[0001] The present invention relates to a universal motor sweeper unit consisting substantially
of a cylindrical rotating and conveying brush contained in an external box which can
be coupled to self-propelled or towed means through structures and/or moving arms
which are fixed or extensible with adjustable positioning and extension.
[0002] The cylindrical brush and the conveyor are powered and include integral or separate
means of collection and suction.
[0003] Said universal unit is applicable singly or in pairs to self-propelled or towed vehicles
or vehicles with moving arms, preferably combined with main central transverse rotating
brushes with fixed position equipped or interconnected with boxes for containment
of the sweepings.
[0004] Many types of machines conceived for automatically sweeping the ground and in particular
streets, sidewalks, parkways and passages present in cities or inhabited places in
general as well as the interior spaces of industrial, commercial or civil buildings
are known at present.
[0005] Among the most widely used techniques for providing cleaning means there can be listed
conical rotating brooms with vertical axis which, individually or in pairs, rotate
in such a manner as to collect sweepings at their periphery and convey them to the
centre of the machine in which are arranged the collection and suction means.
[0006] Other embodiments call for the employment of large cylindrical brushes with horizontal,
transverse axis with the brushes arranged in opposed helices proceeding from the sides
towards the centre. Rotation of said brushes in adherence with the ground causes conveyance
toward the centre of the sweepings up to alignment with collection and suction mouths.
[0007] These devices whether equipped or not with optional height adjustment means have
some shortcomings or limitations.
[0008] In particular said vertical conical brushes, even though they are capable or effectively
collecting the sweepings from all corners have the drawback that they raise excessive
dust and consequently cannot be used except when city pedestrian traffic is minimal
or null.
[0009] The horizontal transverse rollers have the drawback that they are not capable of
effectively collecting the sweepings along borders and/or edges.
[0010] To obviate said drawbacks and based on general engineering improvements, there have
been provided lately more complex machines in which there have been made pairs of
side and central rollers whose simultaneous operation ensures better cleaning action,
both side and central.
[0011] One of these solutions calls for the use of pluralities of conical brushes with vertical
axis mounted on moving arms equipped with sensors which make it possible to detect
the presence of any of obstacles and cause automatic backing or extension of said
arms.
[0012] Said devices, which allow effective use in variable width paths such as corridors
and the like and/or with variable height such as steps, although they are of course
valid, display some drawbacks. In particular they use conical brushes which, as already
mentioned, in their rotary action raise a lot of dust. The obstacle-sensing devices
are of the electronic type, very sensitive and delicate and basically very costly.
[0013] Another drawback is the fact that the conical brushes with vertical axis perform
their cleaning action well in the presence of dust and small refuse but are ineffective
in the presence of larger bodies.
[0014] The subject matter of the present invention is elimination the above mentioned shortcomings.
[0015] The invention as characterized in the claims solves the problem by means of a universal
unit for motor sweepers by means of which there are achieved the following results.
The unit equipped or not with collection and suction means for the sweepings, can
be applied on any mobile vehicle, self-propelled or towed. Each unit comprises at
least one rotating brush with cylindrical bristles with a coupled conveyor element
with helical bristled or with a belt with transverse entrainment blades. Each unit
or pair of units is supported by a moving fixed or telescopic arm or by means adjustable
laterally, transversely and in height.
[0016] The cleaning unit can be made up of a combination of rotating cylindrical brushes
with helically arranged bristles with substantially parallel axes and of which one
is preferably fixed in a central position and the others are front and lateral with
the capability of extension outward. Said lateral brushes are extended mechanically,
manually or electronically and are preferably combined with rotating screw conveyors
for conveyance of the sweepings toward the centre of the unit and a large central
brush and/or aspirator.
[0017] The motor sweeper machine as a whole and in accordance with the disposition of the
above mentioned cleaning brushes can be of the self-propelled type or the manually
moved type.
[0018] The advantages achieved by the present invention consist essentially of the fact
that with said universal unit it is possible to perform sweepings collection operations
in any environment, interior or exterior, with or without obstacles, within the scope
of its integral configuration of simple and economical type.
[0019] The combination of large horizontal cylindrical brushes with helical bristles allows
perfect collection of sweepings and any refuse even if heavy. The combination of helical
rotating conveyors with the front brushes allows reliable and total collection of
refuse and sweepings in general with no manual finishing work.
[0020] The motor sweeper system, whether self-propelled or manually moved, is easy to maneuver,
includes filters for purification of the suction air and a sweepings collection box
and is capable of operating on surfaces between a minimum width corresponding to the
length of a fixed cylindrical central brush and a maximum width corresponding to the
sum of said length of the central brush and the lengths of the front brushes extended
laterally.
[0021] The invention is described below in greater detail in accordance with embodiments
given only by way of nonlimiting example with reference to the annexed drawings wherein
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FIG. 1 shows schematically a longitudinal cross section of a machine of the self-propelled
type equipped with the universal unit,
FIG. 2 shows schematically a plan view of an assembly consisting of universal units,
FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a first embodiment example of the universal unit with
conveyor with spiral cylindrical bristles,
FIG. 4 shows a cross section of a second embodiment example of the universal unit
with longitudinal belt conveyor with transverse entrainment blades,
FIG. 5 shows some examples of applications of the present invention on a self-propelled
vehicle with different solutions of the position supporting and adjustment means,
another example of adjustable mobile support for the universal unit,
FIG. 7 shows an application of the universal unit complete with collection and suction
means, applied to the end of a mobile arm which may be fixed or telescopic,
FIGS. 8 and 9 show two distinct applications by way of example of universal units
complete with collection and suction means applied to the structure of conventional
tow cars and/or tractors,
FIG. 10 shows schematically a front view of two paired universal units equipped with
transverse, vertical, longitudinal and rotary adjustment means,
FIG. 11 shows schematically a configuration for universal units equipped with conveyors
perpendicular to the cylindrical brush, and
FIG. 12 shows schematically plan views of self-propelled vehicles or the like combined
with universal units in the operating phase before, during and after overcoming obstacles.
[0022] The FIGS. illustrate universal units (1) for motor sweepers and the like substantially
consisting of an external box (2) which includes a lower opening (3) from which projects
the peripheral end of a powered cylindrical brush (4) coupled with a conveyor (5)
or (6) inserted in a seat (7) substantially parallel with said brush.
[0023] The rotating brush (4) is preferably cylindrical with bristles parallel or in a single
or double helical spiral converging toward the centre while the conveyors may be cylindrical
(5) or helical spiral, also with bristles, or with laminations of rigid material,
or they can consist of conveyor belts (6) supported by end rollers (8) and equipped
with transverse entrainment blades (9).
[0024] In accordance with the normal operating method the direction of travel of the box
is from right to left as viewed in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the direction of rotation of
the rotating brush is clockwise, again in accordance with the above mentioned FIGS.
In this manner the peripheral end of said brush (4) slides on the ground (10), collects
the refuse and raises it while rotating to dump it into the seat (7) of the conveyor
(5) or (6).
[0025] The refuse is then pushed or collected by the conveyor (5) or (6) until it reaches
the mouth of the suction duct (11). Then it is sucked in and made to fall in to extractable
collection boxes (12) while the suction air is appropriately purified through filters
(13) and expelled to the atmosphere through the blowers (14).
[0026] In accordance with a 'universal' configuration the units (1) for motor sweepers and
the like are separated by the suction, collection and filter units (15) and are configured
in such a manner as to allow easy application to the end of the fixed or telescopic
moving and rotating arms (16) arranged on the self-propelled vehicles (17) or trailers,
or positioned at the front, side or rear of vehicles (17) especially conceived for
said use or vehicles adaptable for the purpose at the time of need such as for example
material handling trucks (18), tractors (19) and the like.
[0027] Said applications call for connection of units (1) for motor sweepers to suction,
collection and filter units (15) through ducts or flexible hoses (20). In the above
cases the suction, collection and filter units (15) used are the conventional ones
applied on vehicles (17) or are configured in an independent and adequate manner for
being applied to any means of transport.
[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a motor sweeper with variable width substantially consisting
of a structure (100) on wheels and on which is positioned a first cylindrical brush
(21) having bristles arranged from the periphery toward the centre in an opposing
helical manner (50).
[0029] The main brush (21) is powered by means of belts, chains, gears or the like and positioned
at the centre of the structure (100) and is oriented in such a manner that the ends
of its bristles sweep the ground and is supported at the ends by fixed supports.
[0030] Opposite the entire length of the brush (21) in the rear position there opens a suction
channel (70) which opens into a space (80) beneath which is placed an extractable
collection box (12).
[0031] In front of the cylindrical brush (21) are arranged two box structures (2) which
are opposed and extensible outside the periphery (110) of the structure (100) in the
directions indicated by the arrows (112) in FIG. 2.
[0032] This extension is independent or simultaneous and is preferably but not in a limited
manner provided by opposed pistons (113) fixed on one side (114) to the fixed structure
(100) and on the other side (115) to the moving boxes (2) open on the bottom which
slide along transverse guides (116).
[0033] The sliding movement of the boxes (2) can be provided also by different means such
as mechanical devices and the like without going outside the scope of the invention.
[0034] In each box (2) is installed a first brush with helical bristles (4) preferably but
not in a limited manner oriented with the horizontal axis placed substantially parallel
to that of the central brush (21).
[0035] This preferred orientation can however be different, i.e. the axis of each brush
(4) can be oblique to the axis of the main brush (21).
[0036] Each brush (4) is rotated by means of appropriate gears and is positioned in such
a manner that the ends of its bristles touch the ground in the zone in front of that
touched by the central main brush (21).
[0037] During travel of the motor sweeper over the ground the helical bristles of the front
rotating brushes (4) perform collection and conveyance of the sweepings toward the
centre of the machine.
[0038] In the collection action the sweepings are lifted and substantially dumped into seats
or trough-like tanks (7) oriented parallel to said brushes (4). Inside the tanks (7)
are present the conveyors (5) or (6) with bristles, paddles, belts or the like, also
having rotary or translative motion. In the end zone turned toward the centre of the
machine the seats or trough-like tanks (7) can be equipped with an opening with a
flexible manifold (20).
[0039] The sweepings collected by the brushes (4) are thus dumped into the tanks (7) and
the powered conveyors (5) and/or (6) push them toward the central zone of the machine
from which they are made to fall at ground level aligned with the central main brush
(21) or are sucked in through the manifolds (20) or even undergo the combined action
of the two above mentioned conditions.
[0040] In all cases the sweepings are collected by the brushes (4) in front of and/or beside
the central main brush (21) and are then redistributed to the centre thereof in such
a manner as to facilitate the collection and suction action. Said action can be combined
with the suction action produced through the manifold (20).
[0041] The capability of lateral extention of the box structures (2) allows the use of the
motor sweeper in narrow zones not smaller than the space occupied (110) of said motor
sweeper and in broader zones where it is possible to extend one or all the of box
structures (2).
[0042] The rear suction channel (70) and the flexible manifolds (20) are connected in the
rear part of the motor sweeper, allowing dumping of the sweepings into the extractable
box (12).
[0043] The suction air is taken back toward the outside through filters (13) by means of
powered blowers (14) preferably arranged opposite openings (124) provided in the sides
of the motor sweeper.
[0044] The filters (13) can be the fixed type, extractable and/or interchangeable, or mounted
on vibrating systems with cams, excentrics or the like which allow their beating even
during operation. Said device aids self-cleaning and dumping of refuse in the collection
box (12) below.
[0045] In the self-propelled version, illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear part (125) is used,
for example, for containing the electric power batteries of the travel control motor.
In other solutions power can be provided by internal combustion motors or others.
[0046] In the front part a system, e.g. with cams connected to at least one piston or equivalent,
permits raising and/or lowering of the motor sweeper structure in relation to the
ground level (10). In this manner the action of the brushes (4) can also be exerted
on planes above ground level as for example steps and the like.
[0047] The self-propelled version includes a driver's seat (132), a steering wheel (133)
and a control panel (134) from which the operator can operate the described operating
devices. This solution is preferably equipped with rear steering wheels (102).
[0048] In another solution with manual handling, to the optionally faired bearing structure
(100) there is applied a rear handlebar on which are located the controls. The sweepings
collection box (12) and the air filters (13) are preferably extractable from the rear
part of the structure (100).
[0049] In all cases the solutions described and illustrated are given only by way of nonlimiting
example even though they are variable in their external appearance and/or the configuration
of the component parts are included in the scope of the innovative concept of the
present invention whose fundamental function consists of comprising box structures
(2) laterally extensible beyond the basic structure of the motor sweeper (100) equipped
with rotating brushes with helical bristles (4) and conveyors (5) or (6) combined
with a conventional rotating central main brush (21) with opposing helical bristles
(50).
[0050] Said boxes (2) being operated independently or simultaneously by the operators.
[0051] In other specific embodiments the universal units (1) for motor sweepers and the
suction, collection and filter units (15) are assembled in single blocks optionally
combined with a central rotating main brush (21) of the conventional type having the
function of completing the refuse collection phase and conveying said refuse into
the collection boxes (12). In said single blocks the universal units (1) can be present
individually as shown for example in figures 7 and 8 in relation to applications to
the ends of moving rotating arms (16) or in replacement of the forks of forklift trucks
(18) or they can be double and opposed with lateral extension possible, simultaneously
or independently, as shown in the application to the supports of a tractor (19) in
FIG. 9 or to specially conceived vehicles (17) as shown in FIG. 5.
[0052] In these applications there are also provided independent rotating devices similar
or corresponding to those illustrated in FIG. 6 which also allow, in addition to transverse
extension in accordance with the indications of the arrows (22), rotation in one direction
or the other, around the fulcrum (23) in accordance with the arrows (24).
[0053] Traversing of the universal unit (1) is achieved by means of the coupling of a lead-nut
(25) with a powered lead screw (26). The lead-nut (25) is connected to the box (2)
which includes bushes (27) which run along a transverse guide (28). Rotation of the
cylindrical brush (4) and the conveyor (5) is provided for example by means of a hydraulic
motor (29) which drives a grooved bar (30) on which is engaged a toothed belt (31)
which meshes with the gears (32) and (33) keyed onto the axles of said brush (4) and
conveyor (5). The configuration described of the translating movement of the units
(1) is given by way of nonlimiting example. Indeed, it can be of another type such
as for example that shown in FIG. (10) in which the translations are achieved by pistons
(34) and powering of the rotating brushes (4) is direct on their axles with internal
branches for the conveyors (5) and (6).
[0054] Similarly, forward and backward rotation in accordance with the arrows (24) is obtained
by lateral pistons (35). The oscillations and/or vertical inclinations in accordance
with the arrows (36) are obtained by means of pistons (37). Raising and lowering in
accordance with the arrows (38) are obtained by means of the pistons (39). Other movements
in the above directions are obtained by means of conventional devices applied to the
vehicles employed such as the pistons (40) of the moving arms (16), the raising piston
(41) of the trucks (18), the rotation controls (42) of the fifth wheels (43) and so
forth.
[0055] In particular FIG. 10 also shows a double and opposed application of the universal
unit (1) on a fixed structure which, in addition to allowing translation of the units
in accordance with the arrows (22), is capable of rotating around the central fulcrum
(23) in accordance with the arrows (24) and move vertically in accordance with the
arrows (38) by utilizing the movement of a conventional moving arm (16).
[0056] In their basic configuration the universal units (1) for motor sweepers are preferably
equipped with a front suction chamber (44) peripheral to the seat of the cylindrical
brush (4) and through which is taken in the first dust which the flexible front blades
(45) encounter during travel and brushing against the ground.
[0057] FIG. (11) shows another embodiment of the universal unit (1) with an arrangement
of the conveyor means (5) or (6) orthogonal to the cylindrical brush (4). In this
case the seat (7') containing the conveyor (5) has substantially the form of a hopper
with a lower channel in which is inserted said conveyor, which can be either the helical
bristle type (5) or belt (6) type with transverse entrainment blades (9).
[0058] FIG. 12 shows schematical top views of some examples of possible configurations of
the systems applied for example to self-propelled vehicles (17) and shown in sequential
operating phases from below upward in accordance with the numbers 1, 2 and 3 in spaces
containing many obstacles (46) such as for example plants, pillars, receptacles, poles,
constructions and the like.
[0059] In the solution indicated by a the self-propelled vehicle comprises two front universal
units (1) adjustable in transverse extension and rotating around the fulcrums (23).
In travel (from bottom to top), in the presence of an obstacle (46), after striking
the obstacle the engaged unit (1) is capable of rotating around its fulcrum (23) while
the vehicle (17) continues its travel. After passing beyond the obstacle the unit
(1) returns to its normal operating position, i.e. at a right angle to the vehicle.
[0060] In the solution indicated by b the self-propelled vehicle (17) includes a moving
arm (16) to the end of which is constrained a double universal unit (1) similar to
the one shown in FIG. (10). Similarly to the above configuration the double unit (1)
includes a central fulcrum (23) around which it can rotate in either direction if
it strikes against an obstacle (46) and can then return to its normal working position
after having passed beyond the obstacle, continuing the advancing motion of the vehicle
(17).
[0061] In solution c the arm (16) of the self-propelled vehicle (17) supports only the universal
unit (1) with fulcrum at one end.
[0062] Behaviour is similar to that of the above solutions.
[0063] In other cases not shown the fulcrums (23) can consist of the rotating base plates
(47) of the self-propelled vehicles (17) or be placed in the centre of the units (1)
and the like.
[0064] The powering and/or piston operating systems are preferably hydraulic using hydraulic
control units either independent or or in combination with those already equipping
the vehicles.
1. Universal unit (1) for motor sweepers and the like characterized in that it comprises
a box (2) from whose lower opening (3) project the peripheral ends of the bristles
of a cylindrical brush with straight or helical bristles (4) and which couples parallel
to a seat or longitudinal tank (7) where there is installed a conveyor consisting
of a cylinder with straight or helical radial bristles (5) or a conveyor belt (6)
supported by end rollers (8) and equipped with transverse blades (9), said box being
equipped or not with a front dust suction chamber (44) peripheral to the seat of the
cylindrical brush (4) and connected to a suction mouth (11) aligned with said seat
or tank (7), said cylindrical brush (4) and conveyor (5) or (6) being equipped with
independent or combined powering, direct or indirect, and said assembly or universal
unit (1) being combined with a suction, collection and filtering unit (15) integral
with or separate from said box (2).
2. Universal unit (1) in accordance with claim 1 characterized in that it is applied
independently or in combination with suction, collection and filtering units (15)
at the front, side or rear to self-propelled or towed vehicles (17), (18), (19) or
to the ends of fixed or telescopic moving extensible arms (16) placed on said vehicles
and said applications can be individual or double and opposed with means rotating
around fulcrums (23) and comprise specific structures for combination with self-propelled
vehicles (17) and/or include alternative or standard structures for application on
vehicles usable normally for other functions such as fork-lift trucks (18), tractors
(19) and the like.
3. Universal unit (1) in accordance with claims 1 and 2 characterized in that it comprises
devices for adjustment of position vertically, transversely and in rotation in the
two opposite directions, combined with the forward or backward translative movement
of self-propelled and/or towed vehicles on which said unit is applicable, said devices
being hydraulic such as hydraulic motors, pistons and the like, or mechanical with
independent or simultaneous movement.
4. Universal unit (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the seats
(7) of the conveyors (5) or (6) are with normal containment tank or hopper (7').
5. Universal unit (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 4 characterized in that it is
applied to motor sweepers of variable width (100) comprising at least two front opposed
boxes (2) extensible laterally beyond the outer periphery of the space occupied (110)
of the motor sweeper and coupled to at least one main powered transverse cylindrical
brush (21) placed in the centre of the motor sweeper with the bristles projecting
downward to brush the ground (10), said boxes (2) being arranged with the horizontal
axes of their cylindrical brushes (4) and their conveyors (5) and (6) in parallel
alignment or in an oblique position in relation to the horizontal axis of said cylindrical
main brush (21) and said combinations being in addition inclusive of means of suction
(20), air filtering (13), suction (14) and refuse collection (12).
6. Universal unit (1) in accordance with claims 1 to 5 characterized in that the combinations
of the boxes (2) with motor sweepers with central main brushes (21), the bristles
of the front and side cylindrical brushes (4) and the bristles or spatulas of the
corresponding conveyors (5) or (6) are oriented in such a manner that in movement
the sweepings collected assume a transverse movement direction from the outside toward
the centre of the machine.
7. Universal unit (1) combined with a motor sweeper (100) characterized in that the
conveyors (5) and (6) and the central main brush (21) are combined with respective
suction manifolds (20) and (70) which flow together in a common chamber (80) in which
is placed at least one collection box (12) for the sweepings and one or more extractable
and interchangeable air filters (13) equipped or not with vibrating systems, said
suction manifolds (20) and (70), said chamber (80) and said filters (13) being connected
with the outside of the structure (100) of the motor sweeper through powered blowers
(14).
8. Universal unit in accordance with claims 1 to 7 characterized in that it is combined
with a motor sweeper of the self-propelled or manual movement type or applicable and/or
adaptable to application on towed means or means usable also for other activities.
9. Universal unit (1) for motor sweepers or the like in accordance with the above
claims as described and illustrated and for the specified purposes.