EP3078775B1

EP3078775B1 - Motor vehicle for cleaning of surfaces

Info

Publication number: EP3078775B1
Application number: EP15162978.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antonio Maffei
Original assignee: Rhino Srl
Current assignee: Rhino Srl
Priority date: 2015-04-09
Filing date: 2015-04-09
Publication date: 2017-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-09
Also published as: EP3078775A1; NO3078775T3

Description

This invention relates to a motor-driven vehicle for cleaning surfaces and, preferably, for cleaning roads. More specifically, the invention relates to a motor-driven vehicle comprising a plurality of devices for washing and aspirating the road surface or other surfaces, for example a set of solar/photovoltaic panels.
In fact, this invention relates to the sector of road washing following an accident, where it is necessary to clean the road surface of substances such as oil, fuel or, others besides, not expressly described herein. More generally, the present invention relates to the sector of cleaning horizontal surfaces (internal or external floor surfaces) even with the simple aim of cleaning and not necessarily in relation to a road accident (for example, in a case in which the floor surface is fouled following a party or village celebration or in case of a mechanical fault of a parked vehicle).
More in detail, the present invention relates to the field of removal of stubborn dirt from roads.
The term "stubborn dirt" identifies for example oil, inflammable liquids, fuels, or other substances which penetrate into the road surface and which generate both environmental pollution and risks of road accidents which may increase following rain (the dirt bonds with the water to create a dangerous emulsion causing the formation of a slippery film). In a first prior art solution, interventions for cleaning off the stubborn dirt are performed by the fire service, rescue service, environmental guards and others, using absorbent material such as, for example, specific granulated materials for absorption of the dirt. However, the use of this absorbent material does not prevent the substances which can be defined the extreme dirt from penetrating the road surface and forming the film and road pollution, especially in the case of rain.
In a second prior art solution, vans are used for cleaning roads, on which a high-pressure water cleaner connected to a wand are mounted to create a jet of water mixed with detergent towards the road surface. The wand is handled by an operator who points it towards the part of road surface to be cleaned so as to wash it.
However, in this washing step, the operator uses the water jet not only for washing, but also to shift the stubborn dirt towards the edge of the road.
Therefore the stubborn dirt is not removed completely, but is moved towards another zone of the road surface.
Also, to collect the stubborn dirt it is necessary for an operator to work with a broom or an aspirating device in order to complete collection of the stubborn dirt substances. For this reason, to complete the cleaning of road the operator has to perform a double operation, first with the washing wand to wash the surface, and then with a broom or aspirating device to remove the substances. Also, the presence of two operators is often required to perform the two operations.
In an alternative prior art technique, specific vehicles are created for cleaning roads, comprising brushes and aspirators arranged beneath the platform of the vehicle. However, these motor vehicles are specially created for cleaning roads and are "made to measure" for these operations and therefore require specialised manpower, with very high costs. Some examples of such a kind of vehicles are described in documents US 2013/213436 , US5970574 , US5704989 .
In this context, the technical purpose which forms the basis of this invention is to disclose an industrial vehicle which incorporates rapid and efficient road cleaning apparatus, with respect to the prior art.
More specifically, the aim of this invention is to provide an industrial vehicle which enables limiting overall dimensions and weight of the cleaning apparatus.
Moreover, the aim of this invention is to provide an industrial vehicle with which road cleaning times can be optimised.
Lastly, the aim of this invention is to provide an industrial vehicle which enables independent powering of the cleaning apparatus from external energy sources of the actual vehicle itself.
The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a motor-driven vehicle for road cleaning, comprising the technical features described in one or more of the appended claims.
Further features and advantages of this invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of a road-cleaning vehicle as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a partly transparent axonometric view of the road-cleaning vehicle according to the invention;
figure 2 is an axonometric view from above of the cleaning organ of the invention;
figure 3 is axonometric side view of a enlarged detail of the cleaning organ of figure 2;
figure 4 is a view from below of a further detail of the cleaning organ;
figure 5 is an axonometric side view of an alternative embodiment of the cleaning organ of figure 3; and
figure 6 is a bottom view of the cleaning organ of figure 5.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle for cleaning roads.
More specifically, the vehicle 1 is of an industrial type (e.g.: standard truck) and not made specially for cleaning roads.
The road-cleaning vehicle 1 comprises a driver's cab 2 and an internal service compartment 3. The service compartment 3 is preferably positioned behind the driver's cab 2. Further, the service compartment 3 is advantageously sealed and is accessible through one or more hatch doors 4 between a closed position and an open position. Alternatively, the service compartment 3 can be open (for example in a vehicle such as a pick-up truck) or be a part of the frame of the vehicle 1.
In any case, the service compartment 3 is part of the vehicle itself (i.e. it is rigidly connected to the frame of the vehicle to which the driver's cab 2 is also fixed) and is not mounted on a removable trailer.
Further, the vehicle 1 comprises a high pressure group 5 mounted in the service compartment 3 and having a washing conduit 6 extending externally of the vehicle 1 for supplying in outlet, a high pressure washing liquid. More specifically, the high-pressure group 5 is of known type and comprises a hydraulic pump 36 for bringing the washing liquid to a high pressure .
Preferably and by way of example only, the high-pressure group 5 is configured for carrying the washing liquid at a pressure up to 200 bar (in some embodiments even more than 200 bar) with a consumption of water of 10/15 litres/minute.
The washing conduit 6 extends between a respective inlet end connected to the high pressure unit 5 and a respective outlet end 7 extending towards the outside of the vehicle 1. More specifically, the washing conduit 6 is configurable between a rolled up condition in which it is completely positioned inside the service compartment 3 and an unrolled condition in which it is in part positioned externally of the vehicle 1.
The high pressure group 5 comprises a tank 8 for containing the washing liquid. Preferably and by way of an example only, the tank 8 has a capacity of up to 600 litres and above.
Further, the vehicle 1 comprises a boiler 9 for heating the washing liquid connected to the hydraulic pump 36, for heating the washing liquid to a preset temperature (preferably up to 150 ° C). The boiler 9 for heating the washing liquid is preferably connected downstream of the hydraulic pump 36 so as to heat the liquid after the liquid has been brought to high pressure.
Even more preferably, the boiler 9 is of a type with regulation of the litres of water used per unit of time, in order to be able to predetermine water consumption.
As shown in figure 1, the tank 8 is connected to the hydraulic pump 36 via a conduit 37 so that the pump can deliver the washing liquid towards the boiler 9. In turn, the hydraulic pump 36 is connected to the boiler 9 via a conduit 38 for conveying the washing liquid to the boiler 9. The path of the washing liquid is denoted in figure 1 by the arrows.
If necessary, the vehicle 1 can comprise a mixing organ of water and detergent to form the washing liquid. In other words, the washing liquid may comprise water and detergent mixed together.
However, in the preferred embodiment, the washing liquid comprises only water in order to reduce ambient pollution following the washing.
Further, the vehicle 1 comprises an aspirating group 10 (or aspirator) of liquids and solids mounted in the service compartment 3 and having a aspiration conduit 11 extending externally of the vehicle 1. Purely by way of an example, the aspirating group 10 preferably has a capacity of approximately 300-400 litres. It should also be noted that the aspirating device 10 is not an aspirating device exploiting the Venturi principle. In detail, the aspirating group 10 is an industrial aspirating device of a vacuum type for liquid and swarf (solid).
In detail, the inlet conduit 11 also extends between a respective air inlet end 12 positioned externally of the vehicle 1 and a respective outlet end connected to the aspirating group 10. Note that the inlet conduit 11 is also configurable between a rolled up condition in which it is completely positioned inside the service compartment 3 and an unrolled condition wherein it is, in part, positioned externally of the vehicle 1.
In addition, the aspirating group 10 comprises a recycling tank of the liquids aspirated by the inlet conduit 11. The recycling tank is mounted in the service compartment 3. In greater detail, outlet end 12 of the inlet conduit 11 is operatively connected to the recycling tank in such a way to discharge therein the aspirated substances. Moreover, the aspirating group comprises a separator filter of the liquids from the solids positioned at the recycling tank or upstream thereof for separating the aspirated liquid substances from the solid substances.
In addition, the recovery tank can comprise a filtering system for recovering water to be re-used for washing. In other words, the recycling tank is connected to the containing tank 8 of water for supplying the recycled water to the containing tank. Thus it is advantageously possible to increase overall washing times.
Moreover, the vehicle 1 comprises a mobile cleaning organ 14 that can be moved on a surface to be cleaned externally of the vehicle 1 and comprising a hood 15 positioned, in use, at the surface to be cleaned.
More specifically, the hood 15 is oriented in such a way that a concavity thereof is facing towards the road surface to be cleaned. In this way the dirt acted upon by the washing nozzles (described in more detail below) advantageously does not skid out into the surrounding space, but is kept under the hood 15.
The outlet end of the washing conduit 6 is connected internally of the hood 15 so as to spray the high-pressure liquid towards the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the hood 15 comprises a first passage hole 16 through which outlet end 7 of the washing conduit 6 is inserted.
In the preferred embodiment, the hood 15 comprises a plurality of rotating nozzles 27 connected to the outlet end 7 of the washing conduit 6 for spraying the liquid. The nozzles 27 face towards the road surface at different inclinations in such a way as to facilitate the road-washing operation.
Figure 4 illustrates the inside of the hood 15, where two (or more) rotary arms 28 are rotatably mounted and extend radially from the centre of the hood 15 defining a continuation of the washing conduit 6. Each of the rotary arms 28 has an end 29 distanced from the centre on which a respective nozzle 27 is mounted. In figure 4 it can be observed that each nozzle 27 has an inclined outlet hole 30 relative to a vertical direction in such a way that the outflow of the pressurised washing liquid causes a rotation of the arms 28. As a function of the above-mentioned inclination of the nozzles a differing degree of action to remove the dirt is possible. In other words, the rotation of the rotating arms 28 is caused by continuous pressure supplied by the hydraulic pump 36 of the high-pressure group 5.
In the alternative embodiment illustrated in figures 5 and 6 a lateral extension 31 of the hood 15 is illustrated under which a group 32 of spraying nozzles is positioned, facing towards the surface to be cleaned and suitable for removal of chewing gum. In this embodiment, the washing conduit 6 is also connected to the nozzle group 32 so as to proceed with removal of the chewing gum. In this case the washing conduit 6 is split so as to feed separately both the unit 32 of nozzles for removal of the chewing gum as well as the other nozzles. In addition, the nozzle group 32 comprises a heating unit (preferably thermostatic) to raise further the temperature of the washing liquid passing through the nozzle group 32 itself.
Further, the vehicle 1 comprises a movement rod 17 connected to the hood 15 and extending away from the surface to be cleaned for moving the hood 15. The movement rod 17 is configured such as to be moved by a user. The movement rod 17 for is preferably rigidly connected to the hood 15.
In addition, the movement rod 17 comprises an activating/deactivating organ 18 of the flow of liquid passing internally of the washing conduit 6. In detail, the activating/deactivating organ 18 comprises a shutter interposed internally of the washing conduit 6 for blocking the passage of washing liquid in the switched off condition or freeing the passage of washing liquid in the activation condition.
In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the washing conduit 6 has a final part 19 (ending with the above-mentioned outlet end 7) formed by a wand 20 for spraying the washing liquid. The wand 20 defines a continuation of the washing conduit 6 of the rigid type (the rest of the conduit, on the other hand, is made of a flexible material). In this alternative embodiment, the wand 20 comprises a gripping handle defining the activating/deactivating 18 organ mentioned above. Further, the wand 20 incorporates the movement rod 17 of the hood 15.
In the case of the embodiment illustrated in figures 5 and 6, each splitting of the washing conduit 6 will comprise a respective activating/deactivating member, separate from one another.
Further, the air inlet end 12 is connected internally of the hood 15 for aspirating liquids and solids present onto the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the hood 15 has a second through-opening 21 internally of which the air inlet end 12 of the inlet conduit 11 is inserted.
The outlet of the washing conduit 6 preferably merges into a central zone 34 of the hood 15, while the inlet of the inlet conduit 11 merges into an edge zone 35 that is external with respect to the central zone 34. In other words, the hood 15 is internally divided into two zones: the central zone 34 in which the washing; and the edge zone 35 where the aspiration is carried out. In still other terms, the hood 15 comprises an internal panel 33 dividing the aspiration from the washing. Preferably, the internal panel 33 surrounds the central zone 34 and is distanced from the edge of the hood 15. In detail, the edge zone 35 is positioned between the edge of the hood 15 and the internal panel 33.
In this way, an aspirating zone is created internally of the hood 15 as well as a washing zone for washing the road surface and simultaneously aspirating the residual substances.
It should be noted that the aspirating group 10 and the high-pressure group 5 are configured so as to operate simultaneously in such a way as to form a simultaneous aspirating action and a washing action in order to improve removal of the stubborn dirt.
Further, the cleaning organ 14 comprises a plurality of rotating organs 22 for resting and moving the hood 15 along the surface to be cleaned. The rotary elements 22 preferably comprise wheels having variable directionality.
Note that the cleaning organ 14 comprises a brush 23 extending along the outer and lower edge of the hood 15 in such a way as to form a substantially closed internal volume. The brush 23 preferably extends towards the surface to be cleaned in such a way as to enter into contact with the surface in order to contribute to the removal by direct scraping.
The hood 15 is preferably made of steel.
In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cleaning organ 14 is connected only to the washing conduit 6 and not to the inlet conduit 10. In this case, the cleaning organ is preferably used for washing of photovoltaic or solar panels. In this alternative embodiment cleaning organ comprises at least one rotating brush (preferably two) under which the jet of washing liquid flows. The rod 17 is preferably telescopic (preferably made of carbon fibre) in such a way as for it to be used along the entire surface of the photovoltaic/solar panels which covers a roof of a building. Further, in the alternative embodiment for washing the panels, the vehicle 1 comprises a softener connected to the high pressure group 5 for removing lime from the water.
According to the invention, the vehicle 1 comprises a main motor 39 mechanically connected to a rotating main shaft in turn connected to a plurality of wheels 24 of the vehicle 1 for the movement of the vehicle 1.
More specifically, the vehicle 1 comprises a power take-off 25 mechanically connected to the main motor 39 of the vehicle 1, and preferably to the main shaft of the motor 39. Further, the vehicle 1 comprises a generator 26 of electric current operatively connected to the power take-off 25 for generating electricity. In other words, the generator 26 of electric current picks up the movement from the main motor 39 for generating power without use of generators/auxiliary motors. In other words, the vehicle 1 comprises a single motor 39 for moving the vehicle itself, from which motor 39 the generator 26 takes the movement for generating electricity. Thus, the generator 26 does not comprise its own internal motor for making the movement to be converted into electricity.
Note that the generator 26 is connected to the engine or gear box by a joint or articulated and self-lubricating half-axis.
The electric current generator 26 is connected to the aspirating group 10 and to the high-pressure group 5 by respective supply cables for electricity supply.
Preferably, the electric current generator 26 generates power comprised between 12kw and 18kw (kilowatt) in such a way as to contemporaneously power both the aspirating group 10 and the high-pressure group 5. By way of example, the aspirating group 10 requires a power supply of between 2.5 and 4 kW, while the high-pressure group 5 requires a power supply of approximately 3 kW.
Consequently, the generator also has a reserve of electricity to be distributed over various electrical sockets of both 380 V and 230 V.
The vehicle preferably comprises a user interface for connecting or disconnecting the power take-off 26. The interface is connected to a mechanical organ acting on the power take-off 26 for connecting or disconnecting it from the mechanical transmission of the motor 39.
The main motor 39 of the vehicle 1 can advantageously be of a type powered by methane or I.p.g. to improve outlet gas emissions.
The vehicle 1 also comprises an external spotlight for lighting an area to be cleaned. Preferably, the spotlight comprises a telescopic support for correct positioning thereof at a suitable distance (up to 4 metres) of the spotlight relative to the surface to be cleaned.
Further, the vehicle 1 comprises an internal light to illuminate the internal service compartment 3 of the vehicle 1.
Lastly, the vehicle comprises an air compressor 1 (with a capacity of preferably approximately 40 litres).
This invention also relates to a cleaning kit for road cleaning for industrial motor vehicles. This kit derives directly from the above description in relation to the vehicle 1 which is incorporated in the following in its entirety.
More specifically, the kit comprises the high-pressure group 5, the aspirating group 10 of liquids and solids and the cleaning organ 14 described above.
In addition, the kit comprises the boiler 9 for heating the washing liquid connected to the tank 8 for heating the washing liquid to a predetermined temperature.
In addition, the kit can also comprise the movement rod 17 of the hood 15 and/or the tank for containing the washing liquid and/or the water and detergent mixing organ and/or the recycling tank and/or the power take-off 25 with the electricity generator 26. Further, the kit can comprise a cleaning organ for washing photovoltaic or solar panels of the type described in the foregoing and connected only to the washing conduit 6 and not to the inlet conduit 10.
As regards the operation of this invention, it may be derived directly from the description above.
More specifically, the current generator 26 simultaneously powers the aspirating group 10 and the high-pressure group 5. The high-pressure group 5 sources the water from the tank 8 and feeds it into the washing conduit 6. In more detail, the water which enters the high-pressure group 5 from the tank 8 passes first through the pump 36 in order to bring it to high pressure and then through a boiler 9 for the water to be heated.
Simultaneously the aspirating unit 10 generates a flow of air inside the inlet conduit 11 which is filtered (as described above) upstream of the aspirating conduit 11. The dirt aspirated through the inlet conduit 11 is preferably collected in a recycling tank. The outlet of the washing conduit 6 and the inlet of the inlet conduit 11 are conveyed internally of the hood 15 of the cleaning organ 14 so as to realise an effective wash and aspiration beneath the hood 15. The washing and the aspiration preferably act in different zones of the hood 15. Even more preferably, the aspiration is performed in a peripheral zone of the hood 14 while the washing is done in a central zone 34 of the hood 15.
By moving the cleaning organ 14 along the surface to be washed the user performs an aspiration and a washing action so as to remove the stubborn dirt.
As regards removal of the chewing gum, the cleaning process performs a first passage with the rotating nozzles activated and with the hot water in such a way as to wet the surface and soften the chewing gum. Thereafter a second passage of the nozzle group 32 is performed at high pressure and with further heated water so as to definitively melt the chewing gum, then aspirate it in the aspirating zone.
The present invention achieves the set aims:
More specifically, the invention makes possible use of a standard industrial vehicle 1 for cleaning roads. It is sufficient to install the generator on the power take-off and mount the high-pressure group and the aspirating unit in the internal compartment in order to obtain a road-washing vehicle 1.
In effect, with the use of a generator connected to the engine of the vehicle it is possible:

to avoid using other power generators (separate motors) which would increase the weight of the vehicle and the dimensions of the service compartment;
to optimise fuel consumption, exhaust gas emissions for energy production as the motor of the vehicle is used (meeting the requirements of the Euro 5 standard);
to reduce the noise for powering the washing apparatus such that it can be used even in the evening or at night, or at other times where quiet is required.

In addition, note that the use of the vehicle motor for producing electricity, without using a separate generator, makes it possible to reduce the weight of the vehicle so that can be operated by a user with a normal driving licence.
Moreover, thanks to the presence of the mobile cleaning organ containing both the aspirating group and the washing liquid it is possible to wash the road surface and aspirate the matter to be eliminated at the same time.
In detail, the invention enables cleaning the surface with an aspirating system (beneath the hood) and washing at high pressure, with heated water to degrease the surface and aspirate the residues without leaving any trace thereof and thus restore the initial conditions of the surface (road surface).
The invention also avoids the "aerosol" effect which might be toxic for the operator.
In addition, the cleaning operation is simple to perform and is carried out in a single step of cleaning and with a single operator.
The invention also reduces waste of water thanks to the possibility of adjusting the quantity of water dispensed. In addition, with the use of hot water under pressure there is no need to use detergent mixed with the water.
Lastly, this invention is easy to realise and the costs connected thereto are not prohibitively high.

Claims

A motor-driven vehicle (1) for cleaning surfaces, comprising:
an internal service compartment (3); a tank (8);

a high pressure group (5) mounted in the service compartment (3) and having a washing conduit (6) extending externally of the vehicle (1) for supplying, in outlet, a high pressure washing liquid;

an aspirating group (10) of liquids and solids mounted in the service compartment (3) and having a aspiration conduit (11) extending externally of the vehicle (1);

a cleaning organ (14) manually mobile by an user on a surface to be cleaned to which an outlet end (7) of the washing conduit (6) is connected for spraying the liquid at high pressure towards the surface to be cleaned and/or an inlet end (12) of air from the aspiration conduit (11) for aspirating liquids and solids present on the surface to be cleaned;

characterized in that it comprises a boiler (9) for heating the washing liquid connected to the tank (8), for heating the washing liquid to a preset temperature; and a generator (26) of electric current operatively connected to a motor (39) for moving the vehicle (1) in order to pick up the movement from the motor (39) and generate electric current; the generator (26) of electric current being connected to the aspirating group (10) and to the high pressure group (5) in order to supply the said groups (10, 5) with electricity; said service compartment (3) being mounted on the same frame on which the motor (39) of the vehicle (1) is mounted; the cleaning organ (14) being mobile between a rest position in which it is positioned inside the service compartment (3) and an operating position in which it is positioned outside the service compartment (3) at a surface to be cleaned; said generator (26) being configured so as to power the high pressure group (5) and the aspirating unit (10) simultaneously; said cleaning organ (14) comprising a hood (15) positioned at the surface to be cleaned; the outlet end (7) of the washing conduit (6) and the air inlet end (12) of the aspirating conduit (11) being connected internally of the hood (15); the high pressure unit (5) and the aspirating group (10) being configured such as to operate simultaneously so as to realise a jet of liquid and aspiration below the hood (15).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to claim 1 characterised in that it comprises a power take-off (26) mechanically connected to the motor (39) for moving the vehicle (1); the generator (26) being connected to the power take-off (25) for picking up the movement of the motor (39).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hood (15) comprises a plurality of rotating nozzles (27) connected to the outlet end (7) of the washing conduit (6) for spraying the liquid.
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a movement rod (17) connected to the hood (15) for moving the hood (15); the movement rod (17) comprising an organ for activating/deactivating (18) the flow of liquid passing through the washing conduit (6).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hood (15) has a washing zone (34) and an aspirating zone (35) separated by a internal panel (33) and facing the surface to be cleaned.
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to claim 5 characterised in that the washing zone (34) is a central zone of the hood (15) and the aspirating zone (35) is positioned around the washing zone (34).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a group of nozzles (32) connected externally of the hood (15) and facing towards the surface to be cleaned.
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning organ (14) is connected only to the washing conduit (6) and not to the aspirating conduit (11).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the cleaning organ (14) comprises at least a rotary brush configured such as to operate in contact with the surface to be cleaned; the outlet end (7) of the washing conduit (6) being connected internally of the brush so as to define the washing operation.
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the high pressure group (5) comprises the tank (8) for containing the washing liquid.
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the aspirating group (10) comprises a recycling tank of the liquids aspirated by the aspirating conduit (11); the recycling tank being mounted in the service compartment (3).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a user interface for connecting or disconnecting the power take-off (26); said interface being connected to a mechanical organ acting on the power take-off (26) for connecting or disconnecting it from a mechanical transmission of the motor (39).
The motor-driven vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the service compartment (3) is advantageously sealed and is accessible through one or more hatch doors (4) between a closed position and an open position.