Brush assembly for a cleaning robot

Abstract

A brush arrangement for a cleaning robot (100) comprises a side brush (130) rotatable about a rotational axis (135) extending in a vertical direction. The side brush (130) includes at least one brush arm (145) extending radially from the rotational axis (135), wherein the brush arm (145) is flexible in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a vertical actuating element (150) is provided for rotationally fixed attachment to the cleaning robot (100), wherein the actuating element (150) is configured to deflect the brush arm (145) vertically about the rotational axis (135) within a predetermined angular range.

Description

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

[0002] A cleaning robot is designed to move across a floor surface and vacuum up dirt. It has a suction nozzle of a predetermined width that moves across the floor. A side brush is often attached to the side of the suction nozzle to sweep loose dirt towards it. The side brush rotates around a vertical axis and includes one or more brush arms that extend radially. When the side brush rotates, the brush arms move across the floor surface.

[0003] Common side brushes tend to trap dirt. For example, hair can wrap around the side brush, or dust can accumulate on the brush arms, reducing their cleaning effectiveness. In the worst case, the side brush's mobility is restricted.

[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 brush arrangement for a cleaning robot comprises a side brush rotatable about an axis of rotation extending substantially in a vertical direction. The side brush includes at least one brush arm projecting radially from the axis of rotation, the brush arm being flexible in the vertical direction. Furthermore, a vertical actuating element is provided for rotationally fixed mounting on the cleaning robot. The actuating element is configured to deflect the brush arm vertically about the axis of rotation within a predetermined angular range.

[0006] The unloaded brush arm can be positioned at a predetermined vertical distance from the floor surface. Specifically, the brush arm can be located in a plane of rotation around the axis of rotation, with the plane of rotation being a few millimeters away from the floor surface. The actuating element can press the brush arm against its elastic force only within a predetermined angular range, allowing the brush arm to move dirt on the floor surface. Thus, the sweeping motion or effect of the brush arm can be limited to this predetermined angular range. Regularly lifting the brush arm from the floor surface at the end of this angular range helps prevent dirt from adhering to or becoming entangled in the brush arm. This lifting action can reduce the load on the brush arm or the drive mechanism of the side brush. As a result, the brush assembly can be smaller or have an increased service life.

[0007] It should be noted that the axis of rotation is preferably vertical and the angle over which the side brush arm makes contact with the floor surface is controlled not by a tilt of the axis of rotation, but by the actuation of the brush arm by the actuator. This allows for a more even contact force of the brush arm on the floor surface, and can improve the cleaning result for both the floor surface and the brush arm.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the brush arm comprises a radially inner section that can engage with the actuating element and a radially outer section that can be brought into contact with the floor surface. The radially inner section can be considered the actuating section, and the radially outer section the cleaning section. The actuating section can be specifically configured to engage with the actuating element, and the cleaning section to pick up or sweep away dirt from the floor surface. The brush arm can be curved vertically such that the radially inner and radially outer sections lie at different axial heights above the floor surface.

[0009] The actuating element can be designed like a cam, for example, on the housing of the cleaning robot. The actuating element can comprise a type of ridge or bead that extends downwards from an outer edge of the floor robot towards the brush arm within a predetermined angular range.

[0010] Preferably, the actuating element is configured to bring the brush arm into contact with the floor surface while the brush arm is positioned to the side or in front of the cleaning robot. In particular, the brush arm can be pressed onto the floor surface when it is positioned laterally away from the cleaning robot. In this position, the brush arm can be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis or a typical direction of movement of the cleaning robot. In one embodiment, the brush arm is pressed completely onto the floor surface when it forms an angle of approximately 90° with the longitudinal axis.

[0011] The side brush can be attached to the cleaning robot in such a way that, during its rotation around the axis of rotation, a brush arm periodically extends horizontally beyond the robot's outline. The actuating element can be designed such that the brush arm is deflected towards the floor surface at least when the brush arm extends beyond a boundary.

[0012] The cleaning robot can include a suction nozzle, with the actuating element preferably configured to release the brush arm when the brush arm moves towards the suction nozzle. Due to its elastic tension, the brush arm can lift off the floor surface when the actuating element is released. In particular, the brush arm can lift off the floor surface when it has passed a position where it is parallel to the longitudinal axis. The axis of rotation of the side brush can be located in front of the suction nozzle. It is preferred that the brush arm lifts off the floor surface before it reaches a transverse position where it is again perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The brush arm's rotation during lifting can involve an acute angle with the longitudinal or transverse axis of the cleaning robot, for example, approximately 30° or approximately 45°.

[0013] It is also preferred that the actuating element is configured to hold the brush arm in contact with the floor surface at an angle of approximately 180°. During the remaining angular range of one revolution, the brush arm may be lifted from the floor surface. A transitional range in which the brush arm is moved vertically can be included in the angular range in which the brush arm is deflected.

[0014] The actuating element preferably comprises a leading edge that extends at a predetermined angle in the vertical direction to successively press the brush arm onto the floor surface. As the brush arm rotates around its axis, it can engage with the leading edge of the actuating element at a predetermined angle around its axis. With continued rotation, the actuating element, which is fixed to the cleaning robot, can increasingly press the brush arm downwards until it makes contact with the floor surface. The brush arm is guided along the leading edge during this process.

[0015] The leading edge can be inclined or follow a predetermined curve, such as a segment of a sine wave, a sigmoid, a segment of a circle, or a segment of a logarithmic curve. The speed at which the brush arm is pressed downwards during its rotation can be controlled by the shape of the leading edge.

[0016] The actuating element can include a trailing edge, which is designed in a stepped manner to lift the brush arm abruptly from the floor surface. The trailing edge can connect to a horizontally extending actuating edge that holds the brush arm in a position pressed against the floor surface. With respect to the rotational movement about the axis of rotation, the actuating edge lies between the rising and trailing edges. The trailing edge can form an angle of approximately 90° with the actuating edge. The trailing edge can also form a smaller angle with the actuating edge; in this case, an undercut can be formed on the actuating element. The angle can also be less than 90°, which simplifies the manufacturing process. In this case, it is preferred that the angle is only slightly less than 90° and, for example, at least approximately 70° or approximately 80°.

[0017] The stepped, tapered edge allows a brush arm pressed against the floor to be released abruptly, so that its elastic properties allow it to relax and lift off the floor. This lifting can occur very quickly, causing the brush arm to perform a whip-like motion. This allows the brush arm to be automatically cleaned of adhering dirt. For example, dust, fibers, hair, or other debris can be shaken off the brush arm. This process preferably takes place at a point in the robot's rotation where the shaken-off dirt can be transported into the cleaning robot's suction nozzle. The suction nozzle can also pick up the dirt only after the cleaning robot has continued moving along its longitudinal axis.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the vertical deflection of the brush arm is controllable. The actuating element can be moved to a first position in which it actuates the rotating brush arm, and to a second position in which it does not actuate the rotating brush arm. If the brush arm is not actuated, it can rotate essentially freely above the floor surface. Dirt can only be conveyed if it extends further than usual above the floor surface, as can be the case, for example, with coarse dirt or lint. Preferably, the drive of the side brush is reduced to a predetermined, low speed so that damage to a side arm when stationary is avoided. The drive can also be deactivated so that no sweeping effect is achieved.This helps to protect the side brush and especially the brush arm, as they are not needed for cleaning or are even detrimental to it.

[0019] The actuating element is preferably adjustable in a vertical direction. In particular, the actuating element can be moved into a first vertical position in which it actuates the rotating brush arm, and into a second vertical position above it in which the rotating brush arm is not actuated. An intermediate position can also be controlled, wherein, in the intermediate position of the actuating element, the brush arm is pressed against the floor surface by the actuating element over essentially the same angular range, but with a reduced contact force than when the actuating element is fully lowered.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cleaning robot comprises a brush arrangement as described herein. The cleaning robot can include a vacuum robot with a blower that draws air from a floor surface through a suction opening. The cleaning robot can also include a cleaning pad for wet cleaning the floor surface. A combined cleaning robot can also include various cleaning devices of the type mentioned.

[0021] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a cleaning robot; Figure 2 shows a side brush with a vertical actuating element; Figure 3 shows the movement sequence of a side brush with an actuating element; and Figure 4 shows a side brush with an adjustable actuating element. represent.

[0022] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a cleaning robot 100 designed to clean a floor surface, particularly in a household. The cleaning robot 100 is shown in an oblique view from below. The cleaning robot 100 comprises a drive system which, in the illustrated embodiment, includes two independently driven drive wheels 105 and a spur wheel 110. An indicated longitudinal axis 115 corresponds to a typical direction of travel for the cleaning robot 100. A suction nozzle 120 preferably extends substantially transversely to the longitudinal axis 115. The cleaning robot 100 includes a blower that can generate an airflow through the suction nozzle 120 to pick up dirt from the floor surface. A brush roller 125, which is typically driven about a horizontal axis of rotation, can be arranged in the area of ​​the suction nozzle 120.

[0023] A side brush 130 is designed to move dirt on the floor surface towards the suction nozzle 120. The side brush 130 is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis 135 extending in a vertical direction, preferably exactly vertical. One or more brush arms 145 extend radially from a hub 140. When the side brush 130 is rotated about the pivot axis 135, the brush arms 145 can sweep over a predetermined cleaning area, conveying dirt in a horizontal direction.

[0024] It is proposed to incorporate an actuating element 150 on the cleaning robot 100, which presses the brush arms 145 onto the floor surface only within a predetermined angular range of their rotation around the axis of rotation 135. The brush arms 145 are elastic, so that they lift off the floor surface again when they have finished engaging with the actuating element 150.

[0025] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a side brush 130 with a vertical actuating element 150 from a bottom perspective. The illustrated embodiment corresponds to that of Figure 1 .

[0026] The actuating element 150 is configured to press the brush arms 145 onto the floor surface at a predetermined first angular range 205. A vertical downward movement of a brush arm 145 onto the floor surface is preferably distributed over a second angular range 210, which is positioned upstream of the first angular range 205 with respect to the direction of rotation of the side brush 130.

[0027] The beginning of the first angular range 205 coincides with a position of a brush arm 145, which extends in the direction of a transverse axis 215 of the cleaning robot 100 and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 115. The actuating element 150 comprises a leading edge 220, an actuating edge 225, and a trailing edge 230. The leading edge 220 essentially covers the second angular range 210 and runs obliquely to the floor surface, so that when the leading edge 220 engages, the brush arm 145 is successively pressed against the floor surface. The actuating edge 225 runs in a horizontal direction, so that the brush arm 145 is held against the floor surface with constant force. The running edge 230 is preferably designed in a stepped manner, so that a vertical actuating force on a brush arm 145 is abruptly eliminated when the brush arm 145 is guided over the running edge 230.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, a rotational position in which a brush arm 145 runs over the running edge 230 forms an acute angle with the transverse axis 215. This angle is preferably less than approximately 45°, more preferably less than approximately 30°, and in some embodiments even less than approximately 20°.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a movement sequence of a side brush 130 with an actuating element 150 on a cleaning robot 100 according to the Figure 1 or 2 . Figures 3a, 3b and 3c The side brush 130 is shown in successive rotation positions.

[0030] It can be seen how a brush arm 145 is successively pressed towards the floor surface at the rising edge 220 of the actuating element 150, while the side brush 130 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrows. This transition is particularly noticeable in the Figures 3a and 3bto be seen. It also becomes clear how a brush arm 145, deflected towards the floor surface, suddenly relaxes upon crossing the trailing edge 230 of the actuating element 150, lifts off the floor surface, and performs a whipping motion due to its own elasticity. Subsequently, the brush arm 145 can pass the suction nozzle 120.

[0031] A brush arm 145 can be divided into a radially inner section 305 and a radially outer section 310 (only in Fig. 3a (shown). Sections 305 and 310 are preferably integrated and further preferably formed in one piece. The radially inner section 305 is configured to come into contact with the actuating element 150. The radially outer section 310, on the other hand, preferably does not contact the actuating element 150 when rotating about the axis of rotation 135 and is configured to perform a cleaning function on the floor surface.

[0032] When the inner section 305 is pressed downwards by the actuating element 150, the outer section 310 rests on the floor surface. This allows the brush arm 145 to assume an S-shape, which can be used, for example, in Figure 3b can be seen on two brush arms 145.

[0033] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a side brush 130 with an adjustable actuating element 150. One embodiment is shown according to the Figures 1 to 3 provided. Figure 4a shows an arrangement with the actuating element 150 in a first position and Figure 4b with the actuating element 150 in a second position.

[0034] The positions of the actuating element 150 differ in their vertical elevation relative to the cleaning robot 100 and / or the floor area to be cleaned. In the first position (see...) Figure 4aThe rotating brush arms 145 are deflected vertically over a predetermined angular range 205 as described and pressed against the floor surface. In the second position (see below) Figure 4b The actuating element 150 is shifted vertically upwards, so that the brush arms 145 no longer engage with the actuating element 150. The brush arms 145 are relaxed and essentially straighten out. In this position of the actuating element 150, the drive of the side brush 130 around the axis of rotation 135 can be deactivated or its speed minimized. Reference sign

[0035] 100 Cleaning robot 105 Drive wheel 110 Spur wheel 115 Longitudinal axis 120 Suction nozzle 125 Bristle roller 130 Side brush 135 Rotary shaft 140 Hub 145 Brush arm 150 Actuating element 205 first angle range 210 second angle range 215 transverse axis 220 leading edge 225 actuation edge 230 trailing edge 305 radial inner section 310 radial outer section

Claims

1. Brush arrangement for a cleaning robot (100); - wherein the brush arrangement comprises a side brush (130) rotatable about an axis of rotation (135) extending in a vertical direction; - wherein the side brush (130) comprises a brush arm (145) extending radially from the axis of rotation (135); - wherein the brush arm (145) is flexible in the vertical direction; - further comprising a vertical actuating element (150) for rotationally fixed attachment to the cleaning robot (100); - wherein the actuating element (150) is configured to deflect the brush arm (145) vertically about the axis of rotation (135) within a predetermined angular range (205).

2. Brush arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the brush arm (145) comprises a radially inner section (305) that can engage with the actuating element (150) and a radially outer section (310) that can be brought into contact with the floor surface.

3. Brush arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuating element (150) is configured to bring the brush arm (145) into contact with a floor surface while the brush arm (145) is located in front of the cleaning robot (100).

4. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (150) is configured to bring the brush arm (145) into contact with a floor surface when the brush arm (145) extends laterally from the cleaning robot (100).

5. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cleaning robot (100) comprises a suction mouth (120); and the actuating element (150) is configured to release the brush arm (145) when the brush arm (145) moves towards the suction mouth (120).

6. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (150) is configured to bring the brush arm (145) into contact with the floor surface at an angle range (205) of approximately 180°, so that it is lifted from the floor surface for the remaining angle range of one revolution.

7. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (150) comprises a rising edge (220) which is inclined in a vertical direction over a predetermined angular range (210) to successively press the brush arm (145) onto the floor surface.

8. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (150) comprises a running edge (230) which is designed in a stepped manner to allow the brush arm (145) to be lifted abruptly from the floor surface.

9. Brush arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuating element (150) can be brought into a first position in which it actuates the rotating brush arm (145), and into a second position in which it does not actuate the rotating brush arm (145).

10. Brush arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the actuating element (150) is vertically adjustable.

11. Cleaning robot (100) comprising a brush arrangement according to any of the preceding claims.

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