WO2015125052A1

WO2015125052A1 - Collection unit

Info

Publication number: WO2015125052A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/051088
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca CORAZZINA
Original assignee: Corazzina Luca
Priority date: 2014-02-20
Filing date: 2015-02-13
Publication date: 2015-08-27
Also published as: EP3107369A1

Abstract

A collection unit (1) for the collection of loose material, such as foliage and/or grass, scattered on a ground plane (T). The collection unit (1) comprises a collection compartment (2) and collecting means (3) suitable to collect the material from the ground plane (T) and convey it towards the collection compartment (2). Additionally, the group (1) comprises compaction means (4) suitable to receive the material collected by the collecting means (3), in turn conveying it into the compartment (2), wherein said compaction means (4) comprise a rotating member ( 40) that, by rotating, is suitable to crush the material collected and to convey it into the compartment (2) compacted.

Description

DESCRIPTION

" COLLECTION UNIT"

[0001] This invention relates to a collection unit for the collection of loose material; specifically the collection unit is suitable for collecting leaves or grass clippings from the ground plane on which they lie. In other words, the collection unit finds application in the field of gardening, with the particular aim of contributing to the collection of loose material lying on the ground, as the foliage fallen from a tree or grass lying on a lawn after it has been cut. Or, in some embodiments, the collection unit is also suitable for defelting the plane, i.e., removing moss, and collecting the resulting loose material.

[0002] Collection units suitable for collecting a predetermined quantity of material are known in the state of the art.

[0003] Collection units of different sizes known: collection units of small size, even portable, for example suitable to have portions wearable by the user; or collection units of large size, driven by special motors comprised in the unit or engaged with it, suitable to be guided over the plane by the user.

[0004] However, the known units have a particular problem that has not yet been resolved in the state of the art: these, in fact, are usually filled with loose material over a short period of time, thus obliging the operator to frequently unload the collected material. -So, collection operations flawed by this problem turn out to be particularly long.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a collection unit that solves this problem, making it suitable to collect loose material in a more effective manner and reducing the need to unload the collected material to a minimum.

[0006] This purpose is achieved through a collection unit according to claim 1 and by means of a collection machine according to claim 14. Specifically, the collection unit covered by this invention is suitable to collect in such a way as to store as much collected material as possible, in particular by compacting the collected material before storing it internally.

[0007] Further characteristics and advantages will be apparent from the dependent claims.

[0008] The characteristics and advantages of the unit and machine covered by this invention will be apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the collection unit covered by this invention;

- Figures 2a and 2b show respectively a side view of the collection unit shown of Figure 1 in a position of unloading the collected material and an enlarged view of a detail of the collection unit in Figure 2a showing the mechanics for opening the collection unit;

[0009] - Figure 3 is a sectional side view of several details of the collection unit shown in Figure 1;

[0010] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of several details of the collection unit shown in Figure 1;

[0011] - Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of several details of the collection unit like that shown in Figure 4, in which, instead of several rows of bristles, a defelting .comb is mounted^' that is replaceable or that can be coupled to a row of bristles for the performance of defelting operations;

[0012] - Figures 6a and 6b show a top view of a detail of the rotating member of the collection unit covered by this invention, with the two different positions of engagement with the cleaning means .

[0013] With reference to the attached figures, reference number 1 indicates a collection unit for the collection of loose material, such as foliage and/or grass, scattered on a ground plane T.

[0014] In particular, the collection unit 1 is suitable for collecting the loose material lying on the ground plane T; in this case, the collection unit 1 comprises a collection chamber 2, specifically suitable to contain the material collected. In other words, the collection unit 1, moved by the user on the ground plane T, collects the loose material lying on said ground plane T, storing it internally in the collection chamber 2.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the collection unit 1 comprises a supporting frame 8 inside of which the collection chamber 2 is derived.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the supporting frame 8 is equipped with wheels 80 so as to be movable on the ground plane T, for example by pushing or pulling.

[0017] In particular, the supporting frame 8 comprises a steering wheel 81, preferably placed at the centre of the frame 80, suitable for steering the collection unit 1 with large radii of curvature, therefore facilitating the manoeuvres of the collection unit 1, as well as suitable to create the smallest footprint on the plane on which the collection unit is moved.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the collection unit 1 further comprises collecting means 3, suitable to collect the material from the ground plane T and convey it towards the collection chamber 2.

[0019] In addition, always according to a preferred embodiment, the collection unit 1 comprises compaction means 4, suitable to receive the collected material from the collecting means 3, compact it and convey it towards the collection chamber 2.

[0020] Preferably, both the collecting means 3 and the compaction means 4 are placed on the supporting frame.8, preferably within the space delimited by it. In other words, the supporting frame 8 identifies the dimensions of the collection unit 1, delimiting the collection compartment 2 within it; for example, the supporting frame 8 is composed Of trellis-work and netting, preferably metallic, so as to identify the collection compartment 2 in which to store the collected foliage and grass.

[0021] Preferably, the collecting means 3 and the compaction means 4 are housed within said frame 8, for example inside the collection compartment 2. Furthermore, in order to allow the collecting means 3 to engage the ground plane T, the frame 8 has an opening 82; the opening 82 is preferably on the bottom, facing the ground plane T.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the collecting means 3 comprise a rotating brush 30. Preferably, the rotating brush 30 extends in length, for example along a brush axis Y-Y; preferably, the brush 30 is positioned in such a way that the brush axis Y-Y lies in a plane substantially parallel to the ground plane T; preferably, the brush 30 is positioned in such a way that the brush axis Y-Y is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the collection unit 1.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the brush 30 is composed of a plurality of angularly spaced apart rows of bristles 300 suitable to engage the ground plane T during their rotation. Thus, two rows of angularly consecutive bristles 300 delimit a space in which the material enters to be collected by the rotation of the brush 30. Preferably, a row of ^'bristles 300 is composed of an aluminium and/or nylon core in which the respective bristles are inserted.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating brush 30 comprises elastic recovery means 35, engaging the rows of bristles 300 and suitable to allow an angular movement of the rows of bristles 300 when they are stressed by engagement with the ground plane T, in such a way that the engagement with the ground plane causes first an action on the elastic recovery means and then the bending of the bristles. In other words, special elastic recovery means 35 act on opposite sides of each row of bristles 300, such that, upon engagement with the ground plane T, in a first moment the entire row of bristles 300 is angularly bent and only in a second moment, if necessary, also the bristles are bent. In fact, thanks to the elastic recovery means 35, the action of the rows of bristles 300 on the ground plane T is more effective, even in situations in which the ground plane T is not level and presents differences in height.

[0025] Preferably, said elastic recovery means 35 comprise helical springs 350.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the collection brush 30 also comprises a defelting comb 38, replacable to the row of bristles 300 described above or couplable to it, to perform defelting of the ground plane T, i.e., the removal of moss. Preferably the defelting comb 38 is made of metal or plastic; preferably, in fact, the defelting comb 38 has its own comb teeth 380, made of metal or elastic elements, i.e., elements strong enough to more energetically engage the ground plane T than the bristles, partially entering into it and, thus, defelting .

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the collecting means 3 comprise a plurality of rotating brushes 30 aligned lengthwise, where the rows of bristles 300 of two consecutive rotating brushes 30 are angularly spaced apart and mutually overlapping lengthwise, for example by several centimetres. In other words, along said brush axis Y-Y, a plurality of rotating brushes 30 are aligned and partially overlapping, for example, two rotating brushes 30.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, said compaction means 4 comprise a rotating member 40 that, by rotating, is suitable to crush the collected material and convey it, compacted, into the chamber 2.

[0029] Preferably, the compaction means 4 comprise a rotating member 40. suitable to rotate about a compaction axis X-X and a compaction surface 45 positioned at a predefined distance from said compaction axis X-X, wherein the rotating member 40, by rotating, compresses the loose material against said compaction surface 45 and conveys it into, the collection chamber 2. The compaction axis X-X is preferably substantially parallel to the ground plane T; in other words, the compaction axis X-X lies in a plane substantially parallel to the ground plane T. Preferably the compaction axis X-X is positioned parallel to the brush axis Y-Y; preferably, the rotating member 40 is positioned in such a way that the compaction axis X-X is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the collection unit 1.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the brush 30 about the brush axis Y-Y is in the opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the rotating member 40 about the compaction axis X-X.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the compaction surface 45 is shaped in such a way as to favour engagement with the rotating member 40 and, thus, the compaction and conveying of the compressed loose material towards the collection compartment 2. Preferably, the compaction surface 45 is arched according to radii of curvature whose centre is the compaction axis X-X, or in other embodiments, is similarly bent according to the bending angles, in turn, suitable for the same purpose.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the compaction surface 45 is cushioned by means of special elastic elements, for example one or more helical springs 451, in such a way as to be partially movable, so as to prevent any branches or stones collected by the collecting means from ruining the rotating compaction member 40, forming obstructions to its rotation.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating member 40 comprises at least one action portion 400, radially spaced from the compaction axis X-X. In other words, the action portion 400 is radially spaced from the compaction axis X-X towards the compaction surface 45 so that, during the rotation of the member 40, when the action portion 400 angularly approaches the compaction surface 45, the space for the loose material is decreased and it is, thus, compacted and pushed into the collection compartment 2. In addition, the action portion 400 is also suitable for compacting the loose material that, due to the force of gravity, tends to remain near the rotating member so, as more loose material is collected, compaction is more effective. The force of gravity and the loose material already stored in the collection compartment oppose further storage of material, which thus remains near the compaction element, which continues to act in rotation on the material further crumbling and compacting it.

[0034] In particular, the action portion 400 is suitable to assume an active position, in which it performs a compression action on the loose material, a thrust position in which it performs an action of thrust on the compressed loose material to convey it towards the collection compartment 2 and a cleaning position in which it is engaged by cleaning means 6, in turn comprised in the collection unit 1, according with the description provided below. In other words, during the rotation of the member 40, as a function of its angular position, the action portion 400 is suitable to be placed in the above specific positions, in which it is suitable to perform the above specific operations. Moreover, note how, with the collection compartment full, or partially full, of loose material, even the thrust phase involves a compacting of the loose material on which the rotating member 40 acts. Similarly with the collection compartment full, or partially full, of loose material, the rotating member 40, by acting on the loose material in its vicinity, also crumbles it, for example by pushing it against the cleaning means 6 that, by forming an obstacle, oppose its movement and lead to a crumbling and compaction of the loose material.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the compaction surface 45, radially spaced from the compaction axis X-X, is placed on the bottom of the collection unit 1, in such a way that the loose material lies on it, also thanks to the influence of force of. gravity. According to this embodiment, the action portion 400, when it is in the active position, is located proximal to the ground plane T. While, in the rotation of the member 40, the action portion 400, in the cleaning position, is located distal from the ground plane T.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating member 40 along the compaction axis X-X, comprises a plurality of action portions 400 angularly spaced relative to the compaction axis X-X. In other words, the rotating member 40 comprises along its extension along the compaction axis 40 plus an action portion 400, where said action portions 400 are angularly spaced in such a way, for example, that while one action portion 400 is in the active position, the others are located in another one of the other positions described. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably only one, of the action portions 400 comprised in the rotating member 40, is in action during the rotation, i.e., is compressing the loose material. The continuous rotation of the rotating member 40 thus allows that, along its length, along the compaction axis X-X, in turn all the loose material is compressed and pushed into the collection compartment 2.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, for a rotating member 40 of indicative length of about one metre, an action portion 400 has a size of a few centimetres, for example from 1 to 5 centimetres, preferably 3 centimetres.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating member 40 comprises a supporting shaft 41 that extends along the compaction axis X-X and, in a modular fashion, a plurality of teeth 42, suitable to be fitted on said supporting shaft 41 and suitable to extend from this radially, having a portion spaced radially from the compaction axis X-X, the active portion 400. Preferably, the plurality of teeth 42 is mounted in such a way that a tooth 42 has its active portion 400 angularly spaced from the consecutive tooth 42. In some embodiments, the rotating member 40 has a substantially continuous course, for example helical.

[0039] Preferably, the tooth is shaped so as to crush the loose material on the compaction surface 45 and then push it towards the collection compartment 2.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the tooth 42 has an arched shape, for example, comma-shaped. Preferably, the convex portion of the tooth 42 is thus suitable to act on the loose material to compact it and push it, and includes the action portion 400.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the tooth 42 includes a central portion 421 made of lightweight material, for example polymeric, for example nylon, sandwiched by two lateral reinforcement blades 422, for example made of metal, for example steel. In further embodiments, even the central portion 421 is made of metal, for example steel and is welded to the side blades 422; preferably, the central portion 421 is a strip of metal suitable to join the two side blades 422.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, as already pre- announced, the collection unit 1 further comprises cleaning means 6 of the rotating member suitable to engage the rotating member 40 in its rotation to clean it of loose material compressed on its surface.

[0043] In other words, the cleaning means 6 comprise a cleaning member 60 suitable to engage the action portion 400 during its rotation; in further other words, when loose material is found on the action portion 400, the cleaning member 60 forms an obstacle and cleans it from the action portion 400.

[0044] If there is no material on the action 400, everything is designed so that the action portion touches the cleaning member 60 and continues its motion undisturbed. The material on the action portion 400 then increases its thickness resulting in an engagement between the rotating member 40 and the cleaning member 60.

[0045] In this manner, when compression starts, the action portion 400 is always clean of any residual material.

[0046] Preferably, the cleaning member 60 is positioned radially spaced from the compaction axis X-X, at a distance such as to allow the described engagement with the action portion 400.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning member 60 is elastically yielding under the action of the action portion 400. In other words, upon the action of the action portion 400, preferably when there is material on it, the cleaning member 60 is suitable to change its shape or position, so as to allow the sliding of the action portion 400 on it in its entirety.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning member 60 comprises a cleaning piece 61 that directly engages the action portion 400, so that the sliding with engagement between the two components leads to the detachment of the material from the action portion 400. Preferably, the cleaning piece 61 is made of a material suitable to allow the sliding of the action portion 400, preferably a wear- resistant polymeric material, for example nylon. Preferably, the cleaning piece 61 has an engagement surface specifically shaped to effectively obtain the said cleaning operation.

[0049] Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, , the cleaning member 60 comprises elastic cushioning means suitable to have the dual function of providing a thrust action on the cleaning piece 61 in order to contribute to the cleaning of the action portion 400, and to allow a movement of the cleaning piece 61 precisely when it is engaged by the action portion 400, avoiding excessive friction between the two components. In other words, the elastic cushioning means, comprising for example, special springs, are calibrated in such a way that there is the right compromise and both the above ' functions are performed effectively, obtaining an efficient cleaning of the action portion 400 and avoiding excessive component wear .

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, wherein the collection unit 1 comprises a plurality of action portions 400, for each action portion 400, there is a corresponding cleaning member 60, so that each action portion 400 is cleaned of residual material.

[0051] Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, for example the embodiment shown in the attached drawings, there is an air space between one action portion 400 and another, for example between two consecutive teeth 42. Preferably, the cleaning means 60 comprise a rake 65 suitable to having tines 651 that extend into said air space in such a way as to contain the loose material within the compaction compartment 2 that may otherwise find a passage through said air spaces during the rotation of the member 40.

[0052] According to preferred embodiments, the collection unit 1 comprises one or more automation means for the movement of the collecting means or compaction means. In other words, the collection unit 1 comprises one or more specific motors for the movement of the brush 30 or compaction element 40, for example a plurality of motors are provided, so that each component can be moved independently according to the need. [0053] Embodiments are also envisaged where instead, one or more components are moved by a motor connected to said components through specific transmission elements. For example, the attached drawings show an embodiment comprising a 3200-rpm internal combustion engine suitable to move in rotation both the brush 30 and the rotating member 40, connected by means of specific reduction gears and transmission means in such a way that rotation of the rotating member 40 is 100 rpm, while that of the brush 30 is 200 rpm.

[0054] Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the supporting frame 8 is suitable to allow the unloading of the material collected from its collection compartment .2. In other words, the supporting frame 8 comprises a movable portion 85 suitable to open the bottom of the collection compartment 2 in such a way as to allow the unloading of the collected material on the plane. Preferably, the movable portion 85 is moved by an appropriate mechanical device, for example a piston, or in general by a motor.

[0055] Preferably, the movable portion 85 also includes a bottom portion 851 of the frame, i.e., a portion such that, in a collection, and not unloading, configuration of the frame, it serves as the bottom of the collection compartment 2. [0056] As mentioned, in some embodiments, the collection unit 1 comprises movement means suitable for moving it on the ground plane.

[0057] The object of this invention is also a collection machine specifically for collecting loose material, such as foliage or grass, scattered on a ground plane T.

[0058] Preferably, said machine comprises

[0059] - a collection unit 1 according to the embodiments described above; and

[0060] - a motor means, which can be occupied and driven by a user, suitable to move the collection unit 1.

[0061] Preferably, in said embodiment, the collection unit 1 may not include specific movement means since already moveable and moved by the motor means.

[0062] Preferably the collection unit 1 is suitable to be pulled by the motor means. In other words the unit 1 is fixed to it in its rear part, where it is located proximally to the collection means, while the collection compartment is located distally to it and the compaction means are located between the two.

[0063] As mentioned, the motor means are preferably housable by the operator, who uses it in such a way as to allow him to drive it comfortably.

[0064] Preferably, the motor means comprises, among other components, a seat, a steering wheel, a specific motor for motion, and wheels.

[0065] Innovatively the unit and the machine covered by this invention solve the above problem of the prior art being suitable to perform the collection of loose material from the ground plane during their motion, in such a way as to limit the unloading of the material collected to a minimum.

[0066] Advantageously, the material collected .by the collecting means is compressed by suitable compaction means. Thus, the collection unit is particularly suitable for the collection of loose material such as foliage or grass, material that is collected from the ground, compressed and stored, in such a way as to occupy the least possible space in the collection compartment, thus making operations to unload the collected material less frequent. Advantageously, the collection unit is suitable to compress the material collected volumetrically so as to occupy the least space possible; this application is particularly suitable in the collection of foliage, which is generally particularly voluminous; advantageously, the collection unit covered by this invention allows storing a quantity of loose material seven times greater than the quantity of loose material stored without compaction.

[0067] Moreover, advantageously, the collection unit is suitable to be used on ground planes of large dimensions and large surface areas.

[0068] According to a further advantageous aspect, the collection brush comprises rows of bristles angularly spaced so as to allow the collection of grass and foliage. Advantageously, thanks to the elastic recovery means, the rows of bristles are movable in a manner that allows a bending of the row of bristles in its entirety, instead avoiding excessive bending of the bristle when engaging the ground. Thus, advantageously, the rotating brush is suitable to act effectively even with uneven, ground planes having differences in height. Advantageously, an embodiment is provided in which a row of bristles is replaceable with a defelting comb.

[0069] In yet a further advantageous aspect, the collecting means comprise a series of brushes placed side by side in length, whose consecutive rows of bristles are partially overlapped in such a way as to leave no visible signs on the ground plane.

[0070] Advantageously, the collecting means comprise a series of rotating brushes aligned in length and having rows of bristles angularly spaced in εμοΐτ. a way that only one of these engages the ground plane while the others are raised, acting in this way to have relatively low engagement forces with the ground, since linked to just the row of bristles that is acting on the ground plane. [0071] A further advantageous aspect of the collection unit, lies in the fact that the rotating member comprises a series of action portions aligned in length but angularly spaced in such a way that only some of them, preferably one, is in the active position while the others are in other positions, acting in this way to have relatively low engagement forces with the loose material, since linked to just the action portion in the active position.

[0072] Again, advantageously, the collection unit comprises cleaning means suitable to clean the action portions of any residual loose material, in such a way that they are always efficient in compression operations. Advantageously, the collection unit does not run the risk of blockages or problems of this type due, for example, to residues of loose material on the compaction elements; this is particularly advantageous, especially when the loose material is wet or damp.

[0073] A still further advantageous aspect lies in the fact that the cleaning means are designed to avoid wearing and ruining the action portions. In particular, the cleaning means are suitable to act on the action portions without slowing down the motion of the rotating member.

[0074] Advantageously, the frame of the unit is suitable to open on the bottom to facilitate the unloading of the material collected. [0075] Additional embodiments of the collection unit covered by this invention are feasible.

[0076] In further embodiments, the rotating member comprises two lateral screw elements suitable to bring the loose material to the centre and, in particular, towards its action portions. In this manner, it is the central portion of the rotating member that performs compression operations.

[0077] For example, in a variant embodiment, the collecting means instead comprise a rotating brush instead comprising an aspirator.

[0078] In further embodiment variants, the collection unit comprises centring means, for example vertical brushes, located on the sides of the unit and suitable to bring the loose material towards the centre of the unit, towards the collecting means.

[0079] According to further embodiments, the collection compartment opens from the top in such a way as to avoid its excessive filling and thus breakage of its walls due to the compressed material inside.

[0080] In still further embodiments, the various elements of the collection unit are set in motion by means of a specific transmission with a power take-off directly connected to the motor means suitable to move the collection unit. [0081] In other embodiments, a lawn mower is positionable on the front of the collection unit.

[0082] In other further embodiments, it should be clarified that a tooth may comprise more than one action portion, for example a tooth with a double comma shape or a propeller comprising two radially opposed action portions .

[0083] To the invention described, one skilled in the art, in order to meet specific needs, may make variants or substitutions of elements with others functionally equivalent. Moreover, each of the variants described as belonging to a possible embodiment can be realized independently of the other variants.

Claims

1. Collection unit (1) for the collection of loose material, such as foliage and/or grass, scattered on a ground plane (T) , comprising:

- a collection chamber (2) suitable to contain the material collected;

- collecting means (3) suitable to collect the material from the ground plane (T) and convey it toward the collection chamber (2);

- compaction means (4) suitable to receive the material collected by the collecting means (3) in turn conveying it into the chamber (2);

wherein the compaction means (4) comprise a rotating member (40) that, by rotating, is suitable to crush the material collected and convey it compacted into the chamber ( 2 ) .

2. Collection unit (1) according to claim 1, further comprising cleaning means of the rotating member (6) suitable to engage in its rotation the rotating member (40) to clean it from the compressed loose material on the surface thereof.

3. Collection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the compaction means (4) comprise a rotating member (40) suitable to rotate about an axis (X-X) , preferably substantially parallel to the ground plane (T) , and comprise a compaction surface (45) positioned at a predefined distance from said axis (X-X) , wherein the rotating member (40), by rotating, compresses the loose material and conveys it into the collection chamber (2 ) .

4. Collection unit (1) according to claim 3, wherein the rotating member (40) comprises at least one action portion (400) radially spaced from the compaction axis (X-X), so that, by rotating, the action portion (400) is suitable to assume an active position wherein it carries out a compression action on the loose material, a thrust position wherein it carries out a thrust action on the compressed loose material to convey it towards the collection chamber (2) and a cleaning position wherein it is engaged by the cleaning means (6) .

5. Collection unit (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the cleaning means (6) comprise a cleaning member (60), positioned radially spaced relative to the compaction axis (X-X) , at such a distance that the action portion (400) in its rotation engages the cleaning member (60).

6. Collection unit (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning member (60) is elastically yielding under the action of the action portion (400) .

7. Collection unit (1) according to claim 4, wherein the rotating member (40), along the compaction axis (X-X) , comprises a plurality of action portions (400) angularly spaced relative to the compaction axis (X-X) .

8. Collection unit (1) according to claim 7, wherein the action portion (400) has a width of 1 to 5 cm, preferably

3 cm.

9. Collection unit (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein each action portion (400) has a corresponding dedicated cleaning member (60).

10. Collection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting means (3) comprise a rotating brush (30) composed of a plurality of angularly spaced apart rows of bristles (300) suitable to engage during their rotation the ground plane (T) .

11. Collection unit (1) according to claim 10, wherein the rotating brush (30) comprises elastic recovery means (35) engaging the rows of bristles (300) and suitable to allow a bending of the row of bristles (300) in its entirety when stressed by the engagement action with the ground plane (T) .

12. Collection unit (1) according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the collecting means (3) comprise a plurality of rotating brushes (30) aligned lengthwise, where the rows of bristles (300) of two consecutive rotating brushes (30) are angularly spaced apart and mutually overlapping lengthwise by a stretch thereof.

13. Collection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a supporting frame (8), provided with wheels (80), wherein there is formed the collection chamber (2) and wherein there are housed the collecting means (3) and the compaction means (4), where said frame (8) has an opening suitable to allow the engagement of the collecting means (3) with the ground plane (T) .

14. Collection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, suitable to be moved on the ground plane (T) by means of a motor means, respectively in push or pull.

15. Collection machine for the collection of loose material, such as foliage and/or grass, scattered on a ground plane (T) , comprising a collection unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and a motor means suitable to move the unit (1), for example, by pushing or pulling it.