Method for operating a dirt collecting device for a sweeping vehicle or for a vacuum cleaner nozzle of a floor or upright vacuum cleaner, which each comprise a suction fan with controllable speed and/or power, wherein in a first method step, the suction power of the suction fan is set at such a low level that the suction pressure in the dirt collecting device or the vacuum cleaner nozzle is merely sufficient to convey and deposit the absorbed coarse dirt into the intermediate container, and to convey the absorbed fine dirt into a downstream collection container, (normal operation); and that in a second method step, the filling level in the intermediate container is detected with respect to the coarse dirt deposited therein; and that in a third method step, if the filling level in the intermediate container is exceeded, the suction power of the suction fan is increased such that the coarse dirt, which is temporarily deposited in the intermediate container, becomes dispersible and is conveyed into the downstream collection container (emptying mode).

An automated road sweeper is provided including transport apparatus suitable to allow the sweeper to travel on a road surface including debris, a plurality of cleaning members arranged at fixed points located in different portions of the sweeper and suitable for cleaning within predetermined cleaning areas, and a selector operatively connected to the cleaning members, suitable for scanning the road surface and locating the debris so as to select and exclusively operate the cleaning members, the cleaning area of which covers the debris during the movement of the sweeper.

This invention is directed toward a powertrain for a road cleaning vehicle. In particular, the powertrain includes a hydrostatic gearbox (34) having a casing (50) for directing power from a primary gearbox to a drivetrain and/or one or more road cleaning tools. The casing (50) comprises first and second sections (51, 52) and a plurality of passageways (107, 107) defined by the edges of both the first and second sections (51, 52). An input shaft is provided having an integral gear extending orthogonally therefrom and having an outer portion extending outside of the internal volume of the casing.

This invention is directed toward a powertrain for a road cleaning vehicle. In particular, the powertrain includes a hydrostatic gearbox (34) having a casing (50) for directing power from a primary gearbox to a drivetrain and/or one or more road cleaning tools. The casing (50) comprises first and second sections (51, 52) and a plurality of passageways (107, 107) defined by the edges of both the first and second sections (51, 52). An input shaft is provided having an integral gear extending orthogonally therefrom and having an outer portion extending outside of the internal volume of the casing.

A sweeper attachment for a refuse collection vehicle that utilizes either a conveyor system or a vacuum system to transport debris from a road surface to a collection body of the refuse collection vehicle. The sweeper attachment allows for the same vehicle to be used for both refuse collection and sweeping roadway surfaces.

A boarding sweeper comprises a cleaning working unit capable of executing cleaning work, a seat portion for seating a user, an operation input unit that allows the user to input a driving operation, a suction unit provided in a vicinity of the cleaning working unit, a battery holder that detachably holds a battery unit, and an air guiding mechanism that guides suction air from the suction unit so that the suction air passes through the battery holder.