US3824645A

US3824645A - Scrubbing machine

Info

Publication number: US3824645A
Application number: US00255612A
Authority: US
Inventors: S Waldhauser; K Krier; N Brown
Original assignee: Tennant Co
Current assignee: Tennant Co
Priority date: 1972-05-22
Filing date: 1972-05-22
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23

Abstract

A scrubbing machine that includes an articulated vehicle having a power unit and a trailer unit coupled thereto, said trailer unit having cleaning and dirty solution tanks thereon, a squeegee assembly on the power unit having a central liquid take-up tube and a second take-up tube at one end portion thereof, controls operated by turning the vehicle in the appropriate direction for switching the application of vacuum from the central tube to the second tube, a scrubber head unit and an assembly for mounting and carrying the scrubber unit on the vehicle and raising and lowering the scrubber unit including an articulated joint to permit limited pivotal movement of the scrubber head about a generally vertical axis and an axis perpendicular thereto.

Description

United StatesPatent [191 Krier et al.

[451 July 23, 1974 SCRUBBING MACHINE [75] Inventors: Keith N. Krier; Neil F. Brown;

Steven J. A. Waldhauser, all of Minneapolis, Minn.

[73] Assignee: Tennant Company, Minneapolis,

Minn.

22 Filed: May 22,1972

21 Appl. No: 255,612

[52] US. Cl. 15/50 C, 15/83, 15/340 [51] Int. Cl A47] 11/292 [58] Field of Search 15/49 C, 50 R, 50 C, 78,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,463,707 7/1923 Koger .1 15/340 X 2,709,269 5/1955 3,354,489 ll/l967 Primary Examiner-Billy J. Wilhite Assistant Examiner-C. K. Moore Attorney, Agent, .or Firm-Dugger, Johnson &

Westman 57 ABSTRACT A scrubbing machine that includes an articulated vehi- 1 cle having a power unit and a trailer unit coupled thereto, said trailer unit having cleaning and dirty so- 1 lution tanks thereon, a squeegee assembly on the 1 power unit having a central liquid take-up tube and a second take-up tube at one end portion thereof, controls operated by turning the vehicle in the appropriate direction for switching the application of vacuum from the central tube to the second tube, a scrubber head unit and an assembly for mounting and carrying the scrubber unit on the vehicle and raising and lowering the scrubber unit including an articulated joint to permit limited pivotal movement of the scrubber head about a generally vertical axis and an axis perpendicular thereto.

40 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTED JUL 2 3 I574 sum 1 0P5 PATEI'HED L2 74 srmenfs PATENTED L2 4 mm surs SCRUBBING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to self-propelled power driven scrubbing machines.

In co-pending application Ser. No. 72,275, filed Sept. 15, 1970, now US. Pat. No. 3,702,488, there is disclosed a scrubbing machine that includes a mobile vehicle which mounts a scrubber head unit. In order to provide a vehicle of even greater maneuverability, better liquid pick up when turning in one direction and other advantages, this invention has been made.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a self-propelled scrubbing machine that includes an articulated vehicle. The vehicle has a power unit and a trailer unit, a scrubber unit being mounted on the power unit by an articulated joint. A squeegee assembly is mounted on the power unit and liquid collection devices cooperate with said assembly to remove liquid from the surface being cleaned at selected spaced locations relative the assembly, depending on whether the vehicle is being turned or is traveling straight ahead.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a new and novel articulated vehicle for maintaining surfaces such as floors. With reference to the above object, it is another object to provide a squeegee assembly on the vehicle and liquid collection devices adjacent the central and a transverse end portion of the squeegee that are selectively controlled by the turning of the vehicle to pick up liquid from adjacent the central portion and alternately adjacent the end portion.

An additional object of this invention is to provide a new and novel manner ofmounting a unit having a rotary surface maintenance tool thereon, on a vehicle for pivotal movement about axes that are at right angles to one another. In furtherance of the last mentioned object, it is another object ofthis invention to mount said unit on the vehicle for movement between a normal surface maintenance position and an elevated position.

Another object of this invention is to provide in a scrubbing unit having a rotary brush and a debris hopper for collecting liquid raised by said brush, new and novel deflectors for directing liquid raised by the brush into the hopper. In furtherance of the last mentioned object, it is another object of this invention to provide new and novel structure for selectively withdrawing liquid from the hopper and alternately permitting liquid in the hopper being recycled to the surface.

A still further object of this invention is to provide on a vehicle that mounts a surface maintenance unit having a transverse rotary scrubbing brush, new and novel structure for selectively retaining said unit in a position on the vehicle for windrowing liquid on the surface over which the vehicle moves and alternatingly retaining the brush substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of said unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a right side view of the apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, vertical view of frame portions of the trailer and power units, the structure for pivotally connecting the trailer and power units and the power and scrubber head units respectively, and the squeegee assembly which is shown in a liquid collection position in solid lines and an elevated condition in dotted lines, portions of said view being broken away and a other portions being shown in cross section;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the scrubber head unit, said unit being shown in a scrubbing position in solid lines and in an elevated condition in dotted lines;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary transverse cross-sectional view generally taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 4-4 of FIG. 3 to illustrate the deflector members of the scrubbing head unit;

FIGzS is a fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view generally taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows 5--5 of FIG. 4 to show the mounting of the debris hopper, the debris hopper being shown in a normal scrubbing position in solid lines, and in a dumping position in dotted lines;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the structure for connecting the scrubber head unit to the power unit;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary bottom view of the power unit and the adjacent portions of the trailer unit and scrubber head unit;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the suction manifold and the structure for operating said manifold between its positions, said view showing the manifold in a position for supplying suction to the right side vacuum pickup in solid lines and to the center vacuum pickup in dotted lines;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-sectional view of the center vacuum pickup and the squeegee assembly;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the left hand end portion of the debris hopper and the vacuumized liquid pickup for withdrawing liquid from said hopper;

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic showing part of the hydraulic circuitry and components of the apparatus of this invention.

Referring now in particular to FIG. 1, the apparatus of this invention includes a scrubber head unit, generally designated 13 that is mounted on an articulated vehicle having a power unit, generally designated 11, and a trailer unit generally designated 12. The scrubber head unit, power unit and trailer unit have

main frames

16, 15, and 14 respectively, the trailer unit frame mounting a pair of ground engaging wheels 17 with one on either side thereof. Also the trailer unit frame includes a top clean water or cleaning solution tank 18, a bottom dirty scrubbing solution tank 19, and a plenum chamber member 20 opening to the top of tank 19 for applying a vacuum thereto whereby dirty scrubbing liquid is drawn through tube 23 into tank 19. Tube 23 is fluidly connected to a flexible line 24 that extends forwardly of the trailer unit. A vacuum is applied to the plenum chamber through passageway 25 which in turn is connected to the flexible conduit 27 extending be tween units 11, 12 and connected to the inlet of a suction blower 26 mounted on the power unit frame. A valve (not shown) may be provided in passageway 25 that when opened places the interior of passageway 25 in fluid communication with the atmosphere whereby no vacuum is applied to the plenum chamber even though the suction blower is running.

For towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, there is provided a towing assembly, generally designated 30 that includes a transversely centerly located tow member 31 bolted to the main frame of the trailer unit to extend forwardly thereof, (see FIG. 2). One end of the tubular housing 32 is bolted to the front end of tow member 31 to extend forwardly thereof, the housing mounted spaced bearings 33 which mount a shaft 34 in a fixed axial position relative the housing for pivotal movement about a longitudinal, horizontal axis. The shaft 34 extends forwardly of the housing 32 to have the forward end thereof mount a second shaft 35 in a fixed position relative thereto with the central axis of shaft 35 perpendicular to the pivotal axis of the shaft 34 and shaft 35 extending outwardly of either side of shaft 34. Bearings 36 are mounted on the opposite end portions of shaft 35 to mount the shaft 35 for pivotal movement about a vertical axis in the rearward end of a clevised bracket 37 which is joined to the power unit frame to extend rearwardly thereof.

For steering the power unit, the radially inner ends of radial arms 43 are joined to the forward end of the shaft 34 on the opposite sides of shaft 35 to extend horizontally outwardly thereof (see FIGS. 7 and 8), piston rods 44 of

piston cylinder combinations

44, 45 being pivotally connected at 46 to the outer ends of arms 43. The cylinders 45 are pivotally connected at 47 to brackets 48 that are transversely spaced with one on either side of a center longitudinal vertical plane through the power unit. A steering wheel 54 on the power unit is connected to a valve 51 for operating the valve to apply fluid under pressure to the appropriate one of the lines 50 that are fluidly connected to the cylinders 45 for retracting one piston rod and extending the other piston rod (also see FIGS. 1 and 11). Valve 51 has a neutral position that no fluid under pressure is applied to either of cylinders 45 or fluid is permittedto escape therefrom. As a result, as the power unit is being driven, it can be turned in the appropriate direction. Mounted on the power unit frame on either side thereof is a drive wheel 52 which may be driven by a hydraulic motor 53. In turning on level surfaces, the power unit may pivot relative the trailer unit about the pivot axis of shaft 35, for example while turning, while if the units are moving over surfaces of various transverse inclinations the power unit and trailer unit may also pivot relative one another about the pivot axis of shaft 34.

In order to mount the scrubber head unit on the power unit to extend generally forwardly thereof, there is provided a mounting assembly, generally designated 56 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 6). The mounting assembly includes a generally trapezoidal bracket 57 that has one base edge pivotally connected to the centralportion of the main frame 15 by a pivot member 58 for pivotal movement about its horizontal transverse axis. The opposite base of the bracket mounts a pair of generally vertically spaced pivot brackets 59 which in turn pivotally mount a pivot shaft 60 that has a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the axis of pivot 58. The rear end of an axially elongated shaft 62 is fixedly mounted on the intermediate portion of shaft 60 to have the central axis of shaft 62 extend perpendicular to the central axis of the shaft 60. A tubular housing 63 is rotatably mounted on the forward end portion of shaft 62 in a fixed axial position relative thereto, the housing 63 having a bracket 61 welded thereto. The bracket and tubular member'63 extend into a box shape housing 73 that is enclosed other than for a rear opening, and is formed by a rear upper central portion of the scrubber unit frame, the bracket 61 being bolted to the bottom wall of housing 73 whereby the scrubber unit frame, for the most part, extends downwardly and forwardly of the tubular housing 63.

A control rod 64 has one end pivotally connected at 65 to an intermediate portion of bracket 57 and an opposite end portion extending through an enlarged aperture 41 of frame portion 15a of the power unit frame, a nut 68 being threaded on rod 64for adjustably limiting the downward movement of the rod relative frame portion and thereby the lowered position of the scrub.- ber frame. Through the forementioned structure, the general lowermost elevation of the scrubbing unit can be controlled.

In order to move the scrubber head unit from the lowered solid line scrubbing position of FIG. 3 to the elevated dotted line travel position thereof (or a higher elevation), there is provided a

piston cylinder combination

69, 70 that includes a piston rod 69 pivotally connected at 71 to the bracket 57 and a cylinder 70 that is pivotally connected at 72 to a frame portion 15b of the power unit frame 15. By applying fluid under pressure to the appropriate end of the cylinder, the scrubber head unit may be pivoted about the pivotal axis of pivot member 58. I

In order to selectively resiliently retain the scrubber unit frame in a datum condition that the transverse brushes mounted thereon have their axes of rotation generally parallel to the surface that the power unit is on and parallel to the axes of rotation of the power unit wheels, one transverse side of bracket 57 pivotally mounts one end of a coil spring 66 which has an opposite end pivotally connected to a turnbuckle 67. The opposite end of the turnbuckle is pivotally connected to the transversely adjacent,upper rear corner portion 13a of the scrubber unit frame. .Likewise, a second coil spring 66 and a second turnbuckle 67 connects the opposite transverse side of bracket 57 to the other upper rear corner portion of the frame 13a.

. By adjusting the effective lengths of the turnbuckle,

with the scrubber unit in an elevated condition, the scrubber frame will be resiliently retained in a position that the axes of rotation of the brushes are parallel to the pivot axis of pivot 58 and perpendicular to the pivot axis of pivot 60. However, if it is desired to windrow the liquid on the surface, one turnbuckle may be loosened and the other tightened whereby one rear corner of the frame- 13 will be resiliently retained substantially closer to the power unit frame than the transversely opposite corner, ie the axis of the rotation of the brushes inclined in a generally horizontal plane from extending perpendicular to the direction of travel of the power unit.

By providing the above structure for mounting the scrubber unit on the power unit, the scrubber unit is free to pivot about the axis of pivot 58 to retain the brushes in engagement with a surface when, for example, the brushes engage an upwardly inclined ramp surface prior to the power unit wheels moving onto the ramp surface. Further if the scrubber unit is moved over a surface that is transversely inclined prior to the power unit wheels engaging said surface, the scrubber unit can pivot about the axis of pivot 62 to maintain the brushes in contact with such a surface throughout the axial length of the brushes. Additionally, if one front corner portion of, the scrubber unit should abut against an obstruction, the scrubber unit is free to pivot a limited amount about the axis of pivot 60. Rubber bumpers (not shown) are provided on the rear portion of the scrubber frame that are normally substantially spaced from the power unit frame but are abuttable thereagainst to limit the pivotal movement of the scrubber unit about the axis of pivot 60.

Not previously mentioned is that bracket 61 is connected to the scrubber unit at a location that the scrubber unit will tend to pivot about the axis of pivot 62 to a position the axis of rotation of the brushes are parallel to the horizontal.

For purposes of describing the scrubber unit frame 13, it will be considered to be in the solid line scrubbing position of FIG. 3, the frame 13 including side walls 75, an upwardly and forwardly inclined rear wall 77 having the housing 73 welded thereto, a generally vertically extending rear wall 78' joined to the lower edge of wall 77, a downwardly and forwardly inclined rear wall 80 joined to the lower edge of wall 78 to be in partially underlying relationship to a rear portion of brush 81 and a top wall 120, 122,120 that is welded-to housing 73 and joined the members 75-77 to in cooperation therewith and housing 73 form a downwardly opening enclosure member.

The front ends of radial arms 82 respectively mount an idler plug (not shown) and a hydraulic motor 91 (FIG. 11), the idler plug and motor 91 mounting the rear tubular brush 81 for rotation about a transverse axis with the upper portion of the brush being within the enclosure member, and the

rear walls

78, 80 extending downwardly in back of the brush a substantial distance below the upper half of the brush as indicated in FIG. 3.

The opposite ends of the arms 82 are keyed to a transverse shaft 83 which in turn is mounted for pivotal movement by brackets 84 secured to the rear wall 78 to extend rearwardly thereof. In this connection it is to be noted that each vertical edge of the

rear walls

78, 80 are located transversely inwardly of the adjacent edge of the upper portion of inclined rear wall 77 to which the side walls are secured. One end of a bar 94 is welded to rod 83 while the opposite end of the bar is pivotally connected at 86 to a clevis bracket 85 which in turn has one end of a rod 87 pivotally connected thereto in an axially fixed position. The intermediate portion of the rod 87 is threadingly extended through a pivot member 88 that is mounted by a clevis bracket 89, a handle 90 being secured to rod 87 for adjustably threading rod 87 in pivot member 88 to provide an adjustment for brush wear. Bracket 89 is welded to a rod 74 which in turn is pivotally mounted by brackets 93 secured to the scrubber unit frame. A lever 92 has one end connected to rod 74 for pivotal movement about an axis perpendicular to that of rod 74 for pivoting the rod. Lever 92 has an intermediate portion extended up through a notched plate 55 (the notches not being illustrated) for releasably retaining the lever and thereby the brush'81 in various select positions that include (I) a free float condition, (2) a position exerting downward pressure on the brush when the scrubber unit is in the solid line scrubbing condition, and (3 an elevated condition off the surface even when the scrubber unit is in the scrubbing position. Plate is mounted on channel in turn mounting bearing members 96 which in turn pivotally mount a transverse shaft 97 within the channel, Each end portion of shaft 97 has one end of a brush mounting arm 98 keyed thereto, the opposite ends mounting an idler plug 100 and a hydraulic motor 102 that mount the respective-end of the tubular brush 99 that is of a substantially smaller diameter than brush 81. The axis of rotation of brush 99 is parallel to that of brush 81, brushes 81, 99 in scrubbing positions having closely adjacent outer peripheral portions. The arms 98 extend through narrow slots formed in the rear wall of the channel 95 to permit limited free floating movement of the brush 99, a stop (98b being mounted by the channel to abut against projection 98a secured to one of the arms 98 for limiting the pivot movement of the arms 98 in a direction of arrow 101 about the axis of shaft 97 while the top of the channel limits pivotal movement in the opposite direction.

Located longitudinally between the frontbrush99 and the front wall 76 is a debris hoppper generally designated 105. The debris hopper has a rear wall 106 that in the scrubbing unit normal scrubbing position extends first downwardly and slightly rearwardly, thence along an intermediate portion that extends predominately rearwardly in overhanging relationship to the channel 95 and thence vertically downwardly along thefront wall of the channel. Further, the debris hopper has a bottom wall 108 and a front wall 107 that is a substantial distance rearwardly of frame front wall 76. The front wall 107 extends to a substantially higher elevation than the rear wall 106. The hopper also includes a side wall 110 closely adjacent the right scrubber unit side wall 75, and at the other transverse end includes a lower side wall portion 109. A short distance transversely more closely adjacent side wall 110 than side wall portion 109 there is provided a side wall portion 111 that extends downwardly to a slightly lower elevation than the top edge of side wall portion 109 and upwardly to the same elevation as the top of side wall 110, the front and rear walls intermediate wall portions 110, 111 extending to the same elevation as wall portion 109. A metal vacuum pickup tube 113 is mounted within the enclosure formed by the scrubbing unit frame in a fixed condition to extend downwardly into the debris hopper transversely between side wall por tions 109, 111 and closely adjacent wall 108. As a result of the debris hopper being of the aforementioned construction, the hopper may pivot from the solid line position of FIG. 5 to the dotted line position thereof without the tube 113 being moved, the debris hopper being provided with transverse pivot members 114 that are attached to the side wall portion 109 and side wall 110 closely adjacent the front wall of channel 95 and closely adjacent the juncture front wall 106 and bottom wall 108, and are mounted by the frame side walls 75. A screen 117 is provided in the debris hopper and extends from the side wall portion 111 to the bottom wall and between

walls

106, 107, the one' ends of the brushes being longitudinally aligned or transversely inwardly of wall portion 111.

' A transverse row of apertures 118 are provided in the hopper rear wall 106 at a substantially higher elevation than the bottom wall 108 and a lower elevation than the top of wall portion 109 to permit drainage of liquid from the hopper interior to fall onto the surface to be cleaned in front of brush 99. The apertures are at a substantially higher elevation than the inlet of tube 113.

A bracket 125 is mounted by the front wall 76 to have a latch bolt 126 slidably extended through appropriate apertures in said bracket and the front wall between a position with one end in underlying relationship to a bracket l27 mounted on the front wall of the hopper and a retracted position to releasably retain the hopper in the solid line position of FIG. 5. A spring 128 is mounted on bolt 126 to resiliently retain the bolt in its extended position. The center of gravity of the hopper is forwardly of pivots 1 14, and upon retracting bolt 126, the hopper pivots in the direction of arrows 103 to an emptying position extending below the scrubber A baffle 115 is mounted by side wall 110 and side wall portion 111 for pivotal movement between a position extending above and forwardly of the upper terminal edge of wall 106 in overhanging relationship to the upper forward part of brush 99 and a generally vertically extending position, and can be adjustably spaced from the brush 99 in a given pivotal position. The baffle is biased toward a brush overhanging position by a spring (not shown) to a given pivot position limited by a stop (not shown), but is free to pivot-toward the general vertical condition in the event brush 99 pivots upwardly.

The baffle aids in deflecting material raised by the brushes into the hopper when the baffle and hopper are in the solid line position of FIG. 5.

A baffle 116 extends between side walls 75 in overhanging relationship to the rear portionof brush 81, and is inclined rearwardly and predominately upwardly to aid in deflecting 'material raised by the brushes toward the debris hopper. Screws 104 are extended through slots, in the frame side walls 75 to retain the baffle in selected adjusted positions.

The top wall of the scrubber frame includes a pair of transversely spaced, longitudinally elongated deflectors 120 that are generally V-shaped in transverse cross section (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the scrubber head unit is in normal scrubbing position, the deflectors 120 are inclined downwardly and predominately forwardly from a location in part in overhanging relationship to the rear brush 81 to terminate at :1 depending flange 121 that is in an overhanging relationship to the front part of the debris hopper whereby drops of water running down and forwardly along the surface of the deflectors will be directed downwardly into the hopper by the flange. Further, since the depending apex portions 120a of the deflectors are parallel to one another, extend longitudinally and are spaced a substantial distance inwardly of the outer ends of the brushes, most of any liquid on the deflectors that drips off the deflectors rearwardly of the hopper will drip off the apex positions intermediate the ends of the brushes. A planar panel 122 has opposite longitudinal edges joined to the adjacent terminal edges of deflectors 120, extends in a plane parallel to apex edges 120a, and extends from housing 73 to flange 121. Cover portions 79 are removably mounted on the

top wall

120, 122, 120.

A transverse liquid distributor 123 is mounted by frame 13 between the debris hopper and the frame frontwall 76 to direct scrubbing liquid downwardly through the bottom opening of the enclosure member. A pipe 124 is fluidly connected to distributor 123 and is connected to a flexible conduit 129 which extends between a wall portion 120 and cover portion 79,

8 thence through the power unit and to thetrailer unit and is fluidly connected to the lower end of cleaning solution tank 18 to permit a liquid gravity flow from the tank to the distributor. A shut off valve (not shown) is provided in line 129 to control the flow of liquid through said line. 7

Referring to FIG. 3, on each transverse side of the scrubber head unit transversely outwardly of the brushes there is provided a squeegee mounting bar 131 that is bolted to the adjacent arm 82, parallel linkage members 133 being pivotally connected to the bar 131 and to the side squeegee 134. A chain (not shown) may be connected between the squeegee and the bar 131 for retaining the squeegee 134 in an adjusted spaced relationship to the bar. The squeegees 134 are of lengths to extend from forwardly of brush 99 to rearwardly of brush 81.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and'9, a squeegee assembly, generally designated 140, is mounted on'the power unit forwardly of the power unit wheels 52, a pair of links 141 being pivotally connected at.142 to transversely spaced apart endportions of the squeegee assembly and having rearward ends pivotally connected at 143 to brackets 148 that are fixedly attached to the main frame 15. Each link 141 has its rearward end portion extending between the parallel vertical legs of the respective bracket 148 in overlying relationship to a transverse rod 149 that is slidably mounted in the upwardly and rearwardly inclined slots 150 formed in said legs. An adjustment rod 154 has one end attached to each rod 149 and an opposite end slidably extended through a bracket 155 on the frame. An adjusting knob 161 and lock nut 162 are threaded on each rod 154 to bracket 181. Bracket 181 is dependingly mounted by a bolt 182 to move vertically therewith, the bolt being extended through an enlarged aperture in bracket 181 and threadingly extended through bracket 183 that is welded to the frame 15. An adjustment knob 184 and a jam nut are provided on the bolt. Through members 181-184, the height of the cylinder 145 and thereby the lowermost position of the central portion of the squeegee assembly may be adjusted. Upon applying fluid under pressure to the lower end of the cylinder 145, the squeegee assembly is moved from the downward solid line 'position liquid collectingposition of FIG. 2 to the dotted line travel position of said Figure; and upon applying fluid under pressure to the upper end of said cylinder, the squeegee assembly is moved to its downward position.

The squeegee assembly includes a frame 151 that dependingly mounts a squeegee 152 that extends transversely outwardly of each side of the power unit frame. The squeegee may be made of rubber or suitable flexible elastomeric material.

As may be noted from FIG. 7, the squeegee assembly includes portions b, 140dthat are joined together at center portion 140s and extend outwardly of on either side of portion 140c in forwardly and predominately outwardly directions. Joined to the outer ends of portions 140b,

140dare end portions

140a, 1 40c respectively which extend outwardly and predominatelyforwardly;

portions

140a, 140e being located transverse outwardly and extending slightly forwardly of the rear portions of the

adjacent squeegees

134, 134.

A liquid pickup tube 156' extends downwardly through the frame 151 in front of squeegee 1 52 adjacent portion 140c, and terminates at a slightly higher elevation than squeegee 152. A flexible conduit 157 has one end connected to the upper end of tube 156 and an opposite end that opens through port 158 into the interior of the housing 159 of the vacuum control valve generally designated 160. A second port 163 of the housing that is diametrically opposed from port 158 is fluidly conne'ctedby a conduit 164 to the liquid pickup member 165 which extends throughthe squeegee frame adjacent the juncture of squeegee portions 140b, 140a and forwardly of portion 14%. A third port 166- which opens to the housing angularly between

ports

158, 163, is fluidly connected by a line 167 to a port of acontrol valve 168 which has a second port to which the conduit 24 is connected. A third port of valve 168 is fluidly connected by a flexible'conduit- 170 to the pickup tube 113, conduit 170 extending through the appropriate aperture in the cover of the scrubbing unit housing and between the cover and one of top wall portions 120 such as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Valve 168 is of a construction to selectively permit the application of vacuum from line 24 to both of

lines

167, 170 or to line 167 only.

One end of an arm 17 2 is fixedly attached to the pivot member 35 while the opposite end of the arm pivotally mounts one end of the'rod 173. The opposite end of the rod is pivotally mounted by an arm 174 that is keyed to a shaft 176. The shaft 176 extends intofthe valve housing 159 and has a valve, member 175 mounted thereon to rotate therewith for blocking fluid communication between

various ports

158, 163, 166 as will be more fully'set forth hereinafter.

As may be in part noted from FIG. 7, when the apparatus of this invention is in a straight ahead-travelling co-pending application Ser. No. 72,275, tiled Sept.

v l5 1970, with reference to FIG. 9 thereof, other than this invention includes the addition of a reversing valve controlling the steering of the vehicle, only a very abbreviated description thereof will be made-in this application. Thus with reference to FIG. 11, acommercially available variable displacement piston type pump 185' driven by engine 186 pumps oil through the power unit wheel motors 53 in a closed circuit. A suitable hydraulic makeup circuit 187 takes care of leakage losses and the like in the closed circuit. The'pump 185 is an overcenter pump that may provide reverse flow through motors to control the direction of rotation of the motors and the speed of rotation-as well as providing a stop position. v i j Engine 186 drives the suction blower 26 and also drives a hydraulic pump 188 that is provided for the various auxiliary components. A line 189 fluidly connects the pump 188 to reservoir 190, a pressure line 191 being connected to the pump pressure port and a return line 192 being connected toreservoir. A valve 198 is connected between lines 191,192 for controlling the application of fluid under pressure to the cylinder 70 for selectively raising, lowering and retaining the scrubber unit in its maximum elevated position, its lowered scrubbing position and positions therebetween. Further, a valve 199 is connected across

lines

191, 192 for controlling the application of fluid under pressure to cylinder 145 for raising and lowering the squeegee assembly. Also connected across

lines

191, 192 is a valve 200 for selectively applying no fluid under pressure to

brush motors

91, 102; or to rotate said motors to turn in the direction of arrows .182, 183 respectively; or to rotate said motors in one direction opposite

arrows

182, 183 respectively. The valve 51 is connected across

lines

191, 192 to control the operation of the steering piston cylinder combination as previously indiscrubbing condition, the sides at the trailer and power unit are generally longitudinally aligned while the left hand squeegee 134 of the scrubber head unit extends transversely outwardly of the left side of the frame by a dimension X (see FIG. 7) and the right handsqueegee extends transversely outwardly relative the right side of the power unit by a dimension Y. As may be noted the dimension Y is many times greater than the dimension X. Further, the steering wheel 54 and the operators seat 179 are provided on the right hand side of the power unit. As a result, the operator is situated in a position to observe the right hand side of the scrubber unit which is desirable when scrubbing closely adjacent a wall on the right hand side, and at the same time the power unit is furtheroffset from the wall than the right hand side of the scrubber unit. In order to aid in preventing the scrubber head unit .from scraping against a vertical wall on the right side, a plastic or rubber wheel 180 is mounted on the right frontcorner portion of the scrubber unit to extend further outwardly than the scrubber unit frame and the right hand squeegee to be abuttable against the vertical wall while at the same time permitting the right hand squeegee 134 being located closely adjacent the vertical wall.

Since the hydraulic components and circuitry of the present invention may be very similar to that disclosed lines connected to different pressure'por ts and the various valves connected to the appropriate one of the two lines, and additional check valves, pressure relief valves and bypass valves may be provided in the circuit illustrated. a

In using the apparatus of this invention with brush 81 recting debris into the hopper 105.

Assuming that scrubbing liquid tank is fluidly connected to the disbributor 123 for dispensing scrubbing liquid onto the surface being cleaned ahead of the brushes, or if liquid already is present on said surface, the rotation of the brushes in the direction of

arrows

182, 183 will cause the liquid and other debris on the surface to rise with a substantial part of the raised liquid moving directly into the debris hopper. Also some of the raised liquid will impinge upon the deflectors and the panel therebetween, and will run along the deflectors and panel therebetween, and will run along the deflectors and panel to the flange 121 to. drain down into the debris hopper. In the event no vacuum 1 1 is being applied to tube 113, the liquid level in the pan will rise to the level of the apertures 118 and thence drain out through the apertures to fall back onto the 168 is in a position for applying a vacuum through line 170 to tube 113, thence scrubbing liquid is drawn from the hopper through tube 113, conduit 170, valve 168 and conduit 24 to be collected in tank 19.

To be mentioned is that with the brushes being driven in the direction of

arrows

182, 183, thebrushes maintain a pool of liquid therebetween which provides'for a better scrubbing action as contrasted where the brushes rotate in the same direction with merely a film of liquid therebetween. Advantageously the brushes may have a herringbone arrangement of bristles that, with the brushes rotating, direct the scrubbing liquid toward a transverse central location between the brushes to aid in minimizing the amountof liquid that otherwise may pass through the narrow space between the endsof the brushes and the adjacent side squeegee.

If it is desirable to use the apparatus for a surface soaking operation, the direction of rotation of the brush motors is reversed to drive the

brushes

81, 99 in the direction opposite

arrows

182, 183 respectively and the squeegee assembly is left in its elevated position. As a result the brushes raise very little liquid from the surface but do agitate the liquid on thesurface. Thereafter the apparatus may go over the surface-again with the brushes rotating in the direction'of the

arrows

182, 183

to pick up most of the dirty liquid and debris; and the squeegee assembly may be lowered to squeegee up liquid not collected in the debris hopper.-

When the'power unit is travelling straight forwardly with reference to the trailer unit, the linkages 172-174 retain the valve member 175 in a position that port 163 is blocked, but the

ports

158, 166 are in fluid communication with one another through the housing 159. As a result, the vacuum in conduit 24 is applied through conduit 167 to the squeegee pickup tube 156.

When the powerunit is turned through a substantial angle to the left with reference to the straight forward direction of a trailer unit, for example angle W of por-' tion 140d relative a transverse direction which may be about 20, the power unit in pivoting relative. shaft and the arm 172 bolted thereto results in the valve member 175 being rotated in the housing 159 to a position to block port 158 and place port 163m fluid communication with port 166. As a result, no vacuum is applied at the takeup tube 156 but a vacuum is applied at the takeup inlet 165. The advantage of shifting the vacuum from tube 156 to tube 165 is that in turning in a left hand direction the squeegee'assembly moves relative to the puddle of liquid on the surface so that most of the liquid is closer to takeup 165 than tube 156. Thus, applying the vacuum at 165 collects liquid at the location where the bulk is located and collects liquid that might otherwise escape at the side of the apparatus of this invention. To be mentioned, with the apparatus described, it is assumed that most of the turns will be in a left hand direction. However, in the event that most of the turns were in a right hand direction, then the takeup 165 could be provided adjacent the juncture of the squee gees

assembly portions

140d, 140a and the linkages 172-174 changed so that the vacuum would be applied at the left hand corner portion of the squeegee when a right hand turn were being made; or the control valve may be modified, a liquid pickup tube mounted adjacent the juncture of portions 140d, l40e and connected to thecontrol valve to pick up liquid at adjacent portions 140d, 1402 when the power unit is turned in the right hand direction and pick up liquid through member when turned in a left hand direction.

As previously indicated, by appropriately tightening one turnbuckle and loosening the other turnbuckle, the scrubber unit can be used for windrowing liquid. Also under some scrubbing conditions a better scrubbing action can be obtained by having the scrubber unit inclined relative the power unitas set forth for windrowing liquid. In this connection it is to be noted that at this time the axes of rotation of the brushes would he inclined at a substantial angle to a transverse direction.

Also to be mentioned is that the apparatus of this invention may be used for a sweeping operation.

What is claimed is: v

1. A maintenance machine" for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power 'unit' having amain frame, power driven wheels mounted on .the -main frame, a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, articulated first means for towingly connecting the, trailer" unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit; a cleaning solution tank mounted on the trailer frame, said maintenance unit including a liquid distributor for directing cleaning solution onto the surface ahead of the brush, and means for fluidly connecting said tank to the liquid distributor.

2. The apparatus. of claim 1 further characterized in that each of said power unit and trailer unit have only two surface engaging wheels.

3. A surface maintenance unit comprising a frame forming a housing, a pair of rotatable surface engaging maintenance tools, means to mount said tools within said housing for engagement with the surface to be maintained and for rotation about substantially parallel spaced apart axes which are parallel to said surface, power means to rotate said maintenance tools when the tools are in contact with said surface, a receptacle to receive material raised by said maintenance tools,

means to mount the receptacle in the housing in a posisaid maintenance tools and said receptacle, the apex edge portion extending in a direction predominately perpendicular to the axes of rotation of said maintenance tools and transversely intermediate the ends of said tools whereby liquid collecting along said edge and dripping down therefrom under gravity will vin part strike the periphery of said tools and will in part fall into the receptacle. v

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said edge'portion is inclined downwardly in a direction toward the receptacle when the tools engage said surface. J i

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further characterized in that the means to determine the path of movement of material has a depending flange extending transversely across the deflector in overhanging relationship to the receptacle whereby liquid moving along the deflector to the flange will fall into the receptacle.

6. The apparatus of .claim 3 further characterized in that said housing has a front wall on the side opposite the receptacle from said tool and substantially spaced from the receptacle, the axes of rotation of the brushes being generally parallel to the front, wall, that the re cep'tacle mounting means comprises means to mount the receptacle for movement between a first position for collecting debris raised by said tools and a second position for emptying material therein in forward and downward direction, and means on the housing to releasably retain the receptacle in its first position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that the receptacle has a rear wall and a front wall that extends to a substantially higher elevation than the rear wall when the receptacle is in its first position, and that the means to determine the path of movement of material includes a first-baffle mounted by the receptacle adjacent the rear wall in at least partially overlying relationship to the first tool to aid in directing material into the receptacle and a second baffle is mounted by the housing in at least partial overhanging relationship tothe second tool, and inclined upwardly in a direction toward the receptacle to aid in directing material toward the receptacle, said baffles being located a substantial distance below the adjacent V-shaped deflector parts.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that there is provided a second generally V-shaped deflector having a depending apex edge portion in overhanging relationship to said tools and receptacle said apex portions being substantially spaced from one another and extending in the same direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in a that the tools are scrubbing brushes, the brush adjacent the receptacle being of a substantially smaller diameter than the other, that a liquid takeup tube isfixedly mounted on the housing in a position to withdraw liquid from the receptacle when the receptacle is in its first position, and that. a vacuum applying line is connected to said tube.

10. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a maintenance unit including a mainte nance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a first power driven rotary maintenance tool and first means for rotatably mounting the tool on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, and second means for mounting the maintenance unit on the vehicle to at least in part be supportingly carried by the vehicle and selectively moving the unit frame between a first position in which the tool engages the surfaces and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said maintenance unit including a receptacle within the enclosure to receive material raised by said tool, said frame having a deflector in overhanging relationship to said tool and receptacle that slopes downwardlytoward the receptacle for directing liquid raised by the tool and collecting on thedeflector surface to flow along the surface and-drip into said receptacle, means for mountingthe receptacleon the frame for pivotal movement. between a liquid collectingposition and a liquid dumpingposition toempty liquid in a direction away from the vehicle and means on the frame for releasably retaining the receptacle in the liquid collecting position, said receptacle in a liquid dumping position extending to a lower elevation than said frame.

11. The apparatus of claim lflfurther characterized in that said vehicle.includes ardirty liquid collection tank and that there is provided third means connected to the tank for withdrawing liquid-fromsaid receptacle and transferring the liquid to said tank, said third means including a'liquid takeup tube fixedly-mounted on the maintenance? frame, and extending downwardly into the receptacle =.when.the receptacle is in a liquid collecting position.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 further characterized in that the first means mounts said tool for rotational movement about a transverse axis, and that the deflector has a longitudinally extending, depending apex portion, said apex portion being located a substantial distance inwardly of either end of thetool.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 furthercharacterized in that the first tool comprises a brush, that said'unit includes a second brush, third means for mounting the secondbrush on the unit frame for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first brush, adjacent the first brush and between the first brush and the receptacle, said second and third means each including means for mounting the respective brush on the unit frame for limited pivotal movement about longitudinally spaced, transverse axes.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that said second brush is of a substantially smaller diameter than the first brush, and that a transversely elongated baffle is mounted in the housing in at least partial overhanging relationship to the first brush and is inclined upwardly in a direction toward the receptacle. i

15. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that the second means includes a pivot member having a normally generally longitudinally extending pivot axis, fourth means attached to thetransverse central portion of the unit'frame for mounting the unit frame on thepivot member forpivotal movement about the pivot member axis and fifth means for'mounting the pivot member on the vehicle.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further characterized in that the fifth means includes a bracket mounting said pivot member for pivotal movementabout a generally vertical axis,meansfor mounting the bracket on the vehicle for pivotal movement about a transverse axis and power means for pivoting the bracket about the last axis between unit frame first position and the unit frame second position.

'17. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a surface maintenance unit having a frame forming a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven brush and first means for mounting the brush on the frameto extend within the enclosure, and

second means mounted on the vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to'the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the supportmember on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attaching the maintenance unit to the support member for pivotal movement about axes generally perpendicular to a transverse horizontal axis, and power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further characterized in that the third'means includes a mounting member fixedly attached to the support member, a first pivot member having a firstpivot axis and mounted on the mounting member, a second pivot member having a second pivot axisand mounted onthe first pivot member for pivotal movement about the first pivot member axis and fourth means for mounting the maintenance unit on the second pivot member for pivotal movement about the pivot axis of the second pivot member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further'characterizedin that said second pivotmember isnormally retained in a position to have its axis extend generally longitudinally, that the fourth. means is attached to the transverse, rear central portion of the frame and that there is provided means attached to the support member and the unit frame for resiliently retaining the unit frame in a datum pivoted position relative said first and second pivot axes. g

20. The apparatus of claim 18 further'characterized in that said vehicle comprises a power unit having power driven ground engaging wheels, a trailer unit having ground engaging wheels, and articulated means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, 7 v

21. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a surface, maintenance unit having a frame forming a downwardly opening enclosure, a first power driven brush and first means for mounting the brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure and rotate about a transverse axis and second means mountedon the" vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the support member on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attachingly the maintenance unit to the support member for pivotal movement about a generally longitudinally extending axis, and power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions. I 22. The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that said surface maintenance unit includes a second power driven brush, third means for mounting the second brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure closely adjacent the first brush and rotate about a transverse axis, that said power means includes a power source, a first motor for driving the first brush, a second motor for driving the second brush, and means for connecting the powersource to said motors for selectively rotating said brushes in opposite directions of rotation so as to have the brushes rotating toward each other while in contact with the surface to be maintained and to have the brushes rotating away from each other while in contact with the surface to be maintained.

23. The apparatus ofclaim 21- further characterized in that there is provided .a squeegee assembly rearwardly of the brushes, a piston cylinder combination attached to said assembly for moving the assembly between'a lowered surface engaging position and an elevated position, adjustment means mounted on the vehicle and connected to said combination for selectively varying vertical elevation of said combination, movable linkage means connected to the assembly in spaced relationship to the connection of said combination and connected to'th'e vehicle for maintaining said assembly in a generally parallel relationship to the surface as the assembly is moved between its positions by said combination, and adjustment means for selectively varying the lowermost position that the linkage means permit the assembly to be lowered to. v

24. The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that the third means includes a mounting device attached to the support member, and having a generally longitudinally extending axis and means attached to the rear transverse central portion of unit for mountingthe unit frame on the mounting device for pivotal movement about said generally longitudinally extending axis.

25. surface maintenance unit comprising a frame forming a housing having afront wall, said housing having a downwardly facing opening, apairof rotatable surface engaging maintenance tools rotatably mounted within said housing about substantially parallel spaced apart axes which are parallel to the surface to be maintained, power means to rotate said maintenance tools when-the tools are in contact with said surface, means to apply a liquid scrubbing solution to said surface, a receptacle to receive material including liquid'raised by said maintenance tools, said receptacle having a bottom wall, means for pivotally mounting the receptacle in the housing in a position adjacent a first of said tools and on an opposite side of said first tool from the side of said first tool adjacent said second tool,'and means to releasably retain the receptacle in a position to collect liquid, said housing having means to determine the path of material including liquid raised by said maintenance tools from the surface being maintained toward and into said receptacle, said receptacle having a drain aperture a substantial distance above the bottom wall to permit liquid in the receptacle to drain back onto said surface forwardly of said tools, and being mounted by the pivot means forwardly of said tools.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 further characterized in that said pivot means mounts the receptacle for movement between the liquid collecting position and a dumping position, and that there is provided a liquid takeup tube fixedly attached to the'housing to extend into the receptacle to a lower elevation than the drain brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure and rotate about a transverse axis and second means mounted on the vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the support member on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attachingly the maintenance unit to the support member, power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions, said third means including a mounting device attached to the maintenance unit frame, a pivot device for mounting the mounting device and having a predominately vertical pivot axis, and fourth means for mounting the pivot device on the support member for pivotal movement about said pivot axis and means connected to the support member and the maintenance unit for adjustably retaining the maintenance unit in selected angular positions relative said pivot axis to permit utilizing said unit for windrowing material on said surface.

28. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third meansfor mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, and means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, the third means including a first member defining a vertical pivot axis, fourth means for mounting the first member on the power unit frame, a second member mounted on the first member for pivotal movement about the first axis and defining a second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and fifth means for mounting the maintenance unit frame on the second pivot member for pivotal movement about the second axis.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 further characterized in that the fifth 'means is attached to the upper rear, transverse central portion of the maintenance unit frame, that the second means mounts the brush for rotation about a axis, that is normally transverse to the direction of movement of the machine, and that there is provided sixth means connected to the maintenance unit frame for resiliently retaining the maintenance unit in a condition that the brush axis of rotation is substantially transverse.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 further characterized in that the fourth means includes a transverse pivot member mounted on the power unit frame and having a transverse pivot axis, bracket means pivotally mounted on the transverse pivot member and mounting the first member, and power operated means connected to the power unit frame and the bracket means for selectively moving the bracket means about the transverse pivot member axis to move the maintenance unitbetween a brush surface engaging position and an elevated position. p

31. The apparatus of claim 30 further characterized in that the maintenance unit includes a second power driven rotary brush of a substantially smaller diameter than the first brush, seventh means for mounting the second brush for rotation about a transverse axis on the maintenance unit frame adjacent the first brush and extending within the enclosure, a debris hopper and means for mounting the debris hopper on the maintenance unit frame within the enclosure on the opposite side of the second brush from the first brush, to receive material raised by said brushes.

32. The apparatus of claim 31 further characterized in that the second means comprises a pair of arms having one end portion mounting the first brush for rotation, and eighth means for mounting the arms on the maintenance unit frame for pivotal movement about a transverse axis, and that the seventh means includes means for mounting the second brush on the maintenance unit frame for limited free floating movement about a transverse axis spaced from the axis of rotation of the second brush.

33. The apparatus of claim 32 further characterized in that there is provided ninth means connected to the eighth means and cooperating with the maintenance unit frame for selectively moving the eighth means to retain the first brush under downward pressure in a first position in which the brush engages the surface, a second position elevated relative to the first position, and a position for limited free floating movement.

34. The apparatus of claim 31 further characterized in that maintenance unit frame includes side walls and a top wall having a generally V-shaped deflector portion spaced transversely inwardly of the side walls, said deflector having a depending apex and extending fore and aft in overhanging relationshipto said brushes and hopper, and sloping downwardly toward the hopper in the maintenance unit brush surface engaging position.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 further characterized in that said debris hopper mounting means includes means for mounting the debris hopper on the maintenance unit frame for pivotal movement between a debris collecting position and an emptying position, said debris hopper having bottom, front, rear and side walls joined to one another, at least one of said front and rear walls being provided with a drain aperture a substantial distance above the bottom wall when the hopper is in the debris collecting position.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 further characterized in that a dirty scrubbing liquid tank is mounted on the trailer unit and that the collecting means-includes said debris hopper, a liquid takeup tube in a fixed position onthe maintenance unit frame to extend into the debris hopper to a substantially lower elevation than the drain aperture when the hopper is in the debris collecting position and means connected to said tank and said tube for withdrawing liquid from the hopper through said tube and conducting the withdrawn liquid to said tank.

37. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame, a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, said trailer unitincluding a dirty scrubbing liquid tank,

means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, and means for transferring liquid from the collecting means to said tank, said first means comprising a tow member attached to the trailer frame, a mounting member attached to main frame to extend rearwardly thereof and joint means for connecting the tow member to the mounting member for relativevpivotal movement about a generally vertical first axis and a second axis parallel to a straight ahead direction of movement of the power and trailer units.

38. The apparatus of claim 37 further characterized in that the joint means includes a shaft mounted by the tow member for pivotal movement about the second axis and having a first end portion extending forwardly of the two member, and a second pivot member fixedly attached to the first end portion, said second pivot member being pivotally mounted by the mounting member for pivotal movement about the first axis.

39. The apparatus of claim 38' further characterized inthat there is provided a steering member on the power unit, an arm fixedly joined to at least one of the pivot members and means actuated by moving the steering member to exert a steering force on said arm.

cluding a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure,

third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, and means for transferring liquid from the collecting means to said tank.

Claims

1. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame, a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, articulated first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit; a cleaning solution tank mounted on the trailer frame, said maintenance unit including a liquid distributor for directing cleaning solution onto the surface ahead of the brush, and means for fluidly connecting said tank to the liquid distributor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further characterized in that each of said power unit and trailer unit have only two surface engaging wheels.

3. A surface maintenance unit comprising a frame forming a housing, a pair of rotatable surface engaging maintenance tools, means to mount said tools within said housing for engagement with the surface to be maintained and for rotation about substantially parallel spaced apart axes which are parallel to said surface, power means to rotate said maintenance tools when the tools are in contact with said surface, a receptacle to receive material raised by said maintenance tools, means to mount the receptacle in the housing in a position adjacent a first of said tools and on an opposite side of said first tool from the side of said first tool that is adjacent said second tool, means to determine the path of movement of material raised by said maintenance tools to deflect debris raised from the surface being maintained toward said receptacle, said means to determine the path of movement of material comprising a generally V-shaped deflector having a depending apex edge portion position above and extending over said maintenance tools and said receptacle, the apex edge portion extending in a direction predominately perpendicular to the axes of rotation of said maintenance tools and transversely intermediate the ends of said tools whereby liquid collecting along said edge and dripping down therefrom under gravity will in part strike the periphery of said tools and will in part fall into the receptacle.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said edge portion is inclined downwardly in a direction toward the receptacle when the tools engage said surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 3 further characterized in that said housing has a front wall on the side opposite the receptacle from said tool and substAntially spaced from the receptacle, the axes of rotation of the brushes being generally parallel to the front wall, that the receptacle mounting means comprises means to mount the receptacle for movement between a first position for collecting debris raised by said tools and a second position for emptying material therein in forward and downward direction, and means on the housing to releasably retain the receptacle in its first position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 further characterized in that the receptacle has a rear wall and a front wall that extends to a substantially higher elevation than the rear wall when the receptacle is in its first position, and that the means to determine the path of movement of material includes a first baffle mounted by the receptacle adjacent the rear wall in at least partially overlying relationship to the first tool to aid in directing material into the receptacle and a second baffle is mounted by the housing in at least partial overhanging relationship to the second tool, and inclined upwardly in a direction toward the receptacle to aid in directing material toward the receptacle, said baffles being located a substantial distance below the adjacent V-shaped deflector parts.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that there is provided a second generally V-shaped deflector having a depending apex edge portion in overhanging relationship to said tools and receptacle, said apex portions being substantially spaced from one another and extending in the same direction.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 further characterized in that the tools are scrubbing brushes, the brush adjacent the receptacle being of a substantially smaller diameter than the other, that a liquid takeup tube is fixedly mounted on the housing in a position to withdraw liquid from the receptacle when the receptacle is in its first position, and that a vacuum applying line is connected to said tube.

10. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a first power driven rotary maintenance tool and first means for rotatably mounting the tool on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, and second means for mounting the maintenance unit on the vehicle to at least in part be supportingly carried by the vehicle and selectively moving the unit frame between a first position in which the tool engages the surfaces and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said maintenance unit including a receptacle within the enclosure to receive material raised by said tool, said frame having a deflector in overhanging relationship to said tool and receptacle that slopes downwardly toward the receptacle for directing liquid raised by the tool and collecting on the deflector surface to flow along the surface and drip into said receptacle, means for mounting the receptacle on the frame for pivotal movement between a liquid collecting position and a liquid dumping position to empty liquid in a direction away from the vehicle and means on the frame for releasably retaining the receptacle in the liquid collecting position, said receptacle in a liquid dumping position extending to a lower elevation than said frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 further characterized in that said vehicle includes a dirty liquid collection tank and that there is provided third means connected to the tank for withdrawing liquid from said receptacle and transferring the liquid to said tank, said third means including a liquid takeup tube fixedly mounted on the maintenance frame, and extending downwardly into the receptacle when the receptacle is in a liquid collecting position.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 further characterized in that the first means mounts said tool for rotational movement about a transverse axis, and that the deflector has a longitudinally extending, depending apex portion, sAid apex portion being located a substantial distance inwardly of either end of the tool.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further characterized in that the first tool comprises a brush, that said unit includes a second brush, third means for mounting the second brush on the unit frame for rotation about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first brush, adjacent the first brush and between the first brush and the receptacle, said second and third means each including means for mounting the respective brush on the unit frame for limited pivotal movement about longitudinally spaced, transverse axes.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that said second brush is of a substantially smaller diameter than the first brush, and that a transversely elongated baffle is mounted in the housing in at least partial overhanging relationship to the first brush and is inclined upwardly in a direction toward the receptacle.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 further characterized in that the second means includes a pivot member having a normally generally longitudinally extending pivot axis, fourth means attached to the transverse central portion of the unit frame for mounting the unit frame on the pivot member for pivotal movement about the pivot member axis and fifth means for mounting the pivot member on the vehicle.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further characterized in that the fifth means includes a bracket mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a generally vertical axis, means for mounting the bracket on the vehicle for pivotal movement about a transverse axis and power means for pivoting the bracket about the last axis between unit frame first position and the unit frame second position.

17. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a surface maintenance unit having a frame forming a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven brush and first means for mounting the brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure, and second means mounted on the vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the support member on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attaching the maintenance unit to the support member for pivotal movement about axes generally perpendicular to a transverse horizontal axis, and power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 further characterized in that the third means includes a mounting member fixedly attached to the support member, a first pivot member having a first pivot axis and mounted on the mounting member, a second pivot member having a second pivot axis and mounted on the first pivot member for pivotal movement about the first pivot member axis and fourth means for mounting the maintenance unit on the second pivot member for pivotal movement about the pivot axis of the second pivot member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 further characterized in that said second pivot member is normally retained in a position to have its axis extend generally longitudinally, that the fourth means is attached to the transverse, rear central portion of the frame and that there is provided means attached to the support member and the unit frame for resiliently retaining the unit frame in a datum pivoted position relative said first and second pivot axes.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 further characterized in that said vehicle comprises a power unit having power driven ground engaging wheels, a trailer unit having ground engaging wheels, and articulated means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit.

21. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a surface maintenance unit having a frame forming a downwardly opening enclosure, a first power driven brush and first means for mounting the brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure and rotate about a transverse axis and second means mounted on the vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the support member on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attachingly the maintenance unit to the support member for pivotal movement about a generally longitudinally extending axis, and power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that said surface maintenance unit includes a second power driven brush, third means for mounting the second brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure closely adjacent the first brush and rotate about a transverse axis, that said power means includes a power source, a first motor for driving the first brush, a second motor for driving the second brush, and means for connecting the power source to said motors for selectively rotating said brushes in opposite directions of rotation so as to have the brushes rotating toward each other while in contact with the surface to be maintained and to have the brushes rotating away from each other while in contact with the surface to be maintained.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that there is provided a squeegee assembly rearwardly of the brushes, a piston cylinder combination attached to said assembly for moving the assembly between a lowered surface engaging position and an elevated position, adjustment means mounted on the vehicle and connected to said combination for selectively varying vertical elevation of said combination, movable linkage means connected to the assembly in spaced relationship to the connection of said combination and connected to the vehicle for maintaining said assembly in a generally parallel relationship to the surface as the assembly is moved between its positions by said combination, and adjustment means for selectively varying the lowermost position that the linkage means permit the assembly to be lowered to.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 further characterized in that the third means includes a mounting device attached to the support member, and having a generally longitudinally extending axis and means attached to the rear transverse central portion of unit for mounting the unit frame on the mounting device for pivotal movement about said generally longitudinally extending axis.

25. A surface maintenance unit comprising a frame forming a housing having a front wall, said housing having a downwardly facing opening, a pair of rotatable surface engaging maintenance tools rotatably mounted within said housing about substantially parallel spaced apart axes which are parallel to the surface to be maintained, power means to rotate said maintenance tools when the tools are in contact with said surface, means to apply a liquid scrubbing solution to said surface, a receptacle to receive material including liquid raised by said maintenance tools, said receptacle having a bottom wall, means for pivotally mounting the receptacle in the housing in a position adjacent a first of said tools and on an opposite side of said first tool from the side of said first tool adjacent said second tool, and means to releasably retain the receptacle in a position to collect liquid, said housing having means to determine the path of material including liquid raised by said maintenance tools from the surface being maintained toward and into said receptacle, said receptacle having a drain aperture a substantiAl distance above the bottom wall to permit liquid in the receptacle to drain back onto said surface forwardly of said tools, and being mounted by the pivot means forwardly of said tools.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 further characterized in that said pivot means mounts the receptacle for movement between the liquid collecting position and a dumping position, and that there is provided a liquid takeup tube fixedly attached to the housing to extend into the receptacle to a lower elevation than the drain aperture when the rceptacle is in its collecting position and means connected to said tube for drawing liquid therethrough.

27. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a vehicle having ground engaging wheels, a surface maintenance unit having a frame forming a downwardly opening enclosure, a first power driven brush and first means for mounting the brush on the frame to extend within the enclosure and rotate about a transverse axis and second means mounted on the vehicle for supportingly mounting the surface maintenance unit and selectively moving said unit between a first position in which the brush engages the surface and a second position elevated relative to the first position, said second means including a support member, means for mounting the support member on the vehicle for movement relative to the vehicle, third means supportingly attachingly the maintenance unit to the support member, power means on the vehicle for moving the support member and thereby the maintenance unit between its positions, said third means including a mounting device attached to the maintenance unit frame, a pivot device for mounting the mounting device and having a predominately vertical pivot axis, and fourth means for mounting the pivot device on the support member for pivotal movement about said pivot axis and means connected to the support member and the maintenance unit for adjustably retaining the maintenance unit in selected angular positions relative said pivot axis to permit utilizing said unit for windrowing material on said surface.

28. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, and means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, the third means including a first member defining a vertical pivot axis, fourth means for mounting the first member on the power unit frame, a second member mounted on the first member for pivotal movement about the first axis and defining a second pivot axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis, and fifth means for mounting the maintenance unit frame on the second pivot member for pivotal movement about the second axis.

29. The apparatus of claim 28 further characterized in that the fifth means is attached to the upper rear, transverse central portion of the maintenance unit frame, that the second means mounts the brush for rotation about a axis, that is normally transverse to the direction of movement of the machine, and that there is provided sixth means connected to the maintenance unit frame for resiliently retaining the maintenance unit in a condition that the brush axis of rotation is substantially transverse.

30. The apparatus of claim 29 further characterized in that the fourth means includes a transverse pivot member mounted on the power unit frame and having a transverse pivot axis, bracket means pivotally mounted on the transverse pivot member and mounting the first member, and power operated means connected to the power unit frame and the bracket means for selectively moving the bracket means about the transverse pivot member axis to move the maintenance unit between a brush surface engaging position and an elevated position.

34. The apparatus of claim 31 further characterized in that maintenance unit frame includes side walls and a top wall having a generally V-shaped deflector portion spaced transversely inwardly of the side walls, said deflector having a depending apex and extending fore and aft in overhanging relationship to said brushes and hopper, and sloping downwardly toward the hopper in the maintenance unit brush surface engaging position.

36. The apparatus of claim 35 further characterized in that a dirty scrubbing liquid tank is mounted on the trailer unit and that the collecting means includes said debris hopper, a liquid takeup tube in a fixed position on the maintenance unit frame to extend into the debris hopper to a substantially lower elevation than the drain aperture when the hopper is in the debris collecting position and means connected to said tank and said tube for withdrawing liquid from the hopper through said tube and conducting the withdrawn liquid to said tank.

37. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame, a trailer unit having a trailer frame and surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the pOwer unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, said trailer unit including a dirty scrubbing liquid tank, means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, and means for transferring liquid from the collecting means to said tank, said first means comprising a tow member attached to the trailer frame, a mounting member attached to main frame to extend rearwardly thereof and joint means for connecting the tow member to the mounting member for relative pivotal movement about a generally vertical first axis and a second axis parallel to a straight ahead direction of movement of the power and trailer units.

39. The apparatus of claim 38 further characterized in that there is provided a steering member on the power unit, an arm fixedly joined to at least one of the pivot members and means actuated by moving the steering member to exert a steering force on said arm.

40. A maintenance machine for surfaces such as a floor or the like comprising a power unit having a main frame, power driven wheels mounted on the main frame, a trailer unit having a trailer frame, surface engaging wheels mounted on the trailer frame, and a dirty scrubbing liquid tank, each of said power unit and trailer unit having only two surface engaging wheels, articulated first means for towingly connecting the trailer unit to the power unit, a maintenance unit including a maintenance unit frame having a downwardly opening enclosure, a power driven first brush and second means for rotatably mounting the brush on the maintenance frame to extend within the enclosure, third means for mounting the maintenance unit on the power unit to at least in part be supportingly carried by the power unit, means for collecting dirty scrubbing liquid from the surface over which said brush is moved, said collecting means being mounted on at least one of said power unit and maintenance unit, and means for transferring liquid from the collecting means to said tank.