WO2009129626A1 - Balayeuse mécanique - Google Patents

Balayeuse mécanique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009129626A1
WO2009129626A1 PCT/CA2009/000545 CA2009000545W WO2009129626A1 WO 2009129626 A1 WO2009129626 A1 WO 2009129626A1 CA 2009000545 W CA2009000545 W CA 2009000545W WO 2009129626 A1 WO2009129626 A1 WO 2009129626A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
conveyor
assembly
deployable
conveyor portion
frame
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/000545
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Michel Arsenault
Stéphane ARSENAULT
Original Assignee
9089-1557 Québec Inc. (Entretien De Stationnement M.A.)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from CA 2629669 external-priority patent/CA2629669C/fr
Priority claimed from US12/109,147 external-priority patent/US8132282B2/en
Application filed by 9089-1557 Québec Inc. (Entretien De Stationnement M.A.) filed Critical 9089-1557 Québec Inc. (Entretien De Stationnement M.A.)
Priority to EP09734183.8A priority Critical patent/EP2281089A4/fr
Publication of WO2009129626A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009129626A1/fr

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/02Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt
    • E01H1/04Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt taking- up the sweepings, e.g. for collecting, for loading
    • E01H1/042Brushing apparatus, e.g. with auxiliary instruments for mechanically loosening dirt taking- up the sweepings, e.g. for collecting, for loading the loading means being an endless belt or an auger

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a mechanical sweeper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanical sweeper comprising a deployable conveyor for conveying debris toward an auxiliary vehicle.
  • Debris including litter, dust, sand, gravel and abrasive used during winter time and the like are often found on roads, parking lots, airport runways and other surfaces aimed at circulation of vehicles. Since debris may damage vehicles circulating on such surfaces and/or impair the security of the passengers thereof, removal of sand, gravel and the like from road surfaces has become very common.
  • the efficiency of these systems is greatly reduced by the limited size of the debris reservoir, involving frequent interruption of sweeping activities for the vehicle to travel back and forth to the landfill areas.
  • the travel time may represent up to 75% of the operation time of the vehicle while cleaning operation per se only represents 25%.
  • traditional sweepers tend not to be cost effective.
  • a mechanical sweeper towed by a vehicle such as a dump truck.
  • Such a mechanical sweeper comprises a pickup broom transferring debris on a first conveyor belt, which in turn transfers the material on a second conveyor belt.
  • the second conveyor belt conveys the material into the dump body of the dump truck. Because the sweeper is towed by a vehicle, it must be detached from the vehicle when the latter is full or, alternatively, be brought to disposal site. In any event, operating or cleaning time tends to be reduced by any of these additional operations.
  • Such mechanical sweepers of the prior art comprise a pickup broom transferring debris toward an auger (i.e. an endless screw), which directs the debris on a first belt.
  • a second belt conveyor carries the debris from the first conveyor toward an auxiliary vehicle.
  • Larger debris found on roads i.e. rocks, plastic bottles, wheel covers
  • the mechanical sweepers of the art need to be transported from one cleaning site to another on a truck or a trailer as they tend to be very slow.
  • a mechanical sweeper comprising a frame mounted on wheels for motion on the surface and a pickup broom assembly mounted to the frame for lifting the debris from the surface.
  • the mechanical sweeper also comprises a first belt conveyor mounted to the frame for collecting the debris lifted by the pickup broom assembly and conveying the same away from the surface, and a deployable conveyor assembly mounted to the frame and operable for conveying debris conveyed by the first conveyor toward another vehicle.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly comprises a first conveyor portion comprising a coupling means and a second conveyor portion mounted to the first conveyor portion via the coupling means.
  • the coupling means enables movement of the second portion relative to the first portion between a folded position and an extended position.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly further comprises at least one belt operatively mounted on the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion and operable for motion thereon.
  • An actuator assembly is mounted to the deployable belt conveyor for urging the movement of the second conveyor portion between the folded position and the extended position. Further, a drive assembly is mounted to the frame of the mechanical sweeper for driving operation of the pickup broom, the first belt conveyor, the deployable conveyor assembly and the actuator assembly.
  • the first conveyor portion comprises a first end and a second opposed end.
  • the second conveyor portion also comprises a first end and a second opposed end.
  • the first end of the second conveyor portion is connected to the second end of the first conveyor portion via the coupling means, the coupling means being preferably a hinge assembly or a slide mechanism.
  • the mechanical sweeper further comprises at least one gutter broom assembly.
  • the at least one gutter broom is mounted to the frame for rotation about a vertical axis and is operable to contact the surface and to direct debris toward the pickup broom assembly.
  • the mechanical sweeper further comprises a deflector.
  • the deflector is mounted to the frame and adapted for controlling the movement of the debris directed by the at least one gutter broom and directing the same toward the pickup broom assembly.
  • the mechanical sweeper further comprises an operator cab mounted to the frame.
  • the operator cab is preferably mounted to the frame for movement between a lower position and an upper position and the mechanical sweeper may further comprise an actuator assembly for urging movement of the operator cab between the lower position and the upper position.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly is mounted to the frame for pivot movement about a vertical axis.
  • the vertical axis is preferably located proximal to the first end of the deployable conveyor assembly.
  • the mechanical sweeper may further comprise an actuator assembly for urging pivoting of the deployable conveyor assembly about the vertical axis.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly is mounted to the frame for pivot movement about a horizontal axis, the horizontal axis being preferably located proximal to the first end of the deployable conveyor assembly.
  • the mechanical sweeper may further comprise an actuator assembly for urging pivoting of the deployable conveyor assembly about the horizontal axis.
  • a deployable conveyor assembly for a mechanical sweeper.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly comprises a first conveyor portion comprising a coupling means and a second conveyor portion mounted to the first conveyor portion via the coupling means.
  • the coupling means enables movement of the second conveyor portion relative to the first portion between a folded position and an extended position.
  • At least one belt is operatively mounted on the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion and is operable for motion thereon.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly further comprises an actuator assembly connected to the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion for movement of the second conveyor portion between the folded position and the extended position.
  • the first conveyor portion comprises a first end and a second opposed end.
  • the second conveyor portion also comprises a first end and a second opposed end.
  • the first end of the second conveyor portion is connected to the second end of the first conveyor portion via the coupling means, where the coupling means is preferably a hinge assembly.
  • a self-propelled mechanical sweeper for cleaning debris from a surface.
  • the mechanical sweeper comprises a frame mounted on wheels for motion on the surface and a pickup broom assembly mounted to the frame for lifting the debris from the surface.
  • the mechanical sweeper further comprises a first belt conveyor mounted to the frame for collecting the debris lifted by the pickup broom assembly and conveying the same away from the surface and a deployable conveyor assembly.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly is mounted to the frame and is operable for conveying debris conveyed by the first conveyor toward another vehicle.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly comprises a first conveyor portion comprising a first end mounted to the frame and a second opposed end comprising a hinge assembly.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly also comprises a second conveyor portion comprising a first end connected to the hinge assembly and a second end for pivoting relative to the first conveyor portion between a folded position and an extended position, and a belt operatively mounted on the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion and operable for continuous motion thereon.
  • An actuator assembly is mounted to the deployable belt conveyor for urging pivot of the second conveyor portion between the folded position and the extended position.
  • the mechanical sweeper also comprises a drive assembly mounted to the frame for driving operation of the pickup broom, the first belt conveyor, the deployable conveyor assembly and the actuator assembly.
  • a kit for a deployable conveyor assembly for a mechanical sweeper comprising a first conveyor portion comprising a coupling means.
  • the kit further comprises a second conveyor portion mounted to the first conveyor portion via the coupling means, the coupling means enabling movement of the second conveyor portion relative to the first portion between a folded position and an extended position.
  • the kit further comprises at least one belt operatively mounted on the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion and operable for motion thereon and an actuator assembly connected to the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion for movement of the second conveyor portion between the folded position and said extended position.
  • FIG. 1 is a right elevation view of a mechanical sweeper in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing the deployable conveyor assembly in fully folded configuration;
  • FIG. 2 is another right elevation view of the mechanical sweeper shown in FIG. 1 , with the back portion of the deployable conveyor assembly in an upper position and the front portion thereof folded;
  • FIG. 3 is a further right elevation view of the mechanical sweeper shown in FIG. 1 , with the deployable conveyor assembly in a fully deployed configuration;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged right side view of the pickup broom assembly and receptacle assembly of the mechanical sweeper shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a right, partial cross-sectioned view of the mechanical sweeper shown in FIG. 1 for showing the movement of the debris on the first conveyor assembly and the deployable conveyor assembly in operation;
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged front right perspective view of a turntable of the deployable conveyor of the mechanical sweeper, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the mechanical sweeper showing the deployable belt conveyor from moving between the left and right sides the mechanical sweeper to the other side, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of the junction between the back portion and the front portion of the deployable conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a right elevation view of a mechanical sweeper transferring debris in an auxiliary vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, with the operator cab in lower, travel position;
  • FIG. 10 is another right elevation view of the mechanical sweeper shown in FIG. 10, with the operator cab in upper, cleaning position;
  • FIG. 11 is a top view of a mechanical sweeper showing the gutter brooms directing the debris toward the deflector and the pickup broom, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is another top view of the a mechanical sweeper showing the debris lifted by the pickup broom and conveyed on the first conveyor assembly and on the second conveyor assembly.
  • the sweeper 20 comprises a frame 22 mounted on wheels 24 for movement on a surface such as a road, a parking lot an airport runway and the like.
  • the sweeper 20 further comprises pickup broom assembly 26 mounted on the frame 22, between the front and back wheels 24, a pickup receptacle assembly 28 for receiving the debris lifted by the pickup broom assembly 26 and a first conveyor assembly 30 mounted to the frame 22 and operable for collecting the debris from the receptacle assembly 28 and to move them upwardly, toward a second conveyor assembly 32.
  • the second conveyor assembly 32 is adapted for conveying the debris from the first conveyor assembly 30 in a container carried by another, auxiliary vehicle such as, for instance, a dump truck 34 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10).
  • the sweeper 20 also comprises a drive assembly (not shown) mounted on the frame 22 and operatively coupled to the wheels 24, the pickup broom assembly 26 and the first and second conveyor assemblies 30 and 32, for driving operation thereof as it will become apparent below.
  • the sweeper 20 is further provided with an actuated cab assembly 38 for controlling the operation of the sweeper 20 and with gutter brooms assemblies 40a, 40b on each side of the frame 22, for directing debris toward the pickup broom assembly 26 during operation of the sweeper 20 (as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 ).
  • the pickup broom assembly 26 is mounted below the frame 22 and comprises a pair of spaced-apart support members 44, 46.
  • Each support member 44, 46 being mirror image of one another, only support member 44 will be described throughout the description. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that a similar description also applies to support member 46.
  • the support member 44 comprises a front end 48 pivotably mounted to the receptacle assembly 28 and a back end 50.
  • the pickup broom 52 comprises a cylindrical shaft 54 from which are radially extending bristles 56 distributed along the entire length of the shaft 54.
  • the shaft 54 of the broom 52 has a length L 1 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) corresponding to the distance between the support members 44, 46 and comprises mounting rods (not shown) concentrically extending from each end of the shaft 54 for rotatively mounting the pickup broom 52 to the support members 44, 46.
  • the length L 1 ranges from about 1 foot to about 20 feet, preferably between about 3 and 15 feet, and corresponds more preferably to 5 feet.
  • the length L 1 of the shaft 54 (or the width of the broom 52) can be adapted to the width of the surface to be cleaned and to the transport regulations or constraints relevant to circulation on surface. For instance, where regulations determine a maximum width for vehicles circulating on a type of roads (e.g. highways or secondary roads) the length L 1 of the shaft 54 and the width of the sweeper 20 will be adapted to comply with such regulations. On the other end, where regulations are permissive and the surface to be cleaned is wider, (e.g. on airport runways) the length L 1 of the shaft 54 may well exceed 20 feet.
  • regulations determine a maximum width for vehicles circulating on a type of roads (e.g. highways or secondary roads)
  • the length L 1 of the shaft 54 and the width of the sweeper 20 will be adapted to comply with such regulations.
  • the length L 1 of the shaft 54 may well exceed 20 feet.
  • the pickup broom 52 is configured for rotating about a horizontal rotation axis R 1 -R 1 , the axis R 1 -R 1 being perpendicular to the travel direction T of the sweeper in operation (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).
  • the pickup broom assembly 26 also comprises a hydraulic motor (not shown) mounted to one of the support member
  • the hydraulic motor (not shown) is operable to urge rotation of the pickup broom 52 in a rotation direction countersense to the rotation direction of the wheels 24 when the sweeper 20 travels forward.
  • the motor (not shown) is operable to urge counterclockwise rotation of the pickup broom 52, when seen from the right side of the sweeper (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5) as the mechanical sweeper travels forward on the surface to be cleaned.
  • the pickup broom assembly 26 is further provided with a pair of actuators 58 coupled to the frame 22 and connecting each support members 44 or 46 between the pickup broom 52 and the front end 48.
  • the actuator 58 is adapted for adjusting the position of the pickup broom 52 relative to the receptacle assembly 28 therefore the pressure exerted by the pickup broom 52 on the surface to be cleaned by pivoting the same about the front end 48 of the support members 44, 46.
  • the pickup broom assembly 26 collaborates with the receptacle assembly 28 for cleaning the debris from the surface. More specifically, as the broom 52 of the pickup broom assembly 24 is rotated, the bristles 56 lift the debris and project them frontwardly, toward the receptacle assembly 28. As such, the receptacle assembly 28 is located below the frame 22, frontward from the pickup broom assembly 26.
  • the receptacle assembly 28 is similar to receptacles assemblies known in the art and comprises a hopper 60 and a pair of vertically extendible mounting members 66a, 66b. Each mounting member 66a, 66b being mirror image of one another, only mounting member 66a will be described. It will be appreciated that a similar description also applies to mounting member 66b.
  • the mounting member 66a comprises an upper end 68 connected to the frame and a lower end 70 connected to the hopper 60 of the receptacle assembly 28.
  • a hydraulic actuator 72 is connected to the upper and lower ends 68 and 70, respectively of the mounting member 66a, for causing extension thereof from a travel position (i.e.
  • the first conveyer assembly 30 comprises a frame 74 on which is rotatably mounted a conveyor belt 76. More specifically, the frame comprises two spaced-apart side members 78a, 78b connected to one another by a cross-member (not shown).
  • the frame 74 of the conveyor assembly 30 is angularly mounted to the frame 22 of the sweeper 20 and comprises a lower end extending 80 in the receptacle assembly 28 (i.e. below the frame 22 of the sweeper 20) and an upper end 82 extending above the frame 22 of the sweeper 20.
  • the frame 74 of the first belt conveyor 30 defines an angle 0 1 of approximately 60° with the frame 22 of the sweeper 20.
  • angle 0 1 may be different.
  • angle 0 1 may be adjusted according to the configuration of the sweeper and the room available for positioning such first belt conveyor 30. For instance, where the frame 22 of the sweeper 20 is shorter and less room is available, the first belt conveyor 30 may be positioned at a higher angle (e.g. about 80°) while where the frame 22 is longer and more room is available, the angle 0 1 may be reduced (e.g. about 45°).
  • rollers 84, 86 Mounted at the lower and upper ends 80, 82 of the frame 74 are two parallel rollers 84, 86, each roller 84, 86 being configured for rotation about a horizontal axis (shown in FIG. 5).
  • at least one of the rollers 84, 86 is coupled to a hydraulic motor (not shown) for urging rotation thereof and thereby driving rotation of the belt 76.
  • the rotation direction of the rollers 84, 86 is opposed to the rotation direction of the pickup broom 56.
  • the rollers 84,86 of the first conveyor assembly 30 rotate clockwise (when seen from the right side of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. 5).
  • the belt 76 is preferably a rubber belt carrying a plurality of V-shaped protrusions 88 (shown in FIG. 6) for enhancing the gripping properties of the belt 76 over debris as the sweeper 20 is operated.
  • the belt 76 has a top portion 90 and a bottom portion 92.
  • the belt 76 could be made from any suitable material. Further, such a conveyor belt 76 could be exempt of protrusions or, when present, such protrusions 88 may have a different shape.
  • the belt 76 of the first conveyor assembly 30 has a width W 1 corresponding to the length L 1 of the pickup broom 52 (shown in FIG. 12).
  • the width W 1 of the belt 76 preferably ranges between about 1 and 20 feet, preferably between about 3 and 15 feet, and more preferably has a width of 5 feet.
  • the length W 1 of the belt 76 is adapted to the lengths L 1 of the shaft 54 and, similarly, can be adapted to the width of the surface to be cleaned and to the transport regulations or constraints relevant to circulation on surface.
  • the first conveyor assembly 30 is configured to capture the debris from the receptacle assembly 28 and to convey the same toward the second, deployable conveyor assembly 32.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly 32 comprises a turntable 94 rotatably mounted on the frame 22 of the sweeper 20, proximal to the front end 96 of the sweeper 20 (best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).
  • the turntable 94 comprises a vertical pivot axis R 2 -R 2 about which the deployable conveyor assembly 32 can be pivoted, between the left and right sides of the sweeper 20 (best shown in FIG. 7).
  • the turntable 94 is coupled to a pair of hydraulic actuator 98a, 98b.
  • the hydraulic actuators 98a, 98b being similar to one another, only hydraulic actuator 98a will be described. It will be understood that a similar description also applies to hydraulic actuator 98b.
  • the hydraulic actuator 98 has a back end 100 mounted to the frame 74 of the first conveyor assembly 30 and a front end 102 coupled to the turntable 94.
  • a first hydraulic actuator e.g. actuator 98a
  • the other hydraulic actuator e.g. actuator 98b
  • the turntable 94 is forced to rotate towards the left side of the sweeper 20 and displacing the deployable conveyor assembly 32 towards the same direction.
  • the first hydraulic actuator e.g. actuator 98a
  • the other hydraulic actuator e.g. actuator 98b
  • turntable 94 could be configured differently. For instance, pivoting about the vertical R 2 -R 2 axis could be provided by using only one hydraulic actuator. Further, rack and pinion means or other actuator means known in the art could replace the hydraulic actuators 98a, 98b.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly 32 also comprises a deployable conveyor 104 mounted on the turntable 94.
  • the deployable conveyor 104 comprises a back portion 106 pivotably connected to the turntable 94 via a hinge bracket 108, and a front portion 110 articulately mounted to the back portion 106, as best described below.
  • the back portion 106 comprises a pair of spaced-apart frame members 112a, 112b connected to one another by a cross-member (not shown) and having a top side 114 and a bottom side 116.
  • the back portion 106 also comprises a back end 118, and an opposed front end 120.
  • a roller 122 Mounted between the frame members 112a, 112b, at the back end 118 of the back portion 106, is a roller 122 adapted for rotation about a horizontal rotation axis.
  • the back end 118 of the back portion 106 is positioned below the upper end 82 of the first conveyor assembly 20, for receiving debris conveyed by the first conveyor assembly 30 during operation of the sweeper 20.
  • the back portion 106 at the front end 120 thereof, is provided with a hinge bracket 122 extending from the bottom side 116 of the frame members 112a, 112b and a lock bracket 124 extending from the top side 114 of the frame members 112a, 112b.
  • the hinge bracket 122 comprises two pairs of spaced-apart plates 126a, 126b and 128a, 128b, each pair extending downwardly from the bottom side 116 of a corresponding frame member 112a, 112b, respectively.
  • the plates 126a, 126b of the hinge bracket 122 are provided with horizontally aligned holes (not shown) for receiving therein pins 130 for pivotably mounting the front portion 110 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 to the back portion 106, as best described below.
  • the lock bracket 124 comprises two lock plates 132a, 132b, each lock plate extending upwardly from the top side 114 of one corresponding frame member 112a, 112b and projecting slightly forwardly from the front end 120 of the frame members 112a, 112b.
  • Each plate 132a, 132b is provided with a circular hole 134a, 134b, the holes 134a, 134b of the two plates 132a, 132b being horizontally aligned to one another.
  • the front portion 110 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 comprises a pair of spaced apart frame members 136a, 136b connected to one another by a cross-member (not shown).
  • Each frame members 136a, 136b comprises a back end and 138 a front end 140 mounted for rotation between the frame members 136a, 136b, at the front end 140 and thereof, is a roller 142 (shown in FIG. 5).
  • the frame member 136a of the front portion 110 is slightly bending between the back and front ends 138, 140 to define a back linear portion 142 and a front linear portion 144.
  • the frame member 136b has a similar configuration. As it will become apparent below, this configuration reduces the angle of the front end of the deployable conveyor assembly 32, relative to the auxiliary truck 34 receiving the material from the sweeper 20 when the conveyor assembly 32 is fully deployed.
  • the front portion 110 comprises a hinge bracket 146 comprising two plates 148a, 148b, each plate extending downwardly form the bottom side of one frame member 132a, 132b and having a hole (not shown) extending therethrough.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly 32 is provided with a pair of hydraulic actuators 149 mounted on each side of he frame members 112a, 112b.
  • Each hydraulic actuator 149 has a back end 150 operatively connected to one frame member 112a, 112b of the back portion 106 and a front end 152 operatively connected to one corresponding frame member 136a, 136b of the front portion 110.
  • the front portion 110 is positioned downwardly, in the folded position (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3).
  • the actuators 149 are actuated toward an extended position, they force the front portion 110 to pivot upwardly toward the deployed position (as best shown in FIG. 4).
  • the front portion 110 is provided with a lock assembly 154, shown in FIG. 8.
  • the lock assembly 154 comprises two pairs of spaced-apart plate members 156a, 156b and 158a, 158b extending upwardly from the top side of frame members 132a, 132b, slightly frontwardly, and a lock actuator 160 mounted between the two pairs of plate members 126a, 128b and operatively connected thereto.
  • the lock actuator 160 comprises a left and a right end 162, 164, each end carrying a lock pin (not shown), the lock pin being configured to fit within corresponding holes 166a, 166b in the plate members.
  • the plate members 132a, 132b of the back portion 106 are received between two corresponding plate members 156a, 156b and 158a, 158b of the front portion 110, the holes
  • lock actuator 160 is then actuated. As it extends, the lock pins (not shown) move toward each side of the conveyor, inside the aligned holes of the lock bracket 124 and lock assembly 152 therefore preventing downward movement of the front portion 110, toward the folded position.
  • the back portion 106 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 is generally horizontal when the conveyor 32 is completely folded, while it defines an angle ⁇ 2 relative to the frame 22 of the sweeper 20 when partially deployed (FIG. 2) or full deployed (FIG. 3). As such, the front end 120 of the back portion 106 can move upwardly and downwardly.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly is provided with a pair of hydraulic actuators 168a, 168b (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6). Each actuator 168a, 168bhas a lower end 170 operatively connected to the turntable 94 and an upper end 172 coupled to a frame member 112a, 112b of the back portion 106.
  • the actuators 168a, 168b When the actuators 168a, 168b are retracted, the back portion 106 becomes generally horizontal, while when the actuators 168a, 168b are extended, they force the back portion 106 to pivot upwardly.
  • the conveyor belt 170 extends from the back end 118 of the back portion 106 to the front end 140 of the front portion 110 and is operable to rotate about the roller 122 of the back portion 106 and the roller 142 of the front portion 110 when the conveyor 32 is deployed.
  • the roller 122 of the back portion 106 is coupled to a hydraulic motor (not shown).
  • a person skilled in the art will appreciate that both the back and front rollers 122 and 142 could be coupled to a hydraulic motor.
  • the belt 170 is a rubber belt carrying V-shaped protrusions 172 for enhancing the grip of the belt 170 over the material conveyed thereon (shown in FIG. 8).
  • the belt 170 could be made from any suitable material.
  • such a conveyor belt 170 could be exempt of protrusions or, when present, such protrusions 172 may have a different shape.
  • the belt 170 may sag or slack from the bottom side 116 of the back portion 106, which may impair proper positioning of the belt 170 during deployment of the conveyor assembly 32.
  • the back and front portions 106, 110 are provided with auxiliary rollers 172. Each auxiliary roller extends between the frame members, on the bottom side thereof.
  • the back and front portions 106, 110 of the deployable conveyor may also comprise guard means 174, 176 mounted on the frame members 112a, 112b and 132a, 132b, respectively for controlling the movement of the debris conveyed on the belt 170 and avoid unwanted falling thereof during the operation of the sweeper 120 (shown in FIG. 8).
  • the belt 170 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 has a width W 2 ranging from about 6 inches to about 6 feet, and preferably from about 1 foot to about 4 feet and has preferably a width of 32 inches.
  • W 2 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 is smaller than the width W 1 of the belt 76 of the first conveyor assembly 30.
  • a chute 178 is mounted on the frame members 112a, 112b of the back portion 106 (shown in FIGS. 3, 6 11 and 12).
  • the chute 178 comprises a pair of sidewalls 180a, 180b made from a flexible material such as rubber, each wall 180a, 180b angularly extending from the top side of a frame member 112a, 112b , proximal to the back end 118 thereof.
  • the chute 178 also comprises a back wall 182 comprising a row of bristles extending upwardly to contact the belt 76 of the first conveyor 30.
  • the chute 178 could be made from any other suitable material and that such chute may take different configurations.
  • the front portion 110 of the deployable conveyor assembly could be mounted to the back portion 106 via a slide mechanism (not shown) or other coupling means.
  • deployable conveyor assembly would be telescopically deployed and folded rather than being provided with a pivoting-type deployment assembly.
  • retracting or folding of the second portion may render impractical the use of a single belt such as belt 170 as it may tend to loosen or slack. Therefore, one may opt for using an individual belt on each of the back and front portions rather then using a single belt.
  • each gutter broom assembly 40a, 40b comprises a mounting member 184 having a back end 186 connected to the extending member 66a of the receptacle assembly 128 for pivot about a vertical axis, and a front end 188.
  • the front end 188 carries a broom 190 configured to rotate about a vertical axis and a hydraulic motor (not shown) coupled to the broom 190 for urging rotation thereof.
  • a hydraulic actuator (not shown) is coupled to the frame 22 of the sweeper 70 and to the mounting member 184 and is operable to cause the gutter brooms to move between a close position (as shown in FIG. 7) and an open position (as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12).
  • the gutter brooms 190a, 190b rotate countersense from one another so as to direct the debris toward the opposite side of the sweeper.
  • a deflector 192 can be provided to stop the course of such debris toward the opposite side of the sweeper.
  • the angle of the gutter brooms 190a, 190 relative to the surface to be cleaned can be adjusted to optimize directing debris toward the deflector 192.
  • the gutter brooms 190a, 190b can be inclined such that only a portion thereof will contact the surface to be cleaned.
  • the operator cab assembly 38 will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the cab assembly 38 is mounted at the back end of the frame 22 and comprises a pair of spaced-apart mounting bracket 200 extending upwardly from the frame 22 of the sweeper 20, parallel to one another.
  • Each bracket 200 comprises a bottom end 202 welded or otherwise fastened to the frame 22 and a tapering top end 204.
  • the cab assembly further comprises a cab 206 mounted to the brackets 200 by a lift arm assembly 208 and a pair of hydraulic actuators 210 coupled to the bracket 200 and to the lift arm assembly 208.
  • the hydraulic actuators 210 are operable for causing the cab 206 to move between a lower, travel position (as shown in FIG. 9) and an upper, cleaning position (shown in FIG. 10).
  • the cab 206 is provided with a steering wheel (not shown) operatively connected to the wheels 24 of the sweeper 20 for controlling the direction thereof, and with controls for actuating the various components of the sweeper 20.
  • a steering wheel (not shown) operatively connected to the wheels 24 of the sweeper 20 for controlling the direction thereof, and with controls for actuating the various components of the sweeper 20.
  • a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other cab configurations are possible.
  • the cab assembly could be positioned beside the deployable conveyor assembly 32, at the front end of the sweeper 20.
  • the drive assembly (not shown) of the sweeper 20 comprises a main motor and a transmission for coupling the motor to the wheels 24 of the vehicle.
  • the main motor is a diesel engine and the transmission is a hydrostatic transmission.
  • the hydrostatic transmission may be replace by chain and sprockets, belt and pulleys, or gears and shaft transmissions.
  • the transmission is also adapted for coupling the main motor to a hydraulic pump.
  • the hydraulic pump is coupled to the various hydraulic actuators and motors by hydraulic hoses and is operable for driving actuation thereof.
  • a person skilled in the art will appreciated that the hydraulic pump may alternatively be coupled to an auxiliary motor rather than being coupled to the main motor.
  • the sweeper 20 is in a travel configuration when it travels from one operation site to one another.
  • the operator cab is in lower, travel position, the deployable conveyor assembly 32 and the gutter brooms 40a, 40b are in folded configurations (as best shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • This enables the sweeper 20 to travel safely on roads, highways and the like with a speed up to 100 km/h, thereby reducing the time spend for traveling from one site to another.
  • the operator actuates the various components of the sweeper to adopt the operation or cleaning configuration (shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 10 to 12). More specifically, the operator actuates the hydraulic actuators 168a, 168b of the deployable conveyor 32 for lifting the front end 120 of the back portion 106 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32. As the front end 120 of the back portion 106 reaches the upper position (shown in FIG. 2), the front end 140 of the front portion 110 of the deployable conveyor 32 is caused to move upwardly, toward the fully deployed configuration, by actuating the hydraulic actuators 149 toward the extended position. Once the deployable conveyor is fully deployed (as shown in FIG.
  • the hydraulic actuator 160 of the lock assembly 154 is urged to extend, thereby forcing the locking pins to enter the holes 134a, 134b and 166a, 166b of the brackets 132a, 132b, 156a, 156b and 158a, 158b and locking the front portion 110 of the deployable conveyor 32 into the fully deployed configuration (shown in FIG. 3).
  • the sweeper 20 is then moved frontwardly, toward the dump truck 34, in which the debris collected by the sweeper 20 will be transferred, as it will become apparent below.
  • the front end 140 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 is located above the dump body of the dump truck 34, such that debris falling therefrom will be received in the dump body.
  • the operator can modify the angle of the deployable conveyor assembly 32 by controlling the hydraulic actuators 168a, 168b to reduce or increase the distance between the deployable conveyor and the dump body of the truck as the sweeper is operated.
  • the operator may further actuate the hydraulic actuators 210 of the cab assembly 38 to move the cab 206 from the lower position toward the upper position (shown in FIG. 10).
  • the sweeper can also be operated with the cab in lower position, for instance when operating under structure having a limited height such as bridges, viaducts and the like.
  • the hydraulic motors of the gutter and pickup brooms assemblies 26, 40a and 40b are actuated.
  • the gutter brooms 190a, 190b rotate countersense from one another to direct the debris on each side of the sweeper toward the deflector 192, which deflector 192 stops the debris and keep the same in the course of the pickup broom 52 (shown in FIG. 11 ).
  • the pickup broom 52 then lifts the debris and moves them towards the receptacle assembly 28.
  • the debris are then captured from the receptacle assembly 28 by the conveyor belt 76 of the first conveyor assembly 30, at the lower end 80 thereof, and conveyed toward the upper end 82 thereof (FIGS. 11 and 12).
  • the debris then fall from the upper end 82 of the first conveyor assembly 30, into the chute 178, which directs the debris toward the back end 118 of the deployable conveyor assembly 32, which in turn conveys the debris toward the dump truck 34 (as shown in FIG. 10).
  • the operator of the sweeper 20 signals the operator of the truck 34, which then leaves the operation site to travel to the landfill where the truck 34 will be emptied.
  • another dump truck is positioned for receiving the debris from the sweeper 20.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly 32 may be pivoted laterally towards the left or right sides thereof (shown in FIG. 7).
  • the operator cab 206 is lowered, the gutter brooms 190 retracted and the deployable conveyor folded for the mechanical sweeper 20 to travel from the operation site toward another operation site.
  • the deployable conveyor assembly for a mechanical sweeper may be provided as a kit, the kit comprising a first conveyor portion comprising a coupling means, a second conveyor portion mounted to the first conveyor portion via said coupling means, the coupling means enabling movement of the second conveyor portion relative to said first portion between a folded position and an extended position; at least one belt operatively mounted on the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion and operable for motion thereon and an actuator assembly connected to the first conveyor portion and the second conveyor portion for movement of the second conveyor portion between the folded position and the extended position.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning Of Streets, Tracks, Or Beaches (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une balayeuse mécanique autopropulsée, la balayeuse mécanique comprenant un balai de ramassage pour élever des débris vers un premier transporteur à courroie. La balayeuse comprend en outre un second ensemble de transporteur déployable monté sur une table tournante et apte à transporter les débris du premier transporteur vers un véhicule auxiliaire tel qu'un camion à benne.
PCT/CA2009/000545 2008-04-24 2009-04-23 Balayeuse mécanique WO2009129626A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09734183.8A EP2281089A4 (fr) 2008-04-24 2009-04-23 Balayeuse mecanique

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2629669 CA2629669C (fr) 2008-04-24 2008-04-24 Balayeuse mecanique
CA2,629,669 2008-04-24
US12/109,147 2008-04-24
US12/109,147 US8132282B2 (en) 2008-04-24 2008-04-24 Mechanical sweeper

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009129626A1 true WO2009129626A1 (fr) 2009-10-29

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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EP (1) EP2281089A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2009129626A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4516285A (en) * 1982-08-20 1985-05-14 Le Materiel De Voirie, Sarl Pick-up sweeper of the type with elevating conveyor with dirt distributing device in the dirt collecting receptacle
US4549329A (en) * 1984-07-11 1985-10-29 St Clair Joseph V Portable wet and dry self-cleaning vacuum device
US6209233B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2001-04-03 Cecil L. Crotts Safeway deep utility ditch cleaning machine
US20040143928A1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2004-07-29 Tennant Company Street sweeper with vacuumized dust control
CA2214159C (fr) * 1996-08-29 2005-04-19 Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft M.B.H. Machine pour ramasser les matidres en vrac jonchant une voire ferree

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3514801A (en) * 1968-09-16 1970-06-02 Guthrie Machinery Co Pick-up highway sweeper and conveyor assembly
US4427104A (en) * 1981-07-14 1984-01-24 Reid Bros., Inc. Radial stacker
US4981204A (en) * 1989-11-02 1991-01-01 Smith Roger G Mobile material-handling apparatus
US5360097A (en) * 1992-10-28 1994-11-01 Granite Rock Company Mobile conveyor system

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4516285A (en) * 1982-08-20 1985-05-14 Le Materiel De Voirie, Sarl Pick-up sweeper of the type with elevating conveyor with dirt distributing device in the dirt collecting receptacle
US4549329A (en) * 1984-07-11 1985-10-29 St Clair Joseph V Portable wet and dry self-cleaning vacuum device
CA2214159C (fr) * 1996-08-29 2005-04-19 Franz Plasser Bahnbaumaschinen-Industriegesellschaft M.B.H. Machine pour ramasser les matidres en vrac jonchant une voire ferree
US6209233B1 (en) * 1999-12-02 2001-04-03 Cecil L. Crotts Safeway deep utility ditch cleaning machine
US20040143928A1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2004-07-29 Tennant Company Street sweeper with vacuumized dust control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2281089A1 (fr) 2011-02-09
EP2281089A4 (fr) 2014-12-17

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