Patent Description:
An autonomous cleaning robot can navigate across a floor surface and avoid obstacles while vacuuming the floor surface and operating rotatable members carried by the robot to ingest debris from the floor surface. As the robot moves across the floor surface, the robot can rotate the rotatable members, which engage the debris and guide the debris toward a vacuum airflow generated by the robot. The rotatable members and the vacuum airflow can thereby cooperate to allow the robot to ingest debris. <CIT> discloses a sweeping device for floors, streets, squares, tables and the like with at least one roller or brush disc rotatably arranged in a housing and provided with bristles. <CIT> discloses a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot according to the preamble of independent claim <NUM>.

A cleaning roller for an autonomous cleaning robot can be rotated during a cleaning operation of the robot such that the roller engages and picks up debris from a floor surface as the robot moves across the floor surface. The roller includes a vane configured to sweep across the floor surface as the roller rotates. The vane can include multiple interconnected portions forming at least one bend. For example, a first portion of the vane can extend in a first direction, and a second portion of the vane attached to the first portion can extend in a second direction different from the first direction.

Advantages of the cleaning rollers, cleaning heads, and cleaning robots described herein may include, but are not limited to, those described below and herein elsewhere. Implementations of the vane of the roller can improve a debris pickup capability of the robot. For example, a bend in the vane can allow the vane, as the roller rotates and engages the floor surface, to sweep across the floor surface for a distance greater than a vane that extends radially outward along a radial axis and that does not have a bend. The bend in the vane can also allow angular deflection of the vane to be countered by a rotation of the roller, thus allowing the vane to maintain an orientation relative to the floor surface as the vane sweeps across the floor surface. The robot can include multiple vanes to further improve its debris pickup capability.

In some implementations, a tip portion of the vane can include surface features to improve the debris pickup capability of the vane. Convex or concave features along the tip portion can allow the vane to contact the floor surface with a greater amount of force to agitate debris on the floor surface and thereby enable the debris to be more easily drawn into the robot with a flow of air using a vacuum system of the robot. Helical paths for the vane along the cleaning roller can cause debris swept up by the vane to travel toward a center of the roller. These helical paths can thus allow mechanical agitation of the debris to cooperate with airflow generated by a vacuum assembly of the robot, and in particular, can cause the debris to move toward a region of the roller where a force of the airflow generated by the vacuum assembly is greatest.

The roller can further be configured to improve a mobility of the robot. For example, the roller can be symmetric about a central axial plane of the roller. Such symmetry can reduce the tendency of the roller to produce a lateral force on the robot as the robot moves along the floor surface and as the roller contacts the floor surface. As a result, the roller is less likely to cause the robot to drift, for example, leftward or rightward as the robot moves in a forward drive direction. The vane of the roller can also be configured to improve the mobility of the robot. The vane can be sufficiently flexible to reduce the likelihood that the vane affects a direction of movement of the robot as the vane contacts the floor surface. In some implementations, the roller can include features that enable the roller to assist the robot to move over obstacles on the floor surface. For example, the roller can include a nub extending from the cleaning roller that engages with an obstacle on the floor surface. The nub can be sufficiently stiff to allow the roller to engage the obstacle and lift the robot above the obstacle, thus enabling the robot to move over the obstacle.

The roller can further include features that reduce an amount of noise produced by the roller as the roller contacts the floor surface. The vane can extend along a helical path along a surface of the cleaning roller, and such a configuration can reduce the amount of noise produced by the roller. In some implementations, the first and second portions of the vane are shaped to reduce a stiffness of the vane and thus mitigate noise. The roller can further include one or more openings along the vane that can further serve as noise mitigation features. The roller can include, for example, one or more openings along the vane to reduce a stiffness of the roller at various locations along the roller, e.g., at the center of the roller, at quarter-points along the roller, or at other locations along the roller. The reduced stiffness of the roller can further reduce noise produced by the roller as the roller contacts objects, e.g., the floor surface or debris.

The roller can include features to reduce a susceptibility of the vane to wear. For example, the interface between the vane of the roller and an elongate member to which the vane is attached can reduce the susceptibility of the vane to wear. For example, the vane can extend tangentially from the elongate member, thus reducing the likelihood of stress concentrations in the vicinity of where the vane is attached to the elongate member.

In one aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane extending outward from the elongate member. The vane includes a first vane portion attached to the elongate member, and a second vane portion attached to the first vane portion. The first vane portion extends from the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis of the cleaning roller. The first vane portion extends along a first axis angled relative to the radial axis and away from the radial axis in a tangential direction. The second vane portion extends along a second axis angled relative to the first axis. A first angle between the first axis and the radial axis is greater than a second angle between the second axis and the radial axis.

In another aspect, a cleaning head for a vacuum cleaner is featured. The cleaning head includes a conduit and a cleaning roller configured to sweep debris into the conduit. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane extending outward from the elongate member. The vane includes a first vane portion attached to the elongate member, and a second vane portion attached to the first vane portion. The first vane portion extends from the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis of the cleaning roller. The first vane portion extends along a first axis angled relative to the radial axis and away from the radial axis in a tangential direction. The second vane portion extends along a second axis angled relative to the first axis. A first angle between the first axis and the radial axis is greater than a second angle between the second axis and the radial axis.

In another aspect, a cleaning robot includes a drive system to move the robot across a floor surface, and a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot. The cleaning roller is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller in a first rotational direction. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane extending outward from the elongate member. The vane includes a first vane portion attached to the elongate member, and a second vane portion attached to the first vane portion. The first vane portion extends from the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis of the cleaning roller. The first vane portion extends along a first axis angled relative to the radial axis and away from the radial axis in a tangential direction. The second vane portion extends along a second axis angled relative to the first axis. A first angle between the first axis and the radial axis is greater than a second angle between the second axis and the radial axis.

In some implementations, the vane can include a first vane, and the cleaning roller can include multiple vanes including at least the first vane and a second vane. The second vane can extend outward from the shell away from the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller and offset from the first vane in the tangential direction.

In some implementations, the cleaning roller can include multiple vanes including the first vane and the second vane. Each of the multiple vanes can be symmetric about a plane. The plane can be located at a center of the cleaning roller and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller. In further implementations, the radial axis can be a first radial axis, and the second vane can be attached to the shell at a location intersecting a second radial axis of the cleaning roller. The first and second radial axes can form an angle between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

In some implementations, the elongate member can be cylindrical. The first axis can extend tangentially from a circumference of the elongate member.

In some implementations, the tangential direction can be a second tangential direction. The second vane portion can include a first surface facing in a first tangential direction and a second surface facing in the second tangential direction. The first and second surfaces can be positioned between a tip of the second vane portion and the first vane portion, and the first surface can be curved. In further implementations, the first surface can be concave. In further implementations, the first surface can be convex.

In some implementations, the radial axis can be a first radial axis, and the second vane portion can extend through a second radial axis of the cleaning roller. The second axis can form an angle no more than <NUM> degrees with the second radial axis.

In some implementations, a segment of the vane can extend along a helical path along the elongate member. In further implementations, the helical path can be a first helical path, and the segment of the vane can be a first segment of the vane. A second segment of the vane can extend along a second helical path along the elongate member. In further implementations, the first helical path can extend from a first end of the first helical path to a second end of the first helical path along the elongate member in the tangential direction of the cleaning roller. The first end of the first helical path can be positioned proximate a first longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller, and the second end of the first helical path can be positioned proximate a center of the cleaning roller. The second helical path can extend from a first end of the second helical path to a second end of the second helical path along the elongate member in the tangential direction of the cleaning roller. The first end of the second helical path can be positioned proximate a second longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller, and the second end of the second helical path can be positioned proximate the center of the cleaning roller. In further implementations, the first helical path can be symmetric to the second helical path about a plane. The plane can be located at a center of the cleaning roller and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller. In further implementations, a pitch of the helical path can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

In some implementations, the cleaning roller can further include a nub extending outward from the elongate member away from the longitudinal axis. A height of an outer tip of the vane relative to the elongate member can be greater than a height of an outer tip of the nub relative to the shell. In further implementations, the nub can have a maximum thickness between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In further implementations, the nub can taper from the elongate member to the outer tip of the nub. In further implementations, the nub can be a first nub, and the cleaning roller further can include a second nub extending outward from the elongate member away from the longitudinal axis. The vane can be positioned between the first nub and the second nub. In further implementations, a height of the outer tip of the nub relative to the elongate member can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

In some implementations, the vane can include an opening extending along a central portion of the cleaning roller. The opening can extend only partially through the vane away from the elongate member toward an outer tip of the vane. In further implementations, the opening can extend from the elongate member toward the outer tip of the vane. In further implementations, the opening can taper toward the outer tip of the vane. In further implementations, the opening can include a maximum width between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In further implementations, the first vane portion can include a first segment extending from a first longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller toward the central portion of the cleaning roller and a second segment extending from a second longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller toward the central portion of the cleaning roller. The first segment of the first vane portion can be separated from the second segment of the first vane portion by the opening, and the second vane portion can extend continuously along the vane from the first longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller to the second longitudinal end portion of the cleaning roller.

In some implementations, the vane can be a first vane, and the cleaning roller can further include a second vane. The first vane can include a first longitudinal end proximate a first longitudinal end of the cleaning roller and a second longitudinal end proximate a center of the cleaning roller. The second vane can include a first longitudinal end proximate a second longitudinal end of the cleaning roller and a second longitudinal end proximate the center of the cleaning roller. The second longitudinal end of the first vane can be separated from the second longitudinal end of the second vane.

In some implementations, an outer diameter of the cleaning roller can be uniform across a length of the cleaning roller. The outer diameter can be defined at least in part by the vane.

In some implementations, the elongate member can be cylindrical across a length of the cleaning roller.

In some implementations, the first vane portion can include a first end attached to the elongate member and a second end attached to the second vane portion. A first radial distance between the first end of the first vane portion and the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a second radial distance between the second end of the first vane portion and the longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller.

In some implementations, a length from a first end of the second vane portion to a second end of the second vane portion can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a length from a first end of the first vane portion to a second end of the first vane portion.

In some implementations, a first length from a first end of the first vane portion to a second end of the first vane portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. A second length from a first end of the second vane portion to a second end of the second vane portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

In some implementations, a thickness of the first vane portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

In some implementations, a maximum thickness of the second vane portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

In some implementations, an overall diameter of the cleaning roller can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, and an overall length of the cleaning roller is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

In some implementations, the vane can further include a third portion attached to the second vane portion. The third portion of the vane can extend along a third axis angled relative to the second axis. A third angle between the third axis and the radial axis can be less than the second angle between the second axis and the radial axis. In further implementations, the third portion of the vane can include a tip portion of the vane.

In another aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane attached to the elongate member. The vane includes a first vane portion extending from a first end attached to the elongate member to a second end, a second vane portion extending from a first end attached to the second end of the first vane portion to a second end including a tip portion of the vane, and a bend where the second end of the first vane portion is attached to the first end of the second vane portion.

In some implementations, the first end of the first vane portion can be attached to the elongate member along a location intersecting a first radial axis of the cleaning roller, and the tip portion of the vane can be positioned along a second radial axis of the cleaning roller. In further implementations, an angle between the first radial axis and the second radial axis can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In further implementations, the first vane portion can extend along a first axis, and the second vane portion can extend along a second axis. An angle between the first axis and the first radial axis can be greater than an angle between the second axis and the first radial axis. In further implementations, an angle between the first axis and the second axis can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

In some implementations, a length of the second vane portion can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a length of the first vane portion.

In some implementations, the second vane portion can include a first surface facing a first tangential direction, and a second surface facing a second tangential direction. The first surface can include a convex portion. In further implementations, the convex portion of the first surface of the second vane portion can be connected to the first vane portion, and the first surface of the second vane portion further can include a concave portion connected to the convex portion. In further implementations, the first vane portion can include a first surface facing the first tangential direction and a second surface facing the second tangential direction. The first and second surfaces of the first vane portion can be parallel to one another.

In some implementations, the tip portion can be scoop-shaped.

In some implementations, a maximum thickness of the first vane portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In further implementations, a maximum thickness of the second vane portion can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the maximum thickness of the first vane portion.

In some implementations, a height of the vane relative to the elongate member can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

In another aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane attached to the elongate member. The vane includes a first bend and a second bend. The first bend is positioned between the elongate member and the second bend, and the second bend is positioned between the first bend and a tip portion of the vane.

In some implementations, the vane can include a first vane portion extending outwardly from the elongate member, and a second vane portion extending outwardly from the first vane portion. The first vane portion can be attached to the second vane portion at the first bend. In further implementations, the vane can include a third vane portion extending outwardly from the second vane portion and terminating at the tip portion of the vane. The second vane portion can be attached to the third vane portion at the second bend. In further implementations, a length of the second vane portion can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of a length the first vane portion. In further implementations, a length of the third vane portion can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the length of the first vane portion. In further implementations, the vane can be attached to the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis of the cleaning roller, the first vane portion can extend along a first axis, and the second vane portion can extend along a second axis. An angle between the first axis and the radial axis can be greater than an angle between the second axis and the radial axis. In further implementations, the third vane portion can extend along a third axis, and the angle between the second axis and the radial axis can be less than an angle between the third axis and the radial axis. In further implementations, an angle between the first axis and the second axis can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In further implementations, an angle between the second axis and the third axis can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In further implementations, an angle between the third axis and the first axis can be no more than <NUM> to <NUM> degrees.

In another aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, and a vane attached to the elongate member. The vane extends along a helical path extending longitudinally along the elongate member. The vane includes an opening extending along a central portion of the cleaning roller.

In some implementations, the opening can include a slit.

In some implementations, the opening can extend away from the elongate member toward an outer tip of the vane. The opening can taper toward an outer tip of the vane. In further implementations, the opening can include a maximum width between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In further implementations, the opening can be symmetric about a central transverse plane of the cleaning roller.

In some implementations, the opening can extend only partially through the vane away from the elongate member toward an outer tip of the vane. In further implementations, the opening can extend from the elongate member toward the outer tip of the vane.

In some implementations, the vane can include a first vane portion, a second vane portion, and a bend where the first vane portion is attached to the second vane portion. The opening can extend through an entire length the first vane portion. In further implementations, a distal termination point of the opening can be coincident with a location where the first vane portion is attached to the second vane portion. In further implementations, the vane can extend along an entire length of the elongate member. In further implementations, the first vane portion can include a first segment and a second segment. The first segment can be separated from the second segment by the opening. In further implementations, the second vane portion can extend continuously along the entire length of the elongate member.

In another aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, a vane attached to the elongate member, and a nub attached to the elongate member. The nub extends outwardly from the elongate member. A height of the nub above the elongate member is less than a height of the vane above the elongate member.

In some implementations, the vane can be deflectable, and the nub can be a rigid protrusion.

In some implementations, the nub can taper from the elongate member to a tip portion of the nub.

In some implementations, the nub can be a substantially triangular protrusion from the elongate member.

In some implementations, the height of the nub above the elongate member can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. In further implementations, the height of the vane can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the height of the nub.

In some implementations, the nub can include a first surface facing a first tangential direction of the cleaning roller and a second surface facing a second tangential direction of the cleaning roller. A length of the first surface can be greater than a length of the second surface. In further implementations, the length of the first surface can be <NUM> to <NUM> times longer than the length of the second surface.

In some implementations, a maximum thickness of the nub can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

In some implementations, the vane can be a first vane attached to the elongate member, and the cleaning roller can further include a second vane. The nub can be positioned between the first vane and the second vane.

In some implementations, the nub can extend longitudinally and circumferentially along the elongate member along a helical path along the elongate member.

In another aspect, a cleaning roller mountable to a cleaning robot is featured. The cleaning roller includes an elongate member extending along a longitudinal axis of the cleaning roller, a vane attached to the elongate member, and a nub attached to the elongate member. The nub can extend outwardly from the elongate member and can include an opening to receive a bristle brush.

In some implementations, the opening can extend radially inwardly from a surface of the nub.

In some implementations, the opening can include a rectangular portion.

In some implementations, a first portion of the vane can extend outwardly and in a tangential direction, and the opening can face the tangential direction.

In some implementations, a height of the nub relative to the elongate member can be less than a height of the vane relative to the elongate member.

In some implementations, the opening can include a first portion adjacent to surfaces of the nub, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion of the opening. In further implementations, a width of the first portion of the opening can be less than a width of the second portion of the opening. In further implementations, the width of the first portion can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In further implementations, the width of the second portion can be <NUM> to <NUM> times longer than the width of the first portion.

In another aspect, a cleaning robot includes a drive system to move the robot across a floor surface, and a cleaning roller in accordance with any of the example cleaning rollers described herein. In some implementations, a cleaning robot includes another cleaning roller in accordance with any of the example cleaning rollers described herein.

Other potential features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional side view of a cleaning robot <NUM> during a cleaning operation. During the cleaning operation, the cleaning robot <NUM> can clean a floor surface <NUM>. A cleaning head <NUM> for the cleaning robot <NUM> includes one or more rotatable members, e.g., a cleaning roller <NUM>, that is positioned to engage debris <NUM> on the floor surface <NUM>. The robot <NUM> moves about the floor surface <NUM> while rotating the roller <NUM> and operating a vacuum assembly <NUM> to ingest the debris <NUM> from the floor surface <NUM>. During the cleaning operation, the roller <NUM> rotates to lift the debris <NUM> from the floor surface <NUM> into the robot <NUM> while the robot <NUM> moves about the floor surface <NUM>. The rotation of the roller <NUM> facilitates movement of the debris <NUM> toward an interior of the robot <NUM>. An outer surface of the roller <NUM> contacts and engages the debris <NUM> and then directs the debris <NUM> toward the interior of the robot <NUM>. The contact between the roller <NUM> and the debris <NUM> further agitates the debris <NUM>, enabling the debris <NUM> to be more easily suctioned into the robot <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the roller <NUM> includes an elongate member <NUM> and a vane <NUM> extending outward from the elongate member <NUM> away from a longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> is a structural member extending along the longitudinal axis X1. In some implementations, the elongate member <NUM> extends from a first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to a second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> includes a sheath <NUM> and a support structure <NUM> within the sheath <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> includes a shell <NUM> and the vane <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> includes or corresponds to a shell <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a side cross-sectional view of the roller <NUM>, with a portion of the roller <NUM> engaging the floor surface <NUM>. In particular, a portion of the vane <NUM> engages the floor surface <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates. Referring to <FIG>, the vane <NUM> includes a bend <NUM> where a first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> meets a second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. As described herein, such a configuration can reduce an amount of torque required to rotate the roller <NUM> and improve the debris pickup capability of the roller <NUM> and can thus allow the robot <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to more efficiently clean the floor surface <NUM>.

Autonomous cleaning robots described herein are types of vacuum cleaners that can autonomous navigate around a floor surface. Referring to <FIG>, the robot <NUM> is an autonomous cleaning robot that autonomously traverses the floor surface <NUM> while ingesting the debris <NUM> from different parts of the floor surface <NUM>. In the example depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the robot <NUM> includes a body <NUM> movable across the floor surface <NUM>. The body <NUM> includes, in some cases, multiple connected structures to which movable components of the robot <NUM> are mounted. For example, the connected structures forming the body <NUM> include an outer housing to cover internal components of the robot <NUM>, a chassis to which drive wheels 210a, 210b and the roller <NUM> are mounted, a bumper mounted to the outer housing, a lid for an internal cleaning bin of the robot <NUM>, etc..

The body <NUM> includes a front portion 202a that has a substantially rectangular shape and a rear portion 202b that has a substantially semicircular shape. The front portion 202a is, for example, a front one-third to front one-half of the robot <NUM>, and the rear portion 202b is a rear one-half to two-thirds of the robot <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front portion 202a includes two lateral sides 204a, 204b that are substantially perpendicular to a front side <NUM> of the front portion 202a. In some implementations, a width W1 of the robot <NUM>, e.g., a distance between the two lateral sides 204a, 204b, is between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, etc. <NUM>.

The robot <NUM> includes a drive system including actuators 208a, 208b, e.g., motors, operable with drive wheels 210a, 210b. The actuators 208a, 208b are mounted in the body <NUM> and are operably connected to the drive wheels 210a, 210b, which are rotatably mounted to the body <NUM>. The drive wheels 210a, 210b support the body <NUM> above the floor surface <NUM>. The actuators 208a, 208b, when driven, rotate the drive wheels 210a, 210b to enable the robot <NUM> to autonomously move across the floor surface <NUM>.

The robot <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> that operates the actuators 208a, 208b to autonomously navigate the robot <NUM> about the floor surface <NUM> during a cleaning operation. The actuators 208a, 208b are operable to drive the robot <NUM> in a forward drive direction <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) and to turn the robot <NUM>. In some implementations, the robot <NUM> includes a caster wheel <NUM> that supports the body <NUM> above the floor surface <NUM>. For example, the caster wheel <NUM> supports the rear portion 202b of the body <NUM> above the floor surface <NUM>, and the drive wheels 210a, 210b support the front portion 202a of the body <NUM> above the floor surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the vacuum assembly <NUM> is carried within the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>, e.g., in the rear portion 202b of the body <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> specifically, the controller <NUM> operates the vacuum assembly <NUM> to generate an airflow <NUM> that flows proximate to the roller <NUM>, through the body <NUM>, and out of the body <NUM>. For example, the vacuum assembly <NUM> includes an impeller that generates the airflow <NUM> when rotated. The vacuum assembly <NUM> generates the airflow <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates to ingest debris <NUM> into the robot <NUM>. A cleaning bin <NUM> mounted in the body <NUM> is configured to store the debris <NUM> ingested by the robot <NUM>. A filter <NUM> in the body <NUM> separates the debris <NUM> from the airflow <NUM> before the airflow <NUM> enters the vacuum assembly <NUM> and is exhausted out of the body <NUM>. In this regard, the debris <NUM> is captured in both the cleaning bin <NUM> and the filter <NUM> before the airflow <NUM> is exhausted from the body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the cleaning head <NUM> and the roller <NUM> are positioned in the front portion 202a of the body <NUM> between the lateral sides 204a, 204b. The roller <NUM> is operably connected to an actuation mechanism of the robot <NUM>. In particular, the roller <NUM> is operably connected to an actuation mechanism including a drive mechanism connected to an actuator <NUM> of the robot <NUM> such that torque provided by the actuator <NUM> can be delivered to drive the roller <NUM>. The cleaning head <NUM> and the roller <NUM> are positioned forward of the cleaning bin <NUM>, which is positioned forward of the vacuum assembly <NUM>. In the example of the robot <NUM> described with respect to <FIG>, the substantially rectangular shape of the front portion 202a of the body <NUM> enables the roller <NUM> to be longer than cleaning rollers for cleaning robots with, for example, a circularly shaped body.

The roller <NUM> is mounted to a housing <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> and mounted, e.g., indirectly or directly, to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. In particular, the roller <NUM> is mounted to an underside of the front portion 202a of the body <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> engages debris <NUM> on the floor surface <NUM> during the cleaning operation when the underside of the front portion 202a faces the floor surface <NUM>. In some implementations, the housing <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. In this regard, the roller <NUM> is also mounted to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>, e.g., indirectly mounted to the body <NUM> through the housing <NUM>. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning head <NUM> is a removable assembly of the robot <NUM> in which the housing <NUM> with the roller <NUM> mounted therein is removably mounted to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. The housing <NUM> and the roller <NUM> are removable from the body <NUM> as a unit so that the cleaning head <NUM> is easily interchangeable with a replacement cleaning head.

In some implementations, rather than being removably mounted to the body <NUM>, the housing <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> is not a component separate from the body <NUM>, but rather, corresponds to an integral portion of the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is mounted to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>, e.g., directly mounted to the integral portion of the body <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is independently removable from the housing <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> and/or from the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> can be easily cleaned or be replaced with a replacement roller. As described herein, the roller <NUM> can include collection wells for filament debris that can be easily accessed and cleaned by a user when the roller <NUM> is dismounted from the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the roller <NUM>, when mounted to the housing <NUM>, is positioned adjacent a dustpan <NUM> extending along the roller <NUM>. In some implementations, the dustpan <NUM> extends along an entire length of the roller <NUM> or at least along <NUM>% of the entire length of the roller <NUM>. The dustpan <NUM> is positioned below at least a portion of the roller <NUM> and is positioned to receive debris <NUM> swept up by the roller <NUM>. In this regard, the dustpan <NUM> can be positioned in a rotational direction of the roller <NUM> relative to a region that the roller <NUM> contacts the floor surface <NUM> such that any debris in the region contacting the roller <NUM> is swept onto the dustpan <NUM>.

The roller <NUM> is rotatable relative to the housing <NUM> of the cleaning head <NUM> and relative to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. The roller <NUM> is rotatable about the longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM>. The longitudinal axis X1 can be parallel to the floor surface <NUM>. In some cases, the longitudinal axis X1 is perpendicular to the forward drive direction <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a center <NUM> of the roller <NUM> is positioned along the longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM> and corresponds to a midpoint of a length L1 of the roller <NUM>. The center <NUM>, in this regard, is positioned along an axis of rotation of the roller <NUM>. The length L1 of the roller <NUM> is between, for example, <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, or about <NUM>. The length L1 is, for example, between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of an overall width W1 of the robot <NUM>, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, and <NUM>% and <NUM>%, etc., of the overall width W1 of the robot <NUM>.

Referring to the exploded view of the cleaning head <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> includes the elongate member <NUM> and the vane <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the roller includes the sheath <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> includes the shell <NUM> and the vane <NUM>. The elongate member <NUM> can include or correspond to the shell <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> includes a core <NUM> and an end cap <NUM> mounted to the core <NUM>. The core <NUM> radially supports the sheath <NUM> and, in particular, the shell <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is mountable to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>, thereby mounting the roller <NUM> to the robot <NUM>.

In some implementations, the sheath <NUM> is a single molded piece formed from one or more elastomeric materials. The shell <NUM> and its corresponding vane <NUM> are part of a single molded piece. For example, the roller <NUM> is an elastomeric roller featuring a pattern vanes <NUM>, e.g., including the vane <NUM>, distributed along an exterior surface of the roller <NUM>. The vanes <NUM> of the roller <NUM> make contact with the floor surface <NUM> along the length of the roller <NUM> and experience a consistently applied friction force during rotation that is not present with brushes having pliable bristles. In addition, the vanes <NUM> of the roller <NUM> can be designed to have a certain amount of stiffness that pliable bristles would not have. The vanes <NUM> can withstand some forces as the vanes <NUM> contact the floor surface <NUM> without buckling in response to the forces. In contrast, pliable bristles may buckle in response to the forces between the bristles and the floor surface <NUM>. The high surface friction of the sheath <NUM> enables the sheath <NUM> to engage the debris <NUM> and guide the debris <NUM> toward the interior of the robot <NUM>, e.g., toward an air conduit <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) within the robot <NUM>.

Furthermore, like cleaning rollers having distinct bristles extending radially from a rod member, the roller <NUM> has the vanes <NUM> that extend radially outward. Unlike bristles, however, the vanes <NUM> extend continuously along the outer surface of the shell <NUM> in a longitudinal direction. The vanes <NUM> extend along tangential directions along the outer surface of the shell <NUM>. Other suitable configurations, however, are also contemplated. For example, in some implementations, the roller <NUM> may include bristles, elongated pliable flaps, or a combination thereof for agitating the floor surface in addition or as an alternative to the vanes <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some implementations, to sweep debris <NUM> toward the roller <NUM>, the robot <NUM> includes a brush <NUM> that rotates about a non-horizontal axis, e.g., an axis forming an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees with the floor surface <NUM>. The non-horizontal axis, for example, forms an angle between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees with the longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM>. The robot <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> operably connected to the brush <NUM>. The brush <NUM> extends beyond a perimeter of the body <NUM> such that the brush <NUM> is capable of engaging debris <NUM> on portions of the floor surface <NUM> that the roller <NUM> typically cannot reach.

During the cleaning operation shown in <FIG>, as the controller <NUM> operates the actuators 208a, 208b to navigate the robot <NUM> across the floor surface <NUM>, if the brush <NUM> is present, the controller <NUM> operates the actuator <NUM> to rotate the brush <NUM> about the non-horizontal axis to engage debris <NUM> that the roller <NUM> cannot reach. In particular, the brush <NUM> is capable of engaging debris <NUM> near walls of the environment and brushing the debris <NUM> toward the roller <NUM>. The brush <NUM> sweeps the debris <NUM> toward the roller <NUM> so that the debris <NUM> can be engaged by the roller <NUM> and swept into the interior of the robot <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> operates the actuator <NUM> to rotate the roller <NUM> about the longitudinal axis X1. The roller <NUM>, when rotated, engages the debris <NUM> on the floor surface <NUM> and move the debris <NUM> toward the dustpan <NUM> and toward the air conduit <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the roller <NUM> rotates in a counterclockwise direction <NUM> and sweeps debris on the floor surface <NUM> onto the dustpan <NUM> or into the air conduit <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> also operates the vacuum assembly <NUM> to generate the airflow <NUM>. The vacuum assembly <NUM> is operated to generate the airflow <NUM> through a region <NUM> between the dustpan <NUM> and the roller <NUM> and can move the debris <NUM> swept up by the roller <NUM> onto the dustpan <NUM> as well as the debris <NUM> swept into the air conduit <NUM>. The airflow <NUM> carries the debris <NUM> into the cleaning bin <NUM> that collects the debris <NUM> delivered by the airflow <NUM>. In this regard, both the vacuum assembly <NUM> and the roller <NUM> facilitate ingestion of the debris <NUM> from the floor surface <NUM>. The air conduit <NUM> receives the airflow <NUM> containing the debris <NUM> and guides the airflow <NUM> into the cleaning bin <NUM>. The debris <NUM> is deposited in the cleaning bin <NUM>. During rotation of the roller <NUM>, the roller <NUM> applies a force to the floor surface <NUM> to agitate any debris on the floor surface <NUM>. The agitation of the debris <NUM> can cause the debris <NUM> to be dislodged from the floor surface <NUM> so that the roller <NUM> can more easily contact the debris <NUM> and so that the airflow <NUM> generated by the vacuum assembly <NUM> can more easily carry the debris <NUM> toward the interior of the robot <NUM>. In some implementations, vanes (e.g., the vane <NUM> shown in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM> contact the dustpan <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates and thus sweeps debris along the dustpan <NUM> toward the air conduit <NUM>.

Various implementations of cleaning rollers, e.g., the roller <NUM>, are described herein. <FIG> and <FIG> show an example of the roller <NUM> including the outer sheath <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, as described herein, the support structure <NUM> includes the core <NUM> and the end cap <NUM> mounted to the core <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is an interior stiff structure that provides radial support for the sheath <NUM>, which is less stiff and more flexible than the support structure <NUM>. In some implementations, the support structure <NUM> is attached to the sheath <NUM> in a manner such that the sheath <NUM> and the support structure <NUM> are tangentially coupled to one another, e.g., coupled to another along an interface extending along a path perpendicular to radial axes of the roller <NUM>.

The core <NUM> includes a sleeve <NUM>, support members 146a, 146b, 146c (collectively referred to as support members <NUM>), and a shaft portion <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> further includes the end cap <NUM>. The end cap <NUM> is engaged to the shaft portion <NUM> and is mountable to the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> is rotationally coupled to the sheath <NUM> so that rotation of the support structure <NUM> results in rotation of the sheath <NUM>.

The support members <NUM> are positioned along the shaft portion <NUM> and are spaced apart from one another. The support members <NUM> can include ring-shaped portions that engage the shaft portion <NUM>, e.g., around a perimeter of a transverse section of the shaft portion <NUM>. The support members <NUM> can be attached to the shaft portion <NUM>, for example, with adhesive, mechanical interlocking, or another appropriate attachment mechanism. The support member 146a is positioned proximate a first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, the support member 146b is positioned at or proximate the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, and the support member 146c is positioned proximate a second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. The support member 146a can be positioned at a distance between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L1 from the first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, and the support member 146c can be positioned at a distance between <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the length L1 from the second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>.

The sleeve <NUM> is positioned around the support member <NUM> and at least partially around the shaft portion <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM> is, for example, cylindrical. An inner surface of the sleeve <NUM> is engaged to the support members <NUM>, and an outer surface of the sleeve <NUM> is engaged to the shell <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The sleeve <NUM>, with the support members <NUM>, can radially support the sheath <NUM>. In particular, the support members <NUM> can be rigid members that inhibit radial deflection of the sheath <NUM> toward the longitudinal axis X1. The sheath <NUM> can be more easily deflected toward the longitudinal axis X1 in regions of the support structure <NUM> between the support members <NUM>.

The sheath <NUM> is positioned around at least a portion of the support structure <NUM>. The sheath <NUM> and, in particular, the shell <NUM> are positioned around the sleeve <NUM>, the support members <NUM>, and at least a portion of the shaft portion <NUM>. An outer diameter D1 of the roller <NUM> is defined by the sheath <NUM>, in particular, by the vanes <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. The outer diameter D1 is uniform across the length L1 (shown in <FIG>). In some implementations, the diameter D1 of the roller <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. In some implementations, the outer diameter D1 of the roller D1 corresponds to an outer diameter of the roller <NUM> while the roller <NUM> is not rotating. The outer diameter of the roller <NUM> may increase as the roller <NUM> rotates due to centrifugal force.

<FIG> illustrate an example of the sheath <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the sheath <NUM> includes the shell <NUM> and the vanes <NUM> (including the vane <NUM>). In some implementations, the shell <NUM> is a cylindrical member including an inner surface <NUM> positioned around and in contact with the support structure <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The shell <NUM> is cylindrical across a length of the sheath <NUM>. The shell <NUM> can have a wall thickness between <NUM> and <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. In some implementations, the sheath <NUM> of the roller <NUM> is a monolithic component including the shell <NUM> and the vanes <NUM>. Each of the vanes <NUM> has one end fixed to the outer surface of the shell <NUM> and another end that is free. A height of each of the vanes <NUM> is defined as the distance from the fixed end at the shell <NUM>, e.g., the point of attachment to the shell <NUM>, to the free end. Referring briefly to <FIG>, for example, a height H1 of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. In some implementations, the height H1 of the vane <NUM> is <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the diameter of the sheath <NUM> a radial distance between the tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> and the longitudinal axis X1. The free end sweeps an outer circumference of the sheath <NUM> during rotation of the roller <NUM>. The outer circumference is consistent along the length of the roller <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the vane <NUM> is a deflectable portion of the sheath <NUM> that, in some cases, engages with the floor surface <NUM> when the roller <NUM> is rotated during a cleaning operation. Referring to <FIG>, the vane <NUM> deflects when it contacts the floor surface <NUM> as the roller <NUM> rotates. The vane <NUM> is angled rearwardly relative to a direction of rotation of the roller <NUM> such that the vane <NUM> more readily deflects in response to contact with the floor surface <NUM>.

The vane <NUM> includes the first portion <NUM>, the second portion <NUM>, and the bend <NUM> where the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> are attached to one another. The first portion <NUM> is attached to the shell <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> is attached to the first portion <NUM> at the bend <NUM>. In particular, a first end 116a of the first portion <NUM> is attached to the shell <NUM> and a second end 116b of the first portion <NUM> is attached to a first end 118a of the second portion <NUM>. Referring also to <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is attached to the shell <NUM> at a location intersecting a radial axis Y1 of the roller <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along an axis y1 angled relative to the radial axis Y1 and away from the radial axis Y1 in a tangential direction Z2 and away from a tangential direction Z1. The second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along an axis y2 angled relative to the axis y1 along which the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends. An angle, e.g., a minimum angle, between the axis y1 and the radial axis Y1 is greater than an angle, e.g., a minimum angle, between the axis y2 and the radial axis Y1. The second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> terminates at a tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. The tip portion <NUM> is positioned along the axis y2 and the radial axis Y2.

In implementations in which the shell <NUM> is cylindrical, the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can extend tangentially from an outer circumference of the shell <NUM>. In some implementations, an angle between the axis y1 along which the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends and the radial axis Y1 is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. The angle between the axis y1 along which the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends and the axis y2 along which the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends is between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. An angle between the radial axis Y1 and the radial axis Y2 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees.

As described herein, the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along the axis y2. In some implementations, the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends through a radial axis Y2 of the roller <NUM>. An angle between the radial axis Y2 and the axis y2 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., no more than <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degree. In some implementations, the axis y2 extends along the radial axis Y2 and is coincident with the radial axis Y2.

Referring to <FIG> showing an enlarged view of the vane <NUM>, the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> faces the tangential direction Z1 and away from the tangential direction Z2, and the second surface <NUM> faces the tangential direction Z2 and away from the tangential direction Z1. A thickness T1 of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. The first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another. The first portion <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM> and terminates at the bend <NUM>. A maximum thickness T2 of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. The maximum thickness T2 of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM>% greater than the thickness T1 of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>, e.g., <NUM>% to <NUM>%, <NUM>% to <NUM>%, or <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the thickness T1 of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>.

Dimensions of the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can vary between implementations. Referring also to <FIG>, a radial distance R1 between the first end 116a of the first portion <NUM> and the longitudinal axis X1 is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. A radial distance R2 between the second end 116b of the first portion <NUM> and the longitudinal axis X1 is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. The radial distance R1 is <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the radial distance R2, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the radial distance R2. A length L2 of the first portion <NUM>, i.e., the length between the first end 116a of the first portion <NUM> and the second end 116b of the first portion <NUM>, is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. A length L3 of the second portion <NUM>, i.e., the length between the first end 118a and a second end 118b of the second portion <NUM>, is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeter, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeter. The length L3 of the second portion <NUM> is <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the length L2 of the first portion <NUM>, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L2 of the first portion <NUM>. An overall length of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

Referring to <FIG>, the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> includes a first surface <NUM> and a second surface <NUM>. The first and second surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> are positioned between the tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> and the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> faces the tangential direction Z1 and away from the tangential direction Z2, and the second surface <NUM> faces the tangential direction Z2 and away from the tangential direction Z1. The first surface <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> is connected to the first surface <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>, and the second surface <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> is connected to the second surface <NUM> of the first portion <NUM>.

In some implementations, the first surface <NUM> is convex or includes a convex portion. In some implementations, the first surface <NUM> is straight or includes a straight portion. In some implementations, the first surface <NUM> is concave or includes a concave portion. In some implementations, the first surface <NUM> includes at least one of a straight portion, a concave portion, or a convex portion. In some implementations, the second surface <NUM> is straight or includes a straight portion. In some implementations, the second surface <NUM> is convex or includes a convex portion. In some implementations, the second surface <NUM> is concave or includes a concave portion. In some implementations, the second surface <NUM> includes at least one of a straight portion, a concave portion, or a convex portion. In the example depicted in <FIG>, the first surface <NUM> includes a convex portion 160a attached to the first portion <NUM> of the vane, and a concave portion 160b attached to the convex portion 160a. In some implementations, the tip portion <NUM> is scoop-shaped to allow the vane <NUM> to easily carry debris into the robot <NUM>. For example, the tip portion <NUM> includes at least a portion of the concave portion 160b of the first surface <NUM>.

As described herein, in some implementations, the sheath <NUM> can include multiple vanes <NUM>, each of the vanes <NUM> including features similar to the features described in connection with the vane <NUM>. Each of the vanes <NUM> can be symmetric about a central transverse plane <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM> and located at the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the vanes <NUM> include the vane <NUM> and a vane <NUM>. The vane <NUM> can be geometrically similar to the vane <NUM> except that the vane <NUM> is positioned at a different location along the shell <NUM>. The vane <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM> at a location offset in the tangential direction Z1 from the location where the vane <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM>. For example, the location at which the vane <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM> can be coincident with a radial axis Y3 of the roller <NUM>. An angle between the radial axis Y3 and the radial axis Y1 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. The angle between the radial axis Y3 and the radial axis Y1 can be equal to an angle between the radial axis Y1 and the radial axis Y2. In some implementations, a second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along the radial axis Y1, which as described herein extends through the location at which the vane <NUM> meets with the shell <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> can include geometric features similar to those described with respect to the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sheath <NUM> can include eight vanes <NUM>. In other implementations, the sheath <NUM> can include fewer or more vanes, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more vanes. In some implementations, the sheath <NUM> includes <NUM> to <NUM> vanes, e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> vanes, <NUM> to <NUM> vanes, or <NUM> to <NUM> vanes. As described herein, a configuration of the vane <NUM> can improve the debris pickup capability of the roller <NUM>. While certain features are described in connection with the vane <NUM>, in certain implementations, the vanes <NUM> can include some or all of these features.

Referring to <FIG>, a segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along the shell <NUM> along a helical path <NUM>. Helical paths for portions of the vane <NUM> can cause debris swept up by the roller <NUM> to move toward the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, where a force of the airflow drawn by the vacuum assembly <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be strongest along a length of the roller <NUM>. The helical paths can also decrease an amount of noise produced by the roller <NUM> as the vane <NUM> contacts the floor surface <NUM>.

The helical path <NUM> extends longitudinally and circumferentially along the shell <NUM>, e.g., along the longitudinal axis X1 and along the tangential direction Z2. The helical path <NUM> extends from a first end 170a of the helical path <NUM> to a second end 170b of the helical path <NUM> along the shell <NUM> in the tangential direction Z2 (shown in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM>. The first end 170a of the helical path <NUM> is positioned proximate the first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, and the second end 170b of the helical path <NUM> positioned proximate the central transverse plane <NUM>. The segment <NUM> extends from the first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to the central transverse plane <NUM> extending through the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM> and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X1 (shown in <FIG>).

The vane <NUM> may form a herringbone pattern along the shell <NUM>. For example, a segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> extends along the shell <NUM> along a helical path <NUM>, and the segment <NUM> with the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can form the herringbone pattern. The helical path <NUM> thus extends longitudinally and circumferentially along the shell <NUM>. The helical path <NUM> extends from a first end 176a of the helical path <NUM> to a second end 176b of the helical path <NUM> along the shell <NUM> in the tangential direction Z2 (shown in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM>. The first end 176a of the helical path <NUM> is positioned proximate the second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, and the second end 176b of the helical path <NUM> positioned proximate the central transverse plane <NUM>. The segment <NUM> extends from the second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to the central transverse plane <NUM>. The segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is connected to the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> at the central transverse plane <NUM>. The segment <NUM> and the segment <NUM>, in some implementations, are symmetric to one another about the central transverse plane <NUM>. A pitch of the helical path <NUM> and a pitch of the helical path <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> and millimeters.

In some implementations, the roller <NUM> includes an opening <NUM> positioned at or proximate to the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can mitigate noise produced by the roller <NUM> as the roller <NUM> contacts a floor surface by reducing a stiffness of the vane <NUM> toward at a portion near the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> is symmetric about the central transverse plane <NUM> of the roller <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> (also shown in <FIG>) extends along at least part of a central portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, e.g., a lengthwise portion of the roller <NUM> symmetric about the central transverse plane <NUM> and having a length between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L1 of the roller <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can extend away from the shell <NUM> outwardly toward an outer circumference of the roller <NUM>, and can extend through the vane <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> can extend only partially through the vane <NUM> toward the tip portion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the vane <NUM>. In some implementations, the opening <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM> toward the tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can taper toward the tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. For example, a length of the opening <NUM> along the longitudinal axis X1 can decrease from proximate the shell <NUM> to proximate the tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. A maximum length L4 of the opening <NUM> along the longitudinal axis X1 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

As shown in <FIG>, in some implementations, the opening <NUM> extends through an entirety of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>, e.g., an entire length of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>, and through none of or only some of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. For example, the opening <NUM> terminates at a distal termination point <NUM> coinciding with the first end 118a (shown in <FIG>) of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. This distal termination point <NUM> coincides with a location where the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is attached to the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> along the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can be separated from the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> along the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. In particular, the segment of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> along the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is separated from the segment of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> along the segment <NUM> of the vane <NUM> by the opening <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can extend continuously along the vane <NUM> from the first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to the second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>, e.g., along at least <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the length L1 (shown in <FIG>) of the roller <NUM>. While described as extending through an entirety of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>, in some implementations, the opening <NUM> can extend only partially through the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> and through none of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> can be one of multiple openings <NUM>, each of the openings <NUM> extending through a corresponding one of the vanes <NUM>. Each of the openings <NUM> can have features similar to those described with respect to the opening <NUM>. In some implementations, each of the openings <NUM> can extend only through a portion of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>, e.g., only along a base of the first portion <NUM> where the first portion <NUM> is attached to the elongate member <NUM>. The openings <NUM> can reduce overall power consumption for driving the roller <NUM> by reducing an overall stiffness of the vane <NUM>.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made. Certain implementations described herein are described with respect to the roller <NUM> or other rollers described herein. Features described with respect to these implementations are not limited to these implementations and are applicable to other implementations.

While the robot <NUM> is described as having a rectangular shaped front portion 202a and a semicircular shaped rear portion 202b, in some implementations, an outer perimeter of the robot <NUM> defines another appropriate shape. For example, in some cases, the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM> has a substantially circular shape. Alternatively, the body <NUM> of the robot <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially square shape, a substantially ellipsoidal shape, or a substantially Reuleaux polygonal shape.

While certain rollers described herein are described as including a support structure including a core, and the core includes support members and a shaft portion, the support structure can vary in other implementations. For example, the roller <NUM> is described as including the support structure <NUM>, which in turn includes the core <NUM> and the end cap <NUM>. The core <NUM> is described as including the sleeve <NUM>, the support members 146a, 146b, 146c, and the shaft portion <NUM>. In certain implementations, the support structure <NUM> can be a monolithic component that supports the sheath <NUM>. In certain implementations, the support structure <NUM> includes a portion of the elongate member <NUM> or corresponds to the elongate member <NUM>. For example, the vane <NUM> can be attached directly to the support structure <NUM> in some implementations. In some implementations, the vane <NUM> is integral to the support structure <NUM>.

While the sheath <NUM> is described as having a cylindrically shaped shell <NUM>, in some implementations, the shell <NUM> includes a frustoconically shaped portion. For example, the shell <NUM> can include two halves divided by the central transverse plane <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. The two halves can each be frustoconically shaped. The vanes <NUM> of the roller <NUM> can extend outwardly from the shell <NUM> such that an outer diameter of the sheath <NUM> is uniform along a length of the sheath <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> is described as being within the sheath <NUM>. In some implementations, the support structure <NUM> include components that are separate from components of the sheath <NUM>. In some implementations, the support structure <NUM> and the sheath <NUM> are integral with one another. For example, the roller <NUM> can be a monolithic structure. The roller <NUM> can be a solid structure including the vanes <NUM>. In some examples in which the roller <NUM> is a solid structure, rather than including the shell <NUM> and the support structure <NUM>, the roller <NUM> could include a rod member extending along the longitudinal axis X1 of the roller <NUM>. The vane <NUM> could extend along the rod member. The rod member could be solid.

While certain rollers are described herein as having multiple vanes, in some implementations, a roller includes a single vane. For example, while the roller <NUM> is described as having multiple vanes <NUM>, in some implementations, the roller <NUM> includes a single vane, e.g., the vane <NUM>.

Certain rollers are described herein as having vanes with portions extending along helical paths that extend along an elongate member. These portions of the vanes that extend along these helical paths and trajectories of these helical paths may vary in certain implementations. For example, while the segment <NUM> and the segment <NUM> are described as being part of the vane <NUM> extending across an entire length of the sheath <NUM>, in some implementations, the sheath <NUM> includes a first vane extending along an entire length of a first half of the sheath <NUM> and a second vane extending along an entire length of a second half of the sheath <NUM>. The first and second vanes have geometric features similar to geometric features of the segments <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, of the vane <NUM> as described herein, except that the first and second vanes are separated from one another and are circumferentially offset from one another, e.g., offset from one another in a tangential direction. For example, the first vane can extend along a first helical path having a pitch similar to the pitch described herein with respect to the helical path <NUM>, and the second vane can extend along a second helical path having a pitch similar to the pitch described herein with respect to the helical path <NUM>. A first longitudinal end of the first helical path for the first vane can be circumferentially offset relative to a first longitudinal end of the second helical path for the second vane, e.g., offset in a tangential direction. A second longitudinal end of the first helical path for the first vane can be circumferentially offset relative to a second longitudinal end of the second helical path for the second vane, e.g., offset in a tangential direction.

The first vane can extend from the first end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to at least the central transverse plane <NUM> of the roller <NUM> and in some implementations, can extend beyond the central transverse plane <NUM> into the second half of the sheath <NUM>. Similarly, the second vane can extend from the second end portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM> to at least the central transverse plane <NUM> of the roller <NUM> and in some implementations, can extend beyond the central transverse plane <NUM> into the first half of the sheath <NUM>. The first vane and the second vane can thus circumferentially overlap with one another along at least part of the central portion <NUM> of the roller <NUM>.

The first vane can be part of a first set of vanes along the first half of the roller <NUM>, and the second vane can be a part of a second set of vanes along the second half of the roller <NUM>, with the first set of vanes being circumferentially offset from the second set of vanes along the second half of the roller <NUM> such that the first set of vanes are separated from the second set of vanes. Each vane of the first set of vanes is positioned between a corresponding pair of vanes of the second set of vanes, and each vane of the second set of vanes is positioned between a corresponding pair of vanes of the first set of vanes.

While the vane <NUM> is described as having the segments <NUM>, <NUM> extending along oppositely oriented helical paths, in some implementations, referring to <FIG>, a vane <NUM> of a sheath <NUM> extends along a helical path <NUM> extending along an entire length of the sheath <NUM>. A pitch of the helical path <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> and millimeters.

While the helical paths along which portions of the vane <NUM> extend are described as having a pitch, in some implementations, the pitch of the helical path may not be uniform across an entire length or the roller <NUM>. In some implementations, the pitch of the helical path <NUM> or the helical path <NUM> may vary, e.g., increase or decrease from an outer end portion of the roller <NUM> toward the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>.

Certain rollers described herein include openings along vanes of the rollers. For example, the roller <NUM> is described in some implementations as having a single opening <NUM> proximate the center <NUM> of the roller <NUM>. In some implementations, the roller <NUM> includes multiple openings positioned along a length of the vane <NUM>. The multiple openings are spaced apart from one another and can be symmetrically distributed throughout the length of the vane <NUM>. For example, the multiple openings are symmetric about the central transverse plane <NUM>.

Certain rollers described herein can include features in addition to vanes that extend outwardly from elongate members of the rollers. In some implementations, a roller includes a nub for supporting the roller against an obstacle on a floor surface under the robot. For example, referring to <FIG>, a sheath <NUM> can be similar to the sheath <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) except that the sheath <NUM> includes a nub <NUM> extending outward from an elongate member, e.g., the shell <NUM> (similar to the shell <NUM>) of the sheath <NUM>, away from a longitudinal axis X2 of the roller (not shown). The nub <NUM> can be a rigid protrusion from the shell <NUM>. In particular, a vane <NUM> (similar to the vane <NUM> described herein) can be relatively more deflectable than the nub <NUM>. As the roller is moved over an obstacle on a floor surface, the vane <NUM> can deflect in response to contact with the obstacle. The nub <NUM> can deflect relatively less than the vane <NUM> in response to contact with the obstacle. The vane <NUM> can deflect an amount such that a height of the vane <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>, while the vane <NUM> is deflected, is less than a height of the nub <NUM> relative to the shell <NUM>, while the nub <NUM> is deflected. The nub <NUM> can accordingly support the roller against the obstacle and thus allow the roller to move over the obstacle. In some implementations, the nub <NUM> extends along a helical path similar to the helical path along which the vane <NUM> extends (e.g., the helical path <NUM>), except that the helical path along which the nub <NUM> extends is circumferentially offset from the helical path along which the vane <NUM> extends.

Referring to <FIG>, a height H2 (similar to a height H1 described with respect to the vane <NUM>) of an outer tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> (similar to the vane <NUM>) relative to or above the shell <NUM> is greater than a height H3 of an outer tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM> relative to or above the shell <NUM>. The height H3 relative to the height H2 can be selected such that the vane <NUM> contacts the nub <NUM> before the nub <NUM> interacts with an obstacle under the robot. For example, if the roller contacts an obstacle on the floor surface, the vane <NUM> can deflect in response to the contact. As the vane <NUM> deflects, the vane <NUM> moves toward the nub <NUM> until the vane <NUM> contacts the nub <NUM>. The vane <NUM>, supported against the nub <NUM>, can contact the obstacle. The vane <NUM> and the nub <NUM> can thus together support the roller against the obstacle and thus allow the roller to move over the obstacle. The height H2 can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% greater than the height H3, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>% greater than the height H3. The height H3 of the nub <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters.

The nub <NUM> can taper from the shell <NUM> to the tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM>. The nub <NUM> can have a maximum thickness between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. The maximum thickness of the nub <NUM> can be at a base of the nub <NUM> where the nub <NUM> is attached to the shell <NUM>. The nub <NUM> can be substantially triangular or have a triangular portion. For example, the nub <NUM> can include a surface <NUM> facing a tangential direction Z3, and a surface <NUM> facing a tangential direction Z4, the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM> forming two sides of a substantially triangular protrusion from the shell <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a length L5 of the surface <NUM>, i.e., a distance between the tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM> and a location of the surface <NUM> along the shell <NUM>, is greater than a length L6 of the surface <NUM>, i.e., a distance between the tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM> and a location of the surface <NUM> along the shell <NUM>. For example, the length L5 can be <NUM> to <NUM> times longer than the length L6. Referring back to <FIG>, an angle between the surface <NUM> and a radial axis Y4 extending through the tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, and an angle between the surface <NUM> and the radial axis Y4 can be no more than <NUM> degrees.

The nub <NUM> can be one nub of multiple nubs <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the sheath <NUM> can include two nubs <NUM>. In other implementations, the sheath <NUM> can include fewer or more nubs, e.g., <NUM> nub, <NUM> nubs, <NUM> nubs, <NUM> nubs, <NUM> nubs, <NUM> nubs, <NUM> nubs, or more. The vane <NUM> can be positioned circumferentially between the two nubs <NUM>. In implementations in which the sheath <NUM> includes multiple vanes <NUM> (similar to the vanes <NUM>), each nub <NUM> can be circumferentially positioned between two corresponding vanes <NUM> adjacent to one another. Similar to the vanes <NUM>, the nubs <NUM> can extend along helical paths along an outer surface of the shell <NUM>, the helical paths having pitches similar to pitches of the helical paths of the vanes <NUM>.

The configuration of nubs of a roller can vary in certain implementations. In some implementations, referring to <FIG>, a sheath <NUM> can be similar to the sheath <NUM> except that a nub <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> can be for receiving a bristle brush. The bristle brush can be an elongate member containing pliable bristles. The elongate member can extend through the opening <NUM> from a first longitudinal end of the nub <NUM> to a second longitudinal end of the nub. The bristles of the elongate member can be used for sweeping debris and agitating debris on the floor surface.

The nub <NUM> is positioned between two vanes, including a vane <NUM> and a vane <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is positioned proximate an elongate member, e.g., the shell <NUM> (similar to the shell <NUM>) of the sheath <NUM>. Similar to the nub <NUM>, the nub <NUM> can be more rigid than the vane <NUM> (similar to the vane <NUM>) of the sheath <NUM>, and can have geometric features that provide rigidity to the nub <NUM> similar to geometric features of the nub <NUM>, e.g., a maximum thickness of the nub <NUM> can be similar to a maximum thickness of the nub <NUM>, and a height of the nub <NUM> can be similar to the height H3 of the nub <NUM>. In some implementations, the height of the nub <NUM> can be selected such that the nub <NUM> directly contacts obstacles under the robot and allows the roller to move over the obstacles. Unlike implementations in which the vane contacts the nub, and the vane and nub together support the roller against an obstacle, in some implementations, the nub directly contacts the obstacle and supports the roller against the obstacle. In such implementations, a height of the nub relative to a height of the vane is greater than a height of the nub relative to a height of the vane in implementations in which the vane and the nub both support the roller against the obstacle. For example, in implementations in which the nub directly supports the roller against the obstacle, the height of the nub can be at least <NUM>% of the height of the vane, e.g., at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>% of the height of the vane. In implementations in which the nub supports the roller against the obstacle through the vane after the vane is deflected, the height of the nub can be at most <NUM>%, of the height of the vane, e.g., at most <NUM>%, at most <NUM>%, at most <NUM>%, or at most <NUM>% of the height. In such implementations, the nub also prevents the vane from deflecting any further after the vane contacts the nub. Whether the nub supports the roller against an obstacle through the vane or directly can also depend on a tangential distance between the roller and the nub and a deflectability of the vane.

Referring to <FIG>, the opening <NUM> can include a rectangular or square cross-sectional portion. The opening <NUM> can have a maximum width between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters.

Referring to <FIG>, the nub <NUM> includes a surface <NUM> facing a first tangential direction, and a set of surfaces including surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> facing a second tangential direction. The surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are each straight. The surface <NUM> extends outwardly from the shell <NUM>, the surface <NUM> extends outwardly from the surface <NUM>, the opening <NUM> extends between the surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM>, the surface <NUM> extends outwardly from the opening <NUM>, and the surface <NUM> extends outwardly from the surface <NUM>. The surface <NUM> and the surface <NUM> meet at a tip portion <NUM> of the nub <NUM>.

The opening <NUM> extends radially inwardly from the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>. The opening <NUM> faces the second tangential direction. The opening <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> adjacent to a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> extends from the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> to the second portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> can be rectangular. The second portion <NUM> extends from the first portion <NUM> toward the shell <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> is rectangular. The second portion <NUM> is radially inward relative to the first portion <NUM> and thus is positioned closer to the longitudinal axis of the roller than the first portion <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> has a width W2, and the second portion <NUM> has a width W3. The width W2 is less than the width W3. The width W2 is between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters, or between <NUM> and <NUM> millimeters. The width W3 is <NUM> to <NUM> times longer than the width W2.

In some implementations, as shown in <FIG>, the sheath <NUM> can be similar to the sheath <NUM> except that the vane <NUM> can include a first portion <NUM>, a second portion <NUM>, and a third portion <NUM>. The vane <NUM> can include a first bend <NUM> where the first portion <NUM> is attached to the second portion <NUM> and a second bend <NUM> where the second portion <NUM> is attached to the third portion <NUM>. The first bend <NUM> is between the shell <NUM> and the second bend <NUM>, and the second bend <NUM> is between the first bend <NUM> and a tip portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>. A first end 612a of the first portion <NUM> is attached to the shell <NUM> at a location intersecting a radial axis Y5 of the roller (not shown), and a second end 612b of the second portion <NUM> is attached to a first end 614a of the second portion <NUM> at the first bend <NUM>. A second end 614b of the second portion <NUM> is attached to a first end 616a of the third portion <NUM> at the second bend <NUM>. The third portion <NUM> terminates at the tip portion <NUM>.

The first, second, and third portions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend along axes y4, y5, y6, respectively. An angle between the axis y4 and the radial axis Y5 is similar to the angle between the axis y1 and the radial axis Y1 described herein. The angle between the axis y4 and the radial axis Y5 is greater than an angle between the axis y5 and the radial axis Y5. An angle between the axis y6 and the radial axis Y5 can be substantially similar to the angle between the axis y4 and the radial axis Y5, e.g., within <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the angle between the axis y4 and the radial axis Y5. For example, the angle between the axis y6 and the axis y4 is no more than <NUM> to <NUM> degrees. The angle between the axis y5 and the radial axis Y5 is less than the angle between the axis y6 and the radial axis Y6. In some implementations, the axis y6 is parallel to the axis y4. In some implementations, the angle between the axis y6 and the radial axis Y5 can be less than the angle between the axis y4 and the radial axis Y5.

The angle between the axis y4 and the axis y5 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. The angle between the axis y5 and the axis y6 can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or about <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> degrees. The angle between the axis y4 and the axis y6 can be less than <NUM> degrees, e.g., less than <NUM> degrees, less than <NUM> degrees, or less than <NUM> degrees.

The first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the vane <NUM> can have thicknesses similar to the thicknesses described with respect to the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the vane <NUM> as described herein. A thickness of the third portion <NUM>, in some implementations, can taper toward the tip portion <NUM>.

A length L7 of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. A length L8 of the second portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. A length L9 of the third portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> is between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters, e.g., between <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters or <NUM> and <NUM> centimeters. The length L9 is between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L7, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L7. The length L9 is between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L8, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L8. The length L8 is between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L7, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the length L7.

While the opening <NUM> is described as tapering toward an outer tip of the vane <NUM>, in some implementations, the opening <NUM>, the openings <NUM>, or a combination thereof can be slits that extend through a thickness of the vane <NUM>. The slits can have a uniform width, and can extend through an entire length of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> or through only a portion of the first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> of the vane <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> are depicted as being straight portions having uniform thicknesses, with surfaces facing a first tangential direction being substantially parallel to surfaces facing a second tangential direction. In some implementations, these portions can include curvature, protrusions, nonuniform thicknesses, or other geometric features.

While some of the foregoing examples are described with respect to a single roller <NUM>, the robot <NUM> can includes multiple rollers in some implementations. For example, the robot <NUM> can include two rollers. In some implementations, a first roller is distinct from a second roller, e.g., can include certain features that differ from the features of the second roller.

While the roller <NUM> is described as having a sheath <NUM>, and the elongate member <NUM> is described as corresponding to a shell <NUM> of the sheath <NUM>, the elongate member <NUM> can vary in other implementations. In some implementations, the elongate member <NUM> is a cylindrical rod, a square rod, or other prismatic rod. In some implementations, the elongate member <NUM> is hollow, and in some implementations, the elongate member <NUM> is solid. Referring to <FIG>, a roller <NUM> includes vanes <NUM> and an elongate member <NUM>. The vanes <NUM> can be geometrically similar to any of the vanes described herein, e.g., the vanes <NUM>. In contrast to the vanes <NUM>, the vanes <NUM> are distinct from the elongate member <NUM>, and are longitudinally slidable relative to the elongate member <NUM>. In particular, to assemble the roller <NUM>, the vanes <NUM> are installed on slots <NUM> extending longitudinally along the elongate member <NUM>. The vanes <NUM> include proximal portions <NUM> that fit within the slots <NUM>. The proximal portions <NUM> are configured to inhibit radial outward movement of the vanes <NUM> relative to the elongate member <NUM>. For example, the proximal portions <NUM> include taper in the radially outward direction, and the slots <NUM> also taper in the radially outward direction. In some implementations, the elongate member <NUM> is part of a sheath of the roller <NUM>. In other implementations, the elongate member <NUM> is part of a core of the roller <NUM>.

While described by way of example with respect to the roller <NUM>, the features of the vanes <NUM> can be applicable to other implementations. For example, in some implementations, the vanes <NUM> of the roller <NUM> could include features similar to the features of the vanes <NUM>. In some implementations, if the roller includes nubs, the nubs can be slidable into slots along the elongate member.

As described herein, in implementations in which a cleaning roller includes nubs, the quantity of and the configuration of the nubs may vary. In the example shown in <FIG>, the roller includes two nubs <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, a sheath <NUM> for a cleaning roller can include nubs <NUM> and vanes <NUM>. The nubs <NUM> can have geometric configurations similar to the geometric configurations of the nubs <NUM>.

The nubs <NUM> and the vanes <NUM> are configured, as described herein, such that the nubs <NUM> contact the vanes <NUM> when the roller contacts an obstacle on the floor surface under the robot. In this regard, as the roller moves over an obstacle, the vanes <NUM> deflect into contact with the nubs <NUM>, and the vanes <NUM> and the nubs <NUM> support the roller against the obstacle to allow the roller to clear the obstacle. Unlike the sheath <NUM>, the sheath <NUM> includes a corresponding nub <NUM> for each vane <NUM>. In particular, each nub <NUM> adjacent to a corresponding vane <NUM> in the counterclockwise direction as shown in <FIG> prevents the corresponding vane <NUM> from deflecting further after the vane <NUM> contacts the nub <NUM>. In some implementations, the nub <NUM> prevents the first portion of the vane <NUM> (similar to the first portion <NUM> described herein) from deflecting further after the vane <NUM> contacts the nub <NUM>. The nubs <NUM>, for example, have a height that is at most <NUM>% of a height of the vanes <NUM>, e.g., at most <NUM>%, at most <NUM>%, or at most <NUM>% a height of the vanes <NUM>.

As described herein, in some implementations, the nubs may be configured such that the vanes do not contact the nubs when the vanes contact an obstacle on the floor surface. In the example shown in <FIG>, a sheath <NUM> includes vanes 1002a, 1002b and nubs 1004a, 1004b. Unlike the nubs <NUM>, the nubs 1004a, 1004b are not triangularly shaped but rather extend radially outwardly along a trajectory similar to the trajectory of the vanes 1002a, 1002b. In particular, the nubs 1004a, 1004b can include multiple interconnected portions at bends along the nubs 1004a, 1004b.

The nubs 1004a, 1004b are configured to contact an obstacle on the floor surface under the robot before the vanes 1002a, 1002b deflect into contact with the nubs 1004a, 1004b. In particular, the vanes 1002a, 1002b that are adjacent to the nubs 1004a, 1004b in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> deflect in the counterclockwise direction. Heights of the vanes 1002a, 1002b relative to a shell <NUM> of the sheath <NUM> decrease to a position below heights of the nubs 1004a, 1004b as the vanes 1002a, 1002b deflect, and decrease to this position before contacting the nubs 1004a, 1004b. The nubs 1004a, 1004b can include bends 1008a, 1008b that allow the nubs 1004a, 1004b to extend in a tangential direction away from the vanes 1002a, 1002b. Unlike the nubs <NUM> that have thicknesses that taper outwardly from the shell <NUM>, the nubs 1004a, 1004b can uniform thicknesses from proximate the shell <NUM> to proximate distal tips of the nubs 1004a, 1004b. The uniform thicknesses can be thicker than thicknesses of the vanes 1002a, 1002b such that the nubs 1004a, 1004b can more easily support the roller against an obstacle on the floor surface. For example, the nubs 1004a, 1004b can be <NUM>% to <NUM>% thicker than the vanes 1002a, 1002b, e.g., between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, or <NUM>% and <NUM>% thicker than the vanes 1002a, 1002b.

In the example shown in <FIG>, a sheath <NUM> includes vanes 1102a, 1102b, 1102c, 1102d and nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d. The example shown in <FIG> is similar to the example shown in <FIG> in that the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d are configured to contact an obstacle on the floor surface under the robot before the vanes 1102a, 1102b, 1102c, 1102d deflect into contact with the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d, respectively. The nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d have maximum thicknesses greater than the thicknesses of the nubs 1004a, 1004b described with respect to <FIG>. In some implementations, the maximum thicknesses of the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d are similar to the maximum thicknesses of the nubs <NUM> or the nubs <NUM> described herein elsewhere. The nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d have sufficient heights relative to and distances from the vanes 1102a, 1102b, 1102c, 1102d adjacent to the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d in the clockwise direction as shown in <FIG> such that, as the vanes 1102a, 1102b, 1102c, 1102d deflect in response to contact with an obstacle on the floor surface, the vanes 1102a, 1102b, 1102c, 1102d do not contact the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d before the nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d contact the obstacle. The nubs 1104a, 1104b, 1104c, 1104d, upon contacting the obstacle, can assist the roller with moving over the obstacle.

Claim 1:
A cleaning roller (<NUM>; <NUM>) mountable to a cleaning robot (<NUM>), the cleaning roller comprising:
an elongate member (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal axis (X1) of the cleaning roller; and
a vane (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; 1002a; 1002b; 1102a-d) extending outward from the elongate member, the vane comprising a first vane portion (<NUM>) attached to the elongate member, wherein the first vane portion extends from the elongate member at a location intersecting a radial axis (Y1) of the cleaning roller, the first vane portion extending along a first axis angled relative to the radial axis and away from the radial axis in a tangential direction (Z1), characterized in that the cleaning roller comprises a second vane portion (<NUM>) attached to the first vane portion, wherein the second vane portion extends along a second axis angled relative to the first axis, a first angle between the first axis and the radial axis being greater than a second angle between the second axis and the radial axis.