JP2021525323A - Methods and systems for moving and removing winter obstacles from airfields and paved roads using attachment systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A system that is attached to a vehicle that can move in the first direction and removes obstacles from the surface. The system comprises a first scraper for removing obstacles from the surface. The first conveyor system includes a continuous track member for carrying obstacles removed from the surface in a second direction that is not aligned with the first direction. The second scraper removes obstacles from the surface and is positioned between the first conveyor and the vehicle. The second conveyor system comprises a continuous track member for carrying obstacles that are positioned between the vehicle and the second scraper and that have been removed from the surface in a third direction that is not aligned with the first direction. .. The ice / compression breaker is positioned between the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system. Ice / compression breakers have multiple teeth to grind obstacles on the surface.

Description

The present invention relates to methods of treating surfaces, particularly methods of laterally moving, removing, pushing away, squeezing, sweeping, air-blowing and carrying winter obstacles on paved roads.

Conventional systems for removing winter obstacles (ie, snow, ice, slush, etc.) from the surface utilize one of a snow plow, a bristle sweeper and an air blower, and a rotary plow type snow blower. However, the efficiency of traditional winter obstacle removal systems is that much, if not most, of the energy required to push winter obstacles to the side of roads and airfield paved roads is wasted. , Limited. Especially for the push-out snow plow, although the purpose of the push-out snow plow is to move the winter obstacle in the horizontal direction, it is very necessary to move the winter obstacle in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle movement direction. Energy is spent. A system utilizing a bristle sweeper consumes a great deal of energy to rotate on the horizontal axis and bend the bristles in contact with paved roads provided in areas such as airfield runways and taxiways. A system that utilizes an air blower consumes a great deal of energy to blow air horizontally over the surface of an area such as an airfield runway.

The present invention provides a system and / or method capable of improving the efficiency of removing obstacles. The present invention can provide more vigorous cleaning means and paved road cleaning means. The present invention can also improve aircraft braking performance and directional stability while leaving fewer winter obstacles on paved roads. Thus, the present invention can reduce the need for application of chemicals or abrasives that increase friction.

Provide a system for removing obstacles from the surface. The system is mounted on a vehicle that can move in the first direction. The system is equipped with a first scraper for removing obstacles from the surface. The first conveyor system includes a continuous track member for carrying obstacles removed from the surface in a second direction that is not aligned with the first direction. A second scraper removes obstacles from the surface. The second scraper is positioned between the first conveyor and the vehicle. The second conveyor system is positioned between the vehicle and the second scraper. The second conveyor system includes a continuous track member for carrying obstacles removed from the surface in a third direction that is not aligned with the first direction. An ice / compression breaker is positioned between the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system. Ice / compression breakers have multiple teeth to grind obstacles on the surface.

The system is also configured so that the ice / compression breaker can be adjusted vertically with respect to the surface.

The system also includes a sweeper brush positioned between the ice / compression breaker and the second conveyor system. The sweeper brush may have a plurality of brushes for removing obstacles on the surface.

The system can be configured such that multiple brushes are rotatably attached around the vertical axis of the sweeper brush.

The system can be configured so that the sweeper brush is adjustable vertically with respect to the surface in order to break into and break up obstacles on the surface.

It is considered that the system may include a blower mechanism positioned between the second conveyor system and the vehicle or behind the second conveyor system. The blower mechanism can generate a high speed air flow and may have an outlet for directing the high speed air flow to the surface.

The air blower mechanism may be adjustable in the vertical direction with respect to the surface.

It is considered that the first conveyor system can be placed at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface.

It is considered that the above angle may be 0-90 degrees.

It is considered that the second direction in the system may be orthogonal to the first direction.

It is considered that the second direction may be changeable by the user and / or the controller.

The velocity of at least one of the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system is changed based on the desired velocity of obstacles emitted from at least one distal end of the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system. It is considered possible.

It is considered that the system may also include a blower mechanism located at the distal end of the first conveyor system or the second conveyor system. The blower mechanism can be configured to eject obstacles that have passed through the distal end of the first or second conveyor system in a predetermined direction at a desired distance.

Further, it is considered that a cover arranged between the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system and defining the sealing area may be arranged.

It is considered that the vehicle may be equipped with a control device for controlling the operation of the system.

It is also considered that the control device can be connected to one or more sensors that each supply a signal indicating the state of the surface at a predetermined position with respect to the system.

It also provides a method for removing obstacles from the surface. The method activates the first conveyor system of the removal system, the step of moving the removal system in the first direction, the step of bringing the scraper of the removal system into contact with the surface and scraping the obstacles from the surface, and the obstacles. A step of transporting an object in a second direction that is not aligned with the first direction with respect to the system, a step of crushing obstacles on the surface, and a second conveyor system of the removal system are activated to systemize the obstacles. It may include a step of carrying in a third direction that is not aligned with the first direction.

The method may further include the step of activating the first conveyor system of the removal system, followed by the step of discharging the obstacle in a predetermined direction and distance.

Further, it is considered that the method may include a step of sweeping the obstacle along the surface after the step of crushing the obstacle.

It is also considered that the method may include a step of activating a second conveyor system of the removal system followed by a step of blowing obstacles in a fourth predetermined direction.

It is a side view of the conventional fixed surface mold board snow plow. FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention showing an obstacle removal system including a first conveyor system, an ice / compression breaker, a sweeper brush, a second conveyor system and a blower mechanism. It is a side view of one embodiment of the 1st and 2nd conveyor systems of this invention which shows the conveyor for moving a winter obstacle laterally. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A showing two systems shown in FIG. 3A arranged with their ends abutted to carry winter obstacles in different lateral directions at the same time. In a side view of a second embodiment of the first and second conveyor systems of the present invention, showing a plurality of conveyors for moving a winter obstacle in the vertical direction and then in the horizontal direction with respect to the vehicle. be. A conveyor system for transporting winter obstacles to a rotary plow snow blower or turning system (a rotary plow snow blower and / or turning system turns or turns a winter obstacle in a direction of the user's choice). It is a front view of the 3rd Embodiment of the 1st and 2nd conveyor system of this invention which shows.

With reference to FIG. 1, a conventional curved moldboard snowplow 10 is shown. The snowplow 10 is attachable to a vehicle (not shown) and has a surface 14 such as a cutting edge 12 configured to scrape along the airport runway. If the vehicle moves in the vertical "A" direction while the snow plow 10 is in use, winter obstacles 16, such as snow, ice, snow mud and / or debris, can be collected in front of the snow plow 10. However, as the winter obstacles 16 are removed from the surface 14 and gather on the snowplow 10, the vehicle will need to consume more energy to remove the winter obstacles 16 from the surface 14. In some examples, the snowplow 10 is bent in the direction of travel "A" to reduce the amount of energy required by the vehicle. However, even when the snow plow 10 is angled, it still requires a significant amount of energy from the vehicle.

With reference to FIG. 2, a system 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The system 70 is configured to remove the individual winter obstacles 16 and the combined winter obstacles 16 from the surface 14. System 70 includes one or more of the following, first conveyor system 72A, second conveyor system 72B, ice / compression breaker 82, energetic "gutter brush type" sweeper brush 92 and air transfer system 96. You may be prepared.

The first conveyor system 72A and / or the second conveyor system 72B may be the same as the conveyor system 20 described in detail in International Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 050002, which is incorporated herein by reference. .. Here, the system 20 will be briefly described. Referring to FIG. 3A, the system 20 replaces the conventional moldboard snowplow 10 (FIG. 1) and generally includes a scraper 22 and a conveyor 24. The scraper 22 can be made from a material that is rigid enough to remove winter obstacles 16 from the surface 14 while not damaging the surface 14. The leading edge 22a of the scraper 22 may be bent or sharpened so that the scraper 22 can assist in removing the winter obstacle 16 from the surface 14. The trailing edge 22b of the scraper 22 may be positioned above the leading edge 24a of the conveyor 24.

The conveyor 24 may be one or more separate conveyor members 26 configured to carry the winter obstacle 16 in the lateral direction "B" (as illustrated on the page showing FIG. 3A). .. It is considered that the conveyor 24 may be a variable speed conveyor and / or a reversible conveyor. Conveyor 24 is considered to allow the operator to change the speed and direction at which the winter obstacle 16 is lowered laterally "B" from one end of the conveyor 24.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the conveyor 24 is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface 14 so that the trailing edge 24b of the conveyor 24 is higher than the leading edge 24a of the conveyor 24 in the vertical direction. It is considered that the conveyor 24 may be arranged at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the surface 14 (see, eg, FIG. 2).

It is considered that the overall width of the system 20 may be smaller than the width of the conventional snow plow 10. This is because it is not necessary to position the system 20 at a predetermined angle in order to carry the winter obstacle 16 laterally. In other words, unlike the traditional snowplow 10, the system 20 does not rely on the width of the snowplow 10 angled with cosine to eject the winter obstacle 16 to the trailing edge of the snowplow 10. .. Instead, the system 20 provides a lateral conveyor 24 that ejects the winter obstacle 16 to the left or right side of the system 20. The lateral conveyor 24 also allows the use of a wider system 20 because the amount of winter obstacles that the vehicle must push in the vertical direction is significantly reduced as compared to the conventional snow plow 10.

Also, because the system 20 is reversible, the operator may only need to select the transport direction of the lateral conveyor 24 to eject the winter obstacle 16 to the desired side of the vehicle. Will be considered.

The system 20 winters into the tissue of the surface 14, which is prone to be caused by an excessive amount of winter obstacles 16 that are vertically pressed and stacked before being ejected from the trailing edge of the conventional moldboard snowplow 10. It is also considered that the amount of compression of the obstacle 16 can be reduced. The system 20 can reduce the amount of winter obstacles 16 pressed into and on the tissue of the surface 14, which is required to achieve or maintain traction on the surface to be cleaned. Reduce the amount of chemicals or abrasives.

It is considered that the lateral conveyor 24 may be 2.5 to 300 feet long to clean the surface 14 extending from the sidewalk to the commercial runway of the airport.

In another embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the two systems 20, 30 are mounted on the vehicle 18 and are arranged with their ends abutting each other. The first system 20 moves the winter obstacle 16 laterally in the first direction 21 at _{an angle θ 1} with respect to a line perpendicular to the moving direction (that is, the direction “A”) of the vehicle 18. The second system 30 moves the winter obstacle 16 laterally in the second direction 31 at _{an angle θ 2} with respect to a line perpendicular to the direction “A”. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle θ ₁ is about 20 ° and θ ₂ is also about 20 °. The first direction 21 and the second direction 31 are shown to be less than 180 ° relative to each other. Since the angles θ ₁ and θ ₂ are variable, it is considered that the angle between the first direction 21 and the second direction 31 can be greater than 180 ° or less than 180 °.

It is also considered that the control device 100 may be connected to the two systems 20 and 30 to allow the user to manually adjust the angles θ ₁ and θ _2. The controller 100 may also be programmable to automatically adjust the _{angles θ 1} and θ ₂ based on the speed of the vehicle 18 and / or the condition of the surface 14 and the amount of winter obstacles 16 removed from the surface 14. Will be considered.

The first conveyor system 72A and / or the second conveyor system 72B may be the same as the conveyor system 40 described in detail in International Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 050002 incorporated herein by reference. Is also considered. Referring to FIG. 4, the conveyor system 40 generally includes a scraper 42, a vertical lift conveyor 44 and one or more lateral conveyors 46. The scraper 42 is the same as the scraper 22 described above, and will not be described in detail below. The leading edge 42a of the scraper 42 is engaged with the surface 14, and the trailing edge 42b of the scraper 42 is positioned above the leading edge 44a of the vertical lift conveyor 44. The vertical lift conveyor 44 may be configured to transport the winter obstacle 16 passing through the trailing edge 42b of the scraper 42 in the direction "C" opposite to the moving direction "A" of the vehicle (not shown). can. The trailing edge 44b of the vertical lift conveyor 44 can be positioned above the leading edge 46a of the lateral conveyor 46. In this case, one or more lateral conveyors 46 may discharge the winter obstacle 16 in the desired lateral direction. It is also considered that the vertical lift conveyor 44 allows the operator to increase the longitudinal speed of the vehicle, which allows the surface 14 to be cleaned more quickly than a vehicle using a conventional snowplow 10. ..

In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral conveyor 46 is arranged parallel to the surface 14. It is considered that the lateral conveyor 46 may be at any angle with respect to the surface 14, such as right angles, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, etc., as long as the lateral conveyor 46 moves the winter obstacle 16 laterally. ..

In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral conveyor 46 and the vertical lift conveyor 44 are shown as conventional belt conveyors. The lateral conveyor 46 and the vertical lift conveyor 44 may be split track conveyors and / or may have cups or scoops to increase the efficiency of transporting the winter obstacle 16 in the desired direction. Will be considered.

In addition, the first conveyor system 72A and / or the second conveyor system 72B may include system 60 as described in detail in International Application No. PCT / CA2019 / 050002, which is incorporated herein by reference. Will be considered. With reference to FIG. 5, the system 60 is similar to the system 20 detailed above. The system 60 includes a lateral conveyor 62 and a turning mechanism 64 that may be located at either or both ends of the lateral conveyor 62. The conversion mechanism 64 selectively converts the winter obstacle 16 discharged from any end of the lateral conveyor 62 from above, below, front and rear with respect to each end of the lateral conveyor 62. Can be expanded to be done. This diversion of winter obstacles 16 causes the discharge of winter obstacles 16 into or above objects such as roadways, road guardrails, airport runway edge lights, runway or road intersections, traffic lights or other objects. Can be avoided. It is considered that the turning mechanism 64 may be a carrier (not shown) with a plurality of blades or blades for ejecting the winter obstacle 16 in a desired direction.

As detailed above, the systems 72A, 72B generally include scrapers 74a, 74b and lateral conveyors 76a, 76b. The lateral conveyors 76a, 76b, when selected by the operator or control device 100, are configured to carry the winter obstacle 16 in the lateral "B" direction. As mentioned above, the systems 72A, 72B may include one or more of the systems 20, 40, 60 detailed above.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the ice / compression breaker 82 is positioned between the first conveyor system 72A and the second conveyor system 72B. The ice / compression breaker 82 has a cylindrical body 84, which includes a plurality of teeth 86 protruding from the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical body 84. The cylindrical body 84 is rotatable about a central axis aligned with the lateral direction "B". The ice / compression breaker 82 is positioned between the caster wheels 87 that help position the plurality of teeth 86 in the correct position with respect to the surface 14. The ice / compression breaker 82 is vertical to crush the hard winter obstacles 16 on the surface 14 that have passed under the cutting edge of the first conveyor system 72A or conventional mold board plows (not shown). May be movable.

The sweeper brush 92 is positioned between the ice / compression breaker 82 and the second conveyor system 72B. The sweeper brush 92 has a plurality of individual brush members 94 that are stationary and / or are configured to rotate about a vertical axis 94a. The sweeper brush 92 breaks into the hard winter obstacle 16 crushed by the ice / compression breaker 82 after passing through the first conveyor system 72A or a conventional mold board plow (not shown). It may be movable in the vertical direction.

Behind the second conveyor system 72B, an air transfer system 96 may be positioned to blow the disassembled winter obstacles 16 under or forward of the second conveyor system 72B. The air transfer system 96 may be a high pressure blower configured to blow a high pressure air stream under the second conveyor system 72B. A cover 99 may cover the ice / compression breaker 82 and the sweeper brush 92 in order to contain the liberated winter obstacle 16 within the control area 101.

While the system 70 is in operation, the vehicle 110 (with the system 70 attached) moves in direction "A" to remove the winter obstacle 16 from the surface 14. The control device 100 is remotely connected wirelessly or locally on the vehicle to connect to various components of the vehicle and system 70 to control their operation. The control device 100 may be a conventional computer unit, which is a central processing unit (CPU) that processes instructions and inputs and generates output instructions, inputs from users and inputs that receive signals from various components of the system 70. It includes a unit, an output unit for transmitting instructions from the CPU to various components of the system 70, and a storage unit for storing data received and / or generated by the CPU. Various control lines (not shown) may extend from the control device 100 to the components of the system 70. It is considered that the control line (not shown) can be configured to send power and / or signals between each component and the control device 100. The control line (not shown) includes, but is not limited to, fixed wiring, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc. and combinations thereof, and another generally known component between the control device 100 and the various components of the system 70. It is also considered that it may represent a wired and / or wireless communication format.

The control device 100 can be connected to sensors 120A, 120B, 120C (shown in FIG. 2) to check the efficiency of the system 70 at various stages or locations within the system 70. The sensor 120A can confirm the state of the untreated surface 14, the sensor 120B can confirm the state of the surface 14 after being processed by the ice / compression breaker 82 and / or the sweeper brush 92, and the sensor 120C can confirm the state of the surface 14. Is considered to be able to confirm the state of the surface 14 after being processed by the air transfer system 96.

During operation, the winter obstacle 16 is scraped from the surface 14 by the first conveyor system 72A and transported laterally "B" to one or both sides of the vehicle 110. The winter obstacle 16 on the surface 14 that has passed under the first conveyor system 72A is crushed by the ice / compression breaker 82. As described above, the position of the ice / compression breaker 82 relative to the surface 14 is such that the plurality of teeth 86 provided on the ice / compression breaker 82 crush the winter obstacle 16 so as to minimize damage to the surface 14. Is selected for.

The winter obstacle 16 released by the ice / compression breaker 82 is then further crushed by the sweeper brush 92. The crushed winter obstacle 16 is scraped from the surface 14 by the second conveyor system 72B and transported to one or both sides of the vehicle 110. All winter obstacles 16 that have passed under the second conveyor system 72B are blown back in front of the second conveyor system 72B by the air transfer system 96. Thus, the system 70 is designed to leave a cleaner surface than conventional horizontal axis sweepers and horizontal and laterally oriented air blowers.

The control device 100 is from sensors 120A, 120B, 120C to adjust the operation / position of the first conveyor system 72A, the ice / compression breaker 82, the sweeper brush 92, the second conveyor system 72B and the air transfer system 96. It is considered that the signal can be used to improve the removal of obstacles 16 from the surface 14. For example, the vertical position of the above components may rise and / or descend as needed to remove more obstacles 16 from the surface 14. The control device 100 can be programmed to constantly monitor the signals from the sensors 120A, 120B, 120C and regulate the operation of the above-mentioned components of the system 70 separately or collectively. It is considered that the control device 100 can be programmed to adjust the operation of the system 70 based on the speed of the vehicle 110.

The present invention has been described with reference to the examples of embodiments described above. By reading and understanding this specification, amendments and changes will occur and other aspects will arise. The examples of embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and modifications as long as they fall within and are equivalent to those of the appended claims. It is a thing.

Claims (20)

A system that is attached to a vehicle that can move in the first direction and removes obstacles from the surface.
A first scraper for removing obstacles from the surface,
A first conveyor system having a continuous track member for carrying the obstacle removed from the surface in a second direction that is not aligned with the first direction.
A second scraper positioned between the first conveyor system and the vehicle to remove obstacles from the surface.
It has a continuous track member for carrying the obstacle removed from the surface in a third direction that is not aligned with the first direction and is positioned between the vehicle and the second scraper. The second conveyor system and
An ice / compression breaker having a plurality of teeth for crushing the obstacle on the surface and positioned between the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system.
System with. The system according to claim 1, wherein the ice / compression breaker is adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the surface. The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of brushes for brushing off the obstacles on the surface and further including a sweeper brush positioned between the ice / compression breaker and the second conveyor system. .. The system according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of brushes are stationary or rotatable about a vertical axis of the sweeper brush. The system of claim 3, wherein the sweeper brush is adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the surface in order to break into and disintegrate the obstacle on the surface. The first aspect of claim 1, further comprising a blower mechanism that is provided with an outlet for generating a high-speed air flow and directing the high-speed air flow toward the surface, and is positioned between the second conveyor system and the vehicle. System. The system according to claim 6, wherein the blower mechanism is adjustable in a vertical direction with respect to the surface. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first conveyor system is arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the surface. 8. The system of claim 8, wherein the angle is 90 degrees. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second direction can be changed by a user and / or a control device. The velocity of at least one of the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system is the desired of the obstacle emitted from at least one distal end of the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system. The system according to claim 1, which is to be modified based on the speed of the above. The obstacles that have passed through the distal end of the first conveyor system or the second conveyor system are configured to be discharged in a predetermined direction at a desired distance, the first conveyor system or the first conveyor system. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a blower mechanism arranged at the distal end of the conveyor system of 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cover arranged between the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system to define a sealing area. The system according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a control device for controlling the operation of the system. 15. The system of claim 15, wherein the control device is connected to one or more sensors that each supply a signal indicating the state of the surface to the control device at a predetermined position with respect to the system. A method for removing obstacles from the surface
The step of moving the removal system in the first direction,
A step of bringing the scraper of the removal system into contact with a surface and scraping an obstacle from the surface.
A step of activating the first conveyor system of the removal system and carrying the obstacle in a second direction that is not aligned with the first direction with respect to the removal system.
The step of crushing the obstacles on the surface and
A step of activating a second conveyor system of the removal system and carrying the obstacle in a third direction that is not aligned with the first direction with respect to the removal system.
How to include. 17. The method of claim 17, further comprising releasing the obstacle in a predetermined direction and distance after the step of operating the first conveyor system of the removal system. 17. The method of claim 17, further comprising sweeping the obstacle along the surface after the step of crushing the obstacle. 17. The method of claim 17, further comprising a step of blowing the obstacle in a fourth predetermined direction after the step of operating the second conveyor system.

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