Side brush with wiping pad for robot cleaner

Abstract

A side brush (135) for a cleaning robot (100) is rotatable about a rotation axis (140) extending in a vertical direction; the side brush (135) comprising the following elements: a hub (145) through which the rotation axis (140) passes; at least one brush arm (150) extending radially from the hub (145); and a wiping pad (155) located axially below the hub (145); the brush arm (150) projecting beyond a radial boundary of the wiping pad (155).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning robot for a floor surface. In particular, the invention relates to a side brush for such a cleaning robot.

[0002] A cleaning robot is designed to move across a floor surface and clean it. Cleaning can be dry, achieved by drawing in an airflow through a suction nozzle near the floor, which carries the dirt along with it. Wet cleaning can be accomplished using a mopping pad that is moved across the floor surface by the robot. The suction nozzle is typically narrower than the cleaning robot itself, allowing for a side brush to be provided for cleaning along lateral boundaries, particularly walls. The side brush is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis and includes at least one brush arm extending radially to the axis. The side brush can move loose dirt towards the suction nozzle.

[0003] Moist cleaning of the floor surface using a mopping pad often cannot be carried out right up to the lateral edge of the floor because the cleaning robot extends beyond the mopping pad. Cleaning robots with mopping pads that can move laterally have been proposed. However, this requires complex mechanics, and the robot's control system often needs to be adapted to the position of a laterally shifted mopping pad.

[0004] One of the problems underlying the present invention is to provide an improved technology for a side brush on a cleaning robot. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Dependent claims describe preferred embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a side brush for a cleaning robot is proposed. The side brush is rotatable about an axis of rotation extending in a vertical direction. The side brush comprises a hub through which the axis of rotation passes; at least one brush arm extending radially from the hub; and a wiping pad located axially below the hub. The brush arm projects beyond a radial boundary of the wiping pad.

[0006] The side brush can be used alternatively or simultaneously for dry or wet cleaning of a floor surface. When the side brush is rotated around its axis of rotation, the cleaning pad can define a first cleaning area around the axis of rotation. The first cleaning area has the shape of a circular area, preferably with the outline of the cleaning pad having substantially the shape and size of this circular area. Simultaneously, the brush arm can define a second cleaning area. The second cleaning area has the shape of an annulus, with the first cleaning area located concentrically within its inner diameter. The second cleaning area can be directly adjacent to the first cleaning area radially on the outside; alternatively, an annular gap can be located between the first and second cleaning areas.When a cleaning robot moves across a floor surface with its side brush, the cleaning areas can each define a cleaning path that is as wide as their respective outer diameter.

[0007] The side brush can be advantageously integrated into an existing cleaning robot without major mechanical modifications. With appropriate sizing, both wet and dry cleaning can be achieved up to a lateral boundary in one direction of travel of the cleaning robot. In particular, cleaning in corners can be improved if boundaries extend from the floor surface in front of and to the side of the cleaning robot.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the hub is mounted to allow axial movement. Should the side brush encounter an obstacle, the hub can be deflected upwards. The cleaning robot is not lifted from the floor surface and can maintain its course.

[0009] Preferably, an elastic element is provided to pre-tension the hub towards the floor surface with a predetermined force. The cleaning effect can be more precisely controlled by this predetermined force. Furthermore, it prevents the hub from deflecting upwards even when encountering small or soft objects.

[0010] The hub is preferably connected to a drive shaft via a torque-locking connection. For this purpose, a polygonal engagement profile can be provided, for example. The hub can be vertically movable relative to the drive shaft. The elastic element can be attached to the drive shaft on one side or to the hub on one side in different embodiments.

[0011] The brush arm can be designed to be flexible in a plane of rotation around its axis. This allows the brush arm to be deflected at a stationary object, enabling the cleaning pad to be advanced to that object. Optionally, the brush arm can also be vertically flexible. Furthermore, the brush arm can be pre-tensioned with a predetermined force to apply pressure to the floor surface.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferred that the wiper pad can be removed from the hub without tools. This allows a side brush to be used for dry cleaning only. Additionally, the wiper pad can be replaced or cleaned more easily in this way. A snap fastener, hook-and-loop fastener, or bayonet fitting, for example, can be used between the wiper pad and the hub. Other attachment methods are also possible.

[0013] According to another aspect of the invention, a cleaning robot comprises a side brush as described herein. The cleaning robot is designed to autonomously navigate and clean a floor surface, particularly in a household. The cleaning robot can perform dry and / or wet cleaning.

[0014] Preferably, the cleaning robot includes a dispenser for cleaning fluid in the area of ​​the wiping pad. The cleaning fluid can, in particular, be an aqueous solution, optionally with the addition of a cleaning agent. The cleaning fluid can be dripped, sprinkled, sprayed, or pumped axially from above into the area of ​​the wiping pad. Preferably, the cleaning fluid is dispensed directly onto the wiping pad, especially axially from above. For this purpose, the hub can include one or more recesses to allow the cleaning fluid to pass to the wiping pad. If the cleaning robot includes additional wiping pads, all of them can be supplied with cleaning fluid using the same dispenser. A dosage amount for different sized wiping pads can be determined, for example, by means of appropriate restrictors or nozzles.

[0015] The cleaning robot can include a suction nozzle, preferably with the side brush arm sweeping over a section of the suction nozzle as it rotates around its axis of rotation. This allows the brush arm to be cleaned more effectively by an airflow through the suction nozzle. Dirt that the brush arm carries towards the suction nozzle can be vacuumed up with improved reliability.

[0016] The cleaning pad defines a first cleaning path along one direction of travel of the cleaning robot. This cleaning path extends along the direction of travel and has a width corresponding to the diameter of the rotating body formed by the cleaning pad rotating around its axis of rotation. The cleaning robot also has a suction nozzle, which defines a second cleaning path along the direction of travel. This second cleaning path also runs parallel to the direction of travel and is as wide as the suction nozzle. It is preferred that the lateral overlap area between the first and second cleaning paths be as narrow as possible. The overlap area is preferably less than approximately 20 mm, more preferably less than approximately 10 mm, and even more preferably less than approximately 5 mm. In particular, the overlap area can be zero.

[0017] This prevents moisture from penetrating the suction nozzle and causing dirt to accumulate at its edge or in the subsequent suction section. A brush roller, rotatable around a horizontal axis, can be arranged in the suction nozzle. The brush roller can be slightly narrower than the suction nozzle. In one embodiment, the lateral overlap between the first cleaning path and a cleaning path defined by the brush roller is zero, while a small overlap between the first and second cleaning paths is tolerated. This allows for seamless cleaning while simultaneously preventing the brush roller from coming into contact with the cleaning fluid on the floor surface.

[0018] The cleaning robot can include an additional cleaning pad that defines a third cleaning path along one of the robot's directions of travel. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral gap between the first and third cleaning paths is as narrow as possible. The gap is preferably narrower than approximately 20 mm, more preferably narrower than approximately 10 mm, and even more preferably narrower than approximately 5 mm. In one embodiment, the lateral gap can be zero. The first and third cleaning paths can overlap, for example, by approximately 5 to approximately 20 mm. This allows for improved, seamless cleaning in a single pass. While the axis of rotation of the side brush is typically located in a front area of ​​the cleaning robot, particularly in front of and to the side of a suction nozzle, the additional cleaning pad is usually positioned further back, relative to one direction of travel.The additional mopping pad is typically wider than the diameter of the mopping pad attached to the side brush. Several additional mopping pads may be provided, and in some designs, another mopping pad is movably attached to the cleaning robot.

[0019] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a combined cleaning robot; Figures 2 to 4 show views of a combined side brush for a cleaning robot. represent.

[0020] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cleaning robot 100 in a view of its underside. The cleaning robot 100 is designed to move across and clean a household floor surface. In the illustrated embodiment, dry cleaning by sweeping and vacuuming, as well as wet cleaning by mopping, can be performed. Both cleaning modes can also be used simultaneously.

[0021] The cleaning robot 100 comprises a drive system which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes two independently controllable drive wheels 105 and a spur wheel 110. For the following analysis, it is assumed that the cleaning robot 100 moves along a travel direction 115 which runs in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0022] For dry cleaning, a suction nozzle 120 can be provided, which typically extends over a large part of the width of the cleaning robot 100. The suction nozzle 120 shown is rectangular in shape with two short sides oriented along the direction of travel 115 and two long sides perpendicular to it. The suction nozzle 120 is located in front of the drive wheels 105. A bristle roller 125, which can be driven about a horizontal axis of rotation, is shown in the area of ​​the suction nozzle 120. The bristle roller 125 includes nubs, bristles, combs, or similar engagement elements to loosen, pick up, or move dirt from the floor surface.

[0023] For wet cleaning, a mopping pad 130 is provided, which in the illustrated embodiment is located behind the drive wheels 105. The mopping pad 130 can, for example, comprise needle felt, a textile, a fabric, or an arrangement of fine bristles. The mopping pad 130 also occupies a large part of the width of the cleaning robot 100. Figure 1 A dispenser for cleaning fluid is not visible in the area of ​​the wiping pad 130.

[0024] A side brush 135 is attached, by way of example, to a front area of ​​the cleaning robot 100. The side brush 135 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 140, which, by way of example, is located laterally and in front of the suction nozzle 120. The side brush 135 includes a hub 145 through which the pivot axis 140 passes. Several brush arms 150 extend radially from the hub 145 with respect to the pivot axis 140. A wiping pad 155 is attached to an underside of the hub 145. The wiping pad 155 preferably covers a circular area with respect to the pivot axis 140. Should the wiping pad 155 have a different shape, it nevertheless describes the shape of a circular area when rotated about the pivot axis 140.

[0025] The brush arms 150 rest against the floor surface in an area that begins radially outside the mop pad 155 and extends from there in a radial direction. When the brush arms 150 are rotated about the axis of rotation 140, they describe the area of ​​a circular ring on which they engage with the floor surface. This circular ring can be directly adjacent to the circular surface of the mop pad 155 or separated from it by an annular gap.

[0026] Various relative dimensions can be considered for an advantageous positioning of cleaning elements on the cleaning robot 100.

[0027] It is preferred that a lateral boundary of the mopping pad 155 coincides with a lateral boundary of the cleaning robot 100 or extends only slightly beyond it. When rotating about the axis of rotation 140, the brush arms 150 preferably extend laterally and / or forward beyond the horizontal boundaries of the cleaning robot 100. It is further preferred that, when rotating about the axis of rotation 140, a brush arm 150 sweeps over a section of the suction opening 120. Simultaneously, the mopping pad 155 can be located outside the suction opening 120.

[0028] The mopping pad 155, rotating around the axis of rotation 140, defines a first cleaning path 160 when the cleaning robot 100 moves along the direction of travel 115. A second cleaning path 165 is defined by the width of the suction nozzle 120 with respect to the direction of travel 115. Similarly, the mopping pad 130 defines a third cleaning path 170 with respect to the direction of travel 115.

[0029] It is preferred that a lateral gap 175 between the first cleaning path 160 of the wiping pad 155 and the third cleaning path 170 of the wiping pad 130 is as narrow as possible or is zero. More preferably, the first cleaning path 160 of the wiping pad 155 and the third cleaning path 170 of the wiping pad 130 can overlap, so that no lateral gap 175 exists.

[0030] An overlap area 180 between the second cleaning path 165, which is defined by the suction nozzle 120, and the first cleaning path 160, which is defined by the wiping pad 155, is preferably as narrow as possible.

[0031] Figures 2, 3 and 4 Figures 1 and 2 show different views of an exemplary embodiment of a side brush 135 for a cleaning robot 100. The axis of rotation 140 is in Figures 2 to 4 not shown.

[0032] The brush arms 150 extend radially with respect to the axis of rotation 140 and are evenly distributed around the circumference of the side brush 135. An adapter 205 is provided between the hub 145 and the wiper pad 155, and this adapter can be designed to be detachable from the hub 145. The wiper pad 155 can be permanently attached to the adapter 205 or removable from it. For example, a tool-free closure, such as a snap-lock or bayonet fitting, can be provided between the adapter 205 and the hub 145. The wiper pad 155 can be attached to the adapter 205, for example, by means of a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0033] The adapter 205 includes several vertical recesses 210 through which a cleaning fluid can flow from a dispenser downwards to the wiping pad 155. The dispenser can be configured, for example, to dispense the cleaning fluid vertically above the recesses 210 in the form of drops.

[0034] For a torque-locking connection with a drive shaft, an engagement contour 215 can be provided on the hub 145. The engagement contour 215 can allow a vertical displacement of the hub 145 relative to the drive shaft. A square engagement contour 215 is shown as a purely exemplary example. Reference sign

[0035] 100 Cleaning robot 105 Drive wheel 110 Spur wheel 115 Direction of travel 120 Suction nozzle 125 Bristle roller 130 Mop pad (on robot) 135 Side brush 140 Swivel shaft 145 Hub 150 Brush arm 155 Wiping pad (of the side brush) 160 First cleaning path (wiping pad of the side brush) 165 Second cleaning path (suction nozzle) 170 Third cleaning path (wiping pad on the cleaning robot) 175 Gap 180 Overlap area 205 Adapter 210 Recess 215 Entry contour

Claims

1. Side brush (135) for a cleaning robot (100), wherein the side brush (135) is rotatable about a pivot axis (140) extending in a vertical direction, and comprises the following elements: - a hub (145) through which the pivot axis (140) passes; - at least one brush arm (150) extending radially from the hub (145); - a wiping pad (155) located axially below the hub (145); - wherein the brush arm (150) extends beyond a radial boundary of the wiping pad (155).

2. Side brush (135) according to claim 1, wherein the hub (145) is mounted to be axially movable.

3. Side brush (135) according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic element to pre-tension the hub (145) downwards with a predetermined force.

4. Side brush (135) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush arm (150) is flexibly designed in a plane of rotation about the axis of rotation (140).

5. Side brush (135) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the wiping pad (155) can be removed from the hub (145) without tools.

6. Cleaning robot (100) comprising a side brush (135) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. Cleaning robot (100) according to claim 6, further comprising a dispenser for a cleaning fluid in the area of ​​the wiping pad (155).

8. Cleaning robot (100) according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a suction mouth (120), wherein the brush arm (150) sweeps over a section of the suction mouth (120) when rotating about the axis of rotation (140).

9. Cleaning robot (100) according to one of claims 6 to 8, further comprising a suction mouth (120), wherein the wiping pad (155) defines a first cleaning path (160) along a direction of travel (115) of the cleaning robot (100); wherein the suction mouth (120) defines a second cleaning path (165) along the direction of travel (115); and wherein a lateral overlap area (180) between the cleaning paths (160, 165) is as narrow as possible.

10. Cleaning robot (100) according to claim 9, further comprising a further wiping pad (130) which defines a third cleaning path (170) along a direction of travel (115) of the cleaning robot (100); wherein a lateral gap (175) between the first cleaning path (160) and the third cleaning path (170) is as narrow as possible.

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