US3372875A - Combination cleaning fluid nozzle and hydraulically operated hopper for refuse collecting apparatus - Google Patents

Description

March 12, 1968 A J. TORREY 3 372,875

a COMBINATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED HOPPER FOR REFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 21, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet l l/VVEA/TOR O nZ/zmyd 752"2 9 3 6. 9M

477'01GNEK March 12, 1968 A. J. TORREY 3,372,875

COMBINATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALL-Y OPERATED HOPPER FOR REFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 21, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /a #meAuL/c FZU/D 4L SUPRA) mm? 34 1055mm? 9 su pzr 4/ DISINFECIZWT m/vk itiuppzr M 0 Ma -0g 0/5M/FEC7n/V7' 50 m) TANK SUA ZY mm awe/woe.-

Arrokxvix United States Patent 3,372,875 Patented Mar. 12, 1968 Office 3,372,875 COMBlNATION CLEANING FLUID NOZZLE AND HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED HOPPER FOR REFUSE COLLECTING APPARATUS Anthony J. Torrey, 874 Edgcll Road,

Framingham, Mass. 01701 Filed Oct. 21, 1965, Ser. No. 499,453 14 Claims. (Cl. 239-129) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to refuse collection apparatus and more particularly to a vehicle for both collecting refuse and for cleaning refuse containers.

Vehicles for collecting refuse, such as garbage, trash, etc., and transporting the same to authorized dumping areas are extensively used in most cities and towns. The vehicles are driven along a predetermined collection route having a large number of individual pickup points at each of which the operator collects the contents of individual rubbish containers. After completion of the route or upon reaching the capacity of the collection vehicle the operator proceeds to the dumping area for discharge of the collected refuse.

Operations of this type are useful in removing refuse from the numerous accumulation points which exist in highly populated cities and towns. However, the existing methods and apparatus for the collection are less than satisfactory from a hygienic standpoint. The collected refuse frequently includes a content of animal or vegetable matter which adheres to the surfaces of the rubbish containers and resists detachment during normal emptying procedures. This residue material can, of course, provide a breeding ground for disease germs in addition to serving as a source of unpleasant odors and as an attraction for undesirable insects such as flies, roaches, etc.

The object of this invention therefore is to provide an improved refuse collection apparatus which functions not only to collect accumulated rubbish but also to prevent the creation of unsanitary conditions.

One feature of this invention is the provision with a refuse collection vehicle of a rubbish container cleaning unit having a cleaning fluid supply tank and a mechanism for generating a fluid pressure at a demountable nozzle connected to the fluid supply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured type having hydraulic power equipment and wherein the fluid pressure generator includes a fluid pump driven by a hydraulic motor coupled to the vehicles hydraulic pressure system.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured type ineluding a diverter valve adapted in one position to supply hydraulic fluid to the vehicles hydraulic power equipment and in a second position to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor of the cleaning unit.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured type wherein the cleaning unit includes a regulating valve for maintaining a constant fluid pressure at the cleaning fluid supply nozzle and a second regulating valve for maintaining a constant hydraulic fluid pressure on the hydraulic motor.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the first featured type wherein the mechanism for generating a cleaning fluid pressure comprises a fluid pump driven by a power take-off from the vehicles power train.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured types including a heater adapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in the fluid supply tank thereby permitting use of the vehicle in subfreezing weather conditions.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured type wherein the heater comprises a portion of the vehicles exhaust tubulation disposed adjacent the cleaning fluid supply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured types including an auxiliary, electrically energized heater adapted upon energization to prevent freezing of the cleaning fluid during periods when the vehicle is not in use.

Another feature of this invention is the provision in a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured types of an auxiliary supply tank adapted to be filled with a disinfectant fluid for sanitizing the rubbish containers.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured type including a compressor unit for pressurizing the disinfectant fluid in the auxiliary supply tank and an auxiliary supply nozzle for distributing the disinfectant fluid.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the next above featured type wherein the cleaning fluid supply nozzle is of the aspirator type and adapted upon actuation to combine and release the cleaning fluid supplied from the cleaning fluid supply tank and disinfectant fluid supplied from the auxiliary supply tank.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of a refuse collection vehicle of the above featured types wherein the rubbish container cleaning unit is mounted below the refuse receptacle portion of the vehicle and between the front and back wheels thereof thereby preventing any requirement for enlargement of the vehicles overall volume.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon a perusal of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial side elevation of a refuse collection vehicle according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of a preferred container cleaning unit for use with the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial schematic drawing of another preferred container cleaning unit; and

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic drawing of another preferred refuse container cleaning unit. of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown the refuse collection vehicle 11 of the type commonly referred to as a compaction truck. The vehicle 11 incudes the loading hopper 12 which is hydraulically lifted in the conventional manner to empty its contents into the refuse receptacle portion 13. Mounted below the receptacle portion 13 and between the vehicles front wheels 14 and rear wheels 15 is the rubbish container cleaning unit 17. The supply tank 18, adapted to be filled with a suitable cleaning fluid, for example water, and the fluid pressure generator 19 are the primary components of the cleaning unit 17. Connected to the fluid pressure generator 19 by a flexible a hose 21 is the fluid supply nozzle 22 which is demountably supported by the supply tank 18.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed schematic drawing of the cleaning unit 17. The fluid pressure generator 19 includes the hydraulic motor 23 operatively connected to the fluid pump 24- by the mechanical coupling 25. Connected between the diverter valve 27 in the vehicles hydraulic fluid pressure system 28 and the hydraulic motor 23 is the constant pressure regulating valve 29. The hydraulic .fiuid pressure system 28 includes the reservoir 31, the fluid pump 32 and the hydraulic fluid supply line 34 and return line 33 which feed the hydraulic actuating cylinders (not shown) of the loading hopper 12 as well as other hydraulically operated equipment of the vehicle 11. The fluid pressure generator 19 also includes the constant pressure regulating valve 35 and fluid pressure gauge 37 connected to the outlet of the fluid pump 24.

The exhaust pipe 38 of the vehicle 11 includes a heater portion 39 which is in heat exchanging contact with the bottom of supply tank 18. Also in heat exchanging contact with the supply tank 18 is the electrical heating coil 41 adapted for connection to a conventional electrical current outlet (not shown).

During operation of the invention a driver stops the vehicle 11 adjacent a container filled with refuse to be collected. The container is then either emptied into the loading hopper 12 or attached to the hopper so as to be lifted thereby. Discharge of the refuse contained in either the hopper 12 or attached refuse container (not shown) into the refuse receptacle portion 13 is accomplished in the normal manner by lifting and rotation of the hopper 12. The loading is accomplished with the diverter valve 27 set in a position for supplying hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic fluid pressure system 28 to the hydraulic actuating cylinders (not shown) of the hopper 12.

After the refuse container has been emptied the position of the diverter valve 27 is altered to supply hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pressure system 28 to the regulating valve 29. Switching of the diverter valve 27 preferably is done with an actuating lever (not shown) located on the exterior of the vehicle 11 and near the supply nozzle 22. Subsequently, the regulating valve 29 feeds hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor 23 via the supply line 42. Hydraulic fluid circulating through the motor 23 and the excess hydraulic fluid discharged by the regulating valve 29 is returned to the reservoir 31 via the return lines 43 and 44, respectively,

The hydraulic motor 23 drives the fluid pump 24 which pumps cleaning fluid under pressure from the supply tank to the nozzle 22 via supply lines 47, 48. The regulating valve 35 can be adjusted to provide any desired constant fluid pressure at the nozzle 22 as indicated by the fluid pressure gauge 37. Excess cleaning fluid is returned by the regulating valve 35 to the supply tank 18 through the return line 49.

The operator then removes and manually points the nozzle 22 toward the portions of the substantially emptied refuse container which require further cleaning. Actuation of the valve handle 51 on the nozzle 22 opens the normally closed valve therein and releases from the nozzle mouth 52 a stream of cleaning fluid. The stream is directed against and effects dislodgment and removal of the residue refuse remaining in the container.

Thus the present invention makes possible a simple and thorough cleaning of each refuse container handled by the operator of the collection vehicle. The fluid pressure generator 19 comprising the hydraulic motor 23 and fluid pump 24 is easily capable of producing relatively high fluid pressures in the range, for example, of 150 lbs. per sq. in. This substantial fluid pressure capacity is very important since the residue in an emptied container is frequently quite firmly attached so as to stubbornly resist removal. A further advantage is that the unit utilizes as a prime mover the hydraulic pressure system 28 which already exists in conventional compaction vehicles for actuation of their power equipment. Accordingly, the additional cost required for the cleaning unit 17 is relatively small.

The exhaust tubulation heater portion 39 is also an important feature of the invention. Operation of the refuse collection vehicle 11 in subfreezing weather conditions would cause freezing of the cleaning liquid contained within the supply tank 18. Such an occurrence would, of course, prevent the cleaning operations described above or require the addition to the cleaning fluid of costly antifreeze materials. The heat provided by the heater 39 prevents freezing of the cleaning fluid in an extremely simple and economic manner.

The auxiliary electrical heating coil 41 can be connected to a conventional electrical current outlet during periods when the vehicle 11 is not in use. This will assure the operator of an effective cleaning fluid supply at the initiation of collection activites without a requirement for draining and refilling of the supply tank 18.

Also of substantial importance is the mounting of the cleaning unit 17 below the refuse receptacle portion 13 and between the vehicles front and rear Wheels 14 and 15. This volume is normally unoccupied in most commercial vehicles of this type. Thus the cleaning unit 17 can be installed and utilized without increasing the overall dimensions of the collection vehicle 11. The significance of this feature is obvious when one considers that hauling efficiency requires a large hauling capacity while practical operation requires that the overall dimensions of the vehicle 11 be limited to accommodate the confining boundaries of bridges, doorways, alleyways, etc.

FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment of the cleaning unit 17 shown in FIG. 2 with functionally similar components given the same reference numerals. The only substantive changes are the addition of the auxiliary supply tank 61 adjacent the cleaning fluid supply tank 18 and the substitution of a modified supply nozzle 62 which is of the aspirator type. The nozzle 62 is connected for fluid communication with the auxiliary supply tank 61 by the flexible hose 63.

For operation of this embodiment the supply tank 18 is filled With an inexpensive cleaning fluid, for example water, and the auxiliary supply tank 61 is filled with a concentrated liquid disinfectant. The operator can elect to either actuate only the valve handle 64 of the nozzle 62 and produce a high pressure stream of water or in applications requiring the use of a disinfectant can elect to also actuate the aspirator portion of the nozzle 62. The latter operation permits the high pressure water stream to draw disinfectant liquid from the auxiliary tank 61 at a preselected rate. Combination by the nozzle 62 of the liquids from the supply tank 18 and the auxiliary tank 61 produces a combined fluid stream having a desired disinfectant content and permits sterilization of the rubbish containers.

FIG. 4 shows another cleaning unit embodiment of the invention with components identical to those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 given the same reference numerals. Driving the fluid pump 24 via the gear coupling 71 is the drive shaft 72 which is connected to a power takeoff (not shown) of the vehicles power train (not shown). The pump 24 circulates cleaning fluid from the supply tank 18 to the nozzle 22 for use in the manner described in conjunction with FIG. 2. Also driven by the drive shaft 72 via the gear coupling '73 is the motor-compressor unit '75. This unit is adapted upon actuation to pressurize the auxiliary supply tank '76 to a given constant pressure determined by the pressure relief valve 77. Connected to the auxiliary supply tank 76 by the flexible hose 79 is manually operated valve nozzle 78.

The operation of this device is similar to that shown in FIG. 2 except that the vehicles power train rather than its hydraulic system is utilized to produce the fluid pressure at the nozzle 22 as well as to drive the motor-compressor unit 75. Preferably, the supply tank 18 is fllled with an inexpensive cleaning solution such as water and the auxiliary tank 76 is filled with a suitable liquid disinfectant. The operator of the vehicle can then select either the primary nozzle 22 or auxiliary nozzle 78 depending on whether washing or sterilization of the container is desired.

Thus the auxiliary supply tanks 61 and 76 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 make possible either washing or sterilization of the containers. This is important because in some applications sterilization is highly desirable while in others the less expensive water washing is completely adequate.

The embodiment of FIG. 3 has the additional advantage of allowing the use of a concentrated disinfectant liquid for dosed combination with a supply of cleaning water. Thus the size of the auxiliary tank 61 can be maintained at a minimum so as to reduce the over-all weight and volume added to the refuse collection vehicle 11.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the individual features can be used in combinations other than those shown. Thus, the hydraulic motor 23 could be used with the embodiment of FIG. 2 or a power take-off used with the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. A refuse collection apparatus comprising a vehicle adapted to receive collected rubbish, said vehicle including a hydraulically operated lift means adapted to load rubbish into a rubbish receptacle portion, a cleaning fluid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, a demountable cleaning fluid supply nozzle connected to said cleaning fluid supply tank by a flexible hose, a fluid pump adapted to pump fluid contained in said fluid supply tank to said fluid supply nozzle, a hydraulic motor mechanically coupled to drive said fluid pump, a hydraulic fluid pressure system operably connected to said hydraulic motor and to said hydraulically operated lift means, and a diverter valve adapted in one position to supply hydraulic fluid from said hydraulic fluid pressure system to said hydraulically operated lift means and in a second position to supply hydraulic fluid from said hydraulic fluid pressure system to said hydraulic motor.

2. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said cleaning fluid supply nozzle includes a manually operated valve adapted upon actuation to release pressurized cleaning fluid from said cleaning fluid supply nozzle.

3. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 including a regulating valve adapted to maintain a constant cleaning fluid pressure at said cleaning fluid supply nozzle.

4. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 3 including a second regulating valve adapted to maintain a constant hydraulic fluid pressure on said hydraulic motor.

5. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 4 including an auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank mounted on said vehicle, and auxiliary fluid supply means for dis- 6 tributing fluid from said auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank.

6. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said auxiliary fluid supply means comprises a compressor means for pressurizing said. auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank and an auxiliary cleaning fluid supply nozzle connected to said auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank by a flexible hose.

7. A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said auxiliary fluid supply means comprises an auxiliary flexible hose' connected between said auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank and said cleaning fluid supply nozzle, said cleaning fluid supply nozzle is adapted upon actuation to combine and release cleaning fluids supplied from said cleaning fluid supply tank and said auxiliary cleaning fluid supply tank.

8. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 1 including heating means adapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in said cleaning fluid supply tank.

9. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said heating means comprises a portion of the vehicle exhaust tubulation disposed adjacent said cleaning fluid supply tank.

It A rubbish collection apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said heating means comprises an electrically energized heater adapted to supply heat to said cleaning fluid supply tank.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vehicle is supported by front and rear wheel assemblies, said vehicle includes a receptacle portion adapted to receive collected rubbish, and said fluid supply tank is mounted under said receptacle portion and between said front and rear wheels.

12. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 11 including a regulating valve adapted to maintain a con stant cleaning fluid pressure at said cleaning fluid supply nozzle.

13. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 11 including heating means adapted to heat the cleaning fluid contained in said cleaning fluid supply tank.

14. A refuse collection apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said heating means comprises a portion of the vehicle exhaust tubulation disposed adjacent said cleaning fluid supply tank.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,897,165 2/ 1933 Endacott et al 239-129 X 1,984,851 12/1934 Vinz 239-426 2,555,640 5/1951 Garretson 10387 2,903,189 9/1959 Patton 239129 3,037,707 5/1962 Ligon 239-127 X 3,140,049 7/ 1964 Norstrud et a1 239-126 3,219,275 11/1965 Green 239-172 3,291,144 12/1966 Diamond 134-115 X 3,317,142 5/ 1967 Casale 239130 M. HENSON WOOD, JR., Primary Examiner. VAN C. WHJKS, Assistant Examiner.

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