Surface Treatment Tool

Abstract

A surface treatment head (10) for a surface treatment tool, the surface treatment head (10) comprising: a movable surface treatment element (12) configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means (14) comprising a motor (16) configured to drive the movable surface treatment element (12) to effect cleaning of said surface; wherein a rear edge (21) of the movable surface treatment element (12) with respect to a treatment direction (24) of the surface treatment head (10) comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the middle portion of the rear edge (21) projects rearwards of the first and second ends of the rear edge in the treatment direction (24).

Claims

1. A surface treatment head for a surface treatment tool, the surface treatment head comprising: a movable surface treatment element configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means comprising a motor configured to drive the movable surface treatment element to effect cleaning of said surface; wherein a rear edge of the movable surface treatment element with respect to a treatment direction of the surface treatment head comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the middle portion of the rear edge projects rearward of the first and second ends of the rear edge with respect to the treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

2. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a width transverse to the treatment direction and a depth along the treatment direction, wherein the depth varies across the width of the movable surface treatment element such that the depth is larger in a middle portion of the movable treatment element and smaller towards first and second ends of the movable treatment element.

3. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein a front edge of the movable surface treatment element with respect to the treatment direction comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends of the front edge project forward of the middle portion of the front edge in the treatment direction of the surface treatment head; or wherein a front edge of the movable surface treatment element with respect to the treatment direction comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the middle portion is substantially aligned with the first and second ends in the treatment direction, or wherein the middle portion projects forwards of the first and second ends in the treatment direction.

4. (canceled)

5. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a front edge and a side wall extending from the front edge towards the rear edge at an angle to the front edge, optionally such that a corner is formed between the front edge and the side wall.

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

7. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a curved shaped profile in plan view; optionally wherein the curved shaped profile comprises a substantially arc shaped profile in plan view; wherein at least a portion of the curved shaped profile comprises an arc of radius in the range of 10 cm to 150 cm, optionally in the range of 95 to 115 cm, or optionally less than or equal to 40 cm, optionally in the range of 10 cm to 40 cm, optionally in the range of 20 to 40 cm; or wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises at least a portion comprising a substantially V-shaped profile in plan view; optionally wherein the substantially V-shaped profile comprises a central angle in the range of 90 to less than 180 degrees, optionally 110 to 170 degrees; and/or optionally, wherein the movable surface treatment element comprises a front edge with respect to the treatment direction and a rear edge with respect to the treatment direction, and wherein both the front edge and the rear edge are at least partially curved or V-shaped

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the motor of the driving means is located at the middle portion of the surface treatment head; and/or wherein the movable surface element is elongate.

11. (canceled)

12. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the movable surface treatment element and/or the surface treatment head comprises a width transverse to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the width is in the range of 25 to 60 cm and/or wherein the surface treatment head comprises a depth parallel to a treatment direction of the surface treatment tool, wherein the depth is in the range of 4 to 30 cm.

13. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the driving means comprises an eccentric drive mechanism, wherein the motor is coupled to the moveable surface treatment element via the eccentric drive mechanism so that the moveable surface treatment element engages a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that a front edge of the moveable surface treatment element faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction throughout the cyclical motion; optionally wherein the eccentric drive mechanism is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element so that each point on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path, wherein the circular paths each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension.

14. A surface treatment head according to claim 1, wherein the surface treatment head further comprises a cleaning liquid outlet configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated; and/or wherein the surface treatment head further comprises a suction region configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated; optionally wherein the suction region comprises a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, wherein the first and second ends of the suction region project forward of the middle portion of the suction region in the treatment direction of the surface treatment head.

15. (canceled)

16. A surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head, according to claim 1, coupled to an elongate support member; optionally wherein the elongate support member is coupled to the surface treatment head via a coupling, wherein the coupling comprises a first rotational axis and a second rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the first rotational axis; optionally, wherein the first rotational axis intersects the second rotational axis; and/or optionally, further comprising a power source to power the motor; optionally, wherein the power source comprises an electrical energy storage device (e.g. a battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool.

17. (canceled)

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

19. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the first member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said third axis; and/or wherein the second member is coupled to a shaft defining a longitudinal axis coaxial with said fourth axis.

20. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, further comprising a securing member provided to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the first member and the second member.

21. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, wherein one of the first member and second member comprises a spherical or partially spherical member and the other of the first member and second member is a receiving member comprising a partially spherical inner profile corresponding to an outer profile of the spherical or partially spherical member.

22. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the one or more protrusions comprise two protrusions provided on opposing sides of the second member.

23. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the or each protrusion is a spherical, partially spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formation (e.g. a spherical ball bearing or a hemisphere); optionally wherein the or each protrusion is a spherical or partially spherical formation comprising a first arc-shaped cross section, and wherein the groove comprises a second arc-shaped cross section corresponding to the first arc-shaped cross section.

24. A joint arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the one or more protrusions are integrally formed with the second member.

25. A surface treatment tool comprising a surface treatment head and an elongate support member coupled to the surface treatment head by a joint arrangement according to claim 18.

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

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0179] The terms FIG., FIGS., Figure, and Figures are used interchangeably in the specification to refer to the corresponding figures in the drawings.

[0180] Embodiments are now described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0181] FIG. 1 is an isometric cross-section view of a surface treatment head according to an embodiment;

[0182] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the surface treatment head of FIG. 1;

[0183] FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the surface treatment head of FIGS. 1 and 2, taken along lines A-A of FIG. 2;

[0184] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the surface treatment head of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0185] FIG. 5 is an underside view of a surface treatment head according to a further embodiment;

[0186] FIGS. 6A to 6H are plan views of moveable surface treatment elements of surface treatment heads according to different embodiments;

[0187] FIG. 7 is a functional schematic diagram of a surface treatment tool including the surface treatment head of FIGS. 1 to 6H;

[0188] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of a surface treatment head including a joint arrangement according to an embodiment;

[0189] FIGS. 9A and 9B are isometric views showing different rotational movements of the joint arrangement of FIGS. 8; and

[0190] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of a joint arrangement for a surface treatment head according to an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0191] Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 4, a surface treatment head according to an embodiment is indicated at 10. The surface treatment head 10 includes a movable surface treatment element 12 configured to engage a surface to be treated, and a driving means 14 including a motor 16 configured to drive the movable surface treatment element 12 to effect cleaning of said surface.

[0192] It will be understood that the moveable surface treatment element 12 may include one or more brushes, sponges, cloths, towels, cleaning pads or any other material suitable for cleaning a surface. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the moveable surface treatment element 12 is formed of a treatment portion 12a in the form of a cleaning pad and a drivable portion 12b driven by the driving means 14. The treatment portion 12a is attached (either permanently or releasably) to the drivable portion 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, the treatment portion 12a and the drivable portion 12b correspond approximately in shape. In alternative embodiments, the treatment portion 12a and drivable portion 12b are of different shapes. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of cleaning portions 12a are attached to the drivable portion 12b.

[0193] In some embodiments, an intermediate component (e.g. a support plate) is located between the treatment portion 12a and the drivable portion 12b. For example, the treatment portion 12a may be releasably coupled to the intermediate component (e.g. via hook-and-eye fasteners, magnetic coupling, snap fit coupling, resilient coupling, threaded coupling, interference fit, or any other suitable coupling) and/or the intermediate component may be releasably coupled to the drivable portion 12b (e.g. via hook-and-eye fasteners, magnetic coupling, snap fit, resilient coupling, threaded coupling, interference fit, or any other suitable coupling). In such embodiments, it may be easier to remove the treatment portion 12a from the surface treatment head 10 by first de-coupling the intermediate component from the drivable portion 12b, and then de-coupling the treatment portion 12a from the intermediate component. In effect, the intermediate component can be considered a removable part of the treatment portion 12a, or a removable part of the drivable portion 12b.

[0194] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the movable surface treatment element 12 has a first end 18, a second end 20 and a middle portion 22 located between the first and second ends 18, 20. The first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10.

[0195] In exemplary embodiments, such as those illustrated, a profile of the surface treatment head as a whole conforms substantially to the profile of the moveable surface treatment element 12. In other words, the surface treatment head 10 also has first and second ends end which project forward of a middle portion in the treatment direction 24. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment head 10 includes a shroud (i.e. body) 15 on which the motor 16 is mounted, and the shroud 15 conforms substantially to the shape of the moveable surface treatment element 12.

[0196] Having first and second ends 18, 20 which project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10 means that dirt and/or waste fluid is directed towards the middle portion 22 as the surface treatment head 10 is moved, facilitating collection of dirt and/or waste fluid. For example, in the case where the surface treatment head 10 is part of a scrubber dryer and includes a suction region for removing waste water, directing waste water towards the middle portion 22 may facilitate uptake of waste water and an improved drying performance.

[0197] This shape of surface treatment head 10 also facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas and partial surrounding of objects such as table legs, thereby providing effecting cleaning of an entire floor area.

[0198] The surface treatment head includes a height 26 (best illustrated in FIG. 2) in a region proximal the first and second ends 18, 20 of the moveable treatment element 12. In exemplary embodiments, the height 26 is in the range of 2.5 to 7.5 cm (e.g. 5.4 cm in the illustrated embodiment). Such a height 26 is low in comparison to typical cleaning heads, which allows the first and second ends 18, 20 of the moveable treatment element 12 to fit under furniture such as shelving for cleaning. This may be particularly useful for environments such as supermarkets, which include large amounts of low-level shelving elements, and in which hygiene is of particular concern. In combination with the shape of the surface treatment head 10, in which the first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in a treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10, having a low profile in the region of the first and second ends 18, 20 further facilitates cleaning of hard to reach areas, thereby providing effective cleaning of an entire floor area.

[0199] In the illustrated embodiment, the motor 16 of the driving means 14 is located in the middle portion 22 of the surface treatment head 10. Since the motor 16 will add height to the surface treatment head 10, locating the motor 16 in the middle portion 22 facilitates a lower height of the surface treatment head 10 at the first and second ends 18, 20. This allows the first and second ends 18, 20 to fit under small gaps beneath furniture (e.g. shelving elements or the like).

[0200] In the illustrated embodiment, the movable surface treatment element 12 is elongate. Having an elongate surface treatment element 12 allows a wide area to be cleaned when moving the surface treatment head 10 in a direction perpendicular to the long axis of the elongate movable surface treatment element 12 (i.e. in the treatment direction 24), but results in a smaller overall head size, which allows the surface treatment head 10 to reach smaller spaces and which is less bulky for storage.

[0201] In particular, the movable surface treatment element 12 has a width 28 transverse to the treatment direction 24 and a depth 33 along the treatment direction. It will be understood that the term width refers to the distance between two side-most points of the moveable surface treatment element 12, and the term depth refers to the distance between a front edge 19 and a rear edge 21 of the moveable surface treatment element 12 at a given position along the width 28.

[0202] In exemplary embodiments, the width 28 is in the range of 25 to 60 cm and the depth 33 is in the range of 5 to 30 cm (for example, in the illustrated embodiment, the width 28 is around 42 cm and the depth 33 is around 11 cm). Such a width 28 has been found to provide a good trade-off between reducing the time to clean an area (by having a larger width 28) and improving the manoeuvrability/allowing the surface treatment head 10 to fit into confined areas (by having a smaller width 28).

[0203] In alternative embodiments, the width 28 and moveable surface treatment element depth 33 may have different values and the moveable surface treatment element 12 may not be elongate.

[0204] In the illustrated embodiment, the depth 33 varies across the width 28 of the moveable surface treatment element 12. For example, the depth 33 is larger in the middle portion 22 and smaller towards the first and second ends 18, 20. In alternative embodiments, the depth 33 is constant across the width 28.

[0205] Having a larger depth 33 in the middle portion 22 and a smaller depth 33 towards the first and second ends 18, 20 facilitates greater manoeuvrability of the first and second ends 18, (which are more likely to be moved into confined spaces such as corners or areas around furniture) whilst efficiently treating a larger area in the middle portion 22.

[0206] The surface treatment head 10 includes an overall depth 29 along the treatment direction 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the overall depth 29 extends from a front-most point of the surface treatment element 12 or shroud 15 to the rear-most point of the surface treatment head 10, at a given width.

[0207] In exemplary embodiments, the overall depth 29 is in the range of 4 to 30 cm.

[0208] The surface treatment head 10 also comprises an overall width in a direction transverse to the treatment direction 24, i.e. the distance between two side-most points of the surface treatment head 10.

[0209] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the movable surface treatment 12 element has a curved shaped profile in plan view. In particular, the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a substantially arc shaped profile. In exemplary embodiments, a radius of the arc shaped profile is in the range of 20 to 40 cm. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the front edge 19 has a radius of around 27.5 cm and the rear edge 21 has a radius of around 28.5 cm.

[0210] Such a curved shaped profile has been found to provide good cleaning performance, good manoeuvrability of the surface treatment head 10, and relatively compact head size for cleaning confined areas and compact storage.

[0211] Similarly, in the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6E, the movable surface treatment 12 element has a curved shaped profile in plan view, although the radius of the arc-shaped profile is larger than that of FIGS. 1 to 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 6E, like components are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again for the sake of brevity.

[0212] In alternative embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a different profile in plan view. For example, in FIG. 6A the moveable surface treatment element 12 has a substantially V-shaped profile in plan view. In such embodiments, the V-shape profile may have a central angle in the range of 110 to 170 degrees (for example, the V-shaped profile of FIG. 6A has a central angle ? of around 125 degrees). The moveable surface treatment element 12 may also have any other shape of profile in plan view in which the first and second ends 18, 20 project forward of the middle portion 22 in the treatment direction 24. For example, the moveable surface treatment element 12 of FIGS. 6B and 6C have a combination of curved and V-shaped profiles on front and rear sides (with respect to the treatment direction), and the moveable surface treatment element 12 of FIG. 6D has a U-shaped profile.

[0213] In exemplary embodiments such as those illustrated, both a front edge 19 and a rear edge 21 of the movable surface treatment element 12 are at least partially curved or V-shaped.

[0214] In alternative embodiments, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 6F to 6H, the movable surface treatment element 12 has a different profile in plan view. For example, in FIGS. 6F to 6H the movable surface treatment element 12 has a rear edge 21 which is curved or V-shaped, and a front edge 19 which is straight (FIGS. 6F and 6H) or which has a middle portion which projects forward of first and second ends of the front edge 19 with respect to the treatment direction 24 (FIG. 6G).

[0215] In all of the alternative shapes of movable surface treatment element depicted in FIGS. 4 to 6H, the rear edge 21 has a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, and the middle portion of the rear edge 21 projects rearward of the first and second ends of the rear edge 21 with respect to the treatment direction 24. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, such a shape of the rear edge at least partially fills a void created by a curved front edge of the suction region 38 (described in more detail below), which reduces wasted space on the surface treatment head.

[0216] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6A-F and 6H the surface treatment element includes a front edge 19, a rear edge 21, a first side wall 23a (proximal the first end 18) extending between the front and rear edges at a first side of the moveable surface treatment head, and a second side wall 23b (proximal the second end 18) extending between the front and rear edges 19,21 at a second side of the moveable surface treatment head (see FIG. 6E). The first and second side walls 23a,b are arranged to extend at an angle to the front edge. In this way, a corner defined by the front edge and the respective side wall is provided.

[0217] This angled arrangement has been found to facilitate treatment of corners and other hard to reach areas.

[0218] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6E, the first and second side walls 23a,b are arranged to extend at an angle of approximately 120? to the front edge.

[0219] Furthermore, in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6A-C, 6E-F and 6H, the front edge 19 has a length which is less than a length of the rear edge 21. In this way, provision of a corner between the front edge 19 and side walls 23a,b is facilitated.

[0220] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the driving means 14 includes an eccentric drive mechanism 30. The motor 16 is coupled to the moveable surface treatment element 12 via the eccentric drive mechanism 30 so that the moveable surface treatment element 12 engages a surface to be treated in a cyclical motion such that the front edge 19 faces forwards with respect to the treatment direction 24 throughout the cyclical motion.

[0221] In particular, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 (shown in close up view in FIG. 3) is configured to drive the moveable surface treatment element 12 so that each point 32 on the moveable surface treatment element moves along a circular path 34, and the circular paths 34 each have a unique centre point but a common radius dimension. This contrasts with a typical rotational movement of a treatment element, in which each point on the treatment element moves along a circular path with a centre point that is common to the circular path of each other point.

[0222] Having a driving means 14 configured to drive the movable surface treatment element 12 in an cyclical motion allows the moveable surface treatment element 12 to be shaped to be non-circular (e.g. arc-shaped, rectangular, square, triangular, V-shaped or U-shaped treatment areas, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6D), which allows corners to be cleaned more easily. This also allows the surface treatment head 10 and moveable surface treatment element 12 to be shaped for maximum manoeuvrability and to be appropriately sized for optimal cleaning and storage purposes.

[0223] In the illustrated embodiment, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 includes a shaft 30a driven by the motor 16, an eccentric cam 30b coupled to the shaft 30a, and bearings 30c between the eccentric cam 30b and the drivable portion 12b of the moveable surface treatment element 12. The bearings 30c allow the eccentric cam 30b to rotate with respect to the drivable portion 12b (i.e. without rotating the drivable portion 12b).

[0224] The eccentric cam 30b includes a first portion 30d which has a relatively smaller radius and a second portion 30e which has a relatively larger radius with respect to a rotational axis of the shaft 30a. This shape of the eccentric cam 30b results in a translational movement of the bearings 30c as the eccentric cam 30b is rotated, and thus a translational movement of the driven portion 12b of the moveable surface treatment element 12.

[0225] In alternative embodiments, a different type of eccentric drive mechanism is used.

[0226] In alternative embodiments, the moveable surface treatment element 12 includes a plurality of sub-elements 31 distributed within the profile of the moveable surface treatment element 12 in plan view (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 6C). In such embodiments, the eccentric drive mechanism 30 may be removed, and instead each sub-element may be driven in a rotational, rather than orbital movement. For example, the driving means 14 may include a belt, chain or gear arrangement for translating rotational movement of the motor 16 to rotational movement of the sub-elements 31. Alternatively, a separate motor 16 may be provided for each sub-element 31.

[0227] Referring to FIG. 3, the surface treatment head 10 includes a cleaning liquid outlet 36 configured to introduce cleaning liquid to a surface to be treated. Having a cleaning liquid outlet 36 increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head (e.g. by including water, soaps, detergents or antibacterial/antiviral agents). Furthermore, such a cleaning liquid outlet allows cleaning liquid to be applied via the surface treatment head 10, rather than a user having to apply cleaning liquid to a surface independently. However, in alternative embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is omitted and instead the surface treatment head is used for dry cleaning or the uses applies liquid to the surface to be treated independently to the surface treatment head 10.

[0228] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element 12. Providing the cleaning liquid outlet 36 proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 ensures that cleaning fluid introduced to a surface via the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is in close proximity to the movable surface treatment element 12, which facilitates ease of use.

[0229] In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is configured to apply cleaning liquid forward of the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10. Providing the cleaning liquid outlet 36 such that it is configured to apply cleaning fluid forward of the moveable surface treatment element ensures that the liquid is applied to an area of the surface which is likely to be acted on by the moveable surface treatment element 12, so that the moveable surface treatment element 12 will pass over a surface after cleaning fluid has been introduced. This increases the cleaning performance of the surface treatment head 10 and ease of use.

[0230] In alternative embodiments, the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is positioned above the moveable surface treatment element 12 and cleaning fluid provided by the cleaning liquid outlet 36 passes through one or more passageways and/or pores in the moveable surface treatment element 12, e.g. by gravity, after leaving the cleaning liquid outlet 36 and before contacting the surface to be treated.

[0231] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment head 10 also includes a suction region 38 configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated. Such a suction region 38 allows waste water (e.g. cleaning fluid which has been introduced to a surface, acted on by the moveable surface treatment element 12 and thus soiled) to be removed from a surface. This results in a cleaner surface and a reduced drying time, which allows the surface to be used (e.g. walked over) more quickly after cleaning. However, in alternative embodiments the suction region 38 is omitted so that a surface cleaned by the surface treatment head 10 is left to dry naturally.

[0232] As will be described in more detail below, the suction region 38 is provided proximal the movable surface treatment element 12. In particular, the suction region 38 is provided behind the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24. Providing the suction region 38 behind the movable surface treatment element 12 in the treatment direction 24 of the surface treatment head 10 facilitates removal of waste water from the surface as the surface treatment head 10 is passed over the surface to be treated.

[0233] The suction region 38 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 may be constructed similarly to the suction region 38 of FIG. 5, which will be described in more detail below.

[0234] Referring now to FIG. 5, a surface treatment head according to a further embodiment is indicated generally at 10.

[0235] In the illustrated embodiments, the suction region 38 has a first end, a second end and a middle portion located between the first and second ends, and the first and second ends of the suction region 38 project forward of the middle portion of the suction region in the treatment direction 24. In particular, the suction region 38 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is curved rearwards. Such a shape ensures that waste fluid is directed towards the middle portion of the suction region 38 as the surface treatment head 10 is moved in the treatment direction 24, facilitating uptake of waste fluid and an improved drying performance.

[0236] As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the rear edge 21 of the movable surface treatment element 12 has a middle portion which projects rearwards with respect to the treatment direction 24, which reduces the extent to which a void (or space) is formed between the curved front edge of the suction region 38 and the rear edge 21 of the movable surface treatment element 12.

[0237] This provides an efficient use of space on the surface treatment head 10.

[0238] In the illustrated embodiments, the suction region 38 is defined by one or more resilient guide members 40. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the suction region 38 is defined by a first resilient guide member 42 proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 and a second resilient guide member 44 distal the moveable surface treatment element 12. In alternative embodiments, the suction region 38 is formed by a single resilient guide member 40 which is bent or curved to encircle the suction region 38.

[0239] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the profile of the first resilient guide member 42 is complementary to the profile of moveable surface treatment element 12. This ensures that the suction region 38 effectively surrounds the moveable surface treatment element 12 for optimal uptake of waste fluid from the surface to be treated.

[0240] The suction region 38 has a depth 39 which, when the suction region 38 is present increases the overall depth 29 of the surface treatment head 10.

[0241] In exemplary embodiments, the suction region depth 39 is smaller than the moveable surface treatment element depth 33. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the maximum suction region depth 39 is approximately 30% of the maximum moveable surface treatment element depth 33. In alternative embodiments, there is a different ratio between the suction region depth 39 and the moveable surface treatment element depth 33.

[0242] In exemplary embodiments, the suction region depth 39 varies across its width (transverse to the treatment direction 24). For example, the suction region depth 39 is larger in the middle portion of the suction region 38 and smaller towards the first and second ends of the suction region 38. In alternative embodiments, the suction region depth 39 is constant across the width of the suction region 38.

[0243] In some embodiments, the resilient guide member(s) 40 include one or more openings to permit fluid to enter the suction region 38. In alternative embodiments, the resilient guide member(s) 40 include one or more grooves or corrugations configured to form openings to permit fluid to enter the suction region 38 when the surface treatment head is moved in the treatment direction 24. In exemplary embodiments, the opening(s), groove(s) or corrugation(s) are provided by resilient guide member (or portion thereof) proximal the moveable surface treatment element 12 (i.e. the first resilient guide member 42 in the illustrated embodiment).

[0244] The resilient guide member(s) 40 are configured to form a seal around the suction region 38 (e.g. due to compression or flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 due to weight of the surface treatment head 10 being supported on the resilient guide member(s) 40). It will be understood that a greater compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 provides better sealing of the suction region 38. However, compressing/flexing the resilient guide member(s) 40 too much may result in blocking of the opening(s), groove(s) or corrugation(s) of the resilient guide member(s) 40 which would prevent fluid from entering the suction region 38 and being removed from the surface being treated.

[0245] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, supporting wheels 58 are provided to optimise the sealing performance of the resilient guide member(s) 40. In particular, the supporting wheels 58 are designed to limit the compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 to an optimal amount. For example, the supporting wheels 58 are arranged such that with the resilient guide member(s) 40 resting on a surface to be treated without any weight applied to the surface treatment head 10 (i.e. in an uncompressed/un-flexed state of the resilient guide member(s) 40), the supporting wheels 58 will be spaced apart from the surface to be treated. In this way, the weight of the surface treatment head 10 will cause the resilient guide member(s) 40 to compress/flex to the point at which the supporting wheels 58 contact the ground. Once the supporting wheels 58 are in contact with the ground, further compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s) 40 is inhibited, since the supporting wheels 58 support the remaining weight of the surface treatment head 10.

[0246] In alternative embodiments, the supporting wheels 58 are replaced with rollers, ball bearings or supporting legs for limiting the compression/flexing of the resilient guide member(s).

[0247] In alternative embodiments (e.g. the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4), the supporting wheels are removed entirely, and the lower portion of the shroud 15 which holds the resilient guide members 40 prevents over-flexing of the guide members.

[0248] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the surface treatment head 10 is coupled to an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool via a coupling 50. The coupling 50 includes a first rotational axis a1 (e.g. an axis allowing sideways pivoting of the elongate support member 48) and a second rotational axis arranged perpendicular to the first rotational axis a2 (e.g. an axis allowing forwards/backwards pivoting of the elongate support member 48). In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotational axis intersects the second rotational axis.

[0249] An alternative type of coupling 50 for coupling the surface treatment head 10 to the elongate support member 48 is illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9B, as will be described in more detail below.

[0250] These types of coupling 50 allow the elongate support member 48 to move in a plurality directions with respect to the surface treatment head 10 (i.e. by relative rotation about the first and second axes a1, a2), and to translate rotation of the elongate support member 48 about a third axis a3 perpendicular to the first axis a1 to rotation of the surface treatment head 10 about a fourth axis a4 perpendicular to the second axis a2 (i.e. a vertical axis when the surface treatment head 10 is positioned on a horizontal surface). This allows the surface treatment head 10 to be easily manoeuvred by a user via movement or rotation of the elongate support member 48.

[0251] In FIGS. 1 to 3, the third and fourth axes a3, a4 are coaxial since the elongate support member 48 is oriented vertically and the surface treatment head 10 is positioned on a horizontal surface. It will be understood that in other positions of the elongate support member 48 and/or surface treatment head 10, the orientation of axes a3 and a4 will differ so that they are not coaxial. For example, when the elongate support member 48 is tilted away from the vertical position about the second axis a2, the third axis a3 will be angled relative to the fourth axis a4.

[0252] In alternative embodiments, the elongate support member 48 is coupled to the surface treatment head 10 via a resilient coupling such as a spring or rubber cylinder. Such a coupling allows the elongate support member 48 to move in a plurality directions with respect to the surface treatment head 10. This allows the surface treatment head 10 to be easily manoeuvred by a user via pivoting movement or rotation of the elongate support member 48.

[0253] Referring now to FIG. 7, a functional schematic diagram of a surface treatment tool including the surface treatment head 10 of FIG. 1 to 4 or 5 is indicated at 46.

[0254] The surface treatment tool includes a power source 52 for powering the motor 16. In exemplary embodiments, the power source 52 is an electrical energy storage device (e.g. a battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool 46. Having a power source (e.g. battery) provided by or on the surface treatment tool 46 removes the need for a cable to connect the tool to a mains electricity supply. This increases the range of surfaces that can be treated (e.g. those with no close mains electricity supply) and increases manoeuvrability (e.g. by not having to clean around a cable).

[0255] In alternative embodiments, the power source 52 is omitted and the surface treatment tool 46 is powered by a cable connected to a mains electricity supply.

[0256] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment tool 46 also includes a cleaning liquid tank 54 in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid outlet 36 of the surface treatment head 10. The surface treatment tool 46 is configured to introduce cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 54 to a surface to be treated via the cleaning liquid outlet 36. Such a cleaning liquid tank 54 allows the surface treatment tool 46 to be operated without the need for a user to apply cleaning fluid to a surface separately.

[0257] It will be understood that in embodiments where the cleaning liquid outlet 36 is omitted (e.g. dry scrubbing machines, or machines for use with a separately applied source of cleaning fluid) the cleaning liquid tank 54 is also omitted.

[0258] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface treatment tool 46 also includes a waste liquid tank 56 in fluid communication with the suction region 38 of the surface treatment head 10. The surface treatment tool 46 is configured to suck fluid from a surface to be treated to the waste liquid tank 56 via the suction region 38. Such a waste liquid tank 56 allows the surface treatment tool 46 to be operated independently (i.e. without the need to connect to a separate waste liquid tank).

[0259] Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 9B, a coupling in the form of a joint arrangement according to an embodiment is indicated at 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the joint arrangement 60 is shown coupling a surface treatment head 10 (e.g. of similar construction to the coupler head of FIGS. 1 to 4) to a portion of an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool (e.g. of the type shown schematically in FIG. 7). In alternative embodiments, the joint arrangement 60 is used to couple other bodies/members together (e.g. two elongate shafts).

[0260] The joint arrangement 60 includes a first member (e.g. a curved member 62) and a second member (e.g. a receiving member 64 in the form of a socket for receiving the curved member 62).

[0261] In the illustrated embodiment, the curved member 62 is a spherical member 62. In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 is a partially-spherical member (e.g. a hemisphere). In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 is a curved bracket (e.g. a ring-shaped, or partially ring-shaped bracket). In alternative embodiments, the curved member 62 comprises a cylinder or disc.

[0262] In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 64 has a partially spherical inner profile corresponding to an outer profile of the spherical member 62. For example, the inner profile is substantially hemispherical. In alternative embodiments, the receiving member 64 has an inner profile of different shape (e.g. cuboid, or cylindrical). In some embodiments, the receiving member 64 may be defined by side walls but open at a first end (for receiving the curved member 62) and a second end opposite the first end. In other words, the receiving member 64 may be substantially tubular.

[0263] The illustrated arrangement allows easy movement of the spherical member 62 within the receiving member 64, and reduces the size of receiving member 64 necessary to allow movement of the spherical member 62.

[0264] The curved member 62 includes one or more grooves 66 extending around at least a portion of a periphery 68 of the curved member 62. The groove 66 has a curved profile along its length.

[0265] In the illustrated embodiment, a single groove 66 is provided in the periphery 68 of the spherical member 62. In alternative embodiments, two grooves or more are provided. For example, when the curved member 62 is a curved bracket with two ends that are separated from each other, two grooves 66 may be provided, each groove 66 extending from a respective end towards a centre of the bracket.

[0266] The receiving member 64 includes one or more protrusions 70. The joint arrangement 60 is configured so that the one or more protrusions 70 can be located within the one or more grooves 66 and move along the one or more grooves 66 to permit relative rotation of the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 about a first axis a1. For example, FIG. 9B shows the curved member 62 in a first position (solid black lines) and in a second position (greyed-out lines) rotated about the first axis a1 relative to the first position.

[0267] The one or more protrusions 70 define a second axis a2 perpendicular to the first axis a1 and the curved member 62 is configured to rotate about the one or more protrusions 70 for relative rotation of the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 about the second axis a2. For example, FIG. 9A shows the curved member 62 in a first position (solid black lines) and in a second position (greyed-out lines) rotated about the second axis a2 relative to the first position.

[0268] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 9B, the protrusions 70 are arranged transverse to the treatment direction 24, so that the second axis a2 is transverse to the treatment direction 24. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are arranged parallel to the treatment direction 24, so that the second axis a2 is parallel to the treatment direction 24.

[0269] The one or more protrusions 70 and one or more grooves 66 are arranged so that rotation of the curved member 62 about a third axis a3 perpendicular to the first axis a1 is translated to rotation of the receiving member 64 (and thus rotation of the surface treatment head 10) about a fourth axis a4 perpendicular to the second axis a2, and/or vice versa.

[0270] In FIGS. 9A and 9B, in the first position, the third axis is indicated by reference numeral a3, and in the second position, the third axis is indicated by reference numeral a3.

[0271] The joint arrangement 60 as illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9B provides a joint having a small number of components (i.e. it can function with just the receiving member 64 and curved member 62). As such, this offers a simple means for coupling two components.

[0272] The groove 66 defines a groove plane, which is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 coupled to the curved member 62 (i.e. the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 is coaxial with the third axis a3). In alternative embodiments, the groove plane is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate support member 48 between a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (i.e. at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis). Having a groove plane parallel to the longitudinal axis or angled relative to the longitudinal axis between a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis and a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis allows rotation of the elongate support member 48 about its longitudinal axis to be transferred via the groove 66 and protrusions 70 to rotation of the receiving member 64 about the fourth axis a4. In contrast, if the groove plane was provided orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, the elongate support member 48 could rotate freely around its longitudinal axis (i.e. third axis a3, a3) without transferring torque to the receiving member 64.

[0273] In the illustrated embodiment, two protrusions 70 are provided on opposing sides of the receiving member 64. Having two protrusions 70 provided on opposing sides of the socket 64 allows the curved member 62 to be supported on opposing sides of the groove 66 (or supported by two grooves), which increases the stability and responsiveness of the joint arrangement 60. Furthermore, this increases the contact area between the receiving member 64 and the groove 66, which improves transfer of rotation of the curved member 62 about the third axis a3 to rotation of the receiving member 64 about the fourth axis a4 and/or vice versa. In alternative embodiments, only one protrusion 70 is provided.

[0274] In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 70 is integrally formed with the receiving member 64 (e.g. via injection moulding, 3D printing, casting, machining etc.). This reduces the number of components of the joint arrangement 60 over those with separate protrusions 70 and provides for a simple assembly and maintenance of the joint.

[0275] In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are formed as separate components to the receiving member 64 and are provided within the receiving member 64 in use. For example, the protrusions 70 may be defined by ball bearings provided within recesses in the receiving member 64. In such embodiments, the separate protrusions 70 may be permanently attached to the socket (e.g. via adhesive, welding and the like) or may be releasably attached to the socket (e.g. via an interference fit, being held in place by the curved member 62 fitted in the socket 64).

[0276] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 70 are partially spherical formations (e.g. hemispheres). In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are fully spherical (e.g. ball bearings), cylindrical, or partially cylindrical. The protrusions 70 being spherical, partially-spherical, cylindrical or partially cylindrical formations allows the groove 66 of the curved member 62 to pivot easily around the protrusions 70 for rotation about the second axis a2. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 are of any other suitable shape.

[0277] In the illustrated embodiment, each protrusion 70 has a first arc-shaped cross section and the groove 66 has a second arc-shaped cross section corresponding to the first arc-shaped cross section. Having complementary cross sections allows the groove 66 of the curved member 62 to pivot easily around the protrusions 70 for relative rotation about the second axis a2. In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 70 and or groove 66 have a different cross section (e.g. only one of the groove 66 and protrusions 70 may have an arc-shaped cross section).

[0278] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the joint arrangement 60 includes a securing member 78 provided to maintain the curved member 62 and in the receiving member 64, i.e. to prevent or inhibit disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64. Such a securing member 78 helps to maintain a coupling between the curved member 62 and receiving member 64 and facilitates a robust coupling which can resist a larger separation force than other coupling means.

[0279] In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 78 is a ring which is provided over the curved member 62 and which encircles the curved member 62. In alternative embodiments, the securing member 78 is a collar or of a different shape (e.g. a partially ring shaped member which partially encircles the curved member 62 and has two ends spaced apart from each other).

[0280] In alternative embodiments, the securing ring 78 is omitted. In some embodiments, the joint arrangement 60 may include a magnetic connection between the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64 for preventing disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64. A magnetic connection for preventing disengagement of the curved member 62 and the receiving member 64 provides a simple coupling means which may allow a greater range of movement than alternative coupling means, such as those with a securing member 78.

[0281] Referring now to FIG. 10, a joint arrangement according to a further embodiment is indicated at 260. Common features with the joint arrangement 60 of FIGS. 8 to 9B are given the same reference numeral with the prefix 2, and only differences are discussed.

[0282] The joint arrangement 260 is similar to the joint arrangement 60 of FIGS. 8 to 9B, except the protrusions 270 are provided on a second member in the form of a curved member 262, and the groove 266 is provided within a first member in the form of a receiving member 264 (a lower surface of groove 266 is shown as a dotted line on FIG. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving member 264 is a curved bracket and the curved member 262 is a spherical member. The joint arrangement 260 functions similarly to the joint arrangement 60 which is described in detail above.

[0283] It will be understood that a number of alternative joint arrangements incorporating one or more grooves 66, 266 co-operating with one or more protrusions 70, 270 exist. A non-limiting list of alternative options includes: [0284] having a first member 62, 162, 264 with grooves 66, 266 on an interior curved portion (i.e. along an interior arm of a curved bracket, as shown in FIG. 10) or on an exterior curved portion (i.e. along an outer periphery, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 9B); [0285] having a first member 62, 162, 264 with one or more grooves 66, 266 each having a curved profile along its length, where the remainder of the first member 62, 162, 264 is not curved (e.g. is of cuboid shape); [0286] having a second member 64, 164, 262 with protrusions 70, 270 facing away from each other on an external surface (e.g. as shown in FIG. 10) or facing towards each other on an internal surface (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 8); [0287] the second member 64, 164, 262 including the protrusions being curved or having a curved portion (e.g. as shown in FIG. 8) or the second member 64, 164, 262 having a non-curved shape (e.g. a cuboid); [0288] the first member 62, 162 being received within the second member 64, 164 (e.g. as show in FIGS. 8 to 9B) or the second member 262 being received within the first member 264 (e.g. as shown in FIG. 10).

[0289] Although the invention has been described in relation to one or more embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example: [0290] the moveable surface treatment element 12 of the surface treatment head 10 may have any suitable shape (e.g. a non-circular profile in plan view including one or more corners); [0291] the surface treatment head 10 may be attached to a different type of surface treatment tool 46 (e.g. a tool not having an elongate support member 48, such as a ride-on scrubber-dryer machine); [0292] the surface treatment element may comprise any suitable cleaning head of any shape or profile, e.g. a rotating circular brush/pad; [0293] the coupling 50 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be replaced by any of the joint arrangements 60, 160, 260 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 9B, or any other suitable type of coupling; and [0294] the joint arrangement 60 of FIGS. 8 to 9B may be configured so that the receiving member 64 is provided on an elongate support member 48 of a surface treatment tool, and the curved member 62 is provided on a surface treatment head 10 (e.g. as illustrated in FIG. 10).