- 1 CLEANING VEHICLE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a vehicle with onboard cleaning apparatus. 5 In particular the invention relates to a vehicle adapted to accommodate different modules of cleaning equipment, power sources, and herbicide spraying apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Outdoor public areas such as pavements, street malls, stadiums and footpaths become affected by undesirable matter such as discarded chewing gum, 0 spillages, graffiti and weeds. These areas require cleaning to make them acceptable for public use. Cleaning apparatus is often required in inconvenient areas where mains power may not be available, or it is unsafe or inconvenient to have trailing mains cables. Generators are therefore required to power equipment. Suitable cleaning equipment is generally bulky and heavy, and therefore requires 5 transportation to the desired location by a utility vehicle or trailer. Unloading of the apparatus is then required for use. High levels of safety are required in order to safeguard the personnel moving and using the equipment as well as the members of the public using the public areas. A particular problem is the soiling of pavements and other similar surfaces by 20 discarded chewing gum. The use of steam cleaners to remove gum adhered to a surface is known. Self-powered mobile gum removal vehicles are also known. In Australian patent specification 2008100147, there is disclosed a gum removal vehicle that has a power generator to operate a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner has a nozzle for directing the steam onto the gum to dissolve the gum. 25 There is also a vacuum generator with a nozzle to retrieve the cleaning residue and -2 gum after steam treatment. The steam cleaner and vacuum nozzles are each attached to the steam generator and vacuum generator respectively by a hose. In use, when the operator moves around, the hoses can become snagged on parts of the vehicle body or on the power generator or steam generator inside the vehicle. 5 The movement of the hoses is restricted due to the pillars supporting the roof of the rear compartment in which the generators are housed. This causes inconvenience for the operator as it effectively restricts the usable length of hose, the effective reach and the range of directions available. To circumvent this problem the operator may be tempted to pull on the hose, thus causing damage to the hose. The vehicle 0 can be moved slightly, but this is time consuming and inconvenient since the generator should be switched off and the hose stowed for safety considerations. Alternatively the hoses can be disconnected and moved, or even manually repositioned about the vehicle body and generators without disconnection. Such manipulation can result in damage to the hose. 5 The gum removal vehicle disclosed in AU 2008100147 is used only to remove gum from pavements and footpaths. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle with modular 20 cleaning equipment which overcomes at least in part one or more of the above mentioned disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention broadly resides in a vehicle including a 25 chassis and a body that has a compartment with one or more openings; said -3 compartment is configured to mount one or more modular units wherein the modular units include a power generator unit, a vacuum unit, and a steam generating unit; wherein there are one or more conduits connectable to the vacuum unit or the steam generating unit to provide fluid communication between the unit and an outlet on the 5 external surface of the body, said outlet is connectable to a hose or nozzle. In another aspect the present invention resides in vehicle including a chassis and a body that has a compartment with one or more openings; said compartment is configured to mount one or more modular units wherein the modular units include a power generator unit, a vacuum unit, and a steam generating unit; wherein there are 0 one or more conduits connectable to the vacuum unit or the steam generating unit to provide fluid communication between the unit and an outlet on the external surface of the body, said outlet is connectable to a hose or nozzle; wherein said vehicle further comprises one or more modular units selected from a power generator unit, a vacuum unit, and a steam generating unit. 5 Preferably the power generator unit is a petrol or diesel power generator. In another aspect the present invention resides in a vehicle including a chassis and a body that has a compartment with one or more openings; said compartment is mounted with one or more modular units selected from a power generator unit, a vacuum unit, and a steam generating unit; wherein there are one or 20 more conduits connectable to the vacuum unit or the steam generating unit to provide fluid communication between the unit and an outlet on the external surface of the body, said outlet is connectable to a hose or nozzle. Preferably there are two conduits. Preferably one conduit provides fluid communication between the vacuum unit and an outlet on the external surface of the -4 vehicle body, and a second conduit provides fluid communication between the steam generating unit and an outlet on the external surface of the vehicle body. Preferably an outlet on the external surface of the vehicle body is adapted to engage with a hose. Preferably an outlet is a female socket adapted to engage with 5 a male connection on an end of a hose to form a coupling. Preferably the hose is a flexible hose. Preferably the hose has a nozzle attachment at an end remote from the coupling for manually directing flow. Preferably the hose has a handle portion including manual flow control means. Preferably the flow control means is a trigger. 0 Preferably there are two outlets. Preferably each outlet is adapted to engage with a male connection on an end of a hose. Preferably one outlet is in fluid connection with the steam generator, and the other outlet is in fluid connection with the vacuum unit. Preferably the two outlets are in close proximity. Preferably the outlets are in close proximity and located on the rear bumper of the vehicle. 5 Preferably there is a cover portion to cover the two outlets to protect them when not in use. Preferably the cover portion is a hinged flap. Preferably the steam cleaning hose and the vacuum suction hose are combined in a single handle portion, the handle portion including triggers to control the steam and vacuum. The two hoses may be joined in parallel along some or all of 20 their length, or can be integrally formed as a single length of hose. Preferably the coupling between a hose and the outlet on the vehicle is adapted to engage and release quickly. Preferably the hose can be disengaged and stowed in the vehicle when not in use. Preferably the hose can be attached to the vehicle to allow quick, safe and easy stowage of the hose without having to 25 disconnect the hose from the coupling on the exterior of the vehicle when -5 repositioning the vehicle over a short distance. Preferably the hose can be attached to the vehicle by means of a clip. Preferably the vehicle is adapted to accommodate, transport and power cleaning apparatus selected from gum removal apparatus, steam cleaning 5 apparatus, graffiti cleaning apparatus, vacuum apparatus, weed killing apparatus, or water blasting apparatus. Preferably the vehicle is a motorized cart, such as a modified golf cart. Preferably the vehicle is powered by electricity. Preferably the vehicle is a solar assisted electric vehicle. Preferably the vehicle is powered using a 0 rechargeable acid battery. Alternatively the vehicle can be powered by battery, fuel cell, or any other suitable means. Preferably the vehicle body has a roof. Preferably the vehicle body has a roof and solar panels are mounted on the roof. Preferably the solar panels cover the entire area of the roof. Preferably the solar panels are integral with the roof 5 construction. Preferably the roof is fitted with clips for attaching tools such as brushes. Preferably the vehicle chassis is raised to provide increased ground clearance to allow easy access over uneven terrain such as parks and gardens, and for access over kerbs. 20 Preferably the vehicle has a second compartment to accommodate a driver. Optionally the second compartment may also accommodate a passenger. Preferably the second compartment includes one or two seats. Preferably the second compartment has a non-slip floor surface. Preferably the second compartment is fitted with one or two doors. Preferably 25 the doors are PVC all weather doors. Preferably the doors are PVC curtains.
-6 Preferably there is a screen between the second compartment and the compartment housing the module units, and this screen that allows air circulation between the compartments. Preferably the screen is made from steel mesh. Preferably the driver's seat in the second compartment of the vehicle is fitted 5 with an electronic safety seatbelt which prevents the vehicle from being moved without the seatbelt being fastened. Preferably there is storage space behind the seat or seats in the second compartment. Preferably the storage space is accessible from outside the vehicle by a door on the side of the vehicle. In one aspect the storage space can 0 accommodate reservoirs for water, detergent, cleaning fluids, weed killer and the like. Preferably the vehicle is fitted with LED high impact low energy lights on the rear bumper. Preferably the vehicle is fitted with a hazard warning system such as flashing lights. Preferably the flashing lights are LED lights. Preferably the vehicle is 5 fitted with a reversing camera to aid reversing in busy public areas. Preferably the vehicle has one or more integral retractable barriers to provide a safe working environment within the extended barrier. Preferably the openings in the compartment adapted to mount the modular units are fitted with one or more doors to protect the equipment inside, and act as 20 sound insulation. Preferably the doors are roller doors. Preferably the roller doors are fitted in aluminium guides. Preferably there are three doors on the compartment: one on each side, and one on the rear. Preferably the roller doors are used as advertising space. Preferably the compartment housing the module units is fitted with a clamping 25 system to facilitate easy securing and removal of the module units. Preferably the -7 clamping system is fitted to the base of the compartment. Preferably the clamping system is a quick release system such as a Stauff clamping system to allow easy and quick removal and installation of different module units. Preferably there are drainage holes in the compartment floor to drain liquid 5 spills from the compartment. Preferably the compartment is lined with flame retardant material. In one aspect the module units can each be mounted on a fork lift skid to enable the module units to be removed and installed by a fork lift. Module units include a petrol generator, and a steam generator unit. O Alternatively the power generator unit can be replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell or a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery. Preferably the vehicle includes a first aid kit and defibrillation equipment. The vehicle can also provide power to operate emergency lighting. Preferably the vehicle includes one or more LED moving message board 5 systems. Preferably the one or more LED moving message board systems are mounted at the front or at the rear of the vehicle. Preferably the vehicle also includes a Bluetooth proximity broadcast system that allows communication for public awareness or marketing. 20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a preferred embodiment of the 25 cleaning vehicle.
-8 Figure 2 is a diagrammatic front view of the embodiment of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagrammatic rear view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the rear door in a closed position. Figure 4 is a diagrammatic rear view of the embodiment of Figure 1 with the 5 rear door open showing the interior of the compartment. Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the conduits from the vacuum unit and the steam generating unit in phantom. Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 showing the generator. Figure 7 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1. 0 Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the hose and nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to Figures 1 and 3 there is shown a cleaning vehicle (10) including a chassis (11) and a body (12). The chassis (11) is elevated to allow easy 5 access over kerbs and rough ground such as in gardens and parks. The vehicle (10) has a rear compartment (13) enclosed by three plastic roller doors (14), one each on the back and two sides of the rear compartment (13). The roller doors (14) are shown in a closed configuration. The roller doors (14) can be used as an advertising medium. 20 The vehicle (10) also has a driver compartment (15) with two seats (16). The vehicle (10) is an electrically powered vehicle such as an EG6043K (Suzhou Eagle Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Co Ltd). The power is supplied from a battery (not shown) located under the seats (16) in the driver's compartment (15). The rear compartment (13) and the driver's compartment (15) are separated 25 by a steel mesh screen (25) to allow air circulation in the rear compartment (13).
-9 The seats are fitted with lap seat belts (20). The driver's seat belt is fitted with a safety electronic cut out to prevent the vehicle from moving when the seat belt is not fastened. A storage compartment (17) is located under the seats (16), and is accessible from outside the vehicle by a door (18) on the vehicle body (12). A 5 storage compartment (31) is provided inside the front bumper (30). The driver compartment (15) can be protected from inclement weather by a PVC curtain (not shown), mounted in a curtain track (19) on either side of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) is fitted with hazard lights (21). A rear mounted reversing 0 camera (22) is linked to a screen (26) in the driver compartment (15). High impact LED tail lights (23) are fitted to the rear bumper (29). The vehicle (10) is fitted with LED message boards (32) on the front and rear. The vehicle (10) is also fitted with a proximity communications device (33) to broadcast information and promote advertising. 5 A steam interlock (27) and a vacuum connection (28) are located on the rear bumper (29). A cover or flap (not shown) may be provided to cover the steam interlock (27) and vacuum connection (28) when not in use. Figures 4 to 7 show the vehicle (10) with the roller doors (14) open to reveal the rear compartment (13) and the cleaning apparatus mounted therein. The rear 20 compartment (13) has a floor (57) with holes (65) at each corner to allow for easy cleaning and drainage of spillages. The floor (57) is fitted with quick release clips (56), such as those made by Stauff, for securing modular units. The quick release clips ensure that the modular units are held in place securely, but allow quick and easy interchange of modules.
- 10 The compartment (13) is shown fitted with a petrol driven electricity generator or inverter (50), a steam generator (58) and a wet and dry vacuum cleaner (62). The generator (50) supplies electricity to power the vacuum cleaner (62) and the steam generator (58). The generator (50) is secured to the floor (57) of the compartment 5 (13) by quick release clips (56). The generator (50) has an exhaust (54) protected by a shield (55) to protect operators from being burned. It is also fitted with an emergency stop button (51) and a residual current detector (RCD) (52). The vacuum cleaner (62) is secured to the floor (57) of the compartment (13) by quick release clips (56). The outlet (66) from the vacuum cleaner (62) is 0 connected to a hose (64, shown in phantom) which passes through an aperture (63) in the floor (57) of the compartment (13). The hose (64) continues through a void (not shown) under the floor (57) of the compartment (13) to connect with the vacuum connection (28) located on the rear bumper (29). The hose (64) therefore acts as a conduit to allow access to suction from the vacuum cleaner (62) from outside the 5 vehicle (10). A hose can be attached to the vacuum connection (28). The steam generator (58) is also secured to the floor (57) of the compartment (13) by quick release clips (56). The steam outlet (67) from the steam generator (58) is connected to a pipe (61, shown in phantom) which passes through an aperture (60) in the floor (57) of the compartment (13). The pipe (61) continues through a 20 void (not shown) under the floor (57) of the compartment (13) to connect with the steam interlock (27) located on the rear bumper (29). The pipe (61) provides a conduit to allow access to the generated steam from outside the vehicle. A hose (not shown) can be attached to the steam interlock (27). With reference to Figure 7 there is shown a hose (80) including two parallel 25 conduits integrally formed to transport the steam and vacuum. The hose is attached - 11 to a handle portion (81). The hose (80) can be attached to the steam interlock (27) and vacuum connector (28) on the rear bumper (29) of the vehicle (10) by means of male connectors (82). Trigger controls (83, 84) on the handle portion (81) are used to manage the flow of the steam and suction from the vacuum. Additionally a nozzle 5 (85) can be attached to the hose to direct flow. The nozzle (85) may have a brush or scraper attachment (86) at an end remote from the handle. In one embodiment the steam from the steam generator (58) can be used to steam clean surfaces or sanitize areas such as public lavatories, bins and such like. In another embodiment, the steam generator (58) can be used in combination with 0 the suction produced by the vacuum cleaner (62) so that the vacuum aspirates the residue after steam cleaning. The steam generator (58) can also be used in combination with detergent stored in a reservoir (59). The detergent can be introduced into the steam flow by a Venturi effect. The use of detergent and steam is particularly effective for removal of gum from surfaces. In use, the nozzle (85) is 5 positioned near the gum to be removed and steam is directed on to the gum by depressing a trigger (83) in the handle to release steam. The vacuum is activated by depressing another trigger (84) in the handle, and can then be used to remove the residue by suction and deposit it into a reservoir in the vacuum cleaner (62). The steam generator (58) can also be used with a herbicide reservoir to spray 20 herbicide onto weeds. In this embodiment the handle (81) can be fitted with a nozzle with a funnel-shaped end (not shown) to place over individual weeds and direct the steam. The steam generator (58) can be used as a thermal weed killer in combination with a chemical weed killer, such as a systemic herbicide, to totally eradicate the weeds. The herbicide can be introduced into the steam flow by a 25 Venturi effect. The funnel-shaped nozzle (not shown) ensures that the herbicide is - 12 directed to where it is needed without wastage or exposing the operator to weed killing chemicals. In further embodiments the vehicle can be used to accommodate other modules including modules for cleaning graffiti and pressure washing. 5 ADVANTAGES An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the self-powered cleaning vehicle is that the modular system allows the vehicle to be easily, quickly and safely adapted for use in such tasks as steam gum removal; steam cleaning; graffiti 0 removal; water blasting; vacuuming; sanitizing and weed killing. The vehicle of the preferred embodiment has a steam interlock and vacuum connection built into the rear bumper to allow access to the services from outside of the vehicle. This allows extra reach for the steam and vacuum hoses, and less risk of catching or snagging hose on parts of the vehicle or equipment inside the vehicle. 5 The system has increased robustness and easier and safer operation. The vehicle of the preferred embodiment has a raised chassis allowing easy movement over kerbs and rough terrain such as parks and gardens. The vehicle has a full solar roof which increases the amount of solar power available. 20 The vehicle of the preferred embodiment has safety features such as electronic cut out seat belts; audible and visual hazard warning systems; reversing camera; fire retardant lining in the compartment housing the equipment; and anti-slip floor surface in the driver's compartment.
- 13 The vehicle of the preferred embodiment has means of communication such as sponsorship and advertising space on the roller doors; moving LED message boards; proximity broadcast systems. 5 VARIATIONS It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth. O Throughout the description and claims this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.