The roller brush structure of an underwater cleaning robot

Abstract

This application discloses a roller brush structure for an underwater cleaning robot, comprising: a brush cylinder, brush blades, and at least one roller brush end cap. The brush blades are disposed on the brush cylinder, and the roller brush end cap is sealed to at least one end of the brush cylinder. A first limiting structure is provided on the roller brush end cap, and a second limiting structure is provided on the brush cylinder. The first and second limiting structures are detachably engaged to restrict relative rotation between the roller brush end cap and the brush cylinder. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, a first sand-receiving groove is provided on the roller brush end cap. The first sand-receiving groove is arranged around the rotation center of the roller brush end cap and can accommodate sand and gravel that enter the assembly gap between the brush cylinder and other accessories during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot. By providing the first sand-receiving groove, this application can accommodate at least part of the sand and gravel that enters the end of the brush cylinder, thereby reducing the friction between the sand and gravel and the end of the brush cylinder or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder, thus protecting the brush cylinder or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning device technology, and in particular to a roller brush structure for an underwater cleaning robot. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater cleaning robots are designed to meet underwater cleaning needs. They can clean the underwater parts of structures and filter water, such as pool cleaning robots used to clean the surface of swimming pools. In addition to using a water pump system to draw in pool water and filter debris, pool cleaning robots are typically equipped with rotating roller brushes. During cleaning, the roller brushes rotate and scrub the pool surface, causing adhering contaminants to detach and be collected in a filter basket.

[0003] However, when the roller brush component is rotated, the rotating end of the roller brush component usually forms a narrow fitting gap with other adjacent components. In this case, during the cleaning operation of the underwater cleaning robot, some solid contaminants, such as sand and gravel, may move with the water flow into the fitting gap of the roller brush, thereby scratching the surface of the roller brush accessories or adjacent components during the rotation of the roller brush. When a large amount of sand and gravel is stuck, it may even affect the smoothness of the roller brush rotation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a roller brush encapsulation structure for an underwater cleaning robot to improve or solve the technical problems in conventional solutions.

[0005] This application provides a roller brush encapsulation structure for an underwater cleaning robot, comprising: a brush cylinder, a brush blade, and at least one roller brush end cap. The brush blade is disposed on the brush cylinder, and the roller brush end cap is encapsulated at at least one end of the brush cylinder. The roller brush end cap is provided with a first limiting structure, and the brush cylinder is provided with a second limiting structure. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are detachably engaged to restrict relative rotation between the roller brush end cap and the brush cylinder. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, the roller brush end cap is provided with a first sand-receiving groove, which is disposed around the rotation center of the roller brush end cap. The first sand-receiving groove is capable of accommodating sand and gravel that enters the assembly gap between the brush cylinder and other accessories during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot.

[0006] Optionally, the roller brush end cap includes a cover body, a first boss, and a first annular surface. The first boss and the first annular surface are both disposed on the cover surface of the cover body away from the brush cylinder. The first boss is disposed on the axis of the cover surface. The first boss is provided with a mounting structure for rotatably mounting the roller brush structure. The first annular surface is coaxially disposed with the first boss. The opening of the first sand-containing groove is formed between the first boss and the first annular surface. The first sand-containing groove is recessed inward from the cover surface along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, the heights of the bottom of the first boss, the first annular surface, and the first sand-containing groove decrease sequentially, and the height of the first annular surface is not lower than the remaining area of ​​the cover surface of the cover body away from the brush cylinder.

[0007] Optionally, the mounting structure includes a shaft hole that passes through the center of the first boss and an abutment surface located at the end of the first boss away from the cover. The size of the shaft hole is adapted to the size of the mounting shaft of the roller brush structure, and the height of the first annular surface is lower than the height of the abutment surface.

[0008] Optionally, the roller brush end cap is further provided with a second sand-containing groove, the second sand-containing groove and the first sand-containing groove are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, and a first sand-passing hole is provided at the bottom of the first sand-containing groove, the first sand-passing hole connecting the first sand-containing groove and the second sand-containing groove.

[0009] Optionally, the roller brush end cap further includes a second protrusion disposed on the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder, and the second sand-containing groove is disposed on the second protrusion; when assembled, part or all of the second protrusion extends into the end of the brush cylinder, and the second protrusion and / or the cover body abut against the brush cylinder.

[0010] Optionally, the brush cylinder has a hollow structure, and the opening of the second sand-containing groove is formed on the end face of the second protrusion away from the cover body, so that the opening of the second sand-containing groove is connected to the hollow structure, and the bottom of the second sand-containing groove is connected to the first sand-containing groove through the first sand-passing hole.

[0011] Optionally, the bottom of the first sand-containing tank is provided with a water passage hole communicating with the second sand-containing tank, and a sand filter grid is provided in the water passage hole. The first sand passage hole is the sand filter pore separated by the sand filter grid in the water passage hole.

[0012] Optionally, the filter grid includes a plurality of support ribs, the axis of which extends tangentially along the rotation trajectory of the roller end cap.

[0013] Optionally, the roller brush end cap includes a cover body and a third protrusion. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, the third protrusion extends outward from the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder. When assembled, part or all of the third protrusion extends into the end of the brush cylinder, and the third protrusion and / or the cover body abut against the brush cylinder. The first sand-receiving groove is disposed on the third protrusion, and a second sand-passing hole is provided through the cover body, which connects the first sand-receiving groove and the outside of the roller brush end cap.

[0014] Optionally, the underwater cleaning robot includes two brush cylinders. When assembled, the first end faces of the two brush cylinders are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps. The first protrusions of the two roller brush end caps encapsulated on the first end faces of the brush cylinders abut against each other. The second end faces of the two brush cylinders are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps. The roller brush end caps encapsulated on the second end faces are rotated by the rotating shaft of the underwater cleaning robot, so that the brush cylinders are rotated by the roller brush end caps encapsulated on the second end faces, and so that the roller brush end caps encapsulated on the first end faces are rotated by the brush cylinders. The first end faces of the two brush cylinders are opposite each other, and the second end faces of the brush cylinders are opposite to the first end faces of the brush cylinders.

[0015] By providing a first sand-containing groove, this application can accommodate at least part of the sand entering the end of the brush cylinder, thereby reducing the friction between the sand and the end of the brush cylinder or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder. This provides protection for the surface of the roller brush end cap or other accessories near the roller brush end cap, and can also reduce the probability of the roller brush rotating stiffly due to sand stuck at the end. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a roller brush structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a roller brush end cap according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a roller brush end cap according to another embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a brush end cap according to another embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and their technical features can be combined with each other.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a roller brush structure according to an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the roller brush structure includes: a brush cylinder 1, a brush blade 2, and at least one roller brush end cap 3. The brush blade 2 covers the brush cylinder 1, and the roller brush end cap 3 is encapsulated at at least one end of the brush cylinder 1. A first limiting structure 31 is provided on the roller brush end cap 3, and a second limiting structure 11 is provided on the brush cylinder 1. The first limiting structure 31 and the second limiting structure 11 are detachably connected to restrict the relative rotation of the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap 3, a first sand-receiving groove 32 is provided on the roller brush end cap 3. The first sand-receiving groove 32 is arranged around the rotation center of the roller brush end cap 3 and can accommodate sand and gravel that enter the assembly gap between the brush cylinder 1 and other accessories during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot.

[0023] The underwater cleaning robot has a rotating shaft driven by a motor, etc. The roller brush structure needs to be mounted on the rotating shaft. The brush cylinder 1 and at least one roller brush end cap 3 are both mounted on the rotating shaft. When assembled, the cover surface of the roller brush end cap 3 is usually closer to other components of the underwater cleaning robot, such as the roller brush mounting bracket and other roller brush ends, compared to the other components of the roller brush. In order to balance the two requirements of the compact structural layout of the underwater cleaning robot and the rotating installation of the roller brush, even in different installation scenarios, the cover surface of the roller brush end cap 3 is very likely to form a small assembly gap with other components. During the cleaning operation of the underwater cleaning robot, the motor of the underwater cleaning robot drives the rotating shaft to rotate. At this time, the brush cylinder 1 and at least one roller brush end cap 3 installed on the rotating shaft are driven to rotate. The brush blades 2 covered on the brush cylinder 1 rotate with the brush cylinder 1. The brush blades 2 rub against the moving surface of the underwater cleaning robot and brush the surface it passes through during the movement. The rotation of the brush blades 2 can also guide the sand and other pollutants that have fallen off or been deposited on the moving surface toward the water intake of the underwater cleaning robot, so as to cooperate with the water circulation filtration operation of the underwater cleaning robot to achieve the function of brushing off and collecting pollutants. During this process, some grit may be displaced by turbulent flow to the vicinity of the assembly gap of the roller brush end cap 3. If the flow of this grit is obstructed by the assembly gap and it accumulates excessively near the end of the brush cylinder 1, since the brush cylinder 1 will continue to rotate during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot, larger grit or a certain amount of accumulated grit may remain in the assembly gap, thereby scraping the cover surface of the roller brush end cap 3 or the surface of other accessories at the assembly gap. This not only damages the brush cylinder 1 or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder 1, but may also reduce the smoothness of the roller brush rotation and affect the brush cleaning effect. To address this, the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated at the end of the brush cylinder 1 in this application is provided with a first sand-receiving groove 32 along its rotation direction. The first sand-receiving groove 32 allows grit inside or near the assembly gap to enter, and transfers the grit from the assembly gap by accommodating it, thereby avoiding friction between at least some of the grit and the end of the brush cylinder 1 or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder 1, thus protecting the corresponding components.

[0024] The aforementioned first limiting structure 31 and second limiting structure 11 are a combination of mating structures capable of assembling and limiting the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3. This combination of mating structures includes at least one of a limiting structure for restricting the axial relative movement of the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3, and a limiting structure for restricting the relative rotation of the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3. For example, the first limiting structure 31 can be a protrusion, and the second limiting structure 11 can be a recess that mates with the protrusion shape of the first limiting structure 31. When installing the roller brush end cap 3 onto the brush cylinder 1, the protrusion-shaped first limiting structure 31 is inserted into the first limiting structure 31, thus fixing the roller brush end cap 3 to the brush cylinder 1 and providing relative rotational limitation and a tight axial connection between the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3. Similarly, the detachable engagement method of the first limiting structure 31 and the second limiting structure 11 can also be a snap-fit, plug-in, threaded connection, etc.

[0025] The first sand-collecting groove 32 is arranged around the rotation center of the roller brush end cover 3. Specifically, the first sand-collecting groove 32 covers or surrounds at least a portion of the circumferential rotation of the roller brush end cover 3, so that the distribution shape of the groove opening of the first sand-collecting groove 32 can adapt to the rotation scenario when the roller brush end cover 3 is running, increasing the probability that disturbed sand and gravel will enter the first sand-collecting groove 32 when the roller brush rotates. As an example, along the cover surface direction of the roller brush end cover 3, the cross-sectional shape of the first sand-collecting groove 32 can be an annular shape around the rotation center, a circular shape covering the rotation center, or multiple arc-shaped or rectangular shapes distributed around the rotation center. The shape of the first sand-collecting groove 32 is not limited to the above examples. Those skilled in the art can make corresponding arrangements around the rotation center according to the hot spot distribution of sand and gravel entering the end of the brush cylinder 1 during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot.

[0026] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 In the illustrated roller brush structure, two brush cylinders 1 are arranged coaxially, and roller brush end caps 3 are respectively encapsulated at both ends of the two brush cylinders 1. However, in the roller brush structure of an underwater cleaning robot, only one brush cylinder 1 or more brush cylinders 1 can be set. The roller brush end cap 3 is set at least at one end of one of the brush cylinders 1, which can effectively prevent at least some of the sand and gravel from rubbing against the end of the brush cylinder 1 or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder 1, and protect the corresponding components. Of course, the optimal implementation is to set a roller brush end cap 3 at each of the two rotatably mounted ends of each brush cylinder 1 (i.e., Figure 1 (as shown in the example).

[0027] For example, such as Figure 1As shown, when the underwater cleaning robot includes two roller brushes, in the assembled state, the first end faces of the two brush cylinders 1 that are close to each other are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps 3. The first protrusions 34 of the two roller brush end caps 3 encapsulated on the first end faces of the brush cylinders 1 abut against each other. The second end faces of the two brush cylinders 1 that are far from each other are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps 3. The roller brush end caps 3 encapsulated on the second end faces are driven to rotate by the rotating shaft of the underwater cleaning robot, so that the brush cylinders 1 are driven to rotate synchronously by the roller brush end caps 3 encapsulated on the second end faces, so that the roller brush end caps 3 encapsulated on the first end faces are driven to rotate by the brush cylinders 1. Among them, the first end faces of the two brush cylinders 1 face each other, and an assembly gap is formed between the two cover faces of the roller brush end caps 3 installed on the first end faces of the two brush cylinders 1 that are close to each other. The second end faces of the brush cylinders 1 face each other, and an assembly gap is formed between the cover faces of the roller brush end caps 3 installed on the second end faces of the two brush cylinders 1 and their adjacent rotating brackets. When the brush end cap 3 is provided with the first sand-containing groove 32 around the rotation direction, at least part of the groove opening of the first sand-containing groove 32 is located inside or near the assembly gap, or the groove space of the first sand-containing groove 32 can communicate with the assembly gap, so that the sand and gravel near the assembly gap, especially inside the assembly gap, can move into the first sand-containing groove 32, thereby reducing the degree of abrasion of the surfaces of the two components that make up the assembly gap by the sand and gravel, and reducing the probability of sand and gravel clogging of the brush.

[0028] As described above, the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1 are detachably connected via the first limiting structure 31 and the second limiting structure 11, thus restricting the relative rotation of the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1. Simultaneously, it is understood that the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1 need to be driven to rotate by the rotating shaft of the underwater cleaning robot. However, given that each roller brush only requires one torque input point to achieve the rotation requirement, it is not necessary to have a structure for transmission connection to the rotating shaft on all roller brush end caps 3 and / or brush cylinders 1. Therefore, for a brush cylinder 1, a limiting structure corresponding to the rotating shaft can be provided only on the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated at its end. For example, a limiting structure corresponding to the rotating shaft can be provided on the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated on the second end face of the brush cylinder 1. When the underwater cleaning robot is running, the rotating shaft rotates, causing the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated on the second end face of the brush cylinder 1 to rotate. Since the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated on the second end face of the brush cylinder 1 are restricted from rotating relative to each other, the brush cylinder 1 is driven to rotate by the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated on the second end face of the brush cylinder 1, and then the brush cylinder 1 drives the roller brush end cap 3 encapsulated on the first end face to rotate. Of course, the rotating shaft can also be connected to the brush cylinder 1 for transmission. The object connected to the rotating shaft on the roller brush and the specific connection method and connection structure are set as long as they can meet the driving requirements of the roller brush.

[0029] In this embodiment of the application, by providing a first sand-containing groove 32, at least part of the sand entering the end of the brush cylinder 1 can be contained, thereby reducing the friction between the sand and the end of the brush cylinder 1 or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder 1, and thus protecting the brush cylinder 1 or other accessories connected to the end of the brush cylinder 1.

[0030] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, the first sand-collecting groove 32 provided on the roller brush end cap 3 can be located on the outside of the roller brush end cap 3, that is, on the cover surface of the cover body 33 away from the brush cylinder 1. In this case, the groove opening of the first sand-collecting groove 32 is formed on this side of the cover surface, and the groove opening is located in or faces the assembly gap on this side. Specifically, the roller brush end cap 3 includes a cover body 33, a first boss 34, and a first annular surface 35. The first boss 34 and the first annular surface 35 are both provided on the cover surface of the cover body 33 away from the brush cylinder 1. The first boss 34 is located at the axis of the cover surface and is provided with a mounting structure for rotating and mounting the roller brush structure. The first annular surface 35 is coaxially arranged with the first boss 34. The groove opening of the first sand-collecting groove 32 is formed between the first boss 34 and the first annular surface 35. The first sand-collecting groove 32 is recessed inward from the cover surface along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap 3, forming a recessed groove on the cover surface of the cover body 33 away from the brush cylinder 1. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap 3, the heights of the bottom of the first boss 34, the first annular surface 35 and the first sand-containing groove 32 decrease sequentially, and the height of the first annular surface 35 is not lower than the remaining area of ​​the cover body 33 away from the cover surface of the brush cylinder 1.

[0031] The surface of the roller brush end cap 3, away from the brush cylinder 1, can be provided with a first boss 34, a first annular surface 35, and a bottom of a first sand-receiving groove 32, with progressively decreasing heights. This arrangement allows the first boss 34 to position and install other components assembled nearby. For example, it can limit the distance between other components when they are assembled close to the surface of the roller brush end cap 3 by abutting against it. It can also provide axial upper limit mounting of the roller brush by abutting against other accessories. Furthermore, when the roller brush end cap 3 comes into contact with other accessories, such as the limiting part of an underwater cleaning robot or other roller brush end caps 3, the contact area is reduced by the first boss 34, thus reducing friction. In this case, the design of the first annular surface 35 allows the outer surface of the roller brush end cap 3 to be as close as possible to other components. This, in turn, narrows the opening connecting the assembly gap to the external environment, restricting large sand particles from entering the assembly gap and preventing them from becoming stuck and unable to move with the water flow, thus avoiding severe clogging of the roller brush. Furthermore, the height difference between the first annular surface 35 and the first protrusion 34 creates a smooth space for directional rotation on the outer cover surface of the roller brush end cap 3, ensuring the roller brush's rotation effect. Inside the opening of the assembly gap, the groove between the first protrusion 34 and the first annular surface 35 connects the first sand-receiving groove 32 to the assembly gap. When the roller brush rotates, if fine sand enters the assembly gap through the circumferential opening, the liquid within the assembly gap is agitated by the roller brush's rolling motion on the moving surface and the agitation of the water flow, causing the water flow to carry the sand into the first sand-receiving groove 32. The design of the first sand-receiving groove 32 enables the gap to expand inside the opening of the assembly gap, allowing the roller brush to collect moving sand when there is a large quantity or large particles within the assembly gap, preventing the surfaces near the edges of the assembly gap from being scraped by the sand.

[0032] In one possible implementation, the maximum radial dimension of the first sand-receiving groove 32 is smaller than the radial dimension of the inner cylinder of the brush cylinder 1. When assembled, at least a portion of the first sand-receiving groove 32 extends into the inner side of the end of the brush cylinder 1, achieving a compact design of the roller brush mounting portion and increasing the volume of the first sand-receiving groove 32. Furthermore, the radial dimension of the first sand-receiving groove 32 toward the outer wall of the brush cylinder 1 can be set to match the inner diameter of the end of the brush cylinder 1, so that the roller brush end cap 3 can also be inserted and assembled with the brush cylinder 1 by embedding the first sand-receiving groove 32 into the end of the brush cylinder 1.

[0033] As an example, the above-mentioned mounting structure includes a shaft hole through the axis of the first boss 34 and an abutment surface at the end of the first boss 34 away from the cover 33. The size of the shaft hole is adapted to the size of the mounting shaft of the roller brush structure, and the height of the first annular surface 35 is lower than the height of the abutment surface.

[0034] The installation structure improves the stability of the installation of the roller brush end cap 3 and the mounting shaft of the roller brush structure (the rotating shaft of the underwater cleaning robot).

[0035] In one possible implementation, based on setting any of the aforementioned first sand-containing tanks 32, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the roller brush end cap 3 is also provided with a second sand-receiving groove 37. The second sand-receiving groove 37 and the first sand-receiving groove 32 are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap 3. The second sand-receiving groove 37 is formed on the inner cover surface of the roller brush end cap 3. The first sand-receiving groove 32 and the second sand-receiving groove 37 are respectively provided on both sides of the cover body 33 and separated by the cover body 33. In this case, a first sand-passing hole 36 is provided at the bottom of the first sand-receiving groove 32. The first sand-passing hole 36 connects the first sand-receiving groove 32 and the second sand-receiving groove 37, allowing the sand and gravel in the first sand-receiving groove 32 to enter the second sand-receiving groove 37 from the outside of the cover body 33.

[0036] Since the first sand-holding trough 32 has a limited sand-holding capacity, if the underwater cleaning robot operates for a long time, sand and gravel may accumulate in the first sand-holding trough 32. At this time, the first sand-holding trough 32 can no longer hold the sand and gravel on the end face of the brush cylinder 1. In this case, a second sand-holding trough 37 can be provided on the roller brush end cover 3. The second sand-holding trough 37 is located on the surface of the roller brush end cover 3 opposite to the first sand-holding trough 32. At the same time, since the second sand-holding trough 37 is connected to the first sand-holding trough 32 through the first sand passage hole 36, the sand and gravel in the first sand-holding trough 32 can flow into the second sand-holding trough 37 through the first sand passage hole 36, thereby increasing the sand and gravel holding capacity of the roller brush end cover 3. Furthermore, when there is excessive sand in the first sand tank 32, the sand can flow into the second sand tank 37 through the first sand passage hole 36. However, when the sand in the first sand tank 32 is cleared out or reduced, the liquid flow in the underwater cleaning robot's working environment can flush the sand in the second sand tank 37 out of the first sand passage hole 36 until it flows back into the first sand tank 32, thereby reducing the cleaning difficulty of the second sand tank 37. Similar to the first sand tank 32, the second sand tank 37 can be an annular groove, a circular groove, or a multi-segment arc-shaped groove or a strip-shaped groove arranged around the rotation center. It can be set accordingly based on the hot spot distribution of the sand entering the end of the brush cylinder 1 during the underwater cleaning robot's operation.

[0037] Compared to directly increasing the volume of the first sand-containing trough 32, the design of arranging two cavities on both sides of the cover 33 and partially connecting the two cavities can increase the sand-containing capacity while increasing the difficulty of the sand and gravel entering the second sand-containing trough 37 to return. When there is a lot of sand and gravel in the assembly gap, the sand and gravel temporarily contained will be restricted to the two sand-containing troughs, thereby reducing the number of freely moving sand and gravel in the assembly gap and further reducing the probability of sand and gravel getting stuck and scraped on the surface of the assembly gap.

[0038] Continue reading Figure 2As an example, the first sand passage hole 36 is configured as follows: the bottom of the first sand container 32 is provided with a water passage hole that communicates with the second sand container 37, and a sand filter grid is provided in the water passage hole. The first sand passage hole 36 is the sand filter pores separated by the sand filter grid in the water passage hole.

[0039] Specifically, in order to open the first sand passage hole 36, a water passage hole communicating with the second sand passage hole can be opened at the bottom of the first sand-containing tank 32. The shape of the water passage hole is not limited. For example, the water passage hole can be a circular through hole, as long as it can allow sand and gravel to pass through. Given that a large radial dimension of the water passage hole can easily cause larger gravel to flow into the second sand container 37, but it is difficult for larger gravel to flow out of the second sand container 37, while a small radial dimension of the water passage hole will significantly reduce the probability of sand passage, making it difficult to allow flowing gravel to pass through the water passage hole when the cover 33 rotates, in order to balance the requirements of small-sized gravel containment and good sand inlet effect in the second sand container 37, preferably, this application provides a sand filter grid in the water passage hole with a larger radial dimension, so that the multiple sand filter holes separated by the sand filter grid in the water passage hole serve as multiple first sand passage holes 36. By separating the water passage holes, the size of the sand passage hole is restricted and the number of sand passage channels is increased, so that the size of the gravel flowing into the second sand container 37 is smaller, and it is easier for it to flow out of the second sand container 37 later.

[0040] Furthermore, the filter screen may include multiple support ribs, the axis of which extends along its length and tangentially along the arcuate / circular rotation trajectory of the brush end cap (see...). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram). The sand filter grid is configured as a set of supporting transverse ribs extending tangentially along the rotation trajectory of the roller brush end cover. This allows the sand filter grid to rotate with the rotation axis of the underwater cleaning robot, and the local swirling current near the cover 33 carries sand and gravel through the first sand passage hole 36. This improves the smoothness of smaller sand and gravel flowing into / out of the second sand container 37 with the water flow, thereby enhancing the sand intake and discharge effects.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the second sand-containing groove 37 can be configured such that: the roller brush end cap 3 further includes a second protrusion 38 disposed on the cover surface of the cover body 33 near the brush cylinder 1, the second protrusion 38 extending from the cover surface in the direction close to the brush cylinder 1, and the second sand-containing groove 37 disposed on the second protrusion 38. When assembled, part or all of the second protrusion 38 extends into the end of the brush cylinder 1, the second protrusion 38 abuts against the inner wall of the brush cylinder 1, and / or, the cover body 33 abuts against the end surface of the brush cylinder 1.

[0042] By setting the second protrusion 38, the connection between the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1 can be limited. At the same time, by extending part or all of the second protrusion 38 into the end of the brush cylinder 1, the connection stability between the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1 can be improved. The space occupied by the second sand-containing groove 37 and the brush cylinder 1 can be superimposed, which facilitates a compact structural design for the roller brush part.

[0043] Specifically, the brush cylinder 1 has a hollow structure, and the opening of the second sand-containing groove 37 is formed on the end face of the second protrusion 38 away from the cover body so that the opening of the second sand-containing groove 37 is connected to the hollow structure. The bottom of the second sand-containing groove 37 is connected to the first sand-containing groove 32 through the first sand-passing hole 36.

[0044] The arrangement of the second sand-containing trough 37 communicating with the inner cavity of the brush cylinder 1 serves two purposes. First, it expands the capacity, making it suitable for underwater cleaning scenarios with a large amount of fine sand. Second, the connection creates a larger volume of storage environment, which facilitates the formation of a high-velocity turbulent flow inside the brush cylinder 1 during operation. This allows the fine sand inside the second sand-containing trough 37 to flow out, reducing the need for manual cleaning of the roller brush.

[0045] The outer side of the second protrusion 38 can fit against the inner wall of the hollow structure of the brush cylinder 1 to improve the connection strength between the roller brush end cap 3 and the brush cylinder 1. Alternatively, the distance between the second protrusion 38 and the inner wall of the hollow structure of the brush cylinder 1 can be within a distance threshold, which is about 1 cm. This setting ensures that the second protrusion 38 is located inside the hollow structure of the brush cylinder 1, so as to prevent the sand and gravel flowing into the second sand trough 37 from getting stuck in the assembly gap between the brush cylinder 1 and the roller brush end cap 3.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the outer side of the roller brush end cap 3 may not have a sand-collecting structure, such as... Figure 3-4 As shown, the first sand-receiving groove 32 provided on the roller brush end cap 3 can be located on the inner side of the roller brush end cap 3, that is, on the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder 1. Specifically, the roller brush end cap 3 includes a cover body 33 and a third protrusion 39. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap 3, the third protrusion 39 extends outward from the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder. When assembled, part or all of the third protrusion 39 extends into the end of the brush cylinder, and the third protrusion 39 abuts against the inner wall of the brush cylinder 1, and / or, the cover body 33 abuts against the end surface of the brush cylinder 1. The first sand-receiving groove 32 is provided on the third protrusion 39, and a second sand-passing hole 310 is provided through the cover body 33, which connects the first sand-receiving groove 32 and the outside of the roller brush end cap 3.

[0047] The sand-receiving groove may not be provided on the cover surface of the cover 33 away from the brush cylinder 1, but a first sand-receiving groove 32 may be provided on the cover surface of the cover 33 close to the brush cylinder 1. In this case, there is no space-occupying structure on the outside of the cover 33, which facilitates the compact assembly of other accessories or roller brush drive / transmission components on the outside of the cover 33. As an example, a fourth boss 311 adapted to the end of the roller brush drive shaft may be provided on the cover surface of the cover 33 away from the brush cylinder 1 to realize the transmission connection between the roller brush end cover 3 and the corresponding roller brush transmission component.

[0048] The method of setting the first sand-containing groove 32 based on the third protrusion 39, and the resulting technical effects, are similar to the above-described implementation of setting the second sand-containing groove 37 based on the second protrusion 38, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The cover 33 shown is close to the cover surface of the brush cylinder 1 and can be used with... Figure 2 The cover 33 shown, along with the cover surface away from the brush cylinder 1, together illustrate an embodiment of a roller brush end cap 3. Figure 3 The roller brush end cap 3 shown includes a first sand-containing groove 32, a first sand-passing hole 36, and a second protrusion 38. Figure 3 The cover 33 shown is close to the cover surface of the brush cylinder 1, and can also be used with... Figure 4 The cover 33 shown, along with the cover surface away from the brush cylinder 1, together illustrate an embodiment of a roller brush end cap 3. Figure 3 The roller brush end cap 3 shown includes a second sand-containing groove 37, a third boss 39, and a second sand-passing hole 310. Figure 2 The roller brush end cap 3 shown can also be used as a standalone embodiment of the roller brush end cap 3. Figure 2 The first sand passage hole 36 in the middle does not need to be set.

[0050] Although this application has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art based on a reading and understanding of this specification and drawings. This application includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the aforementioned components, the terminology used to describe such components is intended to correspond to any component (unless otherwise indicated) that performs the specified function of said component (e.g., is functionally equivalent to it), even if structurally not equivalent to the disclosed structure performing the functions in the exemplary implementations of this specification shown herein.

[0051] That is, the above description is only an embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made using the content of this application’s specification and drawings, such as the combination of technical features between different embodiments, or direct or indirect application in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

[0052] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0053] The above description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to implement and use this application. Various details are set forth in the above description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be implemented without using these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0054] It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments and / or technical features described in this application can be arbitrarily combined with each other, and the resulting technical solutions should also fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0055] It should be understood that the specific examples in the embodiments of this application are only for the purpose of helping those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications based on the above embodiments, and all such improvements or modifications fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0056] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A roller brush structure for an underwater cleaning robot, characterized in that, The roller brush structure includes: a brush cylinder, a brush blade, and at least one roller brush end cap. The brush blade is covered on the brush cylinder, and the roller brush end cap is encapsulated at at least one end of the brush cylinder. A first limiting structure is provided on the roller brush end cap, and a second limiting structure is provided on the brush cylinder. The first limiting structure and the second limiting structure are detachably connected to restrict the relative rotation of the roller brush end cap and the brush cylinder. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, a first sand-receiving groove is provided on the roller brush end cap, and the first sand-receiving groove is arranged around the rotation center of the roller brush end cap. The first sand tank can accommodate the sand and gravel that enters the assembly gap between the brush cylinder and other accessories during the operation of the underwater cleaning robot.

2. The roller brush structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller brush end cap includes a cover body, a first boss, and a first annular surface. The first boss and the first annular surface are both disposed on the cover surface of the cover body away from the brush cylinder. The first boss is disposed on the axis of the cover surface. The first boss is provided with a mounting structure for rotatably mounting the roller brush structure. The first annular surface is coaxially disposed with the first boss. The opening of the first sand-containing groove is formed between the first boss and the first annular surface. The first sand-containing groove is recessed inward from the cover surface along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, the heights of the first boss, the first annular surface, and the bottom of the first sand-containing groove decrease sequentially, and the height of the first annular surface is not lower than the remaining area of ​​the cover body away from the brush cylinder.

3. The roller brush structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting structure includes a shaft hole that passes through the center of the first boss and an abutment surface located at the end of the first boss away from the cover. The size of the shaft hole is adapted to the size of the mounting shaft of the roller brush structure, and the height of the first annular surface is lower than the height of the abutment surface.

4. The roller brush structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The roller brush end cap is also provided with a second sand-containing groove. The second sand-containing groove and the first sand-containing groove are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap. The bottom of the first sand-containing groove is provided with a first sand-passing hole, which connects the first sand-containing groove and the second sand-containing groove.

5. The roller brush structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The roller brush end cap further includes a second protrusion disposed on the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder, and the second sand-containing groove is disposed on the second protrusion; When assembled, part or all of the second boss extends into the end of the brush cylinder, and the second boss and / or the cover abut against the brush cylinder.

6. The roller brush structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The brush cylinder has a hollow structure, and the opening of the second sand-containing groove is formed on the end face of the second protrusion away from the cover body so that the opening of the second sand-containing groove is connected to the hollow structure. The bottom of the second sand-containing groove is connected to the first sand-containing groove through the first sand-passing hole.

7. The roller brush structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the first sand-containing tank is provided with a water passage hole that communicates with the second sand-containing tank. A sand filter grid is provided inside the water passage hole, and the first sand passage hole is the sand filter pore that is separated by the sand filter grid in the water passage hole.

8. The roller brush structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter grid includes multiple supporting horizontal ribs, the axis of which extends tangentially along the rotation trajectory of the roller end cap.

9. The roller brush structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller brush end cap includes a cover body and a third protrusion. Along the axial direction of the roller brush end cap, the third protrusion extends outward from the cover surface of the cover body near the brush cylinder. When assembled, part or all of the third protrusion extends into the end of the brush cylinder, and the third protrusion and / or the cover body abut against the brush cylinder. The first sand-containing groove is disposed on the third protrusion, and a second sand-passing hole is provided through the cover body, which connects the first sand-containing groove and the outside of the roller brush end cover.

10. The roller brush structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The underwater cleaning robot includes two brush cylinders. When assembled, the first end faces of the two brush cylinders are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps. The first protrusions of the two roller brush end caps encapsulated on the first end faces of the brush cylinders abut against each other. The second end faces of the two brush cylinders are respectively encapsulated with roller brush end caps. The roller brush end caps encapsulated on the second end faces are rotated by the rotating shaft of the underwater cleaning robot, so that the brush cylinders are rotated by the roller brush end caps encapsulated on the second end faces, and so that the roller brush end caps encapsulated on the first end faces are rotated by the brush cylinders. The first end faces of the two brush cylinders are opposite each other, and the second end faces of the brush cylinders are opposite to the first end faces of the brush cylinders.

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