Patent Description:
Power machines, for the purposes of this disclosure, include any type of machine that generates power to accomplish a particular task or a variety of tasks. One type of power machine is a work vehicle. Work vehicles are generally self-propelled vehicles that have a work device, such as a lift arm (although some work vehicles can have other work devices) that can be manipulated to perform a work function. Some examples of work vehicle power machines include loaders, excavators, utility vehicles, tractors, and trenchers, to name a few.

Power machines such as loaders, excavators, and the like are designed to accept attachable implements, such as buckets and other types of implements, to perform work functions. In some cases, the power machine can provide signals in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid and/or electrical signals to control functions on the implement. One type of implement that is commonly used on power machines is known as a rotary broom or sweeper. The rotary sweeper has a broom that is rotated about an axis to sweep surfaces such as concrete. Typically, a hydraulic or other motor on a side of the implement powers the rotary broom to rotate the broom about the axis. In the case of a hydraulically driven rotary sweeper, hydraulic hoses are attached to the machine to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from the machine to power the broom.

Some rotary sweeper implements include brooms which are capable of being angled, which advantageously causes the dirt and debris being swept up to be pushed to one side. In these rotary sweeper implements, an angling actuator controls the angle of the broom. The angling actuator can also be controlled hydraulically, for example. One of the challenges with operating a broom implement of this type is that the broom ideally needs to be able to float (i.e., move up and down) over uneven terrain. In addition, when the broom is angled, it is desirable to have the broom remain centered relative to the machine.

The discussion in this Background is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Patent document <CIT> discloses a suspension apparatus, for a work implement, including a carrier coupled to the work implement through a pair of links. Patent document <CIT> discloses a support device, for the suspension of a roller broom on a sweeper, including a rotary support mounted on the sweeper so as to be rotatable about a vertical pivot axis. Patent document <CIT> discloses a gutter broom positional control system which connects a gutter broom to a pneumatic lift cylinder through linkages.

The invention for which protection is sought is defined by the independent claim(s).

This Summary and the Abstract are provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. The summary and the abstract are not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

Disclosed embodiments include rotary sweeper or broom implements with a linkage and suspension configured to provide downward pressure on the sweeper head or broom to allow it to maintain a desired level of contact with the sweeping surface. In exemplary embodiments, the linkage of the implement couples the sweeper head or broom to a frame that is attachable to a power machine. The linkage can be a four-bar linkage with an upper and lower link each pivotally coupled to the frame and to a broom carrier that form part of the four- bar linkage. The broom carrier has a two-axis pivot joint that allows the broom to rotate about a first or vertical axis so that it can be angled under power of an angling cylinder or actuator. The broom carrier also allows rotation of the broom about a second axis, for example extending in a direction of machine travel, to allow the broom to rotate and angle side-to-side across the power machine when encountering a slanted sweeping surface. The linkage allows the broom to move up and down. A biasing member such as an air bag provides upward pressure on the linkage to reduce downward pressure on the sweeping surface from the broom. Shock absorbers can also be included between the frame and the linkage to hold the linkage in place and limit bouncing of the broom when it is being transported.

According to the invention a sweeper implement (<NUM>; <NUM>' ;<NUM>" ; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to be coupled to a power machine (<NUM>) is provided, the implement including: a power machine interface (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a machine mount (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to attach the implement to the power machine; an implement frame (<NUM>; <NUM>); broom tool (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to perform a work task; a tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to support the tool; a linkage (<NUM>; <NUM>) coupling the broom tool to the implement frame through the tool carrier, the linkage configured to allow up and down movement of the tool relative to the implement frame; an adjustable biasing member configured to set a downward pressure by the tool on a work surface.

The tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to provide pivoting of the broom tool about a vertical axis (<NUM>) to allow the broom tool to be angled under control of an angling actuator (<NUM>"; <NUM>") such that a first end of the broom tool is forward of a second end of the broom tool to direct debris toward a side of the power machine. Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

The sweeper implement where the tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to provide pivoting of the broom tool about a longitudinal axis (<NUM>) extending in a direction of forward travel of the power machine to allows the broom tool to angle from side-to-side such that one of the first and second ends of the broom tool is vertically higher than other of the first and second ends of the broom tool when encountering a slanted surface.

The sweeper implement where the linkage is a four-bar linkage including: a first link (<NUM>) pivotally attached to the implement frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a first pivot connection (<NUM>) and to a section (<NUM>) of the tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a second pivot connection (<NUM>); a second link (<NUM>) pivotally attached to the implement frame at a third pivot connection (<NUM>) and to the section of tool carrier at a fourth pivot connection (<NUM>); the implement frame; and the tool carrier. The implement where the first link is an upper link and the second link is a lower link positioned below the second link.

The sweeper implement where the adjustable biasing member includes an air bag configured to have air added or evacuated to increase or decrease pressure within the air bag to set the downward pressure by the tool on the work surface.

The sweeper implement and further including a stop (<NUM>) configured to limit travel of the tool (<NUM>; <NUM>) by limiting movement of the linkage (<NUM>; <NUM>). The implement where the stop is a polymeric material stop positioned at least partially within the air bag.

The sweeper implement and further including at least one shock absorber (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) coupled between the linkage and the implement frame and configured to limit bouncing of the tool while the implement is being transported by the power machine.

The sweeper implement (<NUM>; <NUM>';<NUM>"; <NUM>; <NUM>) and further including: a broom frame (<NUM>); a rotary actuator (<NUM>'; <NUM>'); wherein the broom tool is (<NUM>; <NUM>) supported by the broom frame and coupled to the rotary actuator, the broom tool configured to rotate about a first axis (<NUM>) under the control of the rotary actuator; wherein the tool carrier is a broom carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to support the broom frame and broom and provide pivoting of the broom frame and broom tool about the vertical axis (<NUM>) and about a longitudinal axis (<NUM>); and an angling actuator (<NUM>"; <NUM>") coupled between the broom frame and the broom carrier, the angling actuator configured to pivot the broom frame and broom tool about the vertical axis such that the first end of the broom tool is forward of the second end of the broom tool to direct debris toward the side of the power machine.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The sweeper implement where the longitudinal axis (<NUM>) extends in a direction of forward travel of the power machine, and where the broom carrier providing pivoting of the broom tool about the longitudinal axis allows the broom tool to angle from side-to-side such that the first end of the broom tool is vertically higher than the second end of the broom tool when encountering a slanted surface.

The sweeper implement and wherein the linkage coupling the broom tool to the implement frame comprises a four-bar linkage coupling the broom frame to the implement frame through the broom carrier, where the four-bar linkage includes: a first link (<NUM>) pivotally attached to the implement frame (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a first pivot connection (<NUM>) and to a section (<NUM>) of the broom carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) at a second pivot connection (<NUM>); a second link (<NUM>) pivotally attached to the implement frame at a third pivot connection (<NUM>) and to the section of broom carrier at a fourth pivot connection (<NUM>); the implement frame; and the broom carrier.

The sweeper implement and wherein the adjustable biasing member (<NUM>; <NUM>) is coupled to the four-bar linkage and configured to reduce downward pressure provided by the broom on a surface. The sweeper implement where the adjustable biasing member (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured such that reduction in the downward pressure provided by the broom on the surface is adjustable.

The sweeper implement and further including at least one shock absorber (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) coupled between the four-bar linkage and the implement frame and configured to limit bouncing of the broom tool while the sweeper implement is being transported by the power machine.

The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated with reference to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as "including," "comprising," and "having" and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.

Disclosed concepts are used to provide improved rotary sweeper or broom implements. The implements include a linkage and suspension system configured to provide downward pressure on the sweeper head or broom to allow it to maintain a desired level of contact with the sweeping surface. The linkage of the implement, coupling the sweeper head or broom to a frame that is attachable to a power machine, can be a four-bar linkage. A broom carrier attaching the linkage to the broom has a two-axis pivot joint that allows the broom to rotate about a first or vertical axis so that it can be angled under power of an angling cylinder or actuator. The broom carrier also allows rotation of the broom about a second axis, for example extending in a direction of machine travel, to allow the broom to rotate and angle side-to-side across the power machine when encountering a slanted sweeping surface. A biasing member such as an air bag provides upward pressure on the linkage to reduce downward pressure on the sweeping surface from the broom. Shock absorbers between the frame and the linkage hold the linkage in place and limit bouncing of the broom when it is being transported.

Disclosed concepts can be practiced on various implements and various power machines, as will be described below. Representative implements <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" on which the embodiments can be practiced and representative power machines <NUM> and <NUM>' to which the implement can be operably coupled are illustrated in diagram form in <FIG> and described below before any embodiments are disclosed. For the sake of brevity, only one implement and power machine combination is discussed in detail. However, as mentioned above, the embodiments below can be practiced on any of a number of implements and these various implements can be operably coupled to a variety of different power machines. Power machines, for the purposes of this discussion, include a frame, in some instances at least one work element, and a power source that is capable of providing power to the work element to accomplish a work task. One type of power machine is a self-propelled work vehicle. Self-propelled work vehicles are a class of power machines that include a frame, work element, and a power source that is capable of providing power to the work element. At least one of the work elements is a motive system for moving the power machine under power.

Referring now to <FIG>, a block diagram illustrates basic systems of power machine <NUM> as are relevant to interact with implement <NUM> as well as basic features of implement <NUM>, which represents an implement upon which the embodiments discussed below can be advantageously incorporated. At their most basic level, power machines for the purposes of this discussion include a frame <NUM>, a power source <NUM>, a work element <NUM>, and, as shown in <FIG>, an implement interface <NUM>. On power machines such as loaders and excavators and other similar work vehicles, implement interface <NUM> includes an implement carrier <NUM> and a power port <NUM>. The implement carrier <NUM> is typically rotatably attached to a lift arm of another work element and is capable of being secured to the implement. The power port <NUM> provides a connection for the implement <NUM> to provide power from the power source to the implement. Power source <NUM> represents one or more sources of power that are generated on power machine <NUM>. This can include either or both of pressurized fluid and electrical power.

The implement <NUM>, which is sometimes known as an attachment or an attachable implement, has a power machine interface <NUM> and a tool <NUM>, which is coupled to the power machine interface <NUM>. The power machine interface <NUM> illustratively includes a machine mount <NUM> and a power port <NUM> for coupling with power machine <NUM>. Machine mount <NUM> can be any structure capable of being coupled to the implement interface <NUM> of power machine <NUM>. Power port <NUM>, in some embodiments, includes hydraulic and/or electrical couplers. Power port <NUM> can also include a wireless electrical connection, as may be applicable on a given implement. While both machine mount <NUM> and power port <NUM> are shown, some implements may have only one or the other as part of their power machine interface <NUM>. Other implements, such as a bucket and some simple forklifts, would not have a power port <NUM> at all (e.g., See <FIG>). Some other forklifts may have an actuator for adjusting its tines vertically, horizontally, rotationally, or by extending them in response to power signals received from the power machine <NUM> at power port <NUM>.

In instances where a power machine has a specific implement carrier, the machine mount <NUM> will include a structure that complements the specific implement carrier. For power machines without an implement carrier, the machine mount includes features to directly mount the implement <NUM> to the power machine <NUM> such as bushings to accept pins for mounting the implement to a lift arm and an actuator for moving the implement.

For the purposes of this discussion, implements can be categorized as simple or complex. A simple implement has no actuated work element. One example of a simple implement is a bucket or a forklift without actuable tines. A complex implement has at least one actuable work element such as a forklift with actuable tines. Complex implements are further divided into those that have one actuable work element and those that have multiple work elements. Some complex implements include features of a simple implement.

In <FIG>, the implement <NUM> illustrates a tool <NUM> for a complex implement with a single work element <NUM>. The tool <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, which is coupled with or integral to the machine mount <NUM>. A work element <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> and is moveable in some way (vertical, horizontal, rotation, extension, etc.) with respect to the frame. An actuator <NUM> is mounted to the frame <NUM> and the work element <NUM> and is actuable under power to move the work element with respect to the frame. Power is provided to the actuator <NUM> via the power machine. Power is selectively provided in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid (or other power source) directly from the power machine <NUM> to the actuator <NUM> via power ports <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an implement <NUM>', which depicts a complex, multi-function implement. The features in <FIG> that are similarly numbered to those in <FIG> are substantially similar and are not discussed again here for the sake of brevity. Implement <NUM>' has one or more additional work elements <NUM>", which are shown in block form. Each work element <NUM>" has a corresponding actuator <NUM>" coupled thereto for controlling movement of the work element <NUM>". A control system <NUM> receives power from the power machine and selectively provides power to the actuators <NUM>' and <NUM>" in response to signals from operator inputs. The control system <NUM> includes a controller <NUM>, which is configured to receive electrical signals from the power machine <NUM> indicative of operator input manipulation and control power to the various actuators based on those electrical signals. The controller <NUM> can provide electrical signals to some or all of the actuators <NUM>' and <NUM>" to control their function. Alternatively, the controller <NUM> can control optional valve <NUM>, which in turn controls actuation of some or all of the actuators <NUM>' and <NUM>" by providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the actuators.

Although not shown in <FIG>, in some instances, controller <NUM> can receive signals indicative of operator actuation of user inputs that are mounted on the implement, as opposed to the power machine. In these applications, the implement is controlled from an operator position that is located remotely from the power machine (i.e. next to the implement <NUM>').

<FIG> illustrates an implement <NUM>", which depicts a simple implement. The features in <FIG> that are similarly numbered to those in <FIG> are substantially similar and are not discussed again here for the sake of brevity. Implement <NUM>" has one or more engagement structures <NUM>" that is fixedly or moveably attached to the frame <NUM>". Unlike a work element, which is powered by an actuator to move relative to the frame to perform a work function, the engagement structure can engage a medium to perform, in combination with the power machine, work. For example, a simple bucket has an engagement structure including a cutting edge and a defined volume that holds soil or material that is collected into a bucket. As another example, tines of a forklift can be mounted to the frame of the forklift implement for engaging a pallet. Such tines can be adjustable, but in many cases, the tines themselves are not moveable under power to perform work, but are instead engagement structures for engaging and supporting a load to be lifted and/or carried.

A power machine interface can include a machine mount in the form of a generally planar interface plate that is capable of being coupled to an implement carrier on a loader. In embodiments, various types of machine mounts can be employed. The power machine interface can also include a power port (e.g., see interfaces <NUM> and <NUM>' of <FIG> and <FIG> respectively), or not such as with the power machine interface <NUM>" of <FIG>. When the power machine interface includes a power port, the power port can include hydraulic conduits that are connectable to conduits on a power machine so that pressurized hydraulic fluid can be selectively provided to an actuator on the implement to actuate a connected working element. The power port can also include an electrical connection, which can be connectable to a controller (such as controller <NUM> of <FIG>) and actuators on a valve (such as valve <NUM>). The controller and valve can be included in a control system (such as control system <NUM>) on the implement for controlling functions thereon.

Referring now to <FIG>, shown is an implement <NUM>, which can be in accordance with, and include features of, the implements illustrated in <FIG>. In the illustrated embodiment, implement <NUM> includes a power machine interface <NUM> and a tool <NUM>. The tool includes a frame <NUM> coupled to the power machine interface <NUM>. The power machine interface provides a machine mount <NUM> and one or more power ports <NUM> for providing power, for example in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid, to actuators <NUM> of the tool <NUM>. In some embodiments, such as discussed below with reference to <FIG> and <NUM>, the machine mount <NUM> can be formed as a portion of frame <NUM> of the tool, though that need not be the case in all embodiments.

Tool <NUM> includes a rotary broom/sweeper <NUM> powered by a rotary actuator <NUM>', such as a hydraulic motor receiving power from power machine <NUM>. The broom <NUM> is supported by a carrier <NUM> that is coupled to the frame <NUM> through a linkage <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, linkage <NUM> can be a four-bar linkage. Carrier <NUM> is configured to provide, in some embodiments, a two-axis pivot joint that allows the broom <NUM> to rotate about a vertical axis (Y-axis - shown in <FIG>) under power from an angling actuator <NUM>" in order to direct debris toward a side of the implement <NUM>. The broom carrier <NUM> also allows rotation of the broom <NUM> about a second axis (Z-axis - shown in <FIG>) which extends forward of the broom, for example in a direction of travel of power machine <NUM>, to allow the broom to angle side to side when encountering a slanted surface.

In some exemplary embodiments, the four-bar linkage <NUM> which couples the carrier <NUM> to the frame <NUM> is formed with two links each pivotally coupled to both of the frame and the carrier. Portions of the frame and the carrier then form the remaining two links of the four-bar linkage <NUM>. Linkage <NUM> allows carrier <NUM> and broom <NUM> to move up and down. A biasing member <NUM>, for example in the form of an air bag, is provided to act against the linkage to reduce the down pressure on the surface provided by the broom. In some embodiments, the pressure provided by the biasing member to reduce the downward pressure on the broom is adjustable. For example, with an air bag biasing member, air can be added to or evacuated from the bag to increase or decrease the pressure. Also, in some exemplary embodiments, shock absorbers <NUM> can be coupled between the frame <NUM> and the linkage <NUM>, for example to a bottom link of the linkage, to hold the linkage in place and limit bouncing of the broom when it is being transported.

Referring now to <FIG> and <NUM>, shown is a rotary broom or sweeper implement <NUM>, which is one more particular embodiment of implement <NUM> discussed above with reference to <FIG>. Like implement <NUM>, implement <NUM> includes a rotary broom which is supported by a linkage configured to provide a suitable amount of downward pressure on the sweeper head to allow it to maintain a desired level of contact with the sweeping surface.

As shown in <FIG> and <NUM>, implement <NUM> includes a frame <NUM> that is attachable to a power machine by a machine mount <NUM> of a power machine interface <NUM>. A linkage <NUM> couples the broom <NUM> to the implement frame <NUM> through a broom frame <NUM> and a broom carrier <NUM>. The broom <NUM> is rotatably mounted to the broom frame and configured to rotate about an axis <NUM> under the power of a rotary actuator <NUM>', such as a hydraulic motor, which receives hydraulic power from a power source <NUM> on the power machine. The broom frame <NUM> is in turn mounted to the broom carrier <NUM>.

Linkage <NUM> is, in some embodiments, a four-bar linkage with two links <NUM> and <NUM> each pivotally attached to the frame <NUM> and to the broom carrier <NUM>. As shown, upper link <NUM> is pivotally attached to frame <NUM> at pivot connection <NUM> and to a section <NUM> of broom carrier <NUM> at pivot connection <NUM>. Lower link <NUM> is pivotally attached to frame <NUM> at pivot connection <NUM> and to section <NUM> of broom carrier <NUM> at pivot connection <NUM>. Frame <NUM> and section <NUM> of broom carrier <NUM> form the other two linkages of the four-bar linkage.

The broom carrier <NUM> includes a <NUM>-axis pivot joint <NUM> that allows the broom <NUM> and broom frame <NUM> to rotate about a first axis, for example a vertical or Y-axis <NUM>, to angle under power from an angling actuator or cylinder <NUM>" connected between the broom carrier <NUM> and the broom frame <NUM>. As can be seen in FIG. <NUM>, a vertically oriented pin <NUM> positioned to rotate within a first bushing <NUM> is configured to provide rotation about the vertical axis <NUM>. Bushing <NUM> itself rotates about a second axis <NUM>, which can be a generally horizontally extending axis. Rotation of bushing <NUM> about the second axis <NUM> is achieved with pins <NUM>, for example horizontally extending pins, which are positioned to rotate within one or more bushings <NUM> coupled to the carrier <NUM>. Like the rotary actuator <NUM>', the angling actuator <NUM>" is powered by a power source <NUM> on the power machine. This angling about the axis <NUM> moves one end of broom <NUM> forward of the power machine as compared to the other end of the broom to direct debris toward one side of the machine. As discussed, the broom carrier <NUM> can also rotate about a second axis, for example a longitudinally extending or Z-axis <NUM> orthogonal to the vertical axis <NUM>. This second axis <NUM> can extend generally in the direction of forward power machine travel, and allows the broom frame <NUM> and broom <NUM> to angle side-to-side (e.g., such that one end of the broom is higher than the other end of the broom) when encountering a slanted surface. Linkage <NUM> allows the broom to move up and down with surface variations.

A biasing member <NUM>, in the form of an air bag, is provided to act against the linkage <NUM> to reduce the downward pressure provided by the broom on the surface being swept. As can be seen in the cross-section view of FIG. <NUM>, the air bag <NUM> is attached to the frame via a plate <NUM> on the bottom of the air bag. A top plate <NUM> or other structure couples the airbag to the top link <NUM> such that the air bag acts against the top link to urge the broom <NUM> upward. In exemplary embodiments, the air bag <NUM> can be inflated to different pressures, allowing the biasing force acting against the top link <NUM> to be adjustable, thus allowing the downward pressure of the broom or other tool on the work surface to be set to different levels for different purposes. For instance, to remove mud or other adhered materials from a work surface, the air bag <NUM> inflation can be controlled to allow more downward pressure by the tool on the work surface. However, in other uses, such as sweeping sand from a grassy surface, inflation of the air bag can be controlled to reduce the downward pressure by the tool on the work surface.

In some exemplary embodiments, a stop <NUM> is included to limit travel of the tool <NUM> by limiting movement of the linkage <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, stop can be a polymeric material positioned partially or entirely within airbag <NUM>, for example on plate <NUM>. In other embodiments, stop <NUM> can be positioned exterior to the air bag. Downward movement of the tool by linkage <NUM> is limited by an opposing surface, such as plate <NUM> or a portion of a link (e.g., link <NUM>) coming into contact with the stop.

Also shown in <FIG> and <NUM> are automotive style shock absorbers coupled between the frame <NUM> and the bottom link <NUM>. As shown, shock absorbers <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to the bottom link <NUM> and to a portion of the frame <NUM> at a position above the bottom link. Shock absorbers <NUM> and <NUM> are coupled to the bottom link <NUM> and to a portion of the frame <NUM> at a position below the bottom link. These shock absorbers apply forces which work to hold the linkage <NUM> in place, limiting bouncing of the broom when implement <NUM> is being transported while mounted on a power machine.

Claim 1:
A sweeper implement (<NUM>; <NUM>';<NUM>"; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to be coupled to a power machine (<NUM>), the implement comprising:
a power machine interface (<NUM>; <NUM>) having a machine mount (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to attach the implement to the power machine;
an implement frame (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a broom tool (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to perform a work task;
a tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) configured to support the tool;
a linkage (<NUM>; <NUM>) coupling the broom tool to the implement frame through the tool carrier, the linkage configured to allow up and down movement of the tool relative to the implement frame; and
an adjustable biasing member positioned between the implement frame and the linkage and configured to set a downward pressure by the tool on a work surface;
the sweeper implement characterized in that:
the tool carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) is configured to provide pivoting of the broom tool about a vertical axis (<NUM>) to allow the broom tool to be angled under control of an angling actuator (<NUM>"; <NUM>") such that a first end of the broom tool is forward of a second end of the broom tool to direct debris toward a side of the power machine.