EP0315669A1 - Cleaning vehicles. - Google Patents
Cleaning vehicles.Info
- Publication number
- EP0315669A1 EP0315669A1 EP88904990A EP88904990A EP0315669A1 EP 0315669 A1 EP0315669 A1 EP 0315669A1 EP 88904990 A EP88904990 A EP 88904990A EP 88904990 A EP88904990 A EP 88904990A EP 0315669 A1 EP0315669 A1 EP 0315669A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- steerable wheels
- brush
- matter
- control
- wheels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
- E01H1/08—Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
- E01H1/0827—Dislodging by suction; Mechanical dislodging-cleaning apparatus with independent or dependent exhaust, e.g. dislodging-sweeping machines with independent suction nozzles ; Mechanical loosening devices working under vacuum
- E01H1/0836—Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles
- E01H1/0845—Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles with mechanical loosening or feeding instruments for the dirt to be sucked- up, e.g. brushes, scrapers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
- E01H1/00—Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
- E01H1/02—Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt
- E01H1/05—Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt with driven brushes
- E01H1/053—Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt with driven brushes having vertical axes
Definitions
- This invention relates to cleaning vehicles, for example such vehicles as disclosed in our International patent application published under serial number WO 87/01404. We hereby incorporate by reference the entire disclosure of our prior application into the present application.
- This strip lies between the inboard edge of the zone swept by the inboard brush, and the outboard edge of the nozzle.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning vehicle offering improvements in relation to one or more of the matters discussed above, or generally.
- the suction nozzle or matter inlet means is pivoted independently of the brush mounting, and both these assemblies are steered in accordance with the steering of the steerable wheels of the vehicle.
- different pivotal relationships as between the nozzle and the steered wheels, and the brush gear and the steered wheels can be achieved.
- These differing relationships enable the avoidance or substantial reduction of unswept areas or "trails" to be achieved.
- the relationship between the angular position of the steered wheels and the positions of the brush or brushes and the nozzle may be non-linear. A different curve may be provided by the nozzle and the or each of the brushes. At any time, the driver can override the aforesaid relationship to provide independent brush control.
- Fig 1 shows a plan view of the steerable front wheels and assocaited brush gear and suction nozzle of a cleaning vehicle
- Fig 2 shows a second embodiment forming a modification of that of Fig 1;
- Fig 3 shows a modification of Fig 2.
- a cleaning vehicle 10 comprises ground wheels including forward steerable wheels 12,14 and rear driven wheels (not shown ) on which is mounted a vehicle body - also not shown.
- Vehicle 10 further comprises brush gear 16 having brushes 18 and 20, together with suction gear 22 in the form of a suction intake nozzle.
- Steerable wheels 12,14 are mounted for pivotal movement about respective upwardly extending axes 24,26 and are interconnected by a steering linkage 28 comprising steering arms 30,32 interconnected by a steering link 34 and steering joints 36,38.
- a steering control system is provided to enable an operator of the vehicle to steer it in the conventional way from his cab.
- the steering system for the vehicle described thus far, is very analogous to a conventional Ackermann vehicle steering system.
- each brush 18,20 is mounted on its respective wheel axle assembly 40,42 through support arms 44,46 and brush mounting linkages 48,50.
- Linkages 48,50 are constructed substantially as described in our prior International application, to which reference is directed for all detailed information. Suffice it to say for present purposes that each linkage comprises hydraulic rams 52,54 which, together with a helical tension spring serve to control the linkages by means of a hydraulic system (not shown ) including a valve under driver control. The driver can set the lateral position of each brush by causing pivotal movement of the assembly about an inner pivot 56 having an upwardly extending axis.
- the working position is automatically maintained relative to the steered wheels 12,14 by the vehicle's steering system, as explained below.
- the linkage permits rearward yielding movement of its brush ( with respect to direction F of vehicle forward motion ) by pivotal movement about a forward upwardly extending articulation axis 58 against the action of the helical tension spring.
- suction gear 22 this comprises a suction nozzle 60 constructed in a manner similar to that disclosed in our prior application and mounted for independent pivotal movement about an upwardly extending axis 62.
- a steering arm 64 is fixed to nozzle 60 so as to be able to steer it about axis 62.
- Steering arm 64 is connected to the steering arm 30 of steerable wheel 12 by a steering link 66 through steering joints 68,70.
- steering ' movement of wheels 12,14 by virtue of steering linkage 28 causes corresponding steering movement, in synchronism with the wheels, of nozzle 60 by virtue of the linkage 72 constituted by link 66, arm 64 and steering joints 68,70.
- Control means is thus provided to control both the steerable wheels 12, 14 and the pivotal movement of the matter removal means comprising nozzle 60 and brush gear 16.
- the control means comprises the driver's steering control system for the wheels 12, 14, together with the linkage 72 and arms 44, 46 together with the brush mountings 48, 50.
- linkage 72 it can be arranged that the nozzle and brushes pivot relative to the vehicle body with different relationships to the steerable wheels, so that for example, the angular movement of nozzle 60 is greater than that of the brush assemblies, whereby, even on sharp turns, the nozzle at least compensates for the need to Individually swing, under driver control, the inboard brush in. an outward direction relative to the inboard steered wheel, as the turn is executed.
- brush mountings 48 and 50 are fixed at their inboard ends 100, 102 on the body 104 of vehicle 10.
- the point of attachment may be at any suitable location, and if the vehicle incorporates a resilient suspension, the point of r attachment may be on the sprung or unsprung portion of the vehicle. Otherwise, the brush mountings 48 and 50 are substantially identical to those of Fig 1.
- Nozzle 22 is pivoted about axis 62, as in Fig 1, but link 66 is not connected to steering arm 30. Instead, link 66 is connected to an operating mechanism (not shown) under the control of a programmable electronic control system indicated at 106.
- Controller 106 forms part of the control means in this embodiment, which corresponds to the mechanical link and mounting system interconnecting the brush gear and nozzle and steered wheels in Fig 1.
- sensors 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 are provided on steered wheels 12, 14, and nozzle 22 and brush mountings 48 and 50 respectively. These sensors may be of any suitable form. For example, they may be in the form of potentiometers. The sensors feed signals back to the controller 106 through signal transmitting lines 118.
- the controller is arranged so that actuation of nozzle 22 and brush mountings 48 and 50 is effected in accordance with the degree of angular movement of steered wheels 12, 14 about their respective steering axes.
- the lateral positions of the brush gear and the nozzle are controlled by hydraul c or pneumatic rams.
- the fluid control system for the rams incorporates a solenoid valve or valves.
- the valve control system may be generally on the lines disclosed in EP 0087936.
- Alternative systems for actuation and control of the nozzle and brush gear by means of the signals from sensors 108 to 116 may be provided.
- the controller 106 itself provides for a different pivotal relationship between nozzle 22 and steered wheels 1.2, 14, than there is between brush mountings 48 and 50 and the steered wheels. Controller 106 provides for variation of these angular relationships according to driver choice and/or sensed vehicle operational parameters.
- the one, two or more brushes and the nozzle can each have their own curve when steering angle of the wheels is plotted against the positions of the brushes and nozzle.
- the brushes and nozzle can each have two or more such curves representing different and driver-selectable operational modes. These could be selected by, for example, the mere operation of a switch by the driver.
- the brush gear and nozzle are provided with flexible position control which is adaptable to operational requirements and emergencies while maximising sweeping efficiency and sweeping width while minimising the tendency to produce unswept areas and trails.
- the driver's manual control system for the vehicle includes a manual override control lever for the brush gear whereby he can position the brushes according to instantaneous requirements during vehicle travel. After such manual adjustment, once the brushes have been reset to a desired position, or else have been allowed to automatically reset thereto, the automatic control - system takes over and maintains the proper relationship between brushes and nozzle and the vehicle body according to the selected operating programme of controller 106.
- Fig 3 the general arrangement and mode of operation is substantially as described above in connection with Fig 2.
- Simplified brush mountings 248 and 250 are provided, these being directly pivoted on the vehicle body at 252 and 254, and actuated by ram assemblies 256 and 258 respectively having angular movement sensors 257,259.
- Nozzle 260 is pivoted at 262 and actuated by a ra 264 and associated angular movement sensor 265.
- Steered front wheels 266, 268 are controlled by a ram 270 and associated angular movement sensor 271 acting on a steering link 272.
- a control system for the rams 256, 258, 264 and 270 and their sensors is provided as described above in connection with Fig 2.
- the vehicle is driven by rear wheels 272, 274 by means of an engine and transmission mounted on the vehicle body 276. Operation of this embodiment is substantially as described above in connection with Fig 2.
- any suitable brush mounting linkage can be adopted according to the differing requirements of the above two embodiments, and otherwise.
- Such linkage can be provided with varying degrees of sophistication of control according to need, as disclosed above.
- only relatively simple control of the brush gear is strictly needed in view of its automatic steering control system arising from its mechanical connection to the vehicle steering system.
- the independent mounting of the brush gear and of the matter inlet means or nozzle permits differential rates of angular movement between the two as they turn with the steerable wheels.
- the brush gear moves exactly in unison with its respective steered wheel, by being mounted on the axle assembly thereof. This is not essential, as the second embodiment shows.
- An independent mounting with a linkage connection or other connection can also be envisaged.
- the mechanical links direct to the steering system of the vehicle in Fig 1 can be replaced by hydraulic or other connections, as described in relation to Fig 2. In such a case, it can be readily provided that when steering control of the brush and/or matter inlet is not required, this can be dispensed with.
- the hydraulic or electronic and/or other connection could be arranged to be selectively rendered inoperable.
- a third brush may be required for the vehicle in certain circumstances. Moreover, for certain operating conditions it may be necessary or desirable to control only one brush, or less than all the brushes at any given time.
- the pivotal mounting of the nozzle then becomes the only major structural change included in the embodiment.
- the angular movement sensors are readily fitted to existing vehicle designs and the technology for such sensors is well established.
- the overall controller 106 will in most cases be electronic, with outputs to solenoid type valve control systems, and can incorporate existing brush gear control systems, such as disclosed in EP 0087936.
- the embodiment provides a significant step towards total control of the brush and nozzle systems in a sweeping vehicle while requiring only modest changes to existing vehicle designs. Also, loads in the steering system are lower than in certain prior art proposals.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
Abstract
Dans un véhicule de nettoyage (10) tel qu'une balayeuse pour routes autopropulsée, le bec d'aspiration (60) et le mécanisme porte-balai (16) pivotent indépendamment et sont orientés en synchronisme avec les roues orientables (12, 14) du véhicule. La relation entre le mouvement de pivotement des roues orientables (12, 14) et le bec d'aspiration (60) et le mécanisme porte-balai (16) peut être non linéaire et différentes relations peuvent être choisies par sélection de modes de balayage optionnels dans un système de commande programmable (106) - le tout dans le but de réduire au minimum les surfaces non balayées et d'améliorer la commande. Le conducteur peut effectuer la commande de la position de base du mécanisme porte-balai (16) et notamment la commande prioritaire manuelle et automatique de cette position, afin d'éviter les obstacles.In a cleaning vehicle (10) such as a sweeper for self-propelled roads, the suction nozzle (60) and the brush holder mechanism (16) pivot independently and are oriented in synchronism with the steerable wheels (12, 14) of the vehicle. The relationship between the pivoting movement of the steerable wheels (12, 14) and the suction nozzle (60) and the brush holder mechanism (16) can be non-linear and different relationships can be chosen by selection of optional scanning modes. in a programmable control system (106) - all for the purpose of minimizing unswept areas and improving control. The driver can control the basic position of the brush holder mechanism (16) and in particular the manual and automatic priority control of this position, in order to avoid obstacles.
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB878713251A GB8713251D0 (en) | 1987-06-05 | 1987-06-05 | Cleaning vehicles |
GB8713251 | 1987-06-05 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0315669A1 true EP0315669A1 (en) | 1989-05-17 |
EP0315669B1 EP0315669B1 (en) | 1991-09-25 |
Family
ID=10618468
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP88904990A Expired - Lifetime EP0315669B1 (en) | 1987-06-05 | 1988-06-06 | Cleaning vehicles |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0315669B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1944888A (en) |
CA (1) | CA1299829C (en) |
DE (1) | DE3865176D1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB8713251D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1988009848A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104831655A (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2015-08-12 | 江苏大学 | Vehicle-mounted monitoring system of all-electric road sweeper |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2244750B (en) * | 1990-06-08 | 1995-03-22 | Schmidt Mfg & Equip | Suction nozzle mounting for a cleaning vehicle |
GB9015529D0 (en) * | 1990-07-14 | 1990-08-29 | Schmidt Mfg & Equip | Cleaning vehicles |
DE4429996A1 (en) * | 1994-08-24 | 1996-02-29 | Kaercher Gmbh & Co Alfred | Street etc. sweeping vehicle with brush and roller |
US7350264B2 (en) | 2003-11-06 | 2008-04-01 | Madvac Inc. | Mobile vacuum sweeper |
DE102004032383B3 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2006-03-09 | Schmidt Holding Gmbh | Self-propelled sweeper |
DE102005018882A1 (en) * | 2005-04-22 | 2006-11-02 | Hako-Werke Gmbh | Floor cleaning machine |
DE102009014560A1 (en) * | 2009-03-16 | 2010-09-23 | Alfred Kärcher Gmbh & Co. Kg | Replaceable sweeping brush and sweeper with such sweeping brush device |
CN102348851B (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2014-03-12 | 阿尔弗雷德·凯驰两合公司 | Automotive roadsweeper |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3371378D1 (en) * | 1982-02-27 | 1987-06-11 | Schmidt Mfg & Equip | Brush control means |
DE3517079A1 (en) * | 1985-05-11 | 1986-11-13 | Schörling GmbH & Co Waggonbau, 3000 Hannover | Self-collecting sweeping vehicle |
DE3650441D1 (en) * | 1985-08-31 | 1996-01-04 | Morningfield Ltd | Cleaning vehicles. |
-
1987
- 1987-06-05 GB GB878713251A patent/GB8713251D0/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-06-06 CA CA000568750A patent/CA1299829C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-06-06 EP EP88904990A patent/EP0315669B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-06-06 DE DE8888904990T patent/DE3865176D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1988-06-06 AU AU19448/88A patent/AU1944888A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1988-06-06 WO PCT/GB1988/000439 patent/WO1988009848A1/en active IP Right Grant
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO8809848A1 * |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104831655A (en) * | 2015-04-14 | 2015-08-12 | 江苏大学 | Vehicle-mounted monitoring system of all-electric road sweeper |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0315669B1 (en) | 1991-09-25 |
GB8713251D0 (en) | 1987-07-08 |
CA1299829C (en) | 1992-05-05 |
DE3865176D1 (en) | 1991-10-31 |
AU1944888A (en) | 1989-01-04 |
WO1988009848A1 (en) | 1988-12-15 |
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