Floor grinding apparatus having dust sealing rings

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floor grinding apparatus (100) with a housing (110) having an interior space (111) open to one side, a carrier plate (120) rotatably mounted in the interior space (111) for receiving abrasives, and drive unit (130) adapted to rotate the carrier plate (120), the housing (110) having an inner dust sealing ring (112) with at least one recess (115), wherein the inner dust sealing ring (112) divides the interior space (111) into an inner portion (113) and an outer portion (114), and wherein the carrier plate (120) is disposed in the inner portion (114), at least one extraction opening (116) disposed in the outer portion (114), and an outer dust sealing ring (117) enclosing the interior space (111), the inner dust sealing ring (112) and the outer dust sealing ring (117) being arranged to define a common working plane parallel to the plane of rotation of the carrier plate (120).

Claims

1. Floor grinding apparatus (100), comprising: a housing (110) having an interior space open to one side; a carrier plate (120) rotatably mounted in the interior space for receiving an abrasive; and a driving unit (130) adapted to rotate said carrier plate (120); wherein the housing (110) comprises: an inner dust sealing ring (111) having at east one recess (113); an outer dust sealing ring (112) enclosing the interior space; wherein the inner dust sealing ring (111) divides the interior space into an inner portion and an outer portion; at least one extraction opening (114) disposed in said outer portion; the carrier plate (120) is disposed in the inner portion; and the inner dust sealing ring (111) and the outer dust sealing ring (112) are arranged to define a common working plane parallel to the rotational plane of the carrier date (120).

2. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an extraction unit which is operatively connected to the at least one extraction opening (114).

3. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of extraction openings (114) is provided, each extraction opening (114) being connected to the extraction unit by means of a separate tube.

4. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (110) is configured to have a flattened disc shape.

5. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier plate (120) is movably supported in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

6. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier plate (120) is adapted to receive a plurality of abrasives in a circular arrangement.

7. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit (130) is configured to be in the form of an electric motor.

8. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 7 further comprising a battery connected to the driving unit (130).

9. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ground grinding apparatus (100) comprises an equal number of recesses (113) and extraction openings (114).

10. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 9, wherein each extraction opening (114) corresponds to a recess (113).

11. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the inner dust sealing ring comprises two recesses (113) and wherein the housing comprises two extraction openings (114), and wherein the recesses (113) and the extraction openings (114) associated therewith are each arranged on opposite sides of the inner portion.

12. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according claim 1, wherein the inner dust sealing ring (111) and the outer dust sealing ring (112) comprise brushes.

13. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one recess (113) is formed as a recess in the inner dust sealing ring.

14. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the extraction openings (114a) is opened at an angle of 45° with respect to the working plane towards the interior space.

15. Floor grinding apparatus (100) according to claim 1, further comprising at least two rollers (140) which are arranged offset from the working plane.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) This invention will now be explained in more detail below using the exemplary embodiments given in the schematic drawings. In the figures:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a first exemplary embodiment of a floor grinding apparatus;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the first exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view of a second exemplary embodiment of a floor grinding apparatus;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the second exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of a third exemplary embodiment of a floor grinding apparatus.

(7) The enclosed figures are intended to provide a better understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They show preferable embodiments and help to describe the principles and concepts of the invention when combined with the description. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will result from the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

(8) In the figures of the drawing, like elements, features and components having the same function and effect are indicated by like reference signs, unless otherwise specified.

(9) FIG. 1 shows a schematic bottom view of a floor grinding apparatus 100. The illustration shows the side of the floor grinding apparatus 100 when facing the working surface. A disc-shaped housing 110 defines an interior space visible from this perspective. Centrally arranged in the cylindrical interior space is a circular, rotatably supported carrier plate 120 to which one or more abrasives (not shown) may be attached. The housing 110 comprises a circular inner dust sealing ring 111 which encloses the carrier plate 120 and divides the interior space into an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner dust sealing ring 111 further comprises a recess 113 in the form of a recess of the inner dust sealing ring 111. In the outer portion there is disposed a circular extraction opening 114 adjacent to and associated with the recess 113. The interior space is completely enclosed by an outer dust sealing ring 112 of the housing.

(10) With the floor grinding apparatus 100 in operation, both the abrasive(s) attached to the carrier plate 120 as well as the inner dust sealing ring 111 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 abut against the surface to be processed. When the carrier plate 120 rotates, the abrasive removes floor material, which is thrown away by the abrasive as dust. The inner dust sealing ring 111 advantageously prevents the escape of at least a large amount of the dust and guides it through the recess 113 from the inner portion into the outer portion. In the outer portion, the dust is extracted by means of negative pressure which is applied to the extraction opening 114. The outer dust sealing ring 112 prevents the dust from escaping from the outer portion and thus the interior space. Also the remainder of the dust escaping through the inner dust sealing ring 111 at locations other than the recess 113 is retained by the outer dust sealing ring 112 in the outer portion until it is advantageously extracted through the extraction opening 114.

(11) The housing 110 may be made of a variety of materials, such as synthetic material, metal, or a combination of both. Synthetic materials usually have a low weight, which may be advantageous when carrying the floor grinding apparatus 100, but a high weight of the floor grinding apparatus 100 may also be desired when operating the apparatus in order to ensure a sufficient contact pressure of the abrasive to the floor surface to be worked on. The housing 110 may therefore also be adapted to increase the overall weight by means of additional weights. Such weights may be removed for the transport of the floor grinding apparatus 100, and only reattached shortly before the floor grinding apparatus 100 is put into operation. A metal housing 110 may also be used to prevent static charging of the dust caused by friction, which could possibly lead to a dust explosion. In this regard, the extraction unit, to which the extracted dust is transported, may also be provided with metallic components.

(12) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the carrier plate 120 is adapted to hold a disc-shaped abrasive. This abrasive may be attached in any way, for example by means of insert or Velcro connections. The carrier plate 120 may also be configured to hold more than one abrasive. Advantageously, these multiple abrasives are then arranged in such a way that they grind off the entire floor surface under the carrier plate 120 during rotation. The abrasives may be paper-type abrasives or diamond-type abrasives.

(13) In the exemplary embodiment described, the manner in which the inner dust sealing ring 111 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 are formed is not explicitly shown. It is advantageous that the inner dust sealing ring 111 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 are adapted as brush rings, which may ensure a seal against dust even on uneven floors. It is also conceivable to adapt the inner dust sealing ring 111 and/or the outer dust sealing ring 112 in the form of a rubber ring or the like. Rubber rings are extremely durable and therefore have a long service life. They are also easy to replace.

(14) In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the recess 113 and the extraction opening 114 are arranged adjacent to each other. This is particularly advantageous as the dust guided through the recess 113 is captured directly by the extraction opening 114. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the recess 113 and the extraction opening 114 at a distance from each other.

(15) FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of the floor grinding apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. In this view, the housing 110, the extraction opening 114 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 are visible. In this exemplary embodiment, the housing 110 has a flattened disc shape.

(16) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the extraction opening 114 has for example an angle of 45° with respect to the working plane of the floor grinding apparatus. The extraction opening 114 is aligned in such a way as to extract the dust, which is also subjected to a rotational speed by the rotation of the carrier plate. Of course, other angles are also conceivable.

(17) FIG. 3 shows a schematic profile view of a second exemplary embodiment of a floor grinding apparatus 100. The exemplary embodiment shown here differs from that shown in FIG. 1 in that two recesses 113 and two extraction openings 114a, 114b are provided. Each of the two extraction openings 114a, 114b corresponds to one of the recesses 113, respectively. For example, the recesses 113 and the respective corresponding extraction openings 114a, 114b are arranged on opposite sides of the inner portion. The arrangement shown here is particularly advantageous, but other arrangements and orientations are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

(18) In this exemplary embodiment, advantageously the dust produced during the processing of the floor surface may be guided on both sides of the carrier plate 120 through the recesses 113 and then extracted directly at the respective extraction openings 114a, 114b. The interior space may therefore be effectively covered by the effect of the extraction of the two extraction openings 114a, 114b.

(19) FIG. 4 shows a schematic side view of the floor grinding apparatus 100 of FIG. 3. In this view the housing 110, the two extraction openings 114a, 114b and the outer dust sealing ring 112 are visible.

(20) In this exemplary embodiment, one of the two extraction openings 114a has an angle of 45° with respect to the working plane of the floor grinding apparatus 100. This extraction opening 114a is aligned in such a way as to extract the dust, which is also subjected to a rotational speed by the rotation of the carrier plate. The other extraction opening 114b is aligned perpendicular to the working plane of the floor grinding apparatus 100. This orientation provides an advantageous tradeoff between maximizing the extraction of dust and guiding a tube attached to the 114b extraction port in a direction leading to an extraction unit.

(21) FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagonal view of a floor grinding apparatus 100 according to a third exemplary embodiment. In this view the housing 110, two extraction openings 114 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 are visible. On the upper side of the housing 110 there is a drive unit 130 which is connected to the carrier plate 120 which is not visible in this case. Two rollers 140 are also mounted to the housing.

(22) The drive unit 130 shown here is in the form of an electric motor comprising an integrated rechargeable battery. The battery is not visible in FIG. 5. This embodiment is particularly advantageous, as an electric motor is a particularly user-friendly implementation, since an electric motor operates relatively quietly and produces no exhaust gases. It is also conceivable to provide a cable connection in addition to or in addition to the battery in order to operate the motor by means of the electrical mains. This avoids the need to interrupt work in order to replace or charge the battery. It is also conceivable to provide a combustion engine as a drive unit.

(23) In the third exemplary embodiment, rollers 140 are arranged on the side of the floor grinding apparatus 100 facing the user and being offset from the working level of the floor grinding apparatus 100. In operation, the floor grinding apparatus 100 is tilted forwards and the abrasive, the inner dust sealing ring 111 and the outer dust sealing ring 112 rest on the floor surface to be worked on. Before and after operation, the floor grinding apparatus may be tilted backwards in such a way that only the rollers 140 touch the floor and the floor grinding apparatus 100 may be transported without great effort.

(24) To facilitate transport, a third roller may also be provided on the front of the floor grinding apparatus 100, as shown in FIG. 5. This third roller is rotatable and may be adjusted in height. In operation, the third roller may be locked in a direction upwards, which allows components of the floor grinding apparatus 100, relevant for the operation, to be placed on the floor surface. Alternatively, the third roller may also be adjusted during operation such that, together with the two rear rollers, the third roller absorbs a portion of the weight of the floor grinding apparatus. This ensures a uniform grinding effect over the processed floor area. For transport, the third roller may be fixed further down such that only the two rear rollers 140 and the third roller touch the floor. Tilting the floor grinding apparatus 100 is no longer necessary, and the third roller increases the maneuverability of the floor grinding apparatus 100 due to its rotation capability.

(25) The floor grinding apparatus 100 shown here also comprises a handle for maneuvering the floor grinding apparatus 100. Control elements for operating the drive unit 130 are also attached to this handle.

(26) In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two extraction openings 114 communicate by means of a bifurcated tube with an external extraction unit which is not shown. It is also conceivable that an extraction unit is provided directly on the floor grinding apparatus 100. In this case it would be advantageous to connect each of the two extraction openings 114 to such an internal extraction unit by means of a separate tube.

REFERENCE SIGNS

(27) 100 floor grinding apparatus 110 housing 111 inner dust sealing ring 112 outer dust sealing ring 113 recess 114 extraction opening 114a extraction opening 114b extraction opening 120 carrier plate 130 drive unit 140 roller