Patent Grant
11717929
The present invention relates to a floor treatment apparatus that comprises a housing with a top plate, and a drive system having a transmission arranged above the top plate. The transmission comprises a transmission shaft passing through an aperture in the top plate. Furthermore, a motor is attached to the transmission, with the motor being arranged above the top plate. Also, the apparatus has a rotatable drive plate attached to the transmission shaft and positioned below the top plate, and a coupling member attached to a bottom of the drive plate and arranged to couple a treatment member for treating a floor surface, by engagement on said floor surface, to the drive plate.
The present invention further relates to a coupling member for a floor treatment apparatus, a method for treating a floor, and a use of a floor treatment apparatus.
Commonly known floor treatment apparatuses are usually mounted on a movable chassis that can travel along a floor surface. The chassis of the apparatus can be provided with wheels and a handle so as to be movable by an operator around a work area. Alternatively, the apparatus can be provided with a motorized chassis, such as a cart, and driven. The treatment apparatus typically comprises a motor which drives a rotatable drive plate and optionally one or more rotatable treatment discs through a drive shaft. The drive plate and/or treatment disc(s) comprise, attached to a bottom side thereof, a treatment tool for treating the floor when in contact therewith. During the treatment, particles will be released from the floor due to the contact with the grinding motion of the treatment discs.
This grinding dust comprises small particles that are often spread throughout the working area and beyond. These small particles pose a health risk for the user of the apparatus. In addition, the grinding dust may cause damage to objects, such as electronic devices, in the vicinity of the treatment area. Furthermore, the grinding dust may also result in damage to the inner parts of the apparatus, leading to a rapid decay of the internal of the apparatus. As a result, the floor is often treated with fluid before and/or simultaneously with the grinding process to reduce dust formation.
A disadvantage of providing fluid is the formation of a sludge that is difficult to remove from the apparatus, the treated floor and/or objects in the vicinity. Therefore, an improved floor treatment apparatus is required, which eliminates or at least reduces the formation and/or spreading of dust during the grinding, sanding and/or polishing process for both dry and wet processes.
To that end, the invention provides a floor treatment apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
characterized in that the floor treatment apparatus comprises an open-ended tubular casing extending from a central aperture in the drive plate through the housing to an outlet opening of housing to which a fluid conduit is connectable, wherein the casing is arranged for a fluid to flow through it.
An advantage of the apparatus according to the invention is that it provides a central removal for dust and particles that are produced during the grinding process, therewith reducing the spreading thereof. The central removal will, during operation, contain a flow of air containing dust and/or particles.
Another advantage is that, due to the central removal of the grinding products, such as dust and particles, it can easily be retrieved and stored for later disposal.
Yet another advantage of having a casing that extends between the central aperture in the drive plate and the outlet opening in the housing is that the grinding products, such as dust and particles, are drawn away from the treatment members and the connection thereof with the apparatus. As a result, the amount of dust collection on parts of apparatus is reduced and the operational up-time of the apparatus is increased.
A further advantage is that the casing and the channel it forms may also be advantageously used for channeling a fluid if that would be desirable by the user, for example for a specific type of floor to be treated.
The tubular casing can be formed in various ways. This may for example be a (tubular) conduit having a number of outer ends that are connected to one or more apertures in a central part of the drive plate and that extend from those apertures to the outlet in the housing. It is preferred that the tubular casing is an open space in a hollow opening of the centrally placed gear that is connected to the transmission shaft or that the tubular casing at least comprises a hollow space placed near a central part of the apparatus through which the transmission shaft extends.
It is preferred that the casing and the channel together from a substantially air tight connection that, when in use, is subjected to a near vacuum or vacuum in order to transfer/remove the grinding dust that is produced by the grinding. This reduces the amount of dust ejected to the surroundings even further.
In an embodiment according to the invention, the top plate of the housing may comprise a number channels that extend from the outlet opening of the housing to an end portion, wherein the end portion is connectable to the central aperture of the casing.
The central aperture is preferably connected to one or more fluid channels that extend in the top plate towards the outlet opening in the housing. This allows the outlet opening to be positioned at virtually any position in the top plate of the housing and therewith provides additional flexibility in the lay-out of the apparatus as such. The top plate may in this case comprise a single plate having the fluid channels provided therein, or may comprise two separate layers that are connected with each other. In case of two layers, the top plate preferably comprises an upper layer and a lower layer in which the fluid channels are provided. The lower layer may have a circular form, yet may also be provided as a rectangular, square or orthogonal form.
In an embodiment according to the invention, the floor treatment apparatus further comprises suction means attached to the casing, the suction means being arranged to suck up particles that have come off the floor surface after treatment and to transport them through the casing to outside to the housing.
A beneficial effect is that the suction is actually performed close to the origin of the parts. This improves the suction of undesired parts, thereby improving working conditions and maintaining a relatively clean working environment. The suction means may emanate in, near or at the treatment member and preferably close to the floor surface to be treated.
Preferably, the floor treatment apparatus further comprises fluid supply means attached to the casing, the fluid supply means being arranged to supply fluid to the floor surface to be treated via the casing through the central aperture in the drive plate. Due to the suction means dust is prevented from entering the gears. Using the fluid supply means, for instance water can be supplied to the floor surface during wet sanding, thereby reducing sanding dust and improving the efficiency of sanding tools. Similarly, the fluid supply means are useable during grinding and/or polishing to the effect of reducing grinding/polishing dust and improving the efficiency of respectively the grinding and/or polishing tools.
In an embodiment according to the invention, one or more of the coupling members are fixedly connected to the drive plate, thus forming a single assembly to which the treatment members are coupleable.
An advantage of having one or more of the coupling members fixedly connected to the drive plate is that the total costs for the apparatus is reduced compared to having releasably or detachable coupling members. This is for example interesting for companies that only perform a single type of floor treatment and thus substantially always require similar characteristics.
Another advantage is that the complexity of the apparatus is reduced due to the reduced number of separate parts that is required.
In an embodiment according to the invention, the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate.
A beneficial effect of the coupling member comprising a quick release mechanism is that it enables a variety of different treatment members to be used as well as different coupling members on one and the same machine, i.e. the floor treatment apparatus, through simple and rapid replacement of the coupling member. As a result, inter alia the treatment member, the size of the working surface and the total working width of the machine, can be configured in accordance with the intended treatment activity of the machine. In this way, the machine can be adapted to the requirements of the intended treatment process in a quick and easy manner. In particular, no compromise needs to be made between a large active area which improves the levelling effect of the machine or small active areas which allow the treatment members follow the floor surface better and are therefore more suitable for polishing applications.
In an embodiment, the quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate is arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate without the use of attachment tools, and wherein the quick release mechanism may comprise a magnetic coupling. An advantage of a quick release mechanism that is operable without the use of attachment tools is that an increased speed of changing the coupling member can be achieved. This allows rapid changing between coupling members with different characteristics. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be carried to the treatment site.
Preferably, the quick release mechanism comprises a magnetic coupling, which has the advantage that it provides excellent coupling and can simultaneously be (very) quickly released for changing the coupling members. Both permanent magnets and/or non-permanent magnets can be used in the magnetic coupling. The magnets used in the magnetic coupling may be provided on or in the coupling member and/or may be provided on the drive plate.
However, other options, which include a bolt-and-nut connection, a click-connection and/or a bayonet-connection, are possible as well.
In a preferred embodiment, the coupling member is arranged for rotatably attaching the treatment member to the bottom surface thereof, such that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the coupling member around a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate.
A beneficial effect of the treatment member being rotatable relative to the coupling member is that the treatment member obtains a rotational movement in addition to its translational movement due to the rotation of the drive plate. In this way, the effectivity of the treatment member in the treatment process can be improved.
In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling member comprises bearing means with the interposition of which the treatment member is rotatably attached on the bottom surface of the coupling member. The bearing means allows the treatment member to obtain an extra rotational speed relative to the coupling member due to friction between the treatment member and the surface of the floor to be treated.
In a preferred embodiment, the floor treatment apparatus further comprises a sun gear attached to the top of the drive plate and fixed in position relative thereto, and at least one planet gear rotatably attached to top of the drive plate. In this embodiment, the treatment member is rotatably attached to the bottom of the coupling member by attachment of the treatment member to the planet gear by means of an axle extending from the planet gear through the drive plate and the coupling member to the treatment member, wherein the planet gear engages the sun gear, such that as the drive plate is driven by the transmission shaft, the sun gear rotates the planet gear, thereby rotating the treatment member relative to the coupling member.
In this way, the treatment member obtains a rotational movement relative to the coupling means in a driven manner, i.e. the treatment member is driven by the motor via the transmission shaft and the gearing on top of the drive plate.
In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling member comprises a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft attached to the sun gear or planet gear and the output gear comprising a shaft attached to the treatment member.
In this embodiment, the treatment member can be driven to rotate relative to the coupling member, which in turn rotates relative to the drive plate. The drive system thus enables various configurations as to the direction of rotation, the rotational speed and the rotation centre of the treatment member as well as with regard to the active working area of the floor treatment apparatus.
A beneficial effect of the apparatus according to the present invention is the flexibility to choose different drives or drive systems, and treatment members (tools). This enables adjusting the apparatus to a specific operation/application.
In this respect it is noted that in an alternative embodiment, the coupling member comprises a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, wherein the input gear comprises an input shaft that is operatively connected to the transmission shaft, for example using a chain or belt transmission, and the output gear comprising a shaft attached to the treatment member.
In this alternative embodiment, the treatment member can be driven to rotate relative to the coupling member, which in turn rotates relative to the drive plate. The drive system thus enables various configurations as to the direction of rotation, the rotational speed and the rotation centre of the treatment member as well as with regard to the active working area of the floor treatment apparatus.
A beneficial effect of the apparatus according to the present invention is the flexibility to choose different drives or drive systems, and treatment members (tools). This enables adjusting the apparatus to a specific operation/application.
In an embodiment, a top surface of the coupling member and/or the bottom surface of the drive plate is magnetic. A beneficial effect is that a coupling member of one type, e.g. a coupling member with built-in bearing means, can be easily replaced, i.e. without the use of attachment tools, by a coupling member of another type, e.g. a coupling member with a built-in transmission gearing.
In an embodiment according to the invention, the housing may additionally comprise a weight balancing system that is mounted on the top plate, wherein the weight balancing system comprises a support mount configured to support weight elements and a number of weight removeable elements that are positioned on the support mount.
An advantage of providing an additional weight balancing system is that the weight of the apparatus, and more specifically the pressure exerted on the coupling and treatment members can be increased or decreased. As a result, the pressure exerted by the treatment members on the floor to be treated is adaptable to different types and characteristics of the floor to be treated.
In an embodiment according to the invention, the drive plate may be provided with a dust cover or dust cap that extends from the drive plate towards a floor to be treated and is configured to limit the spreading of grinding dust throughout a room having the floor to be treated.
It is noted that another problem of commonly known apparatus, is that the motor is commonly an electric motor. Such an electric motor is designed such that when it is connected directly to the mains, it will start to run at its nominal speed. However, the speed of rotation of the electric motor can be controlled by lowering the current frequency or by increasing it by means of a frequency regulator. This function is essential for floor treatment apparatuses, because each operation requires a different rotational speed. At an increased frequency a higher rotational speed is obtained and likewise a lower rotational speed is obtained at a reduced frequency. An important disadvantage of frequency control is, however, that at a frequency that exceeds the frequency of the power supply, the torque of the electric motor decreases considerably and at a lower frequency the cooling of the electric motor functions less well. The electric motor performs best at its nominal rotational speed.
In practice, this has the following consequences. The process of grinding floors often requires a low rotational speed and a high grinding pressure and therefore a high torque. However, by reducing the speed of rotation with the frequency regulator, the built-in cooling mechanism will function less well. As a consequence, the engine cools less well and the load the engine can handle is thereby reduced. On the other hand, the polishing of a floor often requires higher rotational speeds, but when a frequency regulator outputs a higher frequency than the mains the torque decreases inversely proportional to the rotational speed due to magnetic-field weakening.
Another way to influence the outgoing torque and rotational speed is to use a mechanical transmission. Today's floor treatment apparatuses typically use, in addition to a frequency regulator, a transmission to reduce the rotational speed and to increase the torque. The chosen configuration of such a transmission is however imposed by the intended purpose of the machine and is therefore predetermined by the manufacturer. A machine manufacturer usually assigns a number of properties to a floor treatment apparatuses in order to equip the apparatus as well as possible for the intended function.
Since the intended function of the apparatus imposes the design and configuration of the apparatus, the applicability of machine is very limited. The configuration with respect to, for example, the rotational speed, the size of the working surface, the total working width and the direction of rotation of the drive shafts of the treatment discs is fixed or only very limited adaptable.
It is therefore a second object of the invention to provide a floor treatment apparatus which is easily adaptable to its intended treatment activity.
To that end, the invention also relates to a floor treatment apparatus, the apparatus comprising:
characterized in that the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate
A beneficial effect of the coupling member comprising a quick release mechanism is that it enables a variety of different treatment members to be used as well as different coupling members on one and the same machine, i.e. the floor treatment apparatus, through simple and rapid replacement of the coupling member. As a result, inter alia the treatment member, the size of the working surface and the total working width of the machine, can be configured in accordance with the intended treatment activity of the machine. In this way, the machine can be adapted to the requirements of the intended treatment process in a quick and easy manner. In particular, no compromise needs to be made between a large active area which improves the levelling effect of the machine or small active areas which allow the treatment members follow the floor surface better and are therefore more suitable for polishing applications.
Furthermore, the different treatment members allow the rotational speed and direction to be configured more specifically to the surface to be treated by adapting the treatment member to that surface to be treated.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the apparatus provides a coupling member that is being attached to a bottom of a rotatable drive plate of the floor treatment apparatus, and the coupling member is furthermore arranged for rotatably attaching a treatment member for treating a floor surface under the drive plate to the bottom surface of the coupling member, such that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the coupling member around a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of a drive plate. The coupling member provides the same or similar effects and advantages as described for the apparatus.
A further advantageous effect of the use of coupling members is the reduction in overall weight. For example, an apparatus according to the present invention has a weight of about 50-60 kg and with attached treatment members a weight of about 120 kg. Typically, a conventional apparatus has a weight in the range 160-500 kg. This provides a significant reduction in weight that improves handling of the apparatus and also improves the working conditions. It is noted that the apparatus may be a relatively light-weight (‘floating’) apparatus, yet may also be heavier apparatus having a built-in propulsion system. Depending on the type of apparatus, the weight may differ. In general however, the apparatus according to the invention has a lower weight than the known apparatus. Alternatively, the use of coupling members allow the capacity of the electric motor to be used more efficiently, which allows heavier apparatus to be manufactured.
In a preferred embodiment, the coupling member comprises a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft attached to a sun gear or planet gear being attached to the top of the drive plate of the floor treatment apparatus, and the output gear comprising a shaft attached to the treatment member.
According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating a floor, comprising the steps of providing a floor treatment apparatus according to the present invention, and treating a floor with the floor treatment apparatus. The method provides the same or similar effects and advantages as described for the apparatus and/or coupling member.
In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises a step of selecting a coupling member of the floor treatment apparatus in accordance with a treatment requirement of the method.
In a further preferred embodiment, the coupling member comprises a coupling member according to the invention.
According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a use of a floor treatment apparatus according to the invention in a method for treating a floor according to the invention.
The present invention is further elucidated on the basis of the following figures which show preferred embodiments thereof and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention in any way, wherein:
Floor treatment apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10 and a drive system 20 (see
Housing 10 in this example further also comprises a weight balancing system 6 comprising support mount 6a and a number of weight elements 6b. The weight elements 6b are removable placed on support mount 6a and the number and specific weight of the various elements 6b can be adapted. This may for example mean that the number of elements and/or the weight of individual elements may be varied. As a result, the pressure exerted on the treatment members and, consequently, the floor to be treated, can be adapted to the specific circumstances of the situation. It is noted that weight balancing system 6 is not essential to the invention and may be obviated.
Top plate 11 contains a number of openings 12, 14, 15 for various purposes. Dust opening 14 is an opening through which dust from treatments such as grinding, polishing and cleaning can be removed via hose 4 to a dust container 3. Water opening 15 is connectable to a water supply for supplying water to apparatus 1. Water is for example supplied for wet grinding or cleaning of a floor. Opening or aperture 12 is configured for receiving a transmission 21 as explained below.
In this example according to the invention (see
The drive system 20 comprises a motor 23 that is operatively coupled to a transmission 21. In this example of the invention, an adapter 21a is provided between the motor 23 and the transmission 21 (see
In a second example (see
With reference to
With reference to
In this example, the apparatus comprises three outer or planet gears 130. Each planet gear 130 is positioned above sealing plate 128 and rotatable plate 124 on an axle 131. These outer gears 130 are connected to a larger gear 132 that is centrally mounted under the electric motor 123. The body of the larger central gear 132 is hollow so that transmission shaft 122 can extend through central gear 132. Flow channels 116, 117 also emanate in the opening 141 of hollow body of gear 132. The axles 131 of the three outer gears 130 extend through sealing plate 128 and rotatable plate 124 and are each connected to a coupling member 25. To this end, each axle 131 has a saw cut 133 for receiving a projection 134 of shaft 138 of a coupling member 25 therein. In this embodiment, the coupling members 25 are thus driven by the outer gears 130 so that they rotate relative to the sealing plate 128 and rotating plate 124. Alternatively, the coupling members 25 can be attached to the rotatable plate 124 without being connected to the outer gears 130. Coupling members 25 can be coupled to rotatable plate 124 using a wide variety of connecting means. This includes metric fastenings, magnetic couplings, bolts, holding pins etc.
In an alternative embodiment, connector 24a has a diameter equal to the diameter of plate 24, and connector 24a is provided with openings in which coupling members 25 can be positioned. The connector 24a can in this alternative embodiment comprise additional quick releases that can be used to secure coupling member 25 in opening 27. This may for example comprise a slider.
To that end, coupling member 25 can be provided in various different embodiments, each of which is adapted to one or more specific types of floor treatment. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling members are provided with a transmission 35, which may comprise two or more gears. In a first example of a geared coupling member 25 according to the invention (see
It will be understood that further examples, optionally including combinations of the aforementioned examples can also be envisaged in according with the present invention. In addition, the examples provided below (with reference to the
Because the location of the rotation axes of the treatment members 26 is adjustable, it provides for changing the active area without changing the total width of the machine.
As discussed, the treatment members 26 are mounted on coupling members 25 specially developed for its intended treatment purpose. To couple coupling members 25 with rotating plate 28 (or alternatively rotating plate 124) different technical solutions can be used. In an embodiment, rotating plate 28 may have bolts 25c on a bottom surface thereof, which extend downwardly and are configured to extend into or through openings in coupling members 25, wherein coupling members 25 are secured to rotating plate 28 using associated nuts 25b which are provided on bolts 25c (see
With reference to
The coupling members 25 can be static members. In this case, coupling members 25 are only a static connecting element between the treatment member 26 and the rotating plate 28. In this way, the treatment member 26 follows the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the rotating plate 28.
Furthermore, the coupling member 25 can have a built-in bearing 40, which allows the treatment member 26 to obtain an extra rotational speed relative to the coupling member 25 due to friction between the treatment member 26 and the surface of the floor to be treated.
Furthermore, the coupling member 25 can be coupled in a dynamic manner, that is to say, the coupling member 25 has a continuous shaft 34 which can be coupled at the bottom to an axle 31 of one of the three outer gears 30 and therewith rotate at a higher or lower speed the rotating plate 28. The direction of rotation of the coupling member 25 can be the same as or opposite to that of the rotating plate 28.
Finally, as discussed above, the coupling members 25 can also contain a further transmission 35 in their interior. This enables different configurations with regard to direction of rotation, rotational speed and position of the rotation axes of the treatment members 26 being attached to said transmission.
Given the open gear system in the housing 10, it is important to prevent dust from entering the gears. This is realized by dust extraction through the centre part of the plate 28. Preferably, plate 28 is provided with a connector 28b for connecting dust extraction lines 28c.
In the shown example (
It is noted that other options for the dust removal may also be possible. Dust removal may for example be provided by using three openings that are positioned near a centre part of rotating plate 28, and preferably with each opening in line with one of outer gears 30. In addition, or alternatively, dust connector 28b, dust extraction lines 28c and/or cap 28d may be obviated without significantly reducing the effectiveness of the dust extraction. It has been found that a central dust extraction opening in rotating plate 28 may also be effective.
In the shown second example (
It is noted that the terms grinding and sanding are used interchangeably in the application with respect to the floor treatment to be performed.
In use of the apparatus 1, water is provided via opening 15 on the housing 10 and is flowed through flow channel 17 to opening 41 of central gear 32. Subsequently, the water is provide from the side under the rotating plate 28 or seeps through holes in the rotating plate 28.
For treating a floor, apparatus 1 is brought to the desired location and the required treatment members 26 are attached to coupling members 25. Appropriate settings are chosen, such as frequencies. Next, the floor is treated.
A number of examples of geared coupling member configurations is provided in the following examples, with specific reference to the
In a second example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for sanding and polishing wooden floors and can also be used for sanding (natural) stone floors and/or concrete floors. Furthermore, the configuration according to this example is excellent for cleaning treatments including the removal of wax layers and the preparation of floors, such as floor buffing.
In a third example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in figure Sb), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d1 and is configured to cooperate with the gear 44, which has a diameter d2. Gear 44 is coupled to treatment member 26. Also visible is input shaft 38 which is provided with bearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for sanding and polishing wooden floors and can also be used for sanding (natural) stone floors and/or concrete floors. Furthermore, the configuration according to this example is excellent for cleaning treatments including the removal of wax layers and the preparation of floors, such as floor buffing.
In a fourth example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for polishing (natural) stone floors and concrete floors. This configuration may also be used for cleaning floors with a hard surface, such as stone and concrete.
In a fifth example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for sanding and polishing wooden floors and is excellent for sanding (natural) stone floors and/or concrete floors under high pressure. Furthermore, the configuration according to this example is excellent for the preparation of floors, such as floor buffing. The configuration according to this example can also be used for cleaning floors.
In a sixth example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for sanding and polishing wooden floors and is also excellent for sanding (natural) stone floors and/or concrete floors under high pressure. Furthermore, the configuration according to this example is excellent for the preparation of floors, such as floor huffing. The configuration according to this example can also be used for cleaning floors.
In a seventh example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results for sanding (natural) stone floors and/or concrete floors under high pressure. The configuration according to this example can also be used for cleaning floors.
In an eight example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example is specifically designed for cleaning hard floor surfaces.
In a ninth example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in
The configuration as provided in this example is excellent for sanding and polishing of wooden floors. It can also be used for cleaning floors including the removal of wax layers from floors.
The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights claimed are determined by the appended claims within the scope of which many modifications are conceivable. For example, the shape and number of coupling members 25 and/or treatment members 26 can be amended. Also, it would be possible to use only a part of the available coupling members with treatment members in specific applications. Other quick-release systems can also be envisaged, such as springs, hooks etc. as alternatives or in addition to the use of magnets. Treatment members 26 may relate to polishing, sanding, smoothing, cleaning and similar operations.
It is noted that the invention can additionally and alternatively to the abovementioned description also be defined according to the following clauses, which are freely combinable with the embodiments as described in the abovementioned description.
C.1. Floor treatment apparatus comprising:
wherein the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate.
C.2. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.1, wherein the quick release mechanism arranged for releaseably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate is arranged for releaseably attaching without the use of attachment tools, and preferably wherein the quick release mechanism comprises a magnetic coupling.
C.3. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.1 or C.2, wherein the coupling member is arranged for rotatably attaching the treatment member to the bottom surface thereof, such that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the coupling member around a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate.
C.4. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.3, wherein the coupling member comprises bearing means with the interposition of which the treatment member is rotatably attached on the bottom surface of the coupling member.
C.5. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.3 or C.4, further comprising:
wherein the treatment member is rotatably attached to the bottom of the coupling member by attachment of the treatment member to the planet gear by means of an axle extending from the planet gear through the drive plate and the coupling member to the treatment member, wherein the planet gear engages the sun gear, such that as the drive plate is driven by the transmission shaft, the sun gear rotates the planet gear, thereby rotating the treatment member relative to the coupling member.
C.6. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.5, wherein the coupling member comprises a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft attached to the sun gear or planet gear and the output gear comprising a shaft attached to the treatment member.
C.7. Floor treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising an open-ended tubular casing extending from a central aperture in the drive plate through the housing to outside the housing, wherein the casing is arranged for a fluid to flow through it.
C.8. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.7, further comprising suction means attached to the casing, the suction means being arranged to suck up particles that have come off the floor surface after treatment and to transport them through the casing to outside to the housing.
C.9. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause C.7 or C.8, further comprising fluid supply means attached to the casing, the fluid supply means being arranged to supply fluid to the floor surface to be treated via the casing through the central aperture in the drive plate.
C.10. Floor treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a top surface of the coupling member and/or the bottom surface of the drive plate is at least partially magnetic.
C.11. Coupling member for a floor treatment apparatus according to any one of clauses C.1-C.10, the coupling member being attached to a bottom of a rotatable drive plate of the floor treatment apparatus and being arranged for rotatably attaching a treatment member for treating a floor surface under the drive plate to the bottom surface of the coupling member, such that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the coupling member around a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate.
C.12. Coupling member according to clause C.11, the coupling member comprising a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft attached to a sun gear or planet gear being attached to the top of the drive plate of the floor treatment apparatus, and the output gear comprising a shaft attached to the treatment member.
C.13. Method for treating a floor, comprising the steps of:
C.14. Method of clause C.13, further comprising a step of selecting a coupling member of the floor treatment apparatus in accordance with a treatment requirement of the method.
C.15. Method of clause C.14, wherein the coupling member comprises a coupling member according to clause C.11 or C.12.
C.16. Use of a floor treatment apparatus according to any of clauses C.1-C.10 in a method for treating a floor according to any of clauses C.13-C.15.
C.17. Floor treatment apparatus according to any one of the clauses 1-10, wherein the drive plate is provided with a dust cover or dust cap that extends from the drive plate towards a floor to be treated.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021007 | May 2018 | NL | national |
| 2021609 | Sep 2018 | NL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/NL2019/050312 | 5/29/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/231323 | 12/5/2019 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20210260714 A1 | Aug 2021 | US |
