Sweeping machine

Abstract

Road sweeping machine (1) designed to remove waste from a ground surface and comprising: a vehicle (2) designed to be moved on the ground surface and comprising an engine (21), the vehicle (2) comprising a chassis (20); sweeping elements (3) connected to the vehicle (2) and designed to remove the waste from the ground surface; a chamber (4) defining an internal volume (40) configured to reversibly accumulate the waste; a suction duct (5) in fluid passage connection with the chamber (4) and with an external environment, the suction duct (5) being configured to suck the waste from the external environment and convey the waste into the chamber (4); the suction duct (5) comprising a turbine (50) in fluid passage connection with the external environment and with the chamber (4) and configured to move the air in the chamber (4) towards the external environment and achieve a pressure decrease in the chamber (4); a radiator (6) operatively connected to the engine (21) and configured to cool the engine (21); the chamber (4) defining a first end (41) hinged to the chassis (20) and a second end (42) movable with respect to the chassis (20) and opposite to the first end (41 ), the second end (42) being designed to rotate with respect to the chassis (20), the chamber (4) defining: a first position in which the second end (42) is at a minimum distance from the chassis (20); a second position in which the second end (42) is at a maximum distance from the chassis (20); the turbine (50) being fixed to the chassis (20) and being in fluid passage connection with the chamber (4) only when the chamber (4) is in the first position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SWEEPING MACHINE

[0003] The present invention relates to a sweeping machine of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] The object of the present invention is a sweeping machine which finds application mainly, though not exclusively, in the field of maintenance of urban environments. Similar sweeping machines are described in patent applications US 4356589 A; US 4819676 A and EP 2436842 A1 .

[0005] Road sweeping machines are currently known, which perform the function of cleaning urban environments and roads from waste, such as dust, leaves, and debris that may settle on the road surface. For example, road sweepers may have a waste collection container with a capacity exceeding 3 m3. Therefore, they are vehicles to which cleaning elements are attached, such as brushes for moving solid waste deposited on the road surface, waterjets for removing waste present on the road and for cleaning the road surface. Furthermore, the sweepers use suction pipes for removing waste. The latter, once sucked up, are conveyed inside a chamber. The latter may be a large-volume waste container into which the collected waste can be directed.

[0006] During the waste unloading step, the waste container can be moved relative to the chassis of the sweeper; for example, the container can be partially lifted and tilted so as to discharge the waste accumulated inside through an active system with an ejection plate.

[0007] In general, to perform the suction of road waste, road sweepers can use a suction system operated by means of a turbine. In particular, the suction system performs the function of conveying the collected waste moved towards the suction mouth and sucked by the latter, and conveying it into the container.

[0008] Road sweepers can also use a water circulation system, which allows managing the circulation of water inside the pipes so as to regulate the waterjets.

[0009] The prior art described includes some important drawbacks.

[0010] In particular, known sweepers do not allow maintenance operations to be easily carried out.

[0011] Another drawback is represented by the ejection plate, contained inside the waste container, which significantly reduces the loading volume for the same overall IM dimensions, in addition to requiring maintenance.

[0012] Furthermore, this system involves a complex mechanical linkage to allow the discharge of the container at height, when required. This system, widely used in the field of road sweepers having a waste container with a capacity exceeding 3 m3, also has the disadvantage of closing the container by means of a vertical door with a sealing gasket, which, however, wears out over time, causing foul-smelling liquids to leak during vehicle operation.

[0013] Consequently, sweeping machines generally require lengthy operations that reduce productivity, since these operations require vehicle downtime that may last several days.

[0014] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to design a sweeping machine capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] Within this technical task, an important object of the invention is to provide a sweeping machine that allows maintenance operations to be easily carried out.

[0016] Another important object of the invention is to provide a sweeping machine capable of improving productivity.

[0017] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a sweeping machine as claimed in the attached claim 1 .

[0018] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0019] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will be clarified below by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a sweeping machine according to the invention in a first configuration;

[0021] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a sweeping machine according to the invention in a second configuration;

[0022] Fig. 3 shows a top view of a portion of a sweeping machine according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 4 shows a portion of a sweeping machine according to the invention; and Fig. 5 shows a top view of a sweeping machine according to the invention.

[0024] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with 1 4 words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be understood as within the limits of measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, in particular, within a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not greater than 10% of the value itself.

[0025] Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, a priority of relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0026] Unless otherwise specified, as results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “determination”, “calculation”, or the like, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electrical quantities within registers of a computer system and / or memories, into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other storage, transmission or information display devices.

[0027] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0028] With reference to the Figures, the sweeping machine according to the invention is globally indicated with the numeral 1. It may be a road sweeping machine suitable for removing waste from a soil. The sweeping machine 1 comprises a vehicle 2. It may be a vehicle suitable to be moved on the soil. For example, the vehicle 2 may be a vehicle optimized for use on city streets. The vehicle 2 may define a main axis 2a. It may correspond to the direction of advancement of the vehicle 2, when it moves in a straight path. The vehicle 2 comprises an engine 21. It may be a four-stroke diesel engine. This type of engine has the advantage of being suitable for the performance required by the class of operating machines to which the sweeping machine 1 belongs.

[0029] The vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 20. It is the supporting structure of the vehicle 2. For example, it may comprise low-carbon steel sheet metal and a structure including longitudinal members and cross members made by cold bending and welded together. In this way, the chassis 20 is more capable of withstanding higher stresses.

[0030] The sweeping machine 1 comprises sweeping elements 3. They are elements connected to the vehicle 2 and suitable for removing waste from the soil. For example, they may comprise brushes movable with respect to their supporting structure. For example, they may rotate around a center of rotation of their supporting structure. Furthermore, the supporting structure of each sweeping element 3 may be inclined with respect to the soil. The rotational speed of the brushes relative to their supporting structure may be adjusted by means of electronic controls.

[0031] The sweeping elements 3 may be moved by mechanical arms. The latter may preferably be hydraulically operated.

[0032] The sweeping machine comprises a chamber 4. It is a chamber configured to reversibly accumulate waste. In particular, it corresponds to the portion of the sweeping machine in which the waste removed from the road surface can be conveyed. For example, it may be a tank. Furthermore, it may be made of stainless steel. For example, the chamber 4 may have a volume preferably greater than 2 m3. More preferably, the volume of the chamber 4 may be greater than 3 m3. These dimensions allow the chamber 4 to transport large quantities of waste and to perform its function over longer routes. In particular, the chamber 4 defines an internal volume 40. It may be a volume that can be in fluid passage connection with the external environment. In particular, the chamber 4 may be shaped in such a way that the internal volume 40 is separated from the external environment by a movable door 45. The latter may be, for example, a movable hatch. In detail, it may be reversibly opened to perform the unloading operations of the accumulated waste. The movable door 45 may be kept closed during the accumulation step of waste inside the internal volume 40.

[0033] The chamber 4 preferably defines a first end 41. In detail, it may preferably be hinged to the chassis 20. Furthermore, the chamber 4 may preferably define a second end 42. The latter is movable with respect to the chassis 20. Moreover, it is opposite to the first end 41. For example, the first end 41 and the second end 42 may be opposite with respect to the main axis 2a. Furthermore, the first end 41 and the second end 42 may be aligned along the main axis 2a.

[0034] In particular, the second end 42 is preferably suitable for rotating with respect to the chassis 20. For example, the second end 42 may rotate and rise with respect to the ground and with respect to the second end 42. This movement can be carried out when the chamber 4 is emptied of the collected waste.

[0035] For example, the first end 41 may be hinged to an edge of the chassis 2. The rotation of the chamber 4 around the first end 41 causes the chamber 4 to tilt outward from the chassis 2. In this way, the discharged waste can fall onto the ground. Furthermore, the tilting of the chamber 4 can be carried out simultaneously with the opening of the movable door 45. The latter can be positioned in such a way as to be hinged along the second end 42. In this way, the opening of the movable door 45 occurs at the first end 41 when the chamber 4 rotates around the first end 41 .

[0036] The chamber 4 preferably defines a first position in which the second end 42 is at a minimum distance from the chassis 20. For example, the chamber 4 may rest on the chassis 2. In particular, when the chamber 4 is in the first position, the waste contained in the internal volume 40 cannot flow out of it by gravity. Therefore, the chamber 4 is advantageously in the first position when the sweeping machine 1 is in use and is in the step of collecting waste from the ground.

[0037] The chamber 4 may preferably define a second position. In this position the second end 42 is at a maximum distance from the chassis 20. In fact, since the first end 41 is hinged, it does not change its position with respect to the chassis 20. The second end 42, when the chamber 4 is in the second position, is at a maximum distance from the chassis 20. For example, the chamber 4, to move from the first position to the second position, may perform a rotation of at least 80° around the first end 41 . For example, the rotation may be through an angle of at least 85°. This orientation of the chamber 4 when it is in the second position allows it to tilt in such a way as to make the emptying of the internal volume from waste more efficient. In fact, by means of a rotation of an angle greater than 80°, advantageously, most of the waste contained in the internal volume 40 is discharged outside the chamber 4, defining a rear and elevated discharge system (for discharge either onto the ground or into loading bins and mobile compactors) by gravity, and therefore passive. Furthermore, thanks to its particular configuration, it allows the problem of sealing 1 4 against leakage of liquids to be solved.

[0038] In detail, the sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise at least one pneumatic actuator 24. For example, it may be a hydraulic cylinder. In particular, the sweeping machine 1 may comprise a pair of hydraulic cylinders. Preferably, each pneumatic actuator 24 may extend mainly along an extension direction 24c. This may be the direction along which each hydraulic actuator 24 extends. In particular, each hydraulic actuator 24 may preferably define a seventh end 24a. Preferably, each hydraulic actuator 24 may be loosely constrained at the seventh end 24a to the chassis 20. For example, the seventh end 24a may rotate with respect to the chassis 20. Furthermore, each hydraulic actuator 24 may preferably comprise an eighth end 24b. It may be an end opposite to the seventh end 24a. Preferably, each hydraulic actuator 24 may be loosely constrained at the eighth end 24b to the chamber 4. Each hydraulic actuator 24 may preferably be configured to move the chamber 4 by a relative rotation of the hydraulic actuator 24 with respect to the chamber 4 and with respect to the chassis 20. In fact, the hydraulic actuator 24 may preferably be suitable for extending along the extension direction 24c and reversibly moving the chamber 4 at least from the first position to the second position.

[0039] For example, the hydraulic actuator 24 may combine the rotational movement of the seventh end 24a around the chassis 20 and of the eighth end 24b around the chamber 4 and the extension along the extension direction 24c to move the chamber 4 reversibly from the first to the second position. Consequently, the extension direction 24c changes orientation due to the rotation of the hydraulic actuator.

[0040] The sweeping machine 1 preferably comprises a duct 5. It may be a suction duct. In particular, the duct 5 is in fluid passage connection with the chamber 4. Furthermore, it is in fluid passage connection with an external environment. In particular, the external environment may be the urban environment in which the sweeping machine 1 can be used.

[0041] The duct 5 is preferably configured to suck waste from the external environment and convey it into the chamber 4. In detail, the sucked waste is introduced inside the internal volume 40.

[0042] In detail, the duct 5 preferably comprises a turbine 50. It may comprise at least one rotor integral with a plurality of blades and a housing in which the rotor is inserted. The rotor is loosely constrained to the housing of the turbine. In this way, it can 1 4 rotate with respect to the housing.

[0043] The turbine may be constrained to the chassis 20. In detail, the housing of the turbine may be constrained to the chassis 20. For example, it may be constrained in a portion external to the housing.

[0044] The turbine 50 may be in fluid passage connection with the external environment. Furthermore, it is in fluid passage connection with the chamber 4. In particular, the turbine 50 is configured to move the air in the chamber 4 towards the external environment and to create a pressure decrease in the chamber 4. Therefore, the turbine 50 can generate an air flow from the external environment towards the internal volume 40 as a consequence of the pressure in the internal volume 40 being lower than the external atmospheric pressure.

[0045] In detail, the turbine 50 is preferably in fluid passage connection with the chamber 4 only when the chamber 4 is in the first position.

[0046] Therefore, the housing of the turbine can be placed in fluid passage connection with the internal volume 40 when the chamber 4 is in the first position. For example, the chamber 4 and the housing of the turbine may each comprise openings that can be placed in fluid passage connection and shaped so that they can be engaged and sealed when the chamber is in the first position. When the chamber 4 is in positions other than the first position, the turbine 50 and the chamber 4 are separated. Therefore, the positioning of the turbine 50 integrally with the chassis 20 is advantageous since it allows maintenance operations on the turbine 50 to be easily performed. The latter is in fact directly accessible when the chamber 4 is in a position different from the first one, in which it is separated from the turbine 50 itself. For example, when the chamber 4 is in the second position and the second end 42 is at a maximum distance from the chassis 20, the chassis 20 is more easily accessible. For example, the chamber 4 and the turbine 50 may be reciprocally positioned in such a way that when the chamber 4 moves from the first to the second position, the chamber 4 progressively moves away from the turbine 50. Therefore, the farther the chamber 4 moves away from the first position, the greater the free distance between the chamber 4 and the turbine 50. Consequently, the farther the chamber 4 moves away from the first position, the more easily accessible the turbine 50 becomes from the outside. Furthermore, when the chamber 40 is in the second position, the chamber 4 is at the maximum distance from the turbine 50 and 1 4 therefore the free space for accessing the turbine 50 is maximum.

[0047] The duct 5 may preferably comprise a suction pipe 51. It is a pipe configured to suck waste from the soil.

[0048] The suction pipe 51 may preferably define a fifth end 52. It may be an end in fluid passage connection with the external environment. For example, the fifth end 52 may be located in the portion of the vehicle 2 closest to the ground. For example, it may be located in a central portion close to the ground.

[0049] The suction pipe 51 may preferably define a sixth end 53. It is an end opposite to the fifth end 52. In particular, the sixth end 53 may be in fluid passage connection with the internal volume 40. Therefore, the sixth end 53 allows the suction pipe 51 to be placed in fluid connection with the internal volume 40. Consequently, the air from the external environment, due to the negative pressure inside the chamber 4, is sucked into the suction pipe 51 and conveyed towards the internal volume 40. Consequently, the lighter waste that can be carried by the air flow is sucked with the air, conveyed inside the fifth end 52, transported inside the suction pipe 51 up to the sixth end 53, from which it is conveyed into the internal volume 40. Preferably, the sixth end 53 may be in fluid passage connection with the chamber 4 only when the chamber 4 is in the first position. Therefore, the sixth end 53 can be reversibly engageable with an opening of the chamber 4 when the chamber 4 is in the first position. In this way, the suction pipe 51 is not moved with the chamber 4 when the latter is displaced from the first position.

[0050] The suction pipe 51 may be constrained to the chassis 20. Therefore, when the chamber 4 is not in the first position, the sixth end 53 may not be constrained to the chamber 4. The advantage lies in the separation of the chamber 4 from the other elements of the sweeping machine 1. In fact, in this way, the chamber 4 can be moved without dragging in its motion other components of the sweeping machine 1 . The housing of the turbine and the sixth end 53 may be integrally constrained to a supporting structure fixed to the chassis 20.

[0051] The suction pipe 51 may preferably define a third opening 51a.

[0052] It may be an opening in a portion between the fifth end 52 and the sixth end 53. Therefore, it may be located in an internal portion of the suction pipe 51 . For example, the third opening 51a may be located in an intermediate portion of the suction pipe 51 . 1 4

[0053] The vehicle 2 may preferably comprise a cab 9. It may be a driving cab of the vehicle 2. For example, it may be located in a front portion of the vehicle 2 with respect to the main axis 2a. Therefore, the cab 9 is the cab in which a user can drive the vehicle 2.

[0054] The third opening 51a may preferably place the suction pipe 51 in fluid passage connection with the cab 9. In detail, the third opening 51a may be reversibly closable. For example, the third opening 51a may comprise a hatch that allows it to be opened and closed reversibly. Therefore, the third opening 51a may be designed to allow access to the suction pipe 51 in a portion distant from the ends. The presence of the third opening 51a is advantageous since it allows maintenance operations to be carried out in portions distant from the ends. Therefore, it allows intervention on less accessible portions. Furthermore, the positioning of the third opening 51a at the driving cab 9 makes it possible for a user to access the suction pipe 51 directly from the driving cab 9. Therefore, at least part of the wall of the suction pipe 51 may be located at a wall of the driving cab 9. For example, the suction pipe 51 may be located at a rear wall of the driving cab 9, corresponding to the wall of the driving cab 9 opposite the most forward portion of the vehicle 2 along the main axis 2a in the forward direction of travel.

[0055] The vehicle 2 may preferably comprise a driving station 8. It may be configured to allow a user to drive the vehicle 2. In particular, it may comprise a steering wheel and pedals for operating the components of the sweeping machine 1 . Furthermore, the driving station 8 may comprise a control panel and levers for the controls of the vehicle 2. In addition, the driving station 8 may comprise a seat to allow a user to sit at the driving station 8. The seat is integral with the controls and pedals of the driving station 8. Furthermore, it may comprise controls for activating the sweeping elements 3. In particular, it may comprise controls for moving the sweeping elements 3 with respect to the chassis 20. Moreover, the driving station 8 may comprise controls for moving the sweeping elements 3 with respect to their supporting structure. For example, the driving station 8 may comprise controls for adjusting the speed of the sweeping elements 3 with respect to their supporting structure. The driving station 8 may comprise the controls for operating the other parts of the sweeping machine 1 .

[0056] The driving station 8 may be reversibly engageable to the chassis 20. In particular, 1 4 the driving station 8 may preferably be movable along a guide 80. It may be a straight guide between at least two driving positions corresponding to the ends of the guide 80. For example, the guide 80 may be a straight rail with respect to which the driving station 8 can be constrained so as to slide on it and be locked in predetermined operating positions. The guide 80 may be aligned with a transverse direction 80a with respect to a forward direction of the vehicle 2. For example, the transverse direction 80a may be the direction perpendicular to the main axis 2a. In this way, the driving station 8 is positioned with respect to the vehicle 2 so that the user driving is facing the direction of advancement along the main axis 2a and that the driving station 8 can be positioned in lateral positions with respect to the main axis. The sliding of the driving station 8 along the guide 80 allows a user driving the vehicle 2 to be positioned in different positions along the direction of the guide 80. In this way, the user can drive the vehicle from different transverse positions with respect to the main axis 2a. In this way, the user can drive the vehicle positioning himself with respect to the vehicle 2 so that he can view the road from different positions. This solution is advantageous since it allows the driver to position the driving station 8 according to the configuration of the road and the driving direction. For example, when the sweeping machine 1 passes along a one-way street, the driving station 8 can be moved so that the driver passes from a lateral position with respect to the main axis 2a to a position that allows him to have an improved view of the edge of the road to be cleaned by means of the sweeping elements 3. Therefore, this translating driving solution, for example from right to left along the direction perpendicular to the main axis 2a, for one-way traffic, allows a more effective cleaning of the streets by facilitating the vehicle 2 driver’s view of the edge of the road.

[0057] For example, the driving station 8 and the guide 80 may be located inside the driving cab 9.

[0058] The sweeping machine preferably comprises a radiator 6. It is operatively connected to the engine 21 . In detail, the radiator 6 is configured to cool the engine 21 .

[0059] In particular, the radiator 6 is preferably positioned at one end of the chassis 20. For example, the radiator 6 may be located in the portion farthest from the driving station 8 with respect to the main axis 2a. In detail, the radiator 6 may be located in a position opposite the driving cab 9 with respect to the main axis 2a. In particular, the 1 4 radiator may be located at the rear of the vehicle 2. The radiator 6 may preferably be accessible from the external environment and positioned raised above the ground. In this way, possible clogging of the radiator 6 can be avoided. For example, it may be accessible by opening a hatch from the outside. In this way, the position of the radiator 6 allows maintenance operations to be made more effective.

[0060] For example, the radiator 6 and the first end 41 may both be located in the portion of the vehicle 2 opposite the driving cab 9 along the main axis 2a. In detail, the radiator 6 may be located in a position such that it is more easily reachable by a user from outside the vehicle 2. Furthermore, the position of the first end 41 at the rear of the vehicle 2 ensures that the waste unloading operations, when the chamber 4 is in the second position, take place at the rear of the vehicle 2.

[0061] The chamber 4 may preferably be farther from the ground than the engine 21. In particular, the engine 21 may be covered by the chamber 4 when the latter is in the first position. Therefore, the sweeping machine 1 may be configured in such a way that the engine 21 is positioned beneath the chamber 4 and covered by it when the chamber 4 is in the first position. The engine 21 may be accessible from the external environment when the chamber 4 is in the second position. In detail, when the chamber 4 is in the second position and is at least partially raised with respect to the chassis 20, the engine 21 becomes directly accessible from the external environment. This solution makes maintenance operations of the sweeping machine 1 easier, since it allows direct access to the engine 21 by bringing the chamber 4 into the second position.

[0062] The sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise a tank 22. It may be a tank suitable for containing water. The sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise a second duct 10. It is a duct in fluid passage connection with the tank 22. Furthermore, the second duct 10 may be in fluid passage connection with the external environment. The second duct 10 may be in fluid passage connection with the suction pipe 51. In particular, the second duct 10 may be configured to convey water from the tank 22 to the external environment in the vicinity of the sweeping elements 3. Furthermore, the second duct 10 may be configured to convey water from the tank 22 to the suction pipe 51 . In this regard, the water may exit the second duct 10 through nozzles. They may be positioned at the sweeping elements 3. Furthermore, they may be located at least at the fifth end 52 and the sixth end 53. 1 4

[0063] In this way, by supplying water at the sweeping elements 3, the second duct 10 advantageously makes the waste suction operations from the soil cleaner. In fact, the dust is captured by the water sprayed by the nozzles, preventing it from rising into the air as the sweeping machine 1 passes. Furthermore, by introducing sprayed water into the suction pipe 51 , in addition to achieving a similar dust suppression effect inside the suction pipe 51 , the second duct 10 allows the waste transit inside the suction pipe 51 to be lubricated and facilitated. Another advantage of the second duct 10 lies in the fact that the presence of water sucked by the suction pipe 51 ends up inside the chamber 4, so that the dust entering the chamber 4 and the lighter waste settle on the bottom of the internal volume 40 and do not disperse in the air flow.

[0064] The second duct 10 may preferably comprise a pump 11. It may be a pump configured to draw water from the tank 22 and feed it into the second duct 10. For example, the pump 11 may be a centrifugal electric pump. The pump 11 allows the pressure of the water to be regulated so that it can be easily sprayed through the nozzles at the outlet of the second duct 10.

[0065] The chamber 4 may be farther from the ground than the tank 22. Furthermore, the tank 22 may preferably be covered by the chamber 4 when the latter is in the first position. Moreover, the tank 22 may preferably be accessible when the chamber 4 is in the second position. In this way, the tank 22 can also be easily accessible due to its location beneath the chamber 4.

[0066] In detail, the tank 22 may comprise a reversibly closable access mouth, which may be located towards the chamber 4. In this way, the access mouth remains covered when the chamber 4 is in the first position and becomes accessible when the chamber 4 is in the second position.

[0067] The tank 22 may preferably be located along a contour of the chassis 20. In particular, the sweeping machine may comprise two tanks 22. In detail, both tanks 22 may be located in opposite positions with respect to the direction orthogonal to the main axis 2a. Therefore, the tanks 22 may be accessible from opposite sides of the vehicle 2. In this way, the tanks 22 are simultaneously accessible when the chamber 4 is in the second position.

[0068] The engine 21 may preferably be located within the contour. Therefore, the engine 21 may be flanked in a plane parallel to the ground by the tank 22. For example, the 1 4 engine 21 may be flanked in a plane parallel to the ground by both tanks 22. Therefore, the two tanks 22 may be located on the sides of the engine 21. In this way, a compact configuration of the vehicle 2 is achieved, while at the same time allowing facilitated and direct access to the tanks 22 and to the engine 21 when the chamber 4 is in the second position.

[0069] For example, the portions of the engine 21 and of the tanks 22 farthest from the ground may be placed beneath the chamber 4 when the latter is in the first position. In detail, the tanks 22 may be situated on the two opposite sides of the vehicle 2 with respect to the main axis 2a. In this way, the vehicle 2 is more compact and has components that are more easily accessible.

[0070] The sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise a flexible hose 7. It may be a hose in fluid passage connection with the chamber 4 at a third end 70. Furthermore, the flexible hose 7 may be in fluid passage connection with the external environment at a fourth end 71. The latter may be an end opposite to the third end 70. The flexible hose 7 may be suitable for sucking solid waste from the external environment when the pressure in the internal volume 40 is lower than the pressure of the external environment. Therefore, the flexible hose 7 may be used by a user to suck up waste. For example, it may be positioned on the ground to suck up deposited waste. The flexible hose 7 may be bent in such a way as to make it easier to position it at the portion of the ground to be cleaned.

[0071] For example, the waste may comprise leaves or other light and solid waste that can be sucked up by the air flow triggered by the pressure difference between the external environment and the internal volume 40.

[0072] The chamber 4 may preferably comprise a housing 43. It may be a housing external to the internal volume 40. In particular, it may be exposed to the external environment. The housing 43 is configured to accommodate the flexible hose 7 when it is not in use. Therefore, it is a housing that advantageously allows the flexible hose 7 to be stored when not in use, so as to make the chamber 4 more compact.

[0073] The flexible hose 7 may define a development line joining the center of each crosssection of the flexible hose 7. Preferably, the housing 43 may be at least partially counter-shaped to the flexible hose 7. The housing 43 is suitable for allowing the insertion of the flexible hose 7 inside it transversely to the development line. For 1 4 example, the housing 43 may have a predominantly elongated shape and be recessed in an outer wall of the chamber 4. The housing 43 may be accessible from the external environment by means of a first opening 43a and a second opening 43b. The first opening 43a may be designed to accommodate at least part of the third end 70. For example, in the first opening 43a the flexible hose 7 may be inserted along its development line.

[0074] The second opening 43b may preferably be reversibly closable by means of a movable member 44. The movable member 44 may be a door hinged to rotate about hinges allowing the closure and reopening of the second opening 43b. The movable member 44 may be a door having a shape such as to completely cover the second opening 43b when closed. In this regard, the second opening 43b is suitable for accommodating the fourth end 71. For example, the fourth end 71 may be placed inside the second opening 43b so that the flexible hose 7 has an orientation such that its development line is transverse to the insertion direction inside the housing 43. During insertion, the flexible hose 7 may have an orientation such that a crosssection thereof with respect to the development line lies within the first opening 43a. The housing 43 may preferably comprise at least one hook 43c. It may be a hook 43c integral with the housing 43. In particular, the hook 43c may be configured to reversibly lock the flexible hose 7 to the housing 43 itself when it is inserted inside it. In this way, the flexible hose 7 can be safely released only after opening the second opening 43b.

[0075] In general, the housing 43 advantageously allows the flexible hose 7 to be stored, when it is not in use, in such a way that it can be easily accessible and therefore easily extracted again for subsequent use. Furthermore, as already mentioned, the housing 43 allows the overall dimensions due to the presence of the flexible hose 7 to be reduced.

[0076] The operation of the sweeping machine 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows.

[0077] The sweeping machine 1 can be driven by a user. The user drives the vehicle 2 from the driving station 8. The driving station 8, depending on the road conditions and the side of the road along which cleaning operations are to be carried out, can be moved along the guide 80 oriented perpendicularly to the direction of advancement. Therefore, the driving station 8 can be translated from right to left 1 4 along the direction perpendicular to the direction of advancement. The turbine 50, when activated, creates a vacuum in the internal volume 40. In this way, an air current is triggered, causing the suction pipe 51 to suck up any waste present on the road surface. The waste is conveyed inside the suction pipe 51 towards the internal volume 40 and accumulated inside it. During maintenance operations, the suction pipe 51 can be inspected, and if necessary cleaned, also by opening the third opening 51a. The latter can be located inside the driving cab 9 so that the user can access the third opening 51a. The removal of solid waste from the ground is facilitated by the sweeping elements 3, which move the waste towards the fifth end 52, either by direct movement or in combination with the movement of the sweeping machine 1 on the ground.

[0078] The flexible hose 7 can be extracted from the housing 43 after opening the movable member 44 and consequently opening the second opening 43b. The flexible hose 7 can be detached from the hook 43c and extracted from the housing 43. It can be used by positioning it on the ground to suck up waste in portions of the ground that are not directly accessible by the sweeping elements 3.

[0079] The turbine 50, when activated, allows air to be sucked from the external environment towards the internal volume 40. Therefore, when the sweeping machine 1 is moved on the ground, the sweeping elements 3 move the waste on the ground and convey it towards the suction pipe 51a.

[0080] The suction of air from the external environment towards the internal volume 40 is triggered when the chamber 4 is in the first position. When the chamber 4 is brought into different positions or into the second position, the fluid connection between the turbine 50 and the chamber 4 is interrupted. The chamber 4 is then brought into the second position to perform the operation of discharging the waste accumulated in the internal volume 40. In this way, a waste containment system sealed against liquids (thanks to the tank-shaped configuration of the chamber 4) and simultaneously a completely passive rear and elevated waste discharge system by gravity are obtained.

[0081] When the chamber 4 is in the second position, the turbine 50 is directly accessible for maintenance operations. Similarly, the tank 22 is accessible when the chamber 4 is brought into the second position. The engine 21 is also accessible when the chamber 4 is in the second position. 1 4

[0082] The sweeping machine 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages. In fact, it makes it possible to facilitate maintenance operations. Indeed, it simplifies the maintenance operations of the turbine, as it is separated from the waste container (chamber 4). It is in fact easily accessible when the chamber 4 is in the second position. Furthermore, the maintenance and inspection operations of the suction pipe 51 can be simplified by the presence of the third opening 51a, which allows direct access to the suction pipe 51 directly from the driving cab 9. The engine and the water tanks are directly accessible when the chamber 4 is raised to the second waste discharge position. This allows the necessary maintenance operations on the engine and tanks to be carried out. Moreover, the position of the radiator ensures that it too is easily accessible. Consequently, maintenance operations on it are also simplified.

[0083] The sweeping machine 1 also has the advantage of allowing an improvement in productivity. Indeed, since it facilitates maintenance operations, it allows a reduction in downtime during which the sweeping machine undergoes necessary maintenance operations.

[0084] Furthermore, the sweeping machine 1 allows an improvement in productivity also due to its greater ease of use. In fact, the presence of the housing for the flexible hose ensures that it can be easily stored after use. Moreover, the housing makes it possible for the sweeping machine to be advantageously compact and to reduce its spatial footprint.

[0085] The invention is susceptible to variations falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0086] Within this scope, all details may be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions may be of any type.

Claims

C LAI M S1. Road sweeping machine (1) suitable for removing waste from a soil and comprising:- a vehicle (2) suitable to be moved on said soil and comprising an engine (21 ), said vehicle (2) comprising a chassis (20), a driving cab (9) and defining a main axis (2a);- sweeping elements (3) connected to said vehicle (2) and suitable for removing said waste from said soil;- a chamber (4) defining an internal volume (40) configured to reversibly accumulate said waste;- a suction duct (5) in fluid passage connection with said chamber (4) and with an external environment, said duct (5) being configured to suck said waste from said external environment and convey said waste into said chamber (4);- said duct (5) comprising a turbine (50) in fluid passage connection with said external environment and with said chamber (4) and configured to move air in said chamber (4) towards said external environment and create a pressure decrease in said chamber (4);- a radiator (6) operatively connected to said engine (21) and configured to cool said engine (21);- said chamber (4) defining a first end (41 ) hinged to said chassis (20) and a second end (42) movable with respect to said chassis (20) and opposite to said first end (41), said second end (42) being suitable to rotate with respect to said chassis (20), said chamber (4) defining:- a first position in which said second end (42) is at a minimum distance from said chassis (20);- a second position in which said second end (42) is at a maximum distance from said chassis (20);- said turbine (50) being fixed to said chassis (20) and being in fluid passage connection with said chamber (4) only when said chamber (4) is in said first position;- said road sweeping machine (1) being characterized in that- said radiator (6) and said first end (41) are both located in the portion of said vehicle (2) opposite said driving cab (9),- and in that it comprises at least one hydraulic actuator (24) extendingmainly along an extension direction (24c), defining a seventh end (24a) and an eighth end (24b) opposite said seventh end (24a), said at least one hydraulic actuator (24) being loosely constrained at said seventh end (24a) to said chassis (20) and at said eighth end (24b) to said chamber (4), said at least one hydraulic actuator (24) being configured to move said chamber (4) by means of a relative rotation of said at least one hydraulic actuator (24) with respect to said chamber (4) and with respect to said chassis (20), said at least one hydraulic actuator (24) being suitable to extend along said extension direction (24c) and reversibly move said chamber (4) at least from said first position to said second position.

2. Sweeping machine (1) according to claim 1 , wherein said chamber (4) is farther from said soil than said engine (21), said engine (21) being covered by said chamber (4) when said chamber (4) is in said first position and being accessible from said external environment when said chamber (4) is in said second position.

3. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said radiator (6) is positioned at one end of said chassis (20), said radiator (6) being accessible from said external environment.

4. Sweeping machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a tank (22) suitable for containing water, a second duct (10) in fluid passage connection with said tank (22), with said external environment and with said suction pipe (51), and configured to convey said water from said tank (22) towards said external environment in the vicinity of said sweeping elements (3) and towards said suction pipe (51), said second duct (10) comprising a pump (11) configured to draw said water from said tank (22) and feed it into said second duct (10).

5. Sweeping machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said chamber (4) is farther from said soil than said tank (22), said tank (22) being covered by said chamber (4) when said chamber (4) is in said first position and being accessible when said chamber (4) is in said second position.

6. Sweeping machine (1) according to at least claims 2 and 4, wherein said tank (22) is located along a contour of said chassis (20) and said engine (21) is located within said contour.

7. Sweeping machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a flexible hose (7) in fluid passage connection with said chamber (4) at1 4 a third end (70), with said external environment at a fourth end (71) opposite said third end (70), and suitable for sucking solid waste from said external environment when the pressure in said internal volume (40) is lower than the pressure of said external environment, said chamber (4) comprising a housing (43), external to said internal volume (40), and configured to house said flexible hose (7) when not in use.

8. Sweeping machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said flexible hose (7) defines a development line joining the center of each cross-section of said flexible hose (7), said housing (43) being at least partially counter-shaped to said flexible hose (7) and being suitable for allowing the insertion of said flexible hose (7) therein transversely to said development line, said housing (43) being accessible from said external environment by means of a first opening (43a) and a second opening (43b), said second opening (43b) being reversibly closable by means of a movable member (44), said first opening (43a) being suitable to accommodate at least part of said third end (70), said second opening (43b) being suitable to accommodate said fourth end (71).

9. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said vehicle (2) comprises a driving station (8) configured to allow a user to drive said vehicle (2), said driving station (8) being reversibly connectable to said chassis (20) and movable along a straight guide (80) between at least two driving positions at the ends of said guide, said guide (80) being aligned with a direction transverse to a forward direction of said vehicle (2).

10. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said duct (5) comprises a suction pipe (51) configured to suck said waste from said soil, said suction pipe (51) defining a fifth end (52) in fluid passage connection with said external environment and a sixth end (53) opposite said fifth end (52) in fluid passage connection with said internal volume (40), said sixth end (53) being in fluid passage connection with said chamber (4) only when said chamber (4) is in said first position.

11. Sweeping machine (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said suction pipe (51) defines a third opening (51a), in a portion between said fifth end (52) and said sixth end (53), said vehicle (2) comprising a driver's cab (9), said third opening (51a) placing said suction pipe (51 ) in fluid passage connection with said cab (9), said third opening (51a) being reversibly closable, said third opening (51a)being intended to provide access to said suction pipe (51) in a portion distant from said ends.

12. Sweeping machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said chamber (4), when moving from said first position to said second position, performs a rotation of at least 80° around said first end (41 ).

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