Sweeping machine with multi-component moldboard

Abstract

A vehicular sweeping machine includes a frame, a broom that is adapted to rotate about a generally horizontal axis and a broom enclosure. The broom enclosure has a left end gate, a right end gate and a moldboard assembly including an outer moldboard and an inner moldboard which are arranged to form a labyrinth seal at the rear of the broom enclosure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 259,168 which was filed on Nov. 24, 2015.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to a vehicular sweeping machine that may be used in sweeping streets, parking lots and other large surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to a vehicular sweeping machine having a sweeping apparatus including a broom assembly that is adapted to contain material within a broom enclosure.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Roadway repair is often accomplished by overlaying the existing pavement (whether of concrete or asphalt composition) with a new layer (often called a leveling course) of concrete, asphalt or other surfacing materials. Without prior surface treatment, however, this method of repair generally results in the application of insufficient quantities of paving material in the rutted, potholed or otherwise damaged areas, because the overlay w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is a sweeping machine for vehicles that has a broom enclosure with a moldboard assembly and a conveyor. There are also some variations such as a broom assembly that can be easily replaced and a material presentation system that moves material onto the road. The main benefit of the invention is to improve the seal of the broom with the roadway and to effectively sweep the road.

Problems solved by technology

Without prior surface treatment, however, this method of repair generally results in the application of insufficient quantities of paving material in the rutted, potholed or otherwise damaged areas, because the overlay will be applied at the same rate per unit of roadway width in damaged areas (which have a greater depth across the width) as in the undamaged areas.

The resulting reduced density in the overlay of the previously damaged areas will lead to renewed rutting or other wear damage in the new pavement in relatively short order.

This can require the raising of road shoulders, guardrails and manhole covers and the adjustment of overpass clearances, all of which are unnecessary if a proper milling technique is employed.

Most conventional sweeping machines having an integral collecting assembly are not enclosed or are not sufficiently enclosed to avoid leaving material on the roadway.

Unfortunately, conventional flaps and end gates do not always retain the milled material within the broom assembly.

In addition, some of these machines may trap material within the broom only to eject it onto the roadway behind the machine as the broom rotates.

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