Surface processing equipment for scarifying and shaving
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/SE2026/010008
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-28
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-03
Smart Images
Figure SE2026010008_03092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] TITLE
[0002] SURFACE PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FOR SCARIFYING AND SHAVING
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0004] The present disclosure relates to surface processing equipment such as floor scarifiers and floor shavers, and in particular to surface processing machines that can be adapted for both floor scarifying operation and floor shaving operations in an efficient manner.
[0005] BACKGROUND
[0006] Surface processing equipment such as floor scarifiers and floor shavers can be used to efficiently remove a layer of material from a surface and also to create grooves in the surface.
[0007] Floor shaving equipment comprises a drum equipped with abrasive blades, such as diamond abrasive blades, which is placed inside a drum housing. The drum is rotated at a very high speed to grind off an upper layer of the surface. Dust and contaminants created by the shaver can be extracted using a dedicated dust extractor. This makes the surface shaving operation almost dust free.
[0008] Floor scarifying equipment instead uses cutters comprising diamond, carbide, or other hard elements. The cutters are loosely fitted onto lateral shafts on a drum which is then placed inside a drum housing of the surface processing equipment and rotated. The rotating drum generates centripetal force which ‘slams’ the cutters onto the surface, causing a mechanical cutting action. A dust extractor can be used to collect debris and dust generated by the cutters. There is a desire to simplify operation and maintenance of surface processing equipment such as floor scarifiers and floor shavers.
[0009] There is also a desire to provide more versatile surface processing equipment.SE2350422A1 describes a floor shaver with a novel type of saw blade carrier. The saw blade carrier allows for easier installation and removal of a blade assembly from the drive shaft of the floor shaver, and for reduced overall vibration of the floor shaver during use. Aspects of the saw blade carrier also allows it to be used as an adapter that allows installation of saw blades on different types of surface processing equipment, such as floor scarifiers.
[0010] GB2308963A relates to machinery comprising rotatable tools for garden, landscape or yard work. The tools can be driven in forward and reverse rotational directions by either of two different driving elements, i.e., a type of reversible transmission.
[0011] GB2301012A describes a device for garden, landscape or yard care. The device comprises tools that are attached to the housing in such a way that the position of the tools relative to the ground is simultaneously changeable, whereby the tools may alternatively be moved into the operating position while in each case the other one is moved into an inoperative position of rest.
[0012] DE19837038C1 shows a hand operated height adjustable lawn mower.
[0013] DE102022130076A1 describes a floor saw with first and second dust extraction apertures arranged on opposite lateral sides of a saw blade axis of rotation.
[0014] EP3745938B1 relates to machines for cleaning and washing floors.
[0015] SUMMARY
[0016] It is an objective of the present disclosure to simplify operation and maintenance of surface processing equipment such as floor scarifiers and floor shavers. This objective is at least in part obtained by surface processing equipment comprising a chassis arranged to support a drive motor and a rotatable tool carrier drum. The drive motor is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum in an upcut direction or in a downcut direction, for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum. The surface processing equipment comprises a branched dust extractionconduit that extends from a first dust extraction aperture over a first part and from a second dust extraction aperture over a second part to a common dust extraction interface of the surface processing equipment. This branched dust extraction conduit allows dust to be extracted at two different places in a tool carrier drum housing of the equipment, which promotes more efficient dust extraction that can handle both upcut and downcut operation of the tool carrier drum. The first dust extraction aperture and the second dust extraction aperture are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the rotatable tool carrier drum seen in a direction of travel of the equipment, which means that one of the apertures is positioned for extracting dust generated during upcut rotation of the tool carrier drum and the other aperture is positioned to extract dust generated during downcut rotation of the tool carrier drum. The first dust extraction aperture and the second dust extraction aperture can for instance be positioned such that they are separated by a vertical plane intersecting the center axis of the tool carrier drum.
[0017] The surface processing equipment preferably also comprises a first blocking member and a second blocking member. Each of the blocking members are configurable in an open state and in a blocked state. The first part and the second part of the branched dust extraction conduit is arranged to be selectively blocked by the first and second blocking members, respectively. This means that a suitable dust extraction aperture can be selected based on whether the equipment is operated in upcut or in downcut mode. This selection improves the performance of the dust extraction. The first and second blocking members may, e.g., comprise pivotable hatches, sliding hatches, shutter like mechanisms, removable obstructions such as plugs, and so on.
[0018] According to an example, the first and second blocking members are manually operable, which means that an operator can select which dust extraction conduit to use by manual manipulation of the blocking members. The blocking members may, e.g., be connected to levers or the like that extend from the blocking member to a position on the outside of the surface processing equipment where the operator can manipulate it. The first and second blocking members may also comprise a joint actuation mechanism that is configurablein a first position and in a second position, where the first blocking member is in its open state and the second blocking member is in its closed state in the first position, where the second blocking member is in its open state and the first blocking member is in its closed state in the second position. This joint actuator simplifies selection of dust extraction conduit and makes it less likely that the blocking members are erroneously configured, e.g., with both blocking members in the closed state or both blocking members in the open state. According to some aspects, the first and second blocking members comprise respective electric actuators configured to transition the blocking member between the open state and the blocked state in response to a control signal. This way the selection of dust extraction conduit can be automated or at least simplified. The operator can select which dust extraction aperture to use by a control input device such as a button or a selector arranged on a machine interface of the surface processing equipment. The surface processing equipment can also comprise a control unit configured to automatically transition the first and second blocking members between their respective open and closed states in dependence of a user configuration of the surface processing equipment, such as if the surface processing equipment is configured to be used for floor scarifying (downcut operation) or floor shaving (upcut operation).
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the first dust extraction aperture and / or the second dust extraction aperture comprises a comb-like structure that extends along at least a part of the tool carrier drum transversal to the direction of travel to at least partly restrict the apertures. The comb-like structure is configured to filter an air flow entering the branched dust extraction conduit. The comb-like structure, which may be formed in a resilient material such as rubber or silicone, acts like a filter which prevents large pieces of debris from entering into the dust extraction conduit. The comb-like structure also restricts the air flow, thereby increasing the air flow speed to promote dust extraction. The comb-like structure preferably extends parallel to the center axis of the tool carrier drum, in a vertical plane. The lower part of the comb-like structure maybe positioned to engage the surface that is processed or may be positioned some small distance above the surface.
[0020] The surface processing equipment discussed herein optionally comprises a motor driver that is configured to provide a drive current to the drive motor. The motor driver is adapted to control a direction of rotation of the drive motor in dependence of a control input signal. This way the rotation direction of the tool carrier drum can be changed easily by manipulation of the control input signal. The operator can, for instance, select rotation direction from a user interface of the surface processing equipment in a convenient manner. The motor driver can also be configured to control a speed of rotation of the drive motor in dependence of the direction of rotation of the drive motor, such that a desired speed of rotation is used for the floor surfacing operation being performed by the equipment. The speed of rotation of the tool carrier drum together with the radius of the tool carrier drum governs the tool speed, i.e., the tangential velocity of the cutting segments on the blades of a tool drum equipped for shaving, or the cutters on a tool drum equipped for scarifying. Each tool is normally associated with a preferred tool speed. Hence, if the dimensions of the tool carrier drum changes to a larger or a smaller radius drum, the speed of rotation is preferably adapted to fit the new dimension. The control of the surface processing operations can be controlled from a user interface arranged on the equipment or by remote control device.
[0021] The motor driver can for instance be configured to control the drive motor to output an axle speed corresponding to a rotation speed of the tool carrier drum of between 1200-1400 rpm and preferably 1300 rpm which is a sped suitable for floor scarifying, or between 1900-2100 rpm and preferably 2000rpm, which is a speed suitable for floor shaving. It is an advantage that the equipment is able to configure itself automatically in dependence of the desired surface processing operation. This automated configuration may comprise setting of rotation direction, setting of rotation speed, and also configuration of the first and second blocking members that govern the function of the branched dust extraction conduit.The surface processing equipment discussed herein may also comprise a control unit that is configured to monitor a load of the drive motor in use, and to display the load on a display device of the surface processing equipment. The load may, e.g., be measured as applied drive axle torque, applied drive axle speed, or a function of axle speed and axle torque. The drive motor load may also be measured in terms of winding current magnitude in the drive motor. The control unit may be a separate control unit or an integral part of a motor driver of the drive motor. It is an advantage that the operator can see what the drive motor load is in real time when processing a surface by the surface processing equipment, since this allows the operator to adjust various operating parameters of the surface processing equipment to improve performance of the equipment in dependence of the operating conditions off the equipment. The operator may, e.g., change working depth of the tool carrier drum, and / or manipulate the propulsion speed of the equipment over the surface.
[0022] According to other examples, the control unit is configured to compare the load of the drive motor to a predetermined acceptance criterion, such as a threshold or acceptable range, and to trigger a warning signal of the surface processing equipment in case the load of the drive motor fails to satisfy the predetermined acceptance criterion. The warning signal may comprise both audio signals and visual indications. This warning signal notifies the operator of the undesired load conditions, such that he or she may take action to resolve the problem. A warning signal may also be triggered in case the electrical supply from electrical mains fails to satisfy one or more acceptance criteria, such as voltage level and frequency stability of the electrical supply.
[0023] The surface processing equipment may also comprise a depth gauge that is configured to indicate a current operating depth of the tool carrier drum. The depth gauge is arranged to be manually reset by an operator of the surface processing equipment. This resettable depth gauge represents a convenient way for the operator to monitor working depth of the tool carrier drum, and to set a desired working depth off the tool carrier drum. The depth gauge can, for instance, be reset when the tool carrier drum rests on an unprocessed surface,whereupon the depth gauge will indicate the current working depth of the tool carrier drum, e.g., in mm or in inches.
[0024] Aspects of the surface processing equipment discussed herein also relates to a resettable depth gauge arrangement. The resettable depth gauge arrangement comprises an indicator wheel that is arranged to roll in response to movement by a depth manipulator member. The indicator wheel is biased against the depth manipulator member by a tensioning member and the indicator wheel is also manually separable from the depth manipulator member. This means that the indicator wheel can be moved to arbitrary position, such as a rest position, when separated from the depth manipulator member. The indicator wheel will follow the position of the depth manipulator member when not separated therefrom in order to indicate the current working depth of the tool carrier drum. The resettable depth gauge arrangement is robust in terms of depth indication, shows depth clearly, and is also easy to use for an operator at the work site.
[0025] According to some aspects, the surface processing equipment is at least partly supported by a rear wheel assembly that comprises rear wheels and an excentre wheel brake arranged to apply a braking force to the rear wheels. The excentre wheel brake is arranged to slow down the surface processing equipment in the direction of travel and allow movement in the reverse direction, i.e., the direction opposite to the direction of travel. The excentre wheel brake is thus a one-way brake which brakes the rear wheels in one rotation direction and not in the other direction of rotation. This means that the wheel brake prevents the machine from rushing forward as the tool carrier drum is activated in downcut direction when it acts like a drive wheel. However, the machine is still easy to reverse during maneuvering on the surface since the wheel brake only engages in the forward direction and not when the rear wheels are reversed. The rear wheel assembly optionally comprises a brake engagement lever configured to selectively engage and disengage the excentre wheel brake. The brake engagement lever is preferably arranged in connection to the rear wheels, where it can be manipulated by the foot of an operator.According to some aspects, the rear wheel assembly comprises an adjustable tensioning member arranged to adjust a brake force of the excentre wheel brake when the wheel brake is engaged. This adjustable tensioning member can be used to regulate the brake force of the excentre wheel brake in order to set a desired speed of the surface processing equipment in the direction of travel during scarifying when the tool carrier drum operates as a drive wheel that propels the equipment over the surface.
[0026] Aspects of the surface processing equipment discussed herein comprises an operating interface that is arranged at a distal end of a handlebar portion of the equipment. The operating interface comprises a depth adjustment arrangement that is operable to adjust a working depth of the tool carrier drum . The depth adjustment arrangement is connected via mechanical linkage to a vertical displacement member which is arranged to adjust a vertical position of rear wheels of the surface processing equipment relative to an extension plane of the chassis. The mechanical linkage can be arranged to fold together with the handlebar portion from an extended position to a folded position. Alternatively, the mechanical linkage can be separable into two parts in order to allow the handlebar portion to be folded from its extended position to the folded position. This way the mechanical linkage does not prevent folding down of the handlebar portion into a more compact transport position of the surface processing equipment. The state of the mechanical linkage and the depth adjustment arrangement does not change as a result of folding, which means that the same depth setting will remain once the handlebar portion is unfolded again to its nominal operating position. The mechanical linkage may for instance comprise a universal joint, or a flexible member such as a piece of pneumatic or hydraulic hose, which allows folding together with the handlebar portion.
[0027] According to other aspects, the surface processing equipment comprises a handlebar portion arranged extending out from the chassis. The handlebar portion comprises a handlebar arranged at a distal end of the handlebar portion. The handlebar portion comprises an operator presence control (OPC) lever that is arranged to be pressed against the handlebar when the equipmentis operated. The OPC lever extends transversally across the handlebar, which allows the operator to press the OPC lever against the handlebar regardless of if the operator is standing to the rear of the equipment, or on the left or right side of the surface processing equipment.
[0028] The surface processing equipment may also comprise a rear wheel drive arrangement that is operable to drive rear wheels of the surface processing equipment in order to move the equipment over the surface. The rear wheel drive arrangement comprises a differential gear arranged between a rear wheel drive motor of the rear wheel drive arrangement and the rear wheels of the surface processing equipment. The differential gear allows the rear wheels to be rotated at different speeds while still being driven by a single rear wheel motor. Another advantage of the differential gear is that the wheels can be rotated in different direction without rotating the rear wheel drive motor shaft. This allows the surface processing equipment to be maneuvered more easily when tilted backwards onto its rear wheels.
[0029] According to some aspects, the surface processing equipment comprises a left rear wheel brake and a right rear wheel brake. The left rear wheel brake and the right rear wheel brake are selectively engageable in order to steer the equipment over the surface. This is possible due to the differential which will transfer drive torque between the wheels in dependence of the encountered resistance. Hence, an applied braking force at one wheel will cause the other wheel to rotate faster, thereby steering the equipment.
[0030] There are also disclosed processing circuits, computer programs, computer program products as well as methods associated with the advantages mentioned above.
[0031] Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a / an / the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to beperformed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person realizes that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, where
[0034] Figure 1 shows example surface processing equipment;
[0035] Figure 2 A illustrates surface processing equipment adapted for shaving; Figure 2B shows surface processing equipment adapted for scarifying; Figures 3A-B show a blocking member in closed and open states;
[0036] Figure 4 shows a comb-like element for a dust extraction conduit; Figure 5 shows an example dust extractor;
[0037] Figures 6A-B illustrate tool carrier drums adapted with different tools;
[0038] Figure 7 illustrates surface processing equipment drive motor control; Figure 8 shows an example operator interface;
[0039] Figure 9 illustrates a rear wheel assembly with a rear wheel brake; Figures 10A-C show engagement and disengagement of a rear wheel brake; Figures 11 A-B illustrate automatic disengagement of a rear wheel brake; Figures 12A-B illustrate folding of an example handlebar portion;
[0040] Figure 13 shows details of a foldable tool depth control member;
[0041] Figures 14A-B illustrate folding of another example handlebar portion;
[0042] Figure 15 shows details of a foldable tool depth control member;Figure 16 shows an example tool depth indicator arrangement;
[0043] Figure 17 illustrates an example handlebar portion;
[0044] Figure 18 shows a handle locking mechanism;
[0045] Figures 19A-B illustrate a differential rear wheel drive arrangement;
[0046] Figures 20A-B show surface processing equipment operating modes; and Figures 21 A-B show aspects of a vibration damped handlebar.
[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms within the scope of the appended claims and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments and aspects set forth in this detailed description; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.
[0049] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.
[0050] Figure 1 illustrates example surface processing equipment 100. The equipment 100 comprises a chassis 110 which supports a drive motor 120 that is arranged to rotate a tool carrier drum 130 about a drive shaft 135 aligned with a center axis of the tool carrier drum. The drive shaft 135 extends transversally with respect to a direction of travel T of the equipment 100. The reverse direction R, i.e., the direction opposite to the direction of travel T, is also indicated in Figure 1. The tool carrier drum 130 has an at least approximate cylindrical shape and is rotatably supported at both ends by thechassis 110. The tool carrier drum 130, in use, rotates about its center axis to process the surface 101 underneath the surface processing equipment 100 by tools arranged along the lateral surface of the tool carrier drum 130.
[0051] In this example the drive motor 120 is an electric motor. However, other drive units are also possible, such as a combustion engine and a hydraulically powered drive motor.
[0052] A drive belt transmission, a chain drive, a geared transmission, or the like can be used to transfer drive torque from the drive motor 120 to the tool carrier drum 130. A direct connection between drive motor 120 and the tool carrier drum 130 is also possible. Note that the drive shaft does not necessarily transmit drive torque to the tool carrier drum, it may only be used to support the tool carrier drum in use.
[0053] The tool carrier drum 130 is, basically, a right circular cylinder shaped object with two opposing disc-shaped end surfaces and a lateral curved surface that extends between the end surfaces. The drive shaft 135 is normal to the opposing disc-shaped end surfaces. The lateral surface of the tool carrier drum engages the surface 101 in use. The tool carrier drum 130 supports surface processing tools on its lateral surface. The tools engage the ground surface 101 to be processed. An example transmission 1920 based on pulleys and a drive belt is used on the equipment 100 shown in Figures 19A-B.
[0054] The surface processing equipment 100 may comprise a control unit 180, such as programmable digital logic configured to control one or more operations of the surface processing equipment 100. The control unit 180 may or may not be integrated with motor driver circuitry configured to control the (electric) drive motor 120.
[0055] A handlebar portion 140 that can be used by an operator to guide the equipment 100 extends out from the chassis 110. The handlebar portion 140 comprises a handlebar 141 at its distal end. Some surface processing equipment 100 is manually guided, while other types of surface processing equipment 100 comprises a wheel motor arrangement that propels the equipment over the surface 101. There are also steered surface processingequipment 100 which comprise steering arrangements arranged for maneuvering the equipment 100 on the surface 101.
[0056] The handlebar portion 140 comprises an operator presence control (OPC) arrangement which requires the operator to depress a lever 145 (in direction of the handlebar 141) in order to operate the equipment 100. The tool carrier drum 130 will cease to rotate, or at least slow down, if the transversal lever 145 is released. Any wheel motors of the surface processing equipment may also stop if the lever 145 is released.
[0057] The equipment 100 is supported on a ground surface by front wheels 150 and by rear wheels 160. At least the rear wheels 160 are adjustable vertically relative to the chassis 110, by a vertical displacement member 165, such that the position of the tool carrier drum 130 relative to the ground surface can be adjusted by the operator. The position of the tool carrier drum 130 relative to the support plane defined by the front wheels 150 and by the rear wheels 160 determines the depth of the surface processing operation, i.e., how much of the surface that is removed.
[0058] The rear wheels 160 may comprise a wheel motor arrangement that can be used to propel the surface processing equipment 100 over the surface, and also to brake the equipment in case of scarifying when the tool carrier drum acts as a propulsion device which urges the equipment in the direction of travel T.
[0059] It is appreciated that the surface processing equipment 100 can also be supported in other ways. The chassis 110 may for instance be supported at the distal end of a tool carrier arm on construction equipment such as an excavator or a remote controlled demolition robot. This way the equipment 100 can also be used to process surfaces such as walls and ceilings in an efficient manner. The hydraulic system of the demolition robot can then be used to also power the tool carrier drum of the surface processing equipment.
[0060] A distancing roller 170 is arranged at the front part of the chassis 110 to protect walls and other objects from the surface processing equipment 100. The distancing roller 170 is rotatably attached to the chassis 110 such that it canrotate about a vertical axis V and thus keep a suitable distance between the equipment 100 and, e.g., a nearby wall or another object.
[0061] The surface processing equipment 100 can be used both for floor scarifying and for floor shaving, depending on the type of tools mounted on the tool carrier drum 130. The tool carrier drum 130 is rotated in different directions depending on the type of surface processing operation to be performed. The drive motor 120 is arranged to drive the tool carrier drum 130 in a clockwise direction and in a counterclockwise direction, i.e., in a downcut direction and in an upcut direction. Whether a clockwise drive direction corresponds to upcut or downcut of course depends on the transmission mechanism and viewing angle. Suffice it to say that the drive motor 120 is arranged to drive the tool carrier drum 130 in both directions of rotation. The change of direction of rotation can be implemented as a change of direction of the drive motor output shaft rotation, or by a gear change in the transmission between the drive motor 120 and the tool carrier drum 130.
[0062] Figure 2A illustrates the surface processing equipment 100 adapted for use as a floor shaver. In this case a plurality of coaxial abrasive cutting blades 210 have been fit onto the tool carrier drum 130 to rotate about the drive shaft 135. The cutting blades 210 cut into the ground surface 101 as the equipment is moved in the direction of travel T, thereby removing an upper layer of the surface. Figure 6A illustrates an example tool carrier drum 130 fitted with cutting blades 210. The cutting blades 210 are separated from each other by spacers 610.
[0063] When used for floor shaving, the tool carrier drum 130 is rotated in upcut direction U, i.e., away from the ground surface as illustrated in Figure 2A. The upcut direction urges the equipment in a direction opposite to the intended direction of travel T. Some surface processing equipment 100 comprise driven support wheels which propel the equipment in the direction of travel, while other types of surface processing equipment 100 is pushed manually by an operator over the surface.Figure 2B illustrates the surface processing equipment 100 adapted for use as a floor scarifier. In this case the tool carrier drum 130 has been fitted with floor scarifier tools 220, commonly known as cutters. The floor scarifier tools 220 are loosely fitted onto lateral tool shafts 620 arranged on the rotatable tool carrier drum 130, as shown in Figure 6B. The floor scarifier tools 220 “slam” into the surface 101 as the drum is rotated, thereby removing a top layer of the surface that is processed by the equipment 100.
[0064] The tool carrier drum 130 is rotated in a downcut direction D when used for scarifying, as illustrated in Figure 2B. A tool which rotates in downcut direction rotates into the ground surface material, thus urging the equipment 100 in the direction of travel T. It may be desired to brake at least some of the support wheels of the equipment 100 during scarifying. A rear wheel brake arrangement will be discussed below in connection to Figures 9, 10A-C, and 11A-B. It is also possible to brake the equipment using a wheel motor connected to, e.g., the rear wheels 160 of the equipment 100. A wheel motor will be discussed in more detail below in connection to Figures 19A-B.
[0065] Dust and debris are generated as the surface processing equipment 100 is moved over the surface 101, regardless of whether the tool carrier drum is adapted as a shaving tool comprising coaxial cutting blades or as a scarifier tool comprising cutters arranged on lateral tool shafts.
[0066] It is often desired to extract the dust and debris which is generated during use of the surface processing equipment 100, i.e., to collect the dust and debris by a dust extractor. An example dust extractor 500 is illustrated in Figure 5. The dust extractor 500 generates an airflow which guides dust and debris from the floor surface processing equipment 100 via a suction hose into an inlet 510 of the dust extractor 500. The dust can then be collected in a dust container (not shown in Figure 5). Dust extractors are generally known and will therefore not be discussed in more detail herein.
[0067] During upcut operation, when the tool carrier drum 130 is rotated in the upcut direction U as shown in Figure 2A, the dust is ejected from the contact area between the tools and the floor surface in the forward direction, i.e., in theintended direction of travel T, as illustrated by the dashed line 250 in Figure 2A.
[0068] During downcut operation, when the tool is instead rotated in the downcut direction D as shown in Figure 2B, the dust is ejected in the opposite direction, i.e., from the contact area between the tools and the floor surface in a direction opposite to the intended direction of travel T, as illustrated by the dashed line 260 in Figure 2B.
[0069] A branched dust extraction conduit 270, 271 , 272 has been configured on the surface processing equipment 100 to optimize dust extraction performance. The branched dust extraction conduit extends from a first dust extraction aperture 235 over a first part 271 and from a second dust extraction aperture 245 over a second part 272 via a branching portion 273 to a dust extraction interface 270 of the surface processing equipment 100. The dust extraction interface 270 is adapted to be connected to a dust extractor, such as the dust extractor 500 illustrated in Figure 5. The dust extractor 500 may also be an onboard dust extractor system, which is supported by the chassis 110 of the surface processing equipment 100. The first dust extraction aperture 235 and the second dust extraction aperture 245 are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the rotatable tool carrier drum 130 seen in a direction of travel T of the equipment 100. The first dust extraction aperture 235 and the second dust extraction aperture 245 can for instance be separated from each other by a vertical plane which intersects the center axis of the tool carrier drum 130. This means that the first dust extraction aperture 235 is well situated to extract dust generated during scarifying (downcut operation) while the second dust extraction aperture 245 is better situated to extract dust generated during shaving (upcut operation). The first part and the second part of the branched dust extraction conduit can be arranged to be selectively blocked by first and second blocking members 230, 240, respectively. This means that the first part 271 of the branched dust extraction conduit, i.e., the part that leads to the first dust extraction aperture 235, is blocked by the first blocking member 230 when the first blocking member 230 is placed in its blocked state. Similarly, the second part 272 of the branched dust extraction conduit, i.e., the part that leadsto the second dust extraction aperture 245, is blocked by the second blocking member 240 when the second blocking member is placed in its blocked state. Consequently, by switching the blocking members, the dust extraction airflow is switched between the first and the second dust extraction apertures.
[0070] It is appreciated that the first and second blocking members 230, 240 are optional. It is also possible to leave both the first part and the second part of the branched dust extraction conduit open during operation.
[0071] In Figure 2A, the first blocking member 230 is in its blocked state and the second blocking member 240 is in its open state to allow the dust extraction air flow from the first aperture to pass through to the dust extraction interface 270, while, in Figure 2B, the first blocking member 230 is in its open state and the second blocking member 240 is in its closed state. Thus, in Figure 2B the dust extraction air flow goes from the second dust extraction aperture 245 to the dust extraction interface 270.
[0072] Figures 3A-B illustrate an example blocking member 230, 240. In this case the blocking member 230, 240 comprises a pivotable hatch 310 attached at one end to a pivot 320. The other end of the hatch 310 describes an arc segment 330 as the hatch pivots from its closed state where the dust extraction conduit is blocked into its open state where the dust extraction conduit is open to allow passage by an air flow. A control device such as a knob or a lever can be attached to the hatch and guided out through a slit having a shape matched to the arc, in order to allowan operator to control the state of the blocking member from the outside. Example blocking member control knobs 1930, 1940 can be seen on the equipment 100 illustrated in Figure 19B. Figure 19B in combination with Figures 3A-B illustrate example first and second blocking members 230, 240 that are manually operable.
[0073] The first and second blocking members 230, 240 may also comprise respective electrical actuators configured to transition the blocking member between the open state and the blocked state in response to an electric control signal. A control unit 180 may then transmit control signals to the actuators in order to open and block the first and second parts of the branched dustextraction conduit, in dependence of the operation to be performed by the surface processing equipment 100. The control unit 180 may, e.g., automatically configure the blocking members in dependence of a direction of rotation that is selected for the tool carrier drum, e.g., by monitoring the state of the input control device 820 of the example user interface 800 illustrated in Figure 8, which will be discussed in more detail below. Thus, the blocking members are automatically configured as part of the set-up of the surface processing equipment 100 for scarifying or shaving, together with, e.g., configuration of a motor driver 710 of the drive motor 120, which will be discussed in more detail below. To summarize, the surface processing equipment 100 discussed herein optionally comprises a control unit 180, 710 that is configured to automatically transition the first and second blocking members 230, 240 between their respective open and closed states in dependence of a user configuration 820 of the surface processing equipment 100, 800. The transition pattern is such that one of the blocking members is open while the other is closed.
[0074] According to another example, not illustrated in the drawings, the first and second blocking members 230, 240 comprise a joint actuation mechanism configurable in a first position and in a second position. The first blocking member is in its open state and the second blocking member is in its closed state in the first position of the joint actuation mechanism. The reverse is true in case the joint actuator is in its second position, i.e., the second blocking member is in its open state and the first blocking member is in its closed state when the joint actuation mechanism is in the second position. The first position of the joint actuation mechanism selects the first dust extraction aperture 235 while the second position of the joint actuation mechanism selects the second dust extraction aperture 245. The joint actuation mechanism can be a mechanical arrangement comprising connecting rods or the like, or an electrical arrangement comprising electrical actuators and a control unit which governs the electrical actuators.
[0075] Figure 4 illustrates a comb-like structure 400 which may be arranged in connection to the first dust extraction aperture 235 and / or in connection to thesecond dust extraction aperture 245. The comb-like structure comprises a base portion with tines or teeth that extend towards the surface 101. The gaps formed between the tines constitute the dust extraction aperture. The comblike structure 400 extends transversally along at least a part of the tool carrier drum 130, in direction of the center axis C of the tool carrier drum 130, in order to filter out some of the largest pieces of debris generated during processing of the surface 101. The comb-like structure 400 also restricts the air flow in order to increase the air speed of the dust extraction air flow, which improves the dust extraction performance. The comb-like structure 400 is preferably formed in a resilient material such as rubber or silicone. The comb-like structure 400 may be formed as a planar element which extends in a vertical plane parallel to the center axis of the tool carrier drum.
[0076] Figure 7 schematically illustrates an electric motor drive system 700 suitable for use with the surface processing equipment 100. The electric motor drive system 700 comprises a motor driver 710 configured to provide a drive current 720 to the drive motor 120 in a known manner. The motor driver 710 may comprise an inverter, i.e., a conversion between a direct current (DC) feed and an alternating current (AC) winding current of the drive motor 120. The drive motor 120 may, e.g., be a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, such as a radial flux motor or an axial flux motor. The motor driver 710 is adapted to control a direction of rotation D, U of the drive motor 120 in dependence of a control input signal, indicated in Figure 7 as a counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW) signal. This means that the direction of rotation is automatically selected based on whether the operator has configured the surface processing equipment to be used as a floor scarifying tool or as a floor shaving tool.
[0077] Figure 8 illustrate some example elements of a user interface 800 which may be used together with the surface processing equipment 100 discussed herein. The operator input signal CCW / CW may, e.g., be provided via the control know 820 illustrated in the example user interface 800 in Figure 8.
[0078] The example user interface 800 may be arranged on the surface processing equipment 100, or remote from the surface processing equipment on a remotecontrol device. In case of remote control, the OPC lever 145 is overridden, and replaced by a corresponding function implemented on the remote control device.
[0079] More generally, the remote control device may comprise a user interface configured to control any of a direction of rotation of the tool carrier drum, a speed of rotation of the tool carrier drum, a wheel motor speed for moving the surface processing equipment 100 over the surface 101, and also steering of the surface processing equipment by different rear wheel motor speeds or differential braking applied to the rear wheels 160 of the surface processing equipment 100.
[0080] The motor driver 710 may also be configured to output a warning signal indicative of a fault state of the driver, or a state associated with overload, i.e., if the drive motor 120 is under excessive load which cannot be supported for an extended period of time. Load indication and warning signals will be discussed below in connection with the load indication component 870 and the warning indication 880 in the interface 800 shown in Figure 8.
[0081] The motor driver 710 is optionally also configured to control a speed of rotation of the drive motor 120 in dependence of the direction of rotation D, U of the drive motor 120. The motor driver 710 can for instance be configured to control the drive motor 120 to output an axle speed corresponding to a first rotation speed and a second rotation speed of the tool carrier drum 130. The first rotation speed may be associated with downcut rotation while the second rotation speed is associated with upcut rotation of the tool carrier drum 130. The first rotation speed (downcut - scarifying) may be between 1200-1400 rpm and preferably about 1300 rpm. The second rotation speed (upcut - shaving) may be between 1900-2100 rpm and preferably 2000rpm.
[0082] According to other aspects, the control unit 180 and / or the motor driver 710 of the surface processing equipment 100 is configured to monitor a load of the drive motor 120, and to display the load on a display device, such as the light emitting diode (LED) bar 870 on the interface 800. This way the operator receives information about the current load on the drive motor 120, which isindicative of if the surface processing equipment 100 is used as intended, with too low load or with too high load. The drive motor load can be increased either by increasing the propulsion speed 830 or by increasing the tool depth 850, and vice versa.
[0083] According to some aspects, the control unit 180, and / or the motor drive unit 710, is configured to compare the load of the drive motor 120 to a predetermined acceptance criterion, such as a threshold, an acceptance range, or a more advanced acceptance criterion. The control unit 180, and / or the motor drive unit 710, can then be configured to trigger a warning signal 880 of the surface processing equipment 100 in case the load of the drive motor 120 fails to satisfy the predetermined acceptance criterion. The warning signal may be emitted using an audio signal such as a buzzer sound, as a visual indicator 880, or a combination of sound and visual indication.
[0084] Figure 8 illustrates example elements 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, 860, 870, 880 of a user interface 800 which can be used with the surface processing equipment 100. Note, however, that user interfaces may take on widely different forms. The present disclosure is not limited to the example user interface 800 shown in Figure 8. It is understood that a subset of the user interface elements shown in Figure 8 can be used, not all elements are required in combination.
[0085] The user interface 800 of the surface processing equipment 100 may comprise an electronic control unit 180 configured to send and to receive various control commands to actuators of the equipment 100 and also receive data from various sensors arranged on the equipment 100.
[0086] Control element 810 is a drive selector which can be used to control drive means of the surface processing equipment 100. An electric motor may, e.g., be arranged in connection to the rear wheels 160 in order to move the equipment 100 over the surface 101. This type of rear wheel drive arrangement will be discussed in more detail below in connection to Figures 19A-B. The activation of the equipment propulsion may be conditioned on that an operator depresses the OPC lever 145.Control element 820 is a selector for direction of rotation of the tool carrier drum 130. The selector can be placed in CCW mode for counterclockwise rotation and in CW mode for clockwise rotation. This signal may, as noted above, also be used for automatic configuration of the blocking members 230, 240 of the dust extraction system on the surface processing equipment 100, and to automatically configure the rotation speed of the tool carrier drum in dependence of the direction of rotation.
[0087] Control element 830 is a propulsion speed control, which is used to control the propulsion speed of the equipment 100 over the surface 101. The propulsion speed can be controlled, e.g., by regulating the speed of a rear wheel motor. The control element can be used to optimize the drive speed for improved performance and power consumption. The speed control is advantageously used together with the load indication 870 which shows the current load on the drive motor.
[0088] Control element 840 activates the drive motor 120 to rotate the tool carrier drum 130. The activation of the drive motor 120 may be conditioned on that an operator depresses the OPC lever 145.
[0089] Control element 850 is a depth adjustment arrangement which is used to set the surface processing depth, i.e., how much of the surface that is to be removed by the tool. The depth of the tool has an effect on the load on the drive motor 120. An operator may adjust the propulsion speed 830 and the processing depth 830 to optimize the operation of the surface processing equipment 100. The depth gauge 860 is configured to indicate a current operating depth of the tool carrier drum 130. The depth gauge 860 is arranged to be manually reset by an operator of the surface processing equipment 100. An example resettable depth gauge 1600 is shown in Figure 16. The example resettable depth gauge arrangement 1600 illustrated in Figure 16 comprises an indicator wheel 860 arranged to roll in response to movement by a depth manipulator member 1610. The indicator wheel 860 is biased 1620 against the depth manipulator member 1610 by a tensioning member 1620. The indicator wheel 860 is manually separable from the depth manipulator member 1610,which allows it to be turned independently of the depth manipulator member 1610.
[0090] Figures 20A-B show a working mode and a transport mode configuration of the surface processing equipment 100. A lever 2000 is operable to lift the tool carrier drum 130 up from the surface 101, using the same depth adjustment arrangement 850, 1200 that is used for adjusting working depth of the tool. The lever 2000 is pivotably attached 2010 to the body frame 2020. The pivot axis is indicated in Figure 20A by the dashed-dotted line.
[0091] The position of the lever 2000 controls the vertical position of the mechanical linkage 1200. In Figure 20Athe lever is in a nominal position corresponding to a working mode of the equipment 100. When the operator presses the lever 2000 downwards, the surface processing equipment 100 transitions from the working mode where the tool carrier drum 130 engages the surface into a transport mode where the tool carrier drum 130 is lifted vertically up from the surface.
[0092] The lever 2000 is attached to a lifting member 2030 which supports the mechanical linkage 1200. The lifting member 2030 is moved upwards when the lever is depressed due to excentric attachment to the body frame, which also moves the mechanical linkage 1200 upwards, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 20B. Moving the mechanical linkage upwards results in a vertical upwards movement also of the tool carrier drum 130. In the example embodiment shown in Figures 20A-B, the mechanical linkage 1200 remains normal to the lifting member 2030 by the link arm arrangement 2040 as the lever 2000 is operated. As the lever 2000 is operated the arrangement pivots about the dash-dotted axis, which pivoting motion moves the lifting member 2030 upwards and downwards. The lifting member remains normal to the extension direction of the mechanical linkage 1200 due to the link arm arrangement 2040. It is appreciated that the details of the mechanical implementation of the lever arrangement illustrated in Figures 20A-B can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.The lever arrangement simplifies lifting the tool carrier drum 130 due to the mechanical advantage offered by the lever and link arm arrangement.
[0093] It is an advantage that the lever can be operated by a foot of the operator, since this allows the operator to keep his or her hands on the handlebar while operating the lever.
[0094] The tool carrier drum 130 is raised between 10-20mm in the transport position compared to the working position, and preferably about 15mm.
[0095] Figures 20A-B also illustrates an example dust extraction interface 2050 and a hose support collar 2060, which is not inextricably linked to the features of the lever arrangement. The dust extractor interface 2050 comprises a rigid tubular member which is in fluid communication with the branched dust extraction conduit discussed herein. A dust extraction hose can be connected to the dust extractor interface 2050 in order to extract dust generated by the tool carrier drum in operation. The dust extractor hose can be guided through the support collar 2060 which keeps the hose out of the way as the surface processing equipment 100 is used. The collar is optionally arranged to be opened in order to receive the hose without having to guide the hose in through the collar.
[0096] Figures 9, 10A-C, and 11A-B show a wheel brake suitable for the surface processing arrangement 100. Figure 9 and Figures 10A-C show a rear wheel assembly 900 comprising the rear wheels 160 and an excentre wheel brake 910. The excentre wheel brake 910 is arranged to brake the surface processing equipment 100 in the direction of travel T, and allow movement in reverse direction R opposite to the direction of travel T. This is made possible due to the excentre mechanism which increases the brake force when the rear wheels 160 are moved in the forward direction F, and releases the brake force when the rear wheels 160 are moved in the reverse direction R.
[0097] The rear wheel assembly 900 also comprises a brake engagement lever 920 configured to selectively engage 1010 and disengage 1020 the excentre wheel brake 910. The operator may, e.g., push 1010 on the brake engagement lever 920 using a foot in order to engage the rear wheel brake, as shown in Figure10A, and release the rear wheel brake by moving the brake engagement lever upwards 1020 as illustrated in Figure 10B.
[0098] Figure 10C shows an example of how the brake lever 920 can be connected to the excentre wheel brake 910. In this example the lever 920 is pivotably connected to the rear wheel assembly 900 to rotate about a lever pivot axis 920. When the lever is manipulated to rotate about the axis 920, it interacts with the trunnion 911 which is received in the slot 921. Thus, as the lever 920 is depressed 1010, the trunnion is forced upwards and the excentre wheel brake 910 rotates about the axis 915 into engagement with the rear wheel 160. If the lever 920 is instead moved upwards 1020, the trunnion is forced downwards which disengages the excentre wheel brake 910 from the rear wheel 160. The slot 911 allows the excentre wheel brake 910 to disengage from the rear wheel 160 as a result of the rear wheel rotating in reverse direction R, in which case the trunnion moves downwards in the slot 921 as shown in Figure 10C.
[0099] The rear wheel assembly 900 optionally comprises an adjustable tensioning member 930, 940 that is arranged to adjust a brake force of the excentre wheel brake 910 when engaged. The adjustable tensioning member comprises a spring or other resilient member with a support that can be moved back and forth to adjust the tension in the spring. The operator can thereby adjust the travel speed of the surface processing equipment 100 during, e.g., scarifying when the tool carrier drum 130 propels the equipment over the surface 101 due to the downcut direction of rotation.
[0100] As discussed above, the surface processing equipment 100 optionally comprises an operating interface 800 arranged at a distal end of a handlebar portion 140, as shown in Figure 1. The operating interface 800 comprises a depth adjustment arrangement 850 operable to adjust a working depth of the tool carrier drum 130, exemplified in Figure 8. The depth adjustment arrangement 850 is mechanically connected via mechanical linkage 1200, 1300 to a vertical displacement member 165 operable to adjust a vertical position of rear wheels 160 of the surface processing equipment 100 relativeto an extension plane of the chassis 110, as shown in Figures 12A-B and in Figures 14A-B.
[0101] According to some aspects, the handle portion 140 is arranged to be folded about the folding axis F. To support the folding of the handle portion 140, while maintaining the depth setting, the mechanical linkage 1200, 1300 can be arranged to fold together with the handlebar portion 140 from an extended position to a folder position, as illustrated in Figure 13 where the mechanical linkage 1200, 1300 comprises a universal joint 1210 and in Figure 14 where the mechanical linkage 1200, 1300 comprises a flexible member 1410 such as a piece of hydraulic or pneumatic hose.
[0102] The handlebar portion 140 optionally comprises a locking arrangement 1800 which is exemplified in Figure 18. The locking arrangement 1800 comprises opposing spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 arranged axially slidable on an axle 1830 which extends in alignment with the folding axis F, as exemplified in Figure 18. The spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 comprise protrusions 1815, 1825 arranged to enter matching recesses to lock the handlebar portion 140 at least in its extended position, i.e., the position illustrated in Figure 1. The springs 1850 are shown in Figure 18. The locking arrangement 1800 also comprises an excentre mechanism 1860 operably coupled to a lever or some other excentre operating mechanism 1840. When the lever 1840 is operated the two opposing spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 move towards each other into engagement to lock the handlebar portion, as shown in Figure 18. The opposing spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 revert back if the lever 1840 is released due to the force from the springs 1850. To summarize, there is disclosed surface processing equipment 100 that comprises a handlebar portion 140 which is arranged to be folded about a folding axis F from an extended position into a folded position, and a locking arrangement 1800 arranged to fix the handlebar portion 140 in at least the extended position. The locking arrangement 1800 comprises opposing spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 arranged axially slidable on an axle 1830 which extends in alignment with the folding axis F. The spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 comprises inwardly facing protrusions 1815, 1825 that are arranged to enter matching recessesformed in the handlebar portion 140 to lock the handlebar portion 140 at least in its extended position. The locking arrangement 1800 also comprises an excentre mechanism 1860 operably coupled to an excentre operating mechanism 1840 such as a lever. The excentre mechanism 1860 is arranged to move the opposing spring loaded brackets 1810, 1820 into engagement with the matching recesses to lock the handlebar portion 140 in the extended position. This way the handlebar portion can be securely locked in its extended position, and optionally also in the folded position if additional matching recesses are formed in the handlebar portion. The locking mechanism can be operated from one side of the machine, which is an advantage.
[0103] Figure 17 shows example surface processing equipment 100 that comprises a handlebar portion 140 arranged extending out from the chassis 110. The handlebar portion 140 comprises a handlebar 141 arranged at a distal end of the handlebar portion 140, the handlebar portion 140 comprising an operator presence control, OPC, lever 145 arranged to be depressed against the handlebar 141, the OPC lever 145 extending transversally across the handlebar 141, such as over more than 80% of the handlebar 141.
[0104] Figures 21 A-B show an example handlebar portion with vibration suppressing bushings. To suppress vibrations generated by the tool carrier drum 130 that propagate from the tool carrier drum 130 via the body frame 2020 of the chassis 110 up to the handlebar portion 140, a double bushing arrangement may be used as exemplified in Figures 21 A-B. Figure 21 A shows a perspective view of an example handlebar portion 140 while Figure 21 B shows a cross-sectional view of the same handlebar portion.
[0105] The handlebar portion 140 is pivotably attached to the body frame 2020 by collar parts 2130 embedded in respective sets of bushings 2100. There are two sets of bushings 2100, one at each side of the handlebar portion 140. There can of course be less than two and more than two sets of bushings of the kind exemplified in Figures 21-22. Each bushing set 2100 comprises an inner bushing 2110 and an outer bushing 2120, which means that the collarpart 2130 that supports the handlebar is “floating” relative to the body frame 2020.
[0106] The bushings 2110, 2120 may be formed in rubber or in some other vibration suppressing resilient material such as polyurethane (PU), neoprene, or cork. The inner bushing 2110 is a cylindrical bushing that is interleaved between the collar part 2130 of the handlebar portion 140 and the axle 1830 about which the handlebar portion pivots. The axle 1830 which was discussed above in connection to Figure 18. The inner bushing 2110 bears on the axle 1830. The inner bushing 2110 may be a flanged bushing comprising a flange 2115. The flange 2115 isolates the handlebar portion 140 in a lateral direction along the pivot axis 2130. The two inner bushings 2110 are mirrored in Figures 21A-B, such that the flange faces outwards on each side.
[0107] The handlebar portion 140 comprises a collar part 2130 which is journalled about the axle 1830 to pivotably support the handlebar portion 140 on the body frame 2020. The collar part 2130 bears on the outside of the inner bushing 2110.
[0108] The support collar part 2130 is thus embedded between the inner bushing 2110 and the outer bushing 2120, where the outer bushing 2120 also extends a distance upwards in use along the handlebar portion 140 as illustrated in Figures 21 A-B.
[0109] Note that the lever 1840 discussed above is here replaced by a knob 1845 having the same basic function as the lever 1840. The bushings suppress vibration and thus improves the working conditions for an operator guiding the surface processing equipment 100.
[0110] Figures 19A-B illustrate surface processing equipment 100 with a rear wheel drive arrangement 1900 arranged to drive rear wheels 160 of the surface processing equipment 100, e.g., by an electric rear wheel motor. The rear wheel drive arrangement 1900 comprises a differential gear 1910 arranged between a rear wheel drive motor of the rear wheel drive arrangement 1900 and the rear wheels 160 of the surface processing equipment 100.A differential is a mechanical gear device with three shafts that has the property that the rotational speed of one shaft is the average of the speeds of the others. The two rear wheels are connected to respective shafts, and a wheel motor is connected to the third shaft. The differential gear 1910 allows the two rear wheels 160 to rotate at different speeds in use, which allows the machine to be steered more easily over the surface 101. The differential gear arrangement 1910 also allows the equipment 100 to be rotated as illustrated in Figure 19B, where the two rear wheels 160 turn in different directions, without turning the wheel motor shaft, which is possible thanks to the differential gear arrangement.
[0111] According to some aspects, not shown in the drawings, the surface processing equipment 100 comprises a left rear wheel brake and a right rear wheel brake, where the left rear wheel brake and the right rear wheel brake are selectively engageable, in order to allow steering of the surface processing equipment 100 by braking differently on the two rear wheels 160. The steering by braking can be controlled from the user interface 800, or from some other control device on the surface processing equipment.
Claims
CLAIMS1. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a branched dust extraction conduit (270, 271, 272) extending from a first dust extraction aperture (235) over a first part (271) and from a second dust extraction aperture (245) over a second part (272) to a dust extraction interface (270) of the surface processing equipment (100),where the first dust extraction aperture (235) and the second dust extraction aperture (245) are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the rotatable tool carrier drum (130) seen in a direction of travel (T) of the equipment (100).
2. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 1, comprising a first blocking member (230) arranged in the first part (271) and a second blocking member (240) arranged in the second part (272), where each blocking member (230, 240) is configurable in an open state and in a blocked state, where the first part (271) and the second part (272) of the branched dust extraction conduit are arranged to be selectively blocked by the first and second blocking members (230, 240), respectively.
3. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 2, where the first and second blocking members (230, 240) comprise pivotable hatches (310).
4. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 2 or 3, where the first and second blocking members (230, 240) are manually operable.
5. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 4, where the first and second blocking members (230, 240) comprise a joint actuation mechanism configurable in a first position and in a second position, where thefirst blocking member is in its open state and the second blocking member is in its closed state in the first position, where the second blocking member is in its open state and the first blocking member is in its closed state in the second position.
6. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any of claims 2-5, where the first and second blocking members (230, 240) comprise respective electric actuators configured to transition the blocking member between the open state and the blocked state in response to a control signal.
7. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 6, comprising a control unit (180, 710) configured to automatically transition the first and second blocking members (230, 240) between their respective open and closed states in dependence of a user configuration (820) of the surface processing equipment (100, 800).
8. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, where the first dust extraction aperture (235) and / or the second dust extraction aperture (245) comprises a comb-like structure (400) extending along at least a part of the tool carrier drum (130) transversal to the direction of travel (T), where the comb-like structure (400) is configured to filter an air flow entering the branched dust extraction conduit (270, 271 , 272).
9. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a motor driver (710) configured to provide a drive current (720) to the drive motor (120), where the motor driver (710) is adapted to control a direction of rotation (D, U) of the drive motor (120) in dependence of a control input signal (CCW / CW).
10. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 9, where the motor driver (710) is configured to control a speed of rotation of the drive motor (120) in dependence of the direction of rotation (D, U) of the drive motor (120).
11. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 9 or 10, where the motor driver (710) is configured to control the drive motor (120) to output an axle speed corresponding to a rotation speed of the tool carrier drum2100 rpm and preferably 2000rpm.
12. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a control unit (180, 710) configured to monitor a load of the drive motor (120), and to display the load on a display device (870) of the surface processing equipment (100, 800).
13. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 12, where the control unit (180, 710) is configured to compare the load of the drive motor (120) to a predetermined acceptance criterion, where the control unit (180, 710) is configured to trigger a warning signal (880) of the surface processing equipment (100, 800) in case the load of the drive motor (120) fails to satisfy the predetermined acceptance criterion.
14. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a depth gauge (860) configured to indicate a current operating depth of the tool carrier drum (130), where the depth gauge (860) is arranged to be manually reset by an operator of the surface processing equipment (100).
15. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, at least partly supported by a rear wheel assembly (900) comprising rear wheels (160) and an excentre wheel brake (910), where the excentre wheel brake (910) is arranged to brake the surface processing equipment (100) in the direction of travel (T), and allow movement in reverse direction (R) opposite to the direction of travel (T).
16. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 15, where the rear wheel assembly (900) comprises a brake engagement lever (920) configured to selectively engage (1010) and disengage (1020) the excentre wheel brake (910).
17. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 15 or 16, the rear wheel assembly (900) comprising an adjustable tensioning member (930, 940) arranged to adjust a brake force of the excentre wheel brake (910) when engaged.
18. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising an operating interface (800) arranged at a distal end of a handlebar portion (140), the operating interface (800) comprising a depth adjustment arrangement (850) operable to adjust a working depth of the tool carrier drum (130), where the depth adjustment arrangement (850) is connected via mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) to a vertical displacement member (165) that is arranged to adjust a vertical position of rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100) relative to an extension plane of the chassis (110), where the mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) is arranged to fold together with the handlebar portion (140) from an extended position to a folder position.
19. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 18, where the mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) comprises a universal joint (1210).
20. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 19, where the mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) comprises a flexible member (1410).
21. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a resettable depth gauge arrangement (1600), the resettable depth gauge arrangement (1600) comprising an indicator wheel (860) arranged to roll in response to movement by a depth manipulator member (1610), where the indicator wheel (860) is biased (1620) against the depth manipulator member (1610) by a tensioning member (1620), where the indicator wheel (860) is manually separable from the depth manipulator member (1610).
22. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a handlebar portion (140) arranged extending out from the chassis (110), the handlebar portion (140) comprising a handlebar (141) arranged at a distal end of the handlebar portion (140), the handlebar portion (140) comprising an operator presence control, OPC, lever (145) arranged to be depressed against the handlebar (141), the OPC lever (145) extending transversally across the handlebar (141).
23. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) operable to drive rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100), the rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) comprising a differential gear (1910) arranged between a rear wheel drive motor of the rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) and the rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100).
24. The surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 23, comprising a left rear wheel brake and a right rear wheel brake, where the left rear wheel brake and the right rear wheel brake are selectively engageable.
25. The surface processing equipment (100) according to any previous claim, comprising a handlebar portion (140) arranged to be folded about a folding axis (F) from an extended position into a folded position, and a locking arrangement (1800) arranged to fix the handlebar portion (140) in at least the extended position, the locking arrangement 1800 comprising opposing spring loaded brackets (1810, 1820) arranged axially slidable on an axle (1830) which extends in alignment with the folding axis (F), the spring loaded brackets (1810, 1820) comprising protrusions (1815, 1825) arranged to enter matching recesses formed in the handlebar portion (140) to lock the handlebar portion (140) at least in its extended position, the locking arrangement (1800) also comprising an excentre mechanism (1860) operably coupled to an excentre operating mechanism (1840), the excentre mechanism (1860) being arranged to move the opposing spring loaded brackets (1810, 1820) into engagement with the matching recesses to lock the handlebar portion (140) in the extended position.
26. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a motor driver (710) configured to provide a drive current (720) to the drive motor (120), where the motor driver (710) is adapted to control a direction of rotation (D, U) and a speed of the drive motor (120) in dependence of a control input signal (CCW / CW).
27. Surface processing equipment (100) according to claim 26, comprising a remote control device, where the motor driver (710) is adapted to control the direction of rotation (D, U) and the speed of the drive motor (120) in dependence of a control input signal (CCW / CW) received from the remote control device.
28. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a control unit (180, 710) configured to monitor a load of the drive motor (120), and to display the load on a display device (870) of the surface processing equipment (100, 800).
29. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),where the surface processing equipment (100) is at least partly supported by a rear wheel assembly (900) comprising rear wheels (160) and an excentre wheel brake (910), where the excentre wheel brake (910) is arranged to brake the surface processing equipment (100) in the direction of travel (T), and allow movement in reverse direction (R) opposite to the direction of travel (T).
30. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where a handlebar portion (140) extends out from the chassis (110), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising an operating interface (800) arranged at a distal end of the handlebar portion (140), the operating interface (800) comprising a depth adjustment arrangement (850) operable to adjust a working depth of the tool carrier drum (130), where the depth adjustment arrangement (850) is connected via mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) to a vertical displacement member (165) that is arranged to adjust a vertical position of rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100) relative to an extension plane of the chassis (110), where the mechanical linkage (1200, 1300) is arranged to fold together with the handlebar portion (140) from an extended position to a folder position.
31. Surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) operable to drive rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100), the rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) comprising a differential gear (1910) arranged between a rear wheel drive motor of the rear wheel drive arrangement (1900) and the rear wheels (160) of the surface processing equipment (100).
32. A surface processing equipment system comprising surface processing equipment (100) and a dust extractor (500),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a chassis (110) arranged to support a drive motor (120) and a rotatable tool carrier drum (130), where the drive motor (120) is arranged to selectively drive the tool carrier drum (130) in an upcut direction (U) or in a downcut direction (D), for respective floor shaving and floor scarifying operations by the rotatable tool carrier drum (130),the surface processing equipment (100) comprising a branched dust extraction conduit (270, 271, 272) extending from a first dust extraction aperture (235) over a first part (271) and from a second dust extraction aperture (245) over a second part (272) to a dust extraction interface (270) of the surface processing equipment (100),where the first dust extraction aperture (235) and the second dust extraction aperture (245) are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the rotatable tool carrier drum (130) seen in a direction of travel (T) of the equipment (100), where the dust extraction interface (270) of the surface processing equipment (100) is connected via a hose to an inlet (510) of the dust extractor (500).