Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for cleaning material deposits in confined space comprising:
a cleaning mechanism (162,170) including a reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) adapted for accessing and impacting the material deposit in the confined space for loosening the deposit and cleaning of deposit;
said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) supported with respect to a cooperative tilting mechanism (154,158) for desired angular access of said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) in said confined space;
said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) supported with respect to said tilting mechanism (154) operatively connected to a lifting mechanism (108, 148) for desired height adjustment of the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) for cleaning purposes depending upon the height at which the confined space to be cleaned is located.

2. The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in claim 1 wherein said
reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) includes a reciprocating actuator comprising selectively a poking rod, shovel, bush hammer, scabbler, needle gun which is operatively connected to a cleaning cylinder preferably including a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder for generating desired to and fro impactor means motion;
said tilting means comprising a tilting platform (154) supporting said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) on top and its said cooperating cleaning cylinder (170) thereunder said tilting platform (154) , said tilting platform (154) carrying said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) operable for desired tilt action including telescopically operating mechanism (158) for inclined motion of the tilt platform (154) with respect to its operative connection to said lift mechanism (108,148) ;
said tilting platform (154) supporting said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) on top of its cooperative lifting mechanism (108,148) together supported on a mobility mechanism (102,104,106) for desired mobility and transportability of the system .

3. The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising:

said lifting mechanism comprising a plurality of scissor lift [108], two rollers [144], two tracks [146] and lifting cylinder [148]; and

said mobility mechanism for transportability of the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanisms comprising of a base [102], a plurality of wheels [104], a motor [106].

4.The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in any one of claims 2to 3 wherein the mobility mechanism comprises of the base [102] on which the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism are mounted with said base [102] in the shape of the rectangle;

the plurality of wheels [104] makes the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism movable, four wheels [104] are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base [102] such that each corner of the base [102] is provided with the wheels [104]; and

the motor [176] drives the wheels [104] to roll, the motor [176] is provided below the base [102], one of the diagonally opposite wheels [104] are connected to the motor [176].

5. The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in anyone of claims 1to 4 , wherein the lifting mechanism comprises the scissor lift [108] which includes a plurality of X-shaped links, each X-shaped link is stacked and attached to each other, each X-shaped link comprises two sets of outer [110] and inner [112] crossing members interconnected by two upper crossbars [114], [116]; two lower crossbars [118], [120] and middle crossbar [122], each X-shaped link is elevated when the corresponding crossbars are pulled towards each other and each X-shaped link is lowered when the corresponding crossbars are pulled apart from each other, the two ends of the one of the lower member [120] of the X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108] is mounted on the base [102] by two set of pivots [178];

the rollers [144] are provided for smooth actuation of lifting and collapsing of the scissor lift [108], two set of rollers [144] are provided at two ends of the one of the lower member [118] of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108], the rollers [144] rolls the lower member [118] toward or away from the lower member [120] to elevate or lower the scissor lift [108] respectively;

the tracks [146] act as a pathway for the rollers [144] to roll, the tracks [146] are mounted on the base [102], two set of tracks [146] are provided parallel to each other, the tracks [146] has a hollow section, the two ends of the other lower member [118] of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108] which is provided with the rollers [144] is accommodated in the two tracks [146] such that the rollers [144] slides along the hollow section of the track [146] when the scissor lift [108] is elevated or lowered; and

the lifting cylinder [148] is provided to lift and lower the scissor lift [180] to achieve required height, the lifting cylinder [148] is mounted on the base [102], the lifting cylinder [148] is coupled to the upper member [120] of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108] with a double L-shaped connector [152], one end of the double L-shaped connector [152] is attached to the lifting cylinder [148] and other end is attached to the upper member [116] of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108], the lifting cylinder [148] is actuated to lift the double L-shaped connector [152] and the actuating pulls all the respective crossbars towards one another and the lifting cylinder [148] is released to lower the double L-shaped connector [152] and lowering pull apart all the respective crossbars.

6. The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the tilting mechanism comprises of the tilting platform [154] which is connected on the scissor lift [108], the tilting platform having a cut out [156] in the middle, the tilting platform [154] at one of the edge is hinged to one of the upper crossbar [140] of the end X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108], such that the tilting platform [108] can rotate around the hinged edge; and

the tilting cylinder [158] is provided to facilitate the control of the inclination angel of the tilting platform [154], the tilting cylinder [158] extends and contracts to adjust the angle of tilting platform [154], one end of the tilting cylinder [158] is coupled with the upper crossbar [138] of the end X-shaped link of the scissor lift [108] on which the tilting platform is pivoted and another end of tilting cylinder [158] is connected to the tilting platform [154] through a support member [160] which is fixed over the cut out [156] of the tilting platform [154], the tilting cylinder [158] is actuated to tilt the support member [160] and the tilting of the support member [160] tilts the tilting platform [154].

7. The system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 6 wherein the cleaning mechanism comprises of said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) which is mounted on the tilting platform [154], the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162)is horizontally disposed on the tilting platform [154], the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162)is provided in a guide [164] to slide freely, the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162)slides parallel to tilting platform 154; and

the cleaning cylinder [170] is provided to slide the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162)for impacting the material which is hung up within the confined space to loosen it and allow it to fall downwardly of the confined space, the cleaning cylinder [170] is provided below the tilting platform [154], the cleaning cylinder [170] is coupled to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162)with a connector [172], one end of the connector [172] is attached to the cleaning cylinder 170 and other end is attached to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162), the cleaning cylinder [170] is actuated to slide the connector [172], the sliding of the connector [172] slides the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means (162) in the guide [164].

8. A method to remove material deposits in confined space involving the system as claimed in claims 1 to 7 by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space, the method including the following steps:
switching on the motor and driving the system for cleaning [100] to reach the confined space to be cleaned;
elevating the scissor link [108] by the lifting cylinder [148] to the suitable height;
adjusting the tilt angle of the tilting platform [154] by the tilting cylinder [158]; and
impacting the material in the confined space by the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means [162] that is actuated by the cleaning cylinder [170].

Dated this the 10th day of June, 2020
Anjan Sen
Of Anjan Sen & Associates
(Applicant’s Agent)
IN/PA-199
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for cleaning out material which is deposited in a confined space and ,more particularly, as used in cleaning out silos, hoppers, cylinders, shafts tanks etc. More particularly, the present invention is related to a cleaning system that is semi-automatic and requires the presence of only one operator to perform the cleaning operation. Furthermore, the use of said semi-automatic system substantially reduces cleaning time, reduces manual intervention and eliminates the operational risk associated with the cleaning operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With various types of storage units, such as hoppers, silos, cylinders, shafts and tanks and the like or other confined spaces, a common problem is that by compaction of the material it hangs up in the confined space over extended periods of time. This hang up of the material may considerably reduce the working volume of the storage units. In other situations, the material may compact and solidify and deposit to the extent that it reduces workability of the confined space. An extreme situation is where the material completely plugs the entire cross-section of the confined space and cannot be released. Cleaning the internal surfaces of confined spaces in various industries has always been a challenge, as the materials deposited therein may not be evenly distributed on or adhered to the internal surface, preventing cleaning methods and system. Further, the cleaning methods and system should be really efficient, as well as has specifics keeping in mind operational safety rules.

Many system has been provided for assisting in cleaning the confined spaces. The common system used are vibrators, brushes, grinders, impact tools. The system is power driven for striking the material hung up in the confined space to loosen it and encourage its removal from the confined space. However, this system is normally manoeuvred by the operator. Especially in the steel industry and others, cleaning system for confined spaces requires manual intervention to ensure complete and efficient cleaning of internal surfaces.

In many instances, the confined spaces contain hazardous materials such as coal dust fins, or toxic materials such as cement dust and detergents to name only a few. Most of the confined spaces in steel industries has higher human entry risk and pose various health hazards as well. As a result, it can become hazardous for the operator to be present in the confined space to manually manoeuvre the system to clean out the hung up material. Hence, automatic or semiautomatic cleaning system are required in process industry which can help in cleaning the confined spaces.

For example, Patent Application No. CN208437384 describes a tank cleaning device used in industrial industry. It has fixing plate that is provided with cleaning mechanism, and cleaning mechanism that is provided with drive mechanism for driving cleaning mechanism to move up and down.

Patent Application No. CN103433242 describes an electric transformer substation dry ice cleaning vehicle, has telescopic insulating device provided with connecting end unit and dry ice cleaning device, and mounting part provided with rotating mechanism and fixed to end of inner sleeve.

Patent Application No. CN208515829 describes a plane surface electric cleaning device, has scissors lifting mechanism provided with electric control box that controls scissor lifting mechanism to ascend and descend, and movable trolley fixed with electric control box.

The prior arts mentioned here disclose only lifting mechanism for cleaning in the confined space setup. The cleaning system can only be lifted and collapsed, hence the freedom of movement for cleaning is less.

Therefore, there is a clear need for an automatic cleaning system that ensures efficient cleaning of an inner surface of confined spaces without the need for an operator to be present within the confined space. In addition, there is also a need for a cleaning system that can achieve required height and inclination.

Furthermore, there is therefore a need for a cleaning system, which can enter and exit the confined space easily and carryout cleaning process with minimal human intervention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The basic object of the present invention is directed to a cleaning system which is configured to clean material in a confined area.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system that is simple, safe in use, effective in operation and has a relatively low cost.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning system, which can enter and exit any confined space easily and carryout cleaning process with minimal human intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic aspect of the present invention is directed to a system for cleaning material deposits in confined space comprising:
a reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means adapted for accessing and impacting the material deposit in the confined space for loosening the deposit and cleaning of deposit;
said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means supported with respect to a cooperative tilting mechanism for desired angular access of said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means in said confined space;
said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means supported with respect to said tilting mechanism operatively connected to a lifting mechanism for desired height adjustment of the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means for cleaning purposes depending upon the height at which the confined space to be cleaned is located.

A further aspect of the present invention is directed to said system for cleaning material deposits in confined space wherein said
reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means includes a reciprocating actuator comprising selectively a poking rod, shovel, bush hammer, scabbler, needle gun which is operatively connected to a cleaning cylinder preferably including a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder for generating desired to and fro impactor means motion;
said tilting mechanism comprising a tilting platform supporting said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means on top and its said cooperating cleaning cylinder thereunder said tilting platform , said tilting platform carrying said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means operable for desired tilt action including telescopically operating mechanism for inclined motion of the tilt platform with respect to its operative connection to said lifting mechanism;
said tilting platform supporting said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means on top of its cooperative lifting mechanism together supported on a mobility mechanism for desired mobility and transportability of the system .

According to yet another aspect of the present invention is directed to the system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as above comprising:

said lifting mechanism comprising a plurality of scissor lift, two rollers, two tracks , and lifting cylinder; and

said mobility mechanism for transportability of the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanisms comprising of a base, a plurality of wheels, a motor.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided for the system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as above wherein the mobility mechanism comprises of the base on which the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism are mounted with said base in the shape of the rectangle;

the plurality of wheels makes the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism movable, four wheels are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base such that each corner of the base is provided with the wheels; and

the motor drives the wheels to roll, the motor is provided below the base, one of the diagonally opposite wheels are connected to the motor.

According to yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided for the system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as above wherein the lifting mechanism comprises the scissor lift which includes a plurality of X-shaped links, each X-shaped link is stacked and attached to each other, each X-shaped link comprises two sets of outer and inner crossing members interconnected by two upper crossbars; two lower crossbars and middle crossbar, each X-shaped link is elevated when the corresponding crossbars are pulled towards each other and each X-shaped link is lowered when the corresponding crossbars are pulled apart from each other, the two ends of the one of the lower member of the X-shaped link of the scissor lift is mounted on the base by two set of pivots;

the rollers are provided for smooth actuation of lifting and collapsing of the scissor lift, two set of rollers are provided at two ends of the one of the lower member of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift, the rollers rolls the lower member toward or away from the lower member to elevate or lower the scissor lift respectively;

the tracks act as a pathway for the rollers to roll, the tracks are mounted on the base, two set of tracks are provided parallel to each other, the tracks has a hollow section, the two ends of the other lower member of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift which is provided with the rollers is accommodated in the two tracks such that the rollers slides along the hollow section of the track when the scissor lift is elevated or lowered; and

the lifting cylinder is provided to lift and lower the scissor lift to achieve required height, the lifting cylinder is mounted on the base, the lifting cylinder is coupled to the upper member of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift with a double L-shaped connector, one end of the double L-shaped connector is attached to the lifting cylinder and other end is attached to the upper member of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift, the lifting cylinder is actuated to lift the double L-shaped connector and the actuating pulls all the respective crossbars towards one another and the lifting cylinder is released to lower the double L-shaped connector and lowering pull apart all the respective crossbars.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided for system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as above wherein the tilting mechanism comprises of the tilting platform which is connected on the scissor lift, the tilting platform having a cut out in the middle, the tilting platform at one of the edge is hinged to one of the upper crossbar of the end X-shaped link of the scissor lift, such that the tilting platform can rotate around the hinged edge; and

the tilting cylinder is provided to facilitate the control of the inclination angel of the tilting platform, the tilting cylinder extends and contracts to adjust the angle of tilting platform , one end of the tilting cylinder is coupled with the upper crossbar of the end X-shaped link of the scissor lift on which the tilting platform is pivoted and another end of tilting cylinder is connected to the tilting platform through a support member which is fixed over the cut out of the tilting platform, the tilting cylinder is actuated to tilt the support member and the tilting of the support member tilts the tilting platform.

According to yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided for the system for cleaning material deposits in confined space as above wherein the cleaning mechanism comprises of said reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means which is mounted on the tilting platform], the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means is horizontally disposed on the tilting platform, the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means is provided in a guide to slide freely, the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means slides parallel to tilting platform; and

the cleaning cylinder is provided to slide the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means for impacting the material which is hung up within the confined space to loosen it and allow it to fall downwardly of the confined space, the cleaning cylinder is provided below the tilting platform, the cleaning cylinder is coupled to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means with a connector, one end of the connector is attached to the cleaning cylinder and other end is attached to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means, the cleaning cylinder is actuated to slide the connector, the sliding of the connector slides the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means in the guide.

According to yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided for a method to remove material deposits in confined space involving the system as above by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space, the method including the following steps:
(i) switching on the motor and driving the system for cleaning to reach the confined space to be cleaned;
(ii) elevating the scissor link by the lifting cylinder to the suitable height;
(iii) adjusting the tilt angle of the tilting platform by the tilting cylinder; and
(iv) impacting the material in the confined space by the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means that is actuated by the cleaning cylinder.

Other features and aspects of the above disclosures and advantages of the present invention are described hereunder with reference to accompanying drawings and examples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and are not limited in the accompanying figures.

Fig. 1 illustrates the elevated and tilted cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates the lowered and tilted cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 illustrates the exploded view of the cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates mobility mechanism of the cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 illustrates lifting mechanism of the cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 illustrates tilting and cleaning mechanism of the cleaning system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH REFERENCE TO ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The accompanying figure together with the detailed description below forms part of the specification and serves to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention.

The present invention is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. In the accompanying drawings, like and/or corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numbers.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.

Before describing in detail embodiments that are in accordance with the invention, it should be observed that the embodiments reside primarily for a cleaning system 100 to remove material from the surface of a confined space by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space and in method steps related to cleaning the material from the surface of a confined space by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space using the cleaning system 100.

In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or composition that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or composition. An element proceeded by "comprises...a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or composition that comprises the element.

Fig. 1 illustrates the elevated and tilted cleaning system 100. Fig. 2 illustrates the lowered and tilted cleaning system 100. The cleaning system 100 removes material from the surface of a confined space by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space comprising a cleaning mechanism, a tilting mechanism, a lifting mechanism and a mobility mechanism. The cleaning mechanism is designed to remove material from the surface of a confined space by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space and includes a reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 and cleaning cylinder 170. The tilting mechanism designed to tilt the cleaning mechanism at the required angle and includes a tilting platform 154 and tilting cylinder 158. The lifting mechanism designed to lift or lower the tilting and cleaning mechanisms and involves a plurality of scissor lift 108, two rollers 144, two tracks 146 and lifting cylinder 148. The mobility mechanism designed to allow for transportability of the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanisms and includes a base 102, a plurality of wheels 104, a motor 106. The cleaning system 100 is operated by the operator from outside the confined space.

Fig. 3 illustrates the exploded view of the cleaning system 100.

Fig. 4 illustrates mobility mechanism of the cleaning system. The mobility mechanism is provided to allow for transportability of the cleaning system. The mobility mechanism includes the base 102, the plurality of wheels 104 and motor 176. The base 102 is like a plate on which the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism is mounted. The base 102 acts as a chassis for cleaning system upon which the entire lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism is mounted. The base 102 is in the shape of the rectangle.

The plurality of wheels 104 makes the lifting mechanism, tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism movable. The wheels 104 makes the whole cleaning system 100 movable. The wheels 104 are coupled with the base 102. The wheels 104 are provided in the bottom of the base 102. Four wheels 104 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the base 102 such that each corner of the base 102 is provided with the wheels 104. There are two front wheels and two rear wheels 104. The bottom of the base 102 comprises a plurality of mounting holes capable of mounting the plurality of wheels 104. Front wheels and rear wheels 104 are preferably secured to front axle and rear axle 106, respectively, and front axle and rear axle 106 secured to the bottom side of the base 102. The wheels 104 may also be directly secured to the base 102 by pegs, knobs or the like that extend out from the base 102. Alternatively, the axle 106 may be adapted to pivot to allow for improved steering of the cleaning system 100 while in transport.

The motor 176 drives the wheels 104 to roll. The motor 176 is provided below the base 102. The wheels 104 are connected with the motor 106. One or more than one motor 176 is provided. One of the diagonally opposite wheels 104 are connected to the motor 176 and is powered by the motor 176 to give motion. The rest two wheels are idler. The motor 176 can be electric motor for giving motion to the diagonally opposite wheels 104. The cleaning system 100 can also rotate by powering only one wheel 104.

Fig. 5 illustrates lifting mechanism of the cleaning system 100. The lifting mechanism is provided to lift or lower the tilting mechanism and cleaning mechanism. The lifting mechanism is mounted in the base 102 of the mobility mechanism. The scissor lift 108 is provided for raising and lowering the tilting and cleaning mechanisms. The scissor lift 108 comprises a plurality of X-shaped links. The scissor lift 108 can be designed for a suitable height. A plurality of X-shaped links is stacked and attached to each other to reach the maximum suitable height. The start X-shaped link 108’ comprises two sets of interconnected outer 110 and inner 112 crossing members. The outer 110 and inner 112 crossing members is X-shaped The two sets of interconnected outer 110 and inner 112 crossing members are connected to one another by crossbars. The crossbars distribute the load evenly on the scissor lift 108. There are two upper crossbars 114, 116; two lower crossbars 118, 120 and middle crossbar 122. As such, care must be taken to ensure that the two lower crossbars 118, 120, remain as parallel as possible to produce a smooth operation. Similarly, two upper crossbars 114, 116 should also remain parallel to each other. The two ends of the one of the lower member 120 of the X-shaped link of the scissor lift 108 is mounted on the base 102 by two set of pivots 178. For reference, three X-shaped links are shown in the figures. The start X-shaped links 108’ is the bottom most in the scissor lift 108 and the end X-shaped links 108’’’ is the top most in the scissor lift 108. The plurality of X-shaped links 108’, 108’’ and 108’’’ comprises plurality of outer crossing members 110, 124 and 126 and plurality of inner crossing member 112, 128 and 130. The plurality of X-shaped links 108’, 108’’ and 108’’’ are arranged over each other and are connected by crossbars. The outer 110 and inner 112 crossing members are interconnected by two upper crossbars 114, 116; two lower crossbars 118, 120 and middle crossbar 122. Likewise, the outer 124 and inner 128 crossing member are interconnected by two upper crossbars 132, 134; two lower crossbars 114, 116 and middle crossbar 136. The upper crossbars of first X-shaped links 108’, becomes the lower crossbars of the second X-shaped links 108’’ that is stacked over the scissor lift 108 and so on. Similarly, the outer 126 and inner 130 crossing members are interconnected by two upper crossbars 138, 140; two lower crossbars 132, 134 and middle crossbar 142. The upper crossbars of second scissor lift 108’’, becomes the lower crossbars of the third scissor lift 108’’’and so on. The X-shaped links are elevated when the corresponding crossbars are pulled towards each other. The X-shaped links are lowered when the corresponding crossbars are pulled apart from each other. For instance, when the crossbar 118 and 120 are pulled towards each other, the X-shaped links 108’ is elevated. Same as this, when the lower crossbar 132 and 134 are pulled towards each other, the scissor lift 108’’ is elevated. In contrast, when the crossbar 118 and 120 are pulled towards each other, the X-shaped links 108’ is elevated. Same as this, when the lower crossbar 132 and 134 are pulled apart from each other, the scissor lift 108’’ is elevated.

The rollers 144 is provided for smooth actuation of lifting and collapsing of the scissor lift 108. The two ends of the one of the lower member 118 of the start X-shaped link 108’ of the scissor lift 108 is provided with the two set of rollers 144. That is, each end of the lower member 118 of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift 108 is provided with each roller 144. When the scissor lift 108 is elevated, the crossbar 118 roll due to rollers 144 and move towards lower member 120. The rollers 144 rolls the lower member 118 toward or away from the lower member 120 to elevate or lower the scissor lift 108 respectively.

The tracks 146 act as pathway for the rollers 144 to roll. Two set of tracks 146 are provided parallel to each other. The tracks 146 are mounted on the base 102. Each track 146 has a hollow section. The tracks 146 act as pathway for the rollers 144 to roll over in the hollow section. The two set of tracks 146 are provided parallel to each other. The tracks 146 are mounted on the base 102. The two ends of the other lower member 118 of the start X-shaped link of the scissor lift 108 which is provided with the rollers 144 is accommodated in the two tracks 146 such that the rollers 144 slides along the hollow section of the track 146 when the scissor lift 108 is elevated or lowered.

The lifting cylinder 148 is provided to lift and collapse the scissor lift 180 to achieve required height. The lifting cylinder 148 is mounted on the base 102 directly or indirectly by a support hub 150 which is first mounted on the base 102 and on that support hub 150 the lifting cylinder 148 is mounted. The support hub 150 provides stability to the lifting cylinder 148. The lifting cylinder 148 is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders. The lifting cylinder 148 is coupled to the upper member 110 of the start X-shaped link 108’ of the scissor lift 108 which is fixed in the hollow section of the two tracks 146 to slide the rollers 144 in the tracks 146 and elevate and collapse the scissor lift 108. The lifting cylinder 148 is coupled to the upper member 110 of the bottom most scissor lift 108 with a double L-shaped connector 152. The lifting cylinder 148 acts like a link which can increase or decrease the length of scissor lift 108 length by actuating double L-shaped connector 152. One end of the double L-shaped connector 152 is attached to the lifting cylinder 148 and other end is attached to the upper member 116 of the start X-shaped link 108’ scissor lift 108. The lifting cylinder 148 is actuated to lift the double L-shaped connector 152. The lifting of the double L-shaped connector 152 pulls the respective crossbars towards one another. For instance, the upper crossbars 116 and 114 are pulled towards one another, such that the two crossbars remain parallel and the scissor lift 108 elevates. Similarly, the respective crossbars are also pulled towards one another. The lifting cylinder 148 is deactivated to collapse the double L-shaped connector 152, due to which the scissor lift 108 also collapses.

Fig. 6 illustrates tilting and cleaning mechanism of the cleaning system 100. The tilting mechanism is provided to tilt the cleaning mechanism at the required angle. The tilting mechanism is mounted on the scissor lift 108 of the lifting mechanism. The tilting platform 154 connected on the scissor lift 108. The tilting platform has a cut out 156 in the middle. The tilting platform 154 at one of edge is hinged to one of the upper crossbar 140 of the end X-shaped link 108’’’ of the scissor lift 108, such that the tilting platform 108 can rotate around the hinged edge.

The tilting cylinder 158 is provided to facilitate the control of the inclination angel of the tilting platform 154. By actuating the tilting cylinder 158, angle of tilting platform 154 can be varied. The tilting cylinder 158 is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders. The tilting cylinder 158 extends and contracts to adjust the angle of tilting platform 154. One end of the tilting cylinder 158 is coupled with the upper crossbar 138 end X-shaped link of the scissor lift 108 on which the tilting platform is pivoted and another end of tilting cylinder 158 is connected to the tilting platform 154 through a support member 160. The support member 160 is fixed over the cut out 156 of the tilting platform 154. The tilting cylinder 158 is actuated to tilt the support member 160. As a consequence of this, the tilting of the support member 160 tilts the tilting platform 154.

The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 is a power driven device for impacting the material which is hung up within the confined space to loosen it and allow it to fall downwardly of the confined space. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 is mounted on the tilting platform 154. The cleaning mechanism includes the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means [162] which is mounted on the tilting platform [154]. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 is horizontally disposed on the tilting platform 154. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 can be a poking rod, shovel, bush hammer, scabler or needle gun. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 is provided in a guide 164, such a way that the cleaning member 162 can slide freely in the guide 164. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 slides parallel to tilting platform 154. The reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 can be provided in plurality of guides 164, 166, 168.

The cleaning cylinder 170 is provided to slide the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 for impacting cleaning the material which is hung up within the confined space to loosen it and allow it to fall downwardly of the confined space. The cleaning cylinder 170 is provided below the tilting platform 154. The cleaning cylinder 170 is selected from the group consisting of hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders. The cleaning cylinder 170 is coupled to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 with a connector 172. The cleaning cylinder 170 acts like a link which can slide the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 by actuating connector 162. One end of the connector 172 is attached to the cleaning cylinder 170 and other end is attached to the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162. The cleaning cylinder 170 is actuated to slide the connector 172. The sliding of the connector 172 slides the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 towards in the guide 164. The cleaning cylinder 170 drives the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 to slide horizontally for impacting the cleaning out material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow it to fall downwardly of the confined space.

The motor 176 is switched on and the cleaning system 100 is driven to reach the confined space to be cleaned. The lifting cylinder 148 elevates the scissor link 108 to the suitable height. The tilt angle of the tilting platform 154 is adjusted, and the cleaning member 162 impacts the material to be cleaned by the cleaning cylinder 170 and loosen the material unless it falls downward of the confined surface. When the material on the surface of the confined space is cleaned, the scissor lift 108 and tilting platform 154 is adjusted in the confined space.

The method to remove material from the surface of a confined space by impacting the material in the confined space and loosen the material and allow the material to fall downwardly of the confined space by the cleaning system 100 according to invention, involves the following steps. Firstly, switching on the motor and driving the cleaning system 100 to reach the confined space to be cleaned. Secondly, elevating the scissor link 108 by the lifting cylinder 148 to the suitable height. Thirdly, adjusting the tilt angle of the tilting platform 154 by the tilting cylinder 158. Lastly, impacting the material in the confined space by the reciprocating to and fro moveable impactor means 162 that is actuated by the cleaning cylinder 170.