Device for facilitating sweeping for street sweepers or street washers

Abstract

Device (1) for facilitating sweeping for a street sweeper or a street washer, comprising: a first arm (2) rotatable at one end around a first rotation axis (x); motorised means (10) operatively associated to the first arm (2) in order to place it in rotation around the first axis (X); a second arm (3) hinged idly to the opposite end of the first arm (2); an angular position sensor (4) between the two arms (2, 3); a flexible tube (5) extending along the arms (2, 3); a sweeping nozzle (6) arranged at the end of the flexible tube (5), adapted to dispense water under pressure and graspable by an operator; a control head (7) comprising a detection device (8) for detecting the position of the flexible tube (5), said motorised means (10) being controlled on the basis of the position detected.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for facilitating sweeping, applicable in particular to street sweepers or street washers used in street cleaning services.

[0002] In this area, starting from the last two decades there has been widespread use of the manual sweeping method, through the use of a nozzle with water at high pressure in place of a broom or portable air blowers. Said nozzle is fed by a flexible tube connected to the high-pressure pump present on the street sweepers or street washers. In order to increase the sweeping area, this flexible tube must be supported at a certain height such as to pass over the parked cars.

[0003] The current prior art provides for the use of various devices that allow an operator to use a pressurised water nozzle to sweep streets and pavements and underneath the parked cars. Most of these devices use a single arm, with a fixed length, that is fixed to an end of the street sweeper and rotates around its own vertical axis. The horizontal plane on which the movement takes place is at a height such as to pass over most of the parked cars. At the free end of the rotating arm, a flexible tube exits which feeds water under pressure to the nozzle.

[0004] The limitation of this solution is that the free end of the arm describes only circular trajectories, allowing the operator to move away from this trajectory only with inclination of the flexible tube for feeding the nozzle, thus making movements not very easy.

[0005] There are also devices comprising two arms hinged together like a compass. The free end of the first arm is hinged at the front top of the body of the street sweeper and the flexible tube that feeds the spraying nozzle exits from the free end of the second arm.

[0006] This two-armed solution allows a multitude of trajectories to be obtained, compared to the only circular trajectory of the single arm. These greater trajectories allow the operator with the nozzle to operate with freedom of movement and easily to circumvent the obstacles encountered, such as trees and road signs.

[0007] The two-armed devices, commonly called "sweeping facilitators" are of two types: dual-motorised facilitator and idle-arm facilitator.

[0008] An example of the "dual-motorised facilitator" is described in document EP1500748 A2 and has several limitations. In particular, the excessive weight makes it difficult to install on medium-sized and small-sized street sweepers. Furthermore, it puts stress on the mechanics and requires powerful motorisations for the movements.

[0009] Another drawback is linked to the fact that it is necessary to position a gear motor responsible for rotation of the second arm at the joint of the arms, making it subject to impacts with the branches of the plants and other obstacles and undermining the overall reliability of the machine. Furthermore, it results in a limited storage capacity for the extendible sheath, which can only be stored in the arm.

[0010] A control device is also present that performs the important role of measuring the angle of inclination of the flexible tube. Said control device is a head positioned at the free end of the second arm from which the flexible tube exits. Any impact of the control head with the branches of trees and other obstacles can cause deformations on the structure, with a consequent error in measurement of the angle of the flexible tube with respect to an absolute reference, therefore resulting in malfunctions.

[0011] In addition, correct measurement of the angle of the flexible tube is also altered by the inclination of the road on which the street sweeper is operating. The non-perfect horizontality of the street sweeper causes the same non-horizontality of the arms and of the structure of the control head, with a consequent error in measurement of the angle of the flexible tube.

[0012] An example of the "idle-arm facilitator", on the other hand, is described in Italian patent 102012902016383.

[0013] A first drawback of this solution is the absence of motorisation of the arms, which makes tracking of the arms not very fluid. Furthermore, it is impossible for the operator to work at long distances, due to the difficulty in rotating two aligned idle arms by means of a flexible tube that has exited by several metres.

[0014] Another drawback is linked to the fact that it is heavily influenced by the inclination of the road and abrupt accelerations and decelerations of the street sweeper, as the arms are idle.

[0015] In this context, the technical task underpinning the present invention is to propose a device for facilitating sweeping for a street sweeper or a street washer that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art as cited above.

[0016] In particular, an object of the present invention is to propose a device for facilitating sweeping that allows an area of action of up to 15 metres to be reached while still maintaining high performance in terms of reliability and ease of maintenance.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for facilitating sweeping that remains reliable during use in determining the position of the flexible tube.

[0018] The technical task set and the objects specified are substantially achieved by a device for facilitating sweeping for a street sweeper or a street washer, comprising: a first arm comprising at one end a first joint, so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis, said first joint being connectible to a top of the street sweeper or street washer; motorised means operatively associated to the first arm in order to place it in rotation around said first axis; a second arm hinged idly to the opposite end of the first arm; an angular position sensor between the two arms; a flexible tube extending along the arms; a sweeping nozzle arranged at the end of the flexible tube, adapted to dispense water under pressure and graspable by an operator; a control head comprising a detection device for detecting the position of the flexible tube, said detection device being operatively associated with the control head to send a signal identifying the position of the flexible tube, wherein, on the basis of the position detected, said motorised means is controlled accordingly to move the first arm by the required quantity.

[0019] Preferably, the detection device comprises a detector of the inclination of the flexible tube.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises an oscillating system in turn comprising a probe associated with a two-axis inclinometer.

[0021] Preferably, the probe comprises two shaped rollers opposite to each other, which are in contact with the flexible tube and allow it to slide between them.

[0022] Preferably, the oscillating system comprises a first support free to oscillate with respect to a first axis of oscillation and a second support mounted on the first support so as to be able to oscillate with respect to a second axis of oscillation, inclined with respect to the first.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the device comprises a pulley on which the flexible tube is guided, said oscillating system being coupled with said pulley.

[0024] Preferably, the detection device is arranged at an end part of the second arm.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises a storage system for the flexible tube, said flexible tube being windable / unwindable with respect thereto.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises a mechanical abutment interposed between the two arms and shaped so as to prevent exceeding by the second arm of a condition of alignment between the two arms.

[0027] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a device for facilitating sweeping for street sweepers or street washers, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a vehicle on which a device for facilitating sweeping according to the present invention is installed; Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the vehicle of Figure 1, in which two limit configurations that the sweeping nozzle of the facilitating device can reach are shown; Figure 3 illustrates a part (connection portion between the first arm and the vehicle underneath) of the facilitating device of Figure 1, in a top view; Figure 4 illustrates a part (control head) of the facilitating device of Figure 1, in a side view; Figure 5 illustrates the control head of Figure 4, in a front perspective view; Figure 6 illustrates the control head of Figure 4, in a top and side perspective view; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the facilitating device of Figure 1, on a Cartesian plane; Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the facilitating device of Figure 1; Figure 9 illustrates an enlargement of a part (joint between the first arm and second arm) of the facilitating device of Figure 8.

[0028] With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a device for facilitating sweeping, in particular for street sweepers 100 or street washers used in street cleaning services. In particular, it is possible to use a street washer, which has a large water tank, to sweep and a street sweeper that follows to collect the dirt previously directed towards the centre of the road.

[0029] The device 1 comprises a first arm 2. The first arm 2 comprises at one end a first joint 21, so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis X. In particular, the first axis X is inclined with respect to the ground.

[0030] In particular, the first arm 2 is connectible to the top of the motorised street sweeper 100, in particular above the front part of a tipping body, by means of the first joint 21. Therefore, the first axis X in operating conditions is substantially vertical. Said arm is therefore self-propelled on a substantially horizontal plane, i.e. substantially parallel to the ground. Opportunely, it is positioned at a height greater than the maximum height of the motorised street sweeper 100, so as to pass over most of the vehicles along the side of the road, the road signs and other obstacles.

[0031] The device 1 comprises motorised means 10 operatively associated to the first arm 2 in order to place it in rotation around the first axis X. The motorised means in itself is of the known type.

[0032] In the preferred embodiment, the motorised means 10 comprises a gear motor 11 with a direct current motor, preferably at 24V, with permanent magnets. Preferably, the speed of the DC motor is regulated by a controller.

[0033] Preferably, the first joint 21 comprises a slewing ring 22 coupled to a pinion 12 of the gear motor 11. The slewing ring 22 rotates around the first rotation axis X and consequently operates the rotation of the first arm 2. The device 1 comprises a second arm 3. The second arm 3 is hinged idly to the first arm 2.

[0034] In particular, the coupling is such that the arms 2, 3 are movable on a plane. In operating conditions, the plane is orthogonal to the first axis X. In particular, the second arm 3 is associated to the first arm 2 by means of a second joint 31. The first arm 2 and the second arm 3 therefore define a jointed arm or articulated arm.

[0035] Therefore, the movement of the two arms 2, 3 occurs with a combined system of movement: motorised (in particular, with an electric motor) for the first arm 2 and manual due to the pendulum effect and to the idle mounting for the second arm 3.

[0036] In accordance with an embodiment, the device 1 comprises a braking system 30 operatively active on the second arm 3. Preferably, the braking system 30 comprises a pneumatically controlled disk brake, which can be regulated by means of a pressure reducer.

[0037] On the second arm 3, a disk brake acts continuously, the calliper of which is operated by a pneumatic cylinder. The intensity of the braking is regulated by a pressure reducer manoeuvrable by the operator. The purpose of this continuous braking is to dampen the movements of the second arm, in particular the impulsive movements due to abrupt accelerations and declarations of the street sweeper.

[0038] The device 1 comprises an angular position sensor 4 between the two arms 2, 3. Preferably, the angular position sensor 4 is a Hall effect sensor. The sweeping function is performed by means of water under pressure coming from the street sweeper 100. For this purpose, as known, the facilitating device 1 comprises a flexible tube 5 extending along the arms 2, 3 and a sweeping nozzle 6 arranged at the end of the flexible tube 5. For purposes of the present invention, use of any sweeping nozzle 6 of the known type can be envisaged.

[0039] Opportunely, the flexible tube 5 is wrapped in a sheath, for example in a highly-flexible and low-friction polymer.

[0040] In particular, the flexible tube 5 extends along the two arms 2, 3 and protrudes from the second arm 3. The sweeping nozzle 6 is arranged at said protruding end.

[0041] Opportunely, the flexible tube 5 is windable / unwindable, in order to allow movement of the sweeping nozzle towards or away from the motorised street sweeper 100.

[0042] The device 1 comprises a control head 7 configured to control the motorised means 10 in response to a signal. In other words, it has the task of automatically controlling the motorised movement of the first arm 2, performing a sort of tracking of the operator, in whatever direction he or she is moving. In this manner, the operator on the ground is only concerned with removing the dirt and completely uninterested in the position of the arm 2, 3.

[0043] In order to do this, the control head 7 comprises a detection device 8 for detecting the position of the flexible tube 5. In particular, the detection device 8 is configured to detect the inclination of the flexible tube 5. In other words, it comprises a detector for detecting the inclination of the flexible tube 5.

[0044] The detection device 8 is operatively associated with the control head 7 to send a signal identifying the position of the flexible tube 5, in particular the inclination. On the basis of this value, the motorised means 10 is controlled accordingly to move the first arm 2 by the required quantity.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the detection device 8 comprises an oscillating system 81. The oscillating system 81 comprises a probe 82 associated with a two-axis inclinometer 83.

[0046] Probe here means a device sensitive to any movement of the flexible tube 5 that is not in the sliding (elongation) direction thereof.

[0047] Preferably, the probe 82 comprises two shaped rollers opposite to each other 85, which are in contact with the flexible tube 5 and allow it to slide between them. Inclining the flexible tube 5 moves the rollers 85 of the probe 82 which, in turn, incline the oscillating system 81 so that the inclination of the flexible tube 5 is the same as the one of the oscillating system 81.

[0048] Opportunely, the oscillating system 81 is provided with at least one pair of rollers 85 on which the flexible tube 5 slides interposed.

[0049] Preferably, the oscillating system 81 comprises a first support 811 and a second support 812. The first support 811 is free to oscillate with respect to a first axis of oscillation A. The second support 812 is mounted on the first support 811 so as to be able to oscillate with respect to a second axis of oscillation B. The second axis of oscillation B is inclined with respect to the first axis of oscillation A. Preferably, the two axes A, B are orthogonal to each other.

[0050] The second support 812 supports the probe 82 and the inclinometer 83. In the embodiment illustrated, the detection device 8 is arranged at one end part 3a of the second arm 3. In other words, it is arranged at the outlet of the second arm 3.

[0051] Preferably, the device 1 comprises in said end part 3a a pulley 84 on which the flexible tube 5 is guided. Preferably, the oscillating system 81 is coupled with said pulley 84. In particular, the first support 811 is mounted on the pulley 84.

[0052] In this context, the control head 7 creates a joystick where the flexible tube is ideally the control lever, with the purpose of transforming the spherical pendulum (spherical angle) movement into two flat pendulating movements (on two planes perpendicular to each other).

[0053] The joystick 7 is therefore a spherical pendulum with a single probe and made with a pair of shaped rollers opposite to each other, active on the flexible tube, which detect any movement that is not in the sliding (elongation) direction. Mechanically, the spherical pendulum is obtained by a dual rotation. In contrast, the joystick of patent EP1500748 A2 previously cited is of the flat dual pendulum type, i.e. two separate flat pendulums each with its own potentiometer that measures the angle thereof. This is therefore a case of two separate probes formed each by a pair of cylindrical rollers that allow the movement of the tube along the generatrices of the rollers. The rollers of this solution are moved if the movement is radial to the rollers.

[0054] With reference to Figure 7, the spherical angle of inclination is thus divided into two orthogonal planes referring to an absolute reference system referring to the vertical direction of the force of gravity and not of the structure of the control head 7.

[0055] The analogical signals of the inclinometer according to its two axes "R" and "TH" are converted into polar commands with respect to the slewing ring centre (i.e. with respect to the first rotation axis X of the first arm 2): "r", radial and "th", tangential. These are used to calculate the trajectories on the basis of the reciprocal position of the two arms (the angle between the two arms 2, 3 measured by the angular position sensor 4) with consequent control of speed on the first arm 2.

[0056] Motorisation of the first arm 2 resolves, in particular, the problems linked to the condition of "jamming" of the two arms 2, 3, i.e. in the condition in which the two arms 2, 3 are aligned and the operator wants to move in the direction "r" towards the slewing ring, the command r of the joystick (control head 7) results in a rotation of the first arm 2 in the direction towards the cabin, the intensity of which is linked to the intensity of the command. This rotation "breaks" the alignment of the two arms 2, 3, facilitating the return of the operator towards the slewing ring.

[0057] With commands having only a component along "th", i.e. when circumferential trajectories with respect to the slewing ring are required (Fig. 2), there is only rotation of the first arm 2 and the angle between the two arms 2, 3 remains constant. The speed of rotation is linked to the intensity of said command.

[0058] This command is the one used when operating with the arms aligned and the flexible tube extended, approximately beyond 3.5 m for 6 m 3< street sweepers.

[0059] Opportunely, the first arm 2 and the second arm 3 are shaped so that, when aligned, the second arm 3 strikes a mechanical abutment that prevents it from assuming positions other than the alignment one.

[0060] The mechanical abutment that stops the second arm at alignment serves to favour rotations along "th" when the distance from the fulcrum is high.

[0061] With reference to the first oscillation axis A and to the second oscillation axis B, it is specified that the angle of oscillations around the first axis A corresponds to "R" and the one around the second axis B corresponds to "TH".

[0062] Preferably, the device 1 comprises a storage system 20 for the flexible tube 5. The present invention allows the adoption of various storage systems already known as such.

[0063] In one embodiment, illustrated in the figures, the storage system comprises a storage drum positioned at the slewing ring (Fig. 3).

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the storage system is directly inside the first arm 2 by means of a pulley or cable drag chain that slides along a linear guide.

[0065] It is noted that, individually, such storage solutions are already known in the solutions of the prior art described previously, in particular the storage drum in the "idle-arm facilitator" solution, while the cable drag chain in the "dual-motorised facilitator" solution. However, in these solutions, their use was mandatory and not interchangeable for the proposed structure. The present invention, on the other hand, allows an interchangeable use of various storage systems for the flexible tube.

[0066] An object of the present invention is also a vehicle 100 for sweeping and / or washing city streets, for example a street sweeper or a street washer. The vehicle 100 is therefore used for street cleaning services. The vehicle 100 comprises a device for facilitating sweeping 1 according to what is described above. In particular, the first arm 2 (by means of the first joint 21) is hinged on the top of the vehicle 100.

[0067] The characteristics of the device for facilitating sweeping according to the present invention are clear from the description, as are the advantages.

[0068] In particular, the proposed arrangement with the first arm motorised and the second arm idle, together with the detection device for the flexible tube, allows the operator to have a working area that reaches 15 metres alongside the street sweeper, despite having good qualities of usability, reliability and easy maintenance. In the known solutions, such a broad working area could not be physically reached or, even if it was reached, considerably worsened usability and reliability.

[0069] Furthermore, the solution of the detection device for the flexible tube described has the advantage of not depending on its support structure. In fact, the inclinometer is based on gravity: an impact that causes deformities on the support structure would not jeopardise the assessment of the positioning. The present invention therefore allows a considerable reduction in errors in positioning, improving the user experience for the operator. Furthermore, it is mechanically simpler than the known doublepotentiometer solution.

[0070] Furthermore, the present invention allows different types of storage systems to be integrated interchangeably, maintaining the advantages described above.

Claims

1. A device (1) for facilitating sweeping for a street sweeper or a street washer, comprising: a first arm (2) comprising at one end a first joint (21), so as to be rotatable around a first rotation axis (X), said first joint (21) being connectible to a top of the street sweeper (100) or street washer; motorised means (10) operatively associated to the first arm (2) in order to place it in rotation around said first axis (X); a second arm (3) hinged idly to the opposite end of the first arm (2); an angular position sensor (4) between the two arms (2, 3); a flexible tube (5) extending along the arms (2, 3); a sweeping nozzle (6) arranged at the end of the flexible tube (5), adapted to dispense water under pressure and graspable by an operator; a control head (7) comprising a detection device (8) for detecting the position of the flexible tube (5), said detection device (8) being operatively associated with the control head (7) to send a signal identifying the position of the flexible tube (5), wherein, on the basis of the position detected, said motorised means (10) is controlled accordingly to move the first arm (2) by the required quantity.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device (8) comprises a detector of the inclination of the flexible tube (5).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection device (8) comprises an oscillating system (81) in turn comprising a probe (82) associated with a two-axis inclinometer (83).

4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the probe (82) comprises two shaped rollers (85) opposite to each other, which are in contact with the flexible tube (5) and allow it to slide between them.

5. The device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the oscillating system (81) comprises a first support (811) free to oscillate with respect to a first axis of oscillation (A) and a second support (812) mounted on the first support (811) so as to be able to oscillate with respect to a second axis of oscillation (B), inclined with respect to the first.

6. The device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, comprising a pulley (84) on which the flexible tube (5) is guided, said oscillating system being coupled with said pulley (84).

7. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (8) is arranged at an end part (3a) of the second arm (3).

8. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a storage system (20) for the flexible tube (5), said flexible tube (5) being windable / unwindable with respect thereto.

9. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a mechanical abutment interposed between the two arms (2, 3) and shaped so as to prevent exceeding by the second arm (3) of a condition of alignment between the two arms (2, 3).

10. A vehicle (100) for sweeping and / or washing city streets, comprising a device (1) for facilitating sweeping according to any one of the preceding claims.

Images