Integrated vehicle weighing and washing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a weighing and washing system for vehicles, comprising: - a modular platform comprising weighing modules and washing modules, which can be assembled together to form a transit surface; - load cells arranged under the platform to detect the weight of the vehicle; - orifices distributed on the platform for the delivery of washing fluids of the vehicle to be treated; - guides for the washing fluids integrated in the platform, to direct the fluids towards the parts of the vehicle to be treated; - a system for the collection and treatment of wastewater deriving from washing that allows the recycling and reuse of treated wastewater; and - a control unit for processing data from the load cells.

Description

[0001] INTEGRATED VEHICLE WEIGHING AND WASHING SYSTEM

[0002] TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] As is known, deck weights are devices suitable for weighing vehicles of various sizes such as, for example, tractor-trailers with or without trailers, pivots, vans, but also quarry and construction trucks.

[0007] Generally, they consist of a weighing platform that rests on a plurality of load cells.

[0008] The signals generated by the load cells under pressure are interpolated by special devices that determine the weight of the vehicle under examination.

[0009] While vehicles coming from roads and clean areas have limited amounts of debris around the vehicle itself, trucks coming from quarries and construction sites can be heavily contaminated by mud and debris and their weight can become absolutely relevant and a source of error.

[0010] The present invention aims to simplify the management of weighing processes of vehicles leaving quarries, mines or places with the presence of contaminants such as sludge, dust or other, limiting weighing errors caused by the presence of contaminants. At present, vehicles are either washed before climbing on the weight (case 1 ) or spread significant amounts of contaminant on the weight itself (case 2).

[0011] In case 1 , the user is obliged to implement a pre-weighing washing system consistent with local regulations, and position it in access to the weight. This implies not only double cost for the user, but also double maintenance, greater use of raw materials and greater need for space to allow the access of vechicles to washing and weighing. In case 2, on the other hand, the absence of any contaminant reduction system determines the risk of contamination of the roads crossed by the vehicle, greater need for maintenance of the weighing system, multiple stops for maintenance, potential abrasion damage to the moving parts of the vehicle and improper weighing.

[0012] An objective of the invention is therefore to solve the aforementioned problems of the prior art by creating an integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles.

[0013] A further objective of the invention is to solve the problems mentioned above in rational and economical way.

[0014] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The above purposes are achieved thanks to a weighing and washing system for vehicles, comprising:

[0016] - a modular platform comprising weighing modules and washing modules,

[0017] - assemblable together to form a transit surface;

[0018] - load cells arranged under the platform to detect the weight of the vehicle;

[0019] - washing fluid guides integrated in the platform, under it and / or on its sides, to direct the fluids towards the parts of the vehicle to be treated;

[0020] - orifices distributed on the guides, for the delivery of vehicle washing fluids to treat;

[0021] - a system for the collection and treatment of wastewater deriving from washing that allows the recycling and reuse of treated wastewater and a-control unit for processing data from the load cells.

[0022] Important advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description.

[0023] Note that the guides can be a structural part of the platform or assembled to it, the guides can also be present on the top and / or side of the platform to wash the sides of the vehicle.

[0024] Suffice it to say that the invention significantly reduces the time required for washing, offers a high modular assembly of the platform.

[0025] In addition, each module integrates or receives guides for washing fluids and orifices that allow the flow to be directed towards the parts of the vehicle to be treated.

[0026] Finally, the wastewater can be used in a closed circuit so that the same water is always used for washing the vehicles, possibly replenishing what is lost.

[0027] Further characteristics of the invention can be deduced from the dependent claims.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided for example, but not limited to, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, where:

[0030] - figure 1-1 is a side view of an integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] - figure 1 -2 is a top view of the integrated system of Figure 1 -1 ;

[0032] - figure 1 -3 is a front view of the integrated system of Figure 1 -1 ;

[0033] - figure 2-1 is a top view of an intermediate support structure of the integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles of the invention;

[0034] - figure 2-2 is a side view of the intermediate support structure of Figure 2-1 ;

[0035] - figure 2-3 is a front view of the intermediate support structure of Figure 2-1 ;

[0036] - figure 2-4 is an axonometric view of the intermediate support structure of figure 2-1 ;

[0037] - figure 3-1 is a top view of an upper module with complete passage thanks to which an entirely walkable platform for the system of the invention can be created;

[0038] - figure 3-2 is a bottom view of the module of figure 3-1 ;

[0039] - figure 3-3 is an axonometric view of the module of Figure 3-1 ;

[0040] - figure 3a is a detail of figure 3;

[0041] - figure 4-1 is a top view of a side passage top module the integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles of the invention;

[0042] - figure 4-2 is a side view of the module of figure 4-1 ;

[0043] - figure 4-3 is a bottom view of the module of Figure 4-1 ; - figure 5 is a front view of figure 4;

[0044] - figure 4-5 is an axonometric view of the module of Figure 4-1 .

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

[0047] 1.1 -1.3 illustrate an exemplification of the complete system.

[0048] Reference numeral 1 indicates the position of lower holes for the washing of tyres and undercarriage, while reference numeral 2 indicates the position of lateral washing orifices, possibly associated with anti-spray bulkheads (figure 1 -3).

[0049] Reference numeral 3 indicates modules for weighing and washing (figure 1 -2).

[0050] The system of the invention also provides for a wastewater accumulation and treatment unit 4, here depicted in an above-ground version.

[0051] Longitudinal profiles 6 of an intermediate support structure belonging to the system of the invention and transverse profiles 7 of the intermediate support structure are provided.

[0052] In figure 2-3 lower fluid guides 8 with structural function and lateral fluid guides 9 are also visible.

[0053] An example of a full passage upper module is now described, thanks to which a fully walkable platform can be created, with reference to figures 3-1 , 3-2, 3-3 and 3-4.

[0054] The module includes lower fluid guides 2.1 with structural function.

[0055] Constraint elements to the intermediate support structure are indicated, in figure 3-1 , with reference numeral 2.3.

[0056] Figure 3-2 also shows 2.2 profiles for the passage of wheeled vehicles for increasing the grip of the vehicle in transit.

[0057] In detail A of Figure 3-4, holes 2.5 are indicated for washing the vehicles.

[0058] An example of an upper module with a lateral passage is now described (figures 4-1 ,4- 2, 4-3, 4-4 and 4-5), which creates a platform with unpassable lateral guides in the central area but is lighter and with simply liftable bulkheads for better maintenance. The module includes lower fluid guides 4.1 with structural function.

[0059] The figure also shows 2.2 profiles for the passage of wheeled vehicles to facilitate the increase in grip.

[0060] Constraint elements to the intermediate support structure are indicated, in figure 4-4, with reference number 4.2.

[0061] A 4.3 lateral guide with support for the orifices is optionally provided (figure 4-2.

[0062] Figure 4-3 also shows 4.4 holes for washing vehicles.

[0063] From the above description it emerges that the originality of the invention consists in the integration of washing modules in an ordinary modular weighing system. Both the weighing and washing units and the weighing-only base units are easily transportable and modular components. Platform of washing and weighing according to the invention is therefore composed by joining together the appropriate number of modules of each of the two types.

[0064] The entire structure is connected to load cells connected to a control unit for determining the detected load.

[0065] During operational use, the vehicle is washed at the same time as accesses the weighing platform, without the need for any operation by the driver.

[0066] The product integrates the two systems (weighing and washing) so it naturally has several parts in common with normal bridge weights and wheel washing systems such as, for example, the load cells, the washing structure, the clarification and reuse of water, etc.

[0067] But the novelty consists of the following elements that, at the same time, constitute innovation:

[0068] - a single platform - possibly divided into sub-elements - carries out both washing operations and weighing operations

[0069] - the washing does not require the static nature of the vehicle on the platform but takes place dynamically, allowing a considerable saving of time.

[0070] In other words, part of the platform - or its entirety in some cases - allows the carrying out of a washing so powerful and effective as to allow the removal of contaminants when the vehicle is simply passed over it.

[0071] When the vehicle is fully positioned on the platform, it will already be perfectly washed and the waste / contaminants already expelled from the system. It will therefore be possible to proceed with the immediate weighing without interruption and without loss of time.

[0072] Particular interest must be placed on the following advantageous elements that are essential from a functional point of view and that, therefore, make them unique and industrially interesting the discover:

[0073] - de facto elimination of the time required for washing. It is carried out at the same time as the vehicle is positioned on the platform

[0074] - modularity: the platform consists of modules that can be easily assembled together until they reach the size desired by the customer.

[0075] This allows wide economies of scale in production and warehouse simplification

[0076] - each module integrates or accommodates (important is the double possibility) the guides for the washing fluids and the orifices that allow the flow to be directed towards the parts of the vehicle to be treated

[0077] - appropriate conveyors, integrated or received by the modules, convey immediately the wastewater to a collection point from which they can be taken for purification and reuse treatment or, in some variants, treated and purified on site

[0078] - the wastewater, properly treated, is used for subsequent washing operations. Contaminants are automatically extracted or stored in special points (filters) for simple extraction

[0079] - the system, as a whole, constitutes a "closed cycle" machine where, in fact, the same water is always used for washing vehicles.

[0080] Eventually reintegrating what is missing.

[0081] Starting from and integrating what is stated in the previous point, in order of relevance, the technical innovations are:

[0082] 1 . integrated washing and weighing 2. "pass through" washing with waste recycling (closed cycle) therefore without discharge in the sewer. Eco-friendly, resources saving, energy saving;

[0083] 3. modular construction of the platform thet performs both weighing and washing functions

[0084] 4. wastewater and contaminants are immediately expelled from the platform and do not "dirty" the weighing data

[0085] The platform includes or receives guides for the washing fluids and orifices for their expulsion.

[0086] Further aspects of the invention are set out below. underground, above ground or mixed installation optionally auxiliary systems are provided for the washing of further parts of the vehicles such as sides, roof, etc. automatic decontamination systems are optionally provided, for example with the use of ozonated water optional decontamination systems specific to particular pollutants (e.g. asbestos) weighing platform for special machinery such as crawlers, military, optionally present optionally the washing can be carried out even when the vehicle is stationary closed circuit washing but can optionally also be connected to a pre-existing clarification system.

[0087] The system of the invention comprises the following main parts: load cells fixed to the ground one or more intermediate support structures, fixed on the load cells and consisting of suitable interconnected LOTO profiles one or more platforms, constrained to the intermediate support structure, having the task of:

[0088] - supporting the vehicle in transit

[0089] - acting as a guide

[0090] - allowing the passage of washing fluids through special ducts

[0091] - allowing the rapid reverse passage of wastewater, directing them to appropriate storage points through special integrated slides The platforms can be equipped with optional auxiliaries for washing and / or sanitizing and / or otherwise treating the sides and other parts of the vehicle, including: one or more groups of accumulation, clarification of wastewater and separation of pollutants one or more hydraulic units for the management of washing fluids and wastewater one or more electronic compartments, including load cells, control panel, etc.)

[0092] The washing action is perpetrated by a series of orifices present in the various ducts. Powerful pumping units carry large quantities of low-pressure fluid on the medium to be treated - generally less than 4 bar and with flows ranging from 1500 to or over 8000 liters per minute per 4 meters of washing area.

[0093] The correct setting of orifices, pumping units and washing accessories (e.g. bulkheads for vertical washing, upper washing arches, etc.), allows effective and rapid cleaning of the vehicle.

[0094] Special orifices placed near the slides facilitate the passage of contaminants towards the storage units and keep the surface of the chute clean so as not to alter the weight detection.

[0095] It is very important to note that the wastewater treated in the accumulation and clarification group (s) is purified and made available for subsequent washes, thus making the system closed cycle.

[0096] That is, without the need to provide sewage, but with their constant clarification and reuse.

[0097] Both the weighing and washing unit and the storage and treatment unit can be produced in an underground version or for use above ground in simple support.

[0098] Obviously, the invention as described can be modified or improved for contingent or particular reasons, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . Integrated weighing and washing system for vehicles, including: a. a modular platform including weighing modules and washing modules, which can be assembled together to form a transit surface; b. load cells arranged under the platform to detect the weight of the vehicle; c. washing fluid guides built into the platform to direct fluids to the parts of the vehicle to be treated; d. orifices distributed on the guides for dispensing washing fluids from the vehicle to be treated; e. a system for collecting and treating effluent from washing that enables recycling and reuse of treated effluent; and f. a control unit for processing data from the load cells.

2. Integrated system according to claim 1 , in which washing occurs dynamically as the vehicle passes over the platform, eliminating the need for the vehicle to stop for cleaning.

3. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, in which wash fluid guides and orifices are integrated into platform modules and designed to direct wash fluids to tires, undercarriage, sides, and other parts of the vehicle to be treated, the guides can be a structural part of the platform or assembled to it, the guides can also be present in the upper and / or lateral part of the platform to wash the sides of the vehicle.

4. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, including conveyors integrated with or accommodated by platform modules to immediately direct effluent to a collection point for treatment and reuse.

5. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, in which treated effluent is used for subsequent washing operations, operating in a closed loop to reduce water consumption and minimize discharge to the sewer.

6. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, in which the washing and weighing platform can be installed either underground or above ground.

7. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, in which platform modules may include spray bulkheads and automatic decontamination systems using ozonated water.

8. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, in which washing can be performed even when the vehicle is stationary, providing operational flexibility.

9. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, including:- pumping units for conveying large quantities of low-pressure fluid through orifices, where said orifices are placed near the chutes to facilitate the passage of contaminants to the storage units and contaminants extracted from the effluent are stored in special filters for easy extraction and disposal.

10. Integrated system according to any of the previous claims, including auxiliary systems for washing additional parts of the vehicle, including sides, roof, and other specific areas.

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