EP1424448A1 - Sweeping apparatus and method of operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The street cleaning lorry (1) has rotating brooms (2, 3) whose position can be adjusted at right angles to the longitudinal axis (L) of the lorry. The novelty is that their position can also be adjusted parallel to the axis. An Independent claim is included for a method for operating a lorry which has brooms mounted as described.

Description

The invention relates to a sweeper according to The preamble of claim 1 and a method its operation according to claim 7 or 8.

A sweeper is a self-propelled Vehicle, usually with a broom arrangement on the front and a suction pick-up device or a mechanical one Receiving device for the sweepings. Through the Broom arrangement that becomes from the streets to be swept, Squares, sidewalks, etc. material to be removed and fed to the suction device that sucks it in and one Feeds dirt container of the vehicle. With one on marketed sweeper with the designation "Speedbroom" from Marcel Boschung AG Maschinenfabrik, Schmitten, Switzerland, are two plate brooms on the front provided that linearly without transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle Swivel movement, are adjustable. An arrangement with im essentially linearly adjustable in the transverse direction to the vehicle A plate broom is also known from DE-A-101 06 471. With the preferably used plate brooms, the bristle end plane is known to be inclined to the sweeping Surface is arranged around a wiping area only To define over part of the broom circumference results a linear transverse movement over the adjustment range uniform wiping pattern. For an enlarged sweeping width it is known the linear cross-adjustable broom arrangement with a single one, in the longitudinal central axis to combine the vehicle's swiveling front broom. There are also sweepers with only swiveling Plate broom known; due to the tends arranged broom a changing when swiveling Wipe pattern, which is disadvantageous.

The invention is based on the object to create an improved arrangement of the brooms on the vehicle.

This task is the task of a sweeper initially mentioned type with the characteristic features of claim 1 solved.

The linear longitudinal adjustment of at least one Broom, but preferably both brooms, especially plate brooms, gives a better visual control of the operator about sweeping and can wear the broom partially compensate for plate brooms. Furthermore, it can make an additional swiveling front broom unnecessary and offers a number of other benefits that follow are explained with reference to the figures.

It is particularly preferred if the vehicle has two brooms. In a preferred embodiment these are linearly independent of each other adjustable and linearly adjustable together. Under Linear movement is in particular a pure linear movement without a motion component in another direction Roger that.

The invention is further based on the object the operation of a vehicle of the type mentioned Kind of improve. This is with the characteristics of the Claim 7 and claim 8 achieved.

Because the broom wear through Longitudinal adjustment of the broom is compensated for a more even wiping behavior during the service life a broom. In normal operation with still unused Broom is in a rear longitudinal adjustment position when cornering worked that still room for further Broom adjustment to the rear leaves the broom wear to compensate.

Figur 1 grob schematisch eine Ansicht von oben auf ein Kehrfahrzeug gemäss der Erfindung;

Figur 2 eine Ansicht gemäss Figur 1 mit der Darstellung verschiedener Positionen von Tellerbesen;

Figur 3 eine vereinfachte Seitenansicht der Position von Besen zu Saugmund;

Figur 4 eine Ansicht des Fahrzeugs bei Kurvenfahrt;

Figur 5 eine Ansicht des Fahrzeuges vor einer Wand und

Figur 6 eine Seitenansicht eines Teils eines Kehrfahrzeuges.

Advantages of the invention are explained below using an exemplary embodiment. It shows

Figure 1 roughly schematically a view from above of a sweeper according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a view according to Figure 1 showing various positions of plate brooms;

FIG. 3 shows a simplified side view of the position from broom to suction mouth;

Figure 4 is a view of the vehicle when cornering;

Figure 5 is a view of the vehicle in front of a wall and

Figure 6 is a side view of part of a sweeper.

Figure 1 shows a very rough schematic view from above onto the chassis of a sweeper, at which are the main components for sweeping are evident. The vehicle 1 has rear wheels 4 and front wheels 5, in front of which the broom arrangement is arranged with two plate brooms 2, 2 ', 3, 3'. With 2 and 3, the tops of the plate brushes are designated and with 2 'or 3' their bristle rings. In the inventive The vehicle is the intake arrangement 11 (Suction mouth) with the suction opening 10 open to the front preferably arranged between the front wheels on the vehicle, especially so that the intake arrangement does not have protrudes the area between the front wheels. this has the great advantage that the suction arrangement 11 between the wheels is protected and the vertical movement of the Participates in the vehicle. E.g. from the front wheels 5 a Driving over the curb, be it straight ahead or in Cornering, this results in a vertical movement of the vehicle compared to the ground, which for direct Lifting the suction arrangement 11 with the suction opening 10 by the same size as the vehicle. This eliminates elaborate mechanisms for adjusting the height of the suction arrangement about reason which would otherwise be necessary can. One of the suction arrangement 11 only leads Line 12 to the dirt container for receiving the Sweepings, as is the case with vacuum sweepers is known. The suction turbine is also not shown, which is the suction of the sweepings and the conveyance into the dirt container and not the drive of the sweeper. These elements of a sweeper are known to the expert and do not have to be here are explained in more detail. It is also generally known that the vehicle is equipped with four-wheel steering can be, which is preferably the case here, which allows independent steering of wheels 4 and 5 and preferably also turning them in the same direction, what the so-called crab walking, the lateral parallel shift of the vehicle.

The vehicle now preferably has two brooms on, which drives the dirt to each other Transport there, usually in a straight exit to the central longitudinal axis L of the vehicle where the dirt is through the Suction opening 10 of the suction arrangement 11 is received. Instead of plate brooms, e.g. also cylindrical or conical sweeping rollers. Is known that the two plate brooms 2, 3 by a pure linear movement are adjustable transversely to the longitudinal axis L. This Adjustment movement thus takes place in the direction of the double arrow B, the plate brooms preferably individually independently are adjustable from each other. 1 position shown are the plate brooms 2, 3 in a narrow working position and are both to the central longitudinal axis L positioned and are, as after State of the art, mostly below the Driver's cab, which between the front wheels 5 and Front of the vehicle is arranged.

According to the invention, the brooms or the preferred plate brooms 2, 3, also in the direction of Vehicle longitudinal axis movable back and forth, what is indicated by the double arrow C in Figure 1. Also with the longitudinal displacement in the direction of the double arrow C it is in particular a pure linear displacement without swivel movement. The brooms will consequently in the preferred embodiment both in Transverse as well as in the longitudinal direction by a pure Linear movement shifted. At best, the transverse movement a transverse movement generated according to DE-A-101 06 471 his. Figure 2 shows different setting positions, wherein at 22 and 23 the maximum adjustment of the brooms after shown outside from the basic position shown in Figure 1 is. The brooms are indicated at 24 and 25, though it also adjusts to the outside maximum but also linearly adjusted forward in the direction of travel have been. Finally, at 26 and 27 are broom positions indicated, which in turn the basic position 1 in the transverse direction, however, correspond to FIG The direction of travel has been adjusted forward. Naturally should be possible due to the movability of the brooms Intermediate positions in addition to the positions shown also be adjustable. Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment in which the broom can only be adjusted together in the longitudinal direction. This can e.g. be solved so that the carrier 9, on which both brooms are arranged as adjustable The whole is adjustable in the longitudinal direction. The carrier 9 can be moved longitudinally on linear guides be held and e.g. through a hydraulic or pneumatic piston-cylinder adjustment arrangement in the longitudinal direction be moved. The transverse adjustment of the brooms can be done in a known manner by putting the broom on Carriage guides are arranged on the carrier 9 are movable. This is known and must be done here not explained further. Of course, for that Expert all known mechanical arrangements for generation a linear movement in the sense of the invention can be used. It is also possible for the brooms to be individually are longitudinally adjustable so that they are independent of each other can be adjusted lengthways.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show basic positions for wiping with more or less wide set Plate brooms or more or less forward shifted plate broom. A first advantage of the movability in the longitudinal direction it can be seen from FIG. 2: The operator of the sweeper has brooms moved forward a much better one Overview of the broom position than in the according to the status the technology largely located below the driver's cab, only cross-movable brooms. Through the linear adjustment but also remains when moved forward Brooms the advantageous, constant wiping pattern receive. Despite the good clarity when moving forward Adjusted brooms 24-27, on the other hand, can be used if needed a very compact broom position that does not disturb the front to be taken if desired e.g. when driving without sweeping. The brooms can then adjusted all the way back towards the front wheels and are positioned towards the longitudinal axis. The result is a position similar to that of FIG 1. However, the brooms are not all the way back there driven, which is preferred in the normal inverted position and not worn brooms. It is therefore based on of the double arrow C of Figure 1 that preferably the plate brooms from the position for sweeping not only movable forward in the direction of travel are but also back towards the suction mouth 10 too. This gives another advantage the longitudinal adjustment according to the invention, since on this Way the wear of the plate brush bristles, which leads to a Reduce the diameter of the plate brooms can be compensated. This plays one in particular Roll when cornering, which will be explained. Figure 3 shows the suction arrangement 10, 11 and 12 for explanation Figure 1 schematically in side view and the broom 3 or its bristle ring 3 'also in side view. Not shown in this figure to simplify it, that the broom is known to be inclined to the base is operated, which will be explained. For explanation the advantage of being able to move the broom to This has no influence on the suction mouth. In Figure 3 is the distance in side view between the bristle ring 3 'and the suction mouth opening 10 with x. Now wear out the bristles of the broom during operation (level of wear a), there is only a reduced one Bristle ring 3 '', which after adjusting the broom after already in the side view at point 14 on the Reason hits, so there is an increase in the distance x would result. Due to the linear adjustability the broom in the direction of the suction mouth opening 10 the normal distance x is now adjustable again, which is special when cornering for a correct wiping pattern or a correct intake of the sweepings is essential. The linear adjustability results in a Possibility to compensate for broom wear. Further it is of course due to the linear adjustment work simple way possible, with different brooms Arrange diameters on the vehicle as the basic position with the desired distance x for these different broom diameters due to the simple linear adjustment in Direction of the double arrow C is adjustable.

FIG. 4 now shows the cornering of the vehicle, where 15 is the center of the curve radius is. The plate brushes are in the direction of travel seen in the basic position of Figure 1, and are in Transverse direction, as known per se, for wiping curves adjusted so that the plate broom 2, 2 'its maximum takes lateral deflection and the plate broom 3, 3 ' its maximum displacement towards the longitudinal axis L. With 6 the wiping pattern of the respective broom is shown, which is characterized by the well-known inclination of the plate broom to the bottom. The wiping position of Figure 4 is basically of the linearly transverse adjustable Plate brooms known in the art. It it turns out that the brooms the sweepings in field 16 wipe in, which is taken up by the suction mouth 10, 11 can be. It is evident that with wear the broom, which leads to a reduction in diameter of the same If the broom 3, 3 'resulted in a wiping pattern, which further delimits the field 16 on the outside of the curve moves outwards, which means that no more the entire field can be picked up by the suction mouth. Here comes the longitudinal adjustment in an advantageous manner used, in which the plate broom is linear in the direction the longitudinal axis to the suction mouth can be adjusted, what the decrease in the plate broom diameter evidently can compensate and to a new picture of the field according to the figure, so that the field 16 can be completely grasped by the suction mouth. To this Way, the brooms can achieve a correct one Sweeping function can also be used longer when cornering. The linear adjustment, both in its longitudinal axis C-C as well as in its side axis B-B, can via a mechanism or electronics automatically from the vehicle steering be controlled from.

Figure 5 shows the sweeper according to the invention when sweeping in front of a wall 7, for what the plate brooms are extended in the longitudinal direction. This allows driving the brooms up to a wall or that complete sweeping in front of a wall or a closed one Corner (walls or curbs) with an optimal overview for the operator in this position, as already mentioned. By moving the plate brush on the side Axis B-B all the way to the left and again to the right, the dirty surface 34 is completely cleaned. When reversing afterwards, the pollution from the wall in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle with the Plate broom transported backwards until the sweeper by moving the dirt forward with the suction device 10, 11 and 12 can suction.

Figure 6 shows a side view of the front part a sweeper according to the invention, wherein one of its front wheels 5 can be seen and the plate broom 2, 2 ', which in a known manner compared to the Bottom is inclined and lifted off in one position in the figure is visible above ground. For wiping the Plate brooms 2, 2 'in a known manner in this inclined position lowered to the bottom of this so that the already mentioned wiping over part of the circumference of the broom. In Figure 6 is the chassis 33 of the vehicle indicated and part of the driver's cabin 32. The broom 2 is, as mentioned, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle arranged on the cross member 9 what by the roles shown in the U-shaped cross member 9 indicated is. The cross member 9 is in turn on one Bracket 13 arranged on a telescopic Rail assembly 17, 18 is attached and via a Boom 14 with a piston-cylinder actuator 30, 31 is connected, which is hydraulic or pneumatic Way of adjusting the link 13 with the carrier 9 allowed forwards and backwards in the longitudinal direction, like this using the schematic previous figures has been explained.

In summary, the advantages of according to the invention linearly displaceable transversely and longitudinally Broom to the closest state of the art with just across linearly movable brooms but also to known ones List swiveling broom arrangements as follows: At The vehicle is a retracted plate broom in both axes compact. The usability of the plate brooms is largely independent of their degree of wear. The change the distance x between the plate broom and the suction opening, which are particularly worn when cornering Broom would lead to unsatisfactory sweeping results can thus be avoided. It's simple Different plate broom diameters can be used because the brooms can be moved on the vehicle axle. In contrast the plate brushes always have the same to swivel brooms Angular position relative to the road surface. In order to an unchanged wiping pattern is achieved even with adjustment. So the brooms do not move in a circular path (as is the case with circular brooms with a radius swivel arm is). The wiping pattern is always optimal when cornering or linear sweeping. When the plate brush is moved forward, the view of the brooms is optimal. It results accessibility to a house wall an effective sweeping effect without additional maneuvering movements through the sweeper. It is with sweeping operations without weed brooms or weed brooms, no additional Front broom necessary. The kinematics is still that the brooms are drawn.

Claims (8)

Sweeper (1) with at least one driven, rotatable broom (2, 3) which can be linearly adjusted transversely to the vehicle longitudinal axis (L), in particular a plate broom, characterized in that the broom is additionally adjustable by linear movement in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis (L). Sweeper vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that two linearly cross-adjustable brooms (2, 2 ', 3, 3') are provided, which in particular can be linearly cross-linked individually or together, and that one of the brooms alone or both brooms, these are coupled or independent from each other, is or are adjustable by the linear movement in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis. Sweeper vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that two plate brooms (2, 2 ', 3, 3') are arranged on a carrier (9) so as to be transverse, and that the carrier is arranged on the vehicle (1) so as to be linearly adjustable in the direction of travel. Sweeper vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the suction opening (10) of the vehicle is arranged between its front wheels (5). Sweeper vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that the suction opening (10) is part of a suction arrangement (11) which is arranged essentially completely in the longitudinal region of the vehicle (1) extending between the front wheels (5). Sweeper vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the linear adjustment of the brooms in the direction of the longitudinal axis and / or the adjustment transversely to the longitudinal axis is dependent on the vehicle steering. Method for operating a sweeper vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the wear of the broom or brooms by longitudinal adjustment thereof and thus changing the longitudinal inventory of brooms (2, 2 ', 3, 3') to the suction opening (10) of the Vehicle is compensated. Method for operating a sweeper vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, in particular according to claim 7, characterized in that the broom (s) are operated in a forward longitudinally adjusted position when driving straight ahead and in a sweeping operation, and in a longitudinally shifted manner when cornering and sweeping with a broom of a desired diameter Location but operated before the rear end position of the longitudinal adjustment.

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