and thereby to reduce a mechanical load on the cleaning tool 44 and the holding device 42.

By integrating a spring device 92, 92 'into at least one longitudinal strut (for example into the second longitudinal strut 74), the length can be both increased and decreased in relation to an initial length of the corresponding strut 74. As a result, ramp mobility can be increased and evasion when approaching an obstacle 130 is made possible.

As a result, a floor cleaning machine 10 is provided which is structurally simple in terms of the tool device 38 and the holding device 42 and has an expanded functionality.

The functioning of the floor cleaning machine 10 was described with respect to the polygonal link 64 using a cleaning tool 44. Other tillage tools can also be used with the inventive solution, such as, for example, mowing tools, snow blades, floating bars, etc.

Another embodiment of a floor cleaning machine, which in Figure 17 Shown in a schematic side view and denoted by 150 comprises a chassis 152. A front wheel device 154 and a rear wheel device 156 are arranged on the chassis 152. The front wheel device 154 includes left and right front wheels and the Rear wheel assembly 156 includes left and right rear wheels. In Figure 17 the left front wheel and the left rear wheel are visible.

The chassis 152 is designed as an articulated link with a front part 158 and a rear part 160. The front wheel device 154 sits on the front part 158. The rear wheel device 156 sits on the rear part 160. The front part 158 and the rear part 160 are over one Articulated joint 162 connected. The articulated joint 162 is positioned between the front wheel device 154 and the rear wheel device 156.

A pivot axis 164 of the articulated joint 162 is oriented perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the front wheel device 154 or the rear wheel device 156. The pivot axis 164 of the articulated joint 162 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicularly to a flat floor 166 on which the floor cleaning machine 150 stands.

A driver's cabin 168 is arranged on the chassis 152 on the front part 158.

In one exemplary embodiment, a structure 170 is arranged on the rear part 160 of the chassis 152, which in particular comprises a dirt collecting container 174.

In particular, a motor housing 172 is arranged on the rear part 160, in which a drive motor for the floor cleaning machine 150 is positioned. The floor cleaning machine 150 is then rear-driven.

The body 170 is mounted on the motor housing 172.

The floor cleaning machine 150 comprises a blower device which is arranged on the structure 170 or in the motor housing 172 and which is used to generate a suction stream.

A suction pipe 176 leads into the dirt collecting container 174. A corresponding suction mouth of the suction pipe 176 is arranged below the chassis 152 and in particular below the front part 158 in the region of the front wheel device 154. The suction stream generated sucks in coarse dirt, which is collected in the dirt collecting container 174.

The chassis 152 has a front end 178 and a rear end 180. The front end 178 lies on the front part 158 and the rear end 180 lies on the rear part 160.

A first tool device and a second tool device are located on the front part 158 of the chassis 152 in the region of the front end 178. These tool devices are basically of the same design as the tool device 38 described above and the same reference number is therefore used.

The tool devices 38 protrude beyond the front end 178 of the chassis. They form a front end of the floor cleaning machine 150.

They also protrude laterally beyond the chassis 152 and form an outer lateral end of the floor cleaning machine 150 on the left and right. The floor cleaning machine 150 has its greatest width at the tool devices 38.

The tool devices 38 are held on the chassis 152 via respective holding devices. These holding devices are basically constructed in the same way as the holding devices 42. The same reference number is therefore used as in the floor cleaning machine 10.

In one exemplary embodiment, the floor cleaning machine 150 is designed as a municipal sweeper. In this case, the Tool device 38 as a tillage tool, a cleaning tool, namely a sweeping tool.

It is also possible for the tool device 38 of the floor cleaning machine 150 to be operated with other tillage tools, such as, for example, with mowing tools, scrubbing tools, snow blades, floating bars, etc. In particular, the tool device 38 is designed such that different tillage tools can be operated on it or the holding device 42 is so formed that different tool devices can be fixed and operated on it.

It is also possible that different combinations of tool device and holding device can be mounted on the chassis 152 in order to enable different possible uses for the floor cleaning machine 10.

With regard to the polygonal link 64, the floor cleaning machine 150 functions as described above with reference to the floor cleaning machine 10.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Floor cleaning machine

12

chassis

14

front facility

16

rear facility

18

Right rear wheel

20

Steerable front wheel

22

driver's seat

24

steering wheel

26

cultivation

28

front end

30

rear end

32

Forward direction

34

bottom of page

36

bottom of page

38

tooling

38a

tooling

38b

tooling

40

tool holder

42

holder

44

Tillage tool

46

rotary drive

48

axis of rotation

50

sweeping tool

52

brush plate

54

to brush

56

angle

58

The End

60

Einhüllendenebene

62

ground

64

Polygonallenker

66

First cross strut

68

Second cross strut

68 '

Second cross strut

70

fixing device

72

First longitudinal strut

74

Second strut

74 '

Second strut

76

First swivel joint

78

First pivot axis

80

Second swivel joint

82

Second swivel axis

84

Third swivel joint

86

Third pivot axis

88

Fourth swivel joint

90

Fourth swivel axis

92

spring means

92 '

spring means

94

First area

96

Second area

98

coil spring

100

spring force

102

direction

104

adjustment

106

element

108

First articulation point

110

Second articulation point

112

transport position

114

working position

116

acute angle

118

attack

120

Tipping transport position

122

counter area

124

initial position

126

Front end

128

Rear end

130

obstacle

132

force component

150

Floor cleaning machine (second embodiment)

152

chassis

154

front facility

156

rear facility

158

Front part

160

Back part

162

articulated

164

swivel axis

166

ground

168

cab

170

construction

172

motor housing

174

dirt collection

176

suction tube

178

front end

180

rear end

Claims (16)

1. Ground-cleaning machine, comprising

   - a chassis (12; 152),

   - at least one tool device (38) having at least one tool holder (40) and having a ground treatment tool (44) seated on the at least one tool holder (40), and

   - a mounting device (42) which mounts the at least one tool holder (40) on the chassis (12; 152),

   wherein the mounting device (42) comprises a polygonal linkage (64) having a first transverse strut (66), which is fixed relative to the chassis (12; 152), having a second transverse strut (68), relative to which the at least one tool holder (40) is fixed, having a first longitudinal strut (72), which is articulated to the first transverse strut (66) via a first pivot joint (76) in such a way as to be pivotable about a first pivot axle (78) and which is articulated to the second transverse strut (68) via a second pivot joint (80) in such a way as to be pivotable about a second pivot axle (82), and having a second longitudinal strut (74), which is articulated to the first transverse strut (66) via a third pivot joint (84) in such a way as to be pivotable about a third pivot axle (86) and which is articulated to the second transverse strut (68) via a fourth pivot joint (88) in such a way as to be pivotable about a fourth pivot axle (90), wherein a spring device (92) is integrated in at least one strut (74) of the polygonal linkage (64), by means of which spring device a length of the corresponding strut (74) between pivot axes (86, 90) for the at least one strut (74) is variable as a function of a force acting on the polygonal linkage (64),
   characterized in that a stop (118) is assigned to the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92), which stop is effective at a defined height position of the mounting device (42) relative to the chassis (12; 152), and in that the stop (118) is configured such that it blocks a mobility of a region (96) of the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) when the region (96) bears against the stop (118), and then the at least one strut (74) can be extended by way of the spring device (92).
2. Ground-cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the first transverse strut (66) is of fixed length and/or the second transverse strut (68) is of fixed length.
3. Ground-cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring device (92) is integrated in the first longitudinal strut (72) and/or the second longitudinal strut (74).
4. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) is arranged and configured on the polygonal linkage (64) such that the shape of a polygon formed between the pivot axes (78, 82, 86, 90) is variable as a result of a change in length of the at least one strut (74) by the spring device (92), wherein in particular a change in shape of the polygon brings about a change in position of the at least one tool holder (40) relative to the chassis (12).
5. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) is arranged and configured on the polygonal linkage (64) such that an effective, sufficiently large force on the polygonal linkage (64) brings about a relative pivoting of the at least one tool holder (40) relative to the chassis (12; 152) or to the ground (62; 166) on which the ground-cleaning machine is situated.
6. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) has such a minimum hardness that the forces occurring during a normal ground treatment operation do not bring about any relevant change in position of the at least one tool holder (40) relative to the chassis (12; 152).
7. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring rate of the spring device (92) is at least 10 N/mm and in particular at least 20 N/mm and in particular at least 30 N/mm and in particular at least 40 N/mm and in particular at least 50 N/mm and in particular at least 55 N/mm.
8. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the polygonal linkage (64) is configured as a trapezoidal linkage or parallelogram linkage.
9. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) has a first region (94) which is of fixed length and which is arranged on a pivot joint (88), a second region (96) which is of fixed length and which is arranged on a further pivot joint (84), and at least one spring (98) which is fixed to the first region (94) and the second region (96) and is positioned between the first region (94) and the second region (96).
10. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) is integrated in the second longitudinal strut (74) and the first longitudinal strut (72) is of fixed length, wherein, with respect to the direction of gravity (g), the first longitudinal strut (72) is arranged above the second longitudinal strut (74) when the ground-cleaning machine is situated on the ground (62), and/or an adjusting device (104) acts on the first longitudinal strut (72) in order to set a height position of the tool holder (40) relative to the ground (62).
11. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) has a basic position (124), by which an initial length of the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) is defined, and in that a spring force strives to bring the spring device (92) into the basic position (124), and in particular in that the length of the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) can be decreased or increased in relation to the initial length as a function of the acting force, and in particular in that, if the length is decreased in relation to the initial length, a relative tilting of the at least one tool holder (40) is brought about, during which a distance between the ground (62) and an end (128) of a cleaning tool (44) that faces towards the first transverse strut (66) increases, and in particular in that, if the length is increased in relation to the initial length, a relative tilting of the at least one tool holder (40) is brought about, during which a distance between the ground (62; 166) and an end (126) of a ground treatment tool (44) that faces away from the first transverse strut (66) increases.
12. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by an adjusting device (104) which is assigned to the mounting device (42) and by which a height distance between the at least one tool holder (40) and the ground (62; 166) on which the ground-cleaning machine is situated can be discernibly set, and in particular characterized by one or more working positions (114) of the at least one tool device (38), in which one or more ground treatment tools (44) act on the ground (62; 166) to be cleaned, and one or more transport positions (112), in which the ground treatment tool(s) (44) are at a distance from the ground (62; 166), and in particular in that the adjusting device (104) comprises at least one driven, length-adjustable member (106) which is articulated by a first articulation point (108) to the first longitudinal strut (72) or the second longitudinal strut (74) and is articulated by a second articulation point (110) to the first transverse strut (66) or to the chassis (12), wherein a distance between the first articulation point (108) and the second articulation point (110) can be discernibly set by the length-adjustable member (106).
13. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring device (92) is arranged and configured on the polygonal linkage (64) such that, when force acts on the at least one ground treatment tool (44) with a sufficiently large force component along a spring force action direction (102) of the spring device (92), a length of the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) decreases.
14. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (118) is effective in a transport position (112) of the at least one tool holder (40).
15. Ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one tool holder (40) is assigned a rotary drive (86) for the ground treatment tool (44), which in particular is seated on the at least one tool holder (40), and/or in that the at least one tool device (38) is configured as a cleaning tool device, and in that the ground treatment tool (44) is a cleaning tool such as a sweeping tool or scrubbing tool.
16. Method for operating a ground-cleaning machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which, in a transport position (112), a distance between the ground (62; 166) and an end (126) of a cleaning tool (44) that faces away from the first transverse strut (66) is increased in that the mounting device (42) is pivoted away from the ground (62; 166) and the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) bears with a region (96) against a stop (118), as a result of which the length of the at least one strut (74) having the spring device (92) is increased.

Images