Cleaning device with a movable fixing protective grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cleaning robots face challenges in navigating obstacles like cables without getting them caught in the rotating cleaning roller, and existing solutions do not provide reliable protection against elongate objects during operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning device with a suction channel, rotating cleaning roller, and a pivoting protective grille that can be moved between closed and open positions to prevent cables from being drawn in, allowing for efficient maintenance and reliable obstacle navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective grid is fixed to cover the suction mouth, then cables are prevented from being caught in the cleaning roller, but the cleaning roller cannot be removed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The protective grid is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to switch between a closed position during operation for cable protection and an open position during maintenance for cleaning roller removal. The grid is connected to the housing via a pivot axis and can be latched in the open position, transforming a static protective barrier into a dynamic component that adapts to different operational states.
2Ease of operation
If the protective grid is made movable to allow cleaning roller removal, then maintenance becomes easier, but the grid may become detached during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The grid includes a latching mechanism with a latch element that can be preliminarily positioned to engage with the housing in the open position. This preliminary action of latching ensures the grid remains securely attached during maintenance operations, preventing accidental detachment while allowing easy access to the cleaning roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch element acts as an intermediary between the grid and the housing, providing a secure mechanical connection that holds the grid in the open position during maintenance. This intermediary component enables the grid to be movable for maintenance access while ensuring it remains reliably attached when needed.
3Reliability
If the protective grid covers the suction mouth completely, then cable protection is maximized, but obstacle crossing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective grid is designed with longitudinal bars that can pivot relative to each other, allowing the grid structure to dynamically adapt its configuration. During obstacle crossing, the grid can deform or open slightly to accommodate obstacles while maintaining cable protection during normal operation, balancing protection and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The protective grille effectively prevents cables from being caught in the cleaning roller, enhancing the robot's ability to navigate obstacles and simplifying maintenance by allowing easy removal and reinstallation of the cleaning roller.
Implementation Method 1
connected to a fan that is set up to generate a negative pressure in order to suck air through the suction channel and the suction mouth
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning roller which is arranged in the suction channel and is set up to rotate about an axis of rotation during cleaning operation
Implementation Method 3
The protective grille can be mounted on a first edge (in particular the front edge) of the suction mouth so that it can rotate about a pivot axis
Implementation Method 4
the bent segment being adapted to snap onto the first edge of the suction mouth in order to hold the protective screen in the open position
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
A cleaning device (100) for cleaning a surface is described. The cleaning device (100) comprises a housing with a suction channel and a suction nozzle (203) connected to the suction channel, wherein the suction nozzle (203) faces the surface to be cleaned during cleaning operation of the cleaning device (100). The cleaning device (100) also includes a cleaning roller (102) arranged in the suction channel, which is configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the cleaning roller (102) during cleaning operation.Furthermore, the cleaning device (100) comprises a protective grille (210) movably attached to the housing, which is designed to cover at least part of the suction opening (203) and the cleaning roller (102) in a closed position, and to allow the cleaning roller (102) to be removed from the suction channel in an open position; the protective grille (210) is designed to lock into place in the open position, so that the protective grille (210) remains in the open position.