U.S. patent number 3,866,541 [Application Number 05/237,846] was granted by the patent office on 1975-02-18 for self-propelled floor cleaning apparatus with movable brush.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Donald M. Goodfellow, James M. O'Connor. Invention is credited to Gary L. Hunter, Raymond A. Nelson, James M. O'Connor.
United States Patent |
3,866,541 |
O'Connor , et al. |
February 18, 1975 |
SELF-PROPELLED FLOOR CLEANING APPARATUS WITH MOVABLE BRUSH
Abstract
A floor cleanning apparatus includes a frame supported for
rolling movement on a floor or other surface by a pair of drive
wheels and a follower wheel. The frame carries an internal
combustion engine driving a vacuum pump and a hydraulic pump. A
pair of rotating brushes are mounted forwardly of the frame. A
first one of the brushes is fixed to the forward portion of the
frame in a manner which prevents lateral movement of the brush
relative to the machine. The second one of the brushes is connected
to the first brush for pivotal swinging movement from a first
position sidewardly of the first brush to a second position
forwardly of the first brush. A hydraulic cylinder, mounted on the
first brush and operatively coupled to the second brush, provides
power to move the second brush between the first and second
positions. The drive wheels and each of the brushes are rotated by
hydraulic motors in turn driven by hydraulic fluid supplied from
the hydraulic pump. The frame carries a vacuum holding tank to
which the vacuum pump is connected. The inlet to the vacuum tank is
positioned adjacent the rear of the frame and forwardly of a
V-shaped wiper blade, also attached to the rear portion of the
frame. The V-shaped wiper blade contacts a surface to be cleaned
and directs cleaning fluid and dirt present on the floor toward the
vacuum inlet. A second wiper blade is mounted on the second brush
to direct cleaning fluid from the second brush toward the V-shaped
wiper blade. The frame also carries a cleaning fluid holding tank
from which cleaning fluid can be dispensed to the brushes.
Inventors: |
O'Connor; James M. (Seattle,
WA), Nelson; Raymond A. (Portland, WA), Hunter; Gary
L. (Milwaukee, WA) |
Assignee: |
O'Connor; James M. (Edmonds,
WA)
Goodfellow; Donald M. (Edmonds, WA)
|
Family
ID: |
22895453 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/237,846 |
Filed: |
March 24, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/50.1; 15/87;
15/320 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L
11/4069 (20130101); A47L 11/4044 (20130101); A47L
11/4066 (20130101); A47L 11/4038 (20130101); A47L
11/4055 (20130101); A47L 11/4061 (20130101); A47L
11/30 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47L
11/30 (20060101); A47L 11/29 (20060101); A47l
011/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;15/49R,5R,83,87,320
;192/46 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Hornsby; Harvey C.
Assistant Examiner: Moore; C. K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Christensen, O'Connor, Garrison
& Havelka
Claims
1. A machine for cleaning a surface comprising:
a frame supported by wheels and having a forward end and a rearward
end, said wheels including a pair of spaced drive wheels
interconnected by a rigid axle, said axle mounted for rotation in
said frame, said wheels mounted for rotation on said axle,
differential drive means associated with said axle and each of said
drive wheels, said differential drive means being adapted to drive
each said drive wheel in a first direction responsive to rotation
of said axle in said first direction and being adapted to allow
said axle to rotate in said wheel when said axle is rotated in the
opposite direction from said first direction,
a self-contained prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first rotary brush means having a first sub-frame mounted on the
forward end of said frame, said first brush means being adapted to
contact said surface,
a second rotary brush means having a second sub-frame located
adjacent to the forward end of said frame and adjacent to said
first brush means, said second brush means being adapted to contact
said surface,
means mounting said second sub-frame on said first sub-frame for
movement between a first position located sidewardly of said first
brush means and a second position located substantially forwardly
of said first brush means, whereby as said machine travels
forwardly said first brush means contacts said surface along a path
substantially the same as said second brush means when said second
brush means is in said second position, and
transmission means operatively coupling said prime mover to drive
said first and second rotary brush means and operatively coupling
said prime
2. A machine for cleaning a surface comprising:
a frame having a forward end and rearward end, said frame being
supported by wheels including drive wheel means for moving said
machine along said surface,
a self-contained prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first sub-frame mounted on the forward end of said frame, and a
first rotary brush mounted for rotation on said first sub-frame and
adapted to contact said surface,
a second sub-frame located adjacent to the forward end of said
frame and adjacent to said first sub-frame, a second rotary brush
mounted for rotation on said second sub-frame and adapted to
contact said surface, and means mounting said second sub-frame for
swinging movement from a location sidewardly of said first
sub-frame to a location forwardly of said first sub-frame,
power transmission means operatively connecting said prime mover to
drive said first and second rotary brushes and to drive said drive
wheel means, said transmission means including a hydraulic pump
having an outlet and an inlet, said hydraulic pump being driven by
said prime mover, first and second hydraulic motors operatively
connected to drive said first and second brushes, respectively, and
a third hydraulic motor operatively connected to drive said drive
wheel means, said first, second and third hydraulic motors each
having an inlet and an outlet, said inlets being operatively
coupled to the outlet of said hydraulic pump to receive hydraulic
fluid therefrom, said first hydraulic motor mounted on said first
sub-frame and having a drive shaft, said drive shaft being drivably
connected to said first rotary brush, said second hydraulic motor
mounted on said second sub-frame and having a drive shaft, said
drive shaft being drivably connected to said second rotary brush,
and
a hydraulic piston and cylinder, and means operatively connecting
one of the piston and cylinder to said second sub-frame and means
affixing the other of said piston and cylinder to said first
sub-frame, said hydraulic piston and cylinder being operatively
coupled to the outlet of said hydraulic pump to swing said second
sub-frame about its mounting to said
3. The machine of claim 2 wherein said transmission means includes
a hydraulic fluid system comprising:
a hydraulic fluid sump,
first conduit means in fluid communication with said sump and the
inlet to said hydraulic pump,
second conduit means placing said first and second hydraulic motors
in serial fluid communication with the outlet of said hydraulic
pump,
a first check valve means, and third conduit means in fluid
communication between said first check valve means and the outlet
of said second hydraulic motor, said first check valve means
operative to allow flow away from said first and second hydraulic
motors,
fourth conduit means in fluid communication between said third
conduit means and the inlet to said third hydraulic motor,
fifth conduit means in fluid communication between the outlet of
said third hydraulic motor and said sump,
sixth conduit means is fluid communication between said fourth
conduit means and said sump, and
a first four-way valve means operatively interposed in said second
and
4. The machine of claim 3 wherein said hydraulic fluid system
further comprises;
second check valve means interposed in said sixth conduit means
between said first four-way valve means and said fourth conduit
means, said second check valve means operative to allow flow in a
direction from said first four-way valve means to said fourth
conduit means,
seventh conduit means in fluid communication with said sump,
and
variable flow valve means interposed in said fourth conduit means
and operatively coupled to said seventh conduit means to proportion
hydraulic fluid flow between said fourth conduit means and said
seventh conduit
5. The machine of claim 4 wherein said hydraulic fluid system
further comprises:
a second four-way valve means operatively interposed in said fourth
and fifth conduit means, said second four-way valve means located
in said fourth conduit means between said variable flow valve means
and said third
6. The machine of claim 5 wherein said hydraulic cylinder has
inlets for supplying fluid thereto for reciprocatively actuating
said piston, said hydraulic fluid system further comprising:
eighth conduit means in operative fluid communication between said
second conduit means and a first inlet of said hydraulic
cylinder,
ninth conduit means in operative fluid communication between a
second inlet of said hydraulic cylinder and said sump, and
third four-way valve means operatively interposed in said eighth
and ninth
7. The machine of claim 5 wherein said hydraulic fluid system
further comprises:
tenth conduit means in fluid communication between said sump and
said fifth conduit means at a location between said third hydraulic
motor and said second four-way valve means, and
third check valve means operatively interposed in said tenth
conduit means and being operative to allow fluid flow in a
direction from said sump to
8. A machine for contacting a surface with a rotary fluid working
tool comprising:
a frame supported by wheels and having a forward end and a rearward
end,
a prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first rotary tool means including a first sub-frame mounted on
the forward end of said frame, and including a first tool rotatably
mounted on said first sub-frame, said first tool means being so
constructed to contact said surface with said first tool,
a second rotary tool means located adjacent to the forward end of
said frame and adjacent to said first tool means, said second tool
means including a second sub-frame and including a second rotary
tool rotatably mounted on said second sub-frame, said second tool
means being so constructed to contact said surface with said second
tool,
mounting means mounting said second sub-frame on said first
sub-frame for movement in a vertical direction relative to said
first sub-frame when said first and second tools are in contact
with said surface, and
power transmission means operatively coupling said prime mover to
drive
9. A machine for contacting a surface with a rotary fluid working
tool comprising:
a frame supported by wheels and having a forward end and a rearward
end,
a prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first rotary tool means including a first sub-frame mounted on
the forward end of said frame, and including a first tool rotatably
mounted on said first sub-frame, said first tool means being so
constructed to contact said surface with said first tool,
a second rotary tool means located adjacent to the forward end of
said frame and adjacent to said first tool means, said second tool
means including a second sub-frame and including a second rotary
tool rotatably mounted on said second sub-frame, said second tool
means being so constructed to contact said surface with said second
tool,
mounting means mounting said second sub-frame on said first
sub-frame for movement between a first position located sidewardly
of said first tool means and a second position located
substantially forwardly of said first tool means, said second tool
means in said second position being located so that, as said
machine travels in a forward direction, said first tool contacts
said surface along substantially the same path as said second tool
contacts said surface,
power means connected between said first sub-frame and said second
sub-frame for moving said second tool means between said first and
second positions, and
power transmission means operatively coupling said prime mover to
drive
10. The machine of claim 9 wherein said power means comprises:
a hydraulic piston and cylinder including means operatively
connecting one of the piston and cylinder to said second sub-frame
and means connecting the other of said piston and cylinder to said
first sub-frame, said machine further comprising:
hydraulic pump means driven by said prime mover for selectively
supplying
11. A machine for contacting a surface with a rotary fluid working
tool comprising:
a frame supported by wheels and having a forward end and a rearward
end,
a prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first rotary tool means including a first sub-frame mounted on
the forward end of said frame, and including a first tool rotatably
mounted on said first sub-frame, said first tool means being so
constructed to contact said surface with said first tool,
a second rotary tool means located adjacent to the forward end of
said frame and adjacent to said first tool means, said second tool
means including a second sub-frame and including a second rotary
tool rotatably mounted in said second sub-frame, said second tool
means being so constructed to contact said surface with said second
tool,
mounting means detachably mounting said second sub-frame to said
first sub-frame for movement between a first position located
sidewardly of said first tool means and a second position located
substantially forwardly of said first tool means, and
power transmission means operably coupling said prime mover to
drive said
12. A machine for cleaning a surface comprising:
a frame supported by wheels and having a forward end and a rearward
end,
a self-contained prime mover mounted on said frame,
a first rotary brush means having a first sub-frame mounted on the
forward end of said frame, said first brush means adapted to
contact said surface,
a second rotary brush means having a second sub-frame and being
adapted to contact said surface, said second brush means being
located adjacent to the forward end of said frame and adjacent to
said first brush means,
means mounting said second sub-frame on said first sub-frame for
swinging movement between a first position located sidewardly of
said first brush means and a second position located substantially
forwardly of said first brush means,
first wiper blade means mounted adjacent the rearward end of said
frame to direct fluid to a means for removing said fluid from said
surface,
second wiper blade means mounted on and rearwardly of said second
brush means, said second wiper blade means adapted to direct fluid
present on said floor rearwardly and sidewardly to be picked up by
said first wiper blade means as said machine traverses a forward
path, and
transmission means operatively coupling said prime mover means to
drive said rotary brush means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to floor cleaning apparatus and more
particularly to a self-propelled cleaning machine with rotating
brushes, at least one of which is mounted for lateral movement.
Prior art cleaning machines of the general type to which the
present invention relates are known in the art. One problem with
the prior art machines arises when they are used in display areas,
such as supermarkets. Generally shopping aisles are formed in
supermarkets by permanently located display shelves. Typically,
temporary displays are located in the aisles forming obstacles
which partially block the aisles. With prior art cleaning machines
when such temporary display is encountered, the machine operator is
required to direct the machine toward the side of the display, back
up the machine, clear around the display, turn the machine around
and then clean on the opposite side of the display. This operation,
of course, is time consuming and detrimental to the overall
efficiency necessary to clean supermarket floors economically. Many
times the operator of a cleaning machine will not attempt to clean
around such temporary displays with a machine, but return to clean
these areas by hand.
Furthermore, the machines of the prior art have not generally been
designed to operate efficiently and economically For example, prior
art machines have been propelled by gasoline internal combustion
engines driving wheels through a gear or belt train. Complex
machanical drive trains have been utilized to drive the rotating
brushes. Some machines have used electric motors which required
rather long extension power cords or storage batteries. Such
machines have been cumbersome and subject to many mechanical
difficulties.
it is an object of the present invention to provide a movable
cleaning head on a self-propelled machine to facilitate quick and
efficient cleaning of corner areas around boxes or merchandise
stacked on a floor. It is a further object of the present invention
to eliminate a part of the man hours previously required to clean
such areas. It is a further object of the present invention to
reduce and eliminate many of the mechanical power transmission
problems inherent in the prior art machines. It is a further object
of the present invention to eliminate long extension cords and the
storage batteries required for electrically powered cleaning
machines. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide a power transmission system which can rotate the brushes,
drive the wheels and power auxiliary equipment. It is a further
object of the present invention to provide a low cost,
self-propelled cleaning machine with the foregoing attributes which
further provide relatively troublefree operation.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
self-propelled cleaning machine which combines all equipment
necessary for a cleaning operation, for example, cleaning fluid
supply, scrubbing, self-propulsion, floor wiping, and cleaning
fluid removal. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide an apparatus which is flexible and can be easily adapted to
a variety of cleaning tasks. It is a further object of the present
invention to provide interchangeable cleaning fluid and vacuum
holding tanks. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide two rotating scrub brush members, one of which is attached
for lateral movement with respect to the operational path of the
machine. It is a further object of the invention to provide a third
auxiliary brush which increases the width of the path being
scrubbed.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
machine which will not overly tax its operator and which
furthermore provides easy control of the machine functions from the
operating station.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing and other objects which will become apparent from
reading the following specification are provided in a machine for
contacting a surface with a rotary fluid working tool which
includes a frame supported by wheels and having a forward and
rearward end. The machine includes first and second rotary tool
means such as rotary scrub brushes. The first rotary tool means is
adapted to contact the surface and includes a first sub-frame which
is mounted on the forward end of the frame. The second rotary tool
means is also adapted to contact the surface and is located
adjacent the forward end of the frame and the first tool means. The
second tool means also has a sub-frame which is mounted by mounting
means on the first sub-frame for movement between a first position
located sidewardly of the first tool means and a second position
located substantially forwardly of the first tool means. A prime
mover, which can be self-contained, is mounted on the frame.
Transmission means is provided for operatively connecting the prime
mover means to drive the rotary tool means. One aspect of the
present invention provides means for detachably mounting the second
tool means to the first tool means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A better understanding of the present invention can be derived by
reading the ensuing specification in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the floor cleaning machine of the
present invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate different configurations of the machine of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the machine of the present invention
showing some components thereof in dotted outline;
FIG. 5 is an elevation view partially broken away, of the machine
of the present invention showing some components thereof in dotted
outline;
FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the forward portion of the machine
of the present invention showing the forwardly positioned rotary
brush in an elevated position;
FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the pivot block connecting the
laterally movable brush to the fixed brush;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a modified form of the machine shown in
FIG. 4; and
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic system of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to FIG. 1, the floor cleaning machine, generally
designated 10, includes a base member 12, an upright frame member
14 attached to the rear of the base member 12, and a cabinet 16
enclosing the forward portion of the machine 10. An interchangeable
cleaning fluid and vacuum holding tank 18 is removably mounted on
base member 12. It is held to the cabinet 16 and frame member 14 by
latches 20.
A first brush assembly 22 is mounted adjacent the forward portion
of the machine 10 by suitable linkage 24. The linkage 24 is
designed to prevent lateral movement of the brush with respect to
the machine 10. The brush assembly 22 can be moved upwardly by
means of cable 152 to raise it above the surface being cleaned. The
linkage 24 is designed to pivot and support the brush assembly 22
in its upward or raised position. A second brush assembly 26 is
mounted adjacent the brush assembly 22. In a preferred form of the
invention the brush assembly 26 is mounted on brush assembly 22 by
means of two links 28. Each of the links are pivotally attached to
brush assembly 26 at one end and are pivotally attached to pivot
block 30 at the other end. Pivot block 30 will be discussed in
detail later. Brush assembly 26 can be moved from the position
shown to a position longitudinally adjacent the forward end of the
brush assembly 22. The lateral movement occurs through the pivot
block 30, which is pivoted on the brush assembly 22 by hydraulic
piston and cylinder assembly 32. Hydraulic motors 34 and 36
respectively form part of brush assemblies 22 and 26. Motors 34 and
36 are connected in series to a hydraulic fluid source (not shown)
by hydraulic lines 38, 40 and 42.
An internal combustion engine 44 is mounted on the forward portion
of the base member 12. A belt 46 running on pulleys 48 and 50
drives a vacuum pump 52 mounted on bracket 54 which is in turn
connected to a forward upright frame member 55. The engine 44 also
drives a hydraulic pump as described later.
The machine 10 is supported by drive wheels 56 and a follower wheel
58 attached to the bottom of base member 12. The drive wheels 56
are operatively driven by a hydraulic motor (not shown). The
follower wheel 58 is of the caster type and is mounted for pivotal
movement to the bottom of base 12. The machine is guided along a
cleaning path by the operator who grasps the handles 60 mounted on
the rear frame member 14.
The cleaning fluid/holding tank 18 is removably mounted on the base
12 of the machine 10. As shown in FIG. 2 the tank 18 has been
removed from the machine. Also in FIG. 2 the second brush assembly
26 is shown in its longitudinal position forward of the brush
assembly 22. In FIG. 3 a larger cleaning fluid/holding tank 62 is
shown mounted on the machine 10. Also in FIG. 3 a third fixed brush
assembly 64 is attached to brush assembly 22. The third brush
assembly 64 increases the width of the path which the machine can
clean in a single traverse.
Referring now in detail to the plan and elevation views of FIGS. 4
and 5, the machine 10 is illustrated with some of its components
shown in dotted outline. The drive wheels 56 are mounted on each
side of the machine 10 near the forward end. The single follower
wheel 58 is located near the center of the base 12 toward the
rearward end of the machine 10.
A wiper blade assembly 70 is mounted on base 12 rearwardly of the
follower wheel 58. The blade assembly 70 extends laterally beyond
the widest portion of the first brush assembly 22. Spent cleaning
fluid will be wiped from the cleaned surface by the blade 80, which
forms part of the blade assembly as the machine 10 traverses a
scrubbing path in a forward direction. The wiper blade assembly 70
is mounted for vertical movement by linkage 74. Blade assembly 70
is held in a downwardly position by serrated arm 76 which engages
the upper frame member 78 of the blade assembly 70. Serrated arm 76
is pivotally attached to the bottom of bottom of base 12. As best
seen in FIG. 5, a rubber blade 80 is positioned in a suitable
receiver in frame member 78. The blade assembly 70 is biased in an
upper direction by means of a coil spring 82 connected to a foot
pedal 84, which in turn is connected to the blade assembly 70. A
second coil spring 86 is also connected to a foot pedal 88 in turn
connected to serrated arm 76. To raise the blade assembly 70, a
force is applied to foot pedal 58 disengaging serrated arm 76 from
frame member 78. Coil spring 82 then raises assembly 70. To lower
the assembly 70, force is applied to pedal 84. The outer ends of
the blade 80 are positioned further forwardly relative to the base
12 than is the center portion of the blade, so that the blades
converge inwardly and rearwardly to a central location 90.
Tank 18 is a combined cleaning fluid reservoir 92 and a vacuum
holding tank 94. The cleaning fluid reservoir 92 constitutes the
upper portion of the tank 18, while the lower portion of the tank
18 comprises the vacuum holding tank 94. The open end of a vacuum
inlet conduit 96 is positioned adjacent to and forwardly of the
central location 90 of the blade 80 to draw used cleaning fluid and
dirt directed toward the location 90 by the blade 80 into vacuum
holding tank 94. The inlet conduit 96 runs upwardly through the
bottom of the holding tank 94 and terminates at its other end near
the top of the holding tank 94. A baffle 98 is provided on the roof
of tank 94 to prevent spent cleaning fluid discharged from conduit
96 from entering conduit 100 which leads to the vacuum pump 52. To
drain the holding tank 94, hose 110 connected to the bottom of tank
94 is lowered, thus allowing accumulated cleaning fluid to
gravitate from the tank.
Water or other suitable cleaning fluid from reservoir 92 is drained
by gravity through outlet port 102 into a valve 104. From valve 104
the water proceeds along conduit 106 (partially broken away) to
each of the brush assemblies 22 and and 26. The flow of water
through valve 104 is controlled by lever 108 connected to the valve
104 by suitable linkage (not shown).
The internal combustion engine 44 is connected via a toothed belt
112 to the drive shaft of a hydraulic pump 114. The hydraulic pump
114 is located in a hydraulic fluid reservoir or sump 116 mounted
under the base 12 of the machine 10. Hydraulic fluid lines 38 are
connected to the outlet of the hydraulic pump 114 while fluid line
42 is in fluid communication with the reservoir 116.
Hydraulic motor 160 is mounted under the base 12 of the machine.
The hydraulic motor 160 is drivingly connected to axle 162 through
chain and sprocket arrangement 172 (shown schematically in FIG. 4)
on which drive wheels 56 are rotatably mounted. A disc 164 is
affixed to the ends of the axle 162. Arms 166, extending radially
outwardly from pivotal mountings on the sides of discs 164, are
biased by spring 170 in the direction shown against a stop in the
form of a pin 174 extending outwardly from disc 164. Pins 168
extend radially inwardly along the sides of wheels 56. Pins 168 and
arms 166 cooperate to provide a simple differential mechanism for
the wheels 56. Thus, as the axle 162 is rotated in a
counterclockwise direction, the arm 168 will ride against pin 174
and will contact the front side of the pin 166 extending radially
inwardly from the periphery of the wheel, thereby driving the wheel
56 in a forward, counterclockwise direction. The differential
allows the axle to rotate within the wheel when the axle is
reversed and driven in a clockwise direction. Even though the axle
free-wheels when reversed, the presence of bearing friction between
the axle and the wheel will assist the operator when he pulls
backwardly on the machine to manually reverse its direction.
The brush assemblies 22 and 26 include hollow cylindrical frame
members 118 and 120. Circular brushes 122 and 124 are mounted for
rotation in suitable bearings on the frame members 118 and 120. The
drive shaft of the hydraulic motors 34 and 36 are coupled to and
rotate brush members 122 and 124. Linkage 24, connecting the brush
assembly 22 to the base 12 of the machine 10, includes link member
128 pivotally attached at 130 to a second link 132. Link 132 is
fixed to flange 134 on the frame member 118 at its other end. Link
128 is pivotally attached by bar 136 to the bottom of base 12. A
disc 140 is attached to the link 128 and rotates with the link 128.
A notch is disc 140 mates with a pin 142 on bar 144 when the brush
assembly 22 is in its lower position. To raise the brush assembly
22, bar 144 is first raised to disengage pin 142, as shown in FIG.
6. Bar 146, pivotally mounted to forward frame member 55 and
attached to arm 150, is then moved in the direction of the arrow
148. Movement of bar 146 will raise arm 150 to pull cable 152 in an
upwardly direction. Cable 152 is attached to the brush assembly
frame 118. A pawl and ratchet 153 are provided on bar 146 to hold
the brush assembly in its upward position.
As best seen in FIG. 4, a second wiper blade assembly 76 is mounted
by arms 178 on the frame 120 of second brush assembly 26. The blade
assembly 176 is of similar construction to blade assembly 70 and
includes a rubber blade 180 fitted into a suitable receiver. Links
178 are pivotally connected at each end respectively to the frame
120 and the blade assembly 176. When the brush assembly 26 is in
its laterally displaced position, the rubber blade 180 will direct
spent cleaning fluid and dirt from brush assembly 26 sidewardly to
be picked up by the blade assembly 70.
A roller 182 is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis at the
inboard end of assembly 76. Roller 182 rides against the periphery
of first brush frame 118. As the second brush assembly 26 is moved
laterally to a position forward of brush assembly 22, the wiper
blade 76 will follow to the position shown in dotted outline. In
this position the blade 180 will still direct spent cleaning fluid
rearwardly from the brush assembly 26 to be picked up by the blade
assembly 70.
Referring now to FIG. 7 the details of the pivot block 30 are
shown. It includes a base plate 184 which is mounted for pivotal
movement on a pin 186 mounted on the frame 118 of brush assembly
22. Pin 186 mates with hole 188 in plate 184. The base plate 184 is
connected by a pin to yoke 194 of the piston arm 192 of the
hydraulic cylinder assembly 32 (shown in previous FIGS.). Two
upstanding pins 196 mate with holes 198 in a second plate 200.
Linkage arms 28, connected at one end to brush assembly 26, are
pivotally connected via pins 202 to a flange 204 on plate 200. The
outboard brush assembly 26 is easily removable from the main
machine by first disconnecting quick-connect hydraulic couplings
from the hydraulic motor 36 and by lifting the second plate 200 to
disengage it from the pins 196. This feature of the present
invention is especially helpful when transporting the machine from
one job or location to the next. The outboard brush assembly can be
stacked on the fixed brush assembly, thus reducing the space
required for transportation.
Referring now to FIG. 8 a second embodiment of the invention is
shown. This embodiment of the invention includes a third brush
assembly 210 similar in construction to brush assembly 26. A third
hydraulic motor 212 is provided and interconnected by conduits 214
in series with the other brush motors. Two arms 216 connect the
third brush assembly 210 to the first brush assembly 22. No
quick-connect or disconnect apparatus is shown, but it should be
understood that apparatus similar to that described in conjunction
with FIG. 6 could be used if desired. In addition, a second
hydraulic cylinder assembly can be utilized to laterally swing the
brush assembly 210 to a position forward of the machine 10. A third
wiper blade 218 is also connected to the brush assembly 210 to
direct spent cleaning fluid from the brush assembly 210 rearwardly
toward the main blade assembly 70 (shown in previous FIGS.) Since a
greater path can be cleaned at one time with this embodiment, it is
most advantageous to use the larger cleaning fluid and vacuum
holding tank 62, shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a preferred form of the hydraulic
system to be utilized with the present invention. The hydraulic
fluid sump 116 of the present invention is schematically shown. A
hydraulic pump 114 is driven by means of an internal combustion
engine 44. Hydraulic pump 114 draws fluid from the sump 116 and
forwards it along conduit 226. Conduit 226 enters one port of a
four way valve 228. The four way valve 228 is shown in its "b"
position neutralizing all systems downstream of the four way valve
228. A return conduit 230 is provided to return fluid to the sump
116. Thus fluid enters the valve 228 via conduit 226 and returns to
the sump via conduit 230.
When valve 228 is in position "a, " hydraulic fluid is forwarded
through valve 228 along conduit 38. Conduit 38 is connected in
series with first and second brush motors 34 and 36. The hydraulic
motors 34 and 36 are connected to rotate brushes 122 and 124. The
fluid outlet of brush motor 36 connects to conduit 42 which in turn
connect to a check valve 244. Check valve 244 is positioned to
allow flow in the direction away from hydraulic motor 36. The fluid
outlet of check valve 244 is connected to conduit 246 which in turn
is connected to the inlet port of a variable valve 248. Variable
valve 248 is designed to proportion flow between first outlet
conduit 250 and second outlet conduit 252. Conduit 252 is connected
between variable valve 248 and return conduit 230.
When four way valve 228 is in position "a" and variable valve 248
directs fluid into conduit 252, brush motors 34 and 36 are run at a
constant speed in a forward direction. Check valve 224 prevents
reverse motion of brush motors 34 and 36 when the four way valve
228 is moved to its "c" position
Outlet conduit 250 from variable valve 248 is connected to an inlet
port of a second four way valve 254. In position "b" as shown fluid
is returned to the sump by a conduit 256. The conduit 256 has
interposed therein an air/hydraulic fluid heat exchanger 258 and a
filter 260. When the four way valve 254 is moved to position "c"
the hydraulic fluid flows into conduit 262 and through wheel drive
motor 160. The fluid outlet from wheel drive motor 160 is connected
to conduit 266 which returns to the four way valve 254. In position
"c" the fluid then returns to sump 116 via conduit 266. When the
four way valve 254 is moved to position "a," the flow through wheel
drive motor 160 is reversed, reversing the rotational direction of
the axle to provide assistance in reversing the direction of the
machine as explained above. When the four way valve 254 is in
position "c" the variable valve 248 may be utilized to vary the
forward speed of the machine.
When the four way valve 228 is in position "c" and the four way
valve 254 is in position "c," hydraulic fluid exits from four way
valve 228 into conduit 268 through check valve 270 and into the
conduit 246 connected to the entrance port to variable valve 248.
in this position the brush motors 34 and 36 are inactivated, due to
the presence of check valve 244. However, the forward motion of the
machine continues via motor 160.
A braking system is also interconnected with the wheel drive motor
circuit for operation when the valve 254 is in the "a" position and
valve 248 is in an "off" position, whereby all flow through the
valve 248 is diverted through conduit 252. The braking system is
operative only when the machine is backed down an incline as when
backing the machine down a ramp from a truck to the ground. The
braking system includes a conduit 272 connected to one side of the
motor 160. The other end of conduit 272 is connected to check valve
274 which is adapted to allow flow from the sump 220 through
conduit 276 toward the motor 160. Thus when the four way valve 254
is in position, a hydraulic fluid is drawn from the sump 116 by the
motor 160, now acting as a pump, and returns to the sump 116 via
conduit 256. Thus a braking action is effected.
Conduit 226 is also connected to conduit 278 which is in turn
connected to a third four way valve 280. In position "b" no flow is
allowed through the valve 280. When valve 280 is moved to position
"a," flow occurs into conduit 282 connected to one end of cylinder
284 of the assembly 32. The piston arm 286 of the assembly 284 is
operatively connected to the laterally movable brush assembly.
Thus, piston 286 is caused to move in a first direction. When the
four way valve 280 is moved to position "c," flow of hydraulic
fluid through valve 280 is reversed so that hydraulic fluid will
flow into conduit 288 connected to the other side of the cylinder
284. Thus, the piston arm 286 will be caused to move in the
opposite direction. A sump return conduit 290 connects between the
four way valve 280 and the sump 116.
The foregoing invention has been described in relation to a
preferred embodiment and several alternatives thereto. It will be
apparent that various substitutions, alterations, changes and other
modifications can be made to the disclosed machine by those of
ordinary skill in the art. It is intended that the original concept
of the invention be limited only by the definition contained in the
appended claims.
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