GB2605231A

GB2605231A - Surface treatment tool

Info

Publication number: GB2605231A
Application number: GB2116316.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Istvan Killi Imre
Original assignee: Dextron Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dextron Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2021-03-26
Filing date: 2021-11-12
Publication date: 2022-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2041-11-12
Also published as: GB202116317D0; GB2606240A; GB202116320D0; GB2616591B; GB202104339D0; GB2606241A; GB202116319D0; GB2606239A; GB2606134B; GB2605231B; GB202116315D0; GB2606240B; GB2616591A; GB202116316D0; GB2606134A; GB202116318D0; GB2606242A; GB2606242B; GB2606241B; GB2606239B

Abstract

A cleaner head for a surface treatment tool comprises a movable surface treatment element 12 configured to engage a surface to be treated and a driving means 14 comprising a motor configured to drive the movable surface treatment element to effect cleaning of said surface; wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a first end 18, a second end 20 and a middle portion 22 located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the cleaner head. Also disclosed in a joint arrangement having engaging grooves and protrusions (fig 8).

Description

Surface Treatment Tool

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool, a joint arrangement for connecting a surface treatment head to an elongate support member of a surface treatment tool, and a surface treatment tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Known surface treatment tools, such as scrubber dryer tools, often have a surface treatment head with a movable surface treatment element (e.g. a brush, cleaning pad, sponge, etc.) which rotates or spins to clean a surface. When using such known surface treatment cleaners, it is often difficult or impossible to clean in corners or hard to reach areas of surfaces to be treated. This results in incomplete/ineffective cleaning of a surface.

Furthermore, known surface treatment heads are typically bulky, which makes it difficult to clean in hard to reach areas such as around table or chair legs. This results in incomplete/ineffective cleaning of a surface.

The present invention seeks to overcome, or at least mitigate, one or more problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, a surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool is provided, the surface treatment head comprising: a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means comprising a motor configured to drive the movable surface treatment element to effect cleaning of said surface. Optionally, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

In some embodiments, the surface treatment head comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in the treatment direction. For example, the surface treatment head may comprise a shroud, chassis and/or body wherein the shroud, chassis and/or body comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in the treatment direction.

In some embodiments an overall shape of the surface treatment head corresponds to the shape of the surface treatment element.

Having first and second ends which project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head means that dirt and/or waste fluid is directed towards the middle portion as the surface treatment head is moved, facilitating collection of dirt and/or waste fluid. For example, in the case where the surface treatment head forms part of a scrubber dryer and comprises a suction region for removing waste water, directing waste water towards the middle portion may facilitate uptake of waste water and an improved drying performance.

This shape of surface treatment head also facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas and partial surrounding of objects such as table legs, thereby providing effecting cleaning of an entire floor area.

Optionally, the height of the surface treatment head in a region proximal the first end of the moveable treatment element and/or in a region proximal the second end of the movable treatment element is in the range of lcm to 20cm, optionally 1 cm to 10cm, optionally in the range of 2.5 to 7.5 cm.

Such a height is low in comparison to typical cleaning heads, which allows the first and/or second ends of the moveable treatment element to fit under furniture such as shelving for cleaning. This may be particularly useful for environments such as supermarkets, which include large amounts of low-level shelving elements, and in which hygiene is of particular concern. In combination with the shape of the surface treatment head, in which the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head, having a low profile in the region of the first and/or second ends further facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas, thereby providing effective cleaning of the entire floor area.

Optionally, the height of the surface treatment head decreases from the middle portion to the first and/or second ends.

Optionally, the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a curved shaped profile in plan view.

Optionally, the curved shaped profile comprises a substantially arc shaped profile in plan view.

Optionally, at least a portion of the curved shaped profile comprises an arc of radius in the range of 10cm to 150cm, optionally in the range of 95 to 115 cm, or optionally less than or equal to 40cm, optionally in the range of 10 to 40cm, optionally in the range of 20 to 10 40 cm.

Such a curved shaped profile has been found to provide good cleaning performance, good manoeuvrability of the surface treatment head, and relatively compact head size for cleaning confined areas and compact storage.

Optionally, the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a substantially V-shaped profile in plan view.

Optionally, the substantially V-shaped profile comprises a central angle in the range 90 to less than 180 degrees, 110 to 170 degrees.

Such a V-shaped profile has been found to provide good cleaning performance, good manoeuvrability of the surface treatment head, and relatively compact head size for cleaning confined areas and compact storage. Optionally the central angle is in the range 130 to 150 degrees, optionally in the range 140 to 145 degrees.

Optionally, the moveable surface treatment element comprises a front edge with respect to the treatment direction and a rear edge with respect to the treatment direction, and wherein both the front edge and the rear edge are at least partially curved or V-shaped.

Optionally, the motor of the driving means is located at the middle portion of the surface treatment head.

Since the motor will add height to the surface treatment head, locating the motor at the middle portion facilitates a lower height of the surface treatment head at the first and second ends. This allows the first and/or second end to fit under small gaps beneath furniture (e.g. shelving elements or the like).

Optionally, the movable surface treatment element is elongate.

Having an elongate surface treatment element (e.g. in which a width of the surface treatment element (measured transverse to the treatment direction) is greater than the depth of the surface treatment element (measured along the treatment direction) or vice versa) allows a wide area to be cleaned when moving the surface treatment head in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the elongate movable surface treatment element, but results in a smaller overall head size, which allows the surface treatment head to reach smaller spaces and which is less bulky for storage.

Optionally, the movable surface treatment element and/or the surface treatment head comprises a width transverse to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the width is in the range of 25 to 60 cm.

Such a width has been found to provide a good trade-off between reducing the time to clean an area (by having a larger width) and improving the manoeuvrability/allowing the surface treatment head to fit into confined areas (by having a smaller width). In some embodiments, the width extends in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the elongate moveable surface treatment tool. Optionally the width is in the range 30 to 50 cm, optionally in the range 40 to 45cm.

Optionally, the surface treatment head comprises a depth parallel to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the depth is in the range of 4 to 30 cm.

Optionally, the first end defines a first straight edge and the second end defines a second straight edge.

Optionally, wherein the first and second straight edges are arranged at an oblique angle to one another.

Optionally, wherein a first line collinear with the first straight edge intersects a second line collinear with the second straight edge at a point forward of the movable surface treatment element in the treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

Optionally, the driving means comprises an eccentric drive mechanism, wherein the motor is coupled to the moveable surface treatment element via the eccentric drive mechanism so that the moveable surface treatment element engages a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that a front edge of the moveable surface treatment element faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction throughout the cyclical motion.

Typically, moveable surface treatment elements of cleaning tools are configured to engage a surface to be treated in a rotating motion, which results in a circular treatment area.

Such cleaning tools are therefore unable to clean in corners of floors/other surfaces or other hard to reach areas such as regions around table/chair legs to be treated. Having a driving means configured to drive the movable surface treatment element in a cyclical motion (e.g. a repeating or back-and-forth motion) allows the moveable surface treatment element to be shaped to be non-circular (e.g. arc-shaped, V-shaped or U-shaped treatment areas), which allows corners to be cleaned more easily. This also allows the surface treatment head and moveable surface treatment element to be shaped for maximum manoeuvrability and to be appropriately sized for optimal cleaning and storage purposes.

Optionally, the eccentric drive mechanism is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element so that each point on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path, wherein the circular paths each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension.

Such a motion has been found to be particularly effective for cleaning a surface with a moveable surface treatment element.

In exemplary embodiments, the cyclical motion comprises an oscillating motion.

Optionally, the surface treatment head further comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated.

Having a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head (e.g. by including water, soaps, detergents or antibacterial/antiviral agents). Furthermore, such a cleaning liquid outlet allows cleaning liquid to be applied via the surface treatment head, rather than a user having to apply cleaning liquid to a surface independently.

In exemplary embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element.

Providing the cleaning liquid outlet proximal the moveable surface treatment element ensures that cleaning fluid introduced to a surface via the cleaning liquid outlet is in close proximity to the movable surface treatment element, which facilitates ease of use.

In exemplary embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet is configured to apply cleaning liquid forward of the movable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

Providing the cleaning liquid outlet such that it is configured to apply cleaning fluid forward of the moveable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head ensures that the liquid is applied to an area of the surface which is likely to be acted on by the moveable surface treatment element, so that the moveable surface treatment element will pass over a surface after cleaning fluid has been introduced. This increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head and ease of use.

Optionally, the surface treatment head further comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated.

Having a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated allows waste water (e.g. cleaning fluid which has been introduced to a surface, acted on by the moveable surface treatment element and thus soiled) to be removed from a surface. This results in a cleaner surface and a reduced drying time, which allows the surface to be used (e.g. walked over) more quickly after cleaning.

In exemplary embodiments, the suction region is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element; optionally, wherein the suction region is provided behind the movable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

In some embodiments, the moveable surface treatment element is used to act on any fluid on a surface, therefore providing the suction region proximal the movable surface treatment element facilitates removal of such fluid from the surface.

Providing the suction region behind the movable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head facilitates removal of waste water from the surface as the surface treatment head is passed over the surface to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, the suction region is defined by one or more resilient guide members. Optionally, the suction region is defined by a first and second resilient guide member Optionally, at least a portion of a profile of the one or more resilient guide members is complementary to a profile of the movable surface treatment element Optionally, a first portion of the one or more resilient guide members is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element, and a second portion of the one or more resilient guide members is provided distal the movable surface treatment element. Optionally, the one or more resilient guide members comprise at least one opening to permit fluid to enter said suction region and/or at least one groove or corrugation configured to form an opening in use to permit fluid to enter said suction region when the surface treatment head is moved in a treatment direction.

Such a resilient guide member arrangement has been found to be particularly effective for guiding and removing fluid from a surface.

In exemplary embodiments, the at least one opening and/or at least one groove or corrugation is provided by a portion of the one or more resilient guide member proximal the moveable surface treatment element.

In a second aspect, a surface treatment tool is provided comprising a surface treatment head as disclosed herein, coupled to an elongate support member.

Optionally, the elongate support member is coupled to the surface treatment head via a coupling, wherein the coupling comprises a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the first rotational axis; optionally, wherein the first rotational axis intersects the second rotational axis.

Such a coupling allows the elongate support member to move in a plurality directions with respect to the surface treatment head, and to transmit torque, about a third axis perpendicular to the first and second axes, from the elongate support member to the surface treatment head. This allows the surface treatment head to be easily manoeuvred by a user via movement or rotation of the elongate support member.

In exemplary embodiments, the elongate support member is coupled to the surface treatment head via a resilient coupling such as a spring or rubber cylinder.

Such a coupling allows the elongate support member to move in all directions with respect to the surface treatment head. This allows the surface treatment head to be easily manoeuvred by a user via pivoting movement or rotation of the elongate support member.

Optionally, the surface treatment tool comprising a power source to power the motor; optionally, wherein the power source comprises an electrical energy storage device (e.g. a battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool.

Having a power source (e.g. battery) by or on the surface treatment tool removes the need for a cable to connect the tool to a mains electricity supply. This increases the range of surfaces that can be treated (e.g. those with no close mains electricity supply) and increases manoeuvrability (e.g. by not having to clean around a cable).

In exemplary embodiments, the surface treatment head further comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated, wherein the surface treatment tool further comprises a cleaning liquid tank in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid outlet, wherein the surface treatment tool is configured to introduce cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank to a surface to be treated via the cleaning liquid outlet.

Such a cleaning liquid tank allows the surface treatment tool to be operated without the need for a user to apply cleaning fluid to a surface separately.

In exemplary embodiments, the cleaning liquid tank is not provided on the cleaning head.

In this way, the size of the cleaning head is minimised.

In exemplary embodiments, the surface treatment head further comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated, wherein the surface treatment tool further comprises a waste liquid tank in fluid communication with the suction region, wherein the surface treatment tool is configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated to the waste liquid tank via the suction region.

Such a waste liquid tank allows the surface treatment tool to be operated independently (i.e. without the need to connect to a separate waste liquid tank).

In exemplary embodiments, the waste liquid tank is not provided on the cleaning head. In this way, the size of the cleaning head is minimised.

According to a third aspect of the invention a surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool is provided, the surface treatment head comprising: a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means configured to drive the movable surface treatment element; wherein the driving means comprises a motor configured to drive the movable surface treatment element and an eccentric drive mechanism, wherein the motor is coupled to the movable surface treatment element via the eccentric drive mechanism so that the movable surface treatment element is configured to engage a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that a front edge of the moveable surface treatment element faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction throughout the cyclical motion.

Typically, moveable surface treatment elements of cleaning tools are configured to engage a surface to be treated in a rotating motion, which results in a circular treatment area. Such cleaning tools are therefore unable to clean in corners of floors/other surfaces or other hard to reach areas such as regions around table/chair legs to be treated. Having a driving means configured to drive the movable surface treatment element in a cyclical motion (e.g. an oscillating motion, a repeating or back-and-forth motion) allows the moveable surface treatment element to be shaped to define treatment areas of any desirable shape (e.g. treatment areas of circular, arc-shaped, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, V-shaped, or polygonal profile, or treatment areas of any profile having a plurality of vertices in plan view), which allows corners to be cleaned more easily.

This also allows the surface treatment head and moveable surface treatment element to be shaped for maximum manoeuvrability and to be appropriately sized for optimal cleaning and storage purposes.

In exemplary embodiments, the eccentric drive mechanism is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element so that each point on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path, wherein the circular paths each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension.

In exemplary embodiments, the moveable surface treatment element comprises a non-circular profile in plan view, wherein the non-circular profile comprises one or more corners.

Having a non-circular profile with one or more corners (e.g. a square, rectangular, triangular, V shape or combination of curved and/or straight sections forming one or more corners between sections) allows corners of a surface to be cleaned more easily.

According to a fourth aspect a joint arrangement is provided comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member comprises one or more grooves, wherein the second member comprises one or more protrusions configured to be located within said one or more grooves and to move along said one or more grooves to permit relative rotation of the first member and the second member about a first axis, wherein the one or more protrusions define a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first member is configured to rotate about the one or more protrusions for relative rotation of the first member and the second member about the second axis, wherein said one or more protrusions and one or more grooves are arranged so that rotation of the first member about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis is translated to rotation of the second member about a fourth axis perpendicular to the second axis and/or vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention a joint arrangement is provided, the joint arrangement comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member comprises a one or more grooves, wherein the second member comprises one or more protrusions configured to be located within said one or more grooves and to move along said one or more grooves to permit relative rotation of the first member and the second member about a first axis, wherein the one or more protrusions define a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first member is configured to rotate about the one or more protrusions for relative rotation of the first member and the second member about the second axis.

In exemplary embodiments, said one or more protrusions and one or more grooves are arranged so that rotation of the first member about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis is translated to rotation of the second member about a fourth axis perpendicular to the second axis and vice versa.

In exemplary embodiments, said one or more grooves are provided on one or more curved portions of the first member.

In exemplary embodiments, the or each groove comprises a curved profile along its length.

It will be understood that the first axis is perpendicular to a plane defined by the one or more grooves and in this way the first axis is defined by said plane.

It will be understood that the second axis is defined by the location of the one or more projections.

A joint arrangement according to this aspect of the invention provides a joint having a small number of components (i.e. it can function with just the first and second members, since the groove(s) and protrusion(s) can be integrally formed with said members). As such, this offers a simple means for coupling two components (e.g. a surface treatment head of a surface treatment tool having a socket, and an elongate support member of a surface treatment tool having a curved member for insertion into the socket).

Optionally, the first member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said third axis; and/or wherein the second member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said fourth axis.

Optionally, the joint arrangement further comprises a securing member provided to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the first member and the second member.

Having a securing member (e.g. a securing ring or collar) provided to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the first member and the second member provides a robust coupling which can resist a larger separation force than other coupling means.

Optionally, the joint arrangement further comprises a magnetic connection between the first member and the second member for preventing disengagement of the first member and the second member.

A magnetic connection for preventing disengagement of the first member and the second member provides a simple coupling means which may allow a greater range of movement than alternative coupling means.

Optionally, one of the first member and second member comprises a spherical or partially spherical member and the other of the first member and second member is a receiving member comprising a partially spherical inner profile corresponding to an outer profile of the spherical or partially spherical member.

Such an arrangement allows easy movement of the first member within the second member or vice versa, and reduces the size of receiving member necessary to allow movement of the spherical member compared to other receiving member shapes (e.g. a cuboid receiving member shape).

Optionally, the one or more protrusions comprise two protrusions provided on opposing sides of the second member.

Having two protrusions provided on opposing sides of the second member allows the first member to be supported on opposing sides of said groove, which increases the stability and responsiveness of the joint arrangement. Furthermore, this increases the contact area between the protrusions and the groove, which improves transfer of rotation of the first member about the third axis to rotation of the second member about the fourth axis and/or vice versa.

Optionally, the or each protrusion is a spherical, partially spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formation (e.g. a spherical ball bearing or a hemisphere).

The or each protrusion being a spherical, partially-spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formation allows the one or more grooves of the first member to pivot easily around the protrusion(s) for rotation about the second axis.

Optionally, the or each protrusion is a spherical or partially spherical formation comprising a first arc-shaped cross section, and wherein the groove comprises a second arc-shaped cross section corresponding to the first arc-shaped cross section.

The spherical or partially-spherical protrusions and groove having complementary cross sections allows the groove of the first member to pivot easily around the protrusions for relative rotation about the second axis Optionally, the one or more protrusions are integrally formed with the second member.

This reduces the number of components of the joint arrangement (over those with separate protrusions such as ball bearings provided within recesses of the second member) and provides for a simple assembly and maintenance of the joint.

According to a sixth aspect, a surface treatment tool is provided comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement as disclosed herein.

By coupling the elongate support member and surface treatment head via such a joint arrangement, the surface treatment head can be moved easily on a surface to be treated by a user guiding the elongate support member (i.e. the elongate support member can move in all directions to push/pull the surface treatment head, and the surface treatment head can be rotated via rotation of the elongate support member about the third or fourth axis).

Optionally, the surface treatment head is a surface treatment head as disclosed herein.

Such a surface treatment head improves manoeuvrability and cleaning performance (e.g. better cleaning in corners of a surface) which in combination with a joint arrangement providing easy movement of the surface treatment head in all directions results in a highly manoeuvrable surface treatment tool with good cleaning performance.

Alternatively, the surface treatment head may be any other suitable surface treatment head.

According to a seventh aspect, a surface treatment tool is provided comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement; wherein the joint arrangement is configured to permit pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a first axis; wherein the joint arrangement is configured to permit pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the second axis intersects the first axis; and wherein the surface treatment head comprises a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated; and wherein the surface treatment head comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated and/or wherein the surface treatment head comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a surface treatment tool is provided, the surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement; wherein the joint arrangement is configured for pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a first axis; and wherein the joint arrangement is configured for pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the second axis intersects the first axis.

In exemplary embodiments, the surface treatment head comprises a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, the surface treatment head comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet is provided proximal the or a movable surface treatment element of the surface treatment head; optionally, wherein the cleaning liquid outlet is configured to apply cleaning liquid forward of the movable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

In exemplary embodiments, the surface treatment head comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated.

In exemplary embodiments, the suction region is provided proximal the or a movable surface treatment element of the surface treatment head; optionally, wherein the suction region is provided behind the movable surface treatment element in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

In exemplary embodiments, the joint arrangement is located below an upper surface of the surface treatment head.

In this way, a cleaning head having a reduced height profile is provided.

In exemplary embodiments, the joint arrangement is provided at a distal end of the elongate support member.

In exemplary embodiments, the joint arrangement may be used to couple any suitable surface treatment head to any suitable elongate support member.

According a further aspect, a surface treatment tool is provided comprising a surface treatment head as disclosed herein, and/or a joint arrangement as disclosed herein.

According to a further aspect, a surface treatment component is provided comprising a surface treatment head as disclosed therein, and/or a joint arrangement as disclosed herein.

According to a further aspect, a treatment portion for a surface treatment head is provided, wherein the treatment portion is configured to engage a surface to be treated, wherein the treatment portion is configured to be releasably coupled to a driving means of said surface treatment head, and wherein the treatment portion comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the treatment portion.

In exemplary embodiments, the treatment portion comprises one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads or any other material suitable for treating a surface.

In some embodiments, the treatment portion comprises an intermediate component (e.g. a support plate), wherein the intermediate component is configured to be releasably coupled to said driving means; optionally, wherein said one or more brushes, sponges, cloths towels, cleaning pads or other material suitable for treating a surface are releasably coupled to the intermediate component.

In exemplary embodiments, the treatment portion comprises an attachment means for releasably coupling the treatment portion to said surface treatment head (e.g. to attach the treatment portion to a drivable portion to form a surface treatment element and/or to attach the treatment portion to said driving means of said surface treatment head).

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises a magnetic coupling.

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises a snap-fit coupling.

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises a threaded coupling (e.g. including a thumbscrew).

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises an interference fit coupling.

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises a resilient (e.g. elasticated) periphery of the treatment portion.

In exemplary embodiments, the attachment means comprises one or more first fastening elements for coupling to one or more corresponding second fastening elements of the surface treatment tool (e.g. of said drivable portion and/or said driving means of the surface treatment tool).

In exemplary embodiments, the or each first fastening element comprises a magnet or magnetic material for coupling to a corresponding second fastening element of a surface treatment tool comprising a magnetic material or a magnet (e.g. to magnetically attach the treatment portion to said drivable portion to form said surface treatment element and/or to magnetically attach the treatment portion to said driving means of said surface treatment head).

In exemplary embodiments, the or each first fastening element comprises a hook-and-eye fastener for coupling to a corresponding second fastening element of a surface treatment tool comprising a hook-and-eye fastener (e.g. to attach the treatment portion to said drivable portion to form said surface treatment element and/or to attach the treatment portion to said driving means of said surface treatment head).

In exemplary embodiments, the or each first fastening element comprises a threaded element (e.g. a thumbscrew) or threaded bore for coupling to a corresponding second fastening element of a surface treatment tool comprising a threaded bore or threaded element (e.g. to threadedly attach the treatment portion to said drivable portion to form said surface treatment element and/or to threadedly attach the treatment portion to said driving means of said surface treatment head).

In exemplary embodiments, the or each first fastening element comprises a first snap-fit formation for snap-fitting to a corresponding second fastening element of a surface treatment tool comprising a second snap-fit formation (e.g. to snap-fit the treatment portion to said drivable portion to form said surface treatment element and/or to snap-fit the treatment portion to said driving means of said surface treatment head).

In some embodiments, the attachment means is a first attachment means for releasably coupling the intermediate component to said surface treatment tool, wherein the treatment portion comprises a second attachment means for releasably coupling said one or more brushes, sponges, cloths towels, cleaning pads or other material suitable for treating a surface to the intermediate component.

In some embodiments, the second attachment means comprises a magnetic coupling, a snap-fit coupling, a threaded coupling, an interference fit coupling, a resilient (e.g. elasticated) coupling, and/or a hook-and-eye coupling.

According to a further aspect of the invention a surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool is provided, the surface treatment head comprising: a driving means, configured to be coupled to a treatment portion when in use, and comprising a motor configured to drive said treatment portion to effect treatment of said surface; wherein the surface treatment head comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

It will be appreciated that the optional features disclosed herein may be combined with any aspect of the disclosure. All combinations are not recited herein for the sake of brevity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric cross-section view of a surface treatment head according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a rear view of the surface treatment head of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-section view of the surface treatment head of Figures 1 and 2, taken along lines A-A of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a plan view of the surface treatment head of Figures 1 to 3; Figure 5 is an underside view of a surface treatment head according to a further embodiment; Figures 6A to 6E are plan views of moveable surface treatment elements of surface treatment heads according to different embodiments; Figure 7 is a functional schematic diagram of a surface treatment tool including the surface treatment head of Figures 1 to 6E; Figure 8 is an exploded isometric view of a surface treatment head including a joint arrangement according to an embodiment; Figures 9A and 9B are isometric views showing different rotational movements of the joint arrangement of Figure 8; and Figure 10 is a cross-section view of a joint arrangement for a surface treatment head according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, a surface treatment head according to an embodiment is indicated at 10. The surface treatment head 10 includes a movable surface treatment element 12 configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means 14 including a motor 16 configured to drive the movable surface treatment element 12 to effect cleaning of said surface.

It will be understood that the moveable surface treatment element 12 may include one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads or any other material suitable for cleaning a surface. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the moveable surface treatment element 12 is formed of a treatment portion 12a in the form of a cleaning pad and a drivable portion 12b driven by the driving means 14. The treatment portion 12a is attached (either permanently or releasably) to the drivable portion 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, the treatment portion 12a and the drivable portion 12b correspond approximately in shape. In alternative embodiments, the treatment portion 12a and drivable portion 12b are of different shapes. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of cleaning portions 12a are attached to the drivable portion 12b.

In some embodiments, an intermediate component (e.g. a support plate) is located between the treatment portion 12a and the drivable portion 12b. For example, the treatment portion 12a may be releasably coupled to the intermediate component (e.g. via hook-and-eye fasteners, magnetic coupling, snap fit coupling, resilient coupling, threaded coupling, interference fit, or any other suitable coupling) and/or the intermediate component may be releasably coupled to the drivable portion 12b (e.g. via hook-and-eye fasteners, magnetic coupling, snap fit, resilient coupling, threaded coupling, interference fit, or any other suitable coupling). In such embodiments, it may be easier to remove the treatment portion 12a from the surface treatment head 10 by first de-coupling the intermediate component from the drivable portion 12b, and then de-coupling the treatment portion 12a from the intermediate component. In effect, the intermediate component can be considered a removable part of the treatment portion 12a, or a removable part of the drivable portion 12b.

The movable surface treatment element 12 has a first end 18, a second end 20 and a middle portion 22 located between the first and second ends 18, 20. The first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10.

In exemplary embodiments, such as those illustrated, a profile of the surface treatment head 10 as a whole conforms substantially to the profile of the moveable surface treatment element 12. In other words, the surface treatment head 10 also has first and second ends end which project forward of a middle portion in the treatment direction 24. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment head 10 includes a shroud (i.e. body) 15 on which the motor 16 is mounted, and the shroud 15 conforms substantially to the shape of the moveable surface treatment element 12.

Having first and second ends 18, 20 which project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10 means that dirt and/or waste fluid is directed towards the middle portion 22 as the surface treatment head 10 is moved, facilitating collection of dirt and/or waste fluid. For example, in the case where the surface treatment head 10 is part of a scrubber dryer and includes a suction region for removing waste water, directing waste water towards the middle portion 22 may facilitate uptake of waste water and an improved drying performance.

This shape of surface treatment head 10 also facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas and partial surrounding of objects such as table legs, thereby providing effecting cleaning of an entire floor area.

The surface treatment head includes a height 26 (best illustrated in Figure 2) in a region proximal the first and second ends 18, 20 of the moveable treatment element 12. In exemplary embodiments, the height 26 is in the range of 2.5 to 7.5 cm (e.g. 5.4 cm in the illustrated embodiment). Such a height 26 is low in comparison to typical cleaning heads, which allows the first and second ends 18, 20 of the moveable treatment element 12 to fit under furniture such as shelving for cleaning. This may be particularly useful for environments such as supermarkets, which include large amounts of low-level shelving elements, and in which hygiene is of particular concern. In combination with the shape of the surface treatment head 10, in which the first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10, having a low profile in the region of the first and second ends 18, 20 further facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas, thereby providing effective cleaning of an entire floor area.

In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 16 of the driving means 14 is located in the middle portion 22 of the surface treatment head 10. Since the motor 16 will add height to the surface treatment head 10, locating the motor 16 in the middle portion 22 facilitates a lower height of the surface treatment head 10 at the first and second ends 18, 20. This allows the first and second ends 18, 20 to fit under small gaps beneath furniture (e.g. shelving elements or the like).

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable surface treatment element 12 is elongate. Having an elongate surface treatment element 12 allows a wide area to be cleaned when moving the surface treatment head 10 in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the elongate movable surface treatment element 12 (i.e. in the treatment direction 24), but results in a smaller overall head size, which allows the surface treatment head 10 to reach smaller spaces and which is less bulky for storage.

In particular, the movable surface treatment element 12 has a width 28 transverse to the treatment direction 24 and a thickness 33 along the treatment direction. It will be understood that the term "width" refers to the distance between two side-most points of the moveable surface treatment element 12, and the term "thickness" refers to the distance between a front edge 19 and a rear edge 21 of the moveable surface treatment element 12 at a given position along the width 28.

In exemplary embodiments, the width 28 is in the range of 25 to 60 cm and the thickness 33 is in the range of 5 to 30 cm (for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the width 28 is around 42 cm and the thickness 33 is around 11 cm). Such a width 28 has been found to provide a good trade-off between reducing the time to clean an area (by having a larger width 28) and improving the manoeuvrability/allowing the surface treatment head 10 to fit into confined areas (by having a smaller width 28).

In alternative embodiments, the width 28 and moveable surface treatment element thickness 33 may have different values and the moveable surface treatment element 12 may not be elongate.

In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness 33 varies across the width 28 of the moveable surface treatment element 12. For example, the thickness 33 is larger in the middle portion 22 and smaller towards the first and second ends 18 to 20. In alternative embodiments, the thickness 33 is constant across the width 28.

The surface treatment head 10 includes an overall depth 29 along the treatment direction 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall depth 29 extends from a front-most point of the surface treatment element 12 or shroud 15 to the rear-most point of the surface treatment head 10, at a given width.

In exemplary embodiments, the overall depth 29 is in the range of 4 to 30 cm.

The surface treatment head 10 also comprises an overall width in a direction transverse to the treatment direction 24, i.e. the distance between two side-most points of the surface treatment head 10.

In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the movable surface treatment 12 element has a curved shaped profile in plan view. In particular, the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a substantially arc shaped profile. In exemplary embodiments, a radius of the arc shaped profile is in the range of 20 to 40 cm. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the front edge 19 has a radius of around 27.5 cm and the rear edge 21 has a radius of around 28.5 cm.

Such a curved shaped profile has been found to provide good cleaning performance, good manoeuvrability of the surface treatment head 10, and relatively compact head size for cleaning confined areas and compact storage.

Similarly, in the alternative embodiment illustrated in Figure 6E, the movable surface treatment 12 element has a curved shaped profile in plan view, although the radius of the arc-shaped profile is larger than that of Figures 1 to 5. In the embodiment of Figure 6E, like components are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

In alternative embodiments, such as those illustrated in Figures 6A to 6D, the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a different profile in plan view. For example, in Figure 6A the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a substantially V-shaped profile in plan view. In such embodiments, the V-shape profile may have a central angle in the range of 110 to 170 degrees (for example, the V-shaped profile of Figure 6A has a central angle 0 of around 125 degrees). The moveable surface treatment element 12 may also have any other shape of profile in plan view in which the first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in the treatment direction 24. For example, the moveable surface treatment element 12 of Figures 6B and 6C have a combination of curved and V-shaped profiles on front and rear sides (with respect to the treatment direction), and the moveable surface treatment element 12 of Figure 6D has a U-shaped profile.

In exemplary embodiments such as those illustrated, both a front edge 19 and a rear edge 21 of the movable surface treatment element 12 are at least partially curved or V-shaped.

Referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the driving means 14 includes an eccentric drive mechanism 30. The motor 16 is coupled to the moveable surface treatment element 12 via the eccentric drive mechanism 30 so that the moveable surface treatment element 12 engages a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that the front edge 19 faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction 24 throughout the cyclical motion.

In particular, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 (shown in close up view in Figure 3) is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element 12 so that each point 32 on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path 34, and the circular paths 34 each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension. This contrasts with a typical rotational movement of a treatment element, in which each point on the treatment element moves along a circular path with a centre point that is common to the circular path of each other point.

Having a driving means 14 configured to drive the movable surface treatment element 12 in an cyclical motion allows the moveable surface treatment element 12 to be shaped to be non-circular (e.g. arc-shaped, rectangular, square, triangular, V-shaped or U-shaped treatment areas, as shown in Figures 1 to 6D), which allows corners to be cleaned more easily. This also allows the surface treatment head 10 and moveable surface treatment element 12 to be shaped for maximum manoeuvrability and to be appropriately sized for optimal cleaning and storage purposes.

In the illustrated embodiment, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 includes a shaft 30a driven by the motor 16, an eccentric cam 30b coupled to the shaft 30a, and bearings 30c between the eccentric cam 30b and the drivable portion 12b of the moveable surface treatment element 12. The bearings 30c allow the eccentric cam 30b to rotate with respect to the drivable portion 12b (i.e. without rotating the drivable portion 12b).

The eccentric cam 30b includes a first portion 30d which has a relatively smaller radius and a second portion 30e which has a relatively larger radius with respect to a rotational axis of the shaft 30a. This shape of the eccentric cam 30b results in a translational movement of the bearings 30c as the eccentric cam 30b is rotated, and thus a translational movement of the driven portion 12b of the moveable surface treatment element 12.

In alternative embodiments, the moveable surface treatment element 12 includes a plurality of sub-elements 31 distributed within the profile of the moveable surface treatment element 12 in plan view (e.g. all illustrated in Figure 6C). In such embodiments, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 may be removed, and instead each sub-element may be driven in a rotational, rather than orbital movement. For example, the driving means 14 may include a belt, chain or gear arrangement for translating rotational movement of the motor 16 to rotational movement of the sub-elements 31. Alternatively, a separate motor 16 may be provided for each sub-element 31.

Referring to Figure 3, the surface treatment head 10 includes a cleaning liquid outlet 36 configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated. Having a cleaning liquid outlet 36 increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head (e.g. by including water, soaps, detergents or antibacterial/antiviral agents). Furthermore, such a cleaning liquid outlet allows cleaning liquid to be applied via the surface treatment head 10, rather than a user having to apply cleaning liquid to a surface independently. However, in alternative embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is omitted and instead the surface treatment head 10 is used for dry cleaning or the uses applies liquid to the surface to be treated independently to the surface treatment head 10.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element 12. Providing the cleaning liquid outlet 36 proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 ensures that cleaning fluid introduced to a surface via the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is in close proximity to the movable surface treatment element 12, which facilitates ease of use.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is configured to apply cleaning liquid forward of the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10. Providing the cleaning liquid outlet 36 such that it is configured to apply cleaning fluid forward of the moveable surface treatment element ensures that the liquid is applied to an area of the surface which is likely to be acted on by the moveable surface treatment element 12, so that the moveable surface treatment element 12 will pass over a surface after cleaning fluid has been introduced. This increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head 10 and ease of use.

In alternative embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is positioned above the moveable surface treatment element 12 and cleaning fluid provided by the cleaning liquid outlet 36 passes through one or more passageways and/or pores in the moveable surface treatment element 12, e.g. by gravity, after leaving the cleaning liquid outlet 36 and before contacting the surface to be treated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment head 10 also includes a suction region 38 configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated. Such a suction region 38 allows waste water (e.g. cleaning fluid which has been introduced to a surface, acted on by the moveable surface treatment element 12 and thus soiled) to be removed from a surface. This results in a cleaner surface and a reduced drying time, which allows the surface to be used (e.g. walked over) more quickly after cleaning. However, in alternative embodiments the suction region 38 is omitted so that a surface cleaned by the surface treatment head 10 is left to dry naturally.

As will be described in more detail below, the suction region 38 is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element 12. In particular, the suction region 38 is provided behind the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24. Providing the suction region 38 behind the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10 facilitates removal of waste water from the surface as the surface treatment head 10 is passed over the surface to be treated.

The suction region 38 of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 may be constructed similarly to the suction region 38 of Figure 5, which will be described in more detail below.

Referring now to Figure 5, a surface treatment head according to a further embodiment is indicated generally at 10.

In the illustrated embodiments, the suction region 38 is defined by one or more resilient guide members 40. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the suction region 38 is defined by a first resilient guide member 42 proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 and a second resilient guide member 44 distal the moveable surface treatment element 12. In alternative embodiments, the suction region 38 is formed by a single resilient guide member 40 which is bent or curved to encircle the suction region 38.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the profile of the first resilient guide member 42 is complementary to the profile of moveable surface treatment element 12. This ensures that the suction region 38 effectively surrounds the moveable surface treatment element 12 for optimal uptake of waste fluid from the surface to be treated.

The suction region 38 has a thickness 39 which, when the suction region 38 is present increases the overall depth 29 of the surface treatment head 10.

In exemplary embodiments, the suction region thickness 39 is smaller than the moveable surface treatment element thickness 33. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 5, the maximum suction region thickness 39 is approximately 30% of the maximum moveable surface treatment element thickness 33. In alternative embodiments, there is a different ratio between the suction region thickness 39 and the moveable surface treatment element thickness 33.

In some embodiments, the resilient guide member(s) 40 include one or more openings to permit fluid to enter the suction region 38. In alternative embodiments, the resilient guide member(s) 40 include one or more grooves or corrugations configured to form openings to permit fluid to enter the suction region 38 when the surface treatment head is moved in the treatment direction 24. In exemplary embodiments, the opening(s), groove(s) or corrugation(s) are provided by resilient guide member (or portion thereof) proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 (i.e. the first resilient guide member 42 in the illustrated embodiment).

The resilient guide member(s) 40 are configured to form a seal around the suction region 38 (e.g. due to compression or flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 due to weight of the surface treatment head 10 being supported on the resilient guide member(s) 40). It will be understood that a greater compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 provides better sealing of the suction region 38. However, compressing/flexing the resilient guide member(s) 40 too much may result in blocking of the opening(s), groove(s) or corrugation(s) of the resilient guide member(s) 40 which would prevent fluid from entering the suction region 38 and being removed from the surface being treated.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, supporting wheels 58 are provided to optimise the sealing performance of the resilient guide member(s) 40. In particular, the supporting wheels 58 are designed to limit the compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 to an optimal amount. For example, the supporting wheels 58 are arranged such that with the resilient guide member(s) 40 resting on a surface to be treated without any weight applied to the surface treatment head 10 (i.e. in an uncompressed/un-flexed state of the resilient guide member(s) 40), the supporting wheels 58 will be spaced apart from the surface to be treated. In this way, the weight of the surface treatment head 10 will cause the resilient guide member(s) 40 to compress/flex to the point at which the supporting wheels 58 contact the ground. Once the supporting wheels 58 are in contact with the ground, further compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 is inhibited, since the supporting wheels 58 support the remaining weight of the surface treatment head 10.

In alternative embodiments, the supporting wheels 58 are replaced with rollers, ball bearings or supporting legs for limiting the compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s).

In alternative embodiments (e.g. the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4), the supporting wheels are removed entirely, and the lower portion of the shroud 15 which holds the resilient guide members 40 prevents over-flexing of the guide members.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the surface treatment head 10 is coupled to an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool via a coupling 50. The coupling includes a first rotational axis al (e.g. an axis allowing sideways pivoting of the elongate support member 48) and a second rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the first rotational axis a2 (e.g. an axis allowing forwards/backwards pivoting of the elongate support member 48). In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotational axis intersects the second rotational axis.

An alternative type of coupling 50 for coupling the surface treatment head 10 to the elongate support member 48 is illustrated in Figures 8 to 9B, as will be described in more detail below.

These types of coupling 50 allow the elongate support member 48 to move in a plurality directions with respect to the surface treatment head 10 (i.e. by relative rotation about the first and second axes al, a2), and to translate rotation of the elongate support member 48 about a third axis a3 perpendicular to the first axis al to rotation of the surface treatment head 10 about a fourth axis a4 perpendicular to the second axis a2 (i.e. a vertical axis when the surface treatment head 10 is positioned on a horizontal surface). This allows the surface treatment head 10 to be easily manoeuvred by a user via movement or rotation of the elongate support member 48.

In Figures 1 to 3, the third and fourth axes a3, a4 are coaxial since the elongate support member 48 is oriented vertically and the surface treatment head 10 is positioned on a horizontal surface. It will be understood that in other positions of the elongate support member 48 and/or surface treatment head 10, the orientation of axes a3 and a4 will differ so that they are not coaxial. For example, when the elongate support member 48 is tilted away from the vertical position about the second axis a2, the third axis a3 will be angled relative to the fourth axis a4.

In alternative embodiments, the elongate support member 48 is coupled to the surface treatment head 10 via a resilient coupling such as a spring or rubber cylinder. Such a coupling allows the elongate support member 48 to move in a plurality directions with respect to the surface treatment head 10. This allows the surface treatment head 10 to be easily manoeuvred by a user via pivoting movement or rotation of the elongate support member 48.

Referring now to Figure 7, a functional schematic diagram of a surface treatment tool including the surface treatment head 10 of Figures 1 to 4 or 5 is indicated at 46.

The surface treatment tool includes a power source 52 for powering the motor 16. In exemplary embodiments, the power source 52 is an electrical energy storage device (e.g. a battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool 46. Having a power source (e.g. battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool 46 removes the need for a cable to connect the tool to a mains electricity supply. This increases the range of surfaces that can be treated (e.g. those with no close mains electricity supply) and increases manoeuvrability (e.g. by not having to clean around a cable).

In alternative embodiments, the power source 52 is omitted and the surface treatment tool 46 is powered by a cable connected to a mains electricity supply.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment tool 46 also includes a cleaning liquid tank 54 in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid outlet 36 of the surface treatment head 10. The surface treatment tool 46 is configured to introduce cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 54 to a surface to be treated via the cleaning liquid outlet 36. Such a cleaning liquid tank 54 allows the surface treatment tool 46 to be operated without the need for a user to apply cleaning fluid to a surface separately.

It will be understood that in embodiments where the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is omitted (e.g. dry scrubbing machines, or machines for use with a separately applied source of cleaning fluid) the cleaning liquid tank 54 is also omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment tool 46 also includes a waste liquid tank 56 in fluid communication with the suction region 38 of the surface treatment head 10. The surface treatment tool 46 is configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated to the waste liquid tank 56 via the suction region 38. Such a waste liquid tank 56 allows the surface treatment tool 46 to be operated independently (i.e. without the need to connect to a separate waste liquid tank).

Referring now to Figures 8 to 9B, a coupling in the form of a joint arrangement according to an embodiment is indicated at 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint arrangement 60 is shown coupling a surface treatment head 10 (e.g. of similar construction to the coupler head 10 of Figures 1 to 4) to a portion of an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool (e.g. of the type shown schematically in Figure 7). In alternative embodiments, the joint arrangement 60 is used to couple other bodies/members together (e.g. two elongate shafts).

The joint arrangement 60 includes a first member (e.g. a curved member 62) and a second member (e.g. a receiving member 64 in the form of a socket for receiving the curved member 62).

In the illustrated embodiment, the curved member 62 is a spherical member 62. In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 is a partially-spherical member (e.g. a hemisphere). In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 is a curved bracket (e.g. a ring-shaped, or partially ring-shaped bracket). In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 comprises a cylinder or disc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 64 has a partially spherical inner profile corresponding to an outer profile of the spherical member 62. For example, the inner profile is substantially hemispherical. In alternative embodiments, the receiving member 64 has an inner profile of different shape (e.g. cuboid, or cylindrical). In some embodiments, the receiving member 64 may be defined by side walls but open at a first end (for receiving the curved member 62) and a second end opposite the first end. In other words, the receiving member 64 may be substantially tubular.

The illustrated arrangement allows easy movement of the spherical member 62 within the receiving member 64, and reduces the size of receiving member 64 necessary to allow movement of the spherical member 62.

The curved member 62 includes one or more grooves 66 extending around at least a portion of a periphery 68 of the curved member 62. The groove 66 has a curved profile along its length.

In the illustrated embodiment, a single groove 66 is provided in the periphery 68 of the spherical member 62. In alternative embodiments, two grooves or more are provided. For example, when the curved member 62 is a curved bracket with two ends that are separated from each other, two grooves 66 may be provided, each groove 66 extending from a respective end towards a centre of the bracket.

The receiving member 64 includes one or more protrusions 70. The joint arrangement 60 is configured so that the one or more protrusions 70 can be located within the one or more grooves 66 and move along the one or more grooves 66 to permit relative rotation of the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 about a first axis al. For example, Figure 9B shows the curved member 62 in a first position (solid black lines) and in a second position (greyed-out lines) rotated about the first axis al relative to the first position.

The one or more protrusions 70 define a second axis a2 perpendicular to the first axis al and the curved member 62 is configured to rotate about the one or more protrusions 70 for relative rotation of the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 about the second axis a2. For example, Figure 9A shows the curved member 62 in a first position (solid black lines) and in a second position (greyed-out lines) rotated about the second axis a2 relative to the first position.

In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 8 to 9B, the protrusions 70 are arranged transverse to the treatment direction 24, so that the second axis a2 is transverse to the treatment direction 24. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are arranged parallel to the treatment direction 24, so that the second axis a2 is parallel to the treatment direction 24.

The one or more protrusions 70 and one or more grooves 66 are arranged so that rotation of the curved member 62 about a third axis a3 perpendicular to the first axis al is translated to rotation of the receiving member 64 (and thus rotation of the surface treatment head 10) about a fourth axis a4 perpendicular to the second axis a2, and/or vice versa.

In Figures 9A and 9B, in the first position, the third axis is indicated by reference numeral a3, and in the second position, the third axis is indicated by reference numeral a3'.

The joint arrangement 60 as illustrated in Figures 8 to 9B provides a joint having a small number of components (i.e. it can function with just the receiving member 64 and curved member 62). As such, this offers a simple means for coupling two components.

The groove 66 defines a groove plane, which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 coupled to the curved member 62 (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 is coaxial with the third axis a3). In alternative embodiments, the groove plane is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 between a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (i.e. at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis). Having a groove plane parallel to the longitudinal axis or angled relative to the longitudinal axis between a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis allows rotation of the elongate support member 48 about its longitudinal axis to be transferred via the groove 66 and protrusions 70 to rotation of the receiving member 64 about the fourth axis a4. In contrast, if the groove plane was provided orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the elongate support member 48 could rotate freely around its longitudinal axis (i.e. third axis a3, a3') without transferring torque to the receiving member 64.

In the illustrated embodiment, two protrusions 70 are provided on opposing sides of the receiving member 64. Having two protrusions 70 provided on opposing sides of the socket 64 allows the curved member 62 to be supported on opposing sides of the groove 66 (or supported by two grooves), which increases the stability and responsiveness of the joint arrangement 60. Furthermore, this increases the contact area between the receiving member 64 and the groove 66, which improves transfer of rotation of the curved member 62 about the third axis a3 to rotation of the receiving member 64 about the fourth axis a4 and/or vice versa. In alternative embodiments, only one protrusion 70 is provided.

In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 70 is integrally formed with the receiving member 64 (e.g. via injection moulding, 3D printing, casting, machining etc.). This reduces the number of components of the joint arrangement 60 over those with separate protrusions 70 and provides for a simple assembly and maintenance of the joint.

In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are formed as separate components to the receiving member 64 and are provided within the receiving member 64 in use. For example, the protrusions 70 may be defined by ball bearings provided within recesses in the receiving member 64. In such embodiments, the separate protrusions 70 may be permanently attached to the socket (e.g. via adhesive, welding and the like) or may be releasably attached to the socket (e.g. via an interference fit, being held in place by the curved member 62 fitted in the socket 64).

In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 70 are partially spherical formations (e.g. hemispheres). In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are fully spherical (e.g. ball bearings), cylindrical, or partially cylindrical. The protrusions 70 being spherical, partially-spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formations allows the groove 66 of the curved member 62 to pivot easily around the protrusions 70 for rotation about the second axis a2. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are of any other suitable shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 70 has a first arc-shaped cross section and the groove 66 has a second arc-shaped cross section corresponding to the first arc-shaped cross section. Having complementary cross sections allows the groove 66 of the curved member 62 to pivot easily around the protrusions 70 for relative rotation about the second axis a2. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 and or groove 66 have a different cross section (e.g. only one of the groove 66 and protrusions 70 may have an arc-shaped cross section).

In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 8, the joint arrangement 60 includes a securing member 78 provided to maintain the curved member 62 and in the receiving member 64, i.e. to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64. Such a securing member 78 helps to maintain a coupling between the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 and facilitates a robust coupling which can resist a larger separation force than other coupling means.

In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 78 is a ring which is provided over the curved member 62 and which encircles the curved member 62. In alternative embodiments, the securing member 78 is a collar or of a different shape (e.g. a partially ring shaped member which partially encircles the curved member 62 and has two ends spaced apart from each other).

In alternative embodiments, the securing ring 78 is omitted. In some embodiments, the joint arrangement 60 may include a magnetic connection between the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64 for preventing disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64. A magnetic connection for preventing disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64 provides a simple coupling means which may allow a greater range of movement than alternative coupling means, such as those with a securing member 78.

Referring now to Figure 10, a joint arrangement according to a further embodiment is indicated at 260. Common features with the joint arrangement 60 of Figures 8 to 9B are given the same reference numeral with the prefix "2", and only differences are discussed. 25 The joint arrangement 260 is similar to the joint arrangement 60 of Figures 8 to 9B, except the protrusions 270 are provided on a second member in the form of a curved member 262, and the groove 266 is provided within a first member in the form of a receiving member 264 (a lower surface of groove 266 is shown as a dotted line on Figure 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 264 is a curved bracket and the curved member 262 is a spherical member. The joint arrangement 260 functions similarly to the joint arrangement 60 which is described in detail above.

It will be understood that a number of alternative joint arrangements incorporating one or more grooves 66, 266 co-operating with one or more protrusions 70, 270 exist. A non-limiting list of alternative options includes: having a first member 62, 162, 264 with grooves 66, 266 on an interior curved portion (i.e. along an interior arm of a curved bracket, as shown in Figure 10) or on an exterior curved portion (i.e. along an outer periphery, as shown in Figures 8 to 9B); having a first member 62, 162, 264 with one or more grooves 66, 266 each having a curved profile along its length, where the remainder of the first member 62, 162, 264 is not curved (e.g. is of cuboid shape); having a second member 64, 164, 262 with protrusions 70, 270 facing away from each other on an external surface (e.g. as shown in Figure 10) or facing towards each other on an internal surface (e.g. as illustrated in Figure 8); the second member 64, 164, 262 including the protrusions being curved or having a curved portion (e.g. as shown in Figure 8) or the second member 64, 164, 262 having a non-curved shape (e.g. a cuboid); the first member 62, 162 being received within the second member 64, 164 (e.g. as show in Figures 8 to 95) or the second member 262 being received within the first member 264 (e.g. as shown in Figure 10).

Although the invention has been described in relation to one or more embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example: the moveable surface treatment element 12 of the surface treatment head 10 may have any suitable shape (e.g. a non-circular profile in plan view including one or more corners); the surface treatment head 10 may be attached to a different type of surface treatment tool 46 (e.g. a tool not having an elongate support member 48, such as a ride-on scrubber-dryer machine); the surface treatment element may comprise any suitable cleaning head of any shape or profile, e.g. a rotating circular brush/pad; the coupling 50 illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 may be replaced by any of the joint arrangements 60, 160, 260 illustrated in Figures 8 to 95, or any other suitable type of coupling; and the joint arrangement 60 of Figures 8 to 95 may be configured so that the receiving member 64 is provided on an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool, and the curved member 62 is provided on a surface treatment head 10 (e.g. as illustrated in Figure 10).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool, the surface treatment head comprising: a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means comprising a motor configured to drive the movable surface treatment element to effect cleaning of said surface; wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.
2. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the height of the surface treatment head in a region proximal the first end of the moveable treatment element and/or in a region proximal the second end of the movable treatment element is in the range of 1 cm to 20cm, optionally in the range of lcm to 10cm, optionally in the range of 2.5 to 7.5 cm.
3. A surface treatment head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a curved shaped profile in plan view.
4. A surface treatment head according to claim 3, wherein the curved shaped profile comprises a substantially arc shaped profile in plan view.
5. A surface treatment head according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least a portion of the curved shaped profile comprises an arc of radius in the range of 10cm to 150cm, optionally in the range of 95 to 115 cm, or optionally less than or equal to 40cm, optionally in the range of 10cm to 40cm, optionally in the range of 20 to 40 cm.
6. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a substantially V-shaped profile in plan view.
7. A surface treatment head according to claim 6, wherein the substantially V-shaped profile comprises a central angle in the range 90 to less than 180 degrees, optionally 110 to 170 degrees.
8. A surface treatment head according to any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the moveable surface treatment element comprises a front edge with respect to the treatment direction and a rear edge with respect to the treatment direction, and wherein both the front edge and the rear edge are at least partially curved or V-shaped.
9. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the motor of the driving means is located at the middle portion of the surface treatment head.
10. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable surface treatment element is elongate.
11. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the movable surface treatment element and/or the surface treatment head comprises a width transverse to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the width is in the range of 25 to 60 cm.
12. A surface treatment head according to claim 11, wherein the surface treatment head comprises a depth parallel to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the depth is in the range of 4 to 30 cm.
13. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the driving means comprises an eccentric drive mechanism, wherein the motor is coupled to the moveable surface treatment element via the eccentric drive mechanism so that the moveable surface treatment element engages a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that a front edge of the moveable surface treatment element faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction throughout the cyclical motion.
14. A surface treatment head according to claim 13, wherein the eccentric drive mechanism is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element so that each point on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path, wherein the circular paths each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension.
15. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface treatment head further comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated.
16. A surface treatment head according to any preceding claim, wherein the surface treatment head further comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated.
17. A surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head, according to any preceding claim, coupled to an elongate support member.
18. A surface treatment tool according to claim 17, wherein the elongate support member is coupled to the surface treatment head via a coupling, wherein the coupling comprises a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the first rotational axis; optionally, wherein the first rotational axis intersects the second rotational axis.
19. A surface treatment tool according to claim 17 or 18, further comprising a power source to power the motor; optionally, wherein the power source comprises an electrical energy storage device (e.g. a battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool.
20. A joint arrangement comprising a first member and a second member, wherein the first member comprises one or more grooves, wherein the second member comprises one or more protrusions configured to be located within said one or more grooves and to move along said one or more grooves to permit relative rotation of the first member and the second member about a first axis, wherein the one or more protrusions define a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and wherein the first member is configured to rotate about the one or more protrusions for relative rotation of the first member and the second member about the second axis, wherein said one or more protrusions and one or more grooves are arranged so that rotation of the first member about a third axis perpendicular to the first axis is translated to rotation of the second member about a fourth axis perpendicular to the second axis and/or vice versa.
21. A joint arrangement according to claim 20, wherein the first member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said third axis; and/or wherein the second member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said fourth axis.
22. A joint arrangement according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising a securing member provided to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the first member and the second member.
23. A joint arrangement according to any of claim 20 to 22, wherein one of the first member and second member comprises a spherical or partially spherical member and the other of the first member and second member is a receiving member comprising a partially spherical inner profile corresponding to an outer profile of the spherical or partially spherical member.
24. A joint arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise two protrusions provided on opposing sides of the second member.
25. A joint arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 24, wherein the or each protrusion is a spherical, partially spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formation (e.g. a spherical ball bearing or a hemisphere).
26. A joint arrangement according to claim 25, wherein the or each protrusion is a spherical or partially spherical formation comprising a first arc-shaped cross section, and wherein the groove comprises a second arc-shaped cross section corresponding to the first arc-shaped cross section.
27. A joint arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 26, wherein the one or more protrusions are integrally formed with the second member.
28. A surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement according to any of claims 20 to 27.
29. A surface treatment tool according to claim 28, wherein the surface treatment head is a surface treatment head according to any of claims 1 to 16.
30. A surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement; wherein the joint arrangement is configured to permit pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a first axis; wherein the joint arrangement is configured to permit pivoting of the elongate support member with respect to the surface treatment head about a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis, and wherein the second axis intersects the first axis; and wherein the surface treatment head comprises a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated; and wherein the surface treatment head comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated and/or wherein the surface treatment head comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated.
31. A treatment portion for a surface treatment head, wherein the treatment portion is configured to engage a surface to be treated, wherein the treatment portion is configured to be releasably coupled to a driving means of said surface treatment head, and wherein the treatment portion comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the treatment portion.
32. A surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool, the surface treatment head comprising: a driving means, configured to be releasably coupled to a treatment portion when in use, and comprising a motor configured to drive said treatment portion to effect treatment of said surface; wherein the surface treatment head comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends project forward of the middle portion in a treatment direction of the surface treatment head.