EP2354315A1

EP2354315A1 - A cleaning and material removal system, use of said system, and a method for cleaning and removing material from a paved road

Info

Publication number: EP2354315A1
Application number: EP20100152956
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pertti Johansson; Martin Blohm; Kim Schroeder
Original assignee: Skanska Sverige AB
Current assignee: Skanska Sverige AB
Priority date: 2010-02-08
Filing date: 2010-02-08
Publication date: 2011-08-10
Anticipated expiration: 2030-02-08
Also published as: DK2354315T3; EP2354315B1

Abstract

A cleaning and material removal system (1) for cleaning paved roads. The system (1) comprises at least one chamber (10) having an opening (11) facing the road to be cleaned. A nozzle (21) for discharging a liquid jet is arranged inside the chamber (10) and a suction device (30) for suction of the road is provided, wherein said cleaning and material removal system (1) is adapted for removal of clogging material with the suction device (30) via suction through the road. Furthermore, the use of the system (1), and a method for cleaning and removing material from paved roads, are disclosed.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cleaning and material removal system for cleaning paved roads. The system comprises at least one chamber having an opening facing the road to be cleaned. A rotational nozzle arrangement for discharging a liquid jet is arranged inside the chamber and a suction device for suction of the road surface is provided. The present invention also relates to the use of said system and to a method for cleaning and removing material from paved roads.
In particular, the system and method of the present invention are suitable for cleaning and restoring paved roads or streets which comprise internal air voids, or pores, such as noise reducing pavement or permeable pavement for drainage of water.

Background Art

In the field of road construction using e.g. asphalt, concrete, or similar, it is known to produce roads and streets with functional pavement, wherein the pavement comprises air voids, or pores.
For example, the pavement, or a portion of the road surface layer, may be provided with pores arranged to reduce, or mitigate, traffic noise and sound emissions. In particular, the porous pavement, or the air voids in the pavement, may be designed to dampen noise which is generated by e.g. the contact between the road surface and the tires of a vehicle during driving.
It is also known to construct roads with permeable, or drainable, pavement comprising air voids, or pores, for the purpose of allowing water to pass through the paving material.
Over time, the functionality of the roads and streets produced with functional pavement is typically reduced due to that the functional voids, or pores, are blocked and clogged with dirt and material, such as grit, sand, gravel, oil, etc. Therefore, the functional pavement typically requires maintenance wherein, for example, industrial sweeping and/or vacuum devices may be used to clean and remove the undesired material in order to restore the functional properties of the road or street.
For example, a pavement-cleaning vehicle is disclosed in US 4,858,270 . The pavement-cleaning vehicle is provided which a blower-sweeper apparatus comprising a sweeping brush-roller, suction ports and blowing nozzles for cleaning ground surfaces provided with pavement.
In, US 2002/0121559 , a method and device for cleaning pavement surface layer, comprising discharging water jet from a nozzle onto the surface of the pavement surface layer so that the surface of the pavement surface layer is within a droplet flow region of the water jet, is disclosed.
However, known techniques for cleaning and removing material from roads and streets are disadvantageous in that the air voids, or pores, or functional pavement is not sufficiently cleaned and that the techniques are inefficient. Also, the cleaning and removing of clogging material which is difficult to reach/access and/or which situated at low levels in the functional pavement, is poor. Hence, there is a need for an improved cleaning system.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to improve and increase the efficiency of cleaning and material removal of roads and streets with functional pavement comprising air voids, or pores, in order to restore the functional properties of the pavement.
According to a fist aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a cleaning and material removal system for cleaning a paved road, wherein the system comprises at least one chamber comprising an opening facing the road to be cleaned, at least one rotational nozzle adapted for discharging a liquid jet, which at least one rotational nozzle is arranged inside the chamber, and a suction device for suction of the road to be cleaned. Furthermore, the suction device is arranged adjacent the at least one chamber, and the at least one chamber is provided with a flexible member, which flexible member at least partly stretch around the periphery of said opening and is arranged to seal between the suction device and the chamber, wherein at least one air inlet is arranged into the at least one chamber for allowing air into the chamber, and wherein the cleaning and material removal system is adapted for removal of clogging material with the suction device via suction through the road.
Advantageously, this allows for a system wherein clogging material is loosened and removed by use of discharge of a liquid, air supply and suction force, wherein a mixture of liquid, air and loosened clogging material is efficiently removed via suction through the road. In more detail, by proving a system in which both the liquid jet and the air inlet is arranged and mixed inside the chamber, and wherein the opening of the chamber is provided with a flexible member which is arranged to seal between the chamber and the suction device, the suction device forces a, by the rotational nozzle evenly distributed or mixed, mixture of liquid and air to be removed from the chamber through the air voids and pores in the road. During this process, clogging material in the voids and pores in, or internally of, the road is efficiently dissolved by the liquid and air mixture and due to the suction removed and transported away along with the mixture of liquid and air through the road. In particular, during the process, the air inlet into the chamber provides a suitable air supply into the chamber which facilitates that the mixture of liquid and air flows in a direction from the chamber, through the paved road, and into the suction device. In other words, the liquid-air mixture flows, or passes, through the road, or through a portion of the top layer of the road pavement structure. For instance, the air inlet minimizes the creating of negative drag, for example due to negative pressure, or vacuum, inside the chamber during operation. Hence, the system advantageously utilizes the air provided into the chamber by the air inlet during the flow cycle, instead of sucking, or drawing, air from the external surrounding. In addition, the air inlet ensures that an efficient proportion of air is present inside the chamber wherein air is continuously provided into the chamber. This provides a system which efficiently removes and transports the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material through voids and pores in the road via suction, wherein the suction forces the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material to move, or migrate, under, or beneath, the flexible member into, and through, the pavement.
The system is further advantageous in that the suction device is arranged adjacent the chamber, and in that the flexible member is arranged to seal between, or in an intermediate configuration in relation to, the chamber and the suction device, wherein the flexible member is adapted to seal the chamber against the road surface. Hence, the flexible member seals and separates the suction device form the chamber, and the mixture of liquid and air, as well as clogging material, is effectively removed by being forced via suction through the road below the flexible member.
Additionally, by providing the air inlet in the chamber of the system, efficient transport and removal of liquid, air and clogging material is provided from within a portion of the road which is below the opening of the chamber. This is further advantageous in that it allows for more liquid to be discharged from the rotating nozzle, wherein the discharged liquid may mix with air and reach and loosen more clogging material on a deeper level in the road. Hence, cleaning and removal of clogging material from within the road at lower, or deep, levels is considerably improved.
According to an exemplifying embodiment, the system may be further improved by arranging the suction device outside of said chamber, wherein the mixing of liquid and air inside said chamber with the rotational nozzle is further improved.
According to an exemplifying embodiment, the suction device forms a suction cavity, wherein the suction cavity is arranged adjacent the chamber. The system thereby comprises the chamber and a suction cavity arranged such that the chamber and suction cavity interact in order to provide an advantageous pressure difference between the chamber and the suction cavity, such that removal of liquid, air and clogging material from the road is further improved. In more detail, the interaction and pressure difference between the chamber and the suction cavity allows for efficient transport of liquid and air from the chamber to the suction cavity, wherein the liquid and air move, or migrate, below, or under the flexible member through the voids and pores comprised within the road layer.
According to an exemplifying embodiment, the suction device at least partly surrounds the chamber. By at least partly surrounding the chamber, the suction device provides efficient removal of clogging material through the road in more than one direction in the geometrical plane coinciding with the road. In other words, liquid which is discharged towards the portions of the road which is revealed, or defined, by the opening of the chamber, i.e. the liquid impact area of the road, is transported via suction force provided by the surrounding suction device in a direction towards the periphery of the liquid impact area where the suction device is provided. Hence, after discharge and impact with the road surface, a certain portion of the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material is, via suction, forced downwards and towards a part of the surrounding suction device which is arranged closest to the impact point. Hence, improved removal of liquid, air and clogging material through the air voids and pores of the road, from the chamber in a direction towards the at least partly surrounding suction device, is provided.
In an exemplifying embodiment of the cleaning and material removal system, the suction device comprises a suction inlet which is facing the road surface. A suction inlet which is facing the road surface further facilitates efficient and improved removal of liquid, air and clogging material from the road, and guides the suction flow up into the suction device.
According to an exemplifying embodiment, the suction device comprises an suction outlet arranged at an upper peripheral end of the suction device. The suction outlet is therefore easy to access and adapted to be fitted with a vacuum conduit for supplying a vacuum to the suction device. Furthermore, by being arranged at en peripheral end, the suction outlet is advantageous in that the suction force is evenly distributed inside the suction device due to the occurrence of turbulent, non linear, movement of the liquid, air, and clogging material being removed through the inside the suction device. The suction outlet is, according to a further exemplifying embodiment, arranged substantially horizontal, or lateral, and directed in a non-center direction in relation to a vertical center line of the suction device. Hence, the suction outlet is advantageously arranged such that the suction flow provided inside the suction device by to the suction force, or vacuum, may be given a rotational movement, such as a vortex movement, which facilitate an even distribution of suction force inside the suction device, which, in turn, further improves even and uniform cleaning and material removal of the road by the suction device. In more detail, the rotational movement provided inside the suction device advantageously consists of a vortex movement having a vertical axis of rotation, wherein the vortex movement is initiated at the upper end of the suction device due to the direction of the suction outlet. Furthermore, an suction outlet arranged in a substantially horizontal and off-centered direction is also advantageous in that the rotational flow of liquid, air and clogging material inside the suction device is less prone to stick to the inside of the suction device, or to build unwanted depositions of clogging material inside the suction device.
The suction device of the cleaning and material removal system may also, according to an exemplifying embodiment, comprise an outer flexible member adapted to seal between the suction device and the surrounding environment. The outer flexible member is advantageous in that it allows for sealing functionality between the suction device and the paved road surface, wherein in the suction device is sealed from the surrounding environment. This facilitates the removal of the liquid, air and clogging material in that the outer flexible member ensure that substantially all the air which is required for efficient removal of liquid air and clogging material via suction is provided from within the chamber. In other words, the suction device is efficiently prevented from suction of air from the outside, or ambient, environment. Instead, air is advantageously drawn from within the chamber via suction which enables improved cleaning and material removal.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the air inlet may be a variable air inlet. This allows for adjustment of the level of air which is provided, or supplied, into the chamber during operation. For example, the air inlet may be a continuously variable inlet, or a step-by-step variable inlet. With an air inlet which is variable, the pressure dynamics of the chamber and the air supply into the chamber during operation may be configured for optimum conditions.
Suitably, in an exemplifying embodiment of the system, the chamber and/or the opening of the chamber is at least partly rounded, preferably circular, or at least has a rounded shape. By being rounded, the chamber and/or the opening is suitably adapted to guide the discharged liquid from the rotational nozzle towards to the liquid impact area of the road, and the suction device may advantageously be arranged in close proximity to the liquid impact area. Advantageously directly outside the chamber such that efficient removal of liquid and clogging material is facilitated.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the cleaning and material removal system further comprises a support body, wherein the chamber and the suction device is arranged to the support body. The support body may for example be a structural frame, which advantageously allows for a suitable support for the chamber and its suction device. A desired number of chambers, each provided with an associated suction device, may be arranged in a single support body unit. Furthermore, the support body is advantageous in that is allow for suitable and easy mounting, or attachment, of the cleaning and material removal system to a desired vehicle or device during operation. By providing a desired number of chambers and suction devices, the support body may be configured to extend for example across the width of a road or street in order to allow for efficient cleaning of its full width.
Advantageously, according to an exemplifying embodiment, the system further comprises a pivotally interconnected array of support bodies. The array of support bodies is advantageous in that they may form an arrangement of chambers and suction devices which may be configured to extend across the width of a road, or highway. This also allows for further improved cleaning of the full width of a road or street. In addition, the support bodies are pivotally arranged such that each support body independently may follow the contour of the road, which may be uneven or unleveled after damage or long-time wear from heavy traffic. In particular, the array of support bodies may be configured to efficiently follow the contour from tire tracks found in the pavement contour of heavy used roads.
Furthermore, according to an exemplifying embodiment of the system, the openings of a plurality of chambers are arranged in an overlapping transversal configuration in relation to a forward direction of the road and the operation direction of the cleaning and material removal system. An overlapping arrangement allow for efficient and complete cleaning of a desired width of the a road, or street.
According the a second aspect thereof, the present invention related to the use of the cleaning and material removal system, wherein said system is used in combination with a vehicle for cleaning. This allow for efficient and easy cleaning of roads and street with functional pavement, wherein the functional properties of the road, street, etc., is restored.
According to a third aspect thereof, the invention relates to a method for cleaning and removing material from a paved road, wherein the method comprises discharging a liquid jet and providing air to obtain a liquid-air mixture in a mixing area so that said liquid-air mixture is directed towards the road which shall be cleaned for loosening clogging material in the road, and providing a suction force from an area which is sealed from said mixing area where the liquid-air mixture is mixed, so that the suction force removes said liquid-air mixture and the clogging material by passing it through the road when being removed by suction force.
Advantageously, the method allows for cleaning of roads and street wherein clogging material is loosened and removed by discharge of a liquid and provision of air in a mixing area, and provision of a suction force such that a mixture of liquid, air and loosened clogging material is efficiently removed via suction through the road. In more detail, the method enables the mixture of liquid and air to flow into the pavement surface, and through the air voids and pores in the paved road, wherein clogging material is loosen and removed with the mixture of liquid and air. Hence, the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material advantageously cleans the road by being passed through the road, which allow for efficient cleaning and removal of material on deep, or lower, levels of the road. Furthermore, the provision of air in the mixing area is particularly advantageous in that suitable air pressure dynamics and air proportions are present at the mixing area when the suction force is provided from an area which is sealed from the mixing area. Hence, the suction force efficiently enables the liquid-air mixture and clogging material to be removed by passing it through, or in, the road. Furthermore, the method is further advantageous by evenly distributing the liquid and air into a even mixture, such that the suction force provided generates an even and uniform flow of liquid, air and clogging material in the road. In addition, the method is further advantageous in similar manners and functions as the cleaning and material removal system, as described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the liquid jet is discharged into a chamber and said air is provided into said chamber. The chamber advantageously provides a suitable mixing area and the provision of air inside the chamber is particularly advantageous in that suitable air pressure dynamics and air proportions are supplied into the chamber. Hence, mixing of the liquid-air mixture in the mixing area is further facilitated, and that the mixture may be efficiently directed towards the road to be cleaned.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the liquid jet is discharged from at least one rotating nozzle arrangement. A rotating nozzle arrangement is advantageous in that an even distribution of the discharged liquid jet is provided. Also, the rotating nozzle arrangement evenly mix, or distribute, the liquid and air into a even mixture, such that the provided suction force generates an even and uniform flow of liquid, air and clogging material while it is being passed through the road. As a result, the cleaning and material removal properties of the method is further improved.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the suction force is provided from a suction device, which is sealed by a flexible member from said mixing area where said liquid-air mixture is being mixed. Hence, the method further comprise sealing the mixing area from the area of the suction device, i.e. a suction area, by a flexible member, which further improves the passing of, or transport of, the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material along a desired flow path through the road.
According to one exemplifying embodiment said chamber comprises an opening adjacent to the road. Advantageously, the opening faces the road to be cleaned. According to one exemplifying embodiment the flexible member is arranged on said chamber. The flexible member may extend in a direction towards the road to be cleaned. Further, according to one exemplifying embodiment, the flexible member stretches at least partly around the periphery of chamber or, as an alternative, the opening of the chamber. According to one exemplifying embodiment the air is provided into the chamber through an air inlet.
According to one exemplifying embodiment of the present invention, it relates to a method for cleaning and removing material from a paved road, wherein the method comprises discharging a liquid jet from at least one rotating nozzle arranged inside at least one chamber for loosening clogging material in the road, the at least one chamber comprising an opening adjacent to and facing the road to be cleaned, wherein the chamber is provided with a flexible member extending in a direction towards the road to be cleaned and which flexible member stretches at least partly around the periphery of the opening, providing air into the at least one chamber via an air inlet, and providing a suction force to the road from a suction device, the flexible member being arranged to seal between the chamber and the suction device, wherein the suction force is provided adjacent to the chamber for allowing removal of liquid, air and clogging material via suction through the road.
According to one exemplifying embodiment, the method for cleaning and removing material from a paved road surface, may further comprise at least partly sealing, with said flexible member, the opening of the at least one chamber against the road surface. Advantageously, this further improves and ensures that the desired flow of the liquid, air and clogging material mixture is guided from the chamber and through the paved road below the flexible member, before removal via suction.
According to yet an exemplifying embodiment, the method further comprises mixing liquid and air inside said chamber. This allows for improved and uniform suction of a mixture of liquid and air from the chamber and down through the road. Furthermore, by evenly mixing the liquid and air, the cleaning and removal of material is improved since a more even, or uniform, removal of clogging material in the road is provided, especially at lower levels of the road in relation to the paved road surface.
Furthermore, according to an exemplifying embodiment, the method further comprises generating a rotational suction flow in the suction device, wherein the rotational suction flow surrounds said chamber. Hence, the suction force is evenly distributed such that a uniform and efficient suction force is provide around the chamber which is advantageous in that the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material may efficiently be removed in more than one direction through the road. For example, it may efficiently be removed in a radial directions in relation to a center point of the road portion under, or inside, the chamber.
Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.
Other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplifying embodiments of the present invention.

Fig. 1 discloses a schematic cross-sectional side view of a cleaning and material removal system according to an embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 discloses the cleaning and material removal system in Fig. 1 in a schematic perspective view, wherein a portion is cut out,
Fig. 3 discloses a schematic cross-sectional side view of the cleaning and material removal system in Fig. 1 with flow direction illustrated by arrows.
Fig. 4 discloses a cross-sectional view, taken at II-II in Fig. 1, of the cleaning and material removal system.
Fig. 5 discloses a cross-sectional view, taken at III-III in Fig. 1, of the cleaning and material removal system.
Fig. 6 discloses a schematic top view of an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 7 discloses a schematic side view of the embodiment in Fig. 6.
Fig. 8 discloses a schematic arrangement of an embodiment of the present invention arranged to a trailer.

Detailed Description of Embodiments of the Invention

In the following, exemplifying embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig 2, a cleaning and material removal system 1 for cleaning a paved road 2, such as functional pavement or paved roads having air voids or pores situated between aggregate particles 3, is illustrated. For example, the aggregate particles 3 of the paved road may be formed of material such as ballast, mineral aggregate, gravel, crushed stone, slag, etc. The system 1 may efficiently also be use for cleaning any type of paved road, race-tracks, landing runway, etc., or other types surfaces, e.g. rubber surfaces, artificial gras surfaces, sports tracks/courses/courts, etc.
The system 1 comprises a cylindrical chamber 10 having an opening 11 facing the road surface 2. The walls 12 of the chamber 10 forms the cylinder shaped body wherein the opening 11 is provided at the lower end and is therefore defined by the walls 12. However, the chamber 10 is not limited to be a cylindrical, it may have the form of any suitable shape, e.g. partly rounded or polygonal, and the opening 11 may be smaller or larger than the chamber. For example, the chamber may be tapered in a vertical direction towards the opening 11.
A rotational nozzle arrangement 20 for discharging liquid jet, such as a water jet, is arranged inside the chamber 10. The rotational nozzle arrangement 20 here comprises two nozzle outlets 21 which are symmetrically arranged on the rotational nozzle arrangement 20, and directed in a substantially vertical direction facing the road surface 2. However, the nozzle arrangement is not limited to two nozzle outlets. It may comprise one or more nozzle outlets which may be symmetrically or asymmetrically arranged. However, the nozzle outlets 21 may also be directed towards the road surface and somewhat inclined in a radially outward direction.
As further illustrated, the rotational nozzle arrangement 20 is connected to an axis 22 which is driven, or rotated, by a drive device 23 which may e.g. comprise, or be belt-connected to, an hydraulic or electric motor. The axis comprises an internal conduit 24 arranged for providing high pressure liquid to the nozzle outlets 21. Liquid is further provided to the internal conduit 24 via a swivel joint coupling 25 (se Fig. 2). Hence, liquid is guided through the swivel joint coupling 25, through the internal conduit 24 of the axis, and ejected at high pressure from the nozzle outlets 21 while the nozzle arrangement 20 is being continuously rotated. The rotating nozzle arrangement 20 thereby allows for an even distribution of the discharged liquid jets and ensures an even liquid impact area 4 of the paved road. In the liquid impact area 4 of the paved road, the liquid mix with air and penetrates into voids, pores, air cavities, and/or air channels, wherein clogging material and dirt is loosened from the structural material of the paved road. For example, the liquid may be any liquid suitable for being ejected and cleaning the road by being mixed with air and by travel, or by passing, through the air voids and pores internally of the paved road. Such liquid may e.g. be water, cleaner liquids, different solutions, such as different degrees of viscous solutions, solvent based liquid, etc.
The system further comprises a cylindrical suction device 30. As illustrated, the cylindrical suction device 30 is arranged outside, adjacent and in an surrounding configuration in relation to the inner chamber 10. Furthermore, the suction device 30 and the inner chamber 10 is arranged in an co-axial relationship. However, the suction device is not limited to be a of a cylindrical shape. It may for example have a polygonal or rounded shape. It may, too, be arranged to follow the contour of the opening 11 of the chamber 10, or a part of the opening 11. Hence, the suction device 30 is not limited to be arranged in a completely surrounding configuration in relation to the chamber 10, i.e. it may partly extend along a portion of the chamber 10. Also, the suction device 30 and the inner chamber 10 may be arranged in an eccentric, or off-center, relationship.
Furthermore, the suction device 30 comprises an suction cavity 31, wherein a lower portion 31 a of the suction cavity is defined by cylindrical walls 32 of the suction device and the walls 12 of the chamber 10. Also, the lower portion 31 a of the suction cavity is provided with a suction inlet 33 which is formed of an radially outer opening facing the road surface 2. The suction device 30 further comprises a suction outlet 34, which is arranged at an upper peripheral end of the suction device 30 and is horizontally directed into an upper portion 31 b of the suction cavity 31. The upper portion 31 b of the suction cavity is provided with a larger cross-sectional area, i.e. having larger volume, compared to the lower portion 31 a of the suction cavity which efficiently distributes a suction force, or flow, from the suction outlet 34 via a rotational movement in suction cavity 31. The smaller area of the lower portion 31 a of the suction cavity is e.g. advantageous in that the suction force is increased at the suction inlet 33.
As further illustrated, the opening 11 of the inner chamber is 10 is provided with a flexible member 13 which is extending in a direction towards the paved road 2. The flexible member 13 is attached to the lower end of the wall 12 and is adapted to seal the chamber 10 against the surface of the paved road 2. The flexible member 13 stretches around the periphery of the opening 11 and is further arranged to separate, and seal, at least partly, the suction device 30 from the chamber 10 during operation. In other words, the chamber 10 and the surface of the paved road 2 is arranged to form an enclosure, wherein the flexible member 13 ensures that the interface between the chamber 10 and the surface of the paved road 2 is sufficiently tight, or substantially sealed, when the opening 11 of the inner chamber 10 is arranged adjacent to the surface of the paved road 2. The system 1 also comprises an outer flexible member 35. The outer flexible member 35 extends in a direction towards the surface of the paved road 2, and, at least partly, stretch or extend around the periphery of the suction device 30. Furthermore, the outer flexible member 35 is attached the lower end of the walls 32 of the suction device 30 and is adapted to seal the suction device 30 against the road surface 2, and from the external environment. The flexible members 13, 35 may for example be formed of rubber seals, or brushes, and may be adapted to, at least partly, follow the contour and variations in the road surface 2 during operation and forward motion of the cleaning and material removal system in relation to the paved road.
Furthermore, an air inlet 40 is arranged into, and inside, the chamber 10 for providing air into the chamber 10. Here the air inlet 40 comprises an open area which stretches around the axis 22 wherein air is transported from the outside, or from the external environment of said system, via air supply chamber 42 which has apertures 43 in connection with the outside. Alternatively, air channels, which connect the interior side of chamber with the outside, or ambient, air, externally of the chamber 10. Optionally, the air inlet connects the inner chamber 10 with an air supply for allowing air to freely enter into the chamber, or for actively supplying air into the chamber from an active air supply unit. The air inlet 40 is provided with a splash guard 41, in the form of e.g. a flap, which prevents liquid ejected from the nozzle arrangement 20 from being injected, or sprayed, into the air inlets 40. In addition, the air inlet may also be a variable, or an adjustable, air inlet. For example, it may have a valve which e.g. may be manually or automatically adjusted (not shown), and which allows for a suitable air supply into the chamber such that optimal cleaning and material removal functionality is realized. For example, the air inlet may also be configured to be completely closed or fully open, or anything there between. As an alternative, the plurality of apertures 43 in the air supply chamber 42 which connects the air inlet 40 of the chamber, may for example be provided with plugs, or inlet shutters (not shown), adapted to seal a desired number of the plurality of apertures in order to achieve suitable pressure and air provision into the chamber. Hence, for a given situation, a desired number of apertures may be sealed with shutters or plugs, for example made of rubber, while the remaining apertures allow for suitable air supply into the chamber such that optimal cleaning and material removal functionality is realized.
Typically, the air inlet 40 connects said chamber with outside, or external, air, but may also by arranged for connecting the chamber with an air compressor or air supplying device via air supplying conduits.
With reference to Fig. 3, the operation of the cleaning and material removal system 1 described in regards to Fig.1 and Fig. 2, is illustrated via arrows indicating the flow of liquid, air and clogging material during operation. As illustrated, liquid, such as water, is ejected from the rotating nozzles 21 from inside the chamber 10 in a direction towards the paved road 2 through the opening 11 of the chamber 10. The chamber 10 of the cleaning and material removal system is further provided with air through upper air inlet 40, wherein the air is provided from the outside through the air supply chamber 42 via upper inlets 43. The supplied air is led down to the lower part of the chamber 10 wherein the nozzle arrangement 20 provides efficient mixing of liquid and air inside the chamber 10. In other words, the chamber 10 forms a mixing area in which a liquid-air mixture is formed. Furthermore, the air-liquid mixture enters, or is forced, down by suction into the paved road 2 inside the chamber 10. Next, inside the paved road 2, the liquid and air mixture loosen clogging material from the air voids and pores in the pavement, wherein a mixture of liquid, air and clogging material is transported via suction force through the pavement under the sealing member 13. The suction force is efficiently provided by the surrounding suction device 30 in an area separated from the mixing area, such that the mixture of liquid, air and clogging material enters up into the suction device and further out through the suction device outlet 34 arranged at the upper end of the suction device. Hence, the system 1 is advantageous in that it allows for removal of clogging material via suction provided by the suction device, such that a mixture of discharged liquid, air and clogging material is transported from the voids, pores, and channels in the paved road directly below the chamber, through the paved road, and into the suction device. The flexible member 13 and the air inlet of the chamber 10 advantageously provides an enclosed inner chamber with suitable properties in terms of pressure and tightness characteristics in relation to the suction cavity of the suction device. Also, the outer flexible member 35 provides efficient suction properties by the suction device. The flexible member ensures that substantially all the air which is required for efficient removal of liquid, air and clogging material via suction is provided from within the chamber. In particular, these properties enables, and facilitates, the transportation of the liquid and clogging material via the air voids and pores within the paved road, in a direction from the chamber and into the suction chamber. As further illustrated, the center line z forms the geometrical vertical center line for the axis 22, the suction device 10, and the chamber 10.
With reference to Fig. 4, a cross-section view of the cleaning and material removal system 1, taken along line 11-11 in Fig. 1, is illustrated. The suction outlet 34 is provided at an upper peripheral end of the suction device 30, and is arranged in a horizontal direction. Furthermore, in relation to the vertical geometrical center line z of the suction device 30 (see Fig. 3), the suction outlet 34 is directed in a non-centered direction. Instead, as illustrated, the suction outlet is e.g. directed into the suction device in a direction parallel to a tangential direction to the circular shape of the suction device 30. Hence, the suction outlet 34 generates a rotational flow movement inside the suction device as indicated by the flow arrow in Fig. 4. In particular, the rotational movement is generated in the upper portion 31 b of the suction cavity as described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. As further illustrated, the suction device is proved with a separating wall 36, which guides the suction force such that a vortex movement is provided inside of the suction device during operation. The separating wall 36 is arranged in the upper portion 31 b of the suction cavity 31. However, the separating wall 36 may also extend into, or down through, the lower portion 31 a of the suction cavity 31. However, the suction outlet 34 is not limited to being arranged in a non-centered direction in relation to the vertical geometrical line z of the suction device 30. It may also be symmetrically arranged straight into the suction device in a direction towards the vertical geometrical line z. For example, this design enables a more linear suction flow in the suction device for improved durability and strength of the suction device and the cleaning and material removal system as a whole.
In Fig.5, a cross-sectional view of the cleaning and material removal system 1, taken along the line III-III in Fig. 1, is illustrated from below. Here, the suction inlet 33 of the suction device 30 surrounds the opening 11 of the chamber 10 in a co-axial and cylindrical arrangement. The rotational nozzle arrangement 20 is further arranged in the center of the inner chamber 10 which along its periphery is provided with the flexible member 13. Furthermore the outer flexible member 35 surrounds the flexible member 13 in an co-axial and cylindrical configuration. However, the flexible member 35 may surround the flexible member 13 in eccentric, or off-center, configuration. Furthermore, the suction inlet 33 and the opening 11 of the inner chamber is shown as being cylindrical, but may also be rounded, or of an polygonal shape. For example, the circular opening 11 of the chamber 10 may have a diameter between 50-800 mm, preferably between 100-500 mm, more preferably 150-250 mm. The suction inlet 33 which surrounds the circular opening 11 of the chamber, may have a width, in a radial direction in relation to the circular opening of the chamber, between 5-100 mm, preferably between 10-50 mm, more preferably between 20-40 mm.
Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 disclose a schematic top and side view, respectively, of an embodiment of the cleaning and material removal system 1, where two chambers and two suction devices are arranged on a support body 50. Furthermore, an arrangement, or array, of six supporting bodies 50, each comprising two chambers and two corresponding suction device as described in relation to Fig. 1-4, is provided. The support bodies 50 form a structural support for the chamber and suction device and facilitates the operation of the cleaning and material removal system. In particular, the system is operated in a forward direction along a road, wherein the chamber and associated suction device move adjacent the road surface which thereby is efficiently cleaned such that the functional properties of the road is restored. Each support body comprises two chambers which are arranged in an offset, or overlapping, configuration. Hence, a plurality of support bodies may be arranged in line such that the complete width of a road can be fully covered by the plurality of chambers during cleaning operation. Furthermore, each support body is further equipped with leveling means 55 for efficiently follow the contour of the road surface to be cleaned. As illustrated, the leveling means 55 may be formed of wheels arranged for guiding the support bodies at a suitable vertical level along the road surface.
The support bodies 50 may further be pivotally interconnected, to each other, or to a support vehicle of trailer, such that each support body 50 independently may pivot and thereby follow the contour of the road. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the road may in a transversal direction comprise an uneven surface, such as wheels tracks due to heavy traffic, which uneven surface may be efficiently cleaned by the pivoting support bodies and the cleaning and material removal system.
In Fig. 8, an embodiment of the cleaning and material removal system 1 wherein it is attached to a trailer 60, is illustrated. The trailer 60 may further be adapted to provided liquid and suction force to the system via conduits connected to a liquid inlet and the suction outlet of cleaning and material removal system 1.
The system 1 is interconnected to the trailer 60 via front support member 51 and rear support member 52. The front and rear support members 51, 52 may further form a suspension system for the system 1, such that the system 1 efficiently may follow the contour and shape of the road. The front and rear support members 51, 52 may also be arranged for raising the system 1, typically during non-operational transportation, for example by means of pneumatic, or hydraulic, actuation of the support members 51, 52. However, the system may be arranged differently and it is not limited to be arrayed to the trailer. It may for example be arranged to any kind of vehicle or e.g. hand- maneuvered devices.
The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims. Furthermore, the features described in association with different embodiments and aspects of the invention may be combined with the claimed scope in order to enable further embodiments.

Claims

A cleaning and material removal system (1) for cleaning a paved road,
said system comprising
at least one chamber (10) comprising an opening (11) facing the road to be cleaned,
at least one rotational nozzle (21) adapted for discharging a liquid jet, which at least one rotational nozzle (21) is arranged inside said chamber (10), and
a suction device (30) adapted for suction of the road,
wherein said suction device (30) is arranged adjacent said at least one chamber (10), and
said at least one chamber (10) is provided with a flexible member (13) extending in a direction towards the road, which flexible member (13) at least partly stretch around the periphery of said opening (11) and is arranged to seal between said suction device (30) and said chamber (10),
wherein at least one air inlet (40) is arranged into said at least one chamber (10) for allowing air into said chamber, and
wherein said cleaning and material removal system is adapted for removal of clogging material with said suction device via suction through said road.
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to claim 1, wherein said suction device (30) forms a suction cavity (31).
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suction device (30) at least partly surround said at least one chamber (10).
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suction device (30) comprises a suction inlet (33) facing the road to be cleaned.
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suction device (30) comprises an suction outlet (34) at an upper peripheral end of the suction device (30).
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to claim 5, wherein said suction outlet (34) is arranged substantially horizontal and directed in a non-center direction in relation to a vertical center line of the suction device (30)
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said suction device (30) comprise an outer flexible member (35) adapted to seal the between said suction device (30) and the surrounding environment.
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said air inlet (40) is an variable inlet.
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one chamber (10) and/or said opening (11) of said at least one chamber is at least partly rounded, preferably circular.
A cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one support body (50), wherein said at least one chamber (10) and said suction device (30) is arranged to said support body (50).
Use of a cleaning and material removal system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said system is used in combination with a vehicle for cleaning .
A method for cleaning and removing material from a paved road, said method comprising:
discharging a liquid jet and providing air to obtain a liquid-air mixture in a mixing area so that said liquid-air mixture is directed towards the road which shall be cleaned for loosening clogging material in the road, and

providing a suction force from an area which is sealed from said mixing area where said liquid-air mixture is mixed, so that said suction force removes said liquid-air mixture and said clogging material by passing it through said road when being removed by suction force.
A method according to claim 12, wherein said liquid jet is discharged into a chamber (10) and said air is provided into said chamber (10).
A method according to any one of claims 12-13, wherein said liquid jet is discharged from at least one rotating nozzle arrangement (20).
A method according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein said suction force is provided from a suction device (30), which is sealed by a flexible member (13) from said mixing area where said liquid-air mixture is being mixed.