[0001] The invention concerns to an apparatus for a brushing device, which brushing device
is intended for brush rings and which includes a shaft arranged for the said brush
rings, and an axial locking profile fitted to the shaft to prevent the rotation of
the brush rings. In addition, the invention also concerns an arrangement in a brushing
device using brush rings, a set of brushes for the brushing device, and a method for
changing the brushing mode in a brushing device.
[0002] One example of a brush ring is disclosed in Finnish patent
FI 102350 (
EP 1009254 B1). The user of the brushing device has typically their own set of device for the brush
rings. It includes a shaft adapted to the brush rings, on which the brush rings are
set axially. The setting takes place in such a way that the locking members of each
brush ring, such as, for example a radial pin arranged on the inner circumference
of the base part of the ring, coincides with a locking groove or similar locking profile
of the shaft. As a result, the brush ring is not able to rotate relative to the shaft.
[0003] The brushing device's user can also have a separate strip brush system, in addition
to the brush ring. In it the brushing device's shaft is grooved, being often made
as an aluminium profile, for example by extrusion. The strips are placed axially in
the grooves formed in the shaft's circumference. Finally, end-locks are attached to
both shaft ends. They hold the strips in place axially.
[0004] Equipping with both brush types has a considerable effect on cost. Each brush type
must have its own shaft. In addition, strip-brush shafts do not even exist for all
brushing machines. It can be difficult to change the brush strips on the strip-brush
shaft. The grooves in it, into which the strips are placed, collect dirt and sand.
However, a strip brush would suit some work better than a brush ring. One example
is brushing snow. However, due to the above reasons, the threshold to equipment investment
is often too great to allow strip-brush readiness to be arranged alongside a ring
brush.
[0005] The present invention is intended to create an apparatus, arrangement, set of brushes,
and method, by which it is simple to change from one type of brush to the other, and
in addition to create cost-effective brushing readiness for both brush types. The
characteristic features of the apparatus, arrangement, set of brushes, and method
according to the invention are stated in the accompanying Claims 1, 11, 14, and 15.
[0006] The apparatus according to the invention is an adapter for arranging brush strips
on a shaft intended for brush rings. The adapter includes an annular base part. The
base part is arranged to be locked in circumferential direction from its inner circumference
to the axial locking profile fitted to the shaft. In addition, the base part belonging
to the adapter is equipped from its outer circumference with fits shaped like the
base of the brush strip to receive the brush strips and to arrange them on a shaft
intended for brush rings, using the adapter.
[0007] The adapter can also be called an adapter ring. Its inner circumference is arranged
to lock in circumferential direction to the shaft and the outer circumference has
a fit corresponding to the brush strip's base, in order to receive brush strips. Together
with several similar adapters, the adapters form an elongated attachment arrangement
on the shaft, for example in the form of a groove space. A brush strip is to be fitted
into it by threading it axially by its base.
[0008] According to one embodiment, at least some of the adapters can alternate axially
to extend in both directions, so that the effective length of the attachment points
formed by them for strip brush element increases considerably when placing the adapters
on the shaft opposite to the axially oriented protrusions. This lightens the construction.
In addition, fewer adapters are needed.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the adapters include opposing axial locking members
as circumferentially oriented catch, to prevent the adapters' mutual rotation on the
shaft.
[0010] In addition to the apparatus, i.e. the adapter, the invention also relates to an
arrangement, which includes several adapters, and also a set of brushes, which includes
a shaft and a group of strip brushes in addition to several adapters. According to
one embodiment, the arrangement includes ends arranged to be attached to the shaft,
to prevent the adapters, and thus also the brush strips attached to them, from coming
off the shaft axially. Other characteristic features of the invention will become
apparent from the accompanying Claims and additional advantages obtained are itemized
in the description portion.
[0011] In the following, the invention, which is not restricted to the embodiments presented,
is described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which
- Figure 1a
- shows an adapter ring in an axonometric projection and a detail of it in an insert,
- Figures 1b and 1c
- show projections of the adapter ring shown in Figure 1a, seen from the side and above,
- Figure 2a
- shows an axial assembly of several adapter rings on the brushing device's shaft,
- Figure 2b
- shows an adapter ring arranged on a shaft intended for brush rings, seen from the
end,
- Figure 2c
- shows the brush-ring shaft, shown in Figures 2a and 2b, without the adapter ring,
seen from the end,
- Figure 3a
- shows the assembly shown in Figures 2a and 2b, together with strip brushes,
- Figure 3b
- shows in detail the installation of a strip brush in the adapter and its end locking,
- Figures 4a and 4b
- show an axonometric view of an assembly like that of Figure 2a,
- Figure 5a
- shows a detail of a two-attitude adapter ring, concerning a radial locking profile
fitted to it,
- Figures 5b and 5c
- show the two-attitude adapter ring shown in Figure 5a in different attitudes on the
shaft,
- Figures 6a and 6b
- show the positioning of the adapter ring in two attitudes corresponding to Figures
5b and 5c,
- Figure 7a
- shows the assembly of two-attitude adapter rings on the shaft,
- Figure 7b
- shows a strip brush when using two-attitude adapter rings,
- Figure 8a
- shows an example of a set of brushes according to the invention,
- Figure 8b
- shows a single embodiment of a brush, which can be formed from the set of brushes
of Figure 8a,
- Figure 9
- shows an example of a brushing device, in which the invention can be applied,
- Figure 10
- shows an example of the packing of adapter rings in a small space, and
- Figure 12
- shows an example of the positioning of adapter rings relative to each other when assembling
an adapter element from them.
[0012] Figures 1a - 1c show one example of the apparatus 10' according to the invention,
for the brushing device 33, and even more particularly the brush 43 of the brushing
device 33. Figure 9, in turn, shows an example of one brushing device 33. The brushing
device 33 is intended for brush rings 31. It includes a shaft 20 arranged for the
brush rings 31 (Figures 8a and 8b). For this purpose, an axial A locking profile 22
is fitted to the shaft 20 to prevent the brush rings 31 from rotating on the shaft
20. In a brush ring 31 there is in turn one or more radial locking members 13'. It
can be arranged to lock to the locking profile 22 formed for it on the shaft 20. These
are shown, for example, in Figure 8a.
[0013] Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c show an example of an individual apparatus 10'. The apparatus
10' is more particularly an adapter 10 for arranging brush strips 50, 50' on the shaft
20 intended, i.e. adapted for brush rings 31. A schematic example of the brush strips
50, 50' is shown in Figures 3a, 3b, 7, 8a, and 8b. An annular base part 12 can be
said to belong to the adapter 10. Its side profile forms a closed circular ring. The
base part 12 can be said to have an inner circumference 17 and an outer circumference
18. The adapter 10 can be arranged to lock by the inner circumference 17 of its annular
base part 12 in the circumferential direction to axial A locking profile 22 fitted
to the shaft 20. For example, Figures 2b - 4a show an example of this locking and
its creation. In addition, the adapter 10 is on the outer circumference 18 of its
annular base part 12 equipped with fits 14 arranged in the shape of the base 54 of
the brush strip 50, 50'. The fits 14 are arranged to receive the brush strips 50,
50' and in this way to be attached to the adapter 10, and even more particularly to
its annular base part 12. Thus the fits 14 are also to arrange the brush strips 50,
50', using the adapter 10, on the shaft 20 intended for the brush rings 31. This diversifies
considerably the possibilities of using the shaft 20 intended for the brush rings
31.
[0014] The adapter 10 includes a radial, i.e. radially oriented R locking profile 38 fitted
to the base part 12 in its inner circumference 17. The radial locking profile 38 is
fitted to the inner circumference 17 to lock the adapter 10 in the circumferential
direction to the axial A locking profile 22 fitted to the shaft 20. The radial locking
profile 38 can form one or more radial protrusions 13 fitted to the inner circumference
17 of the base part 12 shown for example in the case according to the embodiment.
The protrusion 13 of the locking profile 38 can also be termed a retainer. In the
embodiment shown, there are two protrusions 13, these being now on opposite sides
of the inner circumference 17. The protrusion 13, more generally the radial locking
profile 38, can be, for example, like BEELINE® brush rings (FI and EP patent referred
to in the description of the prior art).
[0015] One example of the axial A locking profile 22 fitted to the shaft 20 is shown, for
example, in Figures 2b - 4b and especially in Figure 2c, which shows the brush-ring
31 shaft 20 shown in Figures 2a and 2b without an adapter 10, seen from the end. In
the embodiment shown as an example, the axial A locking profile 22 is formed of two
elongated locking formations fitted to the shaft's 20 outer circumference 28. The
locking formation is now formed of an axial A groove strip 23 in the longitudinal
direction of the shaft 20. The groove strip 23 has a U-profile opening outwards from
the shaft 20. In the embodiment shown, the protrusion 13 lies between the arms 29
forming the U-profile, being in the space 37 formed between them.
[0016] According to one embodiment, the fit 14 arranged in the shape of the base 54 of the
brush strip 50, 50' is arranged to form a group of radial protrusions 15.1, 15.2 arranged
in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference 18 of the base part 12.
The annular base part 12 can thus also be lightened in this way. The protrusions 15.1,
15.2 are arranged consecutively on the outer circumference 18. Here a space 26 is
now arranged between the protrusions 15.1, 15.2. The space 26 forms, with several
similar adapters 10, a strip groove 24 acting as a groove space 19' arranged for the
shaft 20, more generally, an attachment arrangement 19. The space 26 is arranged in
the shape of the cross-sectional profile of the base 54 of the brush strip 50, 50'.
There are several protrusions 15.1, 15.2 on the outer circumference 18. Thus, they
form several spaces 26 on the circumference of the base part 12.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the radial protrusions 15.1, 15.2 forming the fits 14
are arranged in pairs in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference
of the base part 12 in the adapter 10. Pair formations can be implemented in several
different ways. One way to arranged the pairs is to form the base part 12 in such
a way that the adapter 10 is of its base part 12 arranged to extend axially. In other
words, the base part 12 then has a deformed structure. One example of this is an axially
A angularly zig-zag shaped base part 12. Then, when the adapters 10 are set on the
shaft 20, their circumferentially facing contacts surfaces 27 (Fig. 1c) are on both
sides alternately in contact laterally with the adjacent adapters 10. On one side
being contact with adjacent adapter the adapter 10 on the opposite side then is without
contact. Then in the case of the exemplary zig-zag-shaped adapter 10, the adapters
10 can together form honeycomb open places (the openings 42 in Fig. 4a) on the shaft
20.
[0018] More particularly, the adapter 10 can include axial A displacements arranged in its
base part 12, oriented alternately on opposite sides of the adapter 10 in its axial
direction A. Straight portions 39 then remain between the displacements. From the
outer surfaces 27 of the straight portions 39 the adapters 10 can be arranged against
each other when they are installed on the shaft 20.
[0019] Even more particularly, in the embodiment being described the base part 12 of the
adapter 10 is formed regularly in a straight line into a laterally bent construction.
Its base part 12 is then arranged to protrude laterally at an acute angle of, for
example 45°, from its base level. Thanks to the aforementioned arrangement, it is
first of all possible to assemble the adapters 10 on the shaft 20 by stacking the
consecutive adapters 10 on the brushing device's 33 shaft 20 alternately the right
way round and the wrong way round with a circumferential alignment. A honeycomb structure
formed by consecutive base parts 12, for example according to Figures 4a and 4b is
then created.
[0020] Particularly Figures 4a and 4b show clearly a construction arranged in the axial
A displacement formed using the adapter 10 and the honeycomb construction arranged
to be formed of the shaft 20 between two consecutive adapters 10. In it the displacements
in the base part 12 and the following subsequent straight portions 39 alternating
from one side to the other are arranged to form a hexagon on the shaft 20 between
the base parts 12 of the consecutively arranged adapters 10.
[0021] According to one embodiment, radial protrusions 15.1, 15.2 are arranged opposite
each other on the outer circumference 18 of the base part 12. The protrusions 15.1,
15.2 can then be in the circumferential direction of the base part 12 described above
on each of its straight portions 39. The pairing of the protrusions 15.1, 15.2 is
then implemented in such a way that each straight portion 39 has two protrusions.
A space 26 is then formed between the paired protrusions 15.1, 15.2 arranged in the
shape of the cross-sectional profile of the brush strip's 50, 50' base 54.
[0022] Due to the construction of the base part 12 now alternating axially A, the radial
protrusions 15.1, 15.2 are arranged divergently also axially A in the circumferential
direction of the base part's 12 outer circumference 18. This is caused by the lateral
displacement in the base part 12. Then the protrusions 15.1, 15.2, which are in the
base part 12 on consecutive straight portions 39, separate from each other circumferentially,
are on slightly different lines relative to each other axially A. On the other hand,
then too the protrusions 15.1, 15.2 can be said to be paired, but now also axially
A. This is because then too a circumferential space 26 forms between the protrusions
15.1, 15.2 on the consecutive straight portions 39, arranged in the shape of the cross-sectional
profile of the brush strip's 50, 50' base 54. Now, however, the protrusions 15.1,
15.2 delimiting the space are slightly displaced axially A due to the alternating
shape of the base part 12. In other words, a circumferential semi-profile 40 of the
base 54 is then arranged, relative to the space 26 arranged in the shape of the base
54 of the brush strip 50, 50' on the opposite side of the base part 12, in the radial
protrusions 15.1, 15.2 to form the space 26 formed in the base 54 with the second
protrusions 15.1', 15.2'. The second protrusions 15.1', 15.2' can thus be, for example,
radially divergent.
[0023] In order to arrange the spaces 26 between the protrusions 15.1, 15.2 into the cross-sectional
profile shape of the brush strip's 50, 50' base 54, there can be various formations
41 (Figure 5c) in them, which implement the shape-locking attachment principle. In
the case of the embodiment described, the formations 41 are circumferential claws
41.1, 41.2 fitted to the protrusions 15.1, 15.2. They permit the brush strips 50,
50' to be threaded axially A into the spaces 26 formed between the protrusions 15.1,
15.2. One skilled in the art will understand that the formations 41 can vary greatly
between different manufacturers of the brush strips 50, 50' and even between the same
manufacturer's different brush-strip models.
[0024] According to one embodiment, the adapter 10 includes axial locking members 16, 11
fitted to opposite sides of the base part 12, now as a circumferential safety catch.
According to one embodiment, this can be implemented with the aid of axial pins 16
arranged in the adapter 10 and corresponding holes 11 fitting to the pins 16, when
the adapters 10 are assembled consecutively on the shaft 20, for example according
to Figures 2a, 4a, and 4b. The adapters 10 axially in a cluster are firmly secured
on each other against rotation. Thus, if the inner-circumferential 17 protrusion 13
breaks in one of the adapters 10, the other adapters continue to hold it in place.
This feature also permits the adapters 10 to be handle in clusters of several adapters
10. The locations of the pins 16 and holes 11 in the flat surfaces 27 facing the sides
of the adapter 10 provide a guide to the correct orientation and support of the adapters
10 when they are installed on the brushing device's 33 shaft 20.
[0025] In addition to the adapters 10, the invention also relates to an arrangement in a
brushing device 33 using brush rings 31. In the following, the arrangement is described
in greater detail with reference to Figures 2a - 4b. This will also clarify the arrangement
of the adapter 10 and the shaft 20 relative to each other. The arrangement includes
a shaft 20 for brush rings 31, which shaft 20 includes an axial A locking profile
22 to prevent the rotation of the brush rings 31. The arrangement includes several
apparatuses 10', i.e. adapters 10 according to the invention. The adapters' 10 inner
circumference 17 is arranged to lock onto the shaft 20 in the circumferential direction
and on the outer circumference 18 there is in turn a fit 14 corresponding to the brush
strip's 50, 50' base 54 for receiving the brush strips 50, 50' in an elongated attachment
arrangement 19 formed of several adapter rings 10, which can be, for example, the
described elongated groove space 19'. Thus, when arranged on the shaft 20, the adapters
10 are arranged to form together an elongated groove space 19' to receive the brush
strips 50, 50' by their base parts 54.
[0026] One skilled in the art will understand that, instead of the groove space 19', the
attachment arrangement 19 can equally also be an elongated attachment rail (not shown)
formed by a radial protrusion of the adapter 10. The axial A cross-sectional profile
of the radial protrusion is then adapted to the shape of the brush strip's base. There
can then be a groove space in the base, to the shape of which the protrusion is adapted.
Thus a shape-locking male-female joint pair between the brush strips and the adapter's
10 outer circumference 18 can be formed both towards the base 54 and the adapter 10.
[0027] According to Figure 2a, by assembling adapters 10 consecutively on the shaft 20,
an adapter element 30 is created that is arranged to receive and attach a brush strip
50, 50' in connection with the shaft 20. According to what is shown in Figure 2a,
the adapter element 30 is preferably assembled by placing the axial extending, i.e.
protruding base parts (34, 34 and correspondingly 32, 32) against each other. Using
this light, but quite sturdy construction the entire axial A length required to attach
the brush strip 50, 50' is created. In other words, the axial A length of a single
adapter 10 is only a fraction (a few centimetres) of the axial A length (about one
metre) of the entire brush strip 50. The adapter's 10 axial A effective or the width
covered on the shaft 20 can be, for example, 2 - 15 %, more particularly 2 - 10 %,
and even more particularly 2 - 5 % of the brush strip's 50 axial A length. This facilitates
the handling of the adapters 10 and lightens the construction.
[0028] By assembling several adapters 10 on the shaft 20 consecutively alternating their
axial protrusions set end-to-end, the necessary light-construction axial length is
obtained to receive the brush strips 50, 50'. Figure 11 shows this arranging of the
adapters 10 against each other when assembling them. The adapter elements 30 are quite
light to handle even when equipped with brush strips 50. For example, their length
can be 1 m. Several adapter elements 30 can be made ready for brushing operations.
They then only need to be installed when required on the shaft 20. The assembled adapter
element 30 together with the installed brush strips 50 is easily threaded onto the
shaft 20.
[0029] The adapter 10 being fitted by its base part 12 to extend axially, its effective
length also increases as a brush strip 50, 50' attaching element. This is realized
if when installing the adapters 10 they are arranged axially A in such a way that
the adapters' 10 protrusions 32, 34 are opposite each other.
[0030] The arrangement includes end stops 36. The end stops 36 are arranged to be attached
to the shaft 20. In addition, the end stops 36 are arranged to prevent the adapters
10 and also the brush strips 50, 50' arranged on them from moving axially A, i.e.
coming off the shaft 20. Figure 2a shows the end stop 36 at the left-hand end of the
shaft 20. In this way, the brush strip 50, 50' and also the adapters 10 are made to
remain in place axially A. The end stop 36 also presses the adapter clusters against
each other.
[0031] In Figure 2b, the adapters 10 are installed on the shaft 20. In shaft 20 there is
an external groove strip 23 on its outer circumference 28 on the opposite sides of
the shaft 20 and also end plates 36, in which is a centre hole 35 for the brushing
device's 33 shaft pin. Through it the brush 43 is rotated.
[0032] Figures 3a and 3b show the attachment of brush strips 50 to an adapter element 30
formed of adapter rings. In the brush strips 50 there are radial bristles 52 set in
an as such known manner, which are attached to a base part 54. The base part 54 is
a strip profile shaped in a chosen manner. It can equally also be a groove profile.
The adapters 10 are always adapted to a specific strip profile or to a groove profile.
Of course, in some cases there could also be a universal fit 14 in the adapter 10.
Several strip profiles could then be used in it. It would even be possible to function
without a radial protrusion in some cases. The base part 12 of the adapter 10, in
which a fit 14 for the brush strip 50 is formed, can then be utilized directly.
[0033] Figure 3b shows especially clearly the setting of an end stop 36 into the bases 54
of the brush strips 50. Another feature is the positioning of the axial A element
belonging to a U-rail 23 fitted to the outer circumference of the shaft 20, more generally
to the locking profile 22, to the inner circumference 17 of the adapters 10 and to
the protrusion 13 acting as a radial retainer fitted to it.
[0034] Figures 4a and 4b show the assembly of adapter rings 10 on the shaft 20. Figure 4b
also shows the radial direction R. It can also be seen from Figures 4a and 4b that
the formation of the groove space 19' in the circumferential direction of the shaft
20 can vary, for example, alternately. Every second groove space 19.1 is then arranged
to be formed radial protrusions 15.1, 15.2 arranged opposite each other on their outer
circumferences 18 axially A in the apparatuses 10'. Every second groove space 19.2
is arranged to be formed of radial protrusions 15.1, 15.2', 15.1', 15.2 arranged to
differ axially A on the outer circumferences 18 of the apparatuses 10'. It is also
possible to speak of overlapping protrusions formed in the groove space 19'. To this
groove space 19.2 formed between the axially differing protrusions 15.1, 15.2', 15.1',
15.2 is then directed to the axial A displacement arranged in the base part 12. The
groove space 19.2 then defines the opposing semi-profiles 40 arranged on the outer
edge of the protrusions 15.1, 15.2, relative to the space 26 between then, which together,
through not aligned axially A, form the relevant groove space 19.2. Correspondingly,
the groove space 19.1 formed between the axially aligned protrusions 15.1, 15.2 is
directed to their straight portions 39 in the base part 12. They are then also directed
to the adapter element 30 at the openings 42 in the formed honeycomb structures. Thus
the groove spaces 19' can be implemented using a very light structural solution, for
example compared to the groove space forming continuously a strip groove 24 on both
sides in the axial direction A.
[0035] Figures 5a - 5c show a second embodiment of the adapter 10. Now the adapter 10 is
a planar, i.e. straight circular ring in the axial A direction of the base 12. This
can be clearly seen, especially in Figures 6a and 6b. Here the radial locking profile
38 fitted to the adapter's 10 base part 12 includes at least two radial protrusions
13.1, 13.2 arranged to act as locking members to be fitted to the shaft's 20 locking
profile 22. The protrusions 13.1, 13.2 are now consecutively adjacent in the circumferential
direction. They can said to be in pairs. Here they are mainly in the form of radial
pins. The radial protrusions 13.1, 13.2 are thus used to arrange, an optional, i.e.
changing, circumferential position to attach the adapter 10 to the shaft 20.
[0036] The protrusion arrangement is dimensioned in such a way that the U-rail 23 of the
shaft 20 lies tightly against either protrusion 13.1, 13.2. The protrusions 13.1,
13.2 can be inside the U-rail 23 in turns. They can then lean on, for example, the
inner edge of the edge 29 delimiting the space 37 of the rail 23. In addition, one
of the protrusions 13.1, 13.2, for example the second, can also lean on the outer
edge of the edge 29 of the U-rail 23. Both of the protrusions 13.1, 13.2 now also
have counter-pairs 47. The counter-pairs 47 are in edges of the pairs formed by the
protrusions 13.1, 13.2 in the circumferential direction. In the embodiment described
the protrusions 13.1, 13.2 remain between them. The counter-pairs 47 ensure that the
protrusions 13.1, 13.2 remain in the U-rail 23, more generally, in the locking profile
22. The distance between the protrusion 13.1, 13.2 and the counter-pair 47 arranged
for it is arranged in such a way that a small groove, into which the edge 29 fits,
remains between them. This further ensures the locking. The counter-pair 47, which
is on the side of the protrusion, which is not locked to the groove, can for its part
lean on the outer circumference 28 of the shaft 20, as shown in Figures 5b and 5c.
This too reduces the strain acting on the adapter 10. Figures 6a and 6b show two possible
positions of the adapter 10 around the shaft 20, which is shown in Figures 5a - 5c.
[0037] By means of this variable attachment of the adapter's 10 circumferential position
the brush strips 50 are made to overlap on the shaft 20. Thanks to this, the brush
43 gains better load-bearing and bushiness. In addition, this embodiment diversifies
the arrangement created, in that by using the same adapter 10 and brush strips 50,
for example, from a strip brush 43 formed of six strips in the axial direction A,
either six strips in the same axial line, or then overlapping are obtained. By overlapping,
six different sectors are obtained. This increases the bushiness of the strip brush.
[0038] In this embodiment too the adapter 10 includes axial locking members 16' fitted on
opposite sides of the base part 12. They can act, once again, for example, as a circumferential
check, but now also in addition to, or instead of a gap being arranged between the
adapters 10. In Figures 5a - 6b the base 12 of the adapter 10 is a straight ring.
There are now pins 16' on its laterally oriented contact surfaces 27, by which not
only the locking can be ensured, but now also the distance between the adapters 10.
Here too the structure is thus lightened. The protrusions 15.1, 15.2 in the base 12
are now circumferentially consecutive. Spaces 26 are formed between them for the brush
strip's 50 base 54. Thus, the spaces 26 are formed by the protrusions 15.1, 15.2 in
pairs on both sides of the outer circumference of the base 12.
[0039] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the adapters 10 form partial elements,
unlike what is shown in Figures 4a and 4b. The partial elements are installed on the
brush's 43 shaft 20 being formed axially A on a slightly different line to each other.
Figure 7a shows the assembly of the partial elements on the shaft 20. One way to achieve
this is to first of all arranged the adapter rings in partial assemblies 30.1 - 30.3,
..., 30.n. Then the partial assemblies formed 30.1 - 30.3, ..., 30.n are installed
mutually so that the middle one is turned by 11.25° relative to the others. This describes
how "bushiness" is created for the brush totality through the partial assemblies.
One skilled in the art will understand that in some cases the number of strips in
the circumferential direction of the shaft 20 can be other that described in this
case (16). The mutual angle of the partial assemblies then also changes.
[0040] The adapter 10 is a complete integral piece. In other words, the fits 14 for the
brush strips 50 and the locking profile 38 are both in the same annular base part
12. The adapter 10 is typically of a single material and is made, for example, from
plastic, composite, or metal (e.g. aluminium). One example of a way of making the
adapter 10 is moulding, such as, for example injection moulding. An aluminium adapter
10 can be made, for example by die-casting. The adapter 10 has the properties of a
hard and also rigid piece. The adapter 10 is also a low structure in the radial direction
R. In other words it does not significantly increase the shaft's 20 diameter. For
example, the shaft's 20 diameter can be 7 - 10 inches. The adapter 10 only increases
the diameter by a few tens of millimetres, such as, for example 50 mm.
[0041] Owing to the invention, the same brushing device's 33 shaft 20, in which brush rings
31 are used (e.g. the applicant's Beeline trademark), can, with the aid of adapters
10 be converted to use a brush strip 50, 50'. This is an economical solution to use,
on the same shaft 20, either brush rings 31 or brush strips 50, or even simultaneously,
as shown in Figure 8b, brush rings 31 and brush strips 50. It also does not demand
changes to the brushing device 33 itself. Changing the brush elements 25 is also quick,
so that it saves time and bother.
[0042] The invention also further relates to a set of brushes for a brushing device 33.
Figure 8a shows an example of this. The set of brushes 21 includes brush elements
25 and a shaft 20 equipped with a locking profile 22 for brush rings 31. The brush
elements 25 are exchangeably to be assembled on the shaft 20. As the brush elements
25, the set of brushes 21 includes several brush strips 50, 50'. In addition, the
set of brushes 21 also includes several apparatuses 10' according to the invention
for arranging brush strips 50, 50' on the shaft 20 of a brushing device 33 adapted
for brush rings 31. Figure 8a also shows an example of a radial locking member 13'
fitted to the base part of a brush ring 31.
[0043] The adapter 10 and an element 30 assembled of them on a shaft 20 is product that
can be used for a long time. When the brush strips 50 are worn out, they are detached
from the element 30 formed of adapters 10 by opening the end flange 36. After this,
the worn brush strips 50 are pulled off the element 30 and thus also the shaft 20,
to which they are rotatably attached through the element 30 and new brush strips 50
are pushed in their place. The end flange 36 is reattached and brushing can continue
with the strip brush thus formed.
[0044] Figure 9 shows an example of a brushing device 33, in which the invention can be
applied. The brushing device 33 is attached, for example, to the lifting mechanism
44 of a work machine 45. The brushing device 33 can then be used to brush the surface
46 on which the work machine 45 moves, such as, for example, streets and areas.
[0045] The adapters 10 and the one or more elements 30 to be formed from them on the shaft
20 are used, for example, as follows:
- 1) the brushing device 33 is switched off,
- 2) the end flange 36 or flanges of the shaft 20 holding the brush rings 31 in place
are removed,
- 3) the brush rings 31 are removed from the shaft 20 through its ends,
- 4) the adapters 10 or the elements 30 formed of them are placed on the shaft 20 in
such a way that their claws 16, 16' lock,
- 5) if it is wished that the adapter elements 30 coming to the shaft 20 form several
totalities attached to each other, one adapter 10 is placed between them in the same
attitude as the previous. This prevents the claws 16, 16' from locking and at the
same time the totalities formed of elements 30 formed of adapters 10 are light to
handle, if it is wished to change back to brush rings 31,
- 6) once the shaft 20 is filled with adapters 10 or elements 30 formed of them, the
brush strips 50 are set in the grooves 23 in them,
- 7) once the brush strips 50 are in place, they are locked onto the shaft 20 using
an end flange 36,
- 8) the brushing device 33 is again ready for use.
[0046] In turn, moving from brush strips 50 back to brush rings 31 can take place owing
to the invention as follows:
- 1) the end flange 36 is removed from the shaft 20,
- 2) the brush strips 50 are pulled out of the elements 30 formed of adapters 10,
- 3) the adapters 10 / elements 30 formed of them are removed,
- 4) the brush rings 31 are placed on the shaft 20,
- 5) the end flange 36 is secured to the shaft 20,
- 6) the brushing device 33 is ready for use.
[0047] The adapters 10 according to the invention can be implemented for all brushing devices
33 and even more particularly for all of their shafts 20. The sizes of the adapters
10 can cover all the shaft sizes and models. The number of brush strips 50 can vary
of shafts 20 of different sizes. The model and shape of the brush strip 50 also affect
the number of brush strips 50. There can naturally be adapters 10 with different kinds
of brush-strip grooves. This permits the use of different kinds of brush-strip models
in this embodiment, for example, independently of their base 54, more generally their
attachment profile. One example of the base's 54 profile appears in Figure 8a. The
invention need not of course be restricted to the base-profile example shown.
[0048] In the adapter elements 30 there are claws 16, 16', which attach them to each other.
However, the elements 30 can be detached from each other if necessary. The claws 16,
16' also position them at the correct alignment to each other. The brush strips 50
can then be easily set in the grooves 24 in them. The locking claws 16, 16' also permit
the adapter elements 30 to be handled as a totality / partial totality.
[0049] There are also planar surfaces 27 in the adapter elements 30. Thanks to the planar
surfaces 27 the elements 30 lie parallel to each other on the shaft 20. The adapter's
10 inner circumference 17 has a locking profile 38, such as, for example a protrusion
13, which can also be called a rivet. The locking profile 38 can be used to set the
adapters 10 in the same attitude on the shaft 20. The adapter elements 30 have various
rivet alternatives. They then fit different shafts 20.
[0050] According to what is shown in Figure 10, the shape of the adapters 10 permits then
to be packed in a small space for transportation. This reduces their transport costs
and thus also their carbon footprint. The adapters' 10 shape also reduces the number
of them on the brushing device's 33 shaft 20, which brings savings in many different
ways.
[0051] The adapters 10 can be set on the shaft 20 at two or more different angles, when
the brush strips 50 are "overlapping". This means that, for example, 0.5-m long brush
strips 50 are in two different attitudes over the entire length of the shaft 20. In
this way it is possible to imitate brush strips in a spiral shape, but it also permits
softer operation during brushing.
[0052] In addition to the adapter 10 and arrangement, the invention also relates to a method
for changing from one brushing mode to another using the brushing device 33. The brushing
modes are brushing performed using a brush assembled from brush rings 31 on a shaft
20, i.e. ring brushing, and brushing performed using a brush 43 assembled from brush
strips 50 on a shaft 20, i.e. strip brushing. The brush 43 can also be called a brush
roll. A set of brushes 21 according to the invention is used in the method. In addition,
both brushing modes are performed using the same shaft 20 intended for brush rings
31. The solution according to the invention, also creates a low threshold to seek
experience of brushing using a strip brush, if it is compared, for example, to the
acquisition cost of a separate special strip-brush shaft, which can be as much as
€ 1000 - 2000.
[0053] It should be understood that the above description and the related figures are only
intended to illustrate the present invention. The invention is thus not restricted
to only the embodiments described above or defined in the Claims, but instead many
different variations and adaptations of the invention, which are possible within the
scope of the inventive idea defined in the Claims, will be obvious to one skilled
in the art.
1. An apparatus for a brushing device, which brushing device (33) is intended for brush
rings (31) and which includes a shaft (20) arranged for the said brush rings (31),
and an axial (A) locking profile (22) fitted to the shaft (20) to prevent the rotation
of the brush rings (31),
characterized in that the apparatus (10') is an adapter (10) for arranging brush strips (50, 50') on a
shaft (20) intended for brush rings (31), which adapter (10) includes an annular base
part (12), which is
- on its inner circumference (17) arrangeable to lock in circumferential direction
to the axial (A) locking profile (22) fitted to the shaft (20),
- on its outer circumference (18) equipped with fits (14) arranged in the shape of
the base (54) of a brush strip (50, 50') to receive brush strips (50, 50') to and
arrange them by using the adapter (10) on a shaft (20) intended for brush rings (31).
2. The apparatus according to Claim 1,
characterized in that a group of radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2) arranged consecutively in the circumferential
direction of the outer circumference (18) of the base part (12) is arranged to form
the fit (14),
- between which is arranged to be formed a space (26) arranged in the shape of the
brush strip's (50, 50') base (54) and/or
- the axial (A) cross-sectional profile of the protrusions (15.1, 15.2) is arranged
in the shape of the brush strip's (50, 50') base.
3. The apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2) are arranged in pairs in the circumferential
direction of the outer circumference (18) of the base part (12).
4. The apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2) are arranged opposite each other in the circumferential
direction of the outer circumference (18) of the base part (12).
5. The apparatus according to any of Claims 2 - 4, characterized in that the radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2) are arranged divergently in an axial (A) direction
in the circumferential direction of the outer circumference (18) of the base part
(12) .
6. The apparatus according to any of Claims 2 - 5, characterized in that a semi-profile (40) in the circumferential direction of the base (54) is arranged
in the radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2), relative to the space (26) arranged in the
shape of the base (54) of the brush strip (50, 50') on the opposite side in the circumferential
direction of the base part (12), to form the said space (26) formed for the base (54)
with the second protrusion (15.1', 15.2').
7. The apparatus according to any of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the adapter (10) includes a radial locking profile (38) fitted to the inner circumference
(17) of the base part (12) to lock the adapter (10) in the circumferential direction
to the axial (A) locking profile (22) fitted to the shaft (20).
8. The apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the radial locking profile (38) fitted to the base part (12) includes at least two
radial protrusions (13.1, 13.2) to arrange an optional circumferential-position attachment
on the shaft (20) for the adapter (10).
9. The apparatus according to any of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the adapter (10) includes axial locking members (16, 16', 11) fitted to the opposite
sides of the base part (12), for example, as a check in circumferential direction
and/or to arrange a gap between the adapters (10).
10. The apparatus according to any of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the adapter's (10) base part (12) is arranged to extend axially, to increase its
effective length.
11. An arrangement in a brushing device using brush rings, which includes a shaft (20)
for brush rings (31), which shaft (20) includes an axial (A) locking profile (22)
to prevent the rotation of the brush rings (31), characterized in that the arrangement includes several apparatuses (10') according to any of Claims 1 -
10, which, arranged on the shaft (20), are arranged to form an elongated attachment
arrangement (19) to receive brush strips (50, 50') by their base parts (54).
12. The arrangement according to Claim 11, characterized in that the arrangement includes end supports (36) arranged to be attached to the shaft (20)
and to prevent the apparatuses (10') and brush strips (50, 50') from coming off the
shaft (20).
13. The arrangement according to Claim 11 or 12,
characterized in that the attachment arrangement (19) is arranged to be formed of an elongated groove space
(19') and of the said groove spaces (19') in the circumferential direction of the
shaft (20)
- every second groove space (19.1) of which being arranged to form radial protrusions
(15.1, 15.2) arranged opposite each other axially (A) in the apparatuses (10'), on
their outer circumference (18),
- every second groove space (19.2) is arranged to form radial protrusions (15.1, 15.2,
15.1', 15.2') arranged divergently axially (A) in the apparatuses (10'), on their
outer circumference (18).
14. A set of brushes for a brushing device, which set of brushes (21) includes brush elements
(25) and a shaft (20) equipped with a locking profile (22) for brush rings (31), and
on which shaft (20) the said brush elements (25) can be exchangeably assembled,
characterized in that the set of brushes (21) includes
- several brush strips (50, 50') as the brush elements (25),
- several apparatuses (10') according to any of Claims 1 - 10 for arranging the brush
strips (50, 50') on the brushing device's (33) shaft (20) adapted for brush rings
(31).
15. A method for changing brushing mode in a brushing device, in which the said brushing
modes are brushing performed using a brush assembled from brush rings (31) on a shaft
(20) and brushing performed using a brush (43) assembled from brush strips (50) on
a shaft (20),
characterized in that, in the method
- a set of brushes (21) according to Claim 14 is used,
- both brushing modes are performed using the same shaft (20) intended for brush rings
(31).