Sweeping machine

The road sweeping machine addresses maintenance inefficiencies by rotating waste discharge and integrating airflow management, enhancing efficiency and reducing downtime through a compact design with efficient waste collection and discharge.

WO2026093889A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-07SICAS EUROCLEAN SRL
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
SICAS EUROCLEAN SRL
Filing Date
2025-10-27
Publication Date
2026-05-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing road sweepers face challenges with lengthy maintenance operations, reducing productivity due to downtime, and inefficiencies in waste collection and discharge systems.

Method used

A road sweeping machine with a chamber that rotates to facilitate waste discharge by gravity, incorporating a grid and door system to manage airflow and prevent waste from entering the turbine, ensuring efficient waste collection and maintenance, and a compact design with integrated ducts for improved airflow management.

Benefits of technology

Enhances efficiency by reducing turbine clogging, minimizing downtime for maintenance, and allowing for compact operation with efficient waste discharge and collection, maintaining airflow integrity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Road sweeping machine (1) suitable for removing waste from a ground surface and comprising: a first chamber (4) defining a first internal volume (40) fluidly connectable with an external environment and configured to reversibly accumulate waste; a turbine (5) in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume (40), with the external environment and configured to move air from the first internal volume (40) toward the external environment and to reduce the pressure of the first internal volume (40) to a value lower than the pressure of the external environment; a first suction pipe (6) in fluid passage connection with the external environment and with the first internal volume (40), suitable for suctioning waste from the external environment and conveying it toward the first internal volume (40) when the turbine (5) is active; the first chamber (4) defining a first opening (41) and: an open configuration in which the first opening (41) places the first internal volume (40) in fluid passage connection with the external environment; a closed configuration in which the first opening (41) separates the first internal volume (40) from the external environment; a grid (41a) connected to the first opening (41) and configured to allow the passage of air and to at least partially block the passage of waste through the first opening (41); a first duct (7) suitable for placing the first opening (41) in fluid passage connection with the turbine (5); a second duct (8) suitable for placing the turbine (5) in fluid passage connection with the external environment; the turbine (5) being in fluid passage connection with the external environment only through the second duct (8) and being in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume (40) only through the first duct (7) when the first chamber (4) is in the closed configuration.
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Description

[0001] DESCRI PTION

[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. A similar sweeping machine is described in patent EP24089721 .

[0005] Road sweeping machines are currently known which perform the function of cleaning urban environments and roads from waste, such as, for example, dust, leaves, and debris that may accumulate 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, water jets for removing waste present on the road and for cleaning the road surface. In addition, sweepers use suction pipes for removing waste. The latter, once sucked in, are conveyed inside a chamber. The latter may be a large-volume waste container, inside which the collected waste can be accumulated.

[0006] During the waste discharge phase, 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 accumulated waste through an active system with an ejection plate.

[0007] In general, to perform the suction of road waste, road sweepers may use a suction system operated by a turbine. In particular, the suction system serves to convey the collected waste moved towards the suction mouth, to suck it in and convey it into the container. Road sweepers may also use a water circulation system, which allows the management of water flow inside the pipes in such a way as to regulate the water jets.

[0008] The prior art described has some important drawbacks.

[0009] In particular, known sweepers do not allow maintenance operations to be carried out easily.

[0010] Consequently, they require lengthy operations that reduce productivity, since such maintenance involves downtime that can last several days.

[0011] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a sweeping machine capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0012] Within the framework of said technical task, an important aim of the invention is to provide a highly efficient sweeping machine.

[0013] Another important aim of the invention is to provide a sweeping machine capable of facilitating maintenance operations.

[0014] The technical task and the specified aims are achieved by a sweeping machine as claimed in the attached claim 1 .

[0015] Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0016] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified below through the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] - Figure 1 shows a side view of a sweeping machine according to the invention;

[0018] - Figure 2 illustrates a section of a sweeping machine according to the invention;

[0019] - Figure 3 is a first axonometric view of a first portion of a sweeping machine according to the invention;

[0020] - Figure 4 is a second axonometric view of a first portion in which some internal parts of a sweeping machine according to the invention are visible;

[0021] - Figure 5 is a third axonometric view of a first portion in which some internal parts of a sweeping machine according to the invention are visible;

[0022] - Figure 6 is a fourth axonometric view of a first portion in which some internal parts of a sweeping machine according to the invention are visible;

[0023] - Figure 7 is an axonometric view of a second portion in which some internal parts of a sweeping machine according to the invention are visible; and

[0024] - Figure 8 is a fifth axonometric view of a first portion in which some internal parts of a sweeping machine according to the invention are visible.

[0025] In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be understood as allowing for measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors and, above all, as allowing for a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometric reference to which they are associated. For example, such terms, when associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0026] Furthermore, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “upper”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not necessarily identify an order, priority of relationship or relative position, but may simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, as results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “determination”, “calculation”, or similar, 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 of 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 display devices of information.

[0028] The measurements and data reported herein are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975) conditions.

[0029] With reference to the Figures, the sweeping machine according to the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. It may be a road sweeping machine. Therefore, it is suitable for removing waste from a ground surface. In particular, it may comprise a vehicle 2. It may be a motorized vehicle. For example, it may be a road vehicle suitable for rubber-tired transport. In particular, the vehicle 2 may be configured to be moved on the ground. In particular, the vehicle 2 defines a direction of advancement 2a. This may be the direction along which the vehicle 2 can be moved.

[0030] The vehicle 2 may comprise a driving cab in the end portion farthest forward with respect to the direction of advancement of the vehicle 2. The vehicle 2 comprises a chassis 20. This may be the support structure of the vehicle and of the parts connected to it. Moreover, the vehicle 2 may comprise movement elements. For example, these may be wheels loosely constrained to the chassis and allowing the movement of the vehicle 2 on the ground.

[0031] The sweeping machine 1 preferably comprises sweeping elements 3. These are elements suitable for removing waste from the ground. In particular, they may comprise brushes and nozzles for emitting water jets. In this way, they can move the waste and position it in areas of the ground where it can be collected. The sweeping elements 3 may be connected to the vehicle 2. In detail, they may be loosely connected to the vehicle 2. In this way, they can be moved relative to the chassis 20. Therefore, the movement of the sweeping elements 3 allows reaching areas of the ground at a distance from the vehicle 2 depending on the size of the supports of the sweeping elements 3.

[0032] The sweeping machine 1 comprises a first chamber 4. It is configured to reversibly accumulate waste. Therefore, the first chamber

[0033] 4 can be filled with waste collected from the ground and can discharge it. 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 so as to perform its function over longer routes.

[0034] The first chamber 4 defines a first internal volume 40. This is the internal volume of the first chamber 4. In particular, the first internal volume 40 can be placed in fluid connection with an external environment. In this way, the waste can be conveyed inside the first internal volume 40.

[0035] The first chamber 4 may preferably define a first position. In particular, in this position the first chamber 4 is constrained to the chassis 20 for most of its extension. In this regard, the first chamber 4 may define a bottom portion 45. This portion corresponds to the portion of the first chamber 4 in which the waste is accumulated. For example, the bottom portion 45 may be the portion of the first chamber 4 closest to the ground. This portion can be placed directly in contact with the chassis 20 and constrained to it. Therefore, in the first position, the first chamber 4 can accumulate waste in the first internal volume 40.

[0036] The first chamber 4 may preferably define a second position. In this position, the first chamber 4 is constrained to the chassis 20 only at a constraint end 4a. For example, the constraint end 4a may be an end opposite the driving cab along the advancement direction 2a. In the second position, the first chamber 4 can be rotated relative to the first position. For example, the first chamber 4 can rotate about the constraint end 4a. Therefore, in the second position, the first chamber 4 can discharge by gravity the waste accumulated therein. In detail, the first chamber 4 can discharge the waste rearward and at height by tilting, as a result of rotation about the constraint end 4a, thus defining a passive system for discharging waste by gravity.

[0037] The first chamber 4 preferably defines a first opening 41. This is an opening suitable for reversibly placing the first internal volume 40 in fluid passage connection with the external environment. For example, the first opening 41 may be located in the portion of the first chamber 4 farthest from the ground. In particular, the first chamber 4 defines an open configuration. In this configuration, the first opening 41 places the first internal volume 40 in fluid passage connection with the external environment. Therefore, in the open configuration, the first internal volume 40 is directly accessible from the external environment. In particular, this configuration is advantageous because it allows the discharge of the waste contained inside the first volume 40. In detail, in the second position, the first chamber 4 may preferably discharge waste through the first opening 41 .

[0038] For example, the first chamber 4 can be brought into the open configuration by rotation about the constraint end 4a. Therefore, the first chamber 4 can be rotated to bring it into the second position, in which it is rotated with respect to the first position, thus orienting the first opening 41 so that the waste can flow out from it.

[0039] The first chamber 4 defines a closed configuration. In particular, in this configuration, the first opening 41 separates the first internal volume 40 from the external environment. Therefore, in this configuration, the first internal volume 40 is not accessible from the external environment through the first opening 41. This configuration is advantageous during the use phases of the sweeping machine 1 , in which the waste is accumulated inside the first internal volume 40. In this way, the waste remains inside the first internal volume 40, and dispersions into the external environment are prevented, thereby solving the problem of leakage of malodorous liquids.

[0040] The sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise a grid 41a. This may be a grid connected to the first opening 41 . In detail, it is configured to allow the passage of air and at least partially block the passage of waste through the first opening 41. Therefore, it is advantageous since it allows air to pass inside the first internal volume 40, preventing waste from being conveyed with the air flow through the first opening 41 .

[0041] In detail, the grid 41 a may preferably be loosely constrained to the first chamber 4. For example, it may be constrained along the edge of the first opening 41. In particular, the grid 41a may preferably be movable with respect to the first chamber 4. The grid 41 a may be loosely constrained to a portion of the edge of the first opening 41 . In particular, the grid 41 a may be loosely constrained to a portion of the edge of the first opening 41 and rest on the remaining part of the edge of the first opening 41. Therefore, the grid 41 a may preferably cover the first opening 41 entirely when the first chamber 4 is in the first position. For example, if the first opening 41 is located in a position closer to the ground than the grid 41 a, the latter may rest on the first opening 41 , covering it.

[0042] The grid 41a can rotate relative to the first opening 41 . In this way, it can cover or uncover the first opening 41 depending on its position. In particular, the grid 41a may be moved by gravity when the first chamber 4 is brought from the first position to the second position. For example, the rotation of the first chamber 4 can cause the rotation of the grid 41 a, which frees the first opening 41 . Therefore, the grid 41 a can leave the first opening 41 uncovered when the first chamber 4 is in the second position.

[0043] For example, if the first chamber 4 is in the second position and in the open configuration, the grid 41a can release the first opening 41 so as to allow the discharge of waste. In detail, the grid 41 a may be loose and movable by gravity depending on the position of the first chamber 4. Alternatively, the grid 41 a may be movable relative to the first opening 41 by means of actuators and electronic control devices.

[0044] The sweeping machine 1 may preferably comprise a door 42. This may be a movable door. In particular, it may be located in correspondence with the first opening 41 . For example, the door 42 may be a door having the shape of a plate hinged along one side to the first chamber 4. It may be moved by actuators operable by a user. The open and closed configurations may be defined by the position of the door 42 with respect to the first opening 41 . Therefore, when the door 42 is in contact with all the edges of the first opening 41 and the door 42 closes the first opening 41 , the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. In particular, the door 42 may be located on one edge of the first opening 41 so as to lock the grid 41a onto the first opening 41 .

[0045] When the door 42 is positioned so as not to be in contact with the edges of the first opening 41 , the first chamber 4 is in the open configuration. For example, the door 42 can be opened to allow waste to be expelled from the first internal volume 40. Therefore, this configuration is advantageous during the waste discharge phases. In detail, the opening of the door 42 allows the discharge of waste when the grid 41 a also frees the first opening 41 .

[0046] The first chamber 4 may preferably comprise a fixed portion 43. This may be integral with the first chamber 4. In particular, it may be a portion of the wall farthest from the ground of the first chamber 4 when the latter is in the first position.

[0047] The fixed portion is suitable for separating the first internal volume 40 from the external environment. The door 42 is preferably loosely constrained to the fixed portion 43. In detail, the door 42 can be constrained along the same edge of the fixed portion 43 to which the grid 41 a is loosely constrained, with the door 42 positioned farther from the first opening 41 than the grid 41 a.

[0048] Furthermore, the door 42 may be rotatable relative to the fixed portion 43. For example, the door 42 and the fixed portion 43 can form an outer wall of the first chamber 4 when the latter is in the closed configuration. In general, the presence of the fixed portion 43 allows limiting and controlling the discharge flow of waste when the first chamber 4 is brought into the second position. In fact, the first opening 41 has dimensions that depend on the geometric configuration of the first chamber 4 and on the presence of the fixed portion 43.

[0049] The sweeping machine comprises a turbine 5. This may be a turbine used for air movement and for creating a vacuum in an environment. It may comprise a chamber inside which a rotor is located. Blades are rigidly attached to the rotor. In detail, the blades of the turbine may be curved. The turbine 5 can be in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40. Furthermore, the turbine 5 can be in fluid passage connection with the external environment. Advantageously, the turbine 5 can move air from the first internal volume 40 toward the external environment. Consequently, it reduces the pressure inside the first internal volume 40 to a value lower than the pressure of the external environment. In this way, the turbine 5 allows an air circulation to be created from the external environment toward the first internal volume 40 through a pressure difference. Consequently, the turbine 5 allows air to be conveyed inside the first chamber 4.

[0050] In this regard, the sweeping machine 1 comprises a first suction pipe 6. This may be a pipe in fluid passage connection with the external environment and with the first internal volume 40. For example, it may comprise an external end in fluid passage connection with the external environment, positioned in the portion of the vehicle 2 closest to the ground, and an internal end, opposite the external end, in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40. In detail, the first suction pipe 6 is suitable for sucking in waste from the external environment to convey it toward the first internal volume 40 when the turbine 5 is active. Therefore, the first suction pipe 6 advantageously allows the removal of waste from the ground as the vehicle 2 advances over it, through the air flow generated by the action of the turbine 5.

[0051] The sweeping machine 1 may comprise a second suction pipe 9. This is a suction pipe in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40. Furthermore, it is in fluid passage connection with the external environment. For example, it may be a flexible pipe. It too may be in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40 at its internal end and connected to the first chamber 4 at said end. Moreover, it may be used by a user to suction waste present on portions of the ground that are not directly reachable by the vehicle 2. In particular, it can be bent and oriented so as to position the free end in correspondence with the waste to be sucked in. Advantageously, the sweeping machine 1 comprises a first duct 7. This is a duct configured to place the first opening 41 in fluid passage connection with the turbine 5. Therefore, the air flow generated by the action of the turbine 5 can pass from the first internal volume 40 toward the turbine 5 through the first opening 41 . In detail, the turbine 5 is preferably in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40 only through the first duct 7. More specifically, the turbine 5 is in fluid passage connection with the first internal volume 40 only through the first duct 7 when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. For example, the closing of the door 42 ensures that the turbine 5 is connected to the first internal volume only through the first opening 41. Advantageously, the presence of the grid 41 a, partially obstructing the first opening 41 , prevents waste larger than the mesh size of the grid 41 a from passing through the first opening 41 . This advantageously prevents waste contained in the first internal volume 40 from being conveyed into the turbine 5. Consequently, the risk of damage to the turbine 5 is reduced, and the efficiency of the turbine 5 is improved.

[0052] The first duct 7 may preferably be separated from the external environment only when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. Therefore, the first duct 7 can be isolated from the external environment when the door 42 is closed and the first internal volume 40 is separated from the external environment.

[0053] In detail, when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration, the first duct 7 may preferably be housed partially in the fixed portion 43 and partially in a second internal volume 44. The second internal volume 44 may be a volume delimited by the door 42, the fixed portion 43, and the first opening 41 . Therefore, the second internal volume 44 is separated from the external environment when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration.

[0054] More specifically, the first duct 7 may preferably comprise a channel 70. This may be a channel housed in the fixed portion 43. Therefore, the channel 70 may be a channel housed inside a wall portion of the first chamber 4. The channel 70 can place the turbine 5 in fluid passage connection with the second internal volume 44 when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. The channel 70 can place the turbine 5 in fluid passage connection with the external environment when the first chamber 4 is in the open configuration. Therefore, in the closed configuration, the first duct 7 comprises the channel 70 and the second internal volume 44 and is separated from the external environment. In the open configuration, the first duct 7 comprises the channel 70 in fluid passage connection directly with the external environment.

[0055] In detail, the channel 70 may define a first end 70a. This may be an end comprising an opening in fluid passage connection with the turbine 5. Furthermore, the channel 70 may comprise a second end 70b. This may be an end comprising an opening in fluid passage connection with the second internal volume 44 when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. Furthermore, the second end 70b may be an end in fluid passage connection with the external environment when the first chamber 4 is in the open configuration. The second end 70b may be located at one end of the fixed portion 43.

[0056] The first duct 7 may preferably comprise a second chamber 71. The second chamber 71 may be in fluid passage connection with the channel 70 and with the turbine 5. In particular, the second chamber 71 may be in fluid passage connection with the second end 70b and with the turbine 5. The second chamber 71 may be configured at least to allow the passage of air from the channel 70 to the turbine 5 when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration. The second chamber 71 may preferably be located inside the first internal volume 40. Furthermore, it may be separated from the first internal volume 40. This solution advantageously makes the first duct 7 more compact and less bulky. Therefore, the second end 70b can be in fluid passage connection with the second chamber 71 , which is located in a portion internal to the first internal volume 40; consequently, the air flow toward the turbine 5 always takes place inside the first chamber 4 and advantageously in a portion separated from the first internal volume 40.

[0057] In detail, the second chamber 71 may comprise a mouth 71a in fluid passage connection with the turbine 5. The mouth 71 a may be located in a wall of the second chamber 71 , which may coincide with an outer wall of the first chamber 4. In this way, the mouth 71 a can create the fluid passage connection with the turbine 5 in an outer portion of the first chamber 4. In this way, the turbine 5 can advantageously be housed outside the first chamber 4. Furthermore, an additional grid may be located in correspondence with the mouth 71 a. This may prevent the passage of possible waste that may have passed through the grid 41 a and are therefore smaller than the mesh size of the grid 41 a. Moreover, as the air flow passes successively through the chamber 71 and the mouth 71 a before entering the turbine 5, it performs rotations that cause dust to settle by cyclone effect, thus preserving the turbine 5 itself.

[0058] The sweeping machine 1 may comprise a second duct 8. This is a duct configured to place the turbine 5 in fluid passage connection with the external environment. Therefore, it advantageously performs the function of allowing the expulsion of the air sucked from the first internal volume 40 toward the external environment.

[0059] Preferably, the turbine 5 may be in fluid passage connection with the external environment only through the second duct 8. In this way, the airflow from the turbine 5 to the external environment can be advantageously controlled. In detail, the turbine 5 can be in fluid passage connection with the second duct 8 through a third opening 81 .

[0060] Furthermore, the fixed portion 43 may preferably comprise the second duct 8. In this way, the sweeping machine 1 can be made more compact, since the fixed portion 43 contains the second duct 8 inside it. In addition, the fixed portion 43 may comprise a second opening 80. The latter is suitable for placing the second duct 8 in fluid passage connection with the external environment. For example, the second opening 80 may be located on an external portion of the fixed portion 43. For example, it may face the same edge to which the door 42 is hinged. Furthermore, the first end 70a may be present on the same edge. The fixed portion 43 may therefore comprise the channel 70 and the second duct 8. These may be arranged parallel to each other so as to make the first chamber 4 more compact. For example, the grid 41 a and the door 42 may be constrained to the fixed portion 43 at the same portion of the edge of the first opening 41 , with the grid 41 a positioned adjacent to the first opening 41 and the hinge of the door 42 positioned farther from the first opening 41 , so as to be able to cover the second end 70b.

[0061] The operation of the sweeping machine 1 previously described in structural terms is as follows. The sweeping machine 1 is moved on the ground, and the movement of the vehicle 2 allows reaching the waste present on the ground. In particular, the activation of the turbine 5 initiates an air flow from the external environment toward the turbine 5 and from the turbine 5 back toward the external environment. The air flow from the first internal volume 40 toward the external environment creates a vacuum inside the first internal volume 40. Consequently, the waste present on the ground can be sucked into the first internal volume 40 and accumulated therein, at least when the first chamber 4 is in the closed configuration and in the first position. In particular, when the first chamber 4 is in the first position and the door 42 separates the first chamber 4 from the external environment and creates the second internal volume 44, an air flow carrying waste collected from the ground can flow from the external environment into the first chamber 4 through a first suction pipe 6. From the first internal volume 40, the air can be expelled through the first opening 41 into the second internal volume 44. The air passing through the first opening 41 is at least partially cleaned of waste that may be conveyed into the airflow by means of the grid 41 a located on the opening 41 . From the second internal volume 44, the air flows into the first duct 7. In detail, the air flows from the channel 70 toward the second chamber 71 , and from the latter toward the turbine 5. From the turbine 5, the air is conveyed toward the second duct 8, and from the latter, the air is expelled into the external environment.

[0062] In the open configuration, the first internal volume 40 is in fluid passage connection with the external environment. The grid 41 a can also be moved so as not to cover the first opening 41 . In this configuration, waste can be discharged. When the first chamber 4 is brought into the second position by rotation, the waste can be discharged from the internal volume 40 by gravity and at height passive discharge system.

[0063] The sweeping machine 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages. In fact, it allows air suction with greater efficiency. Indeed, since the airflow is forced to pass through the grid before entering the turbine, the flow itself is cleaned of waste. Furthermore, the turbine does not come into contact with larger waste, thus preventing clogging and allowing the turbine to continue operating at high efficiency. Consequently, the air flow and the vacuum level inside the first internal volume 40 continue to be maintained at the desired levels.

[0064] The sweeping machine 1 has the advantage of facilitating maintenance operations. Indeed, the turbine experiences clogging less frequently thanks to the separation of the air flow from the waste accumulated in the internal volume. Consequently, turbine cleaning operations are required less frequently, thereby reducing downtime for maintenance.

[0065] A further advantage lies in the fact that the first chamber has a compact configuration, in which the ducts through which the air flows are integrated into the walls of the chamber. Therefore, it allows increasing, with equal overall size, the load volume furthermore, in the absence of the conventional bulky expulsion plate, thanks to the rear tilting discharge. Moreover, it eliminates the problem of liquid leakage through the tank configuration in the form of a watertight container. In this way, the sweeping machine occupies less space and can operate in environments with limited maneuvering space. As a result, the sweeping machine 1 can operate with greater efficiency.

[0066] The described configuration allows waste to be discharged at height, into loading buckets or truck compactors, through a passive system gravity.

[0067] The invention is susceptible to variations falling within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims. Within this scope, all details may be replaced with equivalent elements, and the materials, shapes, and dimensions may be of any type.

Claims

C LA I M S1. Road sweeping machine (1 ) suitable for removing waste from a ground surface and comprising:- a motorized vehicle (2) configured to be moved on said ground, said vehicle (2) comprising a frame (20);- sweeping elements (3) connected to said vehicle (2) and suitable for removing said waste from said ground;- a first chamber (4) defining a first internal volume (40) fluidly connectable with an external environment and configured to reversibly accumulate said waste;- a turbine (5) in fluid passage connection with said first internal volume (40), with said external environment and configured to move air from said first internal volume (40) toward said external environment and to reduce the pressure of said first internal volume (40) to a value lower than the pressure of said external environment;- a first suction pipe (6) in fluid passage connection with said external environment and with said first internal volume (40), suitable for suctioning said waste from said external environment and conveying it toward said first internal volume (40) when said turbine (5) is active;- said first chamber (4) defining a first opening (41 ) suitable for reversibly placing said first internal volume (40) in fluid passage connection with said external environment, said first chamber (4) defining: an open configuration in which said first opening (41 ) places said first internal volume (40) in fluid passage connection with said external environment; a closed configuration in which said first opening (41 ) separatessaid first internal volume (40) from said external environment;- a grid (41a) connected to said first opening (41 ) and configured to allow the passage of said air and to at least partially block the passage of said waste through said first opening (41 );- a first duct (7) suitable for placing said first opening (41 ) in fluid passage connection with said turbine (5);- a second duct (8) suitable for placing said turbine (5) in fluid passage connection with said external environment;- said turbine (5) being in fluid passage connection with said external environment only through said second duct (8) and being in fluid passage connection with said first internal volume (40) only through said first duct (7) when said first chamber (4) is in the closed configuration;- said sweeping machine (1) being characterized in that it comprises:- a movable door (42) located in correspondence with said first opening (41 ), said open and closed configurations being defined by the position of said door (42) with respect to said first opening (41 );- and in that said first chamber (4) comprises a fixed portion (43) integral with said first chamber (4) and suitable for separating said first internal volume (40) from said external environment, said door (42) being loosely constrained to said fixed portion (43) and being rotatable with respect to said fixed portion (43);- consequently, in said open configuration said internal volume (40) is directly accessible from the external environment and allows the discharge of the waste contained inside said first volume (40).

2. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said firstchamber (4) defines:- a first position, in which said first chamber (4) is constrained to said frame (20) for most of its extension and in which said first chamber (4) can accumulate said waste in said first internal volume (40);- a second position, in which said first chamber (4) is constrained to said frame (20) only at a constraint end (4a), in which it is rotated with respect to said first position, and in which said first chamber (4) can discharge said waste through said first opening (41 ).

3. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said grid (41 a) is loosely constrained to said first chamber (4), said grid (41 a) being movable with respect to said first chamber (4), said grid (41 a) covering entirely said first opening (41 ) when said first chamber (4) is in said first position and leaving said first opening (41 ) uncovered when said first chamber (4) is in said second position.

4. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to at least claim 1 , wherein said first duct (7) is separated from said external environment only when said first chamber (4) is in said closed configuration.

5. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein when said first chamber (4) is in the closed configuration, said first duct (7) is housed partially in said fixed portion (43) and partially in a second internal volume (44) delimited by said door (42), said fixed portion (43), and said first opening (41 ).

6. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first duct (7) comprises a channel (70) housed in said fixed portion (43), said channel (70) placing said turbine (5) in fluid passage connection with said second internal volume (44) when said first chamber (4) is in the closed configuration and with said external environment when said first chamber (4) is in the open configuration.

7. Sweeping machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first duct (7) comprises a second chamber (71 ) in fluid passage connection with said channel (70) and with said turbine (5), said second chamber (71 ) being configured at least to allow the passage of said air from said channel (70) to said turbine (5) when said first chamber (4) is in said closed configuration, said second chamber (71 ) being located inside said first internal volume (40) and being separated therefrom.

8. Sweeping machine (1) according to at least claim 1 , wherein said fixed portion (43) comprises said second duct (8) and a second opening (80) suitable for placing said second duct (8) in fluid passage connection with said external environment.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    US4903368A

  • EP24089721A