WO2002100597A1

WO2002100597A1 - Extraction apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002100597A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000771
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Terpstra
Original assignee: Terpstra Enterprises Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-13
Filing date: 2002-06-13
Publication date: 2002-12-19
Also published as: NZ530184A; EP1406748A1; AUPR566401A0; NO20035564D0; CN1241716C; CN1516636A; NO20035564L; JP2004528210A; KR20040016885A; EP1406748A4

Abstract

A machine (10) for performing a working operation such as cutting on a workpiece. The machine (10) has a tool (19) for performing the working operation and a drive motor (13) operable to drive the tool. The drive motor (13) has an exhaust (17) through which an exhaust fluid is discharged during operation. Means (51) are provided for delivering a dust suppression fluid such as water into the vicinity of the tool (19) for suppressing dust generated thereby. A shroud (31) is disposed about the tool (19) for containing dust and the dust suppression fluid, and an extraction line (61) communicates with the shroud (71) for extracting dust and dust suppression fluid contained thereby. The extraction line (61) further communicates with the exhaust (17) of the drive motor (13) for receiving the exhaust fluid discharging therefrom.

Description

"Extraction Apparatus"

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an extraction apparatus and to a machine incorporating such extraction apparatus.

The extraction apparatus according to the invention has been devised particularly, although not solely, for use with a machine used to perform cutting and chasing operations on brickwork and masonry.

Background Art

It is common to chase a groove or trench into brickwork and masonry to accommodate service lines such as electrical and other cabling, and water and gas supply lines. Typically a chasing operation is performed using a machine having one or more cutting blades.

A significant amount of dust can be generated during a chasing operation. The dust is commonly suppressed using water sprayed into the vicinity of the chasing operation, typically onto the cutting blade.

The use of water to suppress dust leaves a slurry on the surface being chased as well as in the worksite generally. When the slurry dries, it reverts to the dust which can then create further problems.

Furthermore, the use of water to suppress dust precludes the use of electrical machinery, such as electrical grinders which were previously a preferred option for performing chasing operations.

The inability to use electrical machinery requires that other sources of power be utilised. One suitable source of power is a machine driven by an internal combustion engine. Such a machine does, however, have a disadvantage in that its exhaust gases are potentially dangerous, particularly when the machine is operated in confined areas.

It is against this background, and the difficulties and problems associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention provides an extraction apparatus for a machine having a tool for performing a working operation on a workpiece and a drive motor for driving the tools, the drive motor having an exhaust through which an exhaust fluid is discharged during operation of the drive motor, the extraction apparatus comprising a means for delivering a dust suppression fluid to the vicinity of the tool for suppression of dust generated thereby, a shroud disposed about the tool for containing the dust and the dust suppression fluid, and an extraction line, the extraction line communicating with the shroud for extracting dust and dust suppression fluid contained by the shroud, the extraction line also communicating with the exhaust of the drive motor for receiving the exhaust fluid generated thereby.

The workpiece may be of any appropriate form. Where the machine is employed to perform a chasing operation on a surface (such as a wall surface or floor surface), that surface may constitute the workpiece.

Preferably, the shroud is movable to accommodate changes in orientation of the apparatus with respect to the workpiece. In this way, an effective seal can be achieved between the shroud and the workpiece so as to minimise leakage.

The extraction line may incorporate a flexible section to accommodate the movement of the shroud.

Typically, the extraction line is connected to a suction source such as a vacuum pump. The extraction line may be connected to the suction source by way of a suction hose. The dust suppression fluid may be delivered to the shroud by way of a flexible fluid delivery line.

Preferably, means are provided for injecting a cooling fluid into the extraction line.

Typically, the dust suppression fluid and the cooling fluid comprise water.

The suction hose and the fluid delivery line may be conveniently connected together for handling as a single unit. This may be achieved by accommodating the fluid delivery line in the suction hose for at least part of the length thereof. The shroud may incorporate a barrier arranged for preventing rubble and other debris generated during operation of the tool from entering the shroud and clogging the extraction line and suction hose connected thereto.

Water used as the dust suppression fluid may also serve a purpose of lubricating the tool. Additionally, the water content of the slurry may serve to cool the exhaust gases, thereby preventing the otherwise hot exhaust gases from damaging the suction hose. .

The invention also provides a machine for performing a working operation on a workpiece, the machine comprising a tool receiving means for receiving a tool for performing the working operation, a drive motor operable to drive the tool, the drive motor having an exhaust through which an exhaust fluid is discharged during operation, means for delivering a dust suppression fluid into the vicinity of the tool for suppressing dust generated thereby, a shroud disposed about the tool for containing dust and the dust suppression fluid, and an extraction line, the extraction line communicating with the shroud for extracting dust and dust suppression fluid contained thereby, the extraction line further communicating with the exhaust of the drive motor for receiving the exhaust fluid discharging therefrom.

Preferably, the delivery means for dust suppression fluid comprises an inlet opening onto the interior of the shroud whereby the dust suppression fluid is delivered into the shroud. Typically, the drive motor is an internal combustion engine such as a petrol engine or a diesel engine, in which case the exhaust fluid comprises exhaust gases from the combustion process.

The tool may be of any suitable type, although as alluded to earlier the extraction apparatus and machine according to the invention have been devised particularly for use in chasing and cutting operations in which case the tool is typically a cutting wheel or a plurality of cutting wheels (usually two such wheels) mounted in tandem.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view from one side of a cutting machine according to the first embodiment;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view from the other side of the cutting machine;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the cutting machine;

Figure 4 is another side view of the cutting machine;

Figure 5 is a schematic elevational view of a hose assembly for use with the cutting machine of the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a schematic view illustrating the cutting machine according to the first embodiment in operation;

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a cutting machine according to a second embodiment; and Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the cutting machine according to the second embodiment in operation.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

Referring to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings, there is shown a cutting machine 10 according to a first embodiment for performing cutting and chasing operations on wall and floor surfaces. In this embodiment, the machine 10 is a hand-held unit.

The cutting machine 10 comprises a work head 11 and a body 13 carrying the work head 11. The body 13 incorporates a drive unit which in this embodiment is in the form of a petrol engine 15 having an exhaust line 17.

The drive head 11 receives and supports a cutting tool 19 which in this embodiment is in the form of a cutting blade. The cutting blade 19 is driven by the engine 15 through a drive belt (not shown) enclosed in a guard 21.

The body 13 is provided with a side handle 23 and a rear handle 25 which incorporates controls including a control trigger 27 for controlling operation of the engine 15.

A shroud 31 is mounted onto the drive head 11 about the cutting blade 19. The shroud 31 comprises a body 33 which encloses part of the cutting blade 19 and an opening 35 beyond which the cutting blade extends, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings. With this arrangement, the shroud has an edge 37 which is adjacent the opening 35 and which is adapted to locate against the surface in which the blade 19 is performing a chasing operation. The shroud 31 incorporates removable section to provide access for mounting and removal of the cutting blade 19.

The shroud 31 is mounted for angular movement with respect to the drive head 11 between two extreme positions to accommodate changes in the orientation of the body 13 so that the edge 37 can be maintained in sealing contact with the surface in which the chasing operation is being performed while the machine is being moved over the surface. In Figure 1 , the shroud 31 is illustrated in one position, and another position is depicted in that drawing in outline by dotted lines 39.

The opening 35 in the shroud 31 is of a size to exclude the entry of rubble and other large debris generated during operation of the blade 19 from entering the shroud. There is, however, sufficient clearance between the opening 35 and the blade 19 to allow dust generated during operation of the cutting blade 19 to enter the shroud 31 , as will be explained.

The purpose of the shroud 31 is to contain the dust and also to contain a slurry generated by water used to suppress the dust. Water for dust suppression purposes is injected into the shroud 31 through two water inlets 51 , disposed one on each side of the blade 19. Each water inlet 51 opens onto the interior of the shroud 31 by way of a port (not shown) through which water is directed onto the cutting blade 19. The water inlets 51 are connected to a water line 52 via respective branch lines 53 which are flexible to accommodate angular movement of the shroud 31. The water line 52 is connected to a coupling 54 to which a water supply line 55 is adapted to be connected, as will be explained later. A manually operable flow control valve 56 is positioned between the water line 52 and the coupling 54 to allow water flow to the water inlets 51 to be selectively regulated or interrupted.

Water injected through the water inlets 51 is distributed within the shroud 31 by the rotating action of the blade 19 and suppresses the dust generated by the blade by formation of a slurry. Additionally, the injected water functions as a cooling fluid for the cutting blade 19.

An extraction line 61 is mounted onto the body 13. The extraction line has an outlet end 63 adapted to be connected to a suction hose 65, as will be explained later. The extraction line 61 extends to and communicates with the shroud 31 for extracting the slurry generated by the dust and water. The extraction line 61 incorporates rigid section 68 fixed to the machine body 13 by way of an anti- vibration mounting, and a flexible section 69 which extends to the shroud 31 and which accommodates angular movement of the shroud 31 with respect to the drive head 11. The flexible section 69 is telescopically received in the rigid section 68 so that it can extend and retract with angular movement of the shroud 31. Furthermore, the .flexible section 69 is connected to the shroud body 33 by way of a swivel joint 70 which further accommodates angular movement of the shroud.

The exhaust line 17 of the internal combustion engine 15 is also connected to the extraction line 61 such that exhaust gases from the engine are discharged into the extraction line. This ensures that the exhaust gases are carried away from the worksite rather than being discharged into the air at the worksite. In this embodiment, the exhaust line 17 is connected to the extraction line 61 for communication therewith at junction 62. >

There is provision for introduction of water directly into the extraction line 61 for the purpose of cooling the exhaust gases discharged into the extraction line. The water is introduced into the extraction line 61 by way of a branch line 71 extending from the water supply coupling 54. The branch line 71 opens onto the extraction line 61 at a location upstream of the junction 62 at which exhaust gases discharge into the extraction line. In this way, the hot exhaust gases are exposed to the cooling effect of the water immediately upon discharging into the extraction line 61. The purpose of cooling the exhaust gases is to avoid damage to the extraction line 61 and the suction hose 65 through exposure to extreme heat. Additionally, cooling of the exhaust gases ensures that exposed surfaces of the extraction line 61 are cool so as not to scold the user in the event of the surfaces being inadvertently contacted. Some cooling will of course be achieved through contact with dust suppression water drawn from the shroud 31 , however additional cooling is provided by the direct injection of water via the branch line 71.

The delivery of cooling water into the extraction line 61 is not regulated by the flow control valve 56. In other words, cooling water is injected directly to the extraction line 61 whenever water is supplied by water supply line 55, regardless of whether the flow control valve 56 is open or closed.

Cooling within the extraction line 61 , and the suction hose 65 connected thereto, is assisted by atmospheric air being drawn into the extraction line 61 at the shroud 31 through suction. The incoming cooling air has a diluting effect on the exhaust gases introduced into the extraction line of junction 62.

A hose assembly 75 is provided for use with the machine 10. The hose assembly 75 comprises the water line 55 and the suction hose 65. The water line 55 has one end 56 thereof adapted for connection -to the fitting 53 on the water inlet 51. The other end of the water supply line 55 is adapted for connection to a source of water under pressure such as a mains supply (not shown).

One end 66 of the suction hose 65 is adapted for connection to the outlet 63 of the suction line 61. The other end 68 of the suction hose 65 is adapted for connection to a vacuum source such as a vacuum pump 77 at which a filtering process is performed to filter the slurry and solid particles from the air and exhaust gases. The vacuum pump 77 has a discharge line 79 through which the filtered air and exhaust gases are discharged to atmosphere. In addition to creating fluid flow along the extraction line 61 and the suction hose 65, the suction effect provided by the vacuum pump 77 also provides noise suppression for the cutting machine 10.

A particular feature of the hose assembly 75 is that the water delivery line 55 extends for most of its length through the interior of the suction hose 65. The water delivery line 55 enters the suction hose 65 at location 81 adjacent the end 66 and leaves the suction hose at location 83 adjacent the end 68. With this arrangement, for most of the length of the water delivery line 55, it is accommodated within the suction hose 65, and can be handled as a single unit.

The machine 10 is held and operated by hand, with an operator 90 gripping the machine by handles 23, 25, as shown in Figure 6. The operator 90 is shown using the machine 10 to perform a cutting or chasing operation in a wall surface 91. In operation of the machine 10, water is injected through inlet 51 into the shroud 31 for the purposes of suppressing dust generated by the cutting blade 19, as well as lubricating the blade. The injected water combines with the dust to form a slurry which is extracted from the shroud 31 along the extraction line 61. During the cutting operation, the edge 37 of the shroud 31 bears against the wall other surface 91 , and so resists leakage of slurry from the shroud 31. The dust generated during the cutting operation is carried into the shroud 31 by the rotating action of the blade 19, as well as by the suction created within the shroud. The flexible nature of the water branch lines 53 connected to the inlets 51 and the flexible section 69 within the extraction line 61 permits the angular movement of the shroud 31 with respect to the drive head 11. Exhaust gases generated by the engine 15 discharge into the extraction line 61 and are extracted along with the slurry. The presence of water in the slurry has a cooling effect on the exhaust gases, so ensuring that the heat of the exhaust gases does not damage the extraction line 61 and the suction hose 65 to which it is connected. Additional cooling is provided by cooling water injected into the extraction line 61 through branch line 71. The slurry and the exhaust gases are carried along the extraction line 61 and the suction hose 65 to the vacuum pump 77 where the slurry can be collected and the exhaust gases discharged to atmosphere.

In the first embodiment, the machine 10 was in the form of a hand-held unit. Other arrangements are, of course, possible. For example, the machine may be in the form of a unit adapted to be supported on and moved along the surface on which a cutting or chasing operation is to be performed. One such unit will now be described in relation to the second embodiment as shown in Figures 7 and 8.

Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the cutting machine 100 according to the second embodiment comprises a floor saw 101 of conventional construction movable over a floor surface 103 in which a cutting or chasing operation is to be performed. The floor saw 101 comprises a body 105 supported on wheels 107 for movement over the floor surface 103. The body 105 is fitted with a handle structure 109 by means of which it can be propelled over the floor surface. The floor saw 101 incorporates a drive head (not shown) which receives and supports a cutting tool 1 11 which is of known kind and which in this embodiment is in the form of a cutting blade. The cutting blade is driven by an engine 113 through a transmission system (not shown) which delivers rotational torque from the engine 113 to the drive head. In this embodiment, the engine 113 is an internal combustion engine operating with gaseous fuel stored in a storage tank 115 carried on the body 105. It will of course be appreciated that the engine may be of any other appropriate type.

A shroud 121 is mounted on the drive head about the cutting blade 111. The shroud 121 is of similar construction to the shroud 31 of the first embodiment and is angularly moveable to accommodate changes in the orientation of the body 105 with respect to the floor surface 103 so as to maintain sealing contact with the floor surface while the machine is being moved over the surface during a cutting operation.

Water for dust suppression purposes is injected into the shroud 121 through a water inlet 123 which is connected to one end of a flexible water line 125, the other end of which is connected to a coupling 127 to which a water supply line 129 is adapted to be connected. The water supply line 129 supplies water from a source such as a main supply, as was the case in the first embodiment.

An extraction line 131 is mounted on the body 105. The extraction line 131 has an outlet end 135 adapted to be connected to a suction hose 137. The extraction line 131 extends to and communicates with the shroud 121 via coupling 141 for extracting the slurry generated by the dust and water. The extraction line 131 incorporates a rigid section 143 mounted on the body 105 and a flexible section 145 which accommodates angular movement of the shroud 121 with respect to the drive head.

The engine 113 has an exhaust line 151 which is connected to the extraction line 131 at junction 155 so that exhaust gases from the engine 113 are discharged into the extraction line 131 , as was the case with the first embodiment.

The rigid section 143 of the extraction line incorporates a heat exchanger 157 to assist with cooling of the exhaust gases. The heat exchanger 157 is configured from a plurality of pipe sections 159 which diverge from each other at location 161 and converge at location 163. The pipe sections 159 are in spaced apart relationship between locations 161 and 163 in order to optimise the surface area in contact with the surrounding air for heat exchange purposes. Additionally, cooling water is injected into the extraction line 131 at injection point 165. Cooling water for injection into the extraction line 131 at injection point 165 is delivered by way of a water line 167, one end of which is connected to the injection location 165 and the other end of which is connected to a branch portion 169 of the coupling 127.

The water line 129 and the suction hose 137 are incorporated into a common hose assembly 171 as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings and as was the case with the first embodiment. The suction hose 135 within the hose assembly 171 is connected to a vacuum source 173 to which the slurry, air and exhaust gases are carried from the extraction line 131. At the vacuum pump 173 the slurry is collected and the exhaust gases and air discharged to atmosphere by way of a discharge line 175.

Where the cutting machine 100 is being operated within a closed environment such as within a building, the discharge line 175 can be positioned to extend to the exterior of the building so that exhaust gases are discharged outside of the confined working environment. This is illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings where the discharge line 175 can be seen extending through a window 177 so that exhaust gases are discharged to the outside of the building.

A feature of the cutting machine 100 according to the second embodiment is that the flexible section 145 of the extraction line 131 can be detached from the coupling 141 , so allowing the unit to be used as a vacuum cleaner for extracting debris and remnant slurry remaining at the work site. This is of course usually done when drive is not being transmitted to the cutting blade 111.

In each of the embodiments described, the cutting machine 10, 100 was in the form of a conventional cutting unit modified to incorporate the extraction apparatus according to the invention. It should, however, be appreciated that a dedicated cutting machine can be constructed incorporating the extraction apparatus according to the invention. A modification to either or both of the cutting machines according to the embodiments described may involve the provision of a flow switch or sensor to detect the presence of water for dust suppression and cooling purposes, and to prevent operation of the machine in the absence of adequate water. Similarly, a flow switch or sensor may be incorporated to detect the presence of appropriate airflow along the extraction line 61 , and to prevent operation of the machine in the absence of adequate airflow.

From the foregoing it is evident that the embodiments described each provide a simple yet highly effective arrangement for suppressing dust during a cutting or chasing operation, and also for conveying slurry generated by the dust suppression process and exhaust gases generated by operation of the machine away from the worksite.

Improvements and modifications may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention.

While the embodiments have been described in relation to a machine for performing chasing and cutting operations, it should also be understood that the features of dust suppression, and slurry and exhaust gas extraction may be utilised for machines having tools other than cutting blades, such as for example drilling tools and grinding tools.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows

1. An extraction apparatus for a machine having a tool for performing a working operation on a workpiece and a drive motor for driving the tools, the drive motor having an exhaust through which an exhaust fluid is discharged during operation of the drive motor, the extraction apparatus comprising a means for delivering a dust suppression fluid to the vicinity of the tool for suppression of dust generated thereby, a shroud disposed about the tool for containing the dust and the dust suppression fluid, and an extraction line, the extraction line communicating with the shroud for extracting dust and dust suppression fluid contained by the shroud, the extraction line also communicating with the exhaust of the drive motor for receiving the exhaust fluid generated thereby.

2. An extraction apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the shroud is movable to accommodate changes in orientation of the apparatus with respect to the workpiece.

3. An extraction apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the extraction line incorporates a flexible section to accommodate the movement of the shroud.

4. An extraction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the extraction line is adapted for connection to a suction source such as a vacuum pump.

5. An extraction apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the extraction line is adapted for connection to the suction source by way of a suction hose.

6. An extraction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dust suppression fluid is delivered to the shroud by way of a flexible fluid delivery line.

7. An extraction apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising means for injecting a cooling fluid into the extraction line.

8. An extraction apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the dust suppression fluid and the cooling fluid comprise water.

9. An extraction apparatus according to claim 6, 7 or 8 wherein the suction hose and the fluid delivery line are connected together for handling as a single unit.

10. A machined fitted with an extraction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A machine for performing a working operation on a workpiece, the machine comprising a tool receiving means for receiving a tool for performing the working operation, a drive motor operable to drive the tool, the drive motor having an exhaust through which an exhaust fluid is discharged during operation, means for delivering a dust suppression fluid into the vicinity of the tool for suppressing dust generated thereby, a shroud disposed about the tool for containing dust and the dust suppression fluid, and an extraction line, the extraction line communicating with the shroud for extracting dust and dust suppression fluid contained thereby, the extraction line further communicating with the exhaust of the drive motor for receiving the exhaust fluid discharging therefrom.

12. A machine according to claim 11 wherein the delivery means for a dust suppression fluid comprises an inlet opening onto the interior of the shroud whereby the dust suppression fluid is delivered into the shroud.

13. A machine according to claim 11 wherein the drive motor is an internal combustion engine and wherein the exhaust fluid comprises exhaust gases from the combustion process of the engine.

14. An extraction apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. A machine according to claim 11 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.