Cleaner

Abstract

To provide a road cleaning system using a vehicle having a pneumatic actuator.SOLUTION: A vehicle 2 has movement means 21, and a cleaning system 3 is suitable for moving waste on the ground, the cleaning system 3 comprising at least one cleaning element 30 and a connecting arm . The cleaning system 3 is integral with a frame, is connected to a waste collection system 4 located near the cleaning system 3, and has a waste storage chamber 5 suitable for storing waste. The cleaning system 3 comprises at least one pneumatic actuator that is electronically controlled and suitable for moving each cleaning element 30 to correct its reference position relative to the frame, and that constitutes at least a part of each arm so that the extension of the arm can be corrected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0002] The present invention relates to a vacuum cleaner that can be applied in road and relief space maintenance, in particular for cleaning roads. [Background technology]

[0003] Road sweepers are currently known, which are vehicles suitable for removing waste and debris from road surfaces which, apart from having a negative impact on the aesthetics of the street, may constitute a potential danger to road safety.

[0004] Typically, a street sweeper is a vehicle fitted with a cockpit for operation by an operator and utilises a waste sweeping and collection system connected to the vehicle itself.

[0005] The cleaning system is a machine consisting of a brush connected to the vehicle by a mechanical arm, a control system utilizing an actuator, a system for suctioning the waste collected along the path of the vehicle and an internal collection chamber into which the collected waste is inserted.

[0006] In particular, known cleaning systems utilize hydraulic actuators to move the arms to which the cleaning elements are connected.

[0007] The known techniques described have several significant drawbacks.

[0008] In particular, hydraulic actuators do not allow for proper movement, such as floating, in relation to some types of movement of the cleaning elements that would make the cleaning system more efficient.

[0009] In hydraulic actuators, collision prevention and safety systems for the operator are not very efficient.

[0010] Another drawback of hydraulic actuators is that in the event of failure, they can release pollutants into the environment.

[0011] A further drawback of the known technology is that it is complex to maintain.

[0012] In this context, the technical problem underlying the present invention is to devise a vacuum cleaner that is able to substantially eliminate, at least in part, the mentioned drawbacks.

[0013] Within the above technical problem, an important object of the present invention is to obtain a vacuum cleaner, in which the cleaning system can be moved with floating.

[0014] Another important object of the present invention is to implement a vacuum cleaner, wherein the cleaning system does not involve any risk to the environment in case of damage.

[0015] A further object of the present invention is to implement a vacuum cleaner, wherein the cleaning system has an anti-collision system for improving safety conditions for the operator.

[0016] Another important object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity and installation and maintenance costs of cleaning systems.

[0017] Finally, another advantage of the present invention is that it improves the stabilization of the loads and the distribution of the loads in the means, without changing their horizontal position.

[0018] The technical problem and the stated object are achieved by a vacuum cleaner as claimed in the attached claim 1.

[0019] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0020] The features and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail below by describing preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 shows a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a diagram of a cleaning system of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 shows a first detail of a cleaning system of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention; [Figure 4] 2 shows a second detail of the cleaning system of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention. [Figure 5] 3 shows a third detail of the cleaning system of the vacuum cleaner according to the invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows a part of a vacuum cleaner according to the invention; [Figure 7] 1 shows a portion of a waste suction system of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 shows a top view of the frame of a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] As used herein, measurements, values, shapes, and geometrical standards (such as perpendicular and parallel), when associated with words such as "about" or other similar terms such as "approximately" or "substantially," are intended to exclude measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors, and in particular to exclude slight deviations from the associated value, measurement, shape, or geometrical standard. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably specify a deviation of 10% or less from the value itself.

[0023] Furthermore, when used, terms such as "first," "second," "higher," "lower," "primary," and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, relationship priority, or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish different components from one another.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, when arising from the following description, terms such as "processing," "computer science," "determining," or "computing" will be deemed to relate to the operations and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical data, such as electronic quantities in registers of a computer system and / or memory, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system, registers, or other device in order to store, transmit, or display information.

[0025] Measurements and data reported in this document should be considered to have been carried out in accordance with the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975) unless otherwise stated.

[0026] With reference to these figures, a vacuum cleaner according to the present invention is designated generally by the number 1.

[0027] The cleaner 1 comprises a carriage 2 defining a longitudinal axis 2a parallel to the direction of travel of the carriage 2.

[0028] The vehicle 2 is a motorized means of transport suitable for road use or alternatively for use in an external private, e.g. home or work environment.

[0029] The vehicle 2 preferably comprises a cockpit 23 suitable for accommodating the driving position of an operator.

[0030] The driving position comprises, apart from commands of known type for driving the vehicle 2, preferably commands for adjusting equipment suitable for cleaning the ground.

[0031] In particular, the vacuum cleaner 1 is typically a road vehicle suitable for removing waste accumulated on urban surfaces.

[0032] The vehicle 2 comprises at least a support frame 20. The frame 20 is of a known type and is suitable for maintaining a payload and supporting the structure of the cleaner 1.

[0033] Apart from the frame 20, the vehicle 2 comprises at least movement means 21.

[0034] The movement means 21 are arranged to cause movement of the vehicle 2 relative to the ground.

[0035] In particular, in the vacuum cleaner 1 the movement means 21 has at least two axles 210 .

[0036] [Suspension group] The axles 210 are, as is known, mechanical members suitable for moving the vehicle 2. Each axle is actually connected to the frame 20 and includes two wheels 211.

[0037] The vehicle 2 preferably further comprises a plurality of suspensions 22 .

[0038] The suspensions 22 may partially or completely comprise self-height-adjusting pneumatic suspensions. They may advantageously comprise air springs 220. These serve to create air bearings that allow the extension of the suspensions 22 to be adjusted. In this way, it is possible to adjust the position of the frame 20 relative to a reference position. Each of the air springs 220 may be fluidly connected to a compressor 221, which may be a screw volume compressor. In this way, the air pressure inside the air springs 220 may be adjusted with respect to the intake and exhaust of air. This adjustment may be performed by a valve. In this regard, the air springs 220 preferably include electronic valves 222. These regulate the intake and exhaust of air from each of the air springs 220. Furthermore, they allow the intake and exhaust of air by electrical actuation. Thus, the electronic valves 222 may place each of the air springs 220 in fluid communication with the compressor 221.

[0039] Each of the suspensions 22 may be operatively connected to a respective wheel 211, where each suspension 22 is preferably disposed between the frame 20 and the axle 210. More specifically, the suspensions 22 are configured to reduce the transmission of vibrations resulting from the movement of the vehicle 2 transmitted by the axle 210 to the frame 20. In this regard, the suspensions 22 may include hydraulic shock absorbers 224.

[0040] The suspension 22 may further be configured to maintain the frame 20 at the same distance from the ground. In this regard, a distance value of the frame 20 from the ground may be determined, so that if the position sensor detects a distance value different from a predetermined value, the suspension 22 changes the distance so that it reaches the predetermined value.

[0041] The plurality of suspensions 22 preferably include angular position sensors 24. These sensors are configured to measure the inclination of the frame 20 relative to the ground. For example, the angle sensors 24 can measure the value of the angle between the axle 210 and the ground plane. The plurality of suspensions 22 are preferably further configured to change their inclination in response to the measured inclination, such that the measured inclination changes by a predetermined value. For example, if it is desired to keep the plane of the axle 210 parallel to the ground, the predetermined value of the inclination may be 0°.

[0042] Changing the distance of the frame 20 from the ground or its inclination relative to the ground can be accomplished by adjusting the air pressure contained within the air springs as previously described.

[0043] The suspension 22 may include an electronic control unit 223, which may be operatively connected to at least the electronic valves 222 in order to regulate the operation of each of the air springs 220 according to the required air pressure inside it. Advantageously, the electronic control unit 223 may be operatively connected to the angle sensor 24. In this way, the tilt can be varied up to a predetermined tilt value.

[0044] In particular, the air pressure value may be different for each of the air springs 220. In this way, the inclination of the frame 20 relative to the ground may be varied depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle 1 and the presence of ground irregularities.

[0045] The electronic control unit 223 can adjust the tilt value of the axle plane relative to the ground according to the angle value measured at a single air spring 220. Thus, the electronic control unit 223 can change the air pressure value for each of the air springs 220 in a differentiated manner to change the tilt of the axle plane to a predetermined value. Thus, the electronic control unit 223 can operate the compressor 221 and the electronic valve 222 of the air spring 220 whose air pressure is to be changed.

[0046] This differentiated modification can also be performed automatically in automatic mode by setting a predetermined value. The electronic control unit 223 can also carry out processing of parameters such as the weight of the vehicle 2 or the occupied volume of a tank for fuel or water, in order to further adjust the distance of the frame 20 from the ground in response to changes in the parameters measured by the sensors, in order to vary the value of the distance of the frame 20 from the ground until this distance value coincides with a predetermined value.

[0047] Adjusting the air spring 220 pressure can be performed on a single spring or on springs connected to the same axle 210 .

[0048] The activation of the compressor 221 and the electronic valve 222 can generally be manually controlled by an operator via a control means.

[0049] The pneumatic suspension 22 therefore has the advantage of allowing differentiated stabilization of the load bearing on the front and rear axles 210 depending on the loading or unloading procedure being carried out.

[0050] [Cleaning group] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a cleaning system 3, which is preferably operatively connected to a frame 20. The cleaning system 3 is suitable for removing waste present on the ground; therefore, it comprises at least one cleaning element 30 defining a reference position 3a relative to the frame 20, suitable for moving the waste from the ground. Under reference position 3a, the position of a fixed point detected on the cleaning element 30 relative to a fixed reference system detected on the frame 20 is essentially intended. For example, the center of rotation of the cleaning element 30 or its center of gravity may be considered as a fixed point, and the hook area of ​​the cleaning system 3 relative to the frame 20 may be considered as a fixed reference system detected on said frame 20.

[0051] The cleaning element 30 is typically a movable brush connected to a movement system. The movable brush can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the ground or about an axis parallel to the ground if the arrangement includes a rotating brush arranged in one or more rollers in which the brush is housed. In both cases, for example, both axes may pass through the aforementioned center of rotation. As an alternative to a rotating brush, the cleaning element 30 may include a brush arranged perpendicular to the ground and having fixed bristles attached to its upper surface parallel to the ground.

[0052] In particular, in configurations with brushes that rotate about an axis perpendicular to the ground, the rotational movement carries the waste towards an inner part under the vehicle 2 in order to bring the waste into the area under the vehicle 2. The cleaning elements 30 can generally be moved to combine cleaning due to the rotational movement with at least that due to the translational movement. The movement of the cleaning elements 30 then makes it possible to optimize the cleaning process and make it more efficient depending on the road conditions and waste type.

[0053] The movement of the cleaning element 30 is effected by a suitable mechanical system.

[0054] In this regard, the cleaning system 3 comprises at least one arm 31. The arm 31 performs a connection function for at least one cleaning element 30. The arm 31 is suitable for connecting the cleaning element 30 to the vehicle 2, in particular to the frame 20. The already mentioned cleaning system 3 may comprise a plurality of cleaning elements 30. In this case, one single arm 31 can connect all mutually integral cleaning elements 30 to the frame 20, or the cleaning system 3 may comprise a plurality of arms 31, each of which connects an associated cleaning element 30 to the frame 20.

[0055] Advantageously, the cleaning system 3 further comprises at least one pneumatic actuator 32. The pneumatic actuator 32 may be a single-rod or through-rod cylinder of known type, thus preferably utilizing air as a working fluid. The pneumatic actuator 32 is preferably suitable for moving each cleaning element 30 to modify its reference position 3a relative to the frame 20. In particular, the pneumatic actuator 32 forms at least a part of the arm 31. In this way, it is possible to modify the extension of the arm 31 or its orientation.

[0056] This solution has the advantage of easing maintenance, installation and improving safety conditions in case of damage to the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the presence of pneumatic actuators 32 means that the vehicle 2 has fewer components containing oil, which is a consequent environmental advantage.

[0057] The pneumatic actuator 32 substantially implements the movement of the at least one cleaning element 30 .

[0058] The arm 31 preferably defines a proximal portion 311, which is the portion of the arm 31 that is connected to the vehicle 2. In particular, the proximal portion 311 may be hinged to the hook portion 34. It may be part of the cleaning system 3 that is operably connected to the frame 20. In particular, it may be movable relative to the frame 20.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the proximal portion 311 may be hinged to accommodate relative rotation of the proximal portion 311 with respect to the frame 20 about an axis parallel to the ground.

[0060] The arm 31 preferably includes a distal portion 310, which is hinged to a proximal portion 311, which is integrally hinged to at least the cleaning element 30. In this way, the cleaning element 30 can be moved to change its inclination relative to the ground by the hinge binding the proximal portion 311 and the distal portion 311.

[0061] Advantageously, the arm 31 preferably comprises a plurality of pneumatic actuators 32. They preferably include at least one first pneumatic actuator 320, which is constrained to the distal portion 310. In particular, the first actuator 320 is configured to vary the inclination of the at least one cleaning element 30 relative to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0062] In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, the arm 31 may include two mutually perpendicular first actuators 320. In these embodiments, the proximal portion 311 and the distal portion 310 may be hinged about two mutually perpendicular axes, in order to be able to change the tilt of the cleaning element 30 about said axes.

[0063] In particular, the first actuator 320 may include an air cylinder. In particular, the first actuator 320 may include a single-rod cylinder. A single-rod cylinder is a type of pneumatic cylinder consisting of a rod that can slide inside an airtight chamber and is connected to an interior wall that defines and separates two spaces inside the chamber; the rod is integral with the interior wall, and the rod moves due to changes in the volume of air contained in the two interior spaces separated by the interior wall, resulting in changes in air pressure; the movement of the rod in one direction or the opposite direction can be controlled by the introduction of air into the interior space and the release of air from the other interior space. The introduction and release of air can be controlled in one direction or the opposite direction to move the rod in one direction or the other. The introduction of air can be controlled mechanically or electrically.

[0064] The first actuator 320 preferably defines a first end 320a and a second end 320b opposite the first end 320a. The first end 320a may be hinged to the proximal portion 311. The second end 320b may be hinged to the distal portion 310. In this manner, by lengthening or shortening the cylinder, rotational movement of the cleaning element 30 about a corresponding axis is implemented.

[0065] The combination of two first actuators 320 oriented perpendicular to each other may make it possible to implement rotation of the cleaning element 30 about two mutually perpendicular rotation axes, e.g., these two rotational movements may define the pitch and roll, respectively, of the cleaning element 30 relative to the longitudinal axis 2 a.

[0066] Generally, a combination of two or more first actuators 320 can cause the cleaning element 30 to rotate about different mutually transverse axes.

[0067] In particular, in some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, first actuators in the form of single-rod cylinders may be positioned relative to the cleaning element 30 as mutually perpendicular as possible, one of the single-rod cylinders being arranged along the connection 301 between the cleaning element and the distal part 310. The connection 301 is the fixed part of the cleaning element 30 relative to the movable part. This arrangement of the single-rod cylinders allows the movement of the cleaning element 30 to be carried out by means of a rotating arm which advantageously makes it possible to reduce the stress acting on the rod in the event of a collision.

[0068] Advantageously, in the vacuum cleaner 1, the at least one pneumatic actuator 32 preferably includes a second actuator 321 which deploys transversely to the ground.

[0069] The second actuator 321 is preferably configured to vary the reference position 3a relative to the frame 20 transversely relative to the ground surface to adjust the distance of the at least one cleaning element 30 relative to the ground surface.

[0070] The second actuator 321 has the advantage of being able to lift the cleaning elements 30 and bring them to a distance from the ground set by the operator, thus adapting the cleaning action to unevenness in the ground.

[0071] In particular, the proximal portion 311 may advantageously and preferably include a second actuator 321 .

[0072] In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, the proximal portion 311 may be hinged to the hook portion 34 to enable the arm 31 to implement a rotational movement that allows the distance of the cleaning element 30 to be changed relative to the ground.

[0073] In this regard, the second actuator 321 may include, for example, an air cylinder, which may be a single rod cylinder and may include a rod locking element that allows the proximal portion 311 to maintain a position reached after movement of the second actuator 321.

[0074] In this regard, it may include a third end 321a housed within the slot 311a and hinged to the hook portion 34, and a fourth end 321b opposite the third end 321a. Within the slot 311a, the fourth end 321b can slide when the cylinder is lengthened or shortened. In this manner, the fourth end 321b housed within the slot 311a moves the proximal portion 311 so that it rotates relative to the hinge that constrains it to the hook portion 34. The rotational movement of the proximal portion 311 may cause the cleaning element 30 to change its own distance from the ground.

[0075] In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, there may be spring-restrained stabilising elements hinged respectively to the hook portion 34 and the proximal portion 311 within these ends. The stabilising elements have the advantage that the proximal portion 311 maintains the position reached once the movement controlled by the second actuator 321 is completed.

[0076] Advantageously, the cleaning system 3 may further preferably include a guide 33 .

[0077] The guide 33 is of a known type and may, for example, comprise a bar having a profile shaped to allow sliding of the hook portion 34. In particular, the guide 33 is integral with the frame 20 and extends along a guide track 33a.

[0078] The guide track 33a defines the direction in which the hook portion 34 can slide.

[0079] At least one arm 31 is preferably stably constrained to the hook portion 34 to enable it to be moved along the guide track 33a. In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, the hook portion 34 may be constrained to two arms 31, such that sliding of the hook portion 34 relative to the guide 33 involves sliding of the two arms 31 together when the hook portion 34 is moved along the guide track 33a relative to the frame 20.

[0080] In particular, this movement is preferably implemented through a pneumatic actuator 32. The latter may thus comprise a through-rod cylinder 322.

[0081] The through-rod cylinder 322 is preferably operatively connected to the guide 33. Thus, the through-rod cylinder 322 can slide along the guide track 33a.

[0082] In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, the guide 33 may correspond to the rod of the through-rod cylinder 322. The body of the through-rod cylinder 322 may be integral with the hook portion .

[0083] Furthermore, the rod may be constrained to the frame 20. Thus, by virtue of the constraint at the through rod cylinder 322, the arm 31 may be pulled along the guide track 33a relative to the frame 20.

[0084] The through-rod cylinder 322 may be connected via the hook portion 34 to a plurality of arms 31, each connected to a cleaning element 30. In this case, the arms 31 may be moved simultaneously by the same through-rod cylinder 322.

[0085] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a waste collection system 4 .

[0086] The waste collection system 4 is integral with the frame 20. It is preferably located close to the cleaning system 3.

[0087] The collection system 4 allows the waste to be removed from the ground after cleaning by the cleaning system 4, as is known.

[0088] In the vacuum cleaner 1, the collection system 4 is preferably a suction-type collection system. The collection system 4 preferably comprises at least one pneumatic actuator 32, which comprises a third pneumatic actuator 323, which may be a single-rod air cylinder.

[0089] The third actuator 323 preferably extends along a translational axis 40a, which is in particular transverse, for example perpendicular to the ground.

[0090] The collection system 4 preferably comprises a suction port 40 .

[0091] The suction port 40 is a tubular element having an opening facing the ground and suitable for sucking up waste present on the ground; it is typically located downstream of the cleaning system 3 so that the waste cleaned by the cleaning system 3 is transported to the inlet of the suction port 40.

[0092] [mouth group] The suction port 40 is preferably connected to the frame 20 ; in particular, it is connected to the frame 20 by a lifting lever 41 .

[0093] The lifting lever 41 is preferably a rigid bar of known type, constrained to the frame 20 by a hinge defining a third axis of rotation 41a parallel to the ground.

[0094] The suction port 40 is constrained to a lift lever 41 by a hook structure 42 .

[0095] The hook structure 42 is preferably a body configured to be restrained to the suction port 40 .

[0096] The lifting lever 41 is further constrained at its own free end 41b to a hook structure 42. The lifting lever 41 is further connected to a movement element 41c located between the hinge and the hook structure 42.

[0097] The movement element 41c is a structure hooked to the lifting lever 41.

[0098] In particular, the movement element 41 c is integral with the lifting lever 41 and is constrained to the movement device 43 .

[0099] The movement device 43 is a mechanical element that can implement the movement of lifting the lever.

[0100] The hook structure 42 preferably includes a sliding housing 420 for the suction port 40 .

[0101] The slide housing 420 is adapted to receive the suction port 40 and slide therein, preferably along the translation axis 40a.

[0102] The hook structure 42 preferably further includes at least one support wheel 421 .

[0103] The support wheel 421 is preferably located on the portion of the hook structure 42 closest to the ground and is configured to make contact with the ground.

[0104] In a possible configuration, the hook structure may include a first support wheel 421 hooked at the lower portion of the hook structure 42, and a second support wheel 421 hooked to the protruding portion of the support structure 42 and aligned with the lifting lever 41.

[0105] The third actuator 323 is constrained at a fifth end 323a to the hook structure 42 and at a sixth end 323b opposite the fifth end 323a to the suction port 40.

[0106] In this manner, the third actuator 323 connects the suction port 40 to the hook structure 42 and implements the movement of the suction port 40 inside the slide housing 420 .

[0107] The lifting lever 41 is configured to be moved by a movement device 43 to effect rotation about a third rotation axis 41a and, consequently, lifting of the hook structure 42 and the suction port 40.

[0108] Elevating the suction port 40 is advantageous when a collection system 4 is not used.

[0109] Thus, lifting of the hook structure 42 and the suction port 40 is facilitated by being placed on the free end 41 b of the lifting lever 41 .

[0110] Furthermore, as previously mentioned, translational movement of the suction port 40 along the translational axis 40a allows the distance of the suction port from the ground to be adjusted to optimize suction action under different operating conditions.

[0111] The vacuum cleaner 1 is connected to a collection system 4 and comprises a waste receiving chamber 5 suitable for receiving collected waste.

[0112] The chamber 5 is of a known type and is restrained to the frame of the vehicle 2. The chamber 5 is connected to the collection system 4; the connection between the chamber 5 and the collection system 4 may be carried out by a pipe connected to the suction port 40. The waste is preferably conveyed inside the chamber 5 and unloaded in an unloading procedure carried out by opening the door.

[0113] Advantageously, in the vacuum cleaner 1, each pneumatic actuator 32 is preferably controlled by an electronic control system 7. The electronic control system 7 can preferably be activated by an operator.

[0114] The electronic control system 7 preferably transmits electronic signals that allow the actuation of a single pneumatic actuator 32 to be independently controlled.

[0115] The electronic control system 7 preferably includes an interface that allows an operator to control a single pneumatic actuator 32 .

[0116] For example, the electronic control system 7 may be set to maintain the cleaning elements 30 at a certain distance from the ground. In this regard, the electronic control system 7 may be operatively connected to the electronic control unit 223. Thus, depending on how the pneumatic actuators 32 are adjusted, it is possible to jointly adjust the distance of each cleaning element 30 from the ground in combination with the position and tilt of each cleaning element 30.

[0117] Advantageously, in the vacuum cleaner 1, at least one cleaning element 30 is preferably constrained to the frame 2 by repositioning means 6, which are configured to change the reference position 3a when placed at a distance value from the frame 20 that exceeds a predetermined value, so that said distance is at most equal to the predetermined value.

[0118] In some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner 1, the repositioning means 6 may include at least one spring. In these implementations, repositioning is achieved by an elastic restoring force applied to the cleaning element 30. In practice, if the force applied to the spring exceeds one of the resulting forces applied to the cleaning element 30 by the at least one pneumatic actuator 32, the repositioning means 6 may be a spring hinged at one end to the cleaning element 30 and at the opposite end to the frame 20. The return means 6 has the advantage of returning the cleaning elements 30 to their original position if they suffer a collision in the path of the vacuum cleaner 1. For example, they may be returned to a position 3a closest to the frame 20 to reduce the risk of damage.

[0119] The vacuum cleaner 1 may be provided with a protective box or barrier for housing the electronic valve 222. There may be an additional protective barrier for moving elements and components of the engine of the cleaning element 30.

[0120] The operation of the above described vacuum cleaner 1 from a structural point of view is as follows.

[0121] The vacuum cleaner 1 transports waste from the road surface by means of the cleaning system 3 and carries it towards the entrance of the collection system 4. In particular, the cleaning element 30 performs the function of transporting the waste and carrying it towards the suction opening 40. Once the waste is transported inside the collection system 4, it is stored inside the chamber 5. The vacuum cleaner 1 also performs the function of moving the cleaning element 30 at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis 2a or relative to an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis 2a. The movements performed by the cleaning element 30 are adjustment of the distance from the ground, rolling and pitching movements, and translation relative to a reference position 3a.

[0122] In the configuration in which the guide 33 is present, the cleaning element 30 can be translated relative to a guide track 33a controlled by a corresponding through-rod cylinder 322, which can have an inclination different from the longitudinal axis 2a.

[0123] The pneumatic actuator 32 may be controlled by the control system 7 .

[0124] Furthermore, the suspension 22 allows adjusting the distance of the frame 20 from the ground. In particular, depending on the value of the inclination of the frame 20 with respect to the ground read by the angle sensor 24, the compressor 221 adjusts the air pressure inside the single air spring so as to change the inclination of the frame 20 to a predetermined value. As a result, even the cleaning element 30 can be brought to a predetermined distance from the ground.

[0125] The vacuum cleaner 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0126] In fact, the vacuum cleaner 1 has the advantage of being able to move the cleaning element 30 with a floating motion by combining different rotational and translational movements, which improve the efficiency of the cleaning system 3 and make it more adaptable to different environments and different conditions of the road surface.

[0127] Another advantage lies in the use of pneumatic actuators 32, which are pneumatic cylinders that implement the required movements. In fact, the use of these devices guarantees a reduced risk to the environment in case of breakage and damage, since they use compressed air and not oil for their operation.

[0128] The use of such a device further ensures that the installation and maintenance of the vacuum cleaner 1 is easier.

[0129] An additional advantage of the vacuum cleaner to which the present invention pertains is the use of pneumatic suspension 22, which improves the efficiency of crash damping, thereby improving conditions and safety for the operator.

[0130] In fact, the pneumatic suspension 22, in combination with the electronic control system 7, constitutes a system for controlling the levelness of the position. The advantage of this control system is that it keeps all sensitive parts of the vacuum cleaner 1 in the correct position. For example, improved ergonomics for the operator are obtained by keeping the operator's cab in the correct position; the stabilized horizontal position of the chamber 5 ensures uniform distribution of the sucked material by preventing accumulation due to a lack of level; furthermore, the horizontal position ensures maintenance of the liquid level in the liquid tank by avoiding tilting of the surface which could lead to erroneous level readings by the sensors.

[0131] The invention is susceptible to modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims.

[0132] Within such limits, all details may be replaced with equivalent elements, whatever the material, shape and size.

Claims

1. A vehicle defining a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being parallel to a direction of travel of said vehicle on a ground surface, said vehicle comprising at least: Support frame, movement means insecurely restrained to the support frame and configured to cause movement of the vehicle relative to the ground; a vehicle having a cleaning system connected to the support frame and adapted to remove waste present on the ground, comprising: at least one sweeping element defining a reference position relative to said support frame suitable for moving said waste from said ground; at least one connecting arm for each of the at least one cleaning element adapted to connect the at least one cleaning element to the vehicle; a cleaning system comprising: a collection system for collecting the waste, the collection system being integral with the support frame and located near the cleaning system; a chamber for receiving the waste, the chamber being connected to the collection system and adapted to receive the waste; Equipped with The cleaning system further comprises at least one electronically controlled pneumatic actuator adapted to move the at least one cleaning element to modify the reference position relative to the support frame, and configured to modify at least a portion of the at least one arm to modify the extension of the arm.

2. 2. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the arm defines a proximal portion connected to the vehicle and a distal portion hinged to the proximal portion and integrally constrained to at least the cleaning element, and includes a plurality of electronically controlled pneumatic actuators, the electronically controlled pneumatic actuators including at least one first pneumatic actuator constrained to the distal portion, the first pneumatic actuator configured to vary the tilt of at least the cleaning element relative to a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis.

3. 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one electronically controlled pneumatic actuator includes a second actuator that is deployed transversely to the ground and configured to vary the reference position relative to the support frame transversely to the ground to adjust the distance of the at least one cleaning element relative to the ground.

4. The vacuum cleaner of claim 2 , wherein the proximal portion includes a second actuator.

5. 3. The vacuum cleaner of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cleaning system has a guide integral with the support frame and extending along a guide track, and the electronically controlled pneumatic actuator is operably connected to the guide to pull the at least one arm relative to the support frame in its movement, and includes a through-rod cylinder (322) slidable along the guide track and constrained to the at least one arm.

6. The collection system is of the suction type and comprises at least the electronically controlled pneumatic actuator consisting of a third pneumatic actuator parallel to a translation axis transverse to the ground surface, and a suction port connected to the support frame by a lifting lever and hook structure; the lifting lever is constrained to the support frame by a hinge defining a first axis of rotation parallel to the ground surface and is further constrained at its own free end to the hook structure and to a movement element arranged between the hinge and the hook structure, integral with the lifting lever and constrained to a movement device; the hook structure comprises a sliding housing for the suction port, and at least one support wheel located on a part of the hook structure closest to the ground and configured to contact the ground; the third pneumatic actuator constrained at a fifth end to the hook structure and at a sixth end opposite the fifth end to the suction port; the lifting lever configured to be moved by the movement device to implement rotation about the first rotation axis and consequently lifting of the hook structure and the suction port; and the third pneumatic actuator configured to move the suction port along the translation axis to implement translational movement of the suction port.

7. 3. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the movement means includes at least two axles, each connected to the support frame and including two wheels, and the vehicle further includes a plurality of automatic height-adjusting pneumatic suspensions for each of the wheels, each of which is arranged between the support frame and the axle and configured to reduce the transmission of vibrations resulting from the movement of the vehicle transmitted by the axle to the support frame.

8. 8. The vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the plurality of automatic height adjusting pneumatic suspensions include an angular position sensor configured to measure an inclination of the support frame relative to the ground, and the plurality of automatic height adjusting pneumatic suspensions are further configured to vary the inclination in response to the measured inclination, such that the measured inclination changes by a predetermined value.

9. 3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the cleaning element is constrained to the support frame by repositioning means configured to change the reference position when the reference position is located at a distance value from the support frame that exceeds a predetermined value, such that the distance has a value at most equal to the predetermined value.

10. 3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the vehicle has a cockpit suitable to accommodate the driving position of an operator.

11. 3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one pneumatic actuator is controlled by an electronic control system which can be operated by an operator.

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