Floor cleaning roller

Abstract

A floor cleaning roller for mounting in a cleaning head of a hard floor cleaner is provided. The roller includes a tapered body defining a longitudinal axis about which the roller is configured to rotate when mounted in the cleaning head, wherein the tapered body includes a non-porous outer surface.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Dry and wet hard floor cleaners with motor-driven rotating cleaning rollers are becoming increasingly popular. These cleaners outperform traditional mops because, in any given time, the motor-driven cleaning roller can pass over stained areas of the floor far more times than a conventional mop could.

[0002] Known wet floor cleaners employ cleaning rollers comprising a deformable material that deforms upon contact with the floor to be cleaned, thereby pressing against the floor to remove dirt or stains. The deformable material is typically porous and absorbent.

[0003] The examples of the present invention were conceived in this context. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a floor cleaning roller is provided for mounting in a cleaning head of a hard floor cleaner. A cleaning head including the floor cleaning roller and a floor cleaner including such a cleaning head are also provided. The floor cleaning roller includes a tapered body defining a longitudinal axis, the roller being configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis when mounted in the cleaning head, wherein the tapered body includes a non-porous outer surface.

[0005] The floor cleaning roller also includes an arrangement of non-porous blades. Each of the non-porous blades protrudes outward from the outer surface. The arrangement of the non-porous blades includes a first blade and a second blade, wherein the second blade has a greater stiffness than the first blade. In some embodiments, the difference in blade stiffness can be achieved at least in part by making the first blade made of a first polymer and the second blade made of a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is harder than the first polymer. For example, the first polymer may have a Shore hardness of 20 to 40, preferably 30, and the second polymer may have a Shore hardness of 70 to 90, preferably 80.

[0006] Therefore, the floor cleaning roller includes softer and harder blades that work together in use to wipe and flick fluids and debris off the floor. The tapered cleaning roller also facilitates the migration of linear debris from the larger diameter end to the smaller diameter end.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, a stiffness difference can be provided by making the second blade thicker than the first blade in the circumferential direction. In other words, blade stiffness can be increased by giving the blade a radial cross-section with a larger moment of second relative to the axis extending from the root to the tip of the blade.

[0008] Furthermore, the first blade and the second blade can protrude outward from the outer surface of the elongated body by different amounts. For example, the first blade can protrude outward from the outer surface by a first distance, while the second blade can protrude outward from the outer surface by a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In other words, the softer blade can protrude outward more than the harder blade, resulting in greater interference with the floor as the cleaning roller rotates.

[0009] The first blade may extend helically around the elongated body, and the second blade may extend axially along the elongated body. Alternatively, both the first and second blades may extend helically around the elongated body.

[0010] The first blade may be discontinuous to define a gap along its length. The gap may be defined near the end of the cleaning roller with a larger diameter. Furthermore, the second blade may axially overlap the gap. In this embodiment, the second blade serves to remove any marks formed on the floor by the gap and also prevents linear debris from getting stuck in the gap.

[0011] In one embodiment, the blade arrangement may include a plurality of first blades equidistantly spaced around the roller body to define channels therebetween, i.e., channels between circumferentially adjacent first blades. Similarly, the blade arrangement may include a plurality of second blades equidistantly arranged around the roller body. The first and second blades may be arranged alternately around the roller body, i.e., one second blade is arranged in each channel. In this way, as the cleaning roller rotates, the first and second blades alternately contact the floor surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the floor cleaning roller includes a wedge-shaped hub and a pair of conical bodies, the pair of conical bodies extending from opposite sides of the wedge-shaped hub at the larger end of the conical bodies.

[0013] Although the cleaning head in the above embodiments is described in conjunction with a manually operated floor cleaner, the cleaning head can alternatively be mounted on a robotic floor cleaner. A robotic floor cleaner comprising the cleaning head described above is also described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional diagram of the cleaning head used in a dry and wet hard floor cleaner.

[0015] Figure 2a and Figure 2b It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of the cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2a and Figure 2b The radial cross-sectional view of the cleaning roller is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2a and Figure 2b A plan view of a modified version of the cleaning roller shown.

[0018] Figure 5a and Figure 5b It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of another cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0019] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is used for installation Figure 1 A plan view of another example of a cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0020] Figure 8a and Figure 8b It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of another cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0021] Figure 8c and Figure 8d It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of another cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0022] Figure 9a and Figure 9b It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of another cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0023] Figure 10a and Figure 10b It is used for installation Figure 1 Perspective view and plan view of another cleaning roller in the cleaning head shown.

[0024] Figure 11 and Figure 12 It is used for installation Figure 1 A plan view of the double conical cleaning roller in the modified version shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide a non-porous cleaning roller for installation within the cleaning head of a hard floor cleaner, specifically a wet and dry hard floor cleaner. In use, the cleaning roller is powered by a motor to rotate about its longitudinal axis, such that as the cleaning head passes over the hard floor, the cleaning roller wipes the floor surface to remove debris and fluids. Unlike conventional absorbent cleaning rollers, the described cleaning roller is made of one or more non-porous materials, so that it does not absorb liquids from the floor. Instead, the cleaning roller includes an arrangement of blades or tabs for wiping and / or flicking debris and liquids from the floor surface and into the cleaner as the roller rotates over the floor. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning roller capable of effectively cleaning hard floor surfaces, and which is also easy to maintain because it can be rinsed and dried quickly as needed.

[0026] To provide background information for the present invention, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a cleaning head 10 for a hard floor cleaner is shown. The cleaning head 10 is disposed at one end of the cleaner, and a handle (not shown) is disposed at the other end to allow the user to manipulate the cleaning head across the hard floor surface 12 from a standing position. During normal use, the cleaning head 10 moves forward and backward on the floor 12 in the "direction of movement" indicated by arrow M.

[0027] The cleaning head 10 includes a main housing 14 and two elongated cleaning rollers 20. The main housing 14 defines a cavity 16 or roller cavity with an opening facing the floor surface 12. The two elongated cleaning rollers 20 are arranged parallel to each other within the cavity 16 to contact the floor surface 12 during use. The cleaning head 10 is generally symmetrical about a central plane 22 extending between the two parallel rollers 20, enabling the floor cleaner 10 to operate in both directions.

[0028] Each cleaning roller 20 is generally cylindrical and extends between two ends to define a longitudinal axis 24 or roller axis, which the roller 20 is configured to rotate about during installation. In use, the roller 20 is mounted within a cavity 16, wherein the roller axis 24 is generally parallel to the floor surface 12 and perpendicular to the direction of movement M of the cleaning head 10 during use.

[0029] Roller 20 is powered by one or more motors (not shown) to rotate or swirl about its respective roller axis 24. In use, roller 20 is driven to rotate in opposite directions such that the innermost side 26 of roller 20 rotates upward away from the floor surface 12, while the outermost side 28 of roller 20 rotates downward toward the floor surface 12. In the context of this specification, it should be understood that the innermost side 26 of roller 20 is the portion of roller 20 located between the roller axis 24 and the central plane 22 of the cleaning head, while the outermost side 28 is the opposite side of the roller to the innermost side 26. (See reference...) Figure 1In the view shown, the left roller 20 is configured to rotate counterclockwise (as indicated by arrow RA), while the right roller 20 is configured to rotate clockwise (as indicated by arrow RC). Therefore, in use, the rollers 20 rotate against the floor surface 12 to push debris and moisture tangentially toward the central plane 22 into the housing cavity 16, as indicated by arrow T.

[0030] The floor cleaner is specifically a “wet and dry” floor cleaner, meaning it includes a wetting system that circulates cleaning fluid through roller chambers 16 to wet the floor surface 12 and clean the rollers 20. Therefore, the wetting system includes a pair of fluid inlets 30 (one for each roller), each fluid inlet being mounted in the housing 14 to deliver cleaning fluid to the chamber 16 above each roller 20.

[0031] The cleaning head 10 also includes a collection tray arrangement 32 positioned within the housing 14 between two rollers 20 and configured to collect dirty fluid and debris from the rollers 20 as they rotate. A pump (not shown) is arranged to remove fluid from the collection tray 32 for filtration and recirculation.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 One of the cleaning rollers 20 is described in more detail.

[0033] As described above, roller 20 includes an elongated body 34 that defines a longitudinal axis 24 or roller axis, about which roller 20 is configured to rotate when mounted in cleaning head 10. Arrow R indicates the direction of rotation of roller 20 during use, i.e., the rotation direction.

[0034] Body 34 extends from the first body end 36 to the second body end 36' to define a constant annular cross section and an outer radius (r) (see [link]). Figure 3 The body 34 is in a tubular form. This tubular form allows one of the motors to be installed inside it, but in other examples, the body 34 can be in a solid cylindrical form.

[0035] Alternatively, the body 34 may taper toward each end 36, 36' such that the outer radius r at the ends 36, 36' of the body 34 is smaller than the outer radius at the middle of the body 34. This taper form may be symmetrical about the radial midplane. In other words, the body 34 may have the form of a double cone or a truncated double cone. It is understood that during normal use, filamentous debris such as hair may be brought into the housing cavity 16 and become entangled around the roller 20 as the roller 20 rotates. The taper form of the body 34 allows any entangled hair to be untangled from the body 34 by moving toward the taper ends 36, 36'. Thus, as the roller 20 rotates, any entangled hair will naturally move in a spiral manner toward the nearest end 36, 36' of the roller 20 and clump together there for removal. In other examples, the body 34 may taper toward only one end 36, 36, and reference will be made below. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Describe such an example in more detail.

[0036] The body 34 is structurally rigid and includes an outer surface 38 made of a non-porous polymer material such as silicone. The outer surface 38 can be integrally formed with the body 34, such that the entire body 34 is made of the same material.

[0037] Roller 20 also includes a plurality of blades 40 that project outwardly from the outer surface 38 of the body 34 radially away from the roller axis 24. Each blade 40 is elongated and extends along the length of the roller body 34 from a first blade end 42 to a second blade end 43 to define the blade length. The blades 40 are made of a non-porous polymer material, which may be the same as or different from the material of the outer surface, depending on the type of blade, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0038] Figure 3 A radial section of roller 20 is shown. As shown, each blade 40 extends radially outward from the outer surface 38 of roller body 34 by a distance (d). More specifically, each blade 40 extends in the width direction from a root region 44 joined to the outer surface 38 of body 34 to a free distal region 46, defining a blade-shaped section having a leading side 48 and a trailing side 50 extending between the root region 44 and the distal region 46.

[0039] The leading side 48 refers to the side (or surface) that is at the forefront (i.e., leading) of the blade 40 in the rotation direction R as the roller 20 rotates, while the following side 50 refers to the side that is at the rearmost (i.e., following) of the blade 40 in the rotation direction R as the roller 20 rotates. Figure 3In the view shown, roller 20 is configured to rotate counterclockwise, meaning that the counterclockwise side of each blade 40 is the "leading" side 48, and the clockwise side of each blade is the "following" side 50. The dimension from the leading side to the following side of a blade can be called the blade thickness (t). In the example shown, the thickness (t) of each blade 40 tapers radially, such that the root region 44 is thicker than the distal region 46.

[0040] For each blade 40, the projection distance (d) is such that when the roller 20 is mounted in the cleaning head 10 and rotates about the roller axis 24, the distal region 46 of the blade 40 contacts the floor surface 12 with each rotation of the roller 20. Thus, each time the blade passes the floor surface 12, it serves to push fluid and debris from the floor surface 12 into the cleaning head 10 and toward the collection tray 32.

[0041] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The arrangement shown includes two different types of blades 40: a first type of blade may be referred to as a liquid-collecting blade (or a more flexible blade) 40', and a second type of blade may be referred to as a bounce blade (or a more resilient blade) 40''. The blades 40 are arranged so that the roller 20 is symmetrical about the radial mid-plane 52. Generally, the liquid-collecting blade 40' is configured to wipe fluid from the floor surface 12 and guide it toward the radial mid-plane 52, such that as the roller 20 rotates, the fluid accumulates on the floor surface 12 into a "pool" or puddle. Simultaneously, the bounce blade 40'' is configured to scoop fluid from the pool and bounce it upwards away from the floor 12 toward the collection tray 32 as the roller 20 rotates. Therefore, the arrangement of the blades 40 is generally configured to bring fluid from the floor surface 12 into the cleaning head 10 as the roller 20 rotates.

[0042] Each blade 40 is made of a non-porous polymeric material such as silicone, which is suitable for rotating on a hard floor surface without causing damage or scratches. The polymeric blades 40' and the slinging blades 40'' are configured to have different bending stiffnesses. More specifically, the slinging blades are stiffer, resulting in greater bending stress in the blades 40'' as they contact the floor as the roller rotates, which in turn provides a higher slinging speed when the slinging blades 40'' are released from the floor surface 12.

[0043] For example, the polymer blade 40' and the spring-loaded blade 40'' can be made of different polymer materials, with the polymer blade 40' made of a softer or more flexible polymer material, and the spring-loaded blade 40'' made of a harder or more resilient (i.e., stiffer) polymer material. In other words, the material of the spring-loaded blade 40'' has a higher Shore hardness than the material of the polymer blade 40'. For example, the polymer blade 40' can have a Shore hardness of 20 to 40, while the spring-loaded blade 40'' has a higher Shore hardness, such as 70 to 90. In other examples, the spring-loaded blade and the polymer blades 40', 40'' can be made of the same material, but their geometries can differ to provide different stiffnesses.

[0044] Refer again Figure 3 Furthermore, for the purposes described below, when the roller is installed inside the cleaning head, the distance between the roller axis and the floor surface can be referred to as the floor clearance distance (D). The sum of the outer radius (r) of the roller body 34 and the protrusion distance (d) of the blade can be referred to as the blade rotation radius.

[0045] The spring-loaded blade 40'' protrudes outward from the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34, such that the blade's radius of rotation is slightly larger than the floor clearance distance (D). Therefore, as the roller 20 rotates, the spring-loaded blade 40'' slightly interferes with the floor surface 12. The portion of the blade extending beyond the floor clearance distance can be referred to as the "interference portion" 56, and the radial length of this portion can be referred to as the interference length. In the example shown, the spring-loaded blade 40'' has an interference amount of 1 mm with the floor; that is, the interference length is 1 mm.

[0046] Therefore, it should be understood that as the roller 20 rotates, the friction between the floor 12 and the interference portion 56 causes the blade 40'' to flex, thereby dragging the distal region 46 of the blade 40'' along the floor 12. Continued rotation of the roller 20 pulls the bounced blade 40'' upwards away from the floor surface 12, thereby reducing the friction between the interference portion 56 and the floor 12 until the blade 40'' bounces back to its unbent rest position. This bounce motion is enhanced by the relative stiffness of the bounced blade 40'' and serves to bounce fluid and debris upwards away from the floor 12 and towards the collection tray 32.

[0047] The liquid-coating blade 40' protrudes outward from the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34 by a protrusion distance (d), which is greater than the protrusion distance (d) of the spring-loaded blade 40'', i.e., making the blade's rotation radius greater than the floor clearance distance (D). Therefore, the interference length of the liquid-coating blade 40' is longer than that of the spring-loaded blade 40''. In the example shown, the liquid-coating blade 40' has an interference of 4 mm with the floor; that is, the interference length is 4 mm.

[0048] Compared to the spatter blades 40'', the more flexible construction of the liquid-collecting blades 40'' allows them to easily flex upon contact with the floor 12, enabling the roller 20 to continue rotating in its mounting position. Therefore, as the roller 20 rotates, the distal region 46 of the liquid-collecting blades 40' contacts the floor surface 12, and the resulting friction causes the leading side 48 to drag along the floor surface 12, pushing debris and fluid toward the central plane 22 of the cleaning head 10 through a wiping action. Because the longer interference portion 56 provides a larger contact area between the leading side 48 and the floor 12, this wiping action effectively removes stains and highly viscous fluids from the floor.

[0049] return Figure 2a and Figure 2b The example shown includes five pairs of polymer blades 40' arranged symmetrically about a radial mid-plane 52, i.e., one of a pair is arranged on one side of the radial mid-plane 52, while the other of the pair is arranged on the other side. Each polymer blade 40' extends helically from one end 36 of the roller body 34 along the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34 toward the radial mid-plane 52. The pairs of polymer blades 40' are circumferentially spaced around the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34 to define a channel 58 between circumferentially adjacent pairs of polymer blades 40' and the outer surface 38 of the body 34. The innermost end 43' of each polymer blade 40' is axially offset from the radial mid-plane 52 to define an axial gap 60 between the innermost ends 43' of a pair of polymer blades 40'.

[0050] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the innermost end 43' is angled toward the radial mid-plane 52, making the end region 46 closer to the radial mid-plane 52, while the root region 44 is farther away from the radial mid-plane 52. Therefore, the gap 60 is wider closer to the outer surface 38 than further away. This configuration helps to remove debris from the polymer blade 40' when the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the roller 10 peels it off. This reduces the risk of debris remaining on the blade 40' and spreading onto the floor 12.

[0051] The liquid-collecting blades 40' arranged on one side of the radial mid-plane 52 extend in a counterclockwise spiral direction, while the liquid-collecting blades 40' arranged on the other side of the radial mid-plane 52 extend in a clockwise spiral direction. The spiral extension of each liquid-collecting blade 40' along its length direction is such that when the roller 20 rotates during use, the end of the blade 40' closest to the radial mid-plane 52 of the roller 20 (i.e., the innermost end 43') lags behind the other end of the blade 40', that is, the end of the blade closest to the roller body 34 (i.e., the outermost end 42'). In other words, considering the rotation direction (R) of the roller 20, the outermost end 42' of each blade 40' is ahead of the innermost end 43' in the rotation direction.

[0052] Therefore, as Figure 2b When the roller 20 is viewed from the front side (i.e. the side that moves downward toward the floor 12 as the roller rotates), the liquid-collecting blade 40' on the left side of the radial midplane 52 extends in a counterclockwise spiral direction, while the liquid-collecting blade on the right side extends in a clockwise spiral direction.

[0053] Therefore, as the roller 20 rotates, the outermost end 42' of each liquid-collecting blade 40' contacts the floor surface 12 before the innermost end 43'. Thus, as the roller 20 rotates, the leading side 48 of each liquid-collecting blade 40' guides the fluid along the corresponding channel 58 (much like an Archimedean spiral) and allows the fluid to pass through the corresponding gap 60 at the radial mid-plane 52 of the roller 20. Therefore, as the roller 20 rotates, a pool is formed on and around the radial mid-plane 52 of the floor surface 12.

[0054] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 The example shown includes five spring-loaded blades 40'', which are circumferentially spaced around the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34. Each spring-loaded blade 40'' is arranged in a channel 58 between adjacent pairs of liquid-coating blades 40', such that there is one spring-loaded blade 40' in each channel 58.

[0055] In contrast to the liquid-coating blades 40', each spring-loaded blade 40'' extends longitudinally in the axial direction, such that the leading side 48 and the trailing side 50 of the blade 40'' are substantially perpendicular to the radial mid-plane 52 of the roller 20. In other words, the spring-loaded blades 40'' are straight along their length, rather than helical. However, as Figure 4 As shown in the example, the ends 42'', 43'' of the sling blade 40'' can be bent off-axis to define a lip 62 at either end of the blade 40'', which gives the leading surface 48 a tray-like shape to scoop up the converging fluid from the floor surface 12.

[0056] Each ejector blade 40'' is positioned at the midpoint of the length of the roller body 34, such that it is symmetrical about the radial midplane 52 and extends along the length direction to overlap axially with the gap 60 defined between the paired liquid-collecting blades 40' and the innermost end 43' of the liquid-collecting blade 40'. Thus, as the roller 20 rotates, the ejector blades 40'' sweep across the fluid pool formed at and around the radial midplane 52 and eject the fluid toward the collection tray arrangement 32. The axial overlap of the geometry of the liquid-collecting blades 40' and the ejector blades 40'' prevents the formation of imprints on the floor surface 12 at the blade ends 42, 43.

[0057] Figure 5a and Figure 5bAnother example of a cleaning roller 20 is shown. As shown, the cleaning roller 20 includes a body 34 as described above, but with a different arrangement of blades 40. The arrangement of the blades 40 includes only one type of blade 40, meaning that all blades 40 are made of the same material and project outward from the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34 by the same projection distance. In other words, all blades have the same Shore hardness and the same amount of interference with the floor 12. In this example, all blades 40 are relatively flexible, have a Shore hardness of 30, and a projection distance providing 4 mm of floor interference.

[0058] As shown in the figure, each blade 40 has a tab-like shape, wherein the leading surface 48 and the trailing surface 50 are substantially rectangular, and the radial cross-section of the tab 40 is constant. In this specific example, the thickness of each tab 40 is constant. Referring to a tab 40, the tab extends from the root region 44 to the distal region 46 to define the tab width, and extends longitudinally from one end 42 to the other end 43 to define the tab length (similar to the blade length). The ratio of the tab width to the tab length is no greater than 1:2. In other words, the length of the tab does not exceed twice its width. In this specific example, the length of each tab is less than its width.

[0059] In this example, each tab 40 extends perpendicularly from the outer surface 38 of the roller body 34 such that the tab width is equal to its protrusion distance (d). However, in other examples, the tab 40 may extend outward at an angle relative to the outer surface 38 such that the tab width is greater than the tab protrusion distance (d).

[0060] Each tab 40 extends axially along the outer surface 38 of the roller 20, such that the leading surface 48 and the following surface 50 are perpendicular to the radial mid-plane 52. In other words, each tab 40 is axially aligned with the roller body 34. Therefore, as the roller 20 rotates, the entire length of the distal region 46 of the tab simultaneously contacts the floor surface 12. Thus, as the tab 40 contacts the floor surface 12 with the roller rotating, the friction between the tab 40 and the floor 12 is substantially constant along the length of the tab 40, such that no part of the distal region 44 lags behind another part of the distal region 44. Therefore, as the roller 20 continues to rotate, the distal region 44 suddenly and completely bounces away from the floor 12, thereby throwing debris and fluid toward the collection tray 32 in a slinging motion.

[0061] All tabs 40 in the arrangement have the same shape, size, and orientation, and are arranged in a helical pattern around the outer surface 38 of the body 34. More specifically, a plurality of tabs 40 are arranged in a group 64 such that the middle portions of their root regions 44 are aligned along a helical path 66 extending between the ends 36, 36' of the roller body 34. The arrangement includes a plurality of such groups 64, each group being arranged such that the helical path 66 extends parallel to each other around the outer surface 38. In the example shown, there are 21 tabs 40 in each group 64, and there are five groups 64 in the arrangement. The five groups 64 (and their helical paths 66) are equidistant from each other around the circumference of the body 34.

[0062] The helical path 66 is relatively loose, with a helix angle (α) between 45° and 90°, such that the pitch of the helical path 66 is longer than that of the roller body 34. It should be understood that the helix angle (α) is the angle between the helical path 66 and a plane extending radially through the roller (e.g., the radial mid-plane 52). In this example, the helical path 66 extends clockwise around the roller body 34, and the helix angle (α) is between 70° and 80°.

[0063] A set of 64 tabs 40 are arranged along a helical path 66 such that the ends 42, 43 of adjacent tabs in the set are axially spaced apart. Thus, an axial gap 60 is defined between adjacent tabs 40 in the set of 64. These axial gaps 60 allow the tabs to flex freely against the floor surface 12 without interfering with adjacent tabs 40. In other words, as the roller 20 rotates, each tab 40 flexes independently against the floor surface 12. The tabs 40 have equal Shore hardness, equal thickness, and equal floor interference. This ensures only one point of contact at a time, reducing noise and downward pressure against the floor surface 12. In this example, each tab 40 has a Shore hardness of 80, a thickness of 1.5 mm, an axial length of 10, and a floor interference of 1.5 mm. However, in other examples, each tab 40 may be made of a softer material (i.e., with a Shore hardness of 30 to 40) and be thicker, thus maintaining a relatively rigid construction that provides a suitably high bounce velocity.

[0064] The shorter the tabs 40 are in the longitudinal direction, the less likely they are to encounter large changes in floor height along their length. This means they are more likely to maintain continuous contact with the floor surface 12 as they rotate past. Conversely, longer tabs 40 are more likely to span between the high points of the floor surface 12 as they rotate past, thus leaving unwiped areas on the floor surface 12.

[0065] The axial spacing between adjacent tabs 40 minimizes the axial length of each axial gap 60, and is at least axially shorter than the length of each tab 40. Furthermore, the tabs 40 of one set 64 in the arrangement are axially misaligned with the tabs 40 of at least another set 64 in the arrangement, such that the gaps 60 in one set (i.e., the first set) 64 are axially misaligned with the gaps 60 in the other set (i.e., the second set) 64. In this way, as the roller 20 rotates, any imprints that the gaps 60 in the first set 64 may leave on the floor surface 12 are subsequently wiped away by the tabs 40 in the second set 64.

[0066] In another example, the tabs 40 in one set of 64 overlap each other axially, making it less likely for hair to get stuck between them. In yet another example, the tabs 40 in each set of 64 are arranged in a herringbone pattern, so that water is guided to the center of the roller 20. With this configuration, the roller 10 contacts the floor surface 12 in two locations at any given time, thus providing greater reaction and lifting forces, which depend in part on the tab width and the amount of floor interference.

[0067] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5a and Figure 5b A variation of the roller 20 is shown. As above, the roller 20 includes multiple sets of 64 tabular blades 40 arranged along a helical path 66. However, in this example, the tabs 40 extend along the length direction and are aligned with their corresponding helical paths 66; that is, the tabs 40 are not arranged to be axially aligned with the roller body 34. This arrangement can be alternatively described as including multiple axially discontinuous helical blades 40. Furthermore, the helical path 66 is wound more tightly around the roller body 34, resulting in a shorter pitch.

[0068] As shown in the figure, half of group 64 in the arrangement extends from one end 36 of the roller body 34 in a clockwise helical direction to the radial mid-plane 52, while the other half of group 64 in the arrangement extends from the other end 36' of the roller body 34 in a counterclockwise helical direction to the radial mid-plane 52. (Refer to...) Figure 6 As shown in the view, group 66 extending from the left end 36 of roller 20 can be called clockwise group 64, while group 64 extending from the right end 36' of roller 20 can be called counterclockwise group 64.

[0069] Each group 64 extends from the outer group end 68 at the end of the roller to the inner group end 70 at (or near) the radial midplane 52 of the roller 20. The clockwise groups 64 are arranged such that their helical paths 66 are parallel to each other and are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the roller 20. Similarly, the counterclockwise groups 64 are arranged such that their helical paths 66 are parallel to each other and are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the roller 20. The clockwise and counterclockwise groups 64 are circumferentially spaced relative to each other such that the intersections of each group 64 with the radial midplane 52 are equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the body 34.

[0070] The inner ends 70 of all groups 64 overlap axially to prevent imprints from forming on the floor surface 12 as described above. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in the example, the gap 60 between adjacent tabs 40 is offset from other gaps 60 in the axial direction to ensure that the tabs 40 completely wipe and cover the floor surface 12 as the roller 20 rotates.

[0071] Figure 7 Another example of a cleaning roller 20 is shown, which includes an arrangement of blades 40 geometrically as referenced above. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The flexible (polymer) blades 40' in the described example are arranged as such. That is, the blades 40 extend helically along the roller 20 and are arranged symmetrically about the radial midplane 52 to provide herringbone patterned channels 58 on the outer surface 38.

[0072] The arrangement comprises a combination of continuous blades 40 and discontinuous blades 40 arranged alternately around the circumference of the roller body 20. In this example, the radial width of the discontinuous blades 40'' varies along the length of the blades 40. Specifically, the discontinuous blades 40'' taper in the width direction and narrow towards the radial midplane 52.

[0073] The continuous blade 40 includes protrusions 72 disposed along the length of its distal region 46. More specifically, these protrusions 72 are disposed on the leading side 48 of the continuous blade 40. As the roller rotates, these protrusions contact the floor and thereby slightly lift the leading surface of the continuous blade 40' away from the floor surface 12. Thus, as the continuous blade 40' passes the floor surface 12, the leading side of the continuous blade 40' remains spaced apart from the floor surface 12, thereby defining a shallow groove between the floor surface 12 and the leading surface of the blade 40'. Fluid collected on the floor surface 12 in front of the continuous blade 40' can then be freely passed through the groove between the continuous blade 40' and the floor surface 12 as the roller rotates. Any fluid that passes through is then bounced away by subsequent discontinuous blades 40''.

[0074] Keeping the discontinuous blades 40'' away from the floor surface 12 allows the leading surface of the blades to spread out a larger (i.e., deeper) pool of fluid into a shallower, sheet-like pool extending along the length of the roll. This, in turn, means that the fluid is distributed more evenly in front of the subsequent discontinuous blades 40''. This uniform distribution of the fluid prevents any protrusion in the discontinuous blades from being submerged by a fluid pool that is too large to be easily bounced off by a single pass of the blade.

[0075] Figure 8a and Figure 8b Another example is shown, in which blade 40 is as described above. Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 4 and Figure 7 The described herringbone pattern arrangement. Continuous blades 40' and multiple sets of convex blades 64 are arranged alternately around the circumference of the outer surface 38, such that the arrangement is symmetrical about the radial midplane 52. In this example, the blades 40' are arranged symmetrically in pairs, defining an axial gap 60 between the inner ends of each blade 40' in a pair. However, in other examples, the blades 40' may be continuous, such that there is no gap 60 at the radial midplane 52. In other words, the blades 40' in a pair may be joined together.

[0076] In this example, the tabs 40'' arranged away from the radial mid-plane 52 have a variable thickness that tapers toward the radial mid-plane 52, such that the inner end 43 of the tab 40'' is thinner than the outer end 42 of the tab 40''. More specifically, referring to a tab 40'', the inner leading edge of the tab 40'' is chamfered to define a ramp surface 74 between the following side 44 and the leading side 46. The tabs 40'' arranged at the radial mid-plane 52 have a constant radial cross-section. The tabs 40'' in a set 64 overlap each other axially to ensure that the tabs 40'' completely wipe the floor surface 12 as the roller 20 rotates. This arrangement also reduces the possibility of hair getting stuck between them. Multiple sets of tab-like blades 64 can be arranged equidistantly between two adjacent blades 40', or as... Figure 8a and Figure 8b The tabs are arranged closer to the leading side of the blade 40' to improve hair migration. By arranging the tabs 40 closer to the leading side of the blade 40', which is wider than the tabs 40'', the likelihood of hair getting caught between the tabs 40'' is reduced.

[0077] Figure 8c and Figure 8d It shows the relationship with Figure 8a and Figure 8bAnother example of a similar cleaning roller 20. In this example, the blades 40' are continuous, such that there is no gap 60 at the radial midplane 52. In other words, the blades 40' in a pair are joined together. Multiple sets of tabular blades 64 are arranged alternately around the circumference of the outer surface 38, such that this arrangement is symmetrical about the radial midplane 52. Therefore, an axial gap is defined between adjacent tabs 40'' in a set of 64. Similar to Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown in the example, these axial clearances allow the tabs to flex freely against the floor surface 12 without interfering with adjacent tabs 40''. In other words, as the roller 20 rotates, each tab 40'' flexes independently against the floor surface 12. The tabs 40'' have equal Shore hardness, equal thickness, and equal floor interference. In another example, the tabs 40'' in one set 64 overlap axially with the tabs in adjacent sets 64 to ensure that the tabs 40'' provide complete wiping coverage of the floor surface 12 as the roller 20 rotates. Similar to... Figure 8a and Figure 8b In one example, the tabs 64 are arranged closer to the leading side of the blade 40' to reduce the likelihood of hair getting caught between the tabs 40''. In another example, the tabs 64 may be arranged equidistantly between two adjacent blades 40'.

[0078] It can be observed that, for example Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b The herringbone arrangement of the blades 40' shown has the function of causing linear debris to migrate toward the ends 36, 36' of the roller 20, while simultaneously causing fluid to gather from the ends 36, 36' toward the radial mid-plane 52.

[0079] Figure 9a and Figure 9b An example of a cleaning roller 20 is shown, which includes components with... Figure 5a and Figure 5b The illustrated example shows a similar blade 40 arrangement. As shown, in this example, the arrangement includes a continuous series of blades 40' arranged alternately around the circumference of the roller body 34 and multiple sets of 64 tabular blades 40''. Each continuous blade 40' and each set of 64 tabs 40'' extends along a parallel helical path 66 between the ends 36, 36' of the roller 20. Figure 5a and Figure 5bAs in the example shown, each of the tabular blades 40'' is axially aligned with the roller body 34. The helical path 66 extends clockwise around the roller body 34, and its pitch is shorter than the length of the roller 20. In the example shown, the consecutive blades 40' are equidistant, and the groups 64 are equidistant, but each group 64 is positioned closer to its leading side of the blade 40'. In other examples, the groups 64 and blades can all be equidistant, such that a group 64 is positioned centrally between adjacent consecutive blades 40'. Alternatively, each group 64 can be positioned closer to its following side of the consecutive blade 40'. The blades 40' are wider than the tabular blades 40'', so the likelihood of hair getting caught between the tabular blades 40'' is reduced when the tabs are closer to the leading side of the blades 40'.

[0080] The continuous blades 40' and tabs 40'' can be made of the same material and can project from the outer surface 38 at the same projection distance, such that each has the same amount of interference with the floor 12 as the roller 20 rotates. Alternatively, the continuous blades 40' can have a "flexible blade" configuration (i.e., lower stiffness and higher floor interaction), while the tabs 40'' in each group 64 can have a "resilient blade" configuration (i.e., higher stiffness and lower floor interaction).

[0081] Figure 10a and Figure 10b An example of a cleaning roller is shown, which includes components according to a reference. Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8a and Figure 8b The arrangement of the blades 40 in a herringbone pattern is described. In this example, each blade 40 is continuous along the entire length of the elongated body 34, i.e., such that there are no gaps between the symmetrical blades at the radial midplane 52.

[0082] As shown, each blade includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs or struts 76 arranged along its length. Each reinforcing rib 76 is disposed on the blade 40 itself and extends radially from the outer surface 38 at the root region 44 of the blade 40 toward the distal region 46. In this way, each rib 76 is elongated, with a radial dimension greater than either the axial or circumferential dimension. The distal end of each rib 76 is spaced apart from the distal region 46 of the blade 40, i.e., the rib 76 is narrower (or shorter) radially than the blade 40. More specifically, each rib 76 extends to the interference portion 56 of the blade 70 but does not overlap with it. Thus, the distal region 46 of the blade 40 is still able to flex upon contact with the floor surface 12, allowing the roller 20 to continue rotating without interference from its installation. Although this example shows the rib 76 in a generally rectangular cuboid form, the distal end and / or sides may taper toward the blade to reduce stress concentration.

[0083] Each rib 76 is fixed to the blade 40 along its radial length. The ribs 76 may be bonded to the blade or integrally molded with the blade 76. In this example, the blades are positioned on the leading side of the blade, but in other examples, they may be positioned on the trailing side. In still other examples, the ribs 76 may be formed to protrude from both the leading and trailing sides.

[0084] Ribs 76 are evenly spaced along the length of each blade 40 and are arranged symmetrically about the radial midplane 52. Although this example includes a herringbone arrangement of blades, it is understood that ribs 76 can be applied to continuous blades arranged in other ways, for example, as shown in the reference. Figure 6 , Figure 9a and Figure 9b The spiral arrangement described.

[0085] It should be understood that the ribs 76 are used to reinforce each consecutive blade at intervals along its length. Each rib 76 reinforces the blade by providing additional thickness in the circumferential direction. Thus, each blade includes multiple reinforcing regions (i.e., those regions that include the increased thickness) and multiple flexible regions (i.e., those regions that include the “baseline” thickness of the blade 40), which extend between the reinforced “ribbed” regions. More generally, each blade has variable stiffness along its length.

[0086] In this way, as the roller rotates, the reinforced areas serve as the more resilient "bounce blades" described above, while the unreinforced areas serve as the more flexible "fluid-gathering blades" described above. More specifically, as the roller rotates, the ribs 76 resist bending against the floor surface 12, thereby increasing the bending stress in that area of ​​the blade as it passes over the floor. Therefore, the resulting bounce force (and thus bounce velocity) is greater when the blade is released from the floor surface as the roller continues to rotate. That is, each stiffer area of ​​the blade supported by the ribs 76 is primarily used to bounce fluid and debris away from the floor surface as the roller 20 rotates.

[0087] Meanwhile, the unsupported blade areas extending between the ribs are more able to flex against the floor surface, thus providing the wiping action described above for the liquid-coating blades. Of course, the blade flexibility is highest in the middle between adjacent ribs; that is, the blades are less able to flex near the ribs. Therefore, the ribs 76 are sufficiently spaced to allow the middle of each unsupported area to properly rub against the floor surface 12 for wiping.

[0088] In another example, Figure 10a and Figure 10bThe arrangement shown includes two different types of blades 40: a first type called a liquid-collecting blade (or a more flexible blade), and a second type called a spring-loaded blade (or a more resilient blade). These two types of blades are arranged alternately around the circumference of the outer surface 38, such that the arrangement is symmetrical about the radial midplane 52. The first blade protrudes outward from the outer surface by a first distance, and the second blade protrudes outward from the outer surface by a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In one example, a reinforcing rib 76 is provided on the spring-loaded blade. In another example, the reinforcing rib 76 is provided on both the liquid-collecting blade and the spring-loaded blade. However, a thicker and / or longer reinforcing rib is provided on the spring-loaded blade, making the spring-loaded blade more rigid than the liquid-collecting blade.

[0089] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An example of a pair of cleaning rollers 20 is shown. Each roller 20 in the pair is truncated conical, tapering towards one end 36 along a respective longitudinal axis 24. When mounted in a cleaning head 10, both rollers 20 extend from opposite sides of the wedge-shaped hub portion 78 of the cleaning head 10 at the larger of their two ends 36'. As described above with respect to the tapered individual rollers, the tapering of the roller body 34 serves to induce hair and other filamentous debris to move in a twisting motion toward the smaller end 36 of each roller 20.

[0090] exist Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, each conical cleaning roller 20 includes a blade arrangement, wherein the blades 40 are arranged as described above. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The description describes a herringbone pattern arrangement. Similar to... Figure 2a and Figure 2b , Figure 11 The arrangement shown includes two different types of blades 40: a first type of blade is referred to as a liquid-collecting blade (or a more flexible blade) 40', and a second type of blade is referred to as a flail blade (or a more resilient blade) 40''. The liquid-collecting blades 40' separate near their larger diameter ends 36', thus forming a gap 60 between them. Generally, the liquid-collecting blades 40' are configured to wipe fluid from the floor surface 12 and guide it toward the gap 60, such that as the roller 20 rotates, the fluid accumulates on the floor surface 12 into a "pool" or puddle. Simultaneously, the flail blades 40'' are configured to scoop fluid from the pool as the roller 20 rotates and flail it upwards away from the floor 12 toward the collection tray 32. Therefore, the arrangement of the blades 40 is generally configured to bring fluid from the floor surface 12 into the cleaning head 10 as the roller 20 rotates. Figure 11 The stiffness and Shore hardness of the first and second blades in the illustrated embodiment are similar to those described above. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The description is the same.

[0091] Figure 12 As shown in the reference Figure 11 Another example of the pair of truncated conical cleaning rollers 20. Each roller 20 in the pair includes circumferentially spaced, continuous blades 40 extending helically from an end 36 with a smaller diameter to an end 36' with a larger diameter, around an elongated body 34. The rollers 20 in the pair are mirror images of each other: when viewed from their ends 36 with smaller diameters, Figure 12 The left roller has blades 40 extending clockwise along its length, while the right roller 20 has blades extending counterclockwise along its length. Therefore, when the rollers 20 are mounted in the cleaning head 10, the blades of the two rollers 20 are aligned to provide a herringbone pattern as described above, thereby guiding water along the channel 58 toward the center of the two rollers 20. As the rollers rotate, the inner ends 70 of the opposing blades 40 meet at a paired radial midplane 52 to deflect the accumulated fluid away and into the collection tray 32.

[0092] Figure 11 and Figure 12 An arrangement is shown in which a pair of conical cleaning rollers 20 extend from opposite sides of the wedge-shaped hub portion 78 of the cleaning head 10 at the larger of their two ends 36'. In other examples, the pair of conical cleaning rollers 20 may be reversed, such that the pair of conical cleaning rollers 20 extend from opposite sides of the wedge-shaped hub portion 78 of the cleaning head 10 at the smaller of their two ends 36. In yet another example, a single conical cleaning roller 20 may be implemented.

[0093] Although the cleaning head described in the above embodiments is with respect to a manually operated floor cleaner, the cleaning head can alternatively be provided on a robotic floor cleaner. A robotic floor cleaner including the cleaning head described above is also described herein.

[0094] It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A floor cleaning roller for installation in a cleaning head of a hard floor cleaner, the roller comprising: A conical body defining a longitudinal axis, the roller being configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis when mounted in the cleaning head, wherein the conical body includes a non-porous outer surface.

2. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 1 further includes an arrangement of non-porous blades.

3. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 2, wherein, Each non-porous blade protrudes outward from the outer surface.

4. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 3, wherein, The arrangement includes a first blade and a second blade, wherein the stiffness of the second blade is greater than that of the first blade.

5. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 1, wherein, The first blade is made of a first polymer, and the second blade is made of a second polymer, wherein the second polymer is harder than the first polymer.

6. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 5, wherein, The first polymer has a Shore hardness of 20 to 40, and the second polymer has a Shore hardness of 70 to 90.

7. The floor cleaning roller according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein, The first blade protrudes outward from the outer surface by a first distance, and the second blade protrudes outward from the outer surface by a second distance, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance.

8. The floor cleaning roller according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein, The first blade extends spirally around the elongated body, and the second blade extends axially along the elongated body.

9. The floor cleaning roller according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein, The first blade and the second blade extend spirally around the elongated body.

10. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 8, wherein, The first blade is discontinuous, defining a gap along its length.

11. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 10, wherein, The gap is located near the end of the cleaning roller that has a larger diameter.

12. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 11, wherein, The second blade overlaps axially with the gap.

13. The floor cleaning roller according to any one of claims 4-13, wherein, The blade arrangement includes a plurality of first blades arranged at equal intervals around the roller body to define a passage therebetween.

14. The floor cleaning roller according to any one of claims 4-14, wherein, The blade arrangement includes a plurality of second blades arranged at equal intervals around the roller body.

15. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The first blade and the second blade are arranged alternately around the roller body.

16. The floor cleaning roller according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the non-porous blades extends spirally around the elongated body.

17. The floor cleaning roller according to any of the preceding claims further includes a wedge-shaped hub and a pair of said conical bodies, the pair of conical bodies extending from opposite sides of the wedge-shaped hub at the larger end of the conical bodies.

18. A cleaning head for a hard floor cleaner, comprising a cleaning roller according to any of the preceding claims.

19. A floor cleaner comprising the cleaning head according to claim 17.

20. The floor cleaner according to claim 18, wherein, The floor cleaner in question is a robotic floor cleaner.

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