SWEEPING BROOM APPARATUS FOR USE WITH A VEHICLE AND HAVING A MOVABLE AIR BLAST NOZZLE

Abstract

A sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body with a debris receiving inlet, and a broom shroud with an open bottom and a main sweeping broom mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from the surface being cleaned, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. An air blast nozzle assembly has an air blast nozzle connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom. A nozzle mount is for mounting the air blast nozzle to emit air in a forward and downward direction, and in movable relation on the broom shroud for movement to any selected one of a plurality of aimed positions, whereat the outlet of the air blast nozzle is aimable adjacent the area of contact of the main sweeping broom.

Description

This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/975,506 filed on Sep. 25, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to street sweepers, and more particularly to dustless street sweepers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional street sweepers have a main vehicle body and a hopper supported by the main vehicle body. In mechanical type street sweepers, there is a debris elevator at the back end of the vehicle. A large cylindrically shaped rotating sweeping broom is disposed immediately behind the elevator. The large cylindrically shaped sweeping broom contacts the surface being cleaned so as to propel debris forwardly to the elevator. The debris elevator receives debris from a main sweeping broom and deposits the debris into the hopper.

Similarly, for re-circulating types street sweepers and vacuum type street sweepers, a large cylindrically shaped sweeping broom is commonly used in conjunction with air flow to remove debris from a surface being cleaned.

Inevitably, the sweeping action of the large cylindrically shaped sweeping broom against a surface being cleaned causes the sweeping broom to wear considerably, such that the overall diameter of the sweeping broom reduces by a significant amount.

In some street sweepers, there is an air blast nozzle disposed immediately rearwardly of the sweeping broom and aimed at or immediately behind the area of contact of the broom with the surface being cleaned. The air blast nozzle must impinge a blast of air at or immediately behind the area of contact in order to be properly effective. Impinging a blast of air in the wrong spot is completely ineffective.

As the sweeping broom reduces in diameter due to wear, the area of contact of the broom with the surface being cleaned decreases in size. Accordingly, the stream of air from the air blast nozzle does not properly impinge in the area of contact, or immediately behind the area of contact, which is unacceptable.

Further, it has been found that having an air blast nozzle that is not set to the proper height and angle for providing an effective stream of air can readily lead to poor removal of debris from a surface being cleaned. As little as a few millimeters in elevation or a few degrees of angle can make a very significant difference.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sweeping broom apparatus wherein its position on the broom shroud is adjustable in terms of fore and oft position, elevation, and angle.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sweeping broom apparatus wherein the stream of air from the air blast nozzle properly impinges the area of contact, or immediately behind the area of contact, of the sweeping broom with the surface being cleaned as the sweeping broom decreases in size.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle. The sweeping broom apparatus comprises a main body having a debris receiving inlet and a connecting means for operatively connecting the main body to a vehicle. A broom shroud with an open bottom defined by a bottom edge, and having a front end and a back end, and defining a longitudinal horizontal axis extending between the front end and the back end. A main sweeping broom is mounted within the broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from the surface being cleaned generally along the longitudinal horizontal axis, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet. There is an apparatus mounting means for operatively mounting the sweeping broom apparatus onto a vehicle. An air blast nozzle assembly has an air blast nozzle connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom. A nozzle mounting means is for mounting the air blast nozzle to emit air in a forward and downward direction, and in movable relation on the broom shroud for movement to any selected one of a plurality of aimed positions, whereat the outlet of the air blast nozzle is aimable adjacent the area of contact of the main sweeping broom.

Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the sweeping broom apparatus according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away left side elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the sweeping broom apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partially cut-away left side elevational view from the right of the first preferred embodiment of the sweeping broom apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partially cut-away left side elevational view similar to FIG. 2, but with the air blast nozzle and mount shown, and with the air blast nozzle in its rearward position;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partially cut-away left side elevational view similar to FIG. 3, but with the air blast nozzle in its forward position; and,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged top plan view of a portion of the first preferred embodiment of the sweeping broom apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 5, which show a preferred embodiment of the sweeping broom apparatus of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The sweeping broom apparatus 20 is for use with a vehicle, such as a tractor 22, which is only partially shown. The tractor has a three point hitch 24 for receiving the sweeping broom apparatus 20 in supported relation thereon.

The first preferred embodiment sweeping broom apparatus 20 comprises a main body 21 having a debris receiving inlet 52 for receiving debris thereinto. There is also a connecting means, as indicated by the general reference numeral 30, for operatively connecting the main body 21 of the sweeping broom apparatus 20 to the vehicle 22, such that the sweeping broom apparatus 20 is received in supported relation on the pair of rearwardly extending mounting arms 23 of the three point hitch 24. The connecting means 30 comprises a generally vertically oriented base member 31 having left and right generally vertically oriented side members 32,34 and upper and lower cross members 36,38. A pair of opposed spindles 40,42 are disposed at the bottom of the generally vertically oriented base member 31. A pair of forwardly extending lower arm members 45,47 are connected in pivoting relation at their respective back ends 45b,47b to the opposed spindles 40,42. The front ends 45f,47f of the forwardly extending lower arm members 45,47 are connectable to the tractor 22. A pair of forwardly extending upper arm members 44,46 are connected in pivoting relation at their respective back ends 44b,46b to a pair of co-operating flanges 46,48 that extend forwardly from the upper cross member 36. The front ends 44f,46f of the forwardly extending upper arm members 44,46 are connectable to the tractor 22.

The sweeping broom apparatus 20 comprises a debris receiving hopper 50 disposed at the front of the sweeping broom apparatus 20. In the first preferred embodiment, the rearwardly facing debris receiving inlet 52 is in the debris receiving hopper 50.

A broom shroud 60 is disposed rearwardly of the debris receiving hopper 50, and is connected to the debris receiving hopper 50 by means of left and right connecting arms 54,56. In this manner, the broom shroud 60 is vertically movable with respect to the hopper 50. Accordingly, a small gap 26 exists between the debris receiving hopper 50 and the broom shroud 60. The broom shroud 60 has a front end 62, a back end 64, an open bottom 66 defined by a bottom edge 68, and a forwardly facing debris outlet 69 for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris. A longitudinal axis “L” extends between the front end 62 and the back end 64.

An airflow obstructing means 70 is disposed around the bottom edge of the broom shroud 60 for substantially obstructing the egress of air from between the bottom edge of the broom shroud 60 and a surface being cleaned 29. The airflow obstructing means 70 comprises a series of overlapping rubber flaps 70 depending from the bottom edge 68 of the broom shroud 60.

A main sweeping broom 72 is operatively mounted within the broom shroud 60 for propelling debris forwardly from a surface being cleaned 29, generally along the longitudinal axis “L”, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through the forwardly facing debris outlet 69 directly to the rearwardly facing debris receiving inlet 52 of the debris receiving hopper 50.

An air blast nozzle assembly 90 has an air blast nozzle 91 with an outlet 92 aimed downwardly and forwardly so as to aim a blast of air at a surface being cleaned 29, and also has an inlet 94 connected in fluid communication via a flexible hose 96 to the outlet of the source of compressed air (the air re-circulation system) for receiving compressed air therefrom. The inlet 94 of the air blast nozzle 91 is of course in fluid communication with the outlet 92 of the air blast nozzle 91 to permit the ready flow of compressed air from the inlet 94 to the outlet 92.

The sweeping broom apparatus 20 also comprises a nozzle mounting means, as indicated by the general reference numeral 80, for mounting the air blast nozzle 91 to emit air in a forward and downward direction, and in movable relation on the broom shroud 60, for movement to any selected one of a plurality of aimed positions. In the aimed positions, the outlet 92 of the air blast nozzle 91 is aimable adjacent the area of contact of the main sweeping broom 72. The nozzle mounting means 80 also mounts the air blast nozzle 91 such that it is in movable relation on the broom shroud 60 for movement along a path whereat the outlet 92 of the air blast nozzle 91 is disposed adjacent the surface being cleaned 29. Further, the air blast nozzle 91 is disposed immediately behind the main sweeping broom 72. As can be readily seen in the figures, the air blast nozzle 91 is movable between a rearward position, as best seen in FIG. 3, corresponding to the main sweeping broom 72 being its full diameter, and a forward position, as best seen in FIG. 3, corresponding to the main sweeping broom 72 being a reduced worn diameter. In this manner, the air emitted from the air blast nozzle 91 is aimable at the surface being cleaned 29 at the area of contact of the main sweeping broom 72 by moving the air blast nozzle 91 from its rearward position towards its forward position as the main sweeping broom 72 wears.

In the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the nozzle mounting means 80 comprises a first rail means 80 mounted on the broom shroud 60 and a co-operating first truck means 84 movably mounted on the rail means. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the nozzle mounting means comprises a first rail means 80 operatively mounted on the broom shroud 60. More specifically, the first rail means 80 comprises a substantially horizontal first left rail 80a and a substantially horizontal first right rail 80b. The horizontal left rail 80a is mounted on the left wall of the broom shroud 60 and the horizontal right rail 80b is mounted on the right wall of the broom shroud 60 and are substantially parallel one to the other. Strictly speaking, the right rail 80b is hidden from view in figures by the left rail 80a.

The co-operating first truck means 84 comprises a first left truck 84a engaged in sliding relation on the first left rail 80a and a first right truck 84b engaged in sliding relation on the first right rail 80b. Further, the first left truck 84a and the first right truck 84b are each disposed on the air blast nozzle assembly 90. Strictly speaking, the first right truck 84b is hidden from view in figures by the first left truck 84a. Further, the first right truck 84b and the first left truck 84a are structurally the same one as the other. Accordingly, only the first left truck 84a will described in detail.

The nozzle mounting means further comprises a second rail means 81 and a co-operating second truck means 85. The second rail means 81 comprises a second left rail 81a and a second right rail 81b oriented in substantially parallel relation one to the other and the co-operating second truck means 85 comprises a second left truck 85a engaged in sliding relation on the second left rail 81a and a second right truck 85b engaged in sliding relation on the second right rail 81b. The second left rail 81a is disposed on the first left truck 84a and the second r Strictly speaking, the first right truck 84b is hidden from view in figures by the first left truck 84a. Further, the second right truck 85b and the second left truck 84a are structurally the same one as the other. Accordingly, only the second left truck 85a will described in detail.

The first left rail 81a is disposed on the first left truck 84a. The first right rail 81b is disposed on the first right truck 84b. The second left truck 85a and the second right truck 85b are each disposed on the air blast nozzle assembly 90.

The first left rail 80a and the first right rail 80b are oriented at an angle with respect to the second left rail 81a and the second right rail 81b. Preferably, the first left rail 80a and the first right rail 80b are oriented perpendicularly with respect to the second left rail 81a and the second right rail 81b.

The first left truck 84a comprises a base portion 86 having a plurality of opposed rollers that engage the horizontal left rail 80a. The second left rail 85a is mounted on the first left truck 84a so as to be oriented substantially vertically. The second left truck 85a is engaged in sliding relation on the second left rail 84a and the second right truck 85b is engaged in sliding relation on the second right rail 84b.

There is also a pivot means 87 that comprises a ball bearing mechanism, mounted on the second left truck 85a for permitting pivoting of the air blast nozzle 91 about a substantially horizontal axis “H” oriented substantially transversely to the longitudinal horizontal axis “L”, to thereby permit the orientation of the air blast nozzle 91 to be angularly adjustable.

The sweeping broom apparatus 20 further comprises means for moving the air blast nozzle 91 from its rearward position to its forward position. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the means for moving the air blast nozzle 91 comprises a left hydraulic motor 120a mounted on the left bogie 84a and a right hydraulic motor 120b mounted on the right bogie 84b. The left and right hydraulic motors 120a,120b are actuated as necessary in order to move the air blast nozzle 91 gradually from its rearward position to its forward position, to thereby be aimable at the surface being cleaned 29 at the area of contact of the main sweeping broom 72.

In use, compressed air emanating from the outlet 92 of the air blast nozzle 91 is forcibly blasted against a surface being cleaned 29, at the point of contact of the main sweeping broom 72 with the surface being cleaned 29, as the main sweeping broom 72 wears.

As can be readily understood, in use, compressed air from the air blast nozzle 91 is forcibly blasted against a surface being cleaned 29 without affecting the suctioning airflow of the recirculating air system of the vehicle.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated that the main sweeping broom could propel debris onto a debris elevator that then loads the received debris into a hopper.

As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a dustless sweeping broom apparatus that precludes the egress of dust and other fine particulate material from the street sweeping vehicle, even when the main sweeping broom is worn, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the sweeping broom apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A sweeping broom apparatus comprising:

a main body having a debris receiving inlet;

connecting means for operatively connecting said main body to a vehicle;

a broom shroud having a front end, a back end, an open bottom defined by a bottom edge, and a forwardly facing debris outlet for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris;

means for mounting said broom shroud on said main body;

a main sweeping broom mounted within said broom shroud for propelling debris forwardly from the surface being cleaned generally along said longitudinal horizontal axis, thereby creating a stream of debris propelled forwardly through said forwardly facing debris outlet;

an air blast nozzle assembly having an air blast nozzle connected in fluid communication to a source of compressed air for receiving compressed air therefrom;

nozzle mounting means for mounting said air blast nozzle to emit air in a forward and downward direction, and in movable relation on said broom shroud for movement to any selected one of a plurality of aimed positions, whereat said outlet of said air blast nozzle is aimable adjacent the area of contact of said main sweeping broom.

2. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 1, wherein said nozzle mounting means comprises a first rail means and a co-operating first truck means.

3. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first rail means comprises a first left rail and first a right rail oriented in substantially parallel relation one to the other and said co-operating first truck means comprises a first left truck engaged in sliding relation on said first left rail and a first right truck engaged in sliding relation on said first right rail.

4. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first left rail and said first right rail are each disposed on said broom shroud and said first left truck and said first right truck are each disposed on said air blast nozzle assembly.

5. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 2, wherein said nozzle mounting means further comprises a second rail means and a co-operating second truck means.

6. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second rail means comprises a second left rail and a second right rail oriented in substantially parallel relation one to the other and said co-operating second truck means comprises a second left truck engaged in sliding relation on said second left rail and a second right truck engaged in sliding relation on said second right rail.

7. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 6, wherein said second left rail is disposed on said first left truck and said second right rail is disposed on said first right truck and said second left truck and said second right truck are each disposed on said air blast nozzle assembly.

8. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 7, wherein said first left rail and said first right rail are oriented at an angle with respect to said second left rail and said second right rail.

9. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first left rail and said first right rail are oriented perpendicularly with respect to said second left rail and said second right rail.

10. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 8, wherein said nozzle mounting means further comprises pivot means for permitting pivoting of said air blast nozzle about a substantially horizontal axis oriented substantially transversely to said longitudinal horizontal axis, to thereby permit the orientation of said air blast nozzle to be angularly adjustable.

11. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first left rail and said first right rail are each substantially horizontal.

12. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for moving said air blast nozzle between said plurality of aimed positions.

13. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 12, wherein said means for moving said air blast nozzle comprises at least one hydraulic motor.

14. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 13, wherein said at least one hydraulic motor comprises a left hydraulic motor and a right hydraulic motor.

15. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an airflow obstructing means disposed around the bottom edge of said broom shroud for substantially obstructing the egress of air from between the bottom edge of said broom shroud and the surface being cleaned.

16. The sweeping broom apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a forwardly facing debris outlet in said broom shroud for permitting the directed egress of debris therefrom as a forwardly propelled stream of debris.