NL2021007B1

NL2021007B1 - Floor treatment apparatus

Info

Publication number: NL2021007B1
Application number: NL2021007A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Johannes Lagerwaard Edward
Original assignee: Johannes Lagerwaard Edward
Priority date: 2018-05-29
Filing date: 2018-05-29
Publication date: 2019-12-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor treatment apparatus and method for treating a floor. The apparatus comprises: 5 - a housing comprising a top plate, and - a drive system comprising: - a transmission arranged above the top plate, the transmission comprising a transmission shaft passing through an aperture in the top plate, - a motor attached to the transmission, the motor arranged above the top plate, 10 - 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, 15 wherein the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate.

Description

Θ 2021007 ©B1 OCTROOI (2?) Aanvraagnummer: 2021007 (22) Aanvraag ingediend: 29 mei 2018 (51) Int. Cl.:

B24B 45/00 (2018.01) A47L 11/14 (2019.01) A47L 13/00 (2019.01) B24B 7/18 (2019.01) B24B 47/12 (2019.01) B24B 55/02 (2019.01) B24B 57/02 (2019.01) (30) Voorrang:

(77) Aanvraag ingeschreven:

december 2019 (43) Aanvraag gepubliceerd:

(73) Octrooihouder(s):

Edward Johannes Lagerwaard te Dordrecht (72) Uitvinder(s):

Edward Johannes Lagerwaard te Dordrecht (74) Gemachtigde:

ir. P.J. Hylarides c.s. te Den Haag

47) Octrooi verleend:

december 2019 (45) Octrooischrift uitgegeven:

december 2019

54) Floor treatment apparatus

57) The present invention relates to a floor treatment apparatus and method for treating a floor.

The apparatus comprises:

- a housing comprising a top plate, and

- a drive system comprising:

- a transmission arranged above the top plate, the transmission comprising a transmission shaft passing through an aperture in the top plate,

- a motor attached to the transmission, the motor arranged above the top plate,

- 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, wherein the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasably attaching the coupling member to the drive plate.

NLB1 2021007

Dit octrooi is verleend ongeacht het bijgevoegde resultaat van het onderzoek naar de stand van de techniek en schriftelijke opinie. Het octrooischrift komt overeen met de oorspronkelijk ingediende stukken.

Floor treatment apparatus

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.

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 an object of the invention to provide a floor treatment apparatus which is easily adaptable to its intended treatment activity.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides hereto a floor treatment apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1, 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.

In a preferred 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 preferably the quick release mechanism comprises 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.

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 a further preferred embodiment, the floor treatment apparatus further comprises 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.

Preferably, 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.

In a preferred embodiment, a top surface of the coupling member and/or the bottom surface of the drive plate is magnetic. A beneficial effec t 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.

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 ad vantageous 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.

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:

Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of an example of the floor treatment apparatus according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded view of part of the drive system of the floor treatment apparatus as shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a lower part of the drive system of an example of the floor treatment apparatus of figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an example of the coupling member according to the present invention;

Figures 5a - 5g show schematic views of examples of configurations of the coupling member as shown in figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the floor treatment apparatus of figure 1; Figure 7 shows an bottom view of an example of a dri ve plate and a coupling plate of the floor treatment apparatus of figure 1; and

Figures 8 and 9 shows perspective views of an example of a tower part of the floor treatment apparatus according to the invention.

Floor treatment apparatus 1 comprises a housing 10 and a drive system 20 (see figure 1). Housing 10 has a top plate 11, which is provided with connecting means 13 to connect housing 10 to transport means 2. In this example according to the invention (see figure 1) transport means 2 comprises cart 2. It will be understood that other configurations/embodiments for transport means 2 can also be envisaged by the skilled person.

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 figure 1) top plate 11 has two connected layers Ila, 1 lb. The top layer 1 la is a solid (single piece) plate Ila which is provided with the connecting means 13 and the mentioned openings 12, 14, 15. The bottom layer 11b has two pieces that together have a nearly similar shape and surface as top layer 1 la. At least one of the parts of bottom layer 1 lb is provided with flow' channels 16, 17 (see figure 6). Flow channel 16 extends from dust opening 14 to a hollow' opening 41 in gear 32. Flow' channel 17 is a water channel that extends from water opening 15 to the hollow opening 41 in gear 32. The transfer of both dust and water is governed by transfer housing 32a, which is preferably of plastic. Transfer housing 32a closely cooperates with gear 32 for forming a channel for channelling dust, which preferably operates under vacuum. It is noted that the channelling of air/dust also creates a cooling effect on the grinding and/or sanding material that is used. Furthermore, it reduces the temperature of the reductor in the hollow gear 32. As a result, the lifespan of the grinding and/or sanding material and/or the reductor is prolonged.

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 figure 1, figure 2, figure 6). Adapter 21a may have a square form as shown in figure 1, yet may also have a different form, such as a circular or elliptical form. In this example, both the motor 23 and the transmission 21 are arranged above and/or on top of the top plate 11 of the housing 10, Alternatively, transmission 21 may (partially) extend into housing 10. Transmission 21 has a transmission shaft 22 that extends into housing 10 by passing through the aperture 12 in the top plate 11 (see figure 2). The drive system 20 further comprises a sealing plate 28, w'hich in this example is made of steel, and a rotatable plate 24 (see figure 2, figure 3). Sealing plate 28 is attached to transmission shaft 22 inside housing 10. Sealing plate 28 is thus positioned below the top plate 11 and at a distance between H thereof (see figure 6). In this example, the connection between sealing plate 28 and transmission shaft 22 is made by means of a (steel) connector plate 28a (see figure 2).

Rotatable plate 24 is connected to a bottom side of sealing plate 28. The connection between plate 24 and sealing plate 28 is formed by connector 24a, which in this example is a metal plate 24a having a central opening (see figure 2). Furthermore, a central portion of the upper surface of plate 24 is provided with a dish-shaped indentation (not shown) having a central opening. The central opening of the dish-shaped indentation and the central opening of the metal plate 24a line up when the plate 24 is connected to apparatus 1. The bottom side of the plate 24 is provided with a number of openings 27 or compartments 27 in which coupling members 25 can be attached. In this example, three compartments 27 are provided in plate 24. It is noted that compartments 27 are delineated (and in this case closed off) on the upper side by steel sealing plate 28 when the apparatus is assembled. The coupling members 25 are each arranged to couple a treatment member 26 thereto. Treatment members 26 are each arranged for treating said floor surface by engagement on said floor surface. Treatment members 26 are designed such that they meet the requirements of intended treatment process and the characteristics of the floor surface. As explained in further detail below, treatment members 26 are chosen in conjunction with a specific coupling member 25 for performing the treatment to be performed.

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.

With reference to figures 2 and 3, the drive system 20 comprises a gear assembly 30, 32 that is positioned between the top plate 11 and the sealing plate 28. Between the gear assembly 30,32 and sealing plate 28 bearings are preferably provided. In this example, the apparatus 1 comprises three outer or planet gears 30. Each planet gear 30 is positioned above sealing plate 28 on an axle 31. These outer gears 30 are connected to a larger gear 32 that is centrally mounted under the electric motor 23. The body of the larger central gear 32 is hollow so that transmission shaft 22 can extend through central gear 32. Flow channels 16, 17 also emanate in the opening 41 of hollow body of gear 32. The axles 31 of the three outer gears 30 extend through sealing plate 28 into compartment 27 of plate 24. Each axle 31 has a saw cut 33 for receiving a projection 34 of shaft 38 of a coupling member 25 therein. In this embodiment, the coupling members 25 are thus driven by the outer gears 30 so that they rotate relative to the rotating drive plate 24. Alternatively, the coupling members 25 can be attached to the drive plate 24 and/or sealing plate 28 without being connected to the outer gears 30.

As already mentioned above, both the treatment member 26 as well the coupling member 25 are adapted to the process to be performed. 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 figure 4), the geared coupling member 25 an input gear 36 and an output gear 37, wherein a projection 34 of shaft 38 of the input gear 36 is attached to the saw cut of the axle 31 of the outer gear 30 and a shaft 39 of the output gear 37 is attached to the treatment member 26. In this way, the treatment member 26 can be driven to rotate relative to the coupling member 25. By varying the size and location of the gears in the coupling member 25, various configurations can be achieved. This means that the direction of rotation, the rotational speed and the rotation centre of the treatment member 26 are adapted to provide the desired output for a process to be performed. It will be understood that further examples of such configurations are possible. For example, apparatus configurations can be obtained, wherein:

a single treatment plate with three coupling members 25 attached thereto is mounted on the drive plate, i.e. a so-called single-disc apparatus. The direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 22 is thereby followed;

three coupling members 25 with mounted treatment members 26 mounted directly on the drive plate 24 without being connected to the outer gears 30. In this case, the coupling members 25 also follow the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the transmission shaft 22;

the coupling members 25 are connected to the outer gears 30, wherein the outer gears 30 follow the direction of rotation of the transmission shaft 22. Different transmission ratios allow different speeds, depending on the outer circumference of the selected central gear 32 and that of the outer gears 32;

the coupling members 25 are connected to the outer gears 30, wherein the outer gears 30 rotate in a rotation direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the transmission shaft 22. Again, different transmission ratios allow different speeds, depending on the outer circumference of the selected gears 30, 32;

the treatment members 26 are driven by friction between the treatment members 26 and the surface of the floor to be treated. In this way, they can rotate relative to the coupling members 25 regardless of the drive system.

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 figures 5a - 5g) show different configurations in more detail.

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. The coupling members 25 have magnets 25a on their top sides so that they can easily be placed and changed on the steel sealing plate 28 (see also figure 3). In the illustrated embodiment plate 28 has a diameter in the range of 400-500 mm. The magnets

25a may be positioned on coupling members 25 and/or on plate 28. It will be understood that alternative or additional quick-release systems can also be envisaged in accordance to the present invention.

With reference to figures 4 to 7, the coupling members 25 can be of different design, i.e. depending on the intended application, i.e. the intended treatment process and the properties of the floor surface.

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 drive plate 24. In this way, the treatment member 26 follows the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the drive plate 24.

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 drive plate 24. The direction of rotation of the coupling member 25 can be the same as or opposite to that of the drive plate 24.

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 of the plate 24. Preferably, plate 24 is provided with a connector 24b for connecting dust extraction lines 24c. Dust extraction lines 24c emanate in a dust cover 24d which is positioned over treatment member 26. In use of the apparatus 1, dust is created al member 26 and subsequently removed via cap 24d, extraction line 24c and connector 24b to opening 41, and subsequently out of the housing 10 via flow channel 16 and dust opening 14. The dust opening 14 as referred to earlier, is preferably connected via hose 4 to container 3. A very favourable effect of this configuration is that the vacuum is close to the treatment members 26 and therefore a minimal amount of dust will escape. This is also favourable for health-related aspects and to prevent unpleasant side-effects of, for example, sanding activities.

In addition, through the same channel of dust extraction, the transport of liquids can also be realized, whereby water is applied centrally during wet sanding, and/or grinding thereby reducing sanding dust and/or grinding dust and improving the efficiency of sanding tools.

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 drive plate 24 or seeps through holes in the drive plate 24.

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 figures 5a - 5g. In each of the mentioned examples, the motor 23 has a nominal torque of 14.4 Nm at a rated speed of 1500 rpm. The gearbox had an output of 144 Nm and a rotational speed of 150 rpm. The apparatus 1 was provided with a planetary transmission comprising a (sun) gear 32 having 40 teeth and three (planetary) gears 30, each having 15 teeth for a transmission ratio of 1:2.66667. As a result, the planetary gears 30 provided an output of 53 Nm and a rotational speed of 400 rpm at the rated speed and the nominal torque. The output provided by planetary gears 30 had a similar rotational direction as the drive plate.

In a second example of a geared coupling member 25 (as shown in figure 5a), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34, whereas the other end is coupled to treatment member 26. No additional gears are provided in the coupling member 25. Furthermore, shaft 38 is provided with bearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:

torque: 53 Nm;

rotational speed: 400 rpm rotation direction: identical to drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): equal

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 5b), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter dl 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:

torque: 53 Nm;

rotational speed: 400 rpm rotation direction: opposite to rotation direction of drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): equal

The configuration as provided in this example provides excellent results tor 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 figure 5c), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d3 and is configured to cooperate with the gear 44, which has a diameter d4, which is smaller than diameter d3. 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:

torque: 26.5 Nm;

rotational speed: 800 rpm rotation direction: opposite to rotation direction of drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): radially outward from input axles.

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 figure 5d), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d5 and is configured to cooperate with the gear 44, which has a diameter d6, which is significantly greater than diameter d5. Gear 44 is coupled to treatment member 26. Also visible is input shaft 38 which is provided with hearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:

torque: 84.8 Nm;

rotational speed: 240 rpm rotation direction: opposite to direction of the drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (view'ed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): equal

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 figure 5e), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d8 and is configured to cooperate with intermediate gear 46. Gear 46 has a diameter d7, which is comparable to diameter d8. Gear 46 is configured to also cooperate with gear 44, which has a diameter d2, which is significantly larger than both diameter d8 and diameter d7. 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:

torque: 84.8 Nm;

rotational speed: 240 rpm rotation direction: similar to drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): equal

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 buffing. 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 figure 5f), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d8 and is configured to cooperate with two intermediate gears 46. Gears 46 are placed substantially on opposite sides of gear 42 and have a diameter d7, which is comparable to diameter d8. Each of the gears 46 is configured to also cooperate with one of the gears 44. Each gear 44 has a diameter d2, which is significantly larger than both diameter d8 and diameter d7. Each of the gears 44 is coupled to a treatment member 26. Therefore, the configuration in this example provides two outputs per compartment 27. Also visible is input shaft 38 which is provided with bearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:

torque: 84.8 Nm;

rotational speed: 240 rpm rotation direction: similar to drive plate number of output axles: 6 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): radially outward from input axles.

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 figure 5g), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d9 and is configured to cooperate with each of the two gears 44. Gears 44 each have a diameter d7, which is significantly smaller than diameter d9. Gears 44 are placed on opposite sides of gear 42 and slightly radially outward compared to input shaft 38. The configuration in this example provides two outputs per compartment 27. Also visible is input shaft 38 which is provided with bearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:

torque: 17.7 Nm;

rotational speed: 1200 rpm rotation direction: opposite to direction of drive plate number of output axles: 6 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): radially outward from input axles.

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 figure 5h), shaft 38 is coupled to gear 30 with projection 34 and is also coupled to gear 42. Gear 42 has a diameter d5 and is configured to cooperate with gear 44. Gear 44 has a diameter dl 0, which is nearly comparable to diameter d5. Also visible is input shaft 38 which is provided with bearing 40. The output of the apparatus 1 is in this configuration as follows:

torque: 53 Nm;

rotational speed: 400 rpm rotation direction: opposite to direction of drive plate number of output axles: 3 radial location of output axles compared to radial location of input axles (viewed from central opening of in plates 24, 24a): radially inward from input axles.

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, smoothin cleaning and similar operations.

Claims

Clauses

1. Floor treatment apparatus including:

a housing including a top plate, and a drive system including:

a transmission arranged above the top plate, the transmission including a transmission shaft passing through an aperture in the top plate, a motor attached to the transmission, the motor arranged above the top plate, 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, featured in that the coupling member comprises a quick release mechanism arranged for releasahly attaching the coupling member to the drive plate,

2. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 1, the quick release mechanism arranged for releasable attaching the coupling member to the drive plate is arranged for releasable attaching without the use of attachment tools, and preferably the quick release mechanism comprises a magnetic coupling.

3. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 1 or 2, the coupling member is arranged for rotatably attaching the treatment member to the bottom surface, such that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the coupling member around a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane or the drive plate.

4. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 3, where the coupling member comprises bearing means with the interposition of which the treatment member is rotatably attached to the bottom surface of the coupling member.

5. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 3 or 4, further including:

a sun gear attached to the top of the drive plate and fixed in position relative thereto, at least one planet gear rotatably attached to top of the drive plate, 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 a axle extending from the planet gear through the drive plate and the coupling member to the treatment member, the planet gear engages the sun gear, such that the drive plate is driven by the transmission shaft , the sun gear rotates the planet gear, rotating the treatment member relative to the coupling member.

6. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 5, where the coupling member comprises a transmission including an input gear and an output gear, the input gear including an input shaft attached to the sun gear or the planet gear and the output gear including a shaft attached to the treatment member.

7. Floor treatment apparatus according to any of the preceding clauses, further including an open-ended tubular casing extending from a central aperture in the drive plate through the housing to outside the housing, where the casing is arranged for a fluid to flow through it.

8. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 7, further including 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.

9. Floor treatment apparatus according to clause 7 or 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.

10. Floor treatment apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, a top surface of the coupling member and / or the bottom surface of the drive plate is at least partially magnetic.

11. Coupling member for a floor treatment apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-10, 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.

12. Coupling member according to clause 11, the coupling member including a transmission including an input gear and an output gear, the input gear including 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 including a shaft attached to the treatment member.

13. Method for treating a floor, including the steps of:

providing a floor treatment apparatus according to any one of clauses 1-10; and treating a floor with the floor treatment apparatus.

10 14. Method of clause 13, further including a step or selecting a coupling member of the floor treatment apparatus in accordance with a treatment requirement of the method.

15. Method of clause 14, where the coupling member comprises a coupling member according to clause 11 or 12.

16. Use of a floor treatment apparatus according to any of clauses 1-10 in a method for treating a floor according to any of clauses 13-15.

Conclusions

A floor treatment device comprising:

a housing provided with a top plate; and a drive system comprising:

a transmission positioned above the top plate, the transmission comprising a transmission shaft that projects through an opening in the top plate; a motor connected to the transmission, the motor being positioned above the top plate;

a rotatable drive plate connected to the transmission shaft and positioned below the top plate; and a coupling part connected to a bottom of the drive plate and adapted to connect a treatment element to the drive plate for treating a floor surface by being in contact with the floor surface;

characterized by:

the coupling part comprises a quick coupling which is adapted for releasably connecting the coupling part to the drive plate.

A floor treatment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quick coupling, which is adapted for releasably connecting the coupling part to the drive plate, is adapted for releasably connecting without the use of tools, and wherein the quick coupling preferably comprises a magnetic coupling.

3. Floor treatment device as claimed in any of the claims 1-2, wherein the coupling part is adapted for rotatably connecting the treatment element to a lower surface of the coupling part such that the treatment element is rotatable relative to the coupling part about a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate.

4. Floor treatment device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coupling part is provided with bearing means which are arranged between the coupling part and the treatment element and with which the treatment element is rotatably connected to the bottom surface of the coupling part.

The floor treatment device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising:

a sun gear that is connected to the top of the drive plate and is fixed relative to it:

at least one planet wheel rotatably connected to the top of the drive plate;

wherein the treatment element is rotatably connected to the underside of the coupling part by a connection of the treatment part to the planet wheel by means of an axis extending from the planet wheel through the drive plate and the coupling part to the treatment element, the planet wheel engaging with the sun wheel, such that when the drive plate is driven by the transmission shaft, the sun wheel rotates the planet wheel, and thereby rotates the treatment element relative to the coupling part.

The floor treatment apparatus of claim 5, wherein the coupling member comprises a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft connected to the sun gear or the planet gear, and wherein the output gear comprises an output shaft connected to the treatment element.

The floor treatment device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a tubular casing with an open end extending from a central opening in the drive plate through the housing to the outside of the housing, the casing being adapted to flow through with a liquid.

The floor treatment device according to claim 7, further comprising suction means connected to the casing, the suction means being adapted to suck up particles that have come loose from the floor surface by treatment and to transport these particles through the housing to outside the housing.

Floor treatment device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, further comprising liquid supply means connected to the casing, the liquid supply means being adapted for supplying liquid to the floor surface to be treated via the casing and through the central opening in the drive plate.

A floor treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an upper surface of the coupling part and / or a lower surface of the drive plate is at least partially magnetic.

11. Coupling part for a floor treatment device according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the coupling part is connected to a bottom side of a rotatable drive plate of the floor treatment device and which is adapted to rotatably connect a treatment element to the bottom surface of the coupling part for treating a floor surface under the drive plate such that the treatment element is rotatable relative to the coupling part about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the drive plate.

12. Coupling part according to claim 11, the coupling part comprising a transmission comprising an input gear and an output gear, the input gear comprising an input shaft connected to a sun gear or planet wheel connected to the top side of the floor plate driving plate, and wherein the output gear comprises a shaft connected to the treatment element.

A method for treating a floor, comprising the steps of:

providing a floor treatment device according to any of claims 1 10; and treating the floor with the floor treatment device.

The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of selecting a coupling part for the floor treatment device in accordance with a treatment condition of the method.

A method according to claim 14, wherein the coupling part comprises a coupling part according to one of claims 11 to 12.

Use of a floor treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 10 in a method of treating a floor according to one of claims 13 to 15.

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