Brush roller and cleaning appliance

Abstract

The invention relates to a brush roller for a cleaning appliance, in particular for a floor-cleaning appliance, comprising a roller body with a bristle covering comprising a plurality of bristle clusters, which each define a longitudinal bristle-cluster axis and which project from the roller body and each have a free bristle-cluster length, characterized in that a bristle-cluster cross section defined by the bristle cluster increases as it extends from the roller body to a free bristle-cluster end of the bristle cluster, in that at least some directly adjacent bristle clusters are in contact or overlap at most to some extent in an overlapping region, starting from their free bristle-cluster ends, and in that the directly adjacent bristle clusters are arranged or formed at a distance apart from one another on the roller body. An improved cleaning appliance is also proposed.

Description

[0001] Brush roller and cleaning device

[0002] The present invention relates to a brush roller for a cleaning device, in particular for a floor cleaning device, comprising a roller body with a bristle system which comprises a plurality of bristle bundles each defining a bristle bundle longitudinal axis, which protrude from the roller body and each have a free bristle bundle length.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cleaning device comprising a rotatably mounted, in particular driven, brush roller.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for cleaning a surface with a brush roller.

[0005] Brush rollers and cleaning devices of the type described above are known, for example, from DE 32 05 199 A1, US 2016 / 0166052 A1, US 2019 / 0142232 A1 and CN 210541355 U. The known brush rollers are rotated about their longitudinal axis, which extends parallel to the surface to be cleaned, in order to convey dirt from the surface to be cleaned to a suction mouth of a suction device.

[0006] Depending on the design of the bristles, the cleaning result can be improved when using the known cleaning devices.

[0007] Furthermore, a sweeper is known from DE 30 23 745.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve a brush roller, a cleaning device and a method of the type described at the outset so that an improved cleaning effect of the brush roller is enabled. This object is achieved according to the invention in a brush roller of the type described at the outset in that a bristle bundle cross-section defined by the bristle bundle increases from the roller body to a free bristle bundle end of the bristle bundle, that at least some directly adjacent bristle bundles touch or overlap at most partially in an overlap region starting from their free bristle bundle ends, and that the directly adjacent bristle bundles are arranged or formed at a distance from one another on the roller body.

[0009] A brush roller configured in this way makes it possible, in particular, to form a completely closed row of bristles defined by the bristle bundles when in contact with the surface to be cleaned. This prevents dirt particles from being passed over by the cleaning device and slipping between the free ends of the bristle bundles. In contrast to the proposed solution, the brush rollers known from the prior art cannot guarantee that all dirt particles swept over by the brush roller can be captured and removed from the surface to be cleaned, for example by sweeping and optionally subsequently vacuuming them up with a suction device of a cleaning device.Furthermore, the proposed contact or overlap of adjacent bristle bundles only over a portion of the bristle bundle length, specifically in the area of ​​their free ends, i.e. the free ends of the bristle bundles, ensures that the flexibility and deformability of the bristle bundles are almost completely retained. This makes it possible, in particular, to achieve good cleaning results even on surfaces that are not completely smooth. The proposed defined overlap or contact refers to undeformed bristles on the brush roller, i.e. in a basic or starting position in which the brush roller is not rotating. Of course, when the brush roller is in use, i.e. when it is rotating, there may also be greater or no overlap between adjacent bristle bundles.It is advantageous if all adjacent bristle bundles partially touch or overlap in the overlapping area, starting from their free ends. For example, this makes it possible to arrange several bristle bundles in a row, which then form a continuous, closed bristle pattern in the area of ​​the free ends. This ensures that all dirt particles on the surface to be cleaned can be captured by the brush roller with its specially designed bristle pattern.

[0010] It is advantageous if adjacent bristle bundles overlap over an overlap length and if the ratio of the overlap length to the free bristle bundle length is at most 0.5. In particular, the ratio can be at most 0.25. A ratio of 0.5 therefore means that adjacent bristle bundles touch or overlap over half of the free bristle bundle length. Furthermore, it also means that adjacent bristle bundles neither touch nor overlap over at least half the bristle bundle length. In this range, they are individually fully flexible or elastic, depending on the material the bristle bundles are made of. This means that the deformability of the bristles required for optimal cleaning of a surface can be reliably maintained. The lower the ratio, the better the cleaning effect, especially on uneven surfaces.

[0011] The ratio of the overlap length to the free bristle length is preferably at least about 0.01. In particular, it can be at least about 0.05. More particularly, the ratio can be at least about 0.1. The smaller the overlap ratio, the better the cleaning result. If adjacent bristle bundles touch or overlap, in particular only in the area of ​​the free bristle bundle ends, a good cleaning result can be achieved. The smaller the overlap or contact between adjacent bristle bundles, the better the bristles can adapt to the surface to be cleaned. According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that a plurality of bristle bundle receptacles are arranged or formed on the roller body and that each bristle bundle is held by a bristle bundle holding end on or in a bristle bundle receptacle.In particular, the bristle bundles can be clamped to or in one of the bristle bundle receptacles by the bristle bundle holding end. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to arrange a plurality of bristle bundles in a defined manner on the roller body in a simple and reliable manner.

[0012] For a reliable fastening of the plurality of bristle bundles to the roller body, it is advantageous if a holding length of the bristle bundle holder in a direction parallel to the bristle bundle longitudinal axis has a value in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm.

[0013] Preferably, the ratio of the holding length to the free bristle bundle length is at most 0.5. In particular, the ratio is at most 0.2. More particularly, the ratio is at most 0.1. The smaller the ratio of the holding length to the free bristle bundle length, the more flexible the bristle bundles are; therefore, the lower the specified ratio, the less stiff they are.

[0014] It is advantageous if adjacent bristle bundle receptacles have a bristle bundle receptacle spacing from one another and if the bristle bundle receptacle spacing has a value in a range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm. In particular, the bristle bundle receptacle spacing can have a value in a range of approximately 1.3 mm to approximately 1.7 mm. Preferably, the bristle bundle receptacle spacing is approximately 1.5 mm. Arranging the adjacent bristle bundle receptacles at a bristle bundle receptacle spacing from one another which has a value in the specified ranges has the particular advantage that the bristle bundles neither touch nor overlap starting from the adjacent bristle bundle receptacles, and therefore starting from the roller body. In this way, it can be specifically specified that an overlap or contact is only possible starting from the free bristle bundle ends of the bristle bundles.

[0015] The roller body can be easily formed if the bristle bundle receptacles are hollow-cylindrical or substantially hollow-cylindrical. Such bristle bundle receptacles are particularly easy to manufacture. Furthermore, they can also specify the desired shape of the bristle bundles, for example, a truncated cone-like shape of a bristle bundle protruding beyond the roller body.

[0016] Preferably, the bristle bundle receptacles are designed as holes in the roller body. Holes can be machined easily, reliably, and with high precision.

[0017] It is advantageous if the bristle bundle receptacles have a diameter in a range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. In particular, the diameter can be in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 3.5 mm. More particularly, it can be approximately 2.8 mm. The diameter of the bristle bundle receptacles can, for example, determine the diameter of the bristle bundles, particularly starting from the roller body. In this way, the shape of the bristle bundle can also be determined in the desired manner.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristle bundles can protrude transversely, in particular vertically, from the roller body. This configuration enables the bristles to sweep transversely, in particular vertically, across a surface to be cleaned when the brush roller rotates.

[0019] It is advantageous if the plurality of bristle bundles protrude from the roller body in such a way that a bristle inclination angle of the bristle bundle longitudinal axis relative to a radial direction perpendicular relative to a roller body longitudinal axis defined by the roller body lies in a range of 0° to approximately 45°. In this way, a bristle arrangement can be formed on a roller body in which the bristle bundles are inclined forwards in the direction of rotation, for example between 0° and approximately 45°, for example, in a given direction of rotation, or are inclined backwards between 0° and approximately 45°, counter to the direction of rotation. Compared to a bristle bundle protruding in the radial direction, bristle bundles can therefore be arranged or formed inclined on the roller body by an angle of + / -45° relative to a radially protruding bristle bundle.

[0020] It is advantageous if the plurality of bristle bundles protrude from the roller body in such a way that their bristle bundle longitudinal axes each lie in a bristle bundle plane that runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the roller body's longitudinal axis. Such a configuration enables, in particular, the arrangement of bristle bundles such that they form an angle of 90° with the roller body's longitudinal axis. Such an alignment of the bristle bundles relative to the roller body's longitudinal axis enables a good cleaning result.

[0021] Conveniently, each bristle bundle comprises at least one bristle and / or fiber. In particular, each bristle bundle can comprise a plurality of bristles and / or fibers. Depending on the material from which the bristles or fibers are formed, bristle bundles with optimal cleaning properties for cleaning surfaces can be formed.

[0022] Advantageously, the number of bristles encompassed by each bristle bundle ranges from approximately 50 to approximately 200. In particular, it can range from approximately 70 to approximately 170. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if it ranges from approximately 90 to approximately 150. Depending on the number of bristles in each bristle bundle, a property of the bristle bundle can be specified as desired. Naturally, a property of the bristle bundle also depends on the design of individual bristles, in particular on their dimensions and the material from which they are formed.

[0023] A good cleaning result with the brush roller can be achieved in particular when the bristle diameter of an individual bristle has a value in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.5 mm. In particular, the bristle diameter can be in a range from approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.2 mm.

[0024] It is easy to ensure that neighboring bristle bundles touch or overlap only over a part of the free bristle bundle length if each bristle bundle defines an outer envelope surface which has the shape of a lateral surface of a truncated cone.

[0025] The brush roller can be easily designed if the truncated cone is in the shape of a straight truncated cone. This can be achieved, in particular, by forming bristle bundle receptacles with bristle bundle longitudinal axes perpendicular to the roller body's longitudinal axis.

[0026] It is advantageous if a half-opening angle defined by the lateral surface has a value in a range between approximately 1° and approximately 45°. In particular, the half-opening angle can be in a range between approximately 1° and approximately 10°. Preferably, it can be approximately 1.5°. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to form a relatively dense bristle arrangement on the brush roller. The smaller the half-opening angle is while the distance between the bristle bundles on the roller body remains constant, the smaller the area in which adjacent bristle bundles neither touch nor overlap. The overlap area therefore depends in particular on the half-opening angle and the distance between the bristle bundles. The design of the brush roller can be further simplified if the truncated cone defines a truncated cone longitudinal axis and if the bristle bundle longitudinal axis defines the truncated cone longitudinal axis.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the free bristle bundle length is defined as a distance from the roller body to a free bristle bundle end and when the free bristle bundle length has a value in a range of approximately 5 mm to approximately 40 mm. In particular, the free bristle bundle length can have a value in a range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm. A working diameter of the brush roller can then be specified in this way by the sum of twice the value of the free bristle length and a diameter of the roller body when the bristle bundles protrude from the brush roller in the radial direction. If the bristle bundles are inclined relative to the radial direction, a working diameter is reduced accordingly. A working diameter of the brush roller is preferably in a range between approximately 40 mm and 60 mm. The working diameter is preferably approximately 50 mm.Such a brush roller can be used especially in a vacuum robot.

[0028] It is advantageous if the roller body has a cylindrical or essentially cylindrical outer contour with a roller diameter in a range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 40 mm. In particular, the roller diameter can be in a range of approximately 18 mm to approximately 28 mm. Preferably, it is approximately 23 mm. Roller bodies with diameters in the specified ranges enable the design of brush rollers for a wide variety of cleaning purposes. In particular, the diameter of the roller body in conjunction with the value for the free bristle bundle length can, as already mentioned, specify a working diameter of the brush roller. The roller diameter is then determined accordingly depending on the desired or required working diameter and an optimal free bristle bundle length for the respective cleaning purpose. The brush roller can be designed in a simple manner if the roller body is tubular.For example, it can be formed from a plastic tube formed by extrusion. A tubular roller body has the particular advantage that the bristle bundle receptacles can be formed in the form of recesses or openings in a roller body wall of the tubular roller body. Such recesses or openings can be easily machined by drilling. A recess can, in particular, be formed in the form of a blind hole, for example, in the form of a blind bore. Alternatively, the roller body can also be formed from a solid material, for example, from a plastic rod.

[0029] It is advantageous if the holding length corresponds to, or essentially corresponds to, the wall thickness of the roller body. To produce the brush roller, simply pull bristle bundles into the recesses or openings in the roller body wall. The number of bristles in each bristle bundle is then selected such that the respective bristle bundle is clamped in the opening in the roller body wall.

[0030] According to a further preferred embodiment, the bristle arrangement can comprise at least one row of bristles. The bristle arrangement can, of course, comprise two, three, four, or more rows of bristles. The larger the number of rows of bristles, the better the cleaning result.

[0031] It is advantageous if the roller body has a first free roller body end and a second free roller body end, and if the at least one row of bristles extends from the first end to the second end or from a first end region near the first roller body end to a second end region near the second roller body end. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to achieve a good and, above all, uniform cleaning result in the desired manner over practically the entire length of the roller body. As already explained, it is advantageous if the bristle arrangement comprises two, three, four, or more rows of bristles.

[0032] It is advantageous if the at least one row of bristles changes its direction of curvature relative to a longitudinal axis of the roller body. Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to arrange the row of bristles on the roller body in a sinusoidal or zigzag pattern, for example. In particular, large V-shaped rows of bristles can also be realized this way.

[0033] It is advantageous if at least one row of bristles surrounds the roller body in a spiral shape. A spiral-shaped row of bristles does not change its direction of curvature relative to the longitudinal axis of the roller body. Spiral-shaped rows of bristles allow dirt particles to be conveyed toward one end of the roller body, particularly depending on the direction of rotation of the brush roller.

[0034] Preferably, the at least one row of bristles is V-shaped. This makes it possible, in particular, to move dirt particles on a surface from both free ends of the roller body, i.e., from the outside toward the center of the brush roller, where a tip of the "V" is formed. This allows dirt particles to be conveyed, particularly if a suction device is present, to a suction mouth of the suction device located in the area of ​​the center of the brush roller.

[0035] It is advantageous if the at least one row of bristles, starting from a first bristle bundle adjacent to the first roller body end, has a circumferential angle relative to the first bristle bundle that changes in the direction of the second roller body end. This is to be understood in particular to mean that the row of bristles does not extend along a straight line on the roller body that runs parallel to the roller body's longitudinal axis. Rather, a changing circumferential angle value leads to a spiral formation of the row of bristles or a zigzag, V-shaped, or sinusoidal configuration of the row of bristle bundles on the roller body. It is advantageous if the circumferential angle value has a maximum in the middle between the first roller body end and the second roller body end.In particular, a completely symmetrical brush roller can be formed with respect to a plane of symmetry which extends in the middle between the two roller body ends perpendicular to the roller body longitudinal axis.

[0036] To further improve the cleaning results of the brush roller, it is advantageous if at least one squeegee lip is arranged or formed on the roller body. Such a squeegee lip can be designed to be elastic and / or flexible. For example, it can be designed in the form of a rubber lip. For example, the at least one squeegee lip can extend parallel to a row of bristles.

[0037] Preferably, the at least one squeegee lip is arranged or formed between two rows of bristles and extends from the first roller body end to the second roller body end. In this way, a continuous squeegee lip can be formed. This allows dirt to be reliably captured and removed from a smooth surface. A squeegee lip can also be particularly advantageous when a surface to be cleaned is damp or wet. Liquids can be reliably removed from the surface to be cleaned using such squeegee lips.

[0038] It is advantageous if the at least one squeegee lip is arranged or formed between two rows of bristles and extends from the first end of the roller body to the second end of the roller body. This makes it possible, in particular, to alternately wipe the surface to be cleaned with a row of bristles and a squeegee lip.

[0039] To enable uniform cleaning of the surface, it is advantageous if the distance between at least one squeegee lip and the adjacent row of bristles is constant or substantially constant in the circumferential direction of the roller body. Regardless of whether the row of bristles is arranged or formed in a straight, sinusoidal, or spiral configuration on the roller body, the proposed arrangement of the squeegee lip and the adjacent row of bristles allows for uniform treatment of the surface to be cleaned.

[0040] The design of the brush roller can be simplified in particular if the at least one squeegee lip comprises two or more separate squeegee lip segments. Thus, the squeegee lip can be formed not as a single piece, but in two or more parts. The individual parts, which then form sections of the squeegee lip, do not necessarily have to abut one another, but can be separate from one another and have gaps between the squeegee lip segments extending in the direction of the roller body's longitudinal axis.

[0041] It is advantageous if adjacent pull-off lip segments are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the roller body. This allows these pull-off lip segments to be deformed completely freely and independently of each other.

[0042] The brush roller can be constructed simply and cost-effectively if the bristles are made of a plastic, particularly polyamide (PA6), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and / or polypropylene (PP), and / or horsehair. Bristles made of plastics, particularly the specified materials, and / or natural raw materials, particularly horsehair, allows for an optimal design of the brush roller and the specification of the desired cleaning properties.

[0043] The object stated above is further achieved according to the invention in a cleaning device of the type described above in that the brush roller is designed in the form of one of the advantageous embodiments of brush rollers described above. The cleaning device then also has the advantages described above in connection with preferred embodiments of brush rollers. In particular, optimal cleaning of flat surfaces, especially floors, can be achieved with the cleaning device.

[0044] The cleaning device is preferably designed as a floor cleaning device. In particular, it can be designed as a vacuum cleaner. Such cleaning devices can be used to quickly and reliably clean floors, i.e., remove dirt. In particular, dry cleaning is possible. The vacuum cleaner design makes it possible, in particular, to pick up picked-up or swept-up dirt and vacuum it from the surface.

[0045] The cleaning device is preferably designed as an autonomously movable cleaning device. For example, it can be designed as a vacuum and / or floor-mopping robot. Such devices enable, for example, the autonomous cleaning of floors in rooms. In particular, they can be used around the clock without requiring personnel.

[0046] It is advantageous if the cleaning device comprises a housing and if the bristles of the brush roller protrude from the underside of the housing in a working position in which the brush roller is rotatably mounted or held on the housing. This ensures, in particular, that the free ends of the bristle bundles can come into contact with the surface to be cleaned in order to remove dirt as desired.

[0047] The cleaning device preferably comprises a roller drive for rotating the brush roller. With such a roller drive, the brush roller can be driven and rotated. This allows one or more rows of bristles on the brush roller to be moved over the surface to be cleaned in the desired manner and at a speed suitable for cleaning. It is advantageous if the roller drive is designed to rotate the brush roller at a speed in a range of approximately 500 revolutions per minute to approximately 7000 revolutions per minute. Rotating the brush roller at a speed within the specified range makes it possible, in particular, to optimally clean a surface.

[0048] The object posed at the outset is further achieved according to the invention in a method of the type described at the outset in that one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of brush rollers or one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of cleaning devices with one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of brush rollers is used as the brush roller. With such brush rollers, either with or without a cleaning device, surfaces can be cleaned reliably and with the desired cleaning result.

[0049] A cleaning result can be improved in particular by rotating the brush roller for cleaning the surface at a speed in a range of approximately 500 revolutions / minute to approximately 7000 revolutions / minute.

[0050] Furthermore, the use of one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of brush rollers or one of the above-described advantageous embodiments of cleaning devices for carrying out one of the above-described advantageous methods is proposed.

[0051] The following description of preferred embodiments serves to provide further explanation in conjunction with the drawings. They show:

[0052] Figure 1: a schematic, partially broken side view of an embodiment of a cleaning device; Figure 2: a perspective view of the arrangement from Figure 1 from below;

[0053] Figure 3: a perspective view of an embodiment of a brush roller;

[0054] Figure 4: a side view of the arrangement of Figure 3;

[0055] Figure 5: a view of the arrangement of Figure 4 in the direction of arrow A;

[0056] Figure 6: an enlarged schematic view of an end region of the arrangement of Figure 3;

[0057] Figure 7: a schematic representation of a section of a row of bristles from the side;

[0058] Figure 8: a view of the arrangement of Figure 7 in the direction of arrow B;

[0059] Figure 9: a view similar to Figure 3 of a further embodiment of a brush roller;

[0060] Figure 10: a side view of the arrangement of Figure 9;

[0061] Figure 11: a view of the arrangement of Figure 10 in the direction of arrow C;

[0062] Figure 12: an enlarged schematic view of an end region of the arrangement of Figure 9;

[0063] Figure 13: a view similar to Figure 3 of a further embodiment of a brush roller;

[0064] Figure 14: a view of the brush roller from Figure 13 with the brush roller parts separated from one another; Figure 15: a side view of the arrangement from Figure 13;

[0065] Figure 16: a view of the arrangement of Figure 15 in the direction of arrow D;

[0066] Figure 17: an enlarged view of an end region of the arrangement of Figure 13;

[0067] Figure 18: a view similar to Figure 3 of a further embodiment of a brush roller;

[0068] Figure 19: a side view of the arrangement of Figure 18;

[0069] Figure 20: a view of the arrangement of Figure 19 in the direction of arrow E;

[0070] Figure 21: an enlarged view of an end region of the arrangement of Figure 18.

[0071] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an embodiment of a cleaning device 10. It is designed as a floor cleaning device 12, specifically in the form of a suction device 14.

[0072] The embodiment of the cleaning device 10 is further designed in the form of an autonomously mobile cleaning device 10, namely in the form of a vacuum robot 16.

[0073] The cleaning device 10 comprises a brush roller 18, which is rotatably mounted or arranged on a housing 20 of the cleaning device 10. The brush roller 18 is driven to rotate about a roller body longitudinal axis 22. The roller body longitudinal axis 22 runs parallel to a housing underside 24 of the housing 20 and thus also parallel to a surface 26 to be cleaned. In an operating position illustrated schematically in Figures 1 and 2, a bristle 28 of the brush roller 18 protrudes from the housing underside 24, as illustrated schematically in Figure 1. The bristle 28, which will be described in more detail below, can thus come into direct contact with the surface 26 in order to clean it.

[0074] A roller drive 30 included in the cleaning device 10 serves to rotate or drive the brush roller 18.

[0075] The cleaning device further includes an optional suction device 32 for vacuuming dirt from the surface 26. The suction device 32 is arranged downstream of the rotating brush roller 18 on the housing 20 for cleaning purposes, in order to vacuum up dirt pushed or swept together by the brush roller 18.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment, the roller drive 30 is designed to rotate the brush roller 18 at a speed in a range of approximately 500 revolutions / minute to approximately 7000 revolutions / minute.

[0077] The cleaning device 10 can be used to clean the surface 26 with the brush roller 18. As described, the brush roller rotates to clean the surface 26, specifically at a speed in a range of approximately 500 revolutions / minute to approximately 7000 revolutions / minute.

[0078] The structure of the brush roller 18 is explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 3 to 8.

[0079] The brush roller 18 comprises a roller body 34 which carries the bristles 28.

[0080] The bristle 28 comprises a plurality of bristle bundles 36. Each bristle bundle 36 defines a bristle bundle longitudinal axis 38. The bristle bundles 36 protrude from the roller body 34 and each have a free bristle bundle length 40.

[0081] To secure the bristle bundles 36, a plurality of bristle bundle receptacles 42 are arranged or formed on the roller body 34. Each bristle bundle 36 is held by a bristle bundle holding end 44 on or in one of the bristle bundle receptacles 42. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bristle bundles 36 are clamped in the bristle bundle receptacles 42.

[0082] A holding length 46 of the bristle bundle receptacle 42 in a direction parallel to the bristle bundle longitudinal axis 38 has a value in a range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 5 mm.

[0083] The ratio of the holding length 46 to the free bristle bundle length 40 is at most 0.5. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the ratio is at most 0.2, specifically at most 0.1.

[0084] The bristle bundle receptacles 42 are hollow cylindrical or substantially hollow cylindrical.

[0085] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the roller body 34 is tubular. The bristle bundle receptacles 42 are formed as openings 48 or, alternatively, as blind holes 50 in a roller body wall 52 of the tubular roller body 34.

[0086] In one embodiment, the holding length 46 corresponds to a wall thickness 54 of the roller body wall 52.

[0087] The opening 48 is formed in the form of a bore 56 in the roller body 34. If the bristle bundle receptacle 42 is formed in the form of a blind hole 50, the bore 56 forms the blind hole 50. As schematically illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, each bristle bundle 36 comprises at least one bristle 58 or one fiber. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, each bristle bundle 36 comprises a plurality of bristles 58 or fibers.

[0088] A bristle count of the bristles 58 comprised by each bristle bundle 36 is in a range from about 50 to about 200. In one embodiment, the bristle count is in a range from about 70 to about 170. In another embodiment, the bristle count is in a range from about 90 to about 150.

[0089] A bristle diameter 60 of an individual bristle 58 has a value in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.5 mm. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bristle diameter 60 is approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.2 mm.

[0090] The free bristle bundle length 40 is defined as the distance between the roller body 34 and a free bristle bundle end 62 of the bristle bundle 36. The free bristle bundle length 40 has a value in a range from approximately 5 mm to approximately 40 mm. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the bristle bundle length 40 is in a range from approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0091] The roller body 34 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour 64. A roller diameter 66 of the roller body 34, i.e., an outer diameter defined by the outer contour 64, ranges from approximately 10 mm to approximately 40 mm. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the roller diameter ranges from approximately 18 mm to approximately 28 mm. It is approximately 23 mm.

[0092] The bristle arrangement 28 comprises at least one row of bristles 68. In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6, two rows of bristles 68 are provided. The roller body 34 has a first free roller body end 70 and a second free roller body end 72. The two rows of bristles 68 each extend from the first free roller body end 70 to the second free roller body end 72, or from a first end region near the first roller body end 70 to a second end region near the second roller body end 72.

[0093] To form the bristle rows 68, bristle bundle receptacles 42 are arranged side by side. Adjacent bristle bundle receptacles 42 have a bristle bundle receptacle spacing 74 from one another, which has a value in a range from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the value of the bristle bundle receptacle spacing 74 is in a range from approximately 1.3 mm to approximately 1.7 mm. It has a value of approximately 1.5 mm.

[0094] The bristle bundle receptacles 42 have a diameter 76 in a range from approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the diameter 76 is in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 3.5 mm. It is approximately 2.8 mm.

[0095] In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6, the majority of bristle bundles 36 extend transversely from the roller body 34. As can be clearly seen in the figures, the bristle bundles 36 extend perpendicularly from the roller body 34 and point radially relative to the roller body's longitudinal axis 22.

[0096] The plurality of bristle bundles 36 protrude from the roller body 34 such that a bristle inclination angle 78, which is enclosed by the bristle bundle longitudinal axis 38 and a radial direction 80 perpendicular to the roller body longitudinal axis 22 defined by the roller body 34, has a value in a range from 0° to approximately 45°. Figure 6 schematically shows a bristle inclination angle 78 which is 45°. The illustrated bristle bundles 36, with their bristle bundle longitudinal axes 38 and the radial direction 80, enclose a bristle inclination angle 78 of 0°. Furthermore, as shown schematically in Figure 4, the plurality of bristle bundles 36 are arranged or designed to protrude from the roller body 34 in such a way that the bristle bundle longitudinal axes 38 each lie in a bristle bundle plane 82 which runs transversely, namely perpendicularly, to the roller body longitudinal axis 22.

[0097] As schematically illustrated in Figures 3 to 8, each bristle bundle 36 defines an enveloping surface 84, which has the shape of a lateral surface 86 of a truncated cone 88. In Figures 3 to 8, the truncated cone 88 is formed in the shape of a straight truncated cone 88.

[0098] A half-opening angle 90 defined by the lateral surface 86 has a value in a range between approximately 1° and approximately 45°. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, a value of the half-opening angle lies in a range between approximately 1° and approximately 10°. It is approximately 1.5°.

[0099] The truncated cone 88 defines a truncated cone longitudinal axis 92. The bristle bundle longitudinal axis 38 defines the truncated cone longitudinal axis 92 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0100] In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6, the two rows of bristles 68 are V-shaped. This is achieved by changing the direction of curvature of the rows of bristles 68 relative to the longitudinal axis 22 of the roller body.

[0101] Two special bristle bundles 94 and 96 are designated in Figures 3 and 4. Starting from the first roller body end 70, the bristle row 68, beginning with a first bristle bundle 98 adjacent to the first roller body end 70, initially extends in a right-hand curve in the circumferential direction, specifically up to the bristle bundle 94. There, the curvature changes in the circumferential direction relative to the roller body longitudinal axis 22 into a left-hand curve, specifically up to the bristle bundle 96. From there, the bristle row 68 then continues in a right-hand curve again up to the first bristle bundle 100 adjacent to the second roller body end 72. The bristle bundles 94 and 96 define turning points in the mathematical sense of the bristle row 68.

[0102] In the manner described, the at least one row of bristles 68, starting from the first bristle bundle 98, has a circumferential angle value that changes toward the second roller body end 72. While this circumferential angle value is 0° for the first bristle bundle 98, it changes to a maximum circumferential mean value of approximately 180° up to a center 102 between the two roller body ends 70 and 72. Thus, the row of bristles 68 has an approximately sinusoidal shape on the outer contour 64 of the roller body 34.

[0103] The two rows of bristles 68 are arranged or designed such that bristle bundles 36 of the two rows of bristles 68, which each have the same distance 104 from the first roller body end 70, protrude from the roller body 34 in radially opposite directions with respect to the roller body longitudinal axis 22. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 3, 4 and 6. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 6, the circumferential angle value has a maximum in the center 102 between the first roller body end 70 and the second roller body end 72. As already explained and clearly visible in Figure 4, the circumferential angle value is 180° at its maximum, i.e., in the center 102. Consequently, the bristle bundle 36 in the center 102 points in a radially opposite direction compared to the first bristle bundle 98.

[0104] In the brush roller 18, a bristle bundle cross-section defined by the respective bristle bundle 36 increases from the roller body 34 to the free bristle bundle end 62 of the respective bristle bundle 36. Consequently, a diameter of each bristle bundle 36 also increases continuously from the roller body 34 to the free bristle bundle end 62. Adjacent bristle bundles 36 overlap in an overlap region 108 or touch each other in this overlap region 108. The overlap region 108 extends from the free bristle bundle end 62 in the direction of the roller body 34. On the roller body 34, directly adjacent bristle bundles 36 are arranged or formed at a distance from one another, as described.The adjacent bristle bundles 36 only partially overlap, namely only in the overlapping area 108 or touch each other in the overlapping area 108 as shown schematically in Figures 7 and 8.

[0105] Adjacent bristle bundles 36 overlap only over an overlap length 110 starting from the free bristle bundle end 62. The ratio of the overlap length 110 to the free bristle bundle length 40 is at most 0.5. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the ratio is at most 0.25.

[0106] The ratio of the overlap length 110 and the free bristle bundle length 40 is at least about 0.01. In Figure 7, the ratio is about 0.05.

[0107] As can be clearly seen in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the special design of the bristles 28 ensures that at least some of the directly adjacent bristle bundles 36 touch or overlap at most partially in the overlapping region 108 starting from their free bristle bundle ends 62 and that the directly adjacent bristle bundles 36 are arranged or formed at a distance from one another on the roller body 34.

[0108] In the described embodiment, the bristles 58 are made of a plastic, for example, polyamide (PA6), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and / or polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, or even partially, the bristles 58 can be made of horsehair.

[0109] Figures 9 to 12 schematically illustrate a further embodiment of a brush roller 18. This brush roller 18 comprises a total of four rows of bristles 68. The bristle bundles 36, each projecting perpendicularly from the roller body 34, are arranged or configured such that the four rows of bristles 68 each surround the roller body 34 in a spiral shape. Bristle bundles 36 of the four rows of bristles 68, located in a bristle bundle plane 82, each project from the roller body 34 at a circumferential angle 112 of 90°. The distance between adjacent rows of bristles 68 in the circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis 22 of the roller body is 90° in each case.

[0110] The reference numerals used in Figures 9 to 12 designate identical or comparable elements as in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8. In addition, the bristle bundles 36 are identically designed and have the properties described above in connection with the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8.

[0111] Here too, a closed bristle arrangement 28 is formed in the overlapping area 108 along each row of bristles 68.

[0112] In this embodiment, the bristles 58 are also elastic or flexible and allow the free ends 62 of the bristle bundles to slide along the surface 26 to be cleaned.

[0113] Figures 13 to 17 show a further embodiment of a brush roller 18. Here, too, the same reference numerals are used as in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8.

[0114] The roller body 34 is again tubular. In the embodiment of Figures 13 to 15, it is only schematically shown as a two-part unit. Alternatively, it can also actually be a two-part unit.

[0115] As in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6, the bristle arrangement 28 comprises two rows of bristles 68, whose bristle bundles 36 protrude diametrically from one another in the circumferential direction relative to the roller body longitudinal axis 22 in the radial direction from the roller body 34. Here, too, the bristle rows 68 are again V-shaped. Bristle bundle longitudinal axes 38 of the first bristle bundles 100 adjacent to the second free roller body end 72 protrude, as can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 16, in diametrical directions away from one another relative to the roller body longitudinal axis 22 from the outer contour 64 of the roller body 34. A circumferential angle value changes from 0° to approximately 60° starting from the first bristle bundle 100 to the bristle bundle 36 in the center 102.

[0116] In this embodiment, a stripping lip 114 is arranged or formed on the roller body 34 between each row of bristles 68. Thus, two stripping lips 114 are provided, as can be clearly seen in Figures 13, 14, and 16. The stripping lips 114 also extend from the first free roller body end 70 to the second free roller body end 72. A distance 116 between the stripping lip 114 and the adjacent row of bristles 68 in the circumferential direction of the roller body 34 is constant. The distance 116 is 90°.

[0117] The two removal lips 114 are also arranged or formed in a substantially V-shape on the roller body 34.

[0118] For the design of the bristles 28 and the bristle bundles 36 forming them, reference is made to the above description in connection with the embodiment of Figures 3 to 8 in order to avoid repetition.

[0119] Figures 18 to 21 schematically illustrate a further embodiment of a brush roller 18. Here, too, the same reference numerals are used to designate identical or similar elements as in the previously described embodiments.

[0120] In this embodiment, the bristle system 28 has three rows of bristles 68, whose bristle bundles 36 extend radially from the roller body 34 relative to the roller body's longitudinal axis 22. The three rows of bristles 68 are each arranged or formed offset by 120° in the circumferential direction. Here, too, the rows of bristles are arranged or formed in a V-shape, as in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6.

[0121] In this embodiment, stripping lips 114 are also arranged or formed between adjacent rows of bristles 68. The stripping lips 114 are spaced the same distance apart in the circumferential direction relative to the adjacent rows of bristles 68.

[0122] The removal lips 114 are inclined relative to the radial direction 80 by a lip inclination angle 118. It is approximately 55°.

[0123] A free length 120 of the stripping lips 114, i.e. a distance of a stripping edge of the stripping lips from the roller body 34, is smaller than a free bristle bundle length 40. A ratio of the length 120 to the free bristle bundle length 40 lies in a range between 0.5 and 1.

[0124] Each squeegee lip 114 comprises a plurality of squeegee lip segments 122. These are formed separately from one another. Adjacent squeegee lip segments 122 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the roller body's longitudinal axis 22, as can be clearly seen in Figures 18, 19, and 21. A segment spacing 124 between adjacent squeegee lip segments 122 corresponds approximately to twice the spacing of the bristle bundle longitudinal axes 38 of adjacent bristle bundles 36.

[0125] In the illustrated embodiments, the squeegee lips 114 are formed from rubber. They are flexible and elastic. They have a tapered squeegee edge. All described embodiments of brush rollers 18 have in common that at least some, preferably all, of the directly adjacent bristle bundles 36 touch or overlap at most partially in the overlap region 108, starting from their free bristle bundle ends 62, but that the directly adjacent bristle bundles 36 are arranged or formed spaced apart from one another on the roller body 34.

[0126] Due to the special design of the brush rollers 18, an optimal cleaning result can be achieved when using them to clean the surface 26.

[0127] List of reference symbols

[0128] cleaning device

[0129] Floor cleaning device

[0130] Suction device

[0131] Robot vacuum cleaner

[0132] Brush roller

[0133] Housing

[0134] Roller body longitudinal axis

[0135] Bottom of the case

[0136] surface

[0137] Bristles

[0138] Roller drive

[0139] Suction device

[0140] Roller body

[0141] bundle of bristles

[0142] Bristle bundle longitudinal axis

[0143] Bristle bundle length

[0144] Bristle bundle intake

[0145] Bristle bundle holding end

[0146] Holding length

[0147] breakthrough

[0148] blind hole

[0149] Roller body wall

[0150] Wall thickness

[0151] drilling

[0152] bristle

[0153] Bristle diameter

[0154] Bristle bundle end

[0155] Outer contour

[0156] Roller diameter

[0157] Bristle row first free roller body end second free roller body end bristle bundle receiving distance diameter bristle inclination angle radial direction bristle bundle plane envelope surface lateral surface truncated cone half opening angle truncated cone longitudinal axis bristle bundle bristle bundle first bristle bundle first bristle bundle center distance diameter overlap area overlap length circumferential angle squeegee distance

[0158] Lip inclination angle length

[0159] Pull-off lip segment segment spacing

Claims

Patent claims 1. Brush roller (18) for a cleaning device (10), in particular for a floor cleaning device (12), comprising a roller body (34) with a bristle arrangement (28) which comprises a plurality of bristle bundles (36), each defining a bristle bundle longitudinal axis (38), which protrude from the roller body (34) and each have a free bristle bundle length (40), characterized in that a bristle bundle cross-section defined by the bristle bundle (36) increases from the roller body (34) to a free bristle bundle end (62) of the bristle bundle (36), that at least some directly adjacent bristle bundles (36) touch or overlap at most partially in an overlap region (108) starting from their free bristle bundle ends (62), and that the directly adjacent bristle bundles (36) are arranged or formed spaced apart from one another on the roller body (34).

2. Brush roller according to claim 1, characterized in that all adjacent bristle bundles (36) partially touch or overlap in the overlapping region (108) starting from their free bristle bundle ends (36).

3. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that adjacent bristle bundles (36) overlap over an overlap length (110) and in that a ratio of the overlap length (110) and the free bristle bundle length (40) is at most 0.5, in particular at most 0.25, wherein in particular the ratio of the overlap length (110) and the free bristle bundle length (40) is at least about 0.01, in particular at least about 0.05, further in particular at least about 0.

1.

4. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of bristle bundle receptacles (42) are arranged or formed on the roller body (34) and that each Bristle bundle (36) is held with a bristle bundle holding end (44) on or in one of the bristle bundle receptacles (42), in particular by clamping.

5. Brush roller according to claim 4, characterized in that a holding length (46) of the bristle bundle receptacle (42) in a direction parallel to the bristle bundle longitudinal axis (38) has a value in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 10 mm, wherein in particular a ratio of the holding length (46) to the free bristle bundle length (40) is at most 0.5, in particular at most 0.2, further in particular at most 0.

1.

6. Brush roller according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that adjacent bristle bundle receptacles (42) have a bristle bundle receptacle spacing (74) from one another and that the bristle bundle receptacle spacing (74) has a value in a range from approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm, in particular a value in a range from approximately 1.3 mm to approximately 1.7 mm, further in particular a value of approximately 1.5 mm.

7. Brush roller according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the bristle bundle receptacles (42) a) are hollow cylindrical or substantially hollow cylindrical and / or b) are in the form of bores (56) in the roller body (34) and / or c) have a diameter (76) in a range from approximately 1 mm to approximately 5 mm, in particular in a range from approximately 2 mm to approximately 3.5 mm, further in particular approximately 2.8 mm.

8. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plurality of bristle bundles (36) protrude transversely, in particular perpendicularly, from the roller body (34), wherein in particular the plurality of bristle bundles (36) protrudes from the roller body (34) in such a way that a) a bristle inclination angle (78) of the bristle bundle longitudinal axis (38) relative to a radial direction (80) perpendicular relative to a roller body longitudinal axis (22) defined by the roller body (34) lies in a range from 0° to approximately 45°, and / or b) their bristle bundle longitudinal axes (38) each lie in a bristle bundle plane (82) which runs transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the roller body longitudinal axis (22).

9. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each bristle bundle (36) comprises at least one bristle (58) and / or fiber, in particular a plurality of bristles (58) and / or fibers, wherein in particular a) a bristle number of the bristles (58) comprised by each bristle bundle (36) is in a range from approximately 50 to approximately 200, in particular in a range from approximately 70 to approximately 170, further in particular in a range from approximately 90 to approximately 150, and / or b) a bristle diameter (60) of an individual bristle (58) has a value in a range from approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, in particular approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.2 mm.

10. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each bristle bundle (36) defines an outer envelope surface (84) which has the shape of a lateral surface (86) of a truncated cone (88), wherein in particular a) the truncated cone (88) is designed in the form of a straight truncated cone (88) and / or b) a half opening angle (90) defined by the lateral surface (86) has a value in a range between approximately 1° and approximately 45°, in particular between approximately 1° and approximately 10°, further in particular approximately 1.5°, and / or c) the truncated cone (88) defines a truncated cone longitudinal axis (92) and that the bristle bundle longitudinal axis (38) defines the truncated cone longitudinal axis (92).

11. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a) the free bristle bundle length (40) is defined as a distance from the roller body (34) to a free bristle bundle end (62) and that the free bristle bundle length (40) has a value in a range from approximately 5 mm to approximately 40 mm, in particular in a range from approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm, and / or b) the roller body (34) has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical outer contour (64) with a roller diameter (66) in a range from approximately 10 mm to approximately 40 mm, in particular in a range from approximately 18 mm to approximately 28 mm, further in particular approximately 23 mm.

12. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the roller body (34) is tubular.

13. Brush roller according to claim 12, characterized in that the bristle bundle receptacles (42) are designed in the form of recesses (50) or openings (48) in a roller body wall (52) of the tubular roller body (34), wherein in particular the holding length (46) corresponds or substantially corresponds to a wall thickness (54) of the roller body wall (52).

14. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (28) comprise at least one row of bristles (68).

15. Brush roller according to claim 14, characterized in that a) the roller body (34) has a first free roller body end (70) and a second free roller body end (72) and that the at least one row of bristles (68) extends from the first roller body end (70) to the second roller body end (72) or from a first end region near the first roller body end (70) to a second end region near the second roller body end (72) and / or b) the bristle arrangement (28) comprises two, three, four or more rows of bristles (68).

16. Brush roller according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least one row of bristles (68) a) changes its direction of curvature with respect to a roller body longitudinal axis (22) and / or b) surrounds the roller body (34) in a spiral shape and / or c) is V-shaped and / or d) starting from a first bristle bundle (98) adjacent to the first roller body end (70) with respect to the first bristle bundle (36) has a circumferential angle value changing in the direction of the second roller body end (72), wherein in particular the circumferential angle value has a maximum in the middle (102) between the first roller body end (70) and the second roller body end (72).

17. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one removal lip (114) is arranged or formed on the roller body (34).

18. Brush roller according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one stripping lip (114) is arranged or formed between two rows of bristles (68) and extends from the first roller body end (70) to the second roller body end (72), wherein in particular a distance (116) of the at least one stripping lip (114) from the adjacent row of bristles (68) in the circumferential direction of the roller body (34) is constant or substantially constant.

19. Brush roller according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the at least one stripping lip (114) comprises two or more separate stripping lip segments (122), wherein in particular adjacent stripping lip segments (122) are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the roller body longitudinal axis (22).

20. Brush roller according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bristles (58) are made of a plastic, in particular polyamide (PA6), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and / or polypropylene (PP), and / or horsehair.

21. Cleaning device (10) comprising a rotatably mounted, in particular driven, brush roller (18), characterized in that the brush roller (18) is designed in the form of a brush roller (18) according to one of the preceding claims.

22. Cleaning device according to claim 21, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) a) is designed in the form of a floor cleaning device (12), in particular in the form of a suction device (14), and / or b) is designed in the form of an autonomously mobile cleaning device (10), in particular in the form of a vacuum and / or wiping robot (16), and / or c) comprises a housing (20) and that the bristles (28) of the brush roller (18) protrude from an underside (24) of the housing (20) in a working position in which the brush roller (18) is rotatably arranged or held on the housing (20).

23. Cleaning device according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the cleaning device (10) comprises a roller drive (30) for rotating the brush roller (18), wherein in particular the roller drive (30) is designed to rotate the brush roller (18) at a speed in a range of approximately 500 revolutions / minute to approximately 7000 revolutions / minute.

24. A method for cleaning a surface (16) with a brush roller (18), characterized in that a brush roller (18) according to one of claims 1 to 40 or a cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 41 to 46 with a brush roller (18) according to one of claims 1 to 40 is used as the brush roller (18).

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that the brush roller (18) is rotated for cleaning the surface (26) at a speed in a range of about 500 revolutions / minute to about 7000 revolutions / minute.

26. Use of a brush roller (18) according to one of claims 1 to 20 or of a cleaning device (10) according to one of claims 21 to 23 for carrying out a method according to claim 24 or 25.

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