Edge brush assembly and self-moving cleaning device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a side brush assembly and a self-moving cleaning device. The bristles of the side brush assembly can be converted between an unfolded state unfolded relative to the base and a folded state folded relative to the base. Therefore, not only the bristle length of the bristles of the side brush assembly can be designed to be longer, which is conducive to effectively cleaning the junctions such as the corners of the wall when the bristles are in the unfolded state, avoiding so-called cleaning dead angles, but also the bristles can be folded back relative to the base when they are in the folded state, thereby reducing the size of the entire side brush assembly. In addition, the rotation of the base of the side brush assembly drives the bristles to convert between the unfolded state and the folded state, without the need for an additional power source for the above-mentioned conversion of the bristles relative to the base, which is conducive to simplifying the structure for realizing the above-mentioned conversion and saving the corresponding cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the structure of a cleaning component for a self-moving cleaning device, and more particularly to a side brush assembly and a self-moving cleaning device including the side brush assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous mobile devices refer to intelligent mobile devices that autonomously perform preset tasks. These devices can move autonomously based on the results sensed by their sensing components. Currently, autonomous mobile devices typically include, but are not limited to, self-moving cleaning devices (such as intelligent sweeping robots and intelligent floor scrubbers), companion mobile robots (such as intelligent electronic pets and nanny robots), service mobile robots (such as reception robots in hotels, inns, and meeting venues), industrial inspection intelligent devices (such as power inspection robots and intelligent forklifts), and security robots (such as home or commercial intelligent security guard robots).

[0003] Self-propelled cleaning equipment with dry cleaning components can perform dry cleaning operations on the traveling surface (the surface to be cleaned). Typically, the dry cleaning component includes a main brush assembly and side brush assemblies mounted on the main body of the self-propelled cleaning equipment. The main brush assembly includes a main brush located at the bottom of the main unit of the main body, primarily used to clean dry dirt on the surface to be cleaned. The side brush assembly includes brushes extending from the main unit, which can bring dry dirt from the interface between vertical obstacles (such as building walls) and the surface to be cleaned (such as corners) to the main brush for cleaning, and further utilize the suction device of the self-propelled cleaning equipment to collect this dry dirt into a dust box inside the main unit.

[0004] However, in existing self-propelled cleaning devices, insufficient bristle length in the side brush assembly can lead to insufficient extension of the brush relative to the main unit. In this case, due to the shape of the main unit (e.g., cylindrical), the side brush assembly cannot be positioned too close to the aforementioned boundary area, making it difficult for the side brush to effectively clean this area. While simply increasing the bristle length of the side brush assembly can improve the cleaning effect on the boundary area, it results in the brush extending the same length from the main unit in both working and non-working states, thus undesirably occupying additional space when the brush is not in use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the problems of the prior art, one object of this disclosure is to provide a side brush assembly that can improve the cleaning effect on junctions such as wall corners, while not occupying additional space when the brush is not in use. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a self-moving cleaning device including the above-described side brush assembly.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution.

[0007] This disclosure provides a side brush component, the side brush component comprising:

[0008] A base for mounting on the main body of the self-moving cleaning device, the base being capable of bidirectional rotation about its central axis along its circumference, and the base having a first limiting portion; and

[0009] A brush, rotatably connected to the base, is capable of rotating relative to the base within a predetermined range.

[0010] By rotating the base toward one circumferential side, the brush can be rotated to an unfolded state relative to the base, and the brush abuts against the first limiting part to remain in the unfolded state; by rotating the base toward the other circumferential side, the brush can be rotated to a folded state relative to the base.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the base includes a base portion fixed to each other and at least one arm portion extending radially outward from the base portion.

[0012] The brush includes a mounting portion and a bristle portion fixed to each other. The mounting portion is rotatably connected to the corresponding arm portion, and the bristle portion is mounted on the mounting portion and extends out from the mounting portion.

[0013] When the brush is in the unfolded state, the extending direction of the bristles is the same as the extending direction of the corresponding arm; when the brush is in the folded state, the extending direction of the bristles is angled to the extending direction of the corresponding arm.

[0014] In another alternative embodiment, the arm includes a connecting wall and a limiting wall serving as the first limiting portion. The connecting wall is fixed to the limiting wall, the connecting wall extends radially outward from the base portion and is rotatably connected to the mounting portion, and the limiting wall is fixed to the circumferential end edge of the connecting wall.

[0015] When the brush is in the unfolded state, the base rotates toward one circumferential side so that the mounting part always abuts against the limiting wall.

[0016] In another alternative embodiment, the connecting wall includes a first connecting wall and a second connecting wall, and the limiting wall is connected to the other circumferential edge of the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall, such that the limiting wall, the first connecting wall and the second connecting wall surround a mounting cavity for inserting the brush, the mounting cavity having a first opening opening to one circumferential side and a second opening opening to the radially outward side.

[0017] In another alternative embodiment, a first connecting hole is formed on the portion of the first connecting wall extending from the base portion, and a second connecting hole is formed on the portion of the second connecting wall extending from the base portion. The second connecting hole and the first connecting hole are opposite to each other, and the mounting portion has through holes corresponding to the first connecting hole and the second connecting hole.

[0018] The side brush assembly also includes a connector that passes through the first connecting hole, the second connecting hole, and the through hole, such that the brush is rotatably connected to the corresponding arm in a manner that allows it to rotate around the connector.

[0019] In another alternative embodiment, the mounting portion is formed with a flange, the cross-sectional dimension of which is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the other parts of the mounting portion.

[0020] When the brush is in the folded state, the base can be rotated to the other side in the circumferential direction to cause the flange to abut against the base portion, which serves as the second limiting portion, and the flange abuts against the second limiting portion to keep the brush in the fully folded state.

[0021] In another alternative embodiment, the side brush assembly includes three brushes that are evenly distributed at intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0022] In the unfolded state, the brush extends obliquely toward one side of the axial direction of the base as it extends away from the base.

[0023] This disclosure also provides a self-moving cleaning device, including a main body and a side brush assembly as described in any of the above technical solutions, wherein the side brush assembly is mounted on the main body in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main body.

[0024] In one alternative embodiment, when the self-moving cleaning device is in a horizontal state on the surface to be cleaned, the angle between the extension direction of the brush of the side brush assembly in the unfolded state and the surface to be cleaned is α, which satisfies 30 degrees ≥ α ≥ 10 degrees.

[0025] In another alternative embodiment, the main body includes a host, a swing arm, and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is disposed on the swing arm.

[0026] One end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the main unit, allowing the swing arm to swing relative to the main unit. The side brush assembly is mounted on the other end of the swing arm and is drively connected to the transmission mechanism.

[0027] The transmission mechanism enables the base of the side brush assembly to rotate bidirectionally, and the swing arm enables the side brush assembly to extend and retract relative to the main body.

[0028] In another alternative embodiment, the bottom of the main unit has a recessed storage groove facing upwards, and one end of the swing arm is mounted to the bottom of the storage groove.

[0029] With the side brush assembly retracted relative to the main body, the swing arm and the base of the side brush assembly are housed in the storage groove.

[0030] By adopting the above technical solution, this disclosure provides a side brush assembly and a self-moving cleaning device including the side brush assembly. The side brush assembly includes a base and a brush assembled together. The base is mounted on the main body of the self-moving cleaning device, and the base as a whole is capable of bidirectional rotation about its rotational central axis along its circumference to both sides. Furthermore, the base has a first limiting portion. The brush is rotatably connected to the base so that it can rotate relative to the base within a predetermined range. Further, by rotating the base to one circumferential side, the brush can rotate to an unfolded state relative to the base, and the brush abuts against the first limiting portion to remain in the unfolded state. By rotating the base to the other circumferential side, the brush can rotate to a folded state relative to the base.

[0031] Thus, the brush of the side brush assembly according to this disclosure can switch between an unfolded state relative to the base and a folded state relative to the base (including fully folded and partially folded). Therefore, it not only allows for a longer brush bristle length, which is beneficial for effectively cleaning junctions such as corners when the brush is unfolded, avoiding so-called "cleaning dead zones," but also allows for regular cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, as well as friction against the surface, facilitating the sweeping or patting up of dry dirt adhering to the surface. Furthermore, the brush can be folded back relative to the base when in the folded state, thereby reducing the overall size of the side brush assembly. Moreover, the rotation of the base utilizes inertia and / or friction to drive the brush to switch between the unfolded and folded states, eliminating the need for an additional power source for this switching, simplifying the structure and saving costs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1A This is a top view schematic diagram showing the structure of a side brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein one of the brushes is in a detached state from the base.

[0033] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure of the side brush assembly, in which one of the brushes is detached from the base.

[0034] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure of the side brush assembly, in which all three brushes are detached from the base.

[0035] Figure 2A This is a perspective view showing the structure of a self-moving cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the brush of the side brush assembly is in an unfolded state relative to the base.

[0036] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the self-moving cleaning device.

[0037] Figure 3A This is a perspective view showing the structure of a self-moving cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the brush of the side brush assembly is in a folded state with the brush fully folded relative to the base.

[0038] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the self-moving cleaning device.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] BA—Side brush component;

[0041] 1—Base;

[0042] 11—Base portion; 12—Arm portion; 12o1—First opening; 12o2—Second opening; 121—First connecting wall; 121h—First connecting hole; 122—Second connecting wall; 122h—Second connecting hole; 123—Limiting wall; 13—Connector;

[0043] 2—Brush;

[0044] 21—Mounting part; 21h—Through hole; 211—Flange part; 22—Brush part;

[0045] C—circumferential direction; C1—one side of the circumferential direction; C2—the other side of the circumferential direction;

[0046] MB—Main Body;

[0047] 3—Main unit; 3C storage slot;

[0048] 4—Swing Arm Detailed Implementation

[0049] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the elements shown in the drawings may include elements such as dimensions and scales that are expressed differently from actual dimensions and scales.

[0050] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" all refer to the normal operating state of the self-moving cleaning device according to this disclosure. Specifically, the self-moving cleaning device has a positive direction of movement (i.e., forward) in its normal operating state. The term "normal operating state" refers to the movement state of the self-moving cleaning device when performing a task, which is different from the abnormal operating states of the self-moving cleaning device such as reversing or swinging in the escape mode. "Front" and "rear" refer to the front and rear sides of the self-moving cleaning device in the positive forward direction when it is in the normal operating state on the surface to be cleaned according to this disclosure. "Left" and "right" refer to the left and right sides when viewed from the front side in the positive forward direction. "Upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned when the self-moving cleaning device is in the normal operating state on the surface to be cleaned according to this disclosure.

[0051] In this disclosure, the self-moving cleaning device can move autonomously according to a preset control scheme in its processing unit. The surface to be cleaned where the self-moving cleaning device moves autonomously can be a plane or a curved surface with a large radius of curvature, typically such as the floor of a room in a building. In this disclosure, "processing unit" is a general term, and there are no limitations on the type, number, or form of the processing units. Specifically, the processing unit can be one or more of MCU, DSP, FPGA, and GPU, or other hardware chips, processors, or software algorithms with data processing and computing capabilities. Further, the processing unit can be a unified, single processor for the self-moving cleaning device, or it can be a collection of multiple processing units. The connection method, function, and computing power allocation of the multiple processing units can be adjusted as needed. For example, in an optional scheme, a first processing unit and a second processing unit can be included. In this case, the first processing unit and the second processing unit together implement the various functions of the aforementioned processing unit. In addition, the processing unit of the self-moving cleaning device can receive parameters from sensing components and perform relevant control on the self-moving cleaning device through a preset program stored in the storage unit. The processing unit can store the data, information, and programs required during processing in the storage unit, and retrieve them from the storage unit as needed. The processing unit can also store the processed data and information back into the storage unit. The storage unit can be RAM, ROM, or other devices and / or equipment with storage functions, such as cloud / server / mobile terminal connected via wired / wireless networks.

[0052] In this disclosure, the brush of the side brush assembly can be in an "expanded state" and a "folded state" relative to the base. Only when the brush is in the unfolded state can it be in a working state to perform cleaning operations on the surface to be cleaned. When the brush is in the folded state (not unfolded), the brush is in a folded state, which includes a fully folded state (the limit of how the brush can be folded relative to the base) and a partially folded state (other than the fully folded state mentioned above). The brush in the folded state is generally in a non-working state.

[0053] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, “axial,” “radial,” and “circumferential” refer to the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the brush assembly (base), respectively.

[0054] In this disclosure, "transmission connection" refers to a connection between two components that can transmit torque, including direct and indirect connections between the two components.

[0055] The brush assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] like Figures 1A to 1CAs shown, the side brush assembly BA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base 1 assembled together and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) brushes 2. When the side brush assembly BA is in an unfolded state relative to the base 1, the brushes 2 can rotate together with the base 1, thereby enabling dry cleaning of the surface to be cleaned; when the side brush assembly BA is in a folded state relative to the base 1, the brushes 2 can be retracted toward the base 1 relative to the unfolded state.

[0057] In this embodiment, as Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the base 1 is used for mounting on the main body MB of the self-propelled cleaning device (see Figure 1). Figures 2A to 3B Specifically, the base 1 includes a base portion 11 fixed to each other, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) arm portions 12 and a plurality of (three in this embodiment) connectors 13.

[0058] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the base portion 11 is formed as a rotating body with a central axis. The base portion 11 can be driven to rotate bidirectionally about its central axis along its circumferential direction C to both sides, thereby causing the entire base 1 to rotate bidirectionally about the aforementioned central axis. A square hole is formed in the central part of the base portion 11 for connecting with the drive shaft of the transmission mechanism described below, so that the torque from the drive shaft can drive the base portion 11 to rotate bidirectionally. It is understood that the structure of the base portion 11 is not limited to the specific shape shown in the figure. As long as the base portion 11 can be smoothly connected with other components and can rotate about its central axis, the base portion 11 can have different shapes as needed.

[0059] like Figures 1A to 1CAs shown, the number of arms 12 can be the same as the number of brushes 2. Multiple arms 12 extend radially outward from the base 1 and are evenly distributed and spaced apart in the circumferential direction C. Each arm 12 extends outward from the base 1 in different radial directions while extending obliquely to the same side relative to the axial direction. Further, each arm 12 includes a fixed first connecting wall 121, a second connecting wall 122, and a limiting wall 123 serving as a first limiting portion. Both the first connecting wall 121 and the second connecting wall 122 are formed in a flat plate shape and arranged parallel to each other. Both the first connecting wall 121 and the second connecting wall 122 extend radially outward from the base portion 11 while extending obliquely to the same side relative to the axial direction. The first connecting wall 121 and the second connecting wall 122 are rotatably connected to the mounting portion 21 of the brush 2 via a connector 13. The limiting wall 123 is formed in a flat plate shape and is arranged perpendicularly to the first connecting wall 121 and the second connecting wall 122. The limiting wall 123 serves as a first limiting part, allowing the brush 2 to abut against the limiting wall 123 in its unfolded state to limit the position and posture of the brush 2. Furthermore, the limiting wall 123 is fixedly connected to the other circumferential edge of the first connecting wall 121 and the other circumferential edge of the second connecting wall 122, such that the limiting wall 123, the first connecting wall 121, and the second connecting wall 122 enclose a mounting cavity for inserting the brush 2. The mounting cavity has a first opening 12o1 opening towards one circumferential side C1 and a second opening 12o2 opening towards the radially outward side. The second opening 12o2 allows the brush 2 to be inserted into the mounting cavity, thereby connecting the brush 2 to the wall 12 of the base 1; the first opening 12o1 opening towards one circumferential side C1 facilitates the folding of the brush 2 relative to the base 1 after the base 1 is rotated towards the other circumferential side C2.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the radially inner end of the first connecting wall 121 and the radially inner end of the second connecting wall 122 are both fixedly connected to the base portion 11. For mounting the connector 13, a first connecting hole 121h is formed on the portion of the first connecting wall 121 extending from the base portion 11, and a second connecting hole 122h is formed on the portion of the second connecting wall 122 extending from the base portion 11. The second connecting hole 122h and the first connecting hole 121h are opposite to each other.

[0061] Thus, by using the arm 12 described above, the brush 2 is connected to the base 1 with a relatively simple structure, while the position and posture of the brush 2 in its unfolded state are defined. This prevents the brush 2 from rotating excessively relative to the base 1 after the base 1 rotates toward the circumferential side C1. Moreover, the mounting part 21 can always be kept in the unfolded state by rotating the base 1 toward the circumferential side C1.

[0062] In this embodiment, as Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the connector 13 is formed as a cylindrical connecting pin. The connector 13 is inserted into the first connecting hole 121h of the first connecting wall 121, passes through the through hole 21h of the mounting portion 21 of the brush 2, and is inserted into the second connecting hole 122h of the second connecting wall 122. The connector 13 can be interference-fitted with the first connecting hole 121h and the second connecting hole 122h, and the connector 13 can be clearance-fitted with the through hole 21h, so that the brush 2 is connected to the corresponding arm 12 by rotating around the connector 13. In this way, while connecting the mounting portion 21 of the brush 2 to the arm 12 by the connector 13, the mounting portion 21 can also rotate relative to the arm 12 around the connector 13. This connection structure is not only simple in construction and easy to install, but also facilitates the smooth transition of the brush 2 between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0063] In this embodiment, as Figures 1A to 1C As shown, three brushes 2 are evenly distributed at intervals along the circumferential direction C, and each brush 2 is rotatably connected to a corresponding arm 12. In the unfolded state, the brushes 2 extend at an angle relative to the axial direction towards the same side as the base 1, and the extension direction of the brushes 2 is the same as the extension direction of the corresponding arm 12. Thus, the brushes 2 are configured to be tilted towards one side of the axial direction in the unfolded state. Compared with a scheme where the brushes 2 are not tilted in the unfolded state (i.e., parallel to the surface to be cleaned after installation), this configuration ensures reliable contact between the bristles 22 of the brushes 2 and the surface to be cleaned during operation of the side brush assembly BA. This increases the contact pressure between the brushes 2 and the surface to be cleaned and significantly reduces the risk of the bristles 22 being undesirably bounced off the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, it is beneficial to improve the cleaning effect of the self-moving cleaning device including this side brush assembly BA on the surface to be cleaned. Specifically, each brush 2 includes a mounting part 21 and a bristle part 22 that are fixed to each other.

[0064] like Figures 1A to 1C As shown, the mounting portion 21 is rotatably connected to the corresponding arm portion 12, and the mounting portion 21 has a through hole 21h corresponding to the first connecting hole 121h of the first connecting wall 121 and the second connecting hole 122h of the second connecting wall 122. When the mounting portion 21 is inserted into the mounting cavity formed by the arm portion 12, the through hole 21h of the mounting portion 21 is opposite to the first connecting hole 121h and the second connecting hole 122h, thereby allowing the connector 3 to be inserted into the through hole 21h, the first connecting hole 121h, and the second connecting hole 122h.

[0065] Furthermore, the mounting portion 21 has a flange portion 211, the cross-sectional dimension of which is larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the other parts of the mounting portion 21. The base 1 rotates towards the other circumferential side C2, causing the brush 2 to be in a fully folded state (see...). Figure 3BIn this fully folded state, the flange portion 211 always abuts against the base portion 11. At this time, the base portion 11 of the base 1 acts as a second limiting portion, limiting the flange portion 211 to remain in the folded state. By using the base portion 11 as the second limiting portion, not only can the brush 2 rotate from the unfolded state to the fully folded state by a sufficiently large angle relative to the arm portion 12, thereby minimizing the space occupied by the brush 2 in the fully folded state, but it can also prevent the brush 2 from rotating excessively.

[0066] like Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown, the bristle portion 22 may include a bundle of multiple stiff bristles. The bristle portion 22 is mounted on and extends from the corresponding mounting portion 21. In the unfolded state of the brush 2, the extending direction of the bristle portion 22 is the same as the extending direction of the corresponding arm portion 12; in the folded state of the brush 2, the extending direction of the bristle portion 22 is arranged at an angle to the extending direction of the corresponding arm portion 12. In the unfolded state, the extending direction of the bristle portion 22 is the same as the extending direction of the arm portion 12, which helps to make the overall extension length of the brush 2 sufficiently long. In the folded state, the extending direction of the bristle portion 22 is arranged at an angle to the extending direction of the arm portion 12, which helps to reduce the overall size of the brush 2. In addition, in this embodiment, the overall extending direction of the mounting portion 21 and the bristle portion 22 is consistent with the extending direction of the bristle portion 22.

[0067] By adopting the above scheme, the brush 2 is rotatably connected to the base 1, and the limiting wall 123, which serves as the first limiting part, and the base part 11, which serves as the second limiting part, allow the brush 2 to rotate relative to the base 1 within a predetermined range defined by these two limiting parts. Specifically, see Figure 2A and Figure 2B By rotating the base 1 towards the circumferential side C1, the brush 2 can rotate relative to the base 1 from a folded state to an unfolded state. At this point, the brush 2 rests against the first limiting part and can perform normal cleaning operations. Furthermore, while the base 1 is constantly rotating towards the circumferential side C1, the brush 2 remains against the first limiting part to maintain the unfolded state. See also... Figure 3A and Figure 3B By rotating the base 1 toward the other side C2 in the circumferential direction, the brush 2 can rotate from the unfolded state to the folded state relative to the base 1. And while the base 1 is always rotating toward the other side C2 in the circumferential direction, the brush 2 can abut against the second limiting part to remain in the fully folded state.

[0068] Thus, the brush 2 of the side brush assembly BA according to this disclosure can switch between an unfolded state relative to the base 1 and a folded state relative to the base 1 (including fully folded and partially folded). Therefore, it not only allows for a longer bristle length design for the brush 2 of the side brush assembly BA, which facilitates effective cleaning of junctions such as corners when the brush 2 is in the unfolded state, avoiding so-called "cleaning dead spots," but also reduces the overall size of the side brush assembly BA when the brush 2 is in the folded state. Furthermore, by utilizing the rotation of the base 1 to drive the brush 2 to switch between the unfolded and folded states, no additional power source is needed for the brush 2 to perform the aforementioned switching relative to the base 1, simplifying the structure for achieving the switching and saving corresponding costs. Furthermore, when the brush 2 of the side brush assembly BA is in the unfolded state, in addition to performing regular cleaning of the surface to be cleaned, the side brush assembly BA can also contact and rub against the surface to be cleaned by the brush 2 of the side brush assembly BA, which helps to sweep or pat off the dry dirt attached to the surface to be cleaned, so that the dry dirt can be sucked into the dust box by the suction device of the self-moving cleaning device including the side brush assembly BA.

[0069] like Figures 2A to 3B As shown, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a self-moving cleaning device, which includes a main body MB in addition to the side brush assembly BA described in the above specific embodiments. The side brush assembly BA is mounted on the main body MB in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main body MB.

[0070] In this embodiment, as Figure 2A and Figure 3AAs shown, the main body MB may include a host 3 that is generally cylindrical (circular in top view). The shape of the host 3 is not limited to this; alternatively, the host 3 may have other shapes, such as square, elliptical, or D-shaped in top view. When the self-moving cleaning device according to the embodiments of this disclosure is in normal operation, the bottom surface of the host 3 faces the surface to be cleaned, and the bottom surface of the host 3 is parallel to the surface to be cleaned. Here, "parallel" includes not only geometric parallelism between the bottom surface of the host 3 and the surface to be cleaned, but also generally parallelism. "Generally" means that within a reasonable margin of error recognized by those skilled in the art, the parallelism can be determined to be valid. Furthermore, other components of the self-moving cleaning device may be disposed in the host 3. To support and protect these other components, most of the structure of the self-moving cleaning device is installed inside or on the surface of the host 3, or is connected to the host 3. The self-moving cleaning device may also include a processing unit and sensing components in the host 3. Additionally, the self-moving cleaning device may include dry cleaning components such as a main brush and wet cleaning components including a cloth or roller brush. Therefore, the processing unit can obtain environmental parameters through sensing components. Based on the obtained environmental parameters, the processing unit can control the entire self-moving cleaning device to move autonomously on the surface to be cleaned, and then perform cleaning operations on the surface to be cleaned using dry cleaning components and / or wet cleaning components. In different working modes, the cleaning operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.

[0071] In addition, the main body MB also includes a swing arm 4 and a transmission mechanism. One end of the swing arm 4 is rotatably connected to the main unit 3, so that the swing arm 4 can swing relative to the main unit 3, and the side brush assembly BA is installed at the other end of the swing arm 4. In this embodiment, the transmission mechanism is at least partially disposed in the swing arm 4, and the side brush assembly BA is drivenly connected to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism enables the side brush assembly BA to rotate in both directions; the swing arm 4 enables the side brush assembly BA to extend and retract relative to the main body MB, allowing the bristles of the side brush assembly BA to extend to a farther position relative to the main body MB. This facilitates the extension of the brush 2 in the unfolded state relative to the main unit 3 to the junction of areas such as corners and wall corners (corners defined by two walls and the surface to be cleaned), thereby effectively cleaning these junctions and avoiding so-called "cleaning dead corners," thus further improving the cleaning effect of the automatic cleaning equipment.

[0072] like Figure 2A and Figure 3AAs shown, the side brush assembly BA is positioned at the bottom of the main unit 3 and to one side (e.g., to the left) relative to the center line extending along the front-back direction of the main unit 3, such that the unfolded brushes 2 of the side brush assembly BA can extend relative to the outer contour of the main unit 3. Furthermore, with the self-moving cleaning device positioned on a horizontal surface to be cleaned, let 'a' be the acute angle between the extension direction of each brush 2 of the unfolded side brush assembly BA and the surface to be cleaned, satisfying 30 degrees ≥ a ≥ 10 degrees. This ensures that the brushes 2 of the side brush assembly BA make reliable contact with the surface to be cleaned, improving the cleaning effect of the side brush assembly BA. On the other hand, since the extension directions of the arm 12 of the base 1 and the brush 2 of the side brush assembly BA are the same in the unfolded state, the extension direction of the arm 12 also has the aforementioned acute angle α with the surface to be cleaned. Therefore, after the brush 2, constructed in this way, changes from the unfolded state to the folded state, the position of the bristles 22 in the folded state is higher than the position of the bristles 22 in the unfolded state (i.e., relatively higher). This allows the bristles 22 to be as far away from the surface to be cleaned as possible when the side brush assembly BA is folded. This helps to prevent the carpet on the surface to be cleaned from contacting the bristles 22 when the brush 2 is folded, thus avoiding obstruction of the movement of the self-moving cleaning device. Furthermore, it also prevents wet dirt on the surface to be cleaned from contaminating the bristles 22 when the self-moving cleaning device passes over a wet surface during normal cleaning or recharging. Furthermore, even if the bristles 22 of the brush 2 are contaminated, since the brush in the side brush assembly BA is in a folded state, the bristles 22 rise relative to the surface to be cleaned, thus preventing the bristles 22 from contaminating the surface. It is understood that by constructing the arm 12 of the base 1 for connection with the brush 2 as described above, the bidirectional rotation of the base 1 allows the brush 2 to switch between different states relative to the base 1, while simultaneously allowing the brush 2 to rise relative to the base in a folded state. This, combined with other mechanical lifting mechanisms, further ensures that the brush 2 can be reliably separated from the surface to be cleaned when needed.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 2B and Figure 3B As shown, the bottom of the main unit 3 has an upward-facing recessed storage groove 3c, the shape of which can be configured to be substantially the same as the shape of the swing arm. Furthermore, one end of the swing arm 4 is mounted to the bottom of the storage groove, so that when the swing arm 4 is retracted relative to the main unit 3, the swing arm 4 and the base 1 of the side brush assembly BA can be stored within the storage groove 3c. This not only further reduces the distance between the brush 2 and the surface to be cleaned in the retracted state, but also reduces the space occupied when the autonomous mobile device is not in operation, and provides some protection for the swing arm 3 and the side brush assembly BA.

[0074] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the above embodiments under the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The following supplementary descriptions are provided regarding the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0075] i. It is understood that this disclosure does not limit the number and arrangement of the bristles 22 of the brush 2. The number and arrangement of the bristles 22 can be adjusted as needed to further improve the cleaning effect of the brush 2.

[0076] Furthermore, this disclosure does not limit the connection method between the brush 2 and the base 1, nor does it limit the specific structure of the limiting part, as long as the bidirectional rotation of the base 1 can enable the brush 2 to switch between different states relative to the base 1.

[0077] ii. It is understood that in the self-moving cleaning device disclosed herein, multiple side brush assemblies BA can be provided, and the cleaning effect of the self-moving cleaning device can be further improved by using these side brush assemblies BA.

[0078] iii. It is understood that in the self-moving cleaning device of this disclosure, the transmission mechanism includes a motor that drives the base 1 of the side brush assembly BA to rotate. This motor can serve not only as a power source for driving the base 1 to rotate, but also as a power source for extending and lowering the swing arm 4, thereby further reducing the corresponding cost. To this end, the transmission mechanism may also include a gear transmission assembly or belt transmission assembly for transmitting the motor torque to the brush 2, and a mechanism for extending and lowering the swing arm 4, so as to smoothly transmit the motor torque to the side brush assembly BA and the swing arm 4.

[0079] iv. Furthermore, to achieve autonomous movement of the self-moving cleaning device, the main body MB may also include a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly may be mounted on the main unit 3 and protrude from the bottom surface of the main unit 3, used to drive the entire self-moving cleaning device to move on the travel surface under the control of the processing unit. By causing the two wheels (drive wheels) of the wheel assembly to rotate at the same speed and in the same direction (e.g., simultaneously clockwise or simultaneously counterclockwise), the self-moving cleaning device can be driven to move linearly in the forward direction; by causing the two wheels of the wheel assembly to rotate at different speeds and / or in different directions (e.g., one wheel rotates clockwise while the other rotates counterclockwise), the self-moving cleaning device can be driven to turn in a direction different from the forward direction. The self-moving cleaning device may also include casters (not shown) mounted on the main unit 3, so that regardless of how the wheels roll on the travel surface, the casters can support the entire self-moving cleaning device.

Claims

1. A side brush assembly, characterized in that, The brush assembly (BA) includes: A base (1) for mounting on the main body (MB) of a self-propelled cleaning device, the base (1) being capable of bidirectional rotation about its rotational axis along its circumference (C) towards both sides (C1, C2), the base (1) having a first limiting portion; and A brush (2) is rotatably connected to the base (1) so as to be able to rotate relative to the base (1) within a predetermined range. By rotating the base (1) toward one circumferential side (C1), the brush (2) can be rotated to an unfolded state relative to the base (1), and the brush (2) abuts against the first limiting part to remain in the unfolded state; by rotating the base (1) toward the other circumferential side (C2), the brush (2) can be rotated to a folded state relative to the base (1).

2. The side brush assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (1) includes a base portion (11) fixed to each other and at least one arm portion (12), the arm portion (12) extending radially outward from the base portion (11). The brush (2) includes a mounting part (21) and a bristle part (22) fixed to each other. The mounting part (21) is rotatably connected to the corresponding arm part (12). The bristle part (22) is mounted on the mounting part (21) and extends out from the mounting part (21). When the brush (2) is in the unfolded state, the extension direction of the bristles (22) is the same as the extension direction of the corresponding arm (12); when the brush (2) is in the folded state, the extension direction of the bristles (22) is angled to the extension direction of the corresponding arm (12).

3. The side brush assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The arm portion (12) includes connecting walls (121, 122) and a limiting wall (123) serving as the first limiting portion. The connecting walls (121, 122) are fixed to the limiting wall (123). The connecting walls (121, 122) extend radially outward from the base portion (11) and are rotatably connected to the mounting portion (21). The limiting wall (123) is fixed to the circumferential edge of the connecting walls (121, 122). When the brush (2) is in the unfolded state, the base (1) rotates toward one circumferential side (C1) so that the mounting part (21) always abuts against the limiting wall (123).

4. The side brush assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The connecting wall includes a first connecting wall (121) and a second connecting wall (122). The limiting wall (123) is connected to the other circumferential edge of the first connecting wall (121) and the second connecting wall (122), such that the limiting wall (123) and the first connecting wall (121) and the second connecting wall (122) surround a mounting cavity for inserting the brush (2). The mounting cavity has a first opening (12o1) opening toward one circumferential side (C1) and a second opening (12o2) opening toward the radially outward side.

5. The side brush assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting wall (121) extending from the base portion (11) has a first connecting hole (121h), and the second connecting wall (122) extending from the base portion (11) has a second connecting hole (122h). The second connecting hole (122h) and the first connecting hole (121h) are opposite to each other. The mounting portion (21) has a through hole (21h) corresponding to the first connecting hole (121h) and the second connecting hole (122h). The side brush assembly (BA) also includes a connector (13) that passes through the first connecting hole (121h), the second connecting hole (122h), and the through hole (21h), such that the brush (2) is rotatably connected to the corresponding arm (12) in a manner that allows it to rotate around the connector (13).

6. The side brush assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The mounting portion (21) has a flange portion (211) with a cross-sectional dimension larger than that of other parts of the mounting portion (21). When the brush (2) is in the folded state, the base (1) can rotate toward the other side (C2) in the circumferential direction so that the flange (211) abuts against the base part (11) which serves as the second limiting part, and the flange (211) abuts against the second limiting part so that the brush (2) remains in the fully folded state.

7. The side brush assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The side brush assembly (BA) includes three brushes (2) that are evenly distributed at intervals along the circumference (C). In the unfolded state, the brush (2) extends obliquely toward one side of the axial direction of the base (1) as it extends toward the distance from the base (1).

8. A self-propelled cleaning device, characterized in that, It includes a main body (MB) and a side brush assembly (BA) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the side brush assembly (BA) being mounted on the main body (MB) in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the main body (MB).

9. The self-moving cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the self-moving cleaning device is in a horizontal state on the surface to be cleaned, let the angle between the extension direction of the brush (2) of the side brush assembly (BA) in the unfolded state and the surface to be cleaned be a, satisfying 30 degrees ≥ a ≥ 10 degrees.

10. The self-moving cleaning device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The main body (MB) includes a host (3), a swing arm (4), and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is disposed on the swing arm (4). One end of the swing arm (4) is rotatably connected to the main unit (3) so that the swing arm (4) can swing relative to the main unit (3). The side brush assembly (BA) is mounted on the other end of the swing arm (4) and is drively connected to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism enables the base (1) of the side brush assembly (BA) to rotate in both directions, and the swing arm (4) enables the side brush assembly (BA) to extend and retract relative to the main body (MB).

11. The self-moving cleaning device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bottom of the main unit (3) has a recessed storage groove (3c) facing upwards, and one end of the swing arm (4) is installed at the bottom of the storage groove (3c). With the side brush assembly (BA) retracted relative to the main body (MB), the swing arm (4) and the base (1) of the side brush assembly (BA) are housed in the storage groove (3c).

Images