U.S. patent application number 10/757312 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-29 for street sweeper with vacuumized dust control.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tennant Company. Invention is credited to Boomgaarden, Steven L., Engel, Gregory J..
Application Number | 20040143928 10/757312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31977611 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040143928 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Engel, Gregory J. ; et
al. |
July 29, 2004 |
Street sweeper with vacuumized dust control
Abstract
A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control where a rotary
broom chamber surrounds a rotary broom. The rotary broom chamber
connects by a conveyor housing containing a conveyor mechanism to a
hopper having a powered fan and a filter. A vacuum or low pressure
is created within the hopper which communicates through the
conveyor housing to the rotary broom chamber which creates an
airflow therebetween which carries dust or other light debris to a
filter which filters out the dust particles or other light debris.
The conveyor housing and other components are positionable to
accommodate various modes of operation.
Inventors: |
Engel, Gregory J.;
(Plymouth, MN) ; Boomgaarden, Steven L.;
(Rosemont, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael B. Lasky
Altera Law Group
Suite 100
6500 City West Parkway
Minneapolis
MN
55344-7704
US
|
Assignee: |
Tennant Company
|
Family ID: |
31977611 |
Appl. No.: |
10/757312 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10757312 |
Jan 14, 2004 |
|
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|
10236094 |
Sep 6, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/340.1 ;
15/340.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01H 1/0854 20130101;
E01H 1/0845 20130101; E01H 1/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/340.1 ;
015/340.4 |
International
Class: |
E01H 001/08 |
Claims
It is claimed:
1. A road speed surface maintenance machine with vacuumized dust
control, comprising: a. a transportable machine chassis having a
front axle and at least one rear axle; b. a main road surface
cleaning head in fluid communication with the vacuum source, and
having an opening adapted to be adjacent a surface intended to be
cleaned, the main road surface cleaning head suspended from the
transportable machine chassis and adapted to be located rearward of
the at least one rear axle; c. a hopper coupled to the
transportable machine chassis for collecting dust, dirt, and
debris; d. a conveying mechanism having a housing in fluid
communication with the vacuum source, and the housing having a
first open end in communication with the road surface cleaning
head, and a second end in communication with the hopper, the
conveying mechanism adapted for transporting to the hopper any
dust, dirt, and debris from the main road surface cleaning head;
and e. an air filtration mechanism for substantially removing any
airborne dust in air drawn from the main road surface cleaning head
before being exhausted to the outside environment.
2. The road sweeper of claim 1, wherein the vacuum source includes
a vacuum fan in communication with the outside environment for
establishing an airflow from the main road surface cleaning head,
through the conveying mechanism housing, entering the hopper, and
exhausting from the hopper out to the outside environment, thereby
vacuumizing, at least in part, the main road surface cleaning head,
the conveying mechanism housing, and the hopper.
3. The road sweeper of claim 1, wherein the main road surface
cleaning head includes an elongated rotary broom have a rotational
axis generally aligned with the surface intended to be cleaned.
4. The road sweeper of claim 3, further including at least a first
gutter cleaning head in fluid communication with the vacuum source,
and having an opening adjacent a gutter area intended to be
cleaned.
5. The road sweeper of claim 2, wherein the air filtration
mechanism includes a dust filter assembly in the path of air
entering the hopper and exhausting out to the outside environment
so that any airborne dust within the hopper is substantially
blocked from exhausting out to the outside environment.
6. The road sweeper of claim 3, wherein the main road surface
cleaning head is suspended from the transportable machine chassis
and controllably positioned so that the elongated rotary broom is
capable of making contact with the road surface intended to be
cleaned.
7. A road speed broom sweeper with vacuumized dust control,
comprising: a. a transportable machine chassis having a front axle
and at least one rear axle; b. a vacuum source coupled to the
transportable machine chassis; c. a rotary broom controllably
suspended from the transportable machine chassis rearward of the at
least one rear axle and controllably positioned so as to be capable
of making contact with a road surface intended to be swept; d. a
rotary broom shroud forming a rotary broom chamber in fluid
communication with the vacuum source capable of being vacuumized,
the rotary broom shroud being located around and about the rotary
broom and having an opening adapted to be adjacent a surface
intended to be cleaned; e. a hopper for collecting dust, dirt, and
debris; f. a conveyor mechanism having a housing in fluid
communication with the vacuum source, and the housing having a
first open end in communication with the rotary broom chamber, and
a second end in communication with the hopper, the conveyor
mechanism adapted for transporting to the hopper any dust, dirt,
and debris thrown from the rotary broom; and, g. an air filtration
mechanism in the path of the air entering the hopper and exhausting
out to the outside environment for substantially removing any
airborne dust in air drawn from the rotary broom chamber before
being exhausted to the outside environment.
8. The road sweeper of claim 7, wherein air filtration mechanism
includes a vacuum fan in communication with the outside environment
for establishing an airflow from the rotary broom chamber, through
the conveyor mechanism housing, entering the hopper, and exhausting
from the hopper out to the outside environment, thereby
vacuumizing, at least in part, the rotary broom chamber, the
conveyor mechanism housing, and the hopper.
9. A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control, comprising: a. a
rotary broom suspended from a transportable machine chassis and
controllably positioned so as to be capable of making contact with
a road surface intended to be swept; b. a rotary broom shroud
forming a rotary broom chamber capable of being vacuumized, the
rotary broom shroud being located around and about the rotary broom
and in proximity to the road surface, at least in part; c. a hopper
capable of storing dust and debris; d. a conveyor mechanism for
transporting dust and debris thrown from said rotary broom to the
hopper; e. a conveyor housing capable of being vacuumized, the
conveyor housing having a first open end in communication with and
coupled to the rotary broom chamber, and a second end in
communication with and coupled to the hopper; f. a vacuum source
assembly including a vacuum fan in communication with the outside
environment for establishing an airflow from the rotary broom
chamber, through the conveyor housing, and entering the hopper, and
exhausting from the hopper out to the outside environment, thereby
vacuumizing, at least in part, said rotary broom chamber, said
conveyor housing, and said hopper; and, g. a dust filter assembly
in the path of the airflow entering said hopper and exhausting out
to the outside environment so that any airborne dust within said
hopper is substantially blocked from exhausting out to the outside
environment.
10. The street sweeper of claim 9, wherein the street sweeper is
capable of achieving and maintaining road speed while the rotary
broom, fan and conveyor operate.
11. The street sweeper of claim 9, wherein the rotary broom has an
elevation above the road surface and wherein the elevation may be
adjusted by multiple actuating cylinders, the actuating cylinders
being attached to multiple cables and the cables being located
between the pivotal broom support arms and the superstructure
framework.
12. The street sweeper of claim 9, wherein the chassis further
includes a gutter broom assembly mounted on the underside of the
chassis.
13. A street sweeper, comprising: a. transport means; b. a hopper
carried by the transport means; c. means for rotary sweeping, the
means for rotary sweeping carried by the transport means and
capable of dislodging debris and dust from a road surface; d. means
for conveying debris from the means for rotary sweeping to the
hopper; e. means for generating an airflow from the means for
rotary sweeping to the hopper so as to entrain dust dislodged by
the means for rotary sweeping; and, f. means for separating
entrained dust from the airflow from the means for rotary sweeping
at the hopper.
14. The street sweeper of claim 13, wherein the road speed broom
sweeper is capable of operating at road speed.
15. The street sweeper of claim 13, further comprising: a. means
for gutter sweeping to dislodge dust and debris from a road gutter;
and, b. means for entraining dislodged dust from the means for
gutter sweeping to the hopper.
16. The street sweeper of claim 15, wherein the means for
separating entrained dust from the airflow from the means for
rotary sweeping also functions as a means for separating entrained
dust from the means for gutter sweeping.
17. The street sweeper of claim 13, further including a drag shoe
means to redirect stray debris to the path of the means for rotary
sweeping.
18. The street sweeper of claim 13, wherein the means for
separating includes a filter.
19. The street sweeper of claim 13, wherein the airflow from the
means for rotary sweeping passes within a conveyor housing having a
first cross sectional area and further wherein the means for
separating includes increasing the cross sectional area of the
airflow within the hopper relative to the airflow within the
conveyor housing, thereby effecting a reduction of airflow
velocity.
20. The street sweeper of claim 13, wherein the means for
generating an airflow is a fan.
21. The street sweeper of claim 13, wherein the transport means
includes at least one rear axle and further wherein the means for
rotary sweeping includes a rotary broom, the rotary broom being
carried rearward of the at least one rear axle.
22. The street sweeper of claim 21, wherein the rotary broom is
rotated by a hydraulic motor.
23. The street sweeper of claim 22, wherein the rotary broom is
carried rearward of the at least one rear axle by a pair of pivotal
broom support arms.
24. The street sweeper of claim 23, wherein the pair of pivotal
broom support arms control contact between the rotary broom and
road surface to be swept, such that the rotary broom contacts the
road surface in a first configuration and does not contact the road
surface in a second configuration.
25. The street sweeper of claim 24, wherein the pair of pivotal
broom support arms control the force of the rotary broom contact
with road surface in the first configuration.
26. A method of cleaning a road surface, comprising the steps of:
a. providing a rotary broom on a truck, the truck carrying a hopper
and including vacuum induced airflow from the rotary broom to the
hopper and a debris conveyor from the rotary broom to the hopper;
b. rotating the rotary broom against the road surface while moving
the truck in a forward direction such that the action of the rotary
broom is counter to the forward direction; c. conveying dislodged
debris on the conveyor from the rotary broom to the hopper; and, d.
entraining airborne dust in the induced airflow from the rotary
broom to the hopper.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the truck further includes a
gutter broom mounted forward of the rotary broom and induced
airflow from the rotary broom to the hopper, and further comprising
the steps of: a. rotating the gutter broom against a gutter while
moving the truck in a forward direction such that the action of the
gutter broom is counter to the forward direction; b. entraining
airborne dust in the induced airflow from the gutter broom to the
hopper; and, c. sweeping dislodged debris from the gutter to a
position in front of the rotary broom.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of
separating entrained airborne dust from the induced airflow within
the hopper.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the separating step includes
the step of filtering the entrained airborne dust to separate it
form the induced airflow.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the separating step includes
the step of reducing velocity of the induced airflow.
31. A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control, comprising: a. a
truck means, the truck means having a chassis, the chassis having a
front axle and at least one rear axle; b. a superstructure
framework means, the superstructure framework means being mounted
on the chassis, the superstructure framework means including a
plurality of framework members and having a pair of pivotal broom
support arms, the pivotal broom support arms being directed
generally rearward; c. a rotary broom means, the rotary broom means
having opposing ends supported by the pair of pivotal broom support
arms such that the rotary broom means is located rearward of the at
least one rear axle, the rotary broom means being rotatable to
sweep a road surface traveled by the truck means by sweeping
counter to the direction of travel; d. a rotary broom chamber
means, the vacuumized chamber means being located around and about
the rotary broom means and in close proximity to the road surface,
the rotary broom chamber means containing dust which becomes
airborne during sweeping of the road surface by the rotary broom
means; e. a hopper means attached to the chassis, the hopper means
being to the chassis attached via a scissors jack mounting frame
and a scissors jack assembly, the hopper means being capable of
storing dust and debris, the hopper means having a fan associated
therewith, the fan causing airflow from the rotary broom chamber
means to the hopper mean and then through a filter and thereby
passing out of the hopper means, while airborne dust remains in the
hopper means, the airborne dust being substantially blocked from
passing by the filter; and, f. a conveyor housing means, the
conveyor housing means communicating between the rotary broom
chamber means and the hopper means, the conveyor housing means
having a conveyor extending therethrough, the conveyor having a
cleated belt which operates in a continuous loop and carries debris
from the rotary broom means to the hopper means and simultaneously
conducts the airflow and airborne dust from the rotary broom
chamber means through the conveyor housing means to the hopper
means.
32. A street sweeper with vacuumized dust control, comprising: a. a
truck; b. a superstructure framework; c. a rotary broom; d. a
rotary broom chamber; e. a hopper; f. a conveyor; and, g. a
conveyor housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is for a street cleaning device, and,
more particularly, pertains to a street sweeper with vacuumized
dust control.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Prior art street sweeper devices are often built on and
about custom chassis not generally suited for economy of speed or
having attributes geared toward desirable roadability qualities.
Often such street sweepers include rotary sweeper brooms placed
between the front wheel assemblies and special rear wheel drive or
axle assemblies beneath a configured framework in an area often
otherwise reserved for drive shafts and other framework members in
conventional chassis, such as used for conventional trucks. Street
sweepers utilizing truck chassis are also used for mounting of
street sweeper components and are utilized for greater roadability
and transport speed suitable for highway use. Some arrangements,
such as rotary broom placement between the front wheel and rear
wheel assemblies, are often limited, necessitating the use of
smaller rotary brooms the dimensions of which are restricted by the
available distance between the roadway and the chassis of the
conventional truck. In the alternative, rotary sweeper brooms of
larger size and better suitability can be located behind the rear
axle at the rear portion of the truck chassis, as the upper region
of the rotary broom is not generally limited by the chassis.
Commonly, water is utilized to attempt to control dust in either
configuration around and about the general area surrounding the
street sweeper. The use of water is not always economical, water
may not be readily available for dust control, large water flow may
be required for effective dust control, thereby necessitating
frequent refilling stops due to limited tank capacity, and the use
of water at higher speeds may not be effective. Clearly, what is
needed is a street sweeper having a method of road sweeper dust
control which is not entirely dependent on the use of water and
which can utilize a rotary broom located to the rearward of the
rear street sweeper axle, such as is provided by the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a
street sweeper with vacuumized dust control.
[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there
is provided a street sweeper with vacuumized dust control which
mounts and secures to a chassis of a truck. A hopper, a conveyor
mechanism, a conveyor housing, a rotary broom and a vacuumized
chamber are arranged and mounted to the chassis of the truck. The
rotary broom is located at the rear portion of the truck chassis
adjacent to the lower end of the conveyor and conveyor housing and
rearward of the rear street sweeper axle. Also located at, about
and near the lower end of the conveyor and conveyor housing is a
rotary broom shroud forming a rotary broom chamber capable of being
vacuumized which surrounds the greater portion of the rotary broom.
Components comprising the bottom edge of the rotary broom chamber
and other components are in close proximity to and in intimate
contact with the roadway. The upper end of the conveyor mechanism
and the surrounding upper end of the conveyor housing sealingly
connect to the upper region of the hopper. The hopper includes a
fan air source and a filter for filtration of dust drawn into the
hopper through the conveyor housing and for filtration of dust
created by objects being deposited into the confines of and
striking the sides or lower regions of the hopper. The fan is
ducted to the rotary broom chamber by the interceding and sealingly
connected conveyor housing. Rotary action of the fan creates a low
pressure area or vacuum within the confines of the hopper which is
ducted through the conveyor housing to provide an extended region
of low pressure at the rotary broom chamber located about the
rotary broom. Dust and other airborne materials of light weight
which are dislodged or made to be airborne by action of the rotary
broom are vacuumed and transferred by vacuum forces into the
interior of the hopper where the airflow containing the dust is
forced through the filter and where the lightweight materials
either fall to the lower regions of the hopper or are made to come
into contact with the filter. Airflow created by the fan also
assists in urging lightweight debris, such as leaves, small paper
items, and the like onto the conveyor for deposition in the hopper.
Some dust or debris when not under the influence of vacuum air can
be deposited on the conveyor by direct action of the rotary broom
for subsequent deposition in the hopper. Heavier swept debris is
deposited on the conveyor in a conventional manner and deposited
into the hopper. Additionally, a transversely mounted water tank is
also included for conventional use or for use in combination for
dust control with the vacuum function if desired.
[0008] One significant aspect and feature of the present invention
is a street sweeper with vacuumized dust control.
[0009] Another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a street sweeper including components for vacuumized
dust control which mounts on a truck chassis.
[0010] Still another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a street sweeper which transports to sweeping
locations at common highway speeds.
[0011] Another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a rotary broom and rotary broom chamber located to the
rearward of the street sweeper rear axle.
[0012] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a street sweeper having a conveyor mechanism and a
conveyor housing surrounding the conveyor mechanism.
[0013] A further significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a street sweeper where the conveyor housing sealingly
aligns to a hopper receiver duct on the upper region of a
hopper.
[0014] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a street sweeper where the conveyor housing
aligns with and communicates with a rotary broom chamber
surrounding a rotary broom.
[0015] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a street sweeper where a rotary broom chamber
surrounding a rotary broom is in close proximity to and/or in
intimate contact with the roadway.
[0016] Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present
invention is a street sweeper having a rotary broom chamber
including road following skids and attached positionable planar
side plates.
[0017] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a street sweeper where an area of low pressure
is presented around and about the area of contact of a rotary broom
with the roadway whereby dislodged road dust and other light debris
is carried by vacuum forces via a conveyor housing to a hopper for
filtration.
[0018] A still further significant aspect and feature of the
present invention is a rotary broom rotating against the path of
intended sweeping to forwardly and upwardly project dirt and debris
into the lower end of a conveyor mechanism for transport of the
dirt and debris along the conveyor mechanism for subsequent deposit
in a hopper.
[0019] Having thus described embodiments of the present invention
and enumerated several significant aspects and features thereof, it
is the principal object of the present invention to provide a
street sweeper which features, in part, vacuumized dust
control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Other objects of the present invention and many of the
attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals
designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and
wherein:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway overview of a street sweeper,
the present invention, which has vacuumized dust control;
[0022] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of the street sweeper;
[0023] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of the street sweeper where the pivotal broom support arms,
the pivotal drag shoe support arms, the drag shoes, the plates, the
cables, and the outer coverings of the support structures have been
removed to reveal, in part, other components comprising the rotary
chamber;
[0024] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of the street sweeper where additional components including
flexible side panels, fixed non-flexible panels, and non-flexible
panels have been removed to reveal, in part, other components
comprising the rotary broom chamber;
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the conveyor housing
and other components associated therewith;
[0026] FIG. 9 illustrates the deflection mode, whereby the lower
region of the conveyor housing encounters an obstacle while
primarily engaged in the sweep mode;
[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates the transit mode, whereby the conveyor
housing is raised to allow high speed transit of the street sweeper
along the roadway to a sweeping site; and,
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates the dump mode, whereby the conveyor
housing is raised and positioned rearwardly to accommodate removal
of debris and subsequent depositing of the debris to an adjacently
positioned truck from an elevated hopper.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway overview of the street sweeper
10, the present invention, which has vacuumized duct control. Major
and other components complementary to the invention are mounted to
and secured to the frame or chassis 13 of a truck 12 or are mounted
elsewhere at other locations about the invention. Major illustrated
components of the invention include a hopper 14, a conveyor
mechanism 16, a conveyor housing 18, a rotary broom 20 and a rotary
broom chamber 22 which are arranged and mounted to the chassis 13
of the truck 12 or other frameworks in a position rearward of the
street sweeper rear axle 17. Rearwardly extending frameworks 21 and
21a (FIG. 3) mount and secure to the chassis 13 of the truck 12 to
accommodate a portion of the components of the invention. A
superstructure framework 23 including a plurality of framework
members 23a-23n is shown partially and generally in dashed lines
extending upwardly and forwardly from the frameworks 21 and 21a to
serve as structure for mounting of fixed panels or access panels or
other devices as required.
[0030] The hopper 14 secures to the truck chassis 13 via a scissors
jack assembly 24 which mounts to the truck chassis 13 via a
scissors jack mounting frame 25. An air source consisting of a
powered fan 26 having an exhaust port 28 and which is open to and
which communicates through a filter 30 with the interior of the
hopper 14 is attached to a hopper top panel 32. A plenum 34, also
shown in FIG. 2, is located at the upper region of the hopper 14
and houses and partially supports the filter 30. The top of the
filter 30 aligns substantially to the bottom surface of the hopper
top panel 32 and to the bottom of the fan 26. The bottom of the
filter 30 faces the interior of and communicates with the interior
of the hopper 14. A receiver duct 36 mounts to the hopper top panel
32 to communicate with the interior of the hopper 14 and to
sealingly connect with the elevated end of conveyor housing 18
surrounding the conveyor mechanism 16. A flexible seal 38 and
opposing flexible side seals 39 and 39a and other seals located at
the upper end of the conveyor housing 18 seal against components
located at the inlet of the receiver duct 36, as shown in FIG. 2.
An angled channel 42 is located in the vertically oriented hopper
rear panel 44 for accommodation of the upper end of the conveyor
mechanism 16. A hopper dump door 46 for emptying of the hopper 14
is located on the outwardly facing and vertically oriented hopper
side panel 50 of the hopper 14.
[0031] The conveyor housing 18 and the conveyor mechanism 16, which
is powered, are co-located, with the conveyor mechanism 16 being
surrounded by the conveyor housing 18. An upper powered conveyor
drive roller 52 mounts transversely across the upper region of the
conveyor housing 18, and a lower powered conveyor drive roller 54
mounts transversely across the lower region of the conveyor housing
18. The conveyor mechanism 16 utilizes a cleated belt 56 or other
suitable device to move debris deposited thereupon by action of the
rotary broom 20, which rotates against the sweeping path into the
confines of the hopper 14. The upper end of the conveyor mechanism
16 aligns to and extends along, through and beyond the angled
channel 42 of the hopper rear panel 44 in order that debris can be
off-loaded from the conveyor into the hopper 14. The lower end of
the conveyor mechanism 16 extends downwardly and outwardly from the
lower region of the conveyor housing 18 to juxtapose the rotary
broom 20. The conveyor housing 18 extends for the most along and
surrounds the upper portion of the conveyor mechanism 16 but
terminates short of the lower end of the conveyor mechanism 16,
thereby exposing the cleated belt 56 within the rotary broom
chamber 22 to allow debris to be loaded on the cleated belt 56. The
conveyor housing 18 and contained conveyor mechanism 16 are
positionable according to the mode of operation of the invention. A
transversely mounted geometrically configured water tank 58
(partially shown) extending over the top of the conveyor mechanism
16 and conveyor housing 18 is included to provide for a water
supply which may be connected to spray nozzles located
appropriately about the truck chassis or other desired regions if
the use of water is desired. The rotary broom 20 is supported at
opposing ends by like and opposing pivotal broom support arms 60
and 60a (FIG. 3). The drag shoe 62 and the opposing drag shoe 62a
(FIG. 3) are supported by like and opposing pivotal drag shoe
support arms 64 and 64a (FIG. 3). Support structures 67 and 67a
(FIG. 3) extend downwardly from the chassis 13 to provide for
pivotal support of the like and opposing pivotal broom support arms
60 and 60a and rotary broom 20 and for pivotal support of the like
and opposing pivotal drag shoe support arms 64 and 64a and opposing
drag shoes 62 and 62a, respectively. Optional gutter broom
assemblies 65 and 65a (FIG. 3), including an optional surrounding
structure, are mounted to the chassis 13 of the truck 12 and are
shown without the surrounding structure when shown in the figures
that follow.
[0032] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of the street sweeper 10. In these views, the conveyor
housing 18 containing the conveyor mechanism 16 is positioned in
the sweep mode to best show the relationship of the upper region of
the conveyor housing 18 and contained conveyor mechanism 16 with
the upper and rearward region of the hopper 14. Other normal
operating positions of the conveyor housing 18 and contained
conveyor mechanism 16 are shown and described later in detail. In
the illustrations and descriptions that follow, it is to be
understood that the contained conveyor mechanism 16 is located for
the most within the conveyor housing 18 and that the positioning of
the conveyor housing 18 also includes the similar positioning of
the contained conveyor mechanism 16 located therein.
[0033] Frameworks 21 and 21a mount to the chassis 13 of the truck
12 via a mounting structure 66 mounted transversely to the chassis
13. Frameworks 21 and 21a extend rearwardly and then downwardly to
terminate near the rearward and outward edges of the rotary broom
20. A rear bumper 68 extends, as do other structural members,
transversely between the ends of the framework 21 and the opposing
corresponding framework 21a. Framework 70 in the form of a box tube
or other suitable structure secures in longitudinal orientation to
and along the inner surface of the framework 21 and to other
members as required, as does another opposing framework 70a to the
inner surface of the framework 21a. Opposing frameworks 70 and 70a
are for the most incorporated for support of the conveyor housing
18, as later described in detail. A forward axle 15 and a rear axle
17 mount to the chassis 13 of the truck 12.
[0034] Opposing pivotal broom support arms 60 and 60a and opposing
pivotal drag shoe support arms 64 and 64a, respectively, are
positionally pivoted by opposed sets of lifting/lowering cylinders,
bell cranks and cables to position the rotary broom 20 and opposing
drag shoes 62 and 62a, respectively. Respectively, broom lift/lower
cylinders 72 and 72a attach separately to bell cranks 74 and 74a,
and cables 76 and 76a attach between bell cranks 74 and 74a and the
pivotal broom support arms 60 and 60a to control the vertical
position of the rotary broom 20. Respectively, drag shoe lift/lower
cylinders 78 and 78a attach separately to bell cranks 80 and 80a,
and cables 82 and 82a attach between bell cranks 80 and 80a and the
pivotal drag shoe support arms 64 and 64a to control the vertical
position of the drag shoes 62 and 62a. Drag shoes 62 and 62a in
part comprise the rotary broom chamber 22 in concert with other
components described herein. A bracket 69 on one end of the pivotal
broom support arm 60 supports one end of the rotary broom 20. The
opposing end of the rotary broom 20 is supported by a hydraulic
drive motor assembly 61 (FIG. 3) which powers the rotary broom 20.
Geometrically configured and substantially vertically oriented
plates 63 and 63a mount to the trailing portions of the drag shoes
62 and 62a, respectively. Plates 63 and 63a serve as guides or
stops for flexible side panels 94 and 94a shown in FIGS. 4 and
5.
[0035] Additionally shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 are conveyor/conveyor
housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a, conveyor belt tensioner
assemblies 86 and 86a, and a hydraulic fluid tank 88, which are
described later in detail. Also shown in the views is the water
tank 58 which mounts transversely across the frameworks 70 and 70a.
The water tank 58 includes access holes 59 and 59a extending
through the right and left sides, respectively, for access to
conveyor belt tensioner assemblies 86 and 86a shown in FIGS. 2, 3,
4 and 5. A filter shaker mechanism 31 is mounted in the hopper 14
to communicate with and actuate the bottom of the filter 30 to
clean the filter 30 when the filter 30 is blocked to such a degree
that not enough air is passing through the filter 30 for
filtration.
[0036] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of the street sweeper 10 where the pivotal broom support arms
60 and 60a, the pivotal drag shoe support arms 64 and 64a, the drag
shoes 62 and 62a, the plates 63 and 63a, the cables 76, 76a, 82 and
82a, and the outer coverings of the support structures 67 and 67a
have been removed to reveal, in part, other components comprising
components of a shroud 27 which form rotary broom chamber 22. In
FIG. 4 the right side of the configured water tank 58 is not shown
in order to reveal components of and associated with the mounting
of the conveyor housing 18; and in FIG. 5 the left side of the
configured water tank 58 is not shown. Additional components,
comprising, in part, the shroud 27 forming the rotary broom chamber
22, include corresponding opposed vertically oriented panels
located generally adjacent to the opposing ends of the rotary broom
20, are clearly shown. Opposing vertically oriented fixed
non-flexible panels 90 and 90a having slots 92 and 92a,
respectively, being a portion of the shroud 27, secure to and
extend from the frameworks 21 and 21a. Opposing vertically oriented
flexible side panels 94 and 94a of the shroud 27 secure to and
extend downwardly from the rear and lower edge of the fixed
non-flexible panels 90 and 90a of the shroud 27. Opposing
vertically oriented non-flexible panels 96 and 96a, which attach to
and move with the upper region of the drag shoes 62 and 62a,
respectively (FIGS. 2 and 3), align partially behind and with near
juxtaposition with the fixed non-flexible panels 90 and 90a to
form, in part, shroud 27. Vertically oriented non-flexible panels
98 and 98a, part of shroud 27, secure to the upper and rear region
of and move with the pivotal broom support arms 60 and 60a (FIGS. 2
and 3) to transitionally cover the greater region of the slots 92
and 92a in fixed non-flexible panels 90 and 90a. Additional
components, comprising, in part, the shroud 27 which forms the
rotary broom chamber 22, include transversely mounted fixed panels
100a, 100b and 100c, shown in dashed lines, extending between the
frameworks 21 and 21a. A vertically oriented transversely mounted
fixed panel 104 extends downwardly from the frameworks 21 and 21a
to comprise in part the support structure 67 and 67a. In addition
and as part of the shroud 27, vertically oriented transversely
mounted flexible panels 106 and 108 extend downwardly from the
fixed panel 100c and in transversal mounting between the lower
regions of the frameworks 21 and 21a to comprise in part the shroud
27 forming the rotary broom chamber 22.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate, in partial cutaway, opposing side
views of street sweeper 10 where additional components including
flexible side panels 94 and 94a, fixed non-flexible panels 90 and
90a, non-flexible panels 96 and 96a, and non-flexible panels 98 and
98a have been removed to reveal, in part, other components
comprising the shroud 27 forming the rotary broom chamber 22. Also
shown in the views are additional seal members and components
incorporated to mount and/or suspend the conveyor housing 18 and
contained conveyor mechanism 16.
[0038] A large transversely extending flexible seal 110 of suitable
rubber, plastic or the like comprises, in part, the shroud 27
forming the rotary broom chamber 22. The forward edge 112 of the
flexible seal 110 secures in transverse fashion to the lower
portion of the conveyor housing 18, and the rearward edge 114
secures in transverse fashion to the underside of the fixed panel
100a, thereby utilizing the rear portion of the fixed panel 100a to
comprise, in part, the shroud 27 forming the rotary broom chamber
22. The large flexible seal 110 also includes outwardly facing
edges 116 and 116a which align interfacingly and in perpendicular
fashion in close proximity or having intimate contact with the
non-flexible panels 96, 96a, 90 and 90a, respectively, to comprise,
in part, the shroud 27 forming the rotary broom chamber 22. Also
extending outwardly from the lower region of the conveyor housing
18 are flexible panels 118, 118a, 120, 120a, 122 and 122a which
align interfacingly and sealingly in close proximity or having
intimate contact with non-flexible panels 96 and 96a, respectively,
to comprise, in part, the shroud 27 forming the rotary broom
chamber 22. Also extending outwardly from the lower and forward
region of the conveyor housing 18 are transversely mounted flexible
slotted panels 124 and 126 which act as a double seal against and
to the roadway and which comprise, in part, the shroud 27 forming
the rotary broom chamber 22. Transversely mounted flexible panels
128 and 130 at the upper region of the conveyor housing 18 assist
flexible side seals 39 and 39a and flexible seal 38 to seal the
upper end of the conveyor housing 18 to the receiver duct 36 and
the areas adjacent to the receiver duct 36 to ensure a sealed and a
flexible coupled connection of the upper region of the conveyor
housing 18 to the interior of the hopper 14.
[0039] The conveyor housing 18 aligns transversely and indirectly
between the frameworks 21 and 21a and aligns directly between the
frameworks 70 and 70a and extends vertically therebetween in
angular alignment and can be positioned as required with respect to
the vertical and horizontal by the conveyor/conveyor housing mount
assemblies 84 and 84a which utilize hydraulics to provide such
movement. Other components which can influence the position of the
conveyor housing 18 include opposing vertically oriented C-channels
132 and 132a, as also viewed in FIG. 8, which secure to the
opposing sides of the conveyor housing 18 and include,
respectively, opposing solid cylindrical pucks 134 and 134a mounted
on the inwardly facing surfaces of fixed brackets 136 and 136a
extending downwardly from the frameworks 70 and 70a. The conveyor
housing 18 is illustrated in the sweep mode and, as such, the
conveyor housing 18 is supported in part by the engagement of the
pucks 134 and 134a with the upper curved regions of the C-channels
132 and 132a, thereby lending support at the lower region of the
conveyor housing 18. The conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies
84 and 84a connect to and in various modes of operation actively or
passively support, in part, the upper region of the conveyor
housing 18 and are interconnected, as shown in FIG. 8, to offer
variable geometry active or passive support of the conveyor housing
18 at the upper region of the conveyor housing 18 during certain
modes of operation, as described later in detail. During passive
support (sweep mode), the conveyor/conveyor housing mount
assemblies 84 and 84a are not influenced by hydraulic forces and
offer lateral structural support in part. During passive support
involvement by the conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84
and 84a, such as in the sweep mode, angled supports 165 and 165a on
the lower surfaces of configured pivot bars 138 and 138a of the
conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a are in
intimate supporting contact with vertically aligned support blocks
167 and 167a which mount to the frameworks 70 and 70a to offer
lateral support and vertical support of the upper region of the
conveyor housing 18.
[0040] The conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a
feature major components including geometrically configured pivot
bars 138 and 138a, rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a, arms 142
and 142a, and actuating cylinders 144 and 144a. The
conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a are
transversely connected by a box tube 146 and a tube 148 and
actuated and positioned in part by a hydraulic actuating cylinder
150, all shown in FIG. 8. The bottom ends of the pivot bars 138 and
138a engage and can pivot about pivot pins 152 and 152a which are
mounted through and extend inwardly from frameworks 70 and 70a.
Yoke-like brackets 154 and 154a, being opposing substantially
V-shaped members, opposingly attach to the opposing vertically
oriented sides of the pivot bars 138 and 138a to serve as pivotal
mounting structures for the rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a
which attach between the opposing V-shaped members of the yoke-like
brackets 154 and 154a by pivot pins 156 and 156a. One end of the
actuating cylinders 144 and 144a pivotally attach by pivot pins 160
and 160a to brackets 158 and 158a which attach to and extend
upwardly from the lower region of the pivot bars 138 and 138a. The
other ends of the actuating cylinders 144 and 144a pivotally secure
in suitable fashion to the rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a to
hydraulically pivot the rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a about
the pivot pins 156 and 156a. Rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a
include rollers 162 and 162a which can be urged by hydraulic action
into contact with the lower edges of the arms 142 and 142a to
influence the substantially vertical position of the conveyor
housing 18 and contained conveyor mechanism 16 as required. The
upper ends of the pivot bars 138 and 138a pivotally attach via
bearing assemblies 164 and 164a to the forward ends of the arms 142
and 142a. The rearward ends of the arms 142 and 142a incorporate
bearinged mount fixtures 166 and 166a which pivotally secure the
arms 142 and 142a to pivot pins 169 and 169a extending from the
opposing sides of the conveyor housing 18. Opposing lifting lugs
168 and 168a are secured to the vertical sides of the conveyor
housing 18. A hydraulic motor 170 shown on the near side of the
conveyor housing 18 powers the conveyor mechanism 16. Other
components associated with the conveyor/conveyor housing mount
assemblies 84 and 84a are shown in and described in relation to
FIG. 8.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the conveyor housing
18 and other components associated therewith. Illustrated in
particular is the interconnection of the conveyor/conveyor housing
mount assemblies 84 and 84a by the box tube 146 and by the tube 148
extending therebetween. Tube 148 extends between the forward ends
of the arms 142 and 142a to provide connective association between
the upper regions of the conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies
84 and 84a. Brackets 172 and 172a extend forwardly from the pivot
bars 138 and 138a to accommodate the box tube 146 which extends
therebetween to provide connective association between the lower
regions of the conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and
84a. Another bracket 174 is shown distanced from and secures to the
mid portion of the box tube 146. One end of the hydraulic actuating
cylinder 150 pivotally secures to the bracket 174 and the other end
pivotally secures to a bracket 176 which in turn secures to a
framework member. Bracket 174 secures to the box tube 146.
[0042] Mode of Operation
[0043] The preceding figures have best shown and described the
structure of the street sweeper 10 in the sweep mode. Hydraulic
operating power is provided by one or more truck mounted hydraulic
pumps, filters and coolers and appropriately routed by hydraulic
controls (not shown) for operation of hydraulically operated
components, such as, but not limited to, the fan 26, the hydraulic
drive motor assembly 61, the gutter broom assemblies 65 and 65a,
the broom lift/lower cylinders 72, 72a, the drag shoe lift/lower
cylinders 78, 78a, the actuating cylinders 144, 144a and 150, and
the hydraulic motor 170. During the sweep mode, the deflection
mode, the transit mode or the dump mode various components are
positioned or operated or are not operated to meet the need of that
particular mode of operation, as described in detail herein.
[0044] During the sweep mode, gutter broom assemblies 65 and 65a
are powered and utilized to sweep and direct debris to the center
of the travel path of the truck 12 and into the path of the
forwardly advancing rotary broom 20. The rotary broom 20 sweepingly
directs debris forwardly and upwardly to be deposited on the lower
receiving end of conveyor mechanism 16 for conveyance to the hopper
14 which is surrounded by the conveyor housing 18. During the sweep
mode, the rotary broom 20 is positioned vertically by action of the
broom lift/lower cylinders 72 and 72a, bell cranks 74 and 74a,
cables 76 and 76a, and pivotal broom support arms 60 and 60a for
suitable and appropriate sweeping contact with the roadway.
Suitable cable tension can be maintained to limit downward
gravitational movement of the rotary broom 20 to control rotary
broom force, as desired. The nonflexible panels 98 and 98a attached
to the pivotal broom support arms 60 and 60a correspondingly
position along the slots 92 and 92a in the fixed nonflexible panels
90 and 90a and along nonflexible panels 96 and 96a to maintain
vacuumized integrity of the rotary broom chamber 22. Drag shoes 62
and 62a are positioned vertically by action of the drag shoe
lift/lower cylinders 78 and 78a, bell cranks 80 and 80a, cables 82
and 82a, and pivotal drag shoe support arms 64 and 64a for suitable
and appropriate sliding contact with the roadway. Suitable cable
tension can be maintained to limit downward gravitational movement
of the drag shoes 62 and 62a, as desired. Nonflexible panels 96 and
96a attached to the drag shoes 62 and 62a correspondingly position
along the fixed nonflexible panels 90 and 90a and nonflexible
panels 98 and 98a to maintain vacuumized integrity of the rotary
broom chamber 22. During the sweep mode, the conveyor housing 18
containing the conveyor mechanism 16 is supported, as previously
described in relation to FIGS. 6 and 7, and by support blocks 167
and 167a and by the pucks 134 and 134a with the assistance of
gravitational forces. The conveyor/conveyor housing mount
assemblies 84 and 84a offer passive support of the conveyor housing
18 in the sweep mode.
[0045] In the sweep mode the fan 26 is utilized to create a region
of low pressure, or vacuum, which communicates through the conveyor
housing 18 with the vacuumized chamber 22 surrounding the rotary
broom 20 to maintain an area of low pressure or vacuum in the
rotary broom chamber 22. Air containing dust particles, as shown by
dark arrows (FIG. 1), is drawn through the areas of increasingly
lower pressures from the vacuumized chamber 22, through the
conveyor housing 18, through the hopper 14 and thence into and
through the filter 30 and fan 26 for filtration, and then exiting
the exhaust port 28 as filtered clean air, as shown by a light
arrow.
[0046] FIG. 9 illustrates the deflection mode, whereby the lower
region of the conveyor housing 18 encounters an obstacle 178 while
primarily engaged in the sweep mode. During such an encounter, the
conveyor housing 18 can accommodatingly pivot or otherwise
reposition to avoid damage to the structure of the invention.
Pivoting occurs and centers about the junction of the angled
supports 165 and 165a with the support blocks 167 and 167a or, in
the alternative, the conveyor housing 18 can be repositioned to a
position where intimate engagement of the angled supports 165 and
165a with the support blocks 167 and 167a no longer occurs. At such
a time the pucks 134 and 134a disengage from the C-channels 132 and
132a. The conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a
offer passive support of the conveyor housing 18 during the
deflection mode.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates the transit mode, whereby the conveyor
housing 18 is raised to allow high speed transit of the street
sweeper 10 along the roadway to a sweeping site. In the transit
mode, the upper region of the conveyor housing 18 is actively
influenced by the conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and
84a which are instrumental in the elevating of the conveyor housing
18 to a position where the lower region of conveyor 18 is distanced
from the roadway. Actuating cylinders 144 and 144a, part of the
conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a, are powered
and extend to pivotally position the rollered arm assemblies 140
and 140a and thus cause the rollers 162 and 162a to forcibly engage
the lower edges of arms 142 and 142a. Such forced engagement pivots
the arms 142 and 142a upwardly about the bearing assemblies 164 and
164a to carry and position the conveyor housing 18 in an upward
direction. The pivot bars 138 and 138a remain stationary with
respect to the conveyor housing 18 and are supported in part by the
angled supports 165 and 165a and the support blocks 167 and 167a
which remain in intimate contact during the transit mode. As the
conveyor housing 18 is first elevatingly influenced by the
conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a, the pucks
134 and 134a disengage from the upper portion of the C-channels 132
and 132a and remain disengaged until reaching and contacting the
lower region of the C-channels 132 and 132a upon which supportive
re-engagement occurs with the lower region of the C-channels 132
and 132a to support and stabilize the lower region of the conveyor
housing 18. Repositioning of the conveyor 18 also repositionally
disengages the upper region of the conveyor housing 18 from
intimate and meaningful contact with the receiver duct 36. After
the rollered arm assemblies 140 and 140a are driven past the over
center position by the actuating cylinders 144 and 144a, hydraulic
flow is interrupted and pressure is locked in the cylinders, such
as by a check valve (not shown) to maintain the conveyor/conveyor
housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a, and thus the conveyor
mechanism 16 and conveyor housing 18 in the transit mode position.
During the transport mode, the rotary broom 20 and the drag shoes
62 and 62a are positioned upwardly by the action of the broom
lift/lower cylinders 72 and 72a, and the drag shoe lift/lower
cylinders 78 and 78a, respectively, and associated components to
prevent unwanted contact with the roadway. The conveyor/conveyor
housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a offer active support of the
conveyor housing 18 during the transit mode.
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates the dump mode, whereby the conveyor
housing 18 is raised and positioned rearwardly to accommodate
removal of debris and subsequent depositing of the debris to an
adjacently positioned truck from an elevated hopper 14. During the
dump mode, the conveyor housing 18 is positioned upwardly in the
same manner as described in FIG. 10 by powering of the actuating
cylinders 144 and 144a to vertically position the conveyor housing
18. In addition, the conveyor housing 18 is positioned rearwardly
by the action of the actuating cylinder 150. The actuating cylinder
150 urges the box tube 146 and the attached conveyor/conveyor
housing mount assemblies 84 and 84a rearwardly to reposition the
conveyor housing 18 in a like direction. Such action causes
rotation of the conveyor housing 18 about the center of the lower
region of the C-channels 132 and 132a, which are in supportive
engagement with the pucks 134 and 134a, to entirely remove the
upper region of the conveyor housing 18 from engagement or other
influence with the receiver duct 36 of the hopper 14. Such
positioning allows the hopper 14 to be raised by the scissors jack
assembly 24 without interference by the conveyor housing 18. The
hopper 14 is then tilted or rotated by means common to the art to
dump the debris into an adjacent dump truck or other suitable waste
receptacle. The conveyor/conveyor housing mount assemblies 84 and
84a offer active support of the conveyor housing 18 during the dump
mode.
[0049] Various modifications can be made to the present invention
without departing from the apparent scope hereof.
* * * * *