ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR A FLOOR PROCESSING MACHINE

Description

CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/549,023, filed Feb. 2, 2024.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to processing a floor surface, and more particularly, to processing a floor surface with a tool head on a rotational machine.

Traditionally, a variety of machines have been used to prepare or finish a surface. In the case of curing concrete, a trowel machine has been used. Trowel machines generally include at least one rotor having a plurality of arms with blades attached to distal ends of the arms that engage the floor surface. The arms may be rotatably attached to a central hub to change a pitch of the blades.

SUMMARY

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of processing a floor, the method including: dispensing a liquid onto a floor surface using a nozzle system; introducing a treatment material into the liquid upstream of the nozzle system; engaging the floor surface with one or more rotating tool heads on a floor processing machine to generate a slurry; mixing the treatment material with the slurry during operation of the one or more tool heads; and collecting the slurry using a collection assembly on the floor processing machine.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the treatment material is a flocculant.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the floor processing machine includes a treatment injector including a container for holding the treatment material and a mixing valve for combining the treatment material with the liquid prior to reaching the nozzle system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the container is located on the floor processing machine.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the collection assembly includes at least one squeegee.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the nozzle system is on the floor processing machine.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, the method including: generating debris in an enclosure of the floor processing machine and mixing the debris with the liquid to form the slurry.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, and the dispensing step includes directing the liquid toward the one or more tool heads.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a floor processing machine including: one or more tool heads configured to engage a floor surface; a nozzle system configured to distribute a liquid onto the floor surface; a liquid source configured to provide the liquid to the nozzle system; and a treatment injector positioned fluidly between the liquid source and the nozzle system, and the treatment injector selectively introduces a treatment material into the liquid prior to the liquid reaching the floor surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine, and the treatment injector includes a container for holding the treatment material and a mixing valve for combining the treatment material with the liquid prior to reaching the nozzle system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine, including a collection assembly for collecting a slurry, and the slurry is formed by the one or more tool heads engaging the floor surface.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine, including a collection assembly for collecting a slurry, formed by the one or more tool heads generating debris in an enclosure of the floor processing machine and mixing the debris with the liquid to form the slurry.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a machine, and the nozzle system includes at least one nozzle oriented toward the one or more tool heads.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of processing a floor, the method including: injecting a treatment material into a liquid prior to the liquid reaching a floor surface; generating debris in an enclosure of a floor processing machine and mixing the debris with the liquid to form a slurry; and collecting the slurry with a floor collection machine.

These and other features may be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example floor processing machine.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of said floor processing machine along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an enclosure on the floor processing machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates another view of the enclosure of FIG. 3 without rotors or shafts.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged view of a rotor and shaft from FIG. 2 with a boot.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a rotor.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the rotor of FIG. 6 in a flexed position.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a flexible tool head.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an example bearing assembly with an example arm mounting plate.

FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the arm mounting plate of the flexible tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of an example outer housing for a bearing assembly.

FIG. 9D illustrates an example bearing for the bearing assembly of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an example intermediate plate of the flexible tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10B illustrates a side view of the intermediate plate of FIG. 10A with tabs.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an example cross-member of the flexible tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example tab for engaging the cross-member.

FIG. 13 illustrates a bottom view of an example mounting plate of the flexible tool head of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 illustrates a bottom view of a grinding plate.

FIG. 15 illustrates a bristled pad.

FIG. 16 illustrates a sand paper tool.

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates operation of the floor processing machine.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a squeegee.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example wet-line assembly.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example water line connection.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example method of operating the floor processing machine.

FIG. 22 illustrates an example method of operating a rotor assembly.

FIG. 23 illustrates another example method of operating the floor processing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates generally to floor processing machines and methods for treating various floor surfaces, including concrete, wood, and VCT materials. These machines and methods may be designed to perform grinding, polishing, honing, sanding, cleaning, stripping, or other similar operations, depending on the floor type and condition. More specifically, the disclosed systems and methods may incorporate liquid distribution and treatment mechanisms to optimize the floor processing workflow.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example floor processing machine 20 for engaging a floor surface 22. The machine 20 may process the floor surface 22 of cured concrete through one or more of a grinding process, a polishing process, or a honing process. If the floor surface 22 is wood, the machine 20 may perform a sanding process or a cleaning process and if the floor surface 22 is a VCT material, the machine 20 may perform a cleaning or striping process. The machine 20 may operate in either dry or wet conditions as described below. Troweling machines, as opposed to the machine 20, have traditionally been used to trowel a concrete surface as it cures and hardens to create a smooth and relatively flat surface. To perform this function, troweling machines utilize elongated blades on rotating arms with a curing concrete surface as opposed to the machine 20 which operates on cured concrete floors that are already hardened. Additionally, the arms on troweling machines are generally rotatably about a longitudinal axis of the arm to change a pitch of the elongated blades with respect to the floor surface. Although an example machine 20 is shown as an illustrative example, other machines, including other types of floor processing machines, may benefit from this disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the machine 20 includes a frame 24 that supports an operator seat 26 and at least partially surrounds a first rotor 28A and a second rotor 28B for engaging the floor surface 22. An engine 30 is supported by the frame 24 and is used to drive the first and second rotors 28A, 28B. In the illustrated example, the engine 30 drives a hydraulic pump 32 fluidly connected to hydraulic motors 32A, 32B for independently driving the first and second rotors 28A, 28B, respectively.

Additionally, the machine 20 hovers on the rotors 28A, 28B and does not rely on wheels for maneuvering on the floor surface 22 during operation. Rather, axes of rotation RA, RB for the first and second rotors 28A, 28B, respectively, are pivoted about pivot axes to allow the machine 20 to move forward, backward, laterally, or rotated on the floor surface 22 as will be described in greater detail below. From the operator seat 26, a user can operate a first joy stick 27A and/or a second joystick 27B both in electrical communication with a controller 29 on the machine 20 for controlling operation as described below.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first and second rotors 28A, 28B are located in an enclosure 40 at least partially defined by a pan 34, a shroud 36, and a skirt 38. The enclosure 40 reduces air leaks relative to the floor surface during operation of the machine 20 to separate the enclosure 40 from the surrounding environment. One feature of the enclosure 40 is improved management of debris generated through contact between the first and second rotors 28A, 28B and the floor surface 22.

The debris generated by the rotors 28A, 28B on the floor surface 22 may form airborne particles during dry operating conditions or a slurry during wet operating conditions. In this disclosure, a slurry is a material having solid particles suspended in a liquid, such as water. When the solid particles in the slurry are cementitious, the slurry can have a significant weight beyond that of the liquid and can require special handling procedures because of the pH of the material. Additionally, the formation of a slurry with prior art devices required a significant amount of water to be spread on the floor surface 22 during operation of a floor grinding machine to ensure that the particles are captured in the slurry prior to becoming airborne. As will be descried further below, one feature of the machine 20 is a reduction in water consumption when forming a slurry material on the floor surface 22.

In the illustrated example, the pan 34 forms an upper surface of the enclosure 40 relative to the floor surface 22 and is located on an opposite side of the rotors 28A, 28B from the floor surface 22. In this disclosure, upper and lower are relative to the machines normal operating position on the floor surface 22 unless stated otherwise. An opening 44 is located in the pan 34 to allow a separate shaft 46 from each of the hydraulic motors 32A, 32B to drive a corresponding one of the first and second rotors 28A, 28B, respectively.

The pan 34 may be formed from a single piece of material, such as aluminum or a polymer based material. Alternatively, the pan 34 may be formed from multiple panels sealed together to simplify the assembly or service process of the machine 20. Also, a majority of the pan 34 may extends in a single plane with a perimeter ledge 35 spaced from the single plane to follow a profile of a lower portion of the frame 24. One feature of the ledge 35 is to vary a position of the plan relative to the rotors 28A, 28B to allow for proper clearance depending on the configuration of the frame 24. Additionally, the pan 34 is positioned to provide sufficient clearance from the engine 30 and motors 32A, 32B and 96, to prevent the machine 20 from overheating. In particular, the placement of the enclosure 40 allows the frame 24 to remain open for airflow to cool the operating components of the machine 20 as opposed to forming the enclosure from within the entire frame 24.

Another feature of the enclosure 40 is improved debris management to protect electrical and/or mechanical components on the machine 20. In particular, the slurry and/or airborne particles can enter sensitive electrical and/or mechanical components on the machine 20 and reduce the serviceable life of the components. This is particularly true in the case of bearings, electrical connectors, motors, engines, and etc. Additionally, the improved debris management by the machine 20 reduces maintenance and will therefore allow the machine 20 to operate for longer periods of time compared to other machines. The reduction in maintenance and repairs also improves the profitability of the machine 20 as it can operate for longer periods of time without service or repair. Furthermore, not only does the enclosure 40 protect the machine 20, but it also protects the surrounding environment from slurry that splashes off of the first or second rotors 28A, 28B or particles that become airborne and could settle on surrounding surfaces. This reduces the amount of preparation needed on the environment surrounding the floor surface 22 before the machine 20 can begin processing the floor surface 22.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate a boot 48 that creates a seal between one of the shafts 46 and the pan 34 to prevent debris from leaving the enclosure 40 through the opening 44 in the pan 34. The boot 48 is made from a flexible material, such as rubber or another polymeric material. The boot 48 may be attached to the pan 34 through a retention tab 48A on the boot 48 adjacent the opening 44 or through an adhesive or mechanical fastener 49, such as a bolt, screw, or rivet. In the illustrated example, the boot 48 includes a square perimeter that surrounds a circular bellows 50 having at least one undulation. The boot 48 also includes an opening 51 to allow one of the shafts 46 to communicate with a corresponding one of the first or second rotors 28A, 28B. One feature of the boot 48 with the bellows 50 is that it maintains a seal with a corresponding shaft 46 as it moves off of an axis of rotation R that is perpendicular to the floor surface 22 as will be described in greater detail below. However, the boot 48 could be conical in shape without the bellows 50 depending on an amount of movement the shaft 46 takes off of its axis of rotation R during operation.

The boot 48 is further sealed relative to the shaft 46 through a first bearing 52 and a second bearing 54 sandwiching a portion of the boot 48 around the opening 51. In the illustrated example, the first bearing 52 is located within the enclosure 40 and the second bearing 54 is located outside of the enclosure 40 and on an opposite side of the boot 48. Both the first and second bearings 52, 54, may be sealed bearings to prevent debris from entering during operation of the machine 20 and reducing a serviceable life of the bearing surfaces in the bearings 52, 54.

In the illustrated example, the first bearing 52 includes an inner race 52A that is fixed to and rotates with the shaft 46 and an outer race 52B that is fixed relative to the boot 48. Similarly, the second bearing 54 includes an inner race 54A that is fixed to and rotates with the shaft 46 and an outer race 54B that is fixed relative to the boot 48. The outer races 52B, 54B can frictionally engage the boot 48 or be attached by an adhesive or a mechanical fastener 49, such as a bolt, screw, or rivet.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the first and second rotors 28A and 28B each include a spindle 60 having a distal end that is adjacent to or in contact with the first bearing 52. In particular, the spindle 60 may engage only the inner race 52A of the first bearing 52 as the spindle 60 and the inner race 52A rotate together at the same rotational speed and in the same direction. Additionally, the shaft 46 includes a shoulder 56 adjacent the second bearing 54 that may engage the inner race 54A as the shoulder 56 and shaft 46 rotate together at the same rotational speed and in the same direction. A combination of the spindle 60 and the shoulder 56 contributes to sandwiching the boot 48 and creating a seal between the first and second bearings 52, 54 and the boot 48. This seal further improves the air tightness of the enclosure 40 to improve the ability to extract airborne particles from the enclosure 40 as described in greater detail below.

The rotors 28A, 28B each include the spindle 60, three arms 62 extending radially outward from the spindle 60 relative to an axis of rotation of the spindle 60, a boss 64, and at least one gusset 66 corresponding to each of the arms 62. In the illustrated example, the rotor arms 62 are evenly spaced around the spindle 60 with approximately 120 degrees between a center line of adjacent arms 62. The arms 62 are also located in a common plane such that the arms rotate around the axis R in the common plane. The arms 62 may be formed from a single unitary piece of material, such as aluminum or steel, or formed separately and joined together to form a single rigid component through welding or mechanical fasteners. The arms 62 are planar as opposed to the generally round arms found troweling machines in the prior art that also pivot about a longitudinal axis of the arm. The arms 62 include an upper surface 62A adjacent the spindle 60 and a lower surface 62B adjacent flexible tool heads 72.

In the illustrated example, the spindle 60, the boss 64, and the gussets 66 are separately formed and fixedly attached together through a welding process. A proximal end of the spindle 60 is welded to the boss 64 and the gussets 66 are welded to both the spindle 60 and the boss 64. The spindle 60, the boss 64, and the gussets 66 are then removably attached to the arms 62 with fasteners 67, such as bolts or screws, in at least one of the boss 64 or the gussets 66. One feature of this arrangement is the ability to replace the arms 62 if they become damaged during operation without having to also replace the spindle 60, the boss 64, and the gussets 66. Also, this configuration distributes loads on the spindle 60 along greater portions of the arms 62 instead of directly at the base of the spindle 60.

The shaft 46 is accepted within a central opening in the spindle 60 and rotatably locks through a keyed connection 69 with one of the spindle 60 and the shaft 46 having a projection and the other of the spindle and the shaft 46 having a corresponding recess. A fastener 70 (FIG. 3) extends vertically through the arms 62, the boss 64, and the spindle 60 to threadably engage the shaft 46 and secure the rotor 28 to the shaft 46.

As shown in FIGS. 7-14, the flexible tool heads 72 are attached adjacent distal end of the arms 62 for engaging the floor surface 22 with at least one tool 73 (FIGS. 3 and 14). In the illustrated example, each of the flexible tool heads 72 includes an arm mounting plate 74, a bearing assembly 76, an intermediate plate 82, and a flex portion 78 for allowing movement of a mounting plate 80 of an axis of the bearing assembly 76. The arm mounting plate 74 is a circular plate with an arm contact surface 75 for directly contacting the arm 62 and includes a shaft 77 for accepting a bearing 79 or a pair of bearings 79 spaced along the shaft 77 (FIGS. 8-9D). The shaft 77 also includes a shoulder for keeping the bearings 79 spaced from the arm mounting plate 74. The bearings 79 are also sealed bearings. The arm mounting plate 74 includes multiple fastener openings 74A that correspond with the fastener openings 63 (FIG. 6) in one of the arms 62 for accepting the fasteners 65.

The bearing assembly 76 includes an outer housing 76A mechanically connected relative to the arm mounting plate 74 through the at least one bearing 79. An outer race 79A of the at least one bearing 79 is fixed relative to an inner diameter of the outer housing 76A and an inner race 76B is fixed to the shaft 78 on the arm mounting plate 74. The outer housing 76A reduces or eliminates exposure of the bearings 79 to slurry or airborne debris in the enclosure 40 because a proximal end of the outer housing 76A is in close proximity to the arm mounting plate 74. The outer housing 76A also includes fastener openings 76B that correspond with openings 82B in the intermediate plate 82 for accepting fasteners for securing the outer housing 76A to the intermediate plate 82.

FIG. 22 illustrates a method 300 of operating the rotors 28A, 28B with the flexible tool heads 72. When the rotor arms 28A, 28B are rotating (Block 302), one feature of the bearing assembly 76 is the ability to passively rotate the mounting plate 80 relative to the arm mounting plate 74 on the bearing assembly 76. (Block 304).

Additionally, the flex portion 78 allows a plane defined by the arm mounting plate 74 and a plane defined by the mounting plate 80 to move between a parallel orientation and a transverse orientation. This allows the mounting plate 80 to follow a contour of the floor surface 22 and not embed an edge of a tool 73 into the floor surface 22. In the illustrated example, this function is performed by the linking between the intermediate plate 82 and the mounting plate 80 with the flex portion 78.

The flex portion 78 allows for spring loaded movement of the mounting plate 80 relative to the intermediate plate 82 (FIGS. 8 and 10) and the bearing assembly 76. In particular, a rotational axis MA of the mounting plate 80 can move into and out of a colinear relationship with a rotational axis BA of the bearing assembly 76 depending on a contour of the floor surface 22 or a change in movement of the rotational axis R of one of the rotors 28A, 28B as illustrate in FIG. 7. (Block 306).

The flex portion 78 includes a cross member 84 (FIG. 11) having a first pair of opposing attachment posts 85A for engaging tabs 83A attached to the intermediate plate 82 with fasteners at tab openings 87A (FIG. 10). A second pair of opposing attachment posts 85B on the cross member 84 engage tabs 83B attached to the mounting plate 80 at tab fastener openings 87B. The tabs 83 (FIG. 12) are removably attached to a corresponding one of the intermediate plate 82 or the mounting plate 80 with fasteners and include a central opening 830 for accepting a corresponding one of the attachment posts 85A, 85B. Additionally, the tabs 83 include fastener openings 83F that expend perpendicular to the central opening 83Ø for accepting a fastener to secure the tabs 83 to one of the intermediate plate 82 or the mounting plate 80.

One of the mounting plate 80 or the intermediate plate 82 includes posts 86 surrounding by springs 89. The posts 86 function as retention guides for the springs 89. The posts 86 extend less than a distance between the mounting plate 80 and the intermediate plate 82 to act a stops to prevent over flexing between the intermediate plate 82 and the mounting plate 80.

The tabs 83A on the intermediate plate 82 are allowed to move through open region 81 of the mounting plate 80 during flexing of the intermediate plate 82 relative to the mounting plate 80. Similarly, tabs 83B on the mounting plate 80 move between opposing dog bone ends forming a tab openings 92 (FIGS. 10A-10B) in the intermediate plate 82 during flexing of the flex portion 78.

As shown in FIGS. 13-14, the mounting plate 80 includes a key 100 extending from grinder plate attachment surface 81 on the mounting plate 80 for mating with a keyed opening 102 in a grinding plate 104. The keyed opening 102 follows the same profile as the key 100 with a slightly larger size to allow for the key 100 to fit within the key opening 102 to prevent or limit rotational movement between the mounting plate 80 and the grinding plate 104.

The mounting plate 80 also includes magnets 106 embedded in the surface of the mounting plate 80 that allow for quick and secure attachment of the grinding plate 104 to the mounting plate 80 without the need for additional fasteners. The mounting plate 80 also includes cut outs 108 that are recessed into a surface of the mounting plate 80 to allow a tool, such as a straight screw driver, to provide mechanical leverage to separate the mounting plate 80 from the grinding plate 104. In the case of the floor surface 22 being wood, the tools 73 include a sand paper finish 73B (FIG. 16) for gently engaging the floor surface 22 and in the case of a VCT floors a bristled brush surface 73A (FIG. 15) for accepting a scrubbing pad.

The grinding plate 104 also includes tools 73 (FIG. 14), such as resin based, carbide based, or diamond based tools, for engaging the floor surface 22. In the illustrates example, each of the tools 73 provide up to 90 lbs. of contact force or more against the floor surface 22. In the case of cementitious floor surfaces 22, the grinding plate 104 can include multiples of three tools 73, such as six, nine, or another multiple of three. Having multiples of three tools 73 on the grinding plate 104 contributes to the flatness and smoothness of the floor surface 22.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 17, when machine 20 is operating, the rotors 28A and 28B are rotating in the rotational directions R1 (clockwise) and R2 (counter-clockwise), respectively. While the rotors 28A, 28B are rotating at a sufficient rotational speed, the machine 20 hovers on the floor surface 22 in a generally constant location with the rotational axes RA and RB perpendicular to the floor surface 22. Because the machine 20 hovers and does not move across the floor surface 22 supported on wheels, the machine 20 manipulates the rotational axes RA, RB relative to the floor surface 22 to maneuver the machine 20. This creates a location of greater contact force on the floor surface 22 leading the machine 20 to move in a desired directed.

The first rotor 28A is pivoted by a first actuator 96A1 about an axis PA1 and by a second actuator 96A2 about an axis PA2. The axes PA1 and PA2 are generally parallel to the floor surface 22 and perpendicular to each other when the machine 20 is stationary. The second rotor 28B is pivoted by a third actuator 96B1 about an axis PB1. The machine 20 can move in lateral directions L1 or L2 by pivoting the first rotator 28A about the axis PA2 with the second actuator 96A2 while the rotational axis RB remains generally perpendicular to the floor surface 22. The side of the machine 20 having the first rotor 28A can move forward or backwards by pivoting the rotational axis RA about the pivot axis PA1 with the first actuator 96A1. The right side of the machine 20 having the second rotor 28B can move forward or backwards by pivoting the rotational axis RB about the pivot axis PB1.

FIG. 21 illustrates an example method 200 of operating a floor processing machine, such as the machine 20 or other similar machines in some examples. Fewer or additional steps than are recited below could be performed within the scope of this disclosure, and the recited order of steps is not intended to limit this disclosure. The machine 20 can operate in both dry conditions or wet conditions to generate debris within the enclosure (Block 202). For example, when used in dry conditions, the first and second rotors 28A and 28B can produce airborne particles, such as silica dust or wood fibers. The enclosure 40 includes a vacuum port 110 (FIG. 3) that can evacuate the particles by creating negative pressure within the enclosure 40. This is accomplished through a combination of the pan 34, the shroud 36, the skirt 38, and the boot 48, as described above. In particular, the skirt 38 is suspended on a suspension 39, such as a bungie or a cord, to allow the skirt 38 to move relative to the shroud 36 and engage the floor surface 22 to create a seal between the skirt 38 and the floor surface 22.

Additionally, the machine 20 includes a single quick connect vacuum port 90 (FIG. 2) fixed relative to the frame 24 and in communication (dashed lines represent a fluid connection) with a valve body 134. The valve body 134 is in electrical communication with the controller 29 and directs suction on the machine 20 without having to change connections based on the operation. The vacuum port 90 also allows for rotation of a vacuum hose 152 relative to the vacuum port 90 to prevent damaging the vacuum hose 152.

Additionally, when operating in dry conditions, the machine 20 can be used with a wet line 150 as shown in FIG. 19. The wet line 150 allows water to be injected into the vacuum hose 152 to turn the airborne particles into a slurry to improve management of the debris. In the illustrated example, wet line 150 includes the vacuum hose 152 that defines a perimeter of the vacuum line with a water line 154 running through a center of the vacuum hose 152. The water line 154 then protruding from a side of the vacuum hose 152 prior to the vacuum hose 152 connecting to the vacuum port 90. The water line 154 can then be attached to the machine 20 at water connector 98 and have the water sprayed into the vacuum port 90 through a nozzle 155 to mix with the debris and form the slurry.

Additionally, the water line 154 can be connected to the machine 20 without passing through the vacuum hose 152 as shown in FIG. 20. The water line 154 may also be surrounded by an outer hose 164 of greater diameter to prevent the water line 154 from kinking or going under the skirt 38. Additionally, the outer hose 164 may include a connection 162 that attaches to a rotatable quick connect 160 on the machine 20 to allow the outer hose 164 to rotate relative to the quick connect 160 on the machine 20.

When the machine 20 is operating in wet conditions on the floor surface 22, the vacuum port 110 to the pan 34 is not used to evacuate the enclosure 40. Liquid is provided to the enclosure 40 with a series of nozzles 112 in fluid communication a liquid source 158 through the water line 154 to spray a liquid, such as water, into the enclosure 40. (Block 204). The nozzles 112 are fluidly connected to the water line 154 through a liquid line 113. The addition of the liquid serves to capture the particles in the enclosure 40 and leads to the formation of a slurry on the floor surface 22.

FIG. 23 illustrates an example method 400 of operating a floor processing machine, such as the machine 20 or other similar machines in some examples, with wet conditions having a liquid on the floor surface 22. Fewer or additional steps than are recited below could be performed within the scope of this disclosure, and the recited order of steps is not intended to limit this disclosure. The method 400 is similar to the method 200 except where described below or shown in the Figures. In one example, a treatment injector 159A is located fluidly downstream of the liquid source 158A and upstream of the series of nozzles 112 (FIG. 3). The treatment injector 159A includes a container that holds a material that can selectively inject the material into the flow of liquid passing through the container before the liquid reaches the nozzles 112 and the floor surface 22 (Block 402). Alternatively, the treatment injector 159A can include a mixing valve that mixes the material and the liquid together prior to reaching the nozzles 112.

The treatment injector 159A can dispense a flocculant into the liquid to promote the suspension of the debris generated from processing the floor in the liquid. One feature of pretreating the floor with the flocculant dispensed from the treatment injector 159A is that the motion of the tool heads 72 on the arms 62 mixes the flocculant into the slurry generated on the floor surface 22 (Block 404) prior to being collected by one of the first or section squeegees 120A, 120B (FIG. 2) as described in greater detail below. This can reduce or eliminate the amount of mixing of the slurry in a collection container because the slurry is pre-mixed with flocculant prior to reaching the collecting container.

In another example, of the method 400, a treatment injector 159B is located separate from the floor processing machine 20. The treatment injector 159B is located downstream of a second liquid source 158B and upstream of a nozzle 112B to selectively inject a material, such as the flocculant, into the flow of liquid before the liquid reaches the floor surface 22. In the illustrated example, the nozzle 112B is separate from the nozzles 112 on the machine 20 and the treatment injector 159B is similar to the treatment injection 159A.

The liquid and treatment material from the liquid source 158B and the treatment injector 159B, respectively, on the floor surface 22 can be used in addition to or in place of the liquid and treatment provided by the liquid source 158A and the treatment injector 159A. By introducing the liquid at a location other than the enclosure on the machine 20, the nozzle system 112 on the machine 20 does not have to be used or included on the machine 20.

One feature of using the nozzles 112 for the introduction of the treatment is that the liquid is directed at the arms 62 and heads 72 which can reduce the total amount of liquid used on the surface 22 by directing it to the location of the formation of the debris. Additionally, the nozzles 112 could be used to introduce water onto the floor surface with the liquid source 158B and treatment injector 159B providing a higher concentration of a ratio of flocculant to water that can then be further mixed with the water from the nozzles 112 on the machine 20.

The disclosed method 400 may enable floor processing under wet conditions by combining liquid application, treatment material injection, and efficient debris collection. One or more treatment injectors 159A and 159B may be used to introduce a flocculant or other treatment material into the liquid flow before it reaches the floor. When the liquid, now carrying the treatment material, is dispensed through nozzles 112, it aids in debris suspension and slurry formation. As the rotating tool heads 72 grind or polish the surface, the flocculant may cause the slurry to be properly mixed.

An advantage in some application is the ability to pre-mix treatment material before debris collection, reducing the need for post-processing in a collection container. The system also allows for alternative liquid sources, such as an external treatment injector 159B and nozzle 112B providing an independent method of applying treatment material. Additionally, by directing liquid flow toward the tool heads in some implementations, the process enhances cleaning efficiency while reducing liquid consumption.

As the machine 20 moves in lateral directions L1 and L2 (FIG. 17) during operation to ensure complete coverage by the rotors 28A, 28B on the floor surface 22, liquid from the nozzles 112 is sprayed on the floor surface 22. The nozzles 112 direct the liquid at the lateral sides of the enclosure 40 to wet the floor surface 22 prior to reaching the first and second rotors 28A, 28B. Nozzles 112 also spray the liquid near a center of rotation of the rotors 28A, 28B to further capture the airborne particles. Additionally, the nozzles 112 spray liquid between the first and second rotors 28A to clean the floor surface 22 of debris build up prior to the next rotor 28 reaching that portion of the floor surface 22.

When engaging a cementitious floor surface 22, the nozzles 112 spray water into a central region of the rotors 28A, 28B. This allows the formation of any dust or silica particles to be captured before spreading in the air. By adding water to the airborne particles, a material called a slurry is formed with very fine particles of cement suspended in the liquid. Because the slurry material is heavy from the weigh to the particles, it remains on the floor surface 22 as the machine 20 moves on the floor surface 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the machine 20 includes floor collection devices, such as the first squeegee 120A located adjacent a first lateral edge of the frame 24 and the second squeegee 120B located adjacent a second lateral edge of the frame 24 opposite the first lateral edge, to aid in collecting slurry 130 form the floor surface 22. (Block 206). The floor collection devices can also include a vacuum line 132A, 132B to collect debris. The first and second squeegees 120A, 120B each include a frame 121A, 121B supporting a flexible portion 123A, 123B that follows a curvilinear profile (FIG. 18) and engages the floor surface 22 to scrape debris or slurry 130 off of the floor surface 22. The squeegees 120A, 120B are attached to the frame 24 by linkages 122A, 122B, respectively, that are part of a four-bar linkage. One portion of the four-bar linkages is formed by the frame 24, another portion is formed by the frame 121A, 121B, and the last two portions are formed by linkages 122A, 122B that are pivotably connected at opposing ends to the frame 121A, 121B, respectively, and the frame 24.

An actuators 124 is located adjacent each lateral side of the machine 20 and include a cable linkage 126, such as a throttle cable, that travels over a rotatable guide 128 attached to the frame 24 to connect to a corresponding one of the squeegees 120A, 120B to raise and lower the squeegees 120A, 120B depending on the mode of operation of the machine 20. Additionally, the operation of the separate actuators 124 can be combined and be performed by a single actuator if desired. For example, the actuators 124 can raise the squeegee 120A when it is located upstream relative to a direction of motion of the machine 20 and lower the squeegee 120B on the downstream side of the machine 20 to collect the debris or slurry 130 as it collects on the floor surface 22. When the squeegees 120A, 120B are lowered, it collects the debris or slurry into a central region of the squeegee 120A, 120B so that it can be collected by a vacuum line 132A, 132B (FIG. 18) also attached to the machine 20.

In the illustrated example, the vacuum lines 132A, 132B are attached to the valve body 134 that can selectively provide suction to various portions of the machine 20. In particular, the valve body 134 includes an input line 132I from the vacuum port 90 attached to the frame 24. The valve body 134 can then fluidly connect the suction from the input suction line 132I with either of the vacuum lines 132A, 132B or an enclosure suction line 132E that is connected with the vacuum port 110 on the pan 34.

A method of processing a floor, according to one or more examples of this disclosure, may be said to include: injecting a treatment material into a liquid prior to the liquid reaching a floor surface; generating debris in an enclosure of a floor processing machine and mixing the debris with the liquid to form a slurry; and collecting the slurry with a floor collection machine.

A method for processing a floor, in accordance with one or more examples of this disclosure, may include introducing a treatment material into a liquid before the liquid contacts the floor surface; creating debris within an enclosure of a floor processing machine and combining the debris with the liquid to produce a slurry; and retrieving the slurry using a floor collection system.

In implementations, the disclosed techniques relate to methods and systems for processing floors using a floor processing machine equipped with one or more of a nozzle system, tool heads, a treatment injector, and a collection assembly. The methods may involve dispensing a liquid onto a floor surface through the nozzle system, with a treatment injector introducing a treatment material, such as a flocculant, into the liquid before it reaches the floor. One or more tool heads engage the surface, generating debris that mixes with the liquid to form a slurry. The slurry is then collected using a collection assembly, which may include a squeegee. The nozzle system can be directed toward the tool heads, such as to optimize liquid usage in applications. The treatment injector, which may contain a mixing valve and a storage container for the treatment material in some examples, may be integrated into the machine. The systems and methods disclosed may improve floor treatment efficiency by ensuring effective slurry formation and collection.

In implementations, the disclosed methods and systems employ a floor processing machine designed with one or more components, which may include a nozzle system, rotating tool heads, a treatment injector, and a collection assembly. The process may begin with liquid being dispensed onto the floor surface, while the treatment injector adds a treatment material, such as a flocculant, before the liquid reaches the floor. As the tool heads operate, they generate debris, which combines with the liquid to create a slurry. This slurry is then efficiently gathered by a collection system. The systems and methods may improve floor processing by enhancing debris suspension, minimizing liquid consumption, and optimizing slurry collection.

The disclosed methods and systems may utilize a liquid delivery mechanism to apply a treatment liquid onto the floor surface. A treatment material, such as a flocculant, detergent, or other chemical agent, can be introduced into the liquid at one or more various points in the system-before the liquid reaches the floor, at the point of contact with the surface, or post-application for additional treatment. Rotating or oscillating mechanical elements may engage the surface to dislodge debris, which then combines with the liquid to form a slurry. This slurry is subsequently collected using one or more of a vacuum, squeegee, absorption system, or other recovery methods.

Although the different examples are illustrated as having specific components, the examples of this disclosure are not limited to those particular combinations. It is possible to use some of the components or features from any of the embodiments in combination with features or components from any of the other embodiments.

The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure. For these reasons, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this disclosure.