EP1249542A2 - Debris hopper for road sweepers - Google Patents

Abstract

The dust container has a hopper (2) for collection of the material swept up by the floor sweeper vehicle (1) and a cover flap (1) fitting over the hopper in its operating position, which is pivoted upwards about a separate rotary mounting (9), to allow tipping of the hopper for emptying. The cover flap incorporates a suction device (3) for providing a reduced pressure within the hopper for material collection. An independent claim for a floor sweeping machine with a dust collection container is also included.

Description

The invention relates to a dirt hopper for a sweeper vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

Sweepings containers of commercially available sweepers essentially exist from a trough to hold the sweepings and a lid, which follows the trough in the operating state of the dirt hopper completes above. The lid flap is for opening the dirt hopper usually around a swivel, which from the emptying end the dirt hopper is arranged remotely, pivotally mounted. Furthermore the waste containers have a suction device, their positioning however, differs depending on the type of dirt hopper.

In Figures 6 to 8 are various marketable sweeper vehicles only shown schematically. All variants have in common that the dirt hopper is unloaded towards the rear of the vehicle and for this purpose about a horizontal axis in that in the figures position shown is pivoted. In the variant of Figure 6 is the suction turbine at the driver's end of the trough in a vertical position Position mounted with a horizontal axis of rotation. In the shown emptying position the suction turbine is therefore on the distant upper one End of the hollow. This variant has the disadvantage that it is in front of the suction turbine Assembled strainer is difficult to access for cleaning purposes is. In particular, light sweepings such as leaves, paper etc. combine form a compact mass with the cleaning water used, that settles on the dirt filter in front of the turbine. Another disadvantage in this variant it can be seen that the focus of the Waste container during the emptying process behind the rear axle of the Sweeper vehicle relocated, which makes the vehicle in high Dimensions become unstable and can tip over in extreme cases.

In the variant according to FIG. 7, the suction turbine is on the inside of the hinged lid flap mounted. This makes it for cleaning purposes more accessible. However, the dirt hopper emptied not as good as in the variant according to FIG. 6 and must therefore be used via the top dead center can be pivoted so that the center of gravity is even more critical than in the variant according to FIG. 6.

In another sweepings container variant, as shown in Figure 8 is, the suction turbine as in Figure 6 in a vertical position with a horizontal Axis of rotation arranged in the rear area of the trough. However the suction turbine is not part of the body, but separately on the vehicle or mounted on the base frame of the dirt hopper. The dirt filter is an integral part of the back of the trough. To one To empty the dirt hopper, move the dirt hopper by moving it decoupled from the suction turbine against the direction of travel of the vehicle and then, as with the other variants, a horizontal one Axis of rotation tilted. In this variant, the center of gravity is less critical, especially since the suction turbine is related to the rear axle of the vehicle represents a counter-moment to the swung-up trough. on the other hand the dirt screen is in turn difficult to reach for cleaning purposes. Overall, this variant is structurally complex because the In addition to the tilting movement, the trough must first be moved longitudinally must in order to mechanically decouple the trough from the suction turbine.

The object of the present invention is to provide a waste container for a Sweeper vehicle and a corresponding sweeper vehicle to provide, with the focus of the dirt hopper when emptying it is close to the center of the vehicle and at the same time a reliable emptying of the container with improved Access to the strainer for cleaning given is.

This object is achieved by a waste container according to claim 1 and a sweeper vehicle with a such waste container. In dependent claims are advantageous Further developments and refinements of the invention are specified.

While the lid flap in the conventional dirt hopper is pivotally connected to the trough via a swivel joint, The invention provides for the hinge of the lid flap and accordingly also arrange the lid flap separately from the trough. In the case of a hopper that is unloaded backwards, for example sensible, the swivel joint horizontally near the vehicle cab To be provided so that the lid flap before the actual Emptying process of the dirt hopper in the direction of vehicle travel can be pivoted upwards. In the Delkelklappe is similar the conventional variant according to FIG. 7 integrates the suction device, when the lid flap around the swivel to the center of the vehicle has been pivoted upwards, a counterweight to that for represents rearward emptying to the trough shifted backwards.

An uncritical center of gravity similarly results as an advantage the conventional variant according to FIG. 8, at the same time for cleaning purposes easily accessible dirt strainer. Furthermore, the Arrangement of the suction device on the lid flap and the separation the lid flap from the trough the advantage that the trough itself very much can be easily designed. You can also open the trough in this way make it very large, which means that the dirt is emptied is much easier.

It is particularly advantageous if the dirt screen as from the suction device separate component provided and pivotable on the trough is mounted. During the emptying process by swiveling the The dirt sieve becomes correspondingly trough around a horizontal axis pivoted, so that it is similar to the conventional variant 7 is easily accessible for cleaning purposes. Preferably For this purpose, the strainer is around the emptying side Horizontal swivel opposite the end of the dirt hopper pivotable and can also be used, for example, by means of a lever or a gas spring.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, this covers Dirt strainer essentially covers the entire lid flap and is in contrast to conventional dirt screens not on the surface of the suction device limited. This will remove the suction device generated negative pressure evenly distributed, making an almost complete Filling the trough with dirt can be achieved.

The center of gravity of the dirt hopper can be further improved, if the trough is realized in a lightweight construction. This can be done achieved that the lid flap the trough laterally from above encloses. The lid flap is therefore comparatively stable and heavily designed, while the trough walls are made of comparatively thin, corrugated sheets can be made in the lateral direction be stabilized by the lid flap.

The waste container according to the invention is preferably on a base frame mounted so that it can be handled as a separate unit to a Sweeper vehicle when needed, for example as a winter service spreading vehicle to be able to convert with a grit container.

Figur 1 perspektivisch ein Kehrmaschinenfahrzeug mit einem Kehrgutbehälter im Betriebszustand;

Figur 2 perspektivisch ein Kehrmaschinenfahrzeug mit einem Kehrgutbehälter beim Entleerungsvorgang;

Figur 3 in Seitenansicht ein Kehrmaschinenfahrzeug mit Kehrgutbehälter beim Entleerungsvorgang mit eingezeichneter Schwerpunktslage des Kehrgutbehälters;

Figur 4 das Kehrmaschinenfahrzeug gemäß Figur 3 im Betriebszustand im Querschnitt;

Figur 5 den Kehrgutbehälter als separat handhabbare Einheit in seiner Entleerungsposition im Detail;

Figuren 6 bis 8 verschiedene Varianten nach dem Stand der Technik.

The invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In it show:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a sweeper vehicle with a dirt hopper in the operating state;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sweeper vehicle with a dirt hopper during the emptying process;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of a sweeper vehicle with a dirt hopper during the emptying process with the center of gravity of the dirt hopper shown;

Figure 4 shows the sweeper vehicle according to Figure 3 in the operating state in cross section;

Figure 5 shows the waste container as a separately manageable unit in its emptying position in detail;

Figures 6 to 8 different variants according to the prior art.

Figure 1 shows in perspective a special embodiment of an inventive Sweeper vehicle with an inventive Hopper. The dirt hopper sits as a separately manageable unit on the bed of the vehicle and essentially comprises one Trough 2 and a lid flap 1, which is mounted on a base frame 4 are. In the configuration shown is the sweeper vehicle operational. Details such as rotary brush, proboscis, moistening device including water storage and drainage containers etc. are not shown here since they are of no importance for the invention.

In Figure 2, the sweeper vehicle of Figure 1 is emptying shown. The dirt hopper empties to the rear the rear vehicle axle of the sweeper vehicle. To the cover flap 1 is first turned upward about a swivel 9 Driving direction pivoted to the trough 2, the upper edge 12 in closed state of the lid flap 1 laterally from above by a stable brim 13 of the lid flap 1 is enclosed mechanically decouple. The trough 2 is then free, in turn, about a pivot axis 7 in the opposite direction, that is, in the direction of travel of the sweeper vehicle opposite direction, pivoted upwards be so that the debris collected in the trough 2 rear of the vehicle slips out of the trough 2 into a dirt container, which is only indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 3. In the in Figure 2 shown swung open the frame construction of the Base frame 4 recognizable. Furthermore, a hydraulic cylinder 6 for lifting the lid flap 1 and two further hydraulic cylinders 8 visible for lifting the trough 2.

The dirt hopper also has a suction device 3 in the form a suction turbine and a strainer 5, which the suction turbine 3 in closed operating state of the dirt hopper against dirt contamination protects. While the comparatively heavy suction turbine 3 Is part of the lid flap 1, it is comparatively light Dirt sieve 5 preferably separated from the suction turbine 3 Trough 2 mounted. This weight distribution has the advantage that the Center of gravity of the dirt hopper during the emptying process the pivoting of the stable lid flap 1 with the heavy suction turbine 3 in the direction of travel of the vehicle to a position in front of the rear axle of the vehicle is shifted. The danger that the sweeper vehicle tipped over at the rear of the vehicle during the emptying process, is significantly reduced.

As far as the arrangement of the strainer 5 is concerned, one would be with the lid flap 1 firmly connected strainer for cleaning purposes well accessible. The arrangement on the trough 2 is however too prefer, because the falling when cleaning the strainer 5 Debris together with the debris emptied from the trough 2 in the Dirt hopper lands. To clean the dirt screen 5 additionally to facilitate, an actuator 11 is provided with which the lightweight dirt screen 5 further pivoted and set up can be. The actuator 11 can be designed as a simple lever his. However, a gas pressure spring is preferably used when swiveling back the trough 2 into the operating state due to the Own weight of the strainer 5 automatically retracts and in reverse Direction when swiveling the trough 2 due to its gas pressure spring force automatically extends. The center of gravity of the dirt hopper is by the arrangement of the strainer 5 as part of Trough 2 is not essential, even when the strainer 5 is in the extended position influenced, since the strainer 5 has only a low weight.

In Figure 3, the sweeper vehicle is shown in side view the center of gravity S of the dirt hopper is drawn. The center of gravity S lies between the two vehicle axles, on the one hand is due to the fact that the heavy suction turbine 3 with the lid flap 1 is pivoted upward in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and on the other hand because a particularly stable upper edge 12 the trough 2 enclosing construction of the lid flap 1 a Lightweight design allows at least the side walls of the trough 2.

FIG. 4 shows the same view of the sweeper vehicle as FIG. 3, however in the closed operating state, the dirt hopper in Section is shown, so that the arrangement of the individual components of the dirt hopper is visible to each other.

The waste container which can be handled as a separate unit is shown in FIG opened state shown in detail. The center of gravity S is again indicated and corresponds to the center of gravity S. Figure 3. It can be seen that the hydraulic cylinders 6 and 8 for Swinging up the lid flap 1 on the one hand about the swivel 9 and on the other hand, the trough 2 about the pivot axis 7 on the base frame 4 attack. It can also be seen that this is from the suction turbine 3 decoupled dirt screen 5 horizontally about a swivel joint 10 pivotable at the end of the dirt hopper on the emptying side opposite end of the trough 2 is suspended. Through a Simple lever 11, the strainer 5 is issued and locked.

Furthermore, an intake port 14 is shown in FIG. 5, however Usually not part of the dirt hopper or its base frame but is part of the sweeper vehicle. The intake manifold 14 closes in the closed state of the dirt hopper to a discharge pipe 15, which is part of the trough 2. By the Intake pipe 14 and the discharge pipe 15 is caused by the the suction turbine 3 generated negative pressure, swept into the trough 2 sucked. The debris initially bounces against a baffle 19 of the Dirt sieve 5 and is then deposited on the bottom of the trough 2. On in this way the trough 2 is from the rear of the vehicle in the direction of travel gradually filled. Since the strainer 5 covers the entire top Covering the opening side of the trough 2 is a reliable suction guaranteed even in the almost filled state of the trough 2. A Sealing lip 16 on the strainer 5 prevents debris from entering the Suction turbine 3 can get. Another rubber seal 17 is on the Cover flap 1 is provided to hermetically seal the trough 2, so that the suction of the suction turbine 3 completely for sucking Sweepings are available.

Finally, FIG. 5 shows that the side walls 20 the trough 2 reinforcing ribs 18 and an inspection flap 21 have. The side walls 20 are made of thin sheet metal, in which the reinforcing ribs 18 were introduced in the deep-drawing process. The stability of the trough 2 is essential through the lid flap 1 affects, which by means of its brim 13, the upper edge 12 of the Trough 2 encloses laterally from above.

While all of the aforementioned advantages in particular with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5 can be achieved, can have particular advantages of individual aspects of the present invention in an advantageous manner also in the case of waste containers modified therefrom will be realized.

References list

1

flap

2

trough

3

Suction / Turbine

4

base frame

5

strainer

6

Hydraulic cylinder for cover flap 1

7

Swivel axis of the trough 2

8th

Hydraulic cylinder for trough 2

9

Swivel joint for cover flap 1

10

Swivel for strainer 5

11

Discharge screen actuator 5

12

upper edge of the trough 2

13

Brim of the lid flap 1

14

intake

15

discharge pipe

16

Rubber seal of the lid flap 1

17

Strainer rubber seal 5

18

Reinforcing ribs of the side wall 20 of the trough 2

19

Baffle plate of the strainer 5

20

Sidewall of the trough 2

21

inspection hatch

Claims (7)

Comprehensive sweepings container for sweeper vehicle a trough (2) for receiving sweepings, a lid flap (1) which closes the trough (2) in the operating state of the dirt hopper, the lid flap (1) for opening the dirt hopper being pivoted about a swivel joint (9) which is arranged away from an end of the dirt hopper on the emptying side is and a suction device (3) for generating a negative pressure within the dirt hopper for sucking in the dirt, the suction device (3) being mounted on the lid flap (1), characterized in that the swivel joint (9) of the lid flap (1) is arranged separately from the trough (2). Sweepings container according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (1) due to a dirt screen (5) which is pivotally mounted on the trough (2) is protected against contamination by dirt. Sweepings container according to claim 2, wherein the dirt screen (5) in essentially covers the entire lid flap (1). Sweepings container according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lid flap (1) encloses the trough (2) laterally from above. Waste container according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the waste container mounted on a base frame (4) and as a separate unit is manageable. Sweeper vehicle with a dirt hopper according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which the swivel joint (9) of the lid flap (1) is horizontal and arranged transversely to the direction of travel of the sweeper vehicle is that the lid flap (1) when opening the dirt hopper pivoted in the direction of travel. Sweeper vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the lid flap (1) with the suction device (3) mounted on it in the direction of travel and the Dirt hopper against the direction of travel of the sweeper vehicle are pivotable, so that the focus shifts the individual pivoted components in any case mutually compensate.

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