US20130152335A1 - Debris shredding pick-up head system - Google Patents

Debris shredding pick-up head system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20130152335A1
US20130152335A1 US13/495,832 US201213495832A US2013152335A1 US 20130152335 A1 US20130152335 A1 US 20130152335A1 US 201213495832 A US201213495832 A US 201213495832A US 2013152335 A1 US2013152335 A1 US 2013152335A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
debris
housing
pick
head system
shredding
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US13/495,832
Inventor
Roger P. Vanderlinden
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US13/495,832 priority Critical patent/US20130152335A1/en
Publication of US20130152335A1 publication Critical patent/US20130152335A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02Nozzles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0827Dislodging by suction; Mechanical dislodging-cleaning apparatus with independent or dependent exhaust, e.g. dislodging-sweeping machines with independent suction nozzles ; Mechanical loosening devices working under vacuum
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47LDOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4036Parts or details of the surface treating tools
    • A47L11/4044Vacuuming or pick-up tools; Squeegees
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0827Dislodging by suction; Mechanical dislodging-cleaning apparatus with independent or dependent exhaust, e.g. dislodging-sweeping machines with independent suction nozzles ; Mechanical loosening devices working under vacuum
    • E01H1/0836Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0827Dislodging by suction; Mechanical dislodging-cleaning apparatus with independent or dependent exhaust, e.g. dislodging-sweeping machines with independent suction nozzles ; Mechanical loosening devices working under vacuum
    • E01H1/0836Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles
    • E01H1/0845Apparatus dislodging all of the dirt by suction ; Suction nozzles with mechanical loosening or feeding instruments for the dirt to be sucked- up, e.g. brushes, scrapers
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01HSTREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
    • E01H1/00Removing undesirable matter from roads or like surfaces, with or without moistening of the surface
    • E01H1/08Pneumatically dislodging or taking-up undesirable matter or small objects; Drying by heat only or by streams of gas; Cleaning by projecting abrasive particles
    • E01H1/0863Apparatus loosening or removing the dirt by blowing and subsequently dislodging it at least partially by suction ; Combined suction and blowing nozzles
    • E01H1/0872Apparatus loosening or removing the dirt by blowing and subsequently dislodging it at least partially by suction ; Combined suction and blowing nozzles with mechanical loosening or feeding instruments for the dirt to be removed pneumatically, e.g. brushes, scrapers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pick-up head systems for factory, sidewalk and street sweepers, and more particularly to such dustless pick-up head systems that have a contained debris shredder.
  • the pliable front flaps on conventional pick-up heads allow for a temporary loss of suction power within the width of the pick-up head as debris enters. This causes the suction port to reject internal re-circulating airflow while it is receiving air from the atmosphere and material is subsequently left behind which is highly undesirable.
  • the debris shredding pick-up head system comprises a housing having an interior and a suctioning bottom opening in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to the interior, and defining a fore-aft axis; a debris receiving inlet in the housing for receiving debris to be shredded into housing; a debris outlet in the housing for permitting debris to egress from the housing; a debris path in the housing connecting together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet and the debris outlet; and a debris shredder operatively mounted in the housing for shredding debris within the interior of the housing, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing through the debris outlet.
  • FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the debris shredding pick-up head system according to the present invention mounted on a surface cleaning vehicle;
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional side elevational view of the preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system of FIG. 1 , taken along section line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2 .
  • FIGS. 1 through 3 show a preferred embodiment of the debris shredding pick-up head system of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 100 .
  • the dustless pick-up head system 100 is for use with a surface cleaning vehicle 102 for removing dust (including fine particulate matter) and debris (including bottles, cans, leaves, dirt, and so on) from a surface to be cleaned 104 .
  • the preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system 100 basically comprises a housing 110 , a debris outlet 120 , debris path 130 , a debris receiving inlet 142 , a substantially sealed door apparatus 150 , and a debris shredder 170 .
  • the dustless pick-up head system 100 particularly the housing 110 , define a generally central fore-aft longitudinal axis “L”.
  • the dustless pick-up head system 100 comprises a housing 110 extending between and first end 111 and a second end 112 , and having a substantially hollow interior 119 and a suctioning bottom opening 114 defined by a bottom peripheral edge 109 .
  • the suctioning bottom opening 114 is in fluid communication and debris transfer relation with the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 .
  • the housing 110 has a front wall 115 , a back wall 116 , interconnected by a roof portion 118 . Dust and fine particulate on the surface to be cleaned 104 pass under the front peripheral edge 109 and are suctioned into the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 .
  • the front wall 115 also precludes the passage of larger debris, such as stones, bottles, cans, leaves, sticks and the like, from passing under the bottom peripheral edge 109 of the front wall 115 as the housing 100 and moves along the surface to be cleaned 104 . housing 110 .
  • the housing 110 further comprises a debris receiving main inlet 142 in the front wall 115 in debris receiving relation with respect to a surface to be cleaned 104 , for receiving debris to the housing 110 .
  • the door apparatus 150 is operatively mounted at said debris receiving main inlet 142 .
  • the door apparatus 150 preferably comprises a substantially sealed door apparatus that itself comprises a rotatable door assembly 146 defining a substantially horizontally oriented central pivot axis “P” and an outer periphery 147 , and a seal 190 operatively disposed in sealing relation between the rotatable door assembly 146 and the housing 110 .
  • the front wall 115 directs debris, such as bottles, sticks, etc. along the housing 110 to the debris receiving front inlet 142 at the substantially sealed door apparatus 150 .
  • the debris receiving inlet 142 is disposed in the housing 110 for receiving debris to be shredded into the housing 110 .
  • the debris receiving inlet 142 is disposed in the front wall 115 of the housing 110 in order to receive debris as the surface cleaning vehicle 102 moves forwardly.
  • the debris outlet 120 in the housing 110 is for permitting debris to egress from the housing 110 .
  • the debris outlet 120 is connected in air flow delivery relation through a delivery duct 121 to a hopper (not specifically shown) for permitting shredded debris to egress from the housing 110 into the hopper.
  • the debris path 130 in the housing 110 is for connecting together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet 142 and the debris outlet 120 .
  • the debris shredder 170 is operatively mounted in the housing 110 for shredding debris within the interior 119 of the housing 110 , to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing 110 through the debris outlet 120 .
  • the debris shredder 170 is operatively mounted in the housing 110 adjacent the debris receiving inlet 142 , preferably immediately rearwardly of the debris receiving inlet 142 , and immediately forwardly of the debris outlet 120 .
  • the debris shredder 170 comprises at least one blade, an in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a plurality of blades 172 mounted on a driveshaft 174 that is rotatable about a shredder axis “S”, and a drive motor 176 that is operatively connected in driving relation to the driveshaft 174 .
  • the drive motor 176 is disposed outside the debris path 130 , and more specifically is disposed generally rearwardly of the housing 100 .
  • the debris outlet 120 is disposed immediately above at least a portion of the plurality of blades of the shredder, and as illustrated, is disposed immediately above the plurality of blades 172 of the shredder 170 .
  • the shredder axis is oriented generally horizontally and forwardly.
  • the debris shredder 170 is a primary debris shredder, and further comprising a first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a disposed between the first end 111 of the housing 110 and the debris outlet 120 , and a second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b disposed between the second end 112 of the housing 110 and the debris outlet 120 . More specifically, the first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a is disposed adjacent the first end 111 of the housing 110 and the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b is disposed adjacent the second end 112 of the housing 110 .
  • the first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a is for shredding debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the first debris suctioning inlet 140 a .
  • the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b is for shredding debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the second debris suctioning inlet 140 b.
  • any debris that is encountered by the left and right front walls 115 of housing 110 will be moved to the debris receiving front inlet 142 , due to slope of the “V”-shaped front walls 115 of the housing 110 .
  • the debris will enter the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the debris receiving front inlet 142 , through the substantially sealed door apparatus 150 , where the debris encounters the primary debris shredder 170 .
  • debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the first debris suctioning inlet 140 a encounters the first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a .
  • debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the second debris suctioning inlet 140 b encounters the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b.
  • Dust and shredded debris in the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 are suctioned out of the housing 110 through the debris outlet 120 and the duct 121 , and into the hopper (not specifically shown), by a source of suction, such as the main fan (not specifically shown).
  • the present invention provides a debris shredding pick-up head system wherein at least one debris shredder is disposed within the housing of the pick-up head, which does not allow the opportunity for larger debris such as twigs or the like to clog the internal suction port and stop or impede the sweeper's efficiency, that operates its shredding components inside the pick-up head for operator safety and that allows the continuous entry of debris while precluding any loss of suction pressure within the entire width of the pick-up head all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)

Abstract

A debris shredding pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle comprises a housing having an interior and a suctioning bottom opening in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to the interior, and defining a fore-aft axis. There is a debris receiving inlet in the housing for receiving debris to be shredded into the housing, and a debris outlet in the housing for permitting debris to egress from the housing. A debris path connects together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet and the debris outlet. A debris shredder is operatively mounted in the housing for shredding debris within the interior of the housing, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing through the debris outlet.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a non-provisional application claiming priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/496,410 filed on Jun. 13, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to pick-up head systems for factory, sidewalk and street sweepers, and more particularly to such dustless pick-up head systems that have a contained debris shredder.
  • Prior art pick-up heads do not fully seal to the ground and allow material to readily enter the front of the pick-up head. Material enters the pick-up head by way of pushing back the pliable front flap that runs along the front, or by way of an opening to permit passage of debris into the housing. This readily presents the opportunity for dust and other fine particulate matter to escape from the housing in re-circulating air units.
  • Furthermore, the pliable front flaps on conventional pick-up heads allow for a temporary loss of suction power within the width of the pick-up head as debris enters. This causes the suction port to reject internal re-circulating airflow while it is receiving air from the atmosphere and material is subsequently left behind which is highly undesirable.
  • Larger debris, such as twigs or the like, are often encountered in addition to smaller debris, such as gravel or the like, in the sweeping application. Larger debris and sticks can clog the suction port decreasing air speed in the housing and causing material to be left behind. The complete plugging up of vacuum sweepers from debris is quite common in heavy litter, leaves (sticks), etc. and is a downtime operational issue. Further, large debris can cause the pliable front flap in re-circulating air units to remain in temporarily open position which causes a pressure decrease and also leads to leaving material behind. Both of these circumstances are not desirable.
  • It is known in prior art to incorporate debris access points in pick-up heads which can be controlled from the operator's seat in order to allow access for large accumulations of litter, leaves, etc. This, however, is meant to be temporary to avoid continuous loss of suction pressure within the vacuum chamber, and this large debris can clog the vacuum hose and drop performance or completely stop operation.
  • It is an object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system wherein at least one debris shredder is disposed within the housing of the pick-up head.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system which does not allow the opportunity for larger debris such as twigs or the like to clog the internal suction port and stop or impede the sweeper's efficiency.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system wherein the front face of the pick-up head is in sealing relation to the ground thereby precluding the entry of debris.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system that can digest large accumulations of debris, litter and leaves without greatly reducing vehicle travel speed.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system that allows the continuous entry of debris while precluding any loss of suction pressure within the entire width of the pick-up head.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system that precludes dust and other fine particulate matter from escaping the pick-up head housing.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system that operates its shredding components inside the pick-up head for operator safety.
  • It is another object of the present invention to provide a debris shredding pick-up head system that is more efficient allowing either a faster effective sweeping speed or a reduction of energy, thus fuel, to perform the same job.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel debris shredding pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle. The debris shredding pick-up head system comprises a housing having an interior and a suctioning bottom opening in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to the interior, and defining a fore-aft axis; a debris receiving inlet in the housing for receiving debris to be shredded into housing; a debris outlet in the housing for permitting debris to egress from the housing; a debris path in the housing connecting together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet and the debris outlet; and a debris shredder operatively mounted in the housing for shredding debris within the interior of the housing, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing through the debris outlet.
  • 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 debris shredding pick-up head system 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 side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the debris shredding pick-up head system according to the present invention mounted on a surface cleaning vehicle;
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of the preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system of FIG. 1; and,
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional side elevational view of the preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system of FIG. 1, taken along section line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
  • Reference will now be made to FIGS. 1 through 3, which show a preferred embodiment of the debris shredding pick-up head system of the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 100. The dustless pick-up head system 100 is for use with a surface cleaning vehicle 102 for removing dust (including fine particulate matter) and debris (including bottles, cans, leaves, dirt, and so on) from a surface to be cleaned 104.
  • The preferred embodiment dustless pick-up head system 100 basically comprises a housing 110, a debris outlet 120, debris path 130, a debris receiving inlet 142, a substantially sealed door apparatus 150, and a debris shredder 170. The dustless pick-up head system 100, particularly the housing 110, define a generally central fore-aft longitudinal axis “L”.
  • The dustless pick-up head system 100 comprises a housing 110 extending between and first end 111 and a second end 112, and having a substantially hollow interior 119 and a suctioning bottom opening 114 defined by a bottom peripheral edge 109. The suctioning bottom opening 114 is in fluid communication and debris transfer relation with the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110. There is also a first debris suctioning inlet 140 a disposed at the first end 111 of the housing 110 and a second debris suctioning inlet 140 b disposed at the second end 112 of the housing 110.
  • Further, the housing 110 has a front wall 115, a back wall 116, interconnected by a roof portion 118. Dust and fine particulate on the surface to be cleaned 104 pass under the front peripheral edge 109 and are suctioned into the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110. The front wall 115 also precludes the passage of larger debris, such as stones, bottles, cans, leaves, sticks and the like, from passing under the bottom peripheral edge 109 of the front wall 115 as the housing 100 and moves along the surface to be cleaned 104. housing 110.
  • The housing 110 further comprises a debris receiving main inlet 142 in the front wall 115 in debris receiving relation with respect to a surface to be cleaned 104, for receiving debris to the housing 110. The door apparatus 150 is operatively mounted at said debris receiving main inlet 142. The door apparatus 150 preferably comprises a substantially sealed door apparatus that itself comprises a rotatable door assembly 146 defining a substantially horizontally oriented central pivot axis “P” and an outer periphery 147, and a seal 190 operatively disposed in sealing relation between the rotatable door assembly 146 and the housing 110. The front wall 115 directs debris, such as bottles, sticks, etc. along the housing 110 to the debris receiving front inlet 142 at the substantially sealed door apparatus 150.
  • The debris receiving inlet 142 is disposed in the housing 110 for receiving debris to be shredded into the housing 110. The debris receiving inlet 142 is disposed in the front wall 115 of the housing 110 in order to receive debris as the surface cleaning vehicle 102 moves forwardly.
  • The debris outlet 120 in the housing 110 is for permitting debris to egress from the housing 110. The debris outlet 120 is connected in air flow delivery relation through a delivery duct 121 to a hopper (not specifically shown) for permitting shredded debris to egress from the housing 110 into the hopper.
  • The debris path 130 in the housing 110 is for connecting together in fluid communication the debris receiving inlet 142 and the debris outlet 120.
  • The debris shredder 170 is operatively mounted in the housing 110 for shredding debris within the interior 119 of the housing 110, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from the housing 110 through the debris outlet 120. The debris shredder 170 is operatively mounted in the housing 110 adjacent the debris receiving inlet 142, preferably immediately rearwardly of the debris receiving inlet 142, and immediately forwardly of the debris outlet 120.
  • The debris shredder 170 comprises at least one blade, an in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, a plurality of blades 172 mounted on a driveshaft 174 that is rotatable about a shredder axis “S”, and a drive motor 176 that is operatively connected in driving relation to the driveshaft 174.
  • As can be readily seen in FIG. 3, the drive motor 176 is disposed outside the debris path 130, and more specifically is disposed generally rearwardly of the housing 100. The debris outlet 120 is disposed immediately above at least a portion of the plurality of blades of the shredder, and as illustrated, is disposed immediately above the plurality of blades 172 of the shredder 170. In order to accommodate this specific arrangement, the shredder axis is oriented generally horizontally and forwardly.
  • As further can be seen in the Figures, the debris shredder 170 is a primary debris shredder, and further comprising a first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a disposed between the first end 111 of the housing 110 and the debris outlet 120, and a second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b disposed between the second end 112 of the housing 110 and the debris outlet 120. More specifically, the first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a is disposed adjacent the first end 111 of the housing 110 and the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b is disposed adjacent the second end 112 of the housing 110. The first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a is for shredding debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the first debris suctioning inlet 140 a. Similarly, the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b is for shredding debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the second debris suctioning inlet 140 b.
  • In use, as the mobile surface cleaning vehicle 102 travels forwardly, dust and debris on the surface to be cleaned 104 are encountered by the debris shredding pick-up head 100. Any debris that is encountered by the left and right front walls 115 of housing 110 will be moved to the debris receiving front inlet 142, due to slope of the “V”-shaped front walls 115 of the housing 110. The debris will enter the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the debris receiving front inlet 142, through the substantially sealed door apparatus 150, where the debris encounters the primary debris shredder 170. Furthermore, debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the first debris suctioning inlet 140 a encounters the first auxiliary debris shredder 170 a. Also, debris that enters the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 through the second debris suctioning inlet 140 b encounters the second auxiliary debris shredder 170 b.
  • Dust and shredded debris in the substantially hollow interior 119 of the housing 110 are suctioned out of the housing 110 through the debris outlet 120 and the duct 121, and into the hopper (not specifically shown), by a source of suction, such as the main fan (not specifically shown).
  • As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a debris shredding pick-up head system wherein at least one debris shredder is disposed within the housing of the pick-up head, which does not allow the opportunity for larger debris such as twigs or the like to clog the internal suction port and stop or impede the sweeper's efficiency, that operates its shredding components inside the pick-up head for operator safety and that allows the continuous entry of debris while precluding any loss of suction pressure within the entire width of the pick-up head 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 dustless pick-up head system of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (16)

I claim:
1. A debris shredding pick-up head system for use with a surface cleaning vehicle, for suctioning debris from a surface to be cleaned, wherein the pick-up head of the pick-up head system is substantially sealed to the surface to be cleaned during use, said debris shredding pick-up head system comprising:
a housing having an interior, and a suctioning bottom opening in fluid communication and debris transfer relation to said interior, and defining a fore-aft axis;
a debris receiving inlet in said housing for receiving debris to be shredded into said housing;
a debris outlet in said housing for permitting debris to egress from said housing;
a debris path in said housing connecting together in fluid communication said debris receiving inlet and said debris outlet;
a debris shredder operatively mounted in said housing for shredding debris within the interior of said housing, to thereby produce shredded debris to egress from said housing through said debris outlet.
2. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 1, wherein said debris shredder is operatively mounted in said housing adjacent said debris receiving inlet.
3. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 2, wherein said housing has a front wall, and wherein said debris receiving inlet is disposed in the front wall of said housing.
4. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 3, wherein said debris shredder is operatively mounted in said housing immediately rearwardly of said debris receiving inlet.
5. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 4, wherein said debris shredder is operatively mounted in said housing immediately forwardly of said debris outlet.
6. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 5, wherein said debris shredder comprises at least one blade mounted on a driveshaft that is rotatable about a shredder axis, and a drive motor operatively connected in driving relation to said driveshaft.
7. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 6, wherein said shredder axis is oriented generally horizontally and forwardly.
8. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 7, wherein said drive motor is disposed outside said debris path.
9. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 6, wherein said drive motor is disposed generally rearwardly of said housing.
10. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 6, wherein said debris outlet is disposed immediately above said plurality of blades of said shredder.
11. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 6, wherein said debris outlet is disposed immediately above at least a portion of said plurality of blades of said shredder.
12. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 5, wherein said housing has a first end and a second end, and wherein said debris shredder is a primary debris shredder, and further comprising a first auxiliary debris shredder disposed between said first end of said housing and said debris outlet, and a second auxiliary debris shredder disposed between said second end of said housing and said debris outlet.
13. The debris shredding pick-up head system of claim 12, wherein said first auxiliary debris shredder is disposed adjacent the first end of said housing and said second auxiliary debris shredder is disposed adjacent the second end of said housing.
14. The pick-up head system of claim 1, wherein said housing has a front wall, and further comprising a debris receiving main inlet in said front wall of said housing in debris receiving relation with respect to a surface to be cleaned, for receiving debris to said housing, and a door apparatus operatively mounted at said debris receiving main inlet.
15. The pick-up head system of claim 14, wherein said door apparatus comprises a substantially sealed door apparatus.
16. The pick-up head system of claim 15, wherein said substantially sealed door apparatus comprises a rotatable door assembly defining a substantially horizontally oriented central pivot axis and an outer periphery, and a sealing operatively disposed in sealing relation between said rotatable door assembly and said housing.
US13/495,832 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Debris shredding pick-up head system Abandoned US20130152335A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/495,832 US20130152335A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Debris shredding pick-up head system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161496410P 2011-06-13 2011-06-13
US13/495,832 US20130152335A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Debris shredding pick-up head system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20130152335A1 true US20130152335A1 (en) 2013-06-20

Family

ID=47356453

Family Applications (6)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/517,521 Abandoned US20130019429A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system
US13/495,832 Abandoned US20130152335A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Debris shredding pick-up head system
US13/495,806 Active 2034-07-01 US9408511B2 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system having a horizontal sealed debris door for a mobile sweeping vehicle
US13/495,857 Abandoned US20130145578A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system
US13/495,870 Expired - Fee Related US9215958B2 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system
US13/495,779 Abandoned US20130152334A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/517,521 Abandoned US20130019429A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system

Family Applications After (4)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/495,806 Active 2034-07-01 US9408511B2 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system having a horizontal sealed debris door for a mobile sweeping vehicle
US13/495,857 Abandoned US20130145578A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system
US13/495,870 Expired - Fee Related US9215958B2 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system
US13/495,779 Abandoned US20130152334A1 (en) 2011-06-13 2012-06-13 Pick-up head system

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (6) US20130019429A1 (en)
EP (2) EP2761094A4 (en)
WO (7) WO2012171100A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170002530A1 (en) * 2015-07-01 2017-01-05 Kann Manufacturing Corporation Garbage truck sweeper attachment

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012171100A1 (en) * 2011-06-13 2012-12-20 Roger Vanderlinden Pick-up head system
USD742081S1 (en) 2014-01-15 2015-10-27 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Dust collector
USD741557S1 (en) 2014-01-15 2015-10-20 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Dust collector
CN105625244B (en) * 2014-11-07 2017-06-09 长沙中联重科环卫机械有限公司 Reposition of redundant personnel suction nozzle and cleaning cart
CN106149605B (en) * 2015-08-07 2019-06-21 徐工集团工程机械股份有限公司 A kind of sweeping machine air-transport system and its sweeping machine
CN105239522B (en) * 2015-10-23 2017-01-11 福建龙马环卫装备股份有限公司 Method for designing pneumatic conveying system of sweeping machine based on CFD
CN106192838B (en) * 2016-07-07 2017-10-20 江苏大学 A kind of sweeping the floor for adjustable working range and installs the road sweeper of the mechanism at mechanism of car
US11071425B2 (en) 2017-08-29 2021-07-27 Shop Vac Corporation Wide-area vacuum nozzle
CN108166427A (en) * 2018-01-31 2018-06-15 江苏天普星环境科技有限公司 A kind of fast-type sweeper running gear
GB2575048B (en) * 2018-06-26 2022-04-20 Stock Sweepers Ltd Attachment for a road sweeping vehicle
CN110106820B (en) * 2019-04-02 2020-11-13 浙江筑马工程机械设备制造有限公司 Cleaning device in high-speed sweeper
US11828030B2 (en) * 2020-07-16 2023-11-28 Charles Burney Road debris collection assembly
CN112168073B (en) * 2020-09-11 2023-03-31 深圳市群卜鸿科技有限公司 Intelligent household robot with crushing function

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3837038A (en) * 1972-12-19 1974-09-24 Tennant Co Apparatus for cleaning surfaces
DE4124682A1 (en) * 1991-07-25 1993-01-28 Juergen Hottek Road sweeper and sweepings collector - has frame fitted onto tractor with sweepings lifted by suction pipe to rear mounted hopper

Family Cites Families (52)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1782882A (en) * 1927-12-13 1930-11-25 Rippey Samuel Howard Vacuum-cleaner nozzle
US2590734A (en) * 1945-12-08 1952-03-25 Atwater Strong Company Leaf machine
US2538643A (en) * 1946-06-06 1951-01-16 Horace G Gregory Leaf gathering and disposal machine
GB1060825A (en) * 1962-08-21 1967-03-08 Johnston Brothers Eng Improvements in or relating to suction nozzles for suction refuse collecting vehicles
DK111647B (en) * 1965-11-04 1968-09-23 Hulufors Verken Ab Blade sweeper.
US3491399A (en) * 1966-06-27 1970-01-27 Scott & Fetzer Co Vacuum cleaner
US3669145A (en) * 1970-06-22 1972-06-13 Fasco Industries Central vacuum cleaner control system
US3662427A (en) * 1970-07-01 1972-05-16 Coleman Co American Vacuum-pressure apparatus for sweeping exterior areas
US3778864A (en) * 1972-04-10 1973-12-18 W Scherer Turbine powered surface vacuum cleaning device
US3886623A (en) * 1972-07-14 1975-06-03 Elgin Sweeper Co Vacuum type sweeper
US3862469A (en) * 1972-11-17 1975-01-28 Scott & Fetzer Co Vacuum cleaner
DE7328581U (en) * 1973-08-04 1977-12-01 Wiedenmann Gmbh, 7901 Rammingen LAWN AND LEAF SUCTION DEVICE
CH603915A5 (en) * 1977-03-09 1978-08-31 Sommer Schenk Ag Swimming pool cleaning machine
GB1530904A (en) * 1976-11-22 1978-11-01 Hammersley D Collecting apparatus
SE448417B (en) * 1979-05-09 1987-02-23 Schmidt Alfred Gmbh DEVICE RECOVERY
DE3030059C2 (en) * 1980-08-08 1984-06-07 Progress-Elektrogeräte Mauz & Pfeiffer GmbH & Co, 7000 Stuttgart vacuum cleaner
US4359801A (en) * 1981-05-04 1982-11-23 Tate Jimmy W Pick-up head for surface cleaning apparatus
AU2679184A (en) * 1983-04-13 1984-10-18 Quintel, F.W. Debris lifting machine
US4555826A (en) * 1984-07-03 1985-12-03 Jack Rodgers Hydraulic control system for vacuum sweeper trucks
US4580314A (en) * 1984-11-23 1986-04-08 Michael J. Galanis Suction cleaning device
CH672982A5 (en) * 1987-06-18 1990-01-31 Steinemann Ag
US4884315A (en) * 1987-12-10 1989-12-05 Ehnert Richard E Vacuum cleaner having circuitous flow
JPH01181826A (en) * 1988-01-14 1989-07-19 Tokyo Electric Co Ltd Sucking port body for vacuum cleaner
US5072485A (en) * 1988-04-29 1991-12-17 Tymco, Inc. Surface sweeping machine with over-the-cab hopper dumping
DE3837907A1 (en) * 1988-11-04 1990-05-10 Schoerling Waggonbau ROAD CLEANING VEHICLE WITH A SUCTION DEVICE
US5101615A (en) * 1989-08-18 1992-04-07 Fassauer Arthur L Air-floated apparatus
AU8514591A (en) * 1990-08-08 1992-03-17 Arthur L. Fassauer Air-floated apparatus
GB9220382D0 (en) * 1992-09-26 1992-11-11 Hamilton Robin Compacting apparatus
US5287684A (en) * 1992-10-14 1994-02-22 Beroth Charles J Debris collection vehicle
FR2728811A3 (en) 1994-12-29 1996-07-05 Eliatis Suction surface cleaning notably public paths and roads
US5784756A (en) * 1996-04-26 1998-07-28 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Debris cleaner with compound auger and vacuum pickup
US5839157A (en) * 1996-05-06 1998-11-24 Elgin Sweeper Company Street sweeper pick-up head
US6088865A (en) * 1997-02-05 2000-07-18 Trynex, Inc. Vehicle mounted broom
US5852847A (en) * 1997-02-21 1998-12-29 Elgin Sweeper Company High-speed pick-up head for a street sweeper
JPH11269835A (en) * 1998-03-25 1999-10-05 Emuzu Tecnica:Kk Hydraulic type sand-dusts recovery device, and hydraulic type sand-dusts sweep-out device, and hydraulic type road scavenger with these device
US6519805B2 (en) * 2000-02-25 2003-02-18 Mtd Products Inc Adjustable vacuum nozzle
AT4373U1 (en) * 2000-05-31 2001-06-25 Mut Maschinen Umwelttechnik ARRANGEMENT FOR REMOVING BRAKE TRACKS OR TIRE RUBBER DRIVE FROM A DRIVEWAY
ATE346190T1 (en) * 2000-10-13 2006-12-15 Mathieu Yno DEVICE FOR SUCTIONING RESIDUAL WATER ON PLASTER OR CONCRETE SURFACES
US6584640B2 (en) * 2001-03-20 2003-07-01 Roger P. Vanderlinden Large area surface cleaning tool for suctioning both dust and debris
US6588058B2 (en) * 2001-03-20 2003-07-08 Roger P. Vanderlinden Large area surface cleaning tool
US7020930B2 (en) * 2001-10-05 2006-04-04 Hile Jeffrey B Combination lawn care sweeper thatcher shredder
GB2419278B (en) * 2006-01-19 2007-01-10 Grey Technology Ltd Suction head for a vacuum cleaner
US8142545B2 (en) * 2006-05-15 2012-03-27 Federal Signal Corporation Dust separation system for use with mobile equipment
CA2738702A1 (en) * 2007-09-25 2009-04-02 Roger Vanderlinden Sealed pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
WO2009039621A2 (en) 2007-09-25 2009-04-02 Roger Vanderlinden Pick-up head having housed gutter brooms for a mobile sweeping vehicle
CA2640147A1 (en) * 2007-09-25 2009-03-25 Roger P. Vanderlinden Variable width pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
US20090089970A1 (en) * 2007-09-25 2009-04-09 Roger Vanderlinden Debris-plowing pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
EP2203600A4 (en) * 2007-09-25 2012-11-07 Roger Vanderlinden Pick-up head with debris urging means for a mobile sweeper
US20090089964A1 (en) * 2007-09-26 2009-04-09 Vanderlinden Roger P Pick-up head having a re-circulating air system for a mobile sweeping vehicle
US8117711B2 (en) * 2007-11-05 2012-02-21 Schwarze Industries, Inc. High efficiency intake hood system for mobile sweeper vehicles
US8365346B2 (en) * 2008-12-15 2013-02-05 Ecotech Service Co., Llc Multi-purpose vacuum unit
WO2012171100A1 (en) * 2011-06-13 2012-12-20 Roger Vanderlinden Pick-up head system

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3837038A (en) * 1972-12-19 1974-09-24 Tennant Co Apparatus for cleaning surfaces
DE4124682A1 (en) * 1991-07-25 1993-01-28 Juergen Hottek Road sweeper and sweepings collector - has frame fitted onto tractor with sweepings lifted by suction pipe to rear mounted hopper

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170002530A1 (en) * 2015-07-01 2017-01-05 Kann Manufacturing Corporation Garbage truck sweeper attachment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012171097A1 (en) 2012-12-20
WO2012171103A1 (en) 2012-12-20
US9408511B2 (en) 2016-08-09
WO2012171101A1 (en) 2012-12-20
EP2761094A4 (en) 2016-01-13
US20130152334A1 (en) 2013-06-20
WO2012171102A1 (en) 2012-12-20
EP2761094A1 (en) 2014-08-06
WO2012171100A1 (en) 2012-12-20
US20130019431A1 (en) 2013-01-24
EP2761095A4 (en) 2015-08-12
US9215958B2 (en) 2015-12-22
US20130145578A1 (en) 2013-06-13
US20130185894A1 (en) 2013-07-25
EP2761095A1 (en) 2014-08-06
WO2012171098A1 (en) 2012-12-20
US20130019429A1 (en) 2013-01-24
WO2012171099A1 (en) 2012-12-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20130152335A1 (en) Debris shredding pick-up head system
US8117711B2 (en) High efficiency intake hood system for mobile sweeper vehicles
US5784756A (en) Debris cleaner with compound auger and vacuum pickup
US8082625B2 (en) Pick-up head having housed gutter brooms for a mobile sweeping vehicle
CN105350484A (en) Vacuum suction and high-pressure water jet combined road sweeper
US20090089964A1 (en) Pick-up head having a re-circulating air system for a mobile sweeping vehicle
KR200399188Y1 (en) Road Sweeper with a suction-mouse position controller
US20090089962A1 (en) Pick-up head with debris urging means for a mobile sweeper
US20090089970A1 (en) Debris-plowing pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
WO2013020202A1 (en) Dust-capturing gutter broom assembly
WO2010034095A1 (en) Sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle and having a source of high speed air
US20090089963A1 (en) Pick-up head having at least one main broom therein, for a mobile sweeping vehicle
US20120073079A1 (en) Debris shredding pick up head for a mobile sweeper
CN113737699A (en) Pneumatic conveying system and road sweeper with same
US20090083936A1 (en) Variable width pick-up head for a mobile sweeper
US9340936B2 (en) Utility type surface cleaning vehicle
EP2591173A1 (en) Air-flow controlling pick-up head apparatus
WO2014053042A1 (en) Dustless pick-up head and gutter broom apparatus
US20090089965A1 (en) Sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle and having a source of compressed air
EP2900874B1 (en) Utility type surface cleaning vehicle
CA2640145A1 (en) Pick-up head having at least one main broom therein, for a mobile sweeping vehicle
US20090094785A1 (en) Sweeping broom apparatus for use with a vehicle and having a source of high speed air
CN115404810A (en) Dry-wet mode dust-free road sweeper

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION