EP3002082A1 - Improved floor sander - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a rolling apparatus (1) for carrying out surface-leveling work, such as sanding or grinding, comprising:
- A rolling structure (3) comprising receiving means (6, 7) for receiving a vacuum block (8);
- a motorized head (9) equipped with a working tool (2), intended to be connected to the vacuum cleaner (8), and coupled to the structure (3) in a pivoting manner about an axis (10); ) parallel to the ground, between an active position in which the tool (2) is in contact with the ground to perform the surfacing work, and an inactive position in which the head (9) is angularly rotated, so that the tool (2) is no longer in contact with the ground to allow, on the one hand, the movement of the device (1) and, on the other hand, the replacement of the working tool (2).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to the technical field of rolling stock equipment made available to a user for performing surfacing operations of flooring, such as sanding, grinding, etc ...

PRIOR ART

It is known from the state of the art of surfacing surfacing devices, such as floor sanders, of the type comprising a rolling structure comprising an asynchronous / synchronous electric motor. This electric motor is arranged to rotate a work tool mounted on the rolling structure so as to be in contact with the ground to perform the surfacing operations as such.

This type of sander generally has the disadvantage that the working tool, such as an abrasive disk, for example, is difficult to access. This disadvantage makes the replacement of said work tool, cleaning or more generally maintenance of the device, difficult and tedious.

Indeed, to replace the abrasive disc of this type of sander, it is necessary to switch to the side to release access to said abrasive disc. This operation is not safe given the weight of the apparatus which includes a relatively heavy conventional asynchronous / synchronous electric motor, 200 to 300 kg. In addition, the tilting operation of the device can cause degradation of other parts of the device, or the coating to be surfaced.

In addition, the cleaning operations of such a sander can become quite tedious, especially when the sander has been used to previously perform surfacing work on asbestos-based coatings, requiring accurate and effective flooding at the end of works, for example by splashing water. This operation is difficult because of inaccessibility to the work tool, and the fact that the electric motor or the engine management electronics are not necessarily sealed.

Moreover, the electric motors of this type of sander are relatively noisy

It is also known to include in this type of sander, suction means connected to a dust collection bag, directly integrated into said sander. This has the advantage of allowing the realization of work in a clean way by limiting the emissivity of coating particles, and to maintain a healthy working environment for the operator.

However, this type of bag sander is not scalable, and the total weight of the sander is increased which makes it more difficult to store, transport and handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the invention tends to provide a rolling apparatus comprising a working tool for performing surfacing of flooring, such as sanding, grinding, etc. which allows a simple, comfortable and safe use, especially as regards the replacement of said work tool, the maintenance or cleaning of said apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a device which is simple in design, practical and lightweight.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus that is flexible, and easy to transport and store.

Finally, the present invention aims to provide such a device whose noise related to its operation has been significantly reduced compared to devices of the state of the art.

• une structure roulante comprenant des moyens de réception destinés à recevoir un bloc aspirateur ;
• une tête motorisée équipée d'un outil de travail, destinée à être reliée à l'aspirateur, et accouplée à la structure d'une manière pivotante autour d'un axe parallèle au sol, entre une position active dans laquelle l'outil est en contact avec le sol pour réaliser les travaux de surfaçage, et une position inactive dans laquelle la tête est pivotée angulairement, de sorte que l'outil n'est plus en contact avec le sol pour autoriser, d'une part, le déplacement de l'appareil et, d'autre part, le remplacement de l'outil de travail.

In order to solve the aforementioned problems, it has been developed, in accordance with the invention, a rolling apparatus for carrying out surface finishing work, such as sanding or grinding remarkable in that it comprises:

• a rolling structure comprising receiving means for receiving a vacuum unit;
• a motorized head equipped with a working tool, intended to be connected to the vacuum cleaner, and coupled to the structure in a pivoting manner about an axis parallel to the ground, between an active position in which the tool is in position; contact with the ground to perform the surfacing work, and an inactive position in which the head is rotated angularly, so that the tool is no longer in contact with the ground to allow, on the one hand, the movement of the device and, on the other hand, the replacement of the working tool.

Thus, the apparatus according to the invention is of simple and practical use. The head comprising the working tool is capable of adopting two positions, one of which is inactive to enable the user to easily replace the working tool, such as a sanding disc for example, and also to facilitate the movement of said apparatus, its cleaning and maintenance.

Advantageously, the motorized head of the apparatus according to the invention is equipped with a wheel arranged so that in the inactive position, the wheel is in contact with the ground and facilitates the movement of the apparatus.

Preferably, the motorized head is coupled to the rolling structure in a removable manner. This allows in particular to have a removable device, and adjustable so as to mount another type of motorized head on the rolling apparatus. This also facilitates the transport and storage of the rolling apparatus and said head. The machine without head is light and can be handled easily. The removable head also facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the device, and the motorized head itself.

The motorized head advantageously has a handle for easy transport when it is separated from the rolling apparatus.

According to a particular embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, the rolling structure has a lower part comprising two substantially horizontal arms, and arranged to receive between them the motorized head.

Preferably, the motorized head comprises a hoop pivotally mounted relative to said head and about an axis corresponding to the axis of pivoting of the head. The hoop has two arms connected by a central portion, and the two arms of the hoop each comprise a lug adapted to be engaged in a notch that comprises each arm of the rolling structure.

Advantageously, the hoop of the motorized head comprises locking means adapted to block the pivoting of the head relative to the hoop in the active position and in the inactive position.

Preferably, the rolling structure comprises on a lower wall, means for receiving and locking the central portion of the arch of the motorized head.

Thus, to connect the removable head to the rolling apparatus, it is necessary to engage the lugs of the roll of the head in the notches of the arms of the rolling structure, and to lock the central portion of said rollbar in the receiving means and locking present under the rolling structure. This lock is done in two stages. When the lugs are engaged in the notches, the hoop of the head can pivot about the axis defined by said lugs and engage in the locking means. Once the hoop locked in position, the motorized head can pivot relative to the hoop to adopt the active position or the inactive position. The connection between the motorized head and the rolling structure of the device is simple, safe and fast.

Advantageously, the receiving and locking means are subject to a lever that can be manipulated to lock or unlock the central part of the arch.

Preferably, the rolling structure comprises a suction pipe connected, on the one hand, to the motorized head and, on the other hand, to connection means of a suction line of a vacuum cleaner.

In this way, to connect a vacuum cleaner to the motorized head, it is simply necessary to connect the suction line of the vacuum cleaner directly to the rolling structure of the device, via the connecting means. This feature greatly simplifies the use of the device, and makes it easy to change the vacuum unit, or even to connect the mobile device to a remote vacuum unit. Connectivity is simplified.

Advantageously, the rolling structure includes electronic control means comprising connection plugs for the electrical connection of the motorized head and a vacuum cleaner.

This characteristic makes it possible to implement an automatic starting system in the form of, for example, an on / off button preferably located at a handle for manipulating the apparatus. Thus, when the button is actuated, the electric motor of the motorized head is turned on, and the vacuum unit is automatically also started, in a synchronized manner. When the electric motor is stopped, a time delay allows, for example, to continue the suction for a few seconds to empty the suction lines of any dust residue.

Advantageously, the motorized head comprises a brushless or brushless electric motor, for example a 2200W brushless motor weighing 20 kg. This type of electric motor is significantly quieter and lighter than the synchronous / asynchronous electric motors of the state of the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• la figure 1 est une représentation schématique en perspective de l'appareil selon l'invention, équipé d'un bloc aspirateur, et la tête motorisée étant en position active ;
• la figure 2 est une représentation schématique similaire à celle de la figure 1, la tête motorisée étant en position inactive ;
• la figure 3 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective la structure roulante de l'appareil selon l'invention, sans la tête motorisée ;
• la figure 4 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective la tête motorisée de l'appareil selon l'invention, sans la structure roulante ;
• la figure 5 est une représentation schématique similaire à celle de la figure 3, illustrée en perspective de dessous ;
• la figure 6 est une représentation schématique similaire à celle de la figure 4, l'arceau de la tête motorisée étant positionné pour recevoir en engagement la structure roulante ;
• la figure 7 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective l'engagement entre la tête motorisée et la structure roulante ;
• la figure 8 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective l'engagement et le verrouillage de la partie centrale de l'arceau avec les moyens de réception et de verrouillage de la structure roulante ;
• la figure 9 est une représentation schématique en perspective illustrant la tête motorisée engagée avec la structure roulante et en position active ;
• la figure 10 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective la tête motorisée engagée avec la structure roulante et en position inactive ;
• la figure 11 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective le déverrouillage du levier assujettis au moyens de réception et verrouillage de la partie centrale de l'arceau ;
• la figure 12 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective l'abaissement du levier correspondant au déverrouillage de la partie centrale de l'arceau ;
• la figure 13 est une représentation schématique illustrant en perspective la tête motorisée, séparée de la structure roulante, l'arceau étant en position verticale pour faciliter le transport de ladite tête.

Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

• the figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of the apparatus according to the invention, equipped with a vacuum unit, and the motorized head being in the active position;
• the figure 2 is a schematic representation similar to that of the figure 1 with the motorized head in the inactive position;
• the figure 3 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the rolling structure of the apparatus according to the invention, without the motorized head;
• the figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the motorized head of the apparatus according to the invention, without the rolling structure;
• the figure 5 is a schematic representation similar to that of the figure 3 , illustrated in perspective from below;
• the figure 6 is a schematic representation similar to that of the figure 4 the hoop of the motorized head being positioned to receive the rolling structure in engagement;
• the figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the engagement between the motorized head and the rolling structure;
• the figure 8 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective engagement and locking of the central portion of the arch with the means for receiving and locking the rolling structure;
• the figure 9 is a diagrammatic representation in perspective illustrating the motorized head engaged with the rolling structure and in the active position;
• the figure 10 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the motorized head engaged with the rolling structure and in the inactive position;
• the figure 11 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the unlocking of the lever subject to the means for receiving and locking the central portion of the arch;
• the figure 12 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the lowering of the lever corresponding to the unlocking of the central part of the arch;
• the figure 13 is a schematic representation illustrating in perspective the motorized head, separated from the rolling structure, the hoop being in a vertical position to facilitate the transport of said head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a rolling apparatus (1) comprising a working tool (2) for carrying out any type of surfacing work of floor covering, such as sanding, grinding, etc. depending in particular on the type of work tool (2) used.

With reference to Figures 1 to 13 , and in the following description will be referred to such a device (1) of the type floor sander comprising an abrasive disc as a working tool (2).

With reference to figures 1 and 2 the floor sander (1) generally comprises a rolling structure (3) equipped with wheels (4) and a handle (5). The rolling structure (3) of the sander (1) illustrated comprises a general "L" shape. The wheels (4) are arranged at the angle formed by the "L" shape, on either side of the plane defined by said "L" shape. The rolling structure (3) can be of any shape without departing from the scope of the invention.

The handle (5) is, for its part, arranged at the free end of the large bar of the "L" shape. The handle (5) is arranged to be easily accessible and manipulable by an operator. The handle (5) can also have various shapes and varied according to the desired ergonomics. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle (5) is in the form of a tubular arch connected to an upper end of the rolling structure (3).

Always referring to figures 1 and 2 the rolling structure (3) then comprises means (6, 7) for the removable reception of a vacuum unit (8). These means may have different shapes without departing from the scope of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving means is in the form of a reception platform (6) arranged at the angle of the "L" shape defined by the rolling structure (3), and a holding bar (7) able to encircle the circumference of the vacuum block (8) when it is received on the platform (6).

The rolling structure (3) comprises a motorized head (9) coupled to the rolling structure (3) removably and pivotally about an axis (10) parallel to the ground, between a so-called active position, and a so-called inactive position. In the active position, the abrasive disc (2) is in contact with the ground to perform the surfacing work as such. In the inactive position, the head (9) is rotated angularly and preferably at least 90 °, so that the abrasive disc (2) is no longer in contact with the ground to allow, on the one hand, the moving the sander (1) and replacing the abrasive disk (2). This inactive position also facilitates maintenance and cleaning operations of the motorized head (9) and the floor sander (1).

With reference to the figure 3 , and to removably and removably receive the motorized head (9), the rolling structure (3) comprises a lower part (11), in particular defined in the embodiment illustrated by the base of the "L" shape. said rolling structure (3), which has two arms (11a, 11b) adapted to receive between them the motorized head (9) pivoting.

The two arms (11a, 11b) are included in the same plane, substantially parallel to the ground, and are spaced apart from each other so as to define between them a space for receiving the motorized head (9). The two arms (11a, 11b) each comprise at their free end a notch (12) whose function will be described below.

With reference to the figure 4 , the motorized head (9) comprises an electric motor (13) brushless or "brushless", for example 2200W, enclosed in a housing (14). The electric motor (13) is secured in the lower part of the housing (14) to a rotating head (15) comprising the abrasive disc (2). The housing (14) of the motorized head (9) comprises a hoop (16) pivotally mounted relative to said head (9) and about an axis corresponding to the pivot axis (10) of the head (9) to move from the active position to the inactive position. The hoop (16) has two arms (16a, 16b) connected by a central portion (16c), and the two arms (16a, 16b) of the hoop (16) each comprise a lug (17) adapted to be engaged in the notch (12) that comprises each arm (11a, 11b) of the rolling structure (3).

With reference to the figure 5 , the rolling structure (3) comprises on a lower wall (18), and in particular at the junction between the two arms (11a, 11b) of said structure (3), means (19) for receiving and locking the the central portion (16c) of the arch (16) of the motorized head (9).

These receiving and locking means (19) are subject to a lever (20) adapted to be manipulated to lock or unlock the central portion (16c) of the bow (16). These means (19) for receiving and locking are in the form of hooks (21), movable by the actuation of the lever (20), between a locking position in which they enclose the section of the central portion (16c). of the hoop (16), and a non-locking position against a jack (22) in which they no longer clamp the hoop (16) and releases it from any engagement.

With reference to figures 6 and 10 , the hoop (16) comprises locking means (23) in position, such as a pin passing through an orifice formed in the hoop (16) and able to be inserted into an orifice formed in the head (9) to lock it in a position relative to the arch (16), corresponding to the inactive position of the head (9).

Thus, to connect the removable head (9) to the rolling apparatus (1), it is firstly necessary with reference to the figure 6 , to unlock the pin of the bow (16) to pivot said bow (16) and pass it to a position in which its central portion (16c) is close to the ground, facing the rolling structure (3). Then, with reference to the figure 7 , engaging the lugs (17) of the arch (16) in the notches (12) of the arms (11a, 11b) of the rolling structure (3). To facilitate this operation, the arms of the arch (16) comprise ramps (26) for guiding the arms (11a, 11b) of the rolling structure (3) in the direction of the lugs (17). Then, in reference to the figure 8 , reassemble the arch (16) so that its central portion (16c) comes into engagement between the hooks (21) present under the rolling structure (3), which have previously been put in the non-locking position via the lever (20). When the central part (16c) is received between the hooks (21), they are moved to the locking position by manipulation of the lever (20).

With reference to the figure 9 , the arch (16) is thus in a substantially horizontal position, with the abrasive disk (2) in contact with the ground. This position corresponds to the active position of the motorized head (9).

Sanding operations can thus be performed. For this purpose, and with reference to figures 1 and 2 , the rolling structure removably receives the vacuum cleaner (8) on the platform (6), encircled by the bow (7). The motorized head (9) is connected to the vacuum (8) to suck and evacuate as surfacing residues from this type of work.

More specifically, the rolling structure (3) comprises a suction pipe (27) connected, on the one hand, to the motorized head (9) and, on the other hand, to connection means (28) of a suction line (29) of a vacuum cleaner (8).

In this way, to connect a vacuum cleaner (8) to the motorized head (9), it is simply necessary to connect the suction pipe (29) of the vacuum cleaner (8) directly to the rolling structure (3) of the apparatus (1), via the connecting means (28). This feature greatly simplifies the use of the device (1), and makes it easy to change the vacuum unit (8), or even to connect the rolling apparatus (1) to a remote vacuum unit. Connectivity is simplified.

Always referring to figures 1 and 2 , the rolling structure (3) incorporates electronic control means (not shown) comprising connection plugs (30) for the electrical connection of the motorized head (9) and the vacuum cleaner (8).

This feature makes it possible to implement an automatic starting system in the form of, for example, an on / off button (31) preferably located at a handling handle (5) of the floor sander (1). ). Thus, when the button (31) is actuated, the electric motor (13) of the motorized head (9) is turned on, and the vacuum unit (8) is also started automatically in a synchronized manner. When stopping the electric motor (13), a delay allows, for example, to continue the suction for a few seconds to empty the suction lines (27, 29) of any dust residue.

With reference to the figure 10 , and when the sanding operations are completed, the motorized head (9) is tilted to the inactive position to facilitate the movement of the sander (1). This inactive position also facilitates the operations of changing the abrasive disc (2) and cleaning or maintenance of the floor sander (1). To perform this operation, it is necessary to unlock the pin (23) and to rotate the motorized head (9) relative to its arch (16) which is held in a fixed position by the arms (11a, 11b) of the rolling structure (3). The motorized head (9) is rotated angularly and preferably at least 90 ° to go into the inactive position. In this position, the pin (23) is inserted into the corresponding hole to block the rotation of the head (9) relative to the hoop (16), and thus block said motorized head (9) in the inactive position.

The motorized head (9) has a side wall comprising a roller (32) arranged so that in the inactive position, the roller (32) is in contact with the ground and facilitates the movement of the floor sander (1).

To separate the motorized head (9) from the rolling structure (3), it is necessary to perform the operations opposite to the locking. In other words, and with reference to figures 11 and 12 , the lever (20) is manipulated to pivot the hooks (21) against the jack (22) to a position in which they no longer clamp the section of the central portion (16c) of the bow ( 16). More specifically, the lever (20) has locking means in position in the form of a push tab (33) extended by an orthogonal rod (34) adapted to engage in a corresponding notch (35) formed in a part fixed (36) of the rolling structure (3). Thus, when the tongue (33) is pushed, in particular against a spring (37), the rod (34) is disengaged from the notch (35) and allows the lowering of the lever (20). Lowering the lever (20) corresponds to unlocking the hooks (21). The rolling structure (3) can then be removed to disengage the lugs (17) of the hoop (16) of the notches (12) of the arms (11a, 11b) of the structure (3).

With reference to the figure 13 , the motorized head (9) can then be tilted, bearing against its abrasive disk (2), to position the bow (16) in a vertical manner. In this position, the central portion (16c) of the arch (16) of the motorized head (9) forms a gripping handle of the motorized head (9), facilitating very clearly its movement. A second handle (38) can be arranged on the housing (14) of the motorized head (9), on a side wall of said head (9), opposite to the wheel (32).

Thus, it follows from the foregoing that the invention provides a rolling apparatus (1) for carrying out surfacing work whose use is simple, comfortable and safe, especially as regards the replacement of the work tool. (2), the maintenance or cleaning of said apparatus (1), since the motorized head (9) is pivotable between the active position and the inactive position. In addition, the device (1) is flexible, and easy to transport and storage since the head (9) is removable, and since the device (1) can be connected to a removable or remote vacuum unit (8). Finally, the invention provides apparatus (1) of simple and light design, and whose noise nuisance related to its operation has been significantly reduced compared to devices of the state of the art, since it works with an electric motor (13) without brush of 2200W weighing in particular 20kg.

Claims (8)

Rolling apparatus (1) for performing surfacing of floors, such as sanding or grinding, said apparatus comprises: - A rolling structure (3) comprising receiving means (6, 7) for receiving a vacuum block (8); - a motorized head (9) equipped with a working tool (2), intended to be connected to the vacuum cleaner (8), and coupled to the structure (3) in a pivoting manner about an axis (10); ) parallel to the ground, between an active position in which the tool (2) is in contact with the ground to perform the surfacing work, and an inactive position in which the head (9) is angularly rotated, so that the tool (2) is no longer in contact with the ground to allow, on the one hand, the movement of the apparatus (1) and, on the other hand, the replacement of the working tool (2); characterized in that said rolling structure (3) has a lower portion (11) comprising two arms (11a, 11b) substantially horizontal, and arranged to receive between them the motorized head (9), and in that the motorized head (9 ) comprises a hoop (16) pivotally mounted relative to said head (9) and about an axis corresponding to the axis (10) of pivoting of the head (9), said hoop (16) has two arms (16a , 16b) connected by a central portion (16c), and the two arms (16a, 16b) each comprise a lug (17) adapted to be engaged in a notch (12) that comprises each arm (11a, 11b) of the structure rolling (3). Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the motorized head (9) is equipped with a roller (32) arranged so that in the inactive position, the roller (32) is in contact with the ground and facilitates moving the device (1). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the motorized head (9) is coupled to the rolling structure (3) removably. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hoop (16) comprises locking means (23) adapted to block the pivoting of the head (9) relative to the hoop (16) in the active position and in the inactive position. Apparatus (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the rolling structure (3) comprises on a lower wall, means (19) for receiving and locking the central portion (16c) of the hoop (16) of the motorized head (9). Apparatus (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the means (19) for receiving and locking are subject to a lever (20) adapted to be manipulated to lock or unlock the central portion (16c) of the arch ( 16). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rolling structure (3) comprises a suction line (27) connected, on the one hand, to the motorized head (9) and, on the other hand, connection means (28) of a suction line (29) of a vacuum cleaner (8). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rolling structure (3) incorporates electronic control means comprising connection plugs (30) for the electrical connection of the motorized head (9). and a vacuum cleaner (8).

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