Sweeper Brush Frame with Adjustable Hood

Abstract

A sweeper apparatus includes a brush frame with first and second sides and a top surface. A brush roll is supported on the brush frame and is adapted for rotation to dislodge snow or other debris from an associated surface. A brush hood is connected to the brush frame and includes a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll. The hood surface extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and is selectively movable between an up position and a down position. A stripper bar is connected to the brush hood and is movable with the hood surface when the hood surface moves between its down and up positions. At least one actuator is operably connected between the brush frame and the brush hood and is selectively operable to move the hood surface between its up and down positions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/415,668 filed Nov. 19, 2010, and the entire disclosure of said provisional patent application is hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present specification.

BACKGROUND

Sweepers for clearing snow or other debris from a runway or other surface are generally known. These sweeps are pushed or towed by a vehicle and include one or more rotating brush rolls that include bristles that dislodge ice, snow, sand, and other debris from the surface being cleaned and direct same forward and/or toward either lateral side of the surface being cleaned. Such sweepers include a brush hood that covers the upper portion of the rotating brush roll and that carries a stripper bar on a forward edge thereof. The position of the hood relative to the brush roll is adjustable using first and second manually operable jacks devices, to ensure that the hood is properly positioned as the size of the brush roll varies due to wear or replacement, and to ensure that the stripper bar is properly positioned to dislodge debris from the brush roll bristles without excessive contact between the bristles and the stripper bar.

Known sweepers as described have enjoyed widespread commercial success, but the means by which the brush hood is adjusted has been found to be less than optimal. With known devices, it is possible for the hood to be unevenly positioned on one lateral side as compared to the other due to the independently operable jack devices.

Also, such known brush hoods use a snow deflector connected to a forward edge thereof. The position of this deflector relative to the brush hood must be independently adjusted when the position of the brush hood is changed. This requires more operator time and effort and can lead to improper positioning of the snow deflector.

Known adjustable brush hoods have also been structured such that an outer surface thereof is oriented such that falling snow is able to accumulate thereon. This accumulation of snow is undesirable in that it increases the weight of the sweeper and reduces operator visibility of the surface being cleaned.

As such, a need has been identified for a new and improved adjustable brush hood for a sweeper that overcomes the above deficiencies and others while providing better overall results.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present development, a sweeper apparatus includes a brush frame comprising first and second lateral sides and a top surface that extends between the first and second lateral sides. A brush roll is rotatably supported on the brush frame and is adapted for rotation relative to the brush frame to dislodge snow or other debris from an associated surface. A brush hood is connected to the brush frame and includes a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll. The hood surface extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and is selectively movable between an up position and a down position. A stripper bar is connected to the brush hood and is movable with said hood surface when said hood surface moves between its down and up positions. At least one actuator is operably connected between the brush frame and the brush hood and is selectively operable to move the hood surface between its up and down positions.

In accordance with another aspect of the present development, a sweeper brush frame includes first and second lateral sides and a top surface that extends between the first and second lateral sides. A brush roll support is provided for rotatably supporting an associated brush roll. A movable brush hood is connected to said brush frame and includes a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll. The hood surface extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and is selectively movable between an up position and a down position. At least one actuator is operably connected between a fixed part of the brush frame and the movable brush hood. The actuator is selectively operable to move the hood surface between its up and down positions.

A control system is optionally provided to vary the position of the hood surface in response to changes in the diameter of the brush roll due to wear such that the hood surface and a stripper bar connected thereto are optimally positioned at all times during use of the sweeper.

Additional features and alternative embodiments of the present development are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a sweeper apparatus or “sweeper” constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present development (with portions broken away to reveal underlying components);

FIG. 2 is a side view of the sweeper of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear isometric view of the brush frame BF and caster frame CF portion of the sweeper of FIG. 1 (with portions broken away);

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the brush frame of FIG. 3 is first and second operative positions;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are front isometric views of the brush frame of FIG. 3, showing the adjustable hood in down and up positions (with portions broken away);

FIGS. 6A and 6B are isometric views of one of the hood support hinges of the brush frame in its down and up positions, respectively;

FIG. 6C is a side view of the hood support hinge of FIG. 6B, and also showing an actuator for adjusting the position of the hinge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an isometric view and FIG. 2 is a side view of a sweeper apparatus or sweeper S for clearing snow or other debris from a runway or other surface. The sweeper S includes first and second brush rolls (only the brush roll cores C1 ,C2 without bristles are shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 2 diagrammatically shows a brush roll BR including its core C2 and some of its radiating bristles BT). The sweeper S includes a brush frame BF comprising one or more inner roll supports RS for rotatably supporting the inner ends of the brush roll cores C1 ,C2. The brush frame BF also comprises first and second outer roll supports OS1,OS2 that rotatably support the respective outer ends of the brush roll cores C1,C2. The outer end of each brush roll core C1,C2 is operably connected to a respective brush motor M that is hydraulic or otherwise powered and supported on the outer roll supports OS1,OS2, respectively (alternatively, the one or more motors M are operably connected to the inner ends of the brush roll cores C1,C2). The sweeper S can alternatively be sized and configured to include only a single brush roll BR.

As is generally known in the art, the sweeper S is pushed or towed in a forward direction FD on a surface (optionally angled toward one lateral side or the other of the surface) and the brush rolls rotate in a sweeping direction SD so that snow, dirt or other debris being swept is dislodged from the surface and is directed forward and laterally due to the flicking action of the brush roll bristles.

The sweeper S includes a caster frame CF that includes a plurality of casters or other wheels W that for movably support the sweeper on the surface being cleared. A coupler CP is connected to the caster frame CF and is configured to mate with the front of a vehicle that pushes the sweeper S or with a towing unit that pulls the sweeper behind a vehicle. The angle between the caster frame CF and the coupler CP is adjustable using hydraulic cylinders AA (one shown in FIG. 2).

The brush frame BF is connected to the caster frame CF. FIG. 3 shows a rear isometric view of the brush frame BF and caster frame CF (note that the caster wheels W are only shown in FIG. 2 to simplify the drawings). It can be seen that the brush frame includes a top wall or top surface TS defined from one or more sheets of sheet metal or polymeric sheets or other sheet material that is fixedly secured to the brush frame so as to define the top surface TS (the top surface TS is only partially shown in FIGS. 3 & 4 and is not shown elsewhere in order to reveal internal components of the brush frame BF). The brush frame BF includes opposite first and second (left and right) side walls W1,W2 respectively located adjacent the opposite left and right lateral sides of the brush frame BF. The top surface TS extends completely and continuously between these side walls. A plurality of parallel cross-members XM extend laterally between the side walls W1,W2 and support the top surface TS. The brush frame BF also includes a plurality of parallel frame support ribs R that extend parallel to the side walls W1,W2 and that also support the top surface TS and provide additional rigidity and strength to the frame BF. An upper linkage cross-bar XB1 extends between and is support by the outer ends of the frame support ribs R in a fixed horizontal position.

Referring now also to FIGS. 4A & 4B, the brush frame BF is pivotally connected to frame support tube T1 of the caster frame CF. One or more hydraulic cylinders or other brush frame pivot actuators TA (FIG. 2) are connected between the caster frame CF and the brush frame BF and pivot the brush frame relative to the caster frame CF about a horizontal pivot axis on an arc A to control the angular position of the brush frame BF relative to the caster frame CF which, in turn, controls the contact pattern of the brush roll bristles BT on the surface being cleaned and allows the contact pattern to be adjusted to accommodate for bristles wear, change of brush roll diameter, surface characteristics, the debris being swept, etc. Typically, an up/down toggle switch or other user input switch (switch SW2 of FIG. 6C)is provided on or adjacent the brush frame BF for user control of the angular position of the brush frame BF on the arc A. FIG. 4A shows the brush frame BF pivoted fully to its up or retracted position while FIG. 4B shows the brush frame pivoted forward/down to an operative sweeping position.

Prior sweepers have covered the top surface TS of the brush frame with a “shed” or other cowling or covering that is intended to prevent snow build-up thereon. These prior sheds included a flat surface that has been found to allow snow to accumulate under certain conditions when the brush frame BF is pivoted forward/down relative to the caster frame CF. According to the present development, as best seen in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the brush frame BF is shaped such that the top surface TS comprises an inner portion TS1 and an outer curved portion TS2. The inner portion TS1 (which is shown as being flat but can also be curved) is located such that it is always sloped downward toward the frame support tube T1 (or vertically located) for all angular positions of the brush frame BF relative to the caster frame CF on the arc A to prevent accumulation of snow/ice thereon. The outer curved portion TS2 of the top surface TS is continuously curved from its junction with the inner portion TS1 to its outer end TS3 so that accumulation of snow and ice thereon is minimized or eliminated for all angular positions of the brush frame BF relative to the caster frame CF on the arc A. The outer curved portion TS2 of the top surface TS can be curved according to one or more radial arc segments or otherwise. Also, the exposed outer portion of the top surface is preferably coated with a paint or other coating having a low coefficient of friction such that ice and snow will not adhere to the top surface TS.

As shown in broken lines in FIG. 4B, the brush frame BF comprises an under-hood or brush hood H that is adjustable as desired for different brush roll diameters and other conditions. In particular, the hood H is movable up and down relative to the brush roll BR between a down position (shown in broken lines at “H(DOWN)”) and one or more up positions (shown in phantom lines at “H(UP)”). The hood and its operation are also shown in FIG. 5A (hood down) and FIG. 5B (hood up). Referring to all of FIGS. 4B, 5A and 5B, it can be seen that the hood H comprises a hood surface HS defined from one or more sheets of steel or other material. The hood surface HS extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame between the first and second side walls W1,W2, but is movable up and down in the space between the side walls W1,W2 as noted. An outer or forward edge of the hood surface HS includes and/or defines a stripper bar SB that typically includes a wear strip WS removably connected thereto. The hood H is positioned such that the stripper bar SB (i.e., the wear strip WS part thereof) dislodges chunks of ice and snow or other debris from the bristles BT of the brush roll BR as the bristles moves into the area beneath the hood H. The stripper bar SB is spaced farther from the top surface TS in the down position of the hood surface HS as compared to the up position of the hood surface HS. As such, the position of the hood H is adjusted as the brush roll diameter changes, either due to installation of a different diameter brush roll or due to reduction in brush roll diameter due to wear (brush roll diameter is measured from the tip of a first bristle to the tip of a diametrically opposed second bristle). The brush frame BF includes one or more hydraulic cylinders or other actuators for adjusting the position of the hood as described below.

The inner end H1 of the hood H is pivotally connected to a hood support tube T2 that runs laterally across the brush frame BF between the side walls W1,W2 and that is arranged parallel to the frame support tube T1 of the caster frame CF. More particularly, the brush frame BF comprises one or more hood support hinges G that are spaced laterally across the brush frame. As shown in FIGS. 6A (hood down position) and FIGS. 6B & 6C (hood up position), each hinge G comprises a hinge arm or hood support arm HA that includes an inner end HA1 pivotally connected to the hood support tube T2 at a location laterally aligned with one of the ribs R. The hood surface HS is connected to the hood support arm HA and moves therewith as the hood support arm pivots up and down relative to the hood support tube T2 toward or away from the brush frame rib R. The brush frame ribs R and the hood support arms HA are enclosed and protected in the space between the top surface TS and the hood surface HS. The outer end HA2 of each hood support arm is connected to a support linkage L comprising first and second links L1,L2. Each link L1,L2 can comprise a single link or multiple link components such as the pair of components shown herein for each. The first link L1 is pivotally connected at an inner end to the first link cross bar XB1 so as to be pivotable relative to the outer end of each rib R of the brush frame BF. The outer end of each first link L1 is pivotally connected to the outer end of a respective second link L2 by way of a second link cross bar XB2 that extends between and pivotally interconnects all of the first links to their respective second links L2. The second link cross bar XB2 is arranged parallel to the first link cross bar XB1, and is pivotable about or “floats” relative to the first link cross bar XB1. The inner end of each second link L2 is pivotally connected to the outer end HA2 of a respective hinge arm HA by a hinge arm pivot bar or hinge arm pivot pin HAP (a single hinge arm pivot pin HAP or multiple separate hinge arm pivot pins HAP can be used). Although the first and second links L1,L2 of each hinge G could be individually pivotally interconnected, using a common second link cross bar XB2 for all hinges ensure that the hinges G move in unison and that the load of the hood H is shared uniformly. As described above, the first link cross bar XB1 is fixed in position relative to the frame support ribs R while the second link cross bar XB2 floats up and down as the hood H is moved up and down. The first and second link cross bars XB1,XB2 can each comprise a single piece or a multi-piece segmented construction.

A snow deflector SD comprises an upper deflector or upper deflector portion UD and comprises a lower deflector or deflector portion LD. The snow deflector SD is located and extends between the side walls W1,W2. The upper deflector portion UD comprises a sheet of steel or a polymeric or other material that extends between and covers the first links L1 of each support linkage L. The lower deflector portion LD comprises a sheet of steel or a polymeric or other material that extends between and covers the second links L2 of each support linkage L. Preferably the snow deflector SD extends completely and continuously between the opposite lateral side walls W1,W2 of the brush frame BF. The upper and lower snow deflectors UD,LD cooperate to define the snow deflector SD that changes size and shape as the hood H is moved up and down, due to the movement of the links L1,L2 as described. In particular, with reference to FIG. 4B, the interior angle Z defined between the first and second links L1,L2 (using the second link cross bar XB2 as the vertex) becomes smaller as the hood H is raised toward the up position H(UP) and becomes larger when the hood H is lowered to the down position H(DOWN). Note that the snow deflector SD and its components are only partially shown in order to reveal underlying components. The snow deflector SD prevents snow and other debris from entering the space between the hood surface HS and the top surface TS and also directs snow/debris dislodged by the brush roll in the forward direction FD.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6C, at least one hinge actuator AT is provided to cause movement of the hood surface between its down and up positions. Preferably, at least one and preferably multiple or each of the of the hinges G comprises a hydraulic cylinder or other hinge actuator AT for pivoting the hinge arm HA about the hood support tube T2. FIG. 6C shows the hinge actuator AT as a hydraulic cylinder including a body CB and extensible/retractable rod HR. In the illustrated embodiment, the body HB is connected to the frame support ribs R or other fixed part of the brush frame BF while the rod HR is connected to the hinge arm HA or, as shown, to the linkage L (such as the second link L2), but the hinge actuator AT can be reversed such that the rod HR is connected to the frame support rib R. The hinge actuators AT are located inside a protected space defined between the hood surface, snow deflector SD and the top surface TS, which protects them and the associated hoses and other components from adverse weather conditions, physical damage, and de-icing substances, and other potentially damaging conditions. The hinge actuator AT is not shown in the other drawings in order to simplify the views.

As also shown in FIG. 6C, each hinge actuator AT is operably connected to an electrical and hydraulic control system CS that is operably connected to an up/down toggle switch or other user input switch SW1 by which an operator controls extension and retraction of the rod HR to raise the hood H (via retraction of rod HR for the arrangement shown herein) and to lower the hood H (via extension of the rod for the arrangement shown herein) depending upon user operation of the switch SW1. In an alternative embodiment, the control system CS is programmed and configured such that the position of the hood H and the stripper bar SB portion thereof is automatically adjusted using the hinge actuators AT depending on the diameter of the brush roll BR being used (the diameter of the brush roll BR is measured from the tip of one bristle to the tip of a diametrically opposed bristle). As the brush roll diameter changes, the position of the hood H relative to the brush roll BR is automatically adjusted to maintain a desired constant spacing between the hood surface HS and the brush roll BR and between the stripper bar SB and the brush roll BR (as noted the stripper bar SB is connected to the hood surface HS).

In a first example, this is accomplished by operably connecting each hinge actuator AT hydraulically or otherwise to the brush frame pivot actuator(s) TA that controls the angular position of the brush frame BF relative to the caster frame CF on the arc A. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the control system CS is operably connected to both the hinge actuators AT and the brush frame pivot actuator(s) TA such that the control system is able to adjust the hinge actuators AT depending upon the state of the brush frame pivot actuator(s) TA. In this manner, as the brush frame angle on the arc A is changed to compensate for brush roll wear or other changes in brush roll diameter (e.g., by user operation of switch SW2), the hydraulic fluid flow for such adjustment (or an electrical signal related to same) is fed to the hinge actuators AT in a controlled manner to lower (or raise) the hood H in a corresponding manner, i.e., as the angular position of the brush frame BF is changed relative to the caster frame CF on the arc A which implies a change in diameter of the brush roll BR, the actuators AT are automatically hydraulically controlled to adjust the position of the hood surface HS corresponding to said implied change in brush roll diameter. In another embodiment, the brush frame BF is incrementally and periodically pivoted outward/downward on the arc A over time in a predetermined manner using the actuator(s) TA to compensate for expected wear of the brush roll BR, and the position of the hood H is correspondingly automatically lowered over time by a control system connected to the actuators AT such that the spacing between the brush roll BR and the hood/stripper bar SB is maintained within a desired range over the useful life of the brush roll BR depending upon the elapsed time of usage of the sweeper S. In still another alternative embodiment, one or more sensors SN are connected to the brush frame or other part of the sweeper S and are used to measure the actual position of the hood H and/or hood surface HS and/or the stripper bar portion SB thereof relative to the brush roll BR, and a control system CS adjusts the position of the hood H using the actuators AT in order to maintain a desired spacing between the hood surface HS/stripper bar SB and the brush roll BR, based upon electrical input signals received from the sensor(s).

The present development ensures that the hood surface HS and stripper bar SB are correctly positioned relative to the brush roll BR so that the stripper bar SB is properly positioned to dislodge ice and other debris from the brush roll BR, and also to minimize undesired turbulence in the air stream that flows between the brush roll BR and the hood surface HS in order to increase the cleaning efficiency and power of the brush roll BR.

The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.

Claims

1. A sweeper apparatus comprising:

a brush frame comprising first and second lateral sides and a top surface that extends between the first and second lateral sides;

a brush roll rotatably supported on the brush frame and adapted for rotation relative to the brush frame to dislodge snow or other debris from an associated surface;

a brush hood connected to said brush frame and comprising a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll, said hood surface extending between said first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and selectively movable between an up position and a down position;

a stripper bar connected to said brush hood and movable with said hood surface when said hood surface moves between its down and up positions;

at least one actuator operably connected between said brush frame and said brush hood and selectively operable to move said hood surface between its up and down positions.

2. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of hinges that pivotally connect said hood surface to said brush frame, each of said hinges comprising a hood support arm and a support linkage, said hood support arm including an inner end pivotally connected to the brush frame and an outer end pivotally connected to said support linkage, wherein said hood surface is connected to each of said hood support arms.

3. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein each respective support linkage connected to an outer end of one of said hood support arms comprises:

a first link including inner and outer ends, said inner end of said first link pivotally connected to said brush frame in a fixed location;

a second link including inner and outer ends, said inner end of said second link pivotally connected to said outer end of the respective hood support arm;

wherein said outer ends of said first and second links are pivotally connected to each other.

4. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein said brush frame further comprises:

a first link cross bar secured in a fixed position, wherein the inner end of the first link of each support linkage is pivotally connected to said first link cross bar;

a second link cross bar arranged parallel to the first link cross bar, wherein to outer ends of the first and second links of each support linkage are pivotally interconnected by the second link cross bar;

wherein said second link cross bar moves relative to said first link cross bar when said hood surface moves between its up and down positions.

5. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 4, further comprising:

a deflector that extends between the first and second lateral sides of the brush frame, said snow deflector comprising an upper deflector portion that covers the first link of each support linkage and a lower deflector portion that covers the second link of each support linkage.

6. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein an angle defined between said upper and lower deflector portions changes size depending on a location of said hood surface between its up and down positions.

7. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said brush frame comprises a plurality of ribs that support said top surface, wherein each of said hood support arms is laterally aligned with one of said ribs.

8. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein said at least one actuator comprises a plurality of actuators, each of which is operably connected between one of said ribs and a corresponding one of said hinges.

9. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a caster frame connected to said brush frame, said caster frame comprising a plurality of wheels that movably support said brush frame relative to an associated surface to be cleaned.

10. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 9, wherein said brush frame is pivotally connected to said caster frame and pivots about a pivot axis between first and second positions.

11. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a control system operatively connected to said at least one actuator to control movement of said hood surface between its up and down positions, wherein said control system controls said at least one actuator based upon a change in an angular position of said brush frame relative to said caster frame.

12. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a control system operatively connected to said at least one actuator to control movement of said hood surface between its up and down positions, wherein said control system controls said at least one actuator based upon input received from at least one of: (i) a user operated switch; (ii) a sensor that detects a relative position between said hood surface or said stripper bar and said brush roll.

13. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a control system operatively connected to said at least one actuator to control movement of said hood surface between its up and down positions, wherein said control system is programmed to move said hood surface from an up position toward a down position periodically based upon elapsed time usage of said sweeper apparatus.

14. The sweeper apparatus as set forth in claim 5, wherein said at least one actuator for moving the hood surface between its up and down positions is located inside a space defined between said top surface, said deflector, and said hood surface.

15. A sweeper brush frame comprising:

first and second lateral sides and a top surface that extends between the first and second lateral sides;

a brush roll support for rotatably supporting an associated brush roll;

a movable brush hood connected to said brush frame and comprising a hood surface located between the top surface and the brush roll, said hood surface extending between said first and second lateral sides of the brush frame and selectively movable between an up position and a down position;

at least one actuator operably connected between a fixed part of said brush frame and said movable brush hood, said actuator selectively operable to move said hood surface between its up and down positions.

16. The sweeper brush frame as set forth in claim 15, further comprising a plurality of hinges that pivotally connect said hood surface to a fixed part of said brush frame, each of said hinges comprising a hood support arm and a support linkage, said hood support arm including an inner end pivotally connected to the fixed part of the brush frame and an outer end pivotally connected to said support linkage, wherein said hood surface is connected to each of said hood support arms.

17. The sweeper brush frame as set forth in claim 16, wherein each respective support linkage connected to an outer end of one of said hood support arms comprises:

a first link including inner and outer ends, said inner end of said first link pivotally connected to said brush frame in a fixed location;

a second link including inner and outer ends, said inner end of said second link pivotally connected to said outer end of the respective hood support arm;

wherein said outer ends of said first and second links are pivotally connected to each other.

18. The sweeper brush frame as set forth in claim 17, wherein said brush frame further comprises:

a first link cross bar secured in a fixed position, wherein the inner end of the first link of each support linkage is pivotally connected to said first link cross bar;

a second link cross bar arranged parallel to the first link cross bar, wherein to outer ends of the first and second links of each support linkage are pivotally interconnected by the second link cross bar;

wherein said second link cross bar moves relative to said first link cross bar when said hood surface moves between its up and down positions.

19. The sweeper brush frame as set forth in claim 15, wherein said at least one actuator for moving the hood surface between its up and down positions is located inside a space defined between said top surface and said movable brush hood.