Floor grinding machine, handle for floor grinding machine and method of setting a handle for a floor grinding machine

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a floor grinding machine (1) for grinding floor surfaces of stone or stone-like material. The machine comprises a machine frame (2), a grinding head (3), supported by the machine frame (2), a motor (4), supported by the machine frame (2) and operatively connected to the grinding head (3), and a handle frame (5), extending from the machine frame (2), and pivotable relative to the machine frame (2). The machine further comprises a guide member (12), which is pivotable relative to the machine frame (2) and pivotable relative to the handle frame (5), a first locking device (14), for locking the guide member (12) relative to the handle frame (5), and a second locking device (13), for locking the guide member (12) relative to the machine frame (2). The disclosure further provides a handle for a floor grinding machine as well as methods of setting a position of a handle and methods of steering a floor grinding machine.

Claims

1. A floor grinding machine for grinding floor surfaces, the machine comprising: a machine frame, a grinding head supported by the machine frame, a motor supported by the machine frame and operatively connected to the grinding head, a handle frame extending from the machine frame and pivotable relative to the machine frame, a guide member which is pivotable relative to the machine frame and pivotable relative to the handle frame, a first locking device that selectively locks the guide member into physical engagement with the handle frame to prevent pivoting movement of the handle frame relative to the guide member, and a second locking device that selectively locks the guide member into physical engagement with the machine frame to prevent pivoting movement of the guide member relative to the machine frame; wherein the guide member is pivotable relative to the machine frame about a first axis, the handle frame is pivotable relative guide member about a second axis, and the first and second axes are coaxial; wherein the handle frame is prevented from pivoting relative to the machine frame, in either rotational direction, when the first locking device locks the guide member into physical engagement with the handle frame and the second locking device locks the guide member into physical engagement with the machine frame.

2. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide member is pivotable relative to the machine frame coaxially with the handle frame.

3. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pivot angle limiting device which limits the pivoting movement between the guide member and one of the machine frame and the handle frame.

4. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking device provides a continuum of relative positions between the handle frame and the guide member.

5. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking device provides a continuum of relative positions between the machine frame and the guide member.

6. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking device provides at least two fixed relative positions between the handle frame and the guide member.

7. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein one of the locking devices provides a smaller angle between a pair of adjacent fixed positions than the other one.

8. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second locking device provides at least two fixed relative positions between the machine frame and the guide member.

9. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein one of the locking devices provides a greater angle difference between extreme positions than the other one.

10. The floor grinding machine as claimed claim 1, wherein the handle frame is pivotable relative to the machine frame between at least one transport position and at least one working position, wherein the transport position is located such that a movement from the working position to the transport position comprises lifting the handle frame upwardly.

11. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle frame is pivotable relative to the machine frame between at least one transport position and at least one working position, and wherein the transport position is located such that a movement from the working position to the transport position comprises lowering the handle frame.

12. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when both the first locking device and the second locking device are in a locked state, rotation of the guide member relative the handle frame and the machine frame is prevented.

13. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first locking device comprises a first locking pin and a first plurality of locking holes that are selectively engageable with the first locking pin to lock the handle frame in a position relative to the guide member; wherein the second locking device comprises a second locking pin and a second plurality of locking holes that are selectively engageable with the second locking pin to lock the machine frame in a position relative to the guide member.

14. The floor grinding machine as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first locking pin is affixed to the handle frame and the second locking pin is affixed to the machine frame; wherein the first plurality of locking holes and the second plurality of locking holes are disposed on the guide member.

15. A method for setting a position of a handle of a floor grinding machine for grinding floor surfaces, the floor grinding machine comprising: a machine frame, a grinding head supported by the machine frame, a motor supported by the machine frame and operatively connected to the grinding head, a handle frame extending from the machine frame and pivotable relative to the machine frame, a guide member which is pivotable relative to the machine frame and pivotable relative to the handle frame, a first locking device that selectively locks the guide member into physical engagement with the handle frame to prevent pivoting movement of the handle frame relative to the guide member, and a second locking device that selectively locks the guide member into physical engagement with the machine frame; wherein the guide member is pivotable relative to the machine frame about a first axis, the handle frame is pivotable relative guide member about a second axis, and the first and second axes are coaxial; wherein the handle frame is prevented from pivoting relative to the machine frame, in either rotational direction, when the first locking device locks the guide member into physical engagement with the handle frame and the second locking device locks the guide member into physical engagement with the machine frame; wherein the method comprises: setting a position of the handle frame relative to the guide member, and setting a position of the guide member relative to the machine frame.

16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein setting a position of the handle frame relative to the guide member comprises: pivoting the handle frame relative to the machine frame and relative to the guide member, and locking the handle frame relative to the guide member.

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein setting a position of the guide member relative to a machine frame comprises: pivoting the handle frame with the guide member relative to the machine frame, and locking the guide member relative to the machine frame.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1a-1d are schematic perspective views of a floor grinding machine.

(2) FIGS. 2a-2b schematically illustrate the guide member, the first locking device, and the second locking device.

(3) FIG. 3a-3b schematically illustrate a part of the machine frame connected to the guide member of FIGS. 2a-2b.

(4) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a handle frame head.

(5) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a handle.

(6) FIGS. 6a-6d schematically illustrate an alternative locking device.

(7) FIGS. 7a-7b schematically illustrate the machine with the handle in different positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(8) FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a floor grinding machine 1. The grinding machine 1 comprises a machine frame 2 which supports a grinding head 3 and a motor 4. The grinding head 3 is driven by the motor 4 to rotate.

(9) The grinding head 3 may comprise a casing, which is rotatable inside a hood.

(10) The grinding head 3 as illustrated herein is formed as a planetary type grinding head, i.e. the grinding head casing is rotatable relative to the machine frame 2, and in turn carries two or more grinding disks, each of which being rotatable relative to the casing.

(11) The hood may be arranged to enclose the grinding head 3, such that grinding residues are contained and can be readily collected by e.g. a collection device as will be further described.

(12) The machine 1 may thus further comprise a collection device for collecting grinding residues, such as dust, water and the like. The collection device may comprise a hood connector, such that a space enclosed by the hood is in fluid connection with a dust collector, and optionally a channel, such as a hose or a pipe 10. A hose 10 leading to the dust collector, such as a vacuum cleaner, may be directly connectable to the hood connector, or to the channel.

(13) The machine 1 may be supported by wheels, such as by a pair of coaxial wheels 8. The wheels may provide part of the support, with additional, or even most, support provided by the grinding head 3.

(14) The wheels 8 may be freely rotatable, whereby the machine 1 may be propelled entirely by being pushed and/or pulled by the user.

(15) As another option, the wheels 8 may be driven by one or more motors. For example, the wheels may be individually drivable, whereby steering of the machine 1 by e.g. radio control may be enabled.

(16) The machine 1 may comprise a control unit, which contains functionality for controlling the machine 1 and/or feeding back information, such as setting a speed of the rotating discs, and reporting a temperature of the grinding discs.

(17) The machine 1 may further comprise a handle frame 5 extending from an upper rear portion of the machine frame 2. The handle frame 5 may support a handle 6 for a user to grip and/or steer the machine 1, and optionally a user interface 7.

(18) The user interface 7 may comprise an output device, such as a display, which may be a touch screen, for displaying information. The user interface may further comprise one or more input devices, such as a touch screen, buttons, knobs and/or a keyboard for the user to control the machine 1.

(19) As indicated in FIGS. 1a-1d, the handle frame 5 is pivotable relative to the machine frame 2. In the illustrated example, the handle frame 5 is pivotable between four positions: a lower transport position (FIG. 1a), a lower operating position (FIG. 1b), an upper operating position (FIG. 1c) and an upper transport position (FIG. 1d).

(20) The handle frame 5 may be continuously pivotable, or it may be pivotable between a number of fixed positions. In the illustrated example, the handle frame 5 is pivotable between four fixed positions, as illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1d. Moreover, the position of the handle frame may be possible to fine tune. This may be done either continuously over a predetermined range, or over a number of fixed predetermined positions, as is illustrated in FIG. 2a.

(21) To this end, the machine 1 may comprise a guide member 12, which is pivotable relative to the machine frame 2 and also pivotable relative to the handle frame 5.

(22) To secure the handle frame 5 relative to the guide member 12, the machine 1 may comprise a first locking device 14, for locking the guide member 12 relative to the handle frame 5.

(23) The locking device 14 may comprise a plurality of holes or recesses 14a formed in the guide member 12, each corresponding to one of the positions mentioned with reference to FIGS. 1a-1d, and a locking pin 14b, which is connected to the handle frame 5. In the illustrated example, the locking pin 14b is connected to the handle frame 5 by means of a spring, which biases the locking pin 14b towards the guide member 12.

(24) It is understood that a similar locking function may be achieved in various ways, such as by means of a bolt, a snaplock device or the like.

(25) The machine 1 may further comprise a second locking device 13, for locking the guide member 12 relative to the machine frame 2.

(26) The guide member 12 may be pivotable relative to the machine frame coaxially with the handle frame 5.

(27) The second locking device 13 may provide a continuum of relative positions between the machine frame 2 and the guide member 12.

(28) Alternatively, the second locking device 13 may provide at least two predetermined relative positions between the machine frame 5 and the guide member 12. The predetermined relative positions may be provided by the locking holes or recesses 13a, as illustrated in FIGS. 2a-2b and 3a-3b.

(29) The locking holes or recesses 13a may be formed along a curve following a segment of a circle having its center at the axis of rotation about which the guide member 12 is pivotable.

(30) Optionally, a pivot limiting device 15 may be provided, and may comprise a slit 15a, which together with a guide pin 15b limits the maximum angle of rotation of the guide member 12 relative to the machine frame 2.

(31) The second locking device may further comprise a second locking pin 13b, which may be provided with a biasing device for biasing the locking pin towards the hole or recess 13a.

(32) With regard to the handle, the machine may function as follows.

(33) A position selected from, e.g., the four positions illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1d may be selected by moving the first locking pin 14b towards the right in FIG. 2a, such that the first locking pin 14b is extracted from the hole or recess 14a.

(34) The handle frame 5 may then be pivoted to the desired position. If the pin 14b is held out of the hole or recess 14a, pivoting may be achieved all the way to the desired position. If the pin 14b is released, then it may spring back into the next hole or recess 14a, as soon as it reaches it.

(35) Once in the desired position, the pin 14b is allowed to rest in the hole or recess 14a.

(36) If this desired position is one of the operating positions, then it may be desirable to fine tune the handle position.

(37) This can be done by pulling the second pin 13b out of its associated hole or recess 13a. As the handle frame 5 is locked relative to the guide member 12 by the first locking device 14, the handle frame 5 will now pivot together with the guide member 12 until the pin 13b is released and allowed to spring back into the desired one of the holes or recesses 13a.

(38) By leaving the second locking device 13 in its locked position, it is possible to again release the first locking device 14 and bring the handle frame 5 to one of the transport positions, in order to simplify transportation or storage of the machine 1.

(39) When it is desirable to use the machine 1 again, the first locking device 14 is again released, and the handle frame 5 is pivoted to the desired position. However, now, the handle frame 5 will be brought to the position of the second locking device 13, where this was previously set. Hence, the handle frame 5 is effectively provided with a memory for the preferred setting of the handle frame 5.

(40) FIG. 4 illustrates a handle connection mechanism, which may be used to connect the handle 6 to the handle frame 5. This connection mechanism may essentially comprise a clamping device 11, which is used to clamp a attachment portion 6f of the handle 6.

(41) The attachment portion 6f may comprise a positioning device, arranged to ensure that the handle 6, when received in the clamping device 11, is always correctly oriented.

(42) This positioning device may also function as a rotation limiting device, which limits the possible positions between the handle 6 and the handle frame 5.

(43) For example, the rotation limiting device may comprise one or more protrusions extending from the attachment portion 6f, and being arranged to cooperate with corresponding supports or abutments in the clamping device 11.

(44) One version of a handle 6 is illustrated in FIG. 5.

(45) The handle 6 comprises an attachment portion 6f, by which the handle 6 is attachable to a handle frame 5 of the machine 1. From the attachment portion 6f, cross portions 6a extend laterally and substantially horizontally towards both sides.

(46) A second cross portion 6b, which extends substantially parallel with the first cross portions 6a, is spaced from the first cross portions 6a in a forward movement direction of the machine 1. The spacing may be on the order of 10-30 cm, preferably 15-25 cm.

(47) The spaced apart cross portions 6a, 6b may be interconnected by one or more other portions 6c-6e.

(48) The handle 6 may comprise respective first vertical members 6c, 6c′, 6d, 6d′, extending less than +/−45° from the vertical direction, preferably less than +/−30° from the vertical direction, or less than +/−20° from the vertical direction, from respective distal portions of the first cross portions 6a.

(49) The handle 6 may further comprise respective second vertical members 6d, extending less than +/−45° from the vertical direction, preferably less than +/−30° from the vertical direction, or less than +/−20° from the vertical direction, from respective distal portions of the second cross portion 6b.

(50) The first and second vertical members 6c, 6c′, 6d, 6d′ may, but need not, be parallel. The first vertical members 6c, 6c′ may present a greater angle to the vertical direction than the second vertical members 6d, 6d′. The angle of the first vertical members 6c, 6c′ may be more than 5° greater than that of the second vertical members 6c, 6c′, 6d, 6d′, preferably more than 10° or more than 15°.

(51) The handle 6 may comprises a respective longitudinally extending member 6e, 6e′, extending substantially parallel with the forward moving direction of the machine on a respective side of the attachment portion 6f and substantially perpendicular to the cross portions and providing respective bridges between distal portions of the first and second cross portions 6a, 6b.

(52) The cross portions 6a, 6b and the longitudinal members 6e, 6e′ may be integrated with each other. For example, the entire handle 6 may be formed from one piece of material, such as a tube or rod, which has been bent into the desired shape, and ends of which may be joined together to form an endless member.

(53) FIGS. 6a-6d schematically illustrate a locking device comprising a frictional locking device for preventing relative rotation between the machine frame 102 and the guide member 112, and a form based locking device for preventing relative rotation between the handle frame 5 and the guide member 112.

(54) Referring to FIG. 6a, there is illustrated a portion of a machine frame 102 and a portion of the handle frame 5. There is also a guide member 112.

(55) A first locking device 14a, 14b is provided for locking the handle frame 5 relative to the guide member 112. This locking device 14a, 14b is arranged substantially as the one disclosed above, and includes a plurality of fixed position recesses 14a and a pin 14b, which is biased towards the guide member 112, such that it will enter the recesses 14a when aligned therewith.

(56) A second locking device 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134 is provided for locking the guide member 112 relative to the machine frame 102. This second locking device comprises a lamellae package 1131 comprising a pair of lamellae sets 1133, 1134. A first one 1133 of the lamellae sets is fixedly connected to the machine frame 102 and a second one of the lamellae sets is fixedly connected to the guide member 112. In an area of overlap between lamellae from the different sets, lamellae from the respective sets are arranged alternatingly, such that in the area of overlap, every second lamella belongs to the set 1133 attached to the machine frame 102 and the remaining lamellae belongs to the set 1134 attached to the guide member 112.

(57) FIG. 6b is a side view of the handle arrangement illustrated in FIG. 6a.

(58) FIG. 6c is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 6b. FIG. 6c illustrates the guide member 112 being provided with an axle portion 1121, which extends partially through the lamella package 1131, in an area of overlap between the lamellae sets 1133, 1134.

(59) A tensioner device, which is here illustrated as an excenter clamp 1132, engages the axle portion 1121 so as to provide a clamping force along the axial direction and thus between the guide member 112 and the machine frame 102.

(60) Other types of tensioner devices may be used, such as nuts, bolts or the like.

(61) Moreover, the lamella package may be dispensed with, in which case the guide member 112 may be clamped directly towards the machine frame 102 using an axial tensioner as illustrated in FIG. 6c.

(62) FIG. 6d is a cross sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 6c and illustrates how the relative angle of rotation between the guide member and the machine frame 102 may be limited. As illustrated, the maximum range of angles may be on the order of 0°-30°, preferably 15°-30° or about 20°.

(63) Hence, an angle limiting device may be provided in the form of a pin 1122, which is slidable in a slit 1123 that is curved with a bending radius about the axle 1121. The pin 1122 may be attached to the guide member 112 and the slit 1123 may be provided in the machine frame 102 and in the lamella package 1131. Alternatively, the pin 1122 may be attached to the machine frame 102 and the slit 1123 may be provided in the guide member 112 and in the lamella package 1131.

(64) Referring back to FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c, it is noted that the handle 6 is in a position where it extends rearwardly from the handle frame 5. These are both operating positions and are suitable to provide good leverage effect relative to the machine 1, e.g. for turning and/or tilting.

(65) Referring to FIGS. 7a-7b, the handle 6 has instead been rotated upwardly and forwardly relative to the handle frame 5, such that the first cross member 6a and the attachment portion 6f are behind the second cross member 6b, as seen in the machine longitudinal direction, or in the forward direction.

(66) This position may be advantageous when it is desirable to walk more closely behind the machine 1, e.g. in order to get a better view of the grinding result.