CLEANING DEVICE

FIELD

The present application relates to the technical field of cleaning devices, and specifically relates to a robotic cleaning device.

BACKGROUND

Currently, common cleaning device with mopping functions, such as mops similar to washing towels, have limited cleaning effectiveness during mopping due to their adsorption of certain amount of water. When dealing with stubborn grease, such as kitchen floors, their cleaning effect is limited. This is especially true in environment with relatively low indoor temperatures, where the cleaning effectiveness is even worse.

SUMMARY

examples of the present application provide a cleaning device that is capable of heating a cleaning member, enhancing the ability of the cleaning device to remove stains.

The cleaning device of this application example comprises:

- A main body;
- A cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism being connected to the main body, wherein the cleaning mechanism comprises:
  - A carrier assembly;
  - A cleaning member, provided on the carrier assembly, the cleaning member for cleaning an area to be cleaned; and
  - A heating member, provided on the carrier assembly for heating the cleaning member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following accompanying drawings of the present invention are used herein for understanding the invention as part of the invention. The accompanying drawings show examples of the invention and descriptions thereof to explain the apparatus and principles of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a cleaning device according to an example of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a cleaning device according to another example of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section view of a cleaning device according to an example of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section view of a cleaning device according to an example of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional view of a cleaning device according to an example of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a planar sectional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional sectional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a partially exploded three-dimensional sectional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a partially exploded view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, a large number of specific details are given in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without one or more of these details. In other examples, some technical features well known in the art are not described in order to avoid confusion with the present invention. In order to thoroughly understand the present invention, a detailed description will be given hereinafter in order to elucidate the cleaning device for enhancing the cleaning ability proposed in the present invention. Obviously, the example of the present invention is not limited to particular details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred examples of the present invention are described in detail below, however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may have other examples.

Cleaning devices such as sweeping and mopping all-in-one sweepers have three different working modes, single sweeping mode, single mopping mode and simultaneous sweeping and mopping mode. They can be adapted to different flooring materials, and have been the most popular household cleaning devices in recent years. Traditional sweeper cleaning devices such as mop or towel like mops, during the process of mopping and due to adsorption of certain amount of water, have limited effectiveness when encountering stubborn oil stains or greases, such as the kitchen floors and other greasy floors. This issue is especially pronounced in environments with low indoor temperatures. Improving the actual mopping effectiveness has been a continuous research focus for cleaning devices in recent years.

At present, the mopping effectiveness of cleaning devices is mainly improved through the following methods: one method is to directly apply a certain amount of pressure to the floor during the rotational or linear movement of the cleaning device to improve the cleaning effect; the second method is to add a certain amount of chemical cleaning solution to the water tank of the cleaning device that sprays water onto the stains during contact, thus improving the cleaning effect; the third method is for the cleaning device to apply a certain amount of vibration to simulate the scrubbing action of the floor cleaning; and the fourth method is to heat the water in the robot's (e.g., the cleaning device's) onboard water tank in order to enhance the cleaning effect through the application of heat.

However, there are defects in all of the above approaches: in the first method, since the weight of the cleaning device of the sweeping machine, for example, is mostly no more than 5 KG, and the force applied to the ground generally cannot exceed a certain proportion of the weight of the entire machine, for example, ⅕ of the weight of the machine, otherwise the position of the machine's cleaning member will be jacked up, impacting the robot's navigation. The chemical cleaning fluid in the second method is a continuous consumable, which increases the cost to the user, and the chemical products affect the environment and human health. In addition, after applying the chemical cleaning solution, the ground is often slippery, and the robot's travelling wheels are prone to skidding, which affects the machine's travelling trajectory. The vibration amplitude of the cleaning members in the third method is very small, which has limited effect on improving the cleaning effect. In the fourth method, the water heating method of the robot's onboard water tank has a low thermal efficiency, which is a substantial waste of electricity for the battery-operated robot. In addition, the above methods do not allow the cleaning members to dry themselves after mopping, preventing them from staying dry.

In order to solve at least one of the foregoing problems, the present invention provides a cleaning device comprising: a main body; a mopping assembly (e.g., a cleaning mechanism), the mopping assembly being connected to the main body, wherein the mopping assembly comprises: a carrier assembly; a cleaning member, disposed on the carrier assembly, the cleaning member being used to clean a target area to be cleaned; and a heating member, disposed on the carrier assembly, being used to heat the cleaning member.

The present application can implement a cleaning method in which the cleaning device heats the cleaning member while moving. By heating the cleaning member, it can absorb the heat on the heating member, allowing the cleaning member to reach a certain temperature. This temperature enhances the ability of the cleaning device to remove stains and improves the overall cleaning effectiveness. Heating the cleaning member can also help dry it out when it contains moisture, preventing the cleaning member from becoming moldy and improving its cleanliness.

In the following, the structure of the cleaning system of the present application is explained and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10, wherein FIG. 1 shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a cleaning device according to one example of the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a partial structural schematic diagram of a cleaning device according to another example of the present invention; FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section view of a cleaning device according to one example of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a partial cross-section view of a cleaning device according to one example of the present invention; FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional view of the cleaning device according to an example of the present invention; FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of an exploded view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a planar sectional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a partial three-dimensional sectional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a partial exploded three-dimensional view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a partial exploded view of the cleaning device shown in FIG. 5.

It is worth mentioning that the cleaning device of the present application may refer to a robot having a cleaning mechanism 200 such as a mop, for example a mopping robot or a sweeping and mopping robot, etc.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning device 10 of the present application includes a main body 10a, the main body 10a having a holding space inside the main body 10a, which is used to hold various components of the cleaning device 10. The shape of the main body 10a may be any shape, for example, the shape of the main body 10a is substantially cylindrical, elliptical-cylindrical, D-shaped, and various other shapes with a height less than a predetermined thickness.

The main body 10a comprises a bottom shell 101 and a top shell, the top shell being disposed on and connected to the bottom shell 101, and the bottom shell 101 and the top shell are combined to form a generally shaped structure of the main body 10a of the cleaning device 10.

The bottom shell 101 and the top shell are connected to form a holding space, and the bottom shell 101 and the top shell may be combined by a fastening connection such as fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts) or by a snap connection, wherein between the bottom shell 101 and the top shell is a holding space, which is used to hold the various meta-components of the cleaning device 10.

The chassis 101 may be integrally molded from a material, such as plastic, that includes a plurality of pre-formed grooves, depressions, or structural components for mounting or integrating various meta-components that house the space on the chassis 101.

In some examples, the top shell may also be integrally molded from a material, such as plastic, and constructed in a shape and size that complements the bottom shell 101 and provides protection for the various components mounted to the bottom shell 101. Optionally, the bottom shell 101 and the top shell may be removably combined by a variety of suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts) and, when combined, the bottom shell 101 and the top shell form a substantially cylindrical main body 10a having a height lower than a predetermined height, with the main body 10a being substantially symmetrical along its front and rear axes or the main body 10a may also be of a symmetrical structure of a suitable shape for him.

In one example, the cleaning device 10 further comprises a steering wheel 104, which is provided below the main body 10a, wherein the steering wheel 104 comprises a rotation axis provided in a vertical direction. The steering wheel 104 is capable of rotating around the rotation axis within a horizontal 360° range.

Exemplarily, a recess (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the base housing 101 to accommodate the steering wheel 104, and at least a portion of the wheel body of the steering wheel 104 projects outwardly from the bottom of the base housing 101 when the steering wheel 104 is attached to the base housing 101.

The steering wheel 104 may, for example, be a universal wheel, or other suitable steering wheel 104 structure. Exemplarily, the steering wheel 104 includes a wheel body and a base. The steering wheel 104 is disposed at one end of a front and rear diameter of the cleaning device 10, such as a floor sweeper. A groove is provided in the bottom of the base housing 101 of the cleaning device 10, the base is mounted in the groove and is rotatable in a horizontal plane parallel to a bottom surface of the base, and the wheel body is mounted on the base and is rotatable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The base has a substantially circular structure and the wheel body is mounted eccentrically on the circular base. For example, the base comprises a sloping surface, the sloping surface being sloped with respect to the bottom surface of the base and adjacent to the wheel body, such that the sloping surface is in front of the wheel body during sweeping to reduce the resistance of the wheel body to movement of the cleaning device 10.

While in the above examples, the cleaning device 10, such as a sweeping robot, has only one steering wheel 104, in other examples, the cleaning device 10 may also have two or more steering wheels 104. For example, the cleaning device 10 may have a first steering wheel and a second steering wheel, the first steering wheel and the second steering wheel being located on the front and rear diameter ends of the sweeping robot and being spaced apart from each other.

In one example, the cleaning device 10 further comprises a drive assembly, detachably connected to the main body 10a, and at least part of the drive assembly is provided within the main body 10a for driving the cleaning device 10 to travel on the surface to be cleaned. Optionally, the drive assembly comprises a drive wheel assembly and a drive unit, the drive wheel assembly being provided at the bottom of the main body 10a and the drive unit being provided in the main body 10a, the drive unit being configured to drive the drive wheel assembly to rotate. Optionally, the drive wheel assembly comprises a first drive wheel assembly 1051 and a second drive wheel assembly 1052, each of the drive wheel assemblies having a respective independently operated driving device (e.g. a motor).

The first drive wheel assembly 1051 and the second drive wheel assembly 1052 are independently mounted in grooves at opposite ends of a transverse diameter of the bottom surface of the base shell 101, the transverse diameter being perpendicular to the front and rear diameters, on which the steering wheels 104 are normally provided. As the two drive wheel assemblies are driven by independent motors, a wider range of steering maneuvers can be provided for the cleaning device 10, for example, sharp turns, gradual turns and turns in place. Mounting the two drive wheel assemblies at opposite ends of the transverse diameter provides greater steering capability for the cleaning device 10.

As an example, the cleaning device 10 further comprises a user interface (not shown), such as various buttons, and a status display unit, etc., which can be disposed on a top shell or a side wall of the cleaning device 10 to receive one or more user commands and/or to display a current status of the cleaning device 10. The user interface can be in communication with a control device such that one or more user commands received by the user interface can cause the cleaning device 10 of, for example, a sweeping robot to perform, for example, a program for sweeping, a program for mopping, and the like.

In one example, the cleaning device 10 of the present application further comprises a communication interface (not shown), the communication interface being an interface that may be any currently known communication protocol, such as a wired interface or a wireless interface, wherein the communication interface may comprise one or more serial ports, USB ports, Ethernet ports, WiFi, wired networks, DVI interfaces, device integrated interconnect modules, or other suitable various ports, interfaces, or connections. The communication interface may also access a wireless network based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, 4G, 6G, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary example, the communication interface receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast channel. In an exemplary example, the communication interface further comprises a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate short-range communication. For example, in the NFC module may be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology, Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

In one example, the cleaning device 10 of the present application further comprises a control component, the control component comprising a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown), the processor being used to receive signals transmitted by other components such as the user terminal and various sensors of the cleaning device 10 and to issue corresponding control commands, and the memory being preset with the control program, parameters and algorithms of the cleaning device 10 for the processor to call to make judgements and decisions, etc. For example, the processor controls the driver to drive the drive wheel assembly (e.g., the first drive wheel assembly 1051 or the second drive wheel assembly 1052) to move, steer, and the like according to the program preset in the memory, and the processor is also used to control the driver to drive the mopping assembly or the sweeping assembly to rotate according to the program preset in the memory.

Optionally, the user terminal, such as a smartphone, is installed with an application program (APP), and the user terminal is communicatively connected to the cleaning device 10 via a communication interface, so that the cleaning device 10 can receive user instructions input by the user via the user terminal, and when the processor of the cleaning device 10 acquires the user instructions, it can control the corresponding components to perform corresponding actions in accordance with the user instructions, such as performing a cleaning action or controlling the heating member 202 to turn on or off or controlling the driving wheel assembly to move forward or steer, etc. in accordance with the user instructions.

In one example, the cleaning device 10 further comprises a cleaning mechanism 200 for sweeping or treating the area to be cleaned, such as a floor surface. The cleaning mechanism 200 may include a sweeping assembly and/or a mopping assembly.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 1, the sweeping assembly may include an assembly comprising a roller brush assembly 103, a dust box structure, a blower structure, an air outlet, and a connecting component between the four. The roller brush assembly 103 having a certain interference with the area to be cleaned sweeps up the rubbish on the area to be cleaned and rolls it to the front of the dust suction opening between the roller brush assembly 103 and the dust box structure, and then is sucked into the dust box structure by the suction gas generated by the blower structure and passing through the dust box structure, and finally the rubbish, dust, and the like are temporarily stored in the dust box structure. The cleaning assembly may also include a side brush 107 having a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft being at an angle with respect to the ground for moving the debris into the roller brush area of the cleaning mechanism 200, and the number of side brushes 107 may be reasonably set according to the actual need, for example, one side brush 107 may be provided at each end of the roller brush assembly 103. The cleaning device 10 also includes a side brush motor for controlling the rotation of the side brushes 107 (not shown).

In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when the cleaning mechanism 200 includes a mopping assembly, the mopping assembly includes a cleaning member, which may be provided at the bottom of the main body 10a of the cleaning device. Optionally, a water tank may be provided in the main body 10a, in which water for mopping may be stored, and the cleaning mechanism 200 may include a water supplying device, which may be used to supply water from the water tank to the cleaning member. Optionally, a plurality of water outlet holes arranged in a flat row may be provided at the bottom of the main body 10a, the cleaning member covering the water outlet holes, and the water supplied by the water supply device may flow into the cleaning member through the water outlet holes, so as to humidify the cleaning member. In the examples of the present application, the case in which the cleaning mechanism 200 includes a mopping assembly is mainly taken as an example.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 2, the mopping assembly may be rotatably coupled to the bottom shell 101 so as to improve the cleaning ability of the area to be cleaned by rotating it during mopping, and the number of mopping assemblies may be one, two, or more. In other examples, as shown in FIG. 1, the mopping assembly may also include a flat plate-type structure provided outside of and attached to the bottom shell.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mopping assembly may comprise a carrier assembly 201 and a cleaning member 203 disposed on the carrier assembly 201, wherein the carrier assembly 201 may comprise a connection portion and a carrier member, the connection portion may be rotatably connected to the bottom shell 101, and the cleaning member 203 may be detachably disposed on the carrier member by, for example, sticking or other suitable means, and facing outwardly of the bottom shell to enable it to be used for cleaning of the area to be cleaned, optionally the cleaning member 203 may comprise a mop.

For example, the carrier assembly 201 is provided with Velcro, and the cleaning member 203 is affixed to the carrier member by means of the Velcro. Alternatively, the cleaning member 203 is elastic itself so that it can be snapped onto the carrier assembly 201, or the cleaning member 203 is provided with a resilient connecting member (not shown), and is snapped onto the carrier assembly 201 by the resilient connecting member, for example, on the carrier member.

The shape of the carrier member may be circular, fan-shaped, square, or any other suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the cleaning mechanism 200 mopping assembly is rotatably connected to the bottom housing 101 of the cleaning device, the carrier member may be circular, then the cleaning member may correspond to a circular shape. Optionally, the material of the carrier assembly 201 may be any suitable material such as a plastic material. In one example, the connection portion comprises a shaft plug, and the carrier assembly is rotatably connected to the main body 10a via the shaft plug. Optionally, the connection portion, such as the shaft plug, may also be pluggably connected to the main body 10a. In one example, when the cleaning mechanism 200 mopping assembly is rotatably connected to the bottom housing 101 of the cleaning device, a driving device may be provided within the main body 10a of the cleaning device for driving the cleaning mechanism 200 to rotate the mopping assembly. mopping assembly to rotate, such as a motor or the like, to enable the cleaning mechanism 200 mopping assembly to rotate.

In some examples, referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, in some examples, the cleaning device 10 may also include a rotating mechanism 100, the rotating mechanism 100 is connected to the main body 10a by a transmission. Optionally, the foregoing connecting portion may constitute a part or all of the rotating mechanism 100. Specifically, the rotating mechanism 100 includes a rotating shaft 110, a gear 120, and an elastomer 130, the rotating shaft 110 may be a hollow structure so that the rotating shaft 110 has an accommodating cavity 111. The elastomer 130 is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft 110 and housed in the housing cavity 111, the gear 120 is socketed on the rotating shaft 110, and the gear 120 and the rotating shaft 110 may rotate synchronously, so that when the gear 120 is actuated under the action of an external force, the gear 120 will drive both of the rotating shaft 110 to rotate around the center axis of the rotating shaft 110 at the same time, and the gear 120 will be driven to rotate the rotating shaft 110, the central axis of the rotary shaft 110 to produce rotation.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, in some examples, the cleaning mechanism 200 of the mopping assembly includes a carrier assembly 201, a heating member 202, and a cleaning member 203, the carrier assembly 201 being connected to the rotating shaft 110, the heating member 202 being provided on the carrier assembly 201, and the cleaning member 203 being connected to the heating member 202. The carrying assembly 201 includes an adapter 210, a carrier member 220 and an elastic member 230, the adapter 210 is connected to the rotation mechanism 100. The carrier member 220 is movably connected to the adapter 210, and the elastic member 230 is pressed against between the carrier member 220 and the adapter 210. Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the adapter 210 comprises an abutment unit 211, an insertion unit 212, and a tab 213. The abutment unit 211 comprises a base plate 2110, a projecting post 211a, a stop member 211b, and a sleeve 211c, the base plate 2110 and the tab 213 extend in the horizontal direction, and the insertion unit 212, the projecting post 211a, and the sleeve 211c extend in the vertical direction. The base plate 2110 has a resisting surface 2112 and a limiting surface 2111 facing the cleaning member 203, the resisting surface 2112 and the limiting surface 2111 being two surfaces in the thickness direction of the base plate 2110. The resisting surface 2112 and the limiting surface 2111 are both orientated in opposite directions, with the resisting surface 2112 being provided in an upward direction and the limiting surface 2111 in a downward direction. The insertion unit 212 is connected to the resisting surface 2112 and projects upwardly for a certain length with respect to the resisting surface 2112, and the insertion unit 212 is housed in the accommodation cavity 111. The insertion unit 212 comprises a side peripheral surface 212a, which is an annular surface, and the side peripheral surface 212a cooperates with the accommodation cavity 111. The side peripheral surface 212a is provided with a restriction groove 212b, which may be formed by recessing a set depth along an axial direction perpendicular to the insertion unit 212. The elastomer 130 cooperates with this circumferential groove 221 such that the elastomer 130 forms a snap connection relationship with the insertion unit 212. When a downward force is applied to the adapter 210, the elastomer 130 can be made to disengage from the mating with the limit groove 212b, thereby unloading the adapter 210 from the spool 110. When an upward force is applied to the adapter 210, the insertion unit 212 can be inserted in the accommodation cavity 111, and the elastomer 130 can be set to cooperate with the limit slot 212b, and the elastomer 130 can play a clamping and lifting role for the entire adapter 210 to prevent the insertion unit 212 from detaching from the accommodation cavity 111 under the action of gravity, so as to ensure that the adapter 210 is stably and reliably secured to the rotor shaft 110. 110. In view of the fact that the elastomer 130 and the insertion unit 212 form a snap connection relationship, it is possible to make the carrier assembly 201 and the entire cleaning mechanism 200, such as the mopping assembly, realize a detachable connection relationship.

The tab 213 is provided on the side peripheral surface 212a, where the tab 213 protrudes for a certain length in the axial direction perpendicular to the insertion unit 212 with respect to the side peripheral surface 212a, and the rotary shaft 110 is provided with a card slot 112, which is connected to the holding chamber 111. When the insertion unit 212 is housed in the holding chamber 111, the tab 213 cooperates with the card slot 112, and the lower end of the rotary shaft 110 is abutted with the abutting surface 2112. Therefore, the contact surface 2112 can play a good role in limiting the installation of the adapter 210. Through the cooperation between the tab 213 and the slot 112, it is possible to make the rotor shaft 110 exert torque on the entire adapter 210 through the tab 213, ensuring synchronous rotation of the rotor shaft 110 and the adapter 210.

The cam 211a is connected to the limiting surface 2111, and the cam 211a extends from the limiting surface 2111 toward the cleaning member 203. For example, the cam 211a protrudes downwardly for a certain length relative to the limiting surface 2111, and the sleeve 211c is provided around the cam 211a, so that a sliding cavity 211e is formed between the sleeve 211c and the cam 211a. The load carrying member 220 comprises a sliding portion 222, and a sliding hole 222a and a mating slot 222b are provided on the sliding portion 222, and around the sliding hole 222a. The sliding part 222 includes a sliding part 222, the sliding part 222 is provided with a sliding hole 222a and a fitting groove 222b, and the fitting groove 222b is provided around the sliding hole 222a. The sliding portion 222 is slidingly fitted with the sliding cavity 211e, and the cam 211a is movably fitted with the sliding hole 222a. It can also be understood that the sliding portion 222 is socketed on the cam 211a, and the sleeve 211c is socketed on the sliding portion 222. The cross-section of the cam 211a may be polygonal, while the sliding hole 222a may be a polygonal hole, so that the cam 211a can only slide in the sliding hole 222a, preventing the cam 211a from rotating in the sliding hole 222a, and ensuring that the cam 211a drives the sliding portion 222 to synchronously rotate, that is, the entire load-bearing member 220 rotates synchronously following the adapter 210. The elastic member 230 is disposed between the sleeve 211c and the cam 211a, specifically, a portion of the elastic member 230 may be housed in the mating groove 222b, and the mating groove 222b may serve as a limiting function for the elastic member 230, so that the elastic member 230 presses against the limiting surface 2111 between the sliding portion 222 and the base plate 2110. The sliding portion 222 may be provided with a sealing ring, and the sealing ring is pressed against the sliding portion 222 and the sleeve 211c, and the sealing ring may play a sealing function for the sliding cavity 211e, preventing the intrusion of external dust and liquid droplets into the sliding cavity 211e.

A mounting hole 211d may be provided in the cam 211a, and the stop member 211b may be a bolt, which is threaded into the sliding portion 222 and fits into this mounting hole 211d. Under the action of the elastic member 230, the sliding portion 222 will be pressed against the nut of the bolt. Therefore, in the sliding process of the sliding part 222 in the sliding cavity 211e, when the sliding part 222 resists the limiting surface 2111, the limiting surface 2111 defines the limit position of the upward sliding of the sliding part 222. When the sliding part 222 resists the nut of the bolt, the nut of the bolt defines the limit position of the downward sliding of the sliding part 222, so that the stop member 211b and the base plate 2110 play a limiting role in the upward and downward sliding of the sliding part 222. 222 sliding upward and downward. Given that the sliding part 222 slides with the sliding cavity 211e, the cam 211a slides with the sliding hole 222a, and the stop member 211b passes through the sliding hole 222a and connects with the cam 211a, the sliding connection relationship between the carrier member 220 and the adapter 210 can be ultimately realized.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the mopping assembly of the present application further comprises a heating member 202, which is provided on the carrying assembly 201 for heating the cleaning member 203. The heating member 202 can be used to heat the cleaning member to achieve a cleaning method in which the robot travels while heating the cleaning member, which enhances the ability of the cleaning device to clean the stains and improves the cleaning effect on the stains by heating the cleaning member, and can also be used to achieve drying of the cleaning member that contains moisture by heating the cleaning member to prevent the cleaning member from becoming moldy and to improve its cleanliness.

Optionally, the cleaning member 203 is provided on the side of the carrier member of the carrier assembly 201 facing the area to be cleaned, and the heating member 202 is embedded in a holding slot in the carrier member. The opening of the holding slot may for example be directed towards the cleaning member or may also be back from the cleaning member. The shape and size of the holding slot matches the shape and size of the heating member 202 such that the holding slot is able to accommodate the heating member 202. Optionally, the area of the heating member 202 is less than or equal to the area of the carrier member of the carrier assembly 201 such that it may be possible to enable the heating member 202 to be disposed entire on the carrier assembly 201. In another example, the area of the heating member 202 is less than or equal to the cleaning member to avoid the heating member extending outside of the cleaning member, while still ensuring that the heating function for the cleaning member is achieved.

In one example, the carrier member of the carrier assembly 201 is provided with a cleaning member fixing zone on the side of the carrier member towards the area to be cleaned for detachably connecting the cleaning member to the carrier assembly. Optionally, the cleaning member fixing zone is provided on the outer side of the heating member 202 or may be provided in other suitable locations, such as on a heat-conducting plate. Optionally, the cleaning member fixing area may be provided with Velcro, and the cleaning member may be bonded to the Velcro so as to be fixed to the carrier assembly 201.

The heating member 202 may be bent into a multi-turn form to be provided on the carrier assembly 201 to increase the heating area, or it may comprise an annular structure, and the annulus may be circular, square, or any other suitable shape. The heating member 202 comprises a heating sheet or a heating wire. Among other things, the heating member 202 may be a sheet-shaped heating pad or a heating wire coiled into a ring. The heating piece may be in the form of a thin sheet in the form of a ring or the heating wire may be fixed to the slotted bracket in the form of a disc in the form of a ring. Optionally, the shape of the heating member may also be substantially the same as the shape of the cleaning member, and/or, the shape of the heating member may also be substantially the same as the shape of the carrying assembly, for example, the same as the shape of the carrier member of the carrying assembly.

In some specific examples, referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 7, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9, the carrier assembly 201 further includes a heat-conducting plate 202b, and a groove 221 is formed in a depression on a surface of the carrier member 220 backwardly facing the adapter 210. The heating member 202 is an annular structure, and the heating member 202 may be a resistance wire, so that when the heating member 202 is energized, the heating member 202 may convert electrical energy into thermal energy. The carrier member 220 and the heating member 202 are connected to form the groove 221. The heating member 202 is disposed in the groove 221, so that the groove 221 plays a limiting role in the installation of the heating member 202. The heat-conducting plate 202b is provided on a surface of the carrier member 220 that is backward to the adapter 210, and the heat-conducting plate 202b may be bolted to the carrier member 220. When the heat-conducting plate 202b is fixed to the carrier member 220, the heat-conducting plate 202b seals the groove 221, while the heat-conducting plate 202b presses against the heating member 202 so that the heating member 202 presses against the heat-conducting plate 202b and the carrier member 220. The heat generated by the heating member 202 will be transferred to the heat-conducting plate 202b. In other examples, the heating member 202 may be a diaphragm-like heating film, etc.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cleaning device of the present application further comprises a battery (not shown), provided in the main body 10a, which is used to supply power to the heating member 202, and which may also be used to provide electrical power required for the cleaning work of the cleaning device, such as to provide power to the individual motors and the like during the cleaning work. Alternatively, the battery may be selectively provided, or the cleaning device may not have a battery, and the main body 10a is provided with a plug or the like for connecting to the utility power, so that the cleaning robot may be powered directly through the utility power.

Optionally, the battery may be a rechargeable battery such as a lithium battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery or other section rechargeable battery, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. A charging contact 106 may also be provided on the main body 10a of the cleaning device, when the charging contact 106 is connected to the mains via the power cable or via a connector on the base station used in conjunction with the cleaning device to charge the battery.

Optionally, the heating member 202 is electrically coupled to the battery by a wired or wireless method or connection, for example, the wired method is that the battery is connected to the heating member 202 through a control circuit (not shown). The control circuit may include a switching circuit or various other devices such as capacitors or resistors, the switching circuit may include a switching tube or the like, and the switching circuit may be controlled by the processor to control the on and off of the switching circuit so as to realize control over the opening and closing of the heating member 202, avoiding continuous heating of the heating member 202 and continuous warming of the cleaning member, which may cause danger, and allowing control of turning off the heating member 202 when heating is not required, saving battery power. Optionally, the control circuit may be a circuit on the control main body provided within the main body 10a.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 3, the two positive and negative electrodes of the heating member 202 are each electrically coupled to a poppet contact 1091 via a connecting wire 109, through which the poppet contact 1091 can be connected to a control circuit, which is connected to a battery. Optionally, the shrapnel contact 1091 may be partially disposed within a connection portion (e.g., a shaft plug) of the carrier assembly 201, wherein the axial direction of the connection portion may have a cavity, and the two electrodes of the heating member 202 may each be disposed within the cavity of the connection portion, and the connecting wires 109 may be disposed within the cavity as well.

In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the first conductive assembly 300 may also be electrically coupled to a battery, for example, the first conductive assembly 300 is electrically coupled to a control circuit, which is electrically coupled to the battery through the control circuit. The first conductive assembly 300 is electrically coupled to a second conductive assembly 400, and the heater member 202 is electrically coupled to the second conductive assembly 400, thereby enabling a wired connection of the battery and the heater member 202 electrically coupled to power the heating member 202.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the wireless mode, the battery is connected to the heating member 202 by an inductor, for example, the heating member 202 comprises a wireless power transmission module 1081 and a wireless power reception module 1082 provided opposite to the wireless power transmission module 1081. Optionally, the wireless power transmission module 1081 may comprise a transmitting coil, the wireless power reception module 1082 may include a receiving coil, the wireless power transfer transmitting module 1081 may be electrically coupled to a battery for example through a control circuit, the wireless power transfer transmitting module 1081 is used to convert electrical energy into electromagnetic waves, and the wireless power transfer receiving module 1082 is used to convert the electromagnetic waves into electrical energy to energize the heating member 202 and heat it up, so as to realize the function of wirelessly generating heat and simplify the structural complexity between the heating member 202 and the main body 10a in terms of structural complexity between the heating member 202 and the main body 10a. Optionally, the receiving coil and the heat generating component of the heating member 202 may be the same component, or the receiving coil and the heat generating component of the heating member 202 may be two separate but electrically coupled components.

The cleaning device 10 also includes a plurality of sensors for sensing the surrounding environment, such as a sensing module located above the main body 10a, a buffer located in a forward-facing portion of the main body 10a, a cliff sensor and an ultrasonic sensor (not shown in the figure), an infrared sensor (not shown in the figure), a drop sensor (not shown), a magnetometer (not shown in the figure), an accelerometer (not shown in the figure), a gyroscope (not shown), a fan speed sensor (not shown), an odometer (not shown), a distance sensor, a visual sensor such as a camera, and other sensing devices, and a dust sensor crash sensor (not shown), a fan speed sensor (not shown), an odometer (not shown), a distance sensor, a visual sensor such as a camera, etc., a dust sensor a collision sensor, etc. The sensor of the cleaning device of the present application is used to at least sense the environment around the cleaning device in order to provide the control system with various positional information and motion state information, etc. of the cleaning device. The sensors may be used, for example, to test the distance of the cleaning device from an obstacle, whether it is under pressure, whether a collision occurs, to identify an object, a room, or a floor feature, etc. In particular, the vision sensor may assist in determining whether a room is a kitchen or a living room, automatically marking a key cleaning area, or even, as the sensors are developed, determining the degree of staining of a chassis, and the dust sensor may determine directly the dust condition of the floor so as to focus on an area for the cleaning.

Further, the processor may also be used to obtain the sensing information output by the sensor and build a map of the cleaning area in the environmental map based on the sensing information. The processor may also be used to: obtain a marking instruction for the first predetermined cleaning area output by the user via an APP of the user terminal, and mark it accordingly on the map based on the marking instruction, or, the processor may also be used to obtain the sensing information output by the sensor and automatically mark the map of the cleaning area based on the sensing information (e.g., characteristics of a room or a floor obtained by the sensor) for the first predetermined cleaning area. The first predetermined cleaning area may be any priority cleaning area that requires the heating member 202 to be switched on to clean in a heating mode, for example, if the kitchen is usually heavy with grease and dirt, and is suitable for switching on the heating member 202, then the first predetermined cleaning area may be the kitchen, the floor with stains, the non-carpeted area, or any other location or room that needs to be cleaned. The sensors, in particular, the vision sensors, may assist in determining whether the room is a kitchen or a living room. Sensors, particularly visual sensors, can assist in determining whether the room is a kitchen or a living room, automatically marking the priority cleaning area, or even, as the sensors evolve, determining the degree of staining of the chassis, and dust sensors can directly determine the dusty condition of the floor, thereby focusing on an area of cleaning.

Processors can construct maps using any suitable method such as topological maps, geometric information, or raster representations. A topological map is a compact representation that represents the environment as a map in a topological sense when the environment is large and simple. However, the resolution of a topological map is determined by the complexity of the environment, and when there are two very similar places in the environment, it is difficult for the topological map to determine if this is the same node.

Geometric information representation is to abstract the sensor information extracted by the robot into geometric representations, such as straight lines and curves. This representation is graphical, compact and convenient for position estimation and target recognition, but it may need sensor acquisition information, additional algorithmic processing, and a certain amount of sensory data to obtain results.

Rasterization is the process of dividing the entire environment into a number of equally sized rasters, for each of which the presence or absence of obstacles is indicated. Raster maps are easy to create and maintain, and the information known to the cleaning device about each raster corresponds directly to a certain area of the environment, and the information for creating the map can be obtained using inexpensive sensors such as ultrasonic or infrared and added to the map, with the help of which self-localization and path planning can be easily carried out.

In the case of a map using rasterization, for example, when the map with rasterization is established, a clearing area in the map is determined. The sweeping region does not include a region in which obstacles are located in the map. The sweeping region may be a complete sweepable region, or may be a part of the sweepable region, and is not limited herein. According to this cleaning area, the user can mark the key cleaning area specifically on the APP configured for the cleaning device, or the key cleaning area can be determined automatically based on the room or floor characteristics obtained by the sensors. In particular, the visual sensor can assist in determining whether the room is a kitchen or a living room, automatically marking the key cleaning area, or even, as the sensors are developed, determining the degree of staining of the chassis, and the dust sensor can directly determine the dust condition of the floor, thus focusing on the area of cleaning.

When the cleaning device enters the priority cleaning area (i.e., the first predetermined cleaning area), the processor is configured to: receive the sensing information outputted by the sensor to control the heating member 202 to activate when it is determined based on the sensing information that the cleaning device enters the first predetermined cleaning area, so as to automatically turn on the heating piece of the mopping assembly, and to improve the cleaning effect of the stains, such as the grease and other stains, by heating the cleaning member. The processor is further configured for: receiving the sensing information output from the sensor to control the heating member 202 to turn off when it is determined based on the sensing information that the cleaning device has left the first predetermined cleaning area, so as to conserve the power of the battery to enable the battery to support the cleaning device to work for a longer period of time.

The processor can perform feature recognition on the sensed information of the current location, such as images or videos provided by a vision sensor, and match these features with the characteristics of the first predetermined cleaning area. Based on whether the features match, the processor may determine whether the current location of the cleaning device is within the first predetermined cleaning area If they match, the cleaning device enters the area; if not, it does not enter the area. Alternatively, it may determine whether the current location of the cleaning device is the first predetermined cleaning area by matching the location information of the sensing information with the location information of the first predetermined cleaning area marked with a marker. If they match, the cleaning device enters the area; if not, it does not enter the area. Alternatively, it is also possible to obtain whether the cleaning device enters the first predetermined cleaning area by other mechanisms, such as by geomagnetic sensing, or the like.

In one example, the processor may also be used to: control the heating member 202 to turn off or on when it determines that the cleaning device enters or leaves the second predetermined cleaning area. The second predetermined cleaning area may be any area that does not require the heating member 202 to be turned on, such as a carpeted area, and the processor automatically controls the turning off of the heating member 202 when the cleaning device enters the carpeted area, which saves electrical energy. The processor may determine that the cleaning device enters or leaves the second predetermined cleaning area based on sensing information from the sensors, and the processor may also control the lifting structure of the mopping assembly of the cleaning mechanism 200 to elevate the mopping assembly of the cleaning mechanism 200 so that it does not come into contact with the carpet when it determines that the cleaning device enters the second predetermined cleaning area, and it may also automatically turn off the heating member 202 when the mopping assembly of the cleaning mechanism 200 is elevated 202.

In one example, the cleaning device comprises a communication interface and a processor, the communication interface for communicatively connecting the cleaning device and the user terminal, and the processor for: receiving a control instruction to turn on or turn off the heating member 202 output from the user terminal to control the on or the off states of the heating member 202 according to the control instruction.

In another example, the main body 10a is provided with a key for switching the heating member 202 on or off, and the heating member 202 is switched on or off by the key, for example by a control signal output to a control circuit connecting the heating member 202 and the battery, or also for example by the key corresponding to a switching circuit, which is configured to conduct or cut off so as to switch on or off the heating member 202.

In some examples, referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the cleaning device 10 further includes a first conductive assembly 300, a second conductive assembly 400, and a temperature control board 500, the first conductive assembly 300 being threaded into the rotation mechanism 100 and electrically coupled to the second conductive assembly 400, the second conductive assembly 400 being fixed within the rotation mechanism 100, the temperature control board 500 being set on the carrying assembly 201 and electrically coupled to the second conductive assembly 400. For example, the temperature control board 500 may be a circuit board, the temperature control board 500 is disposed in the heat-conducting plate 202b, and the temperature control board 500 may perform real-time monitoring of the temperature on the heating member 202 and the heat-conducting plate 202b.

Specifically, the first electrically conductive assembly 300 is disposed in the shaft 110 and is electrically coupled to the main body, the second electrically conductive assembly 400 includes an upper seat 410, a lower seat 420, a thimble 430, and a conductive column 440, and both the upper seat 410 and the lower seat 420 are fixedly connected to the shaft 110 and are disposed in the holding cavity 111. The upper seat 410 and the lower seat 420 are stacked, the upper seat 410 is disposed above the lower seat 420, the thimble 430 is disposed in the upper seat 410, the lower seat 420 includes a base 421 and a contact body 422, the base 421 is fixedly connected to the rotary axis 110, the base 421 is disposed with a contact body 422 on a surface facing the upper seat 410, the contact body 422 may be a ring-like structure. An end of the thimble 430 away from the lower seat 420 is an upper end, and the upper end of the thimble 430 is electrically coupled to the first electrically conductive assembly 300; an end of the thimble 430 near the lower seat 420 is a lower end, and the lower end of the thimble 430 is electrically coupled to the contact body 422. The electrically conductive column 440 is threaded on the base body 421, the end of the electrically conductive column 440 proximate to the upper seat 410 is a top end, and the top end of the electrically conductive column 440 is electrically coupled to the contact body 422; the bottom end of the electrically conductive column 440 is away from the end of the upper seat 410, and the lower end of the electrically conductive column 440 is electrically coupled with the temperature control board 500. Therefore, through the joint action of the conductive column 440, the contact body 422, and the thimble 430, thereby realizing the electrically coupled relationship between the temperature control plate 500 and the first conductive assembly 300, given that the first conductive assembly 300 is connected to the main body, the electrically coupled relationship between the temperature control plate 500 and the main body can be ultimately realized, which can enable the temperature control plate 500 to feed the temperature information back to the main body.

The first electrically conductive component 300 includes an outer sleeve 310, an inner sleeve 320, and a wire 330, the outer sleeve 310 is fixed in the rotary axis 110, the inner sleeve 320 is rotationally located within the outer sleeve 310, and the wire 330 is located in the inner sleeve 320 and maintains an elastic resistance relationship with the thimble 430 of the second electrically conductive component 400, thereby realizing an electrical connection relationship between the wire 330 and the thimble 430. The first electrically conductive assembly 300 and the second electrically conductive assembly 400 are ultimately electrically coupled to each other. During operation, the second conductive assembly 400 follows the rotary axis 110 to generate synchronous rotation, while the inner sleeve 320 and the wire 330 will not follow the rotation of the rotary axis 110, improving the stability and reliability of the electrical connection between the wire 330 and the thimble 430.

Accordingly, when the temperature control board 500 monitors that the temperature of the heat generating wire and the heat conducting plate 202b is too high, the temperature control board 500 feeds that too-high temperature information to the main body, thereby causing the current loaded on the heating member 202 to be reasonably lowered. When the temperature control board 500 monitors that the temperatures of the heating wire and the heat-conducting plate 202b are too low, the temperature control board 500 feeds the information of the too-low temperature to the main body, thereby causing the current loaded on the heating member 202 to be reasonably increased. Therefore, by setting the temperature control board 500, the temperature of the heating member 202 and the heat-conducting plate 202b can be reasonably adjusted, and thus the temperature of the cleaning member 203 can be reasonably adjusted.

The cleaning member 203 may be made of a cloth product material, and the cleaning member 203 is fixed to the heat-conducting plate 202b, e.g., the cleaning member 203 may be attached to the heat-conducting plate 202b by means of Velcro, such that the heat generated by the heating member 202 is conducted to the cleaning member 203 through the heat-conducting plate 202b.

In some specific examples, the temperature control board 500 may include a temperature sensor for detecting the current temperature of the cleaning member; the main body may include a processor, and the main body may also include various control circuits, etc., and the processor is also used for: receiving the current temperature, and when the current temperature reaches a preset temperature, controlling the heating power of the heating member 202 so that the temperature difference between the current temperature and the preset temperature is less than a preset threshold temperature, which may be any temperature set by the user. For example, the heating member 202 may be kept at the preset temperature when rapidly heated by the heating component 202, but usually the preset temperature fluctuates, and thus it may fluctuate within the permissible range, wherein the preset threshold temperature may be an arbitrarily suitable value, for example, it may be 0, 0.1° F., 0.2° F., 0.3° F., 0.5° C., 0.8° C., 1° C., 2° C., and the like.

It is worth mentioning that the processor can also be used to control the heating power of the heating member 202 according to the difference between the current temperature and the preset temperature. For example, the smaller the difference, the smaller the power, or when the current temperature is higher than the preset temperature, then it can be controlled to turn off the heating member 202, e.g., the heating power is 0. When the current temperature is lower than the preset temperature and the difference is in the range of the first preset threshold, then it is possible to control the heating member 202 to heat with the first heating power, heating power, and when the current temperature is lower than the preset temperature and differs from the second preset threshold range, the heating member 202 is controlled to be heated with the second heating power, wherein a value of the first preset threshold range is greater than the second preset threshold range, then the first heating power is greater than the second heating power.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, the working principle of the cleaning device 10 is described as following:

When the gear 120 drives the rotary shaft 110 to generate rotation, the rotary shaft 110 drives the adapter 210 to rotate through the tab 213, thereby causing the entire cleaning mechanism 200 to follow the rotary shaft 110 to generate rotation, and when the cleaning member 203 comes into contact with the ground, the cleaning member 203 will generate movement with respect to the ground, thereby causing the cleaning member 203 to perform removal of the stains on the ground. In view of the fact that the cleaning member 203 can absorb heat from the heat-conducting plate 202b, the cleaning member 203 has a certain temperature, and under the effect of the temperature, the cleaning member 203 is made to remove the stains more easily, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning device 10. Through the setting of the temperature control plate 500, the temperature of the heating member 202, the heat-conducting plate 202b, and the cleaning member 203 can be reasonably adjusted, so as to clean for different stains, and to maintain that the cleaning device 10 has a good cleaning effect for different stains. At the same time, the carrier member 220 is slidingly connected to the adapter 210, so that the cleaning member 203 can follow the carrier member 220 to slide up and down relative to the adapter 210, e.g., the cleaning member 203 is able to float in a small range within the stroke defined between the limiting surface 2111 and the stop member 211b, and under the pushing action of the elastic member 230, the cleaning member 203 is able to apply to the shape of the ground and to maintain a snug fit with it, so that the cleaning member 203 does not fail to come into contact with the stains and cleaning device 10 would have a good cleaning effect on different stains. In view of the fact that the elastomer 130 forms a snap connection relationship with the insertion unit 212, it is possible to make the carrier assembly 201 and the entire cleaning mechanism 200 achieve a removable connection relationship, so that the carrier member 220 is able to be unloaded from the rotating shaft 110, so as to allow the cleaning member 203 to be replaced or maintained.

It should be understood that the cleaning devices described in the examples of the present invention are exemplary and not limiting, and that the cleaning devices may also have other components and structures as desired.

The cleaning device provided by the present invention cleans the floor by rotation of the cleaning member can be used alone or in combination with other cleaning mechanisms.

In summary, the cleaning device described in the present application allows for heating the cleaning member in areas with heavy stains, such as the kitchen, specific rooms, or user designated focus areas or target areas. The heating member can be automatically or manually activated by the user to heat the cleaning member, which is rapidly heated and maintained at a preset temperature, enhancing the robot's stain-removal ability and improves cleaning effectiveness as it moves. Once the cleaning device leaves the first predetermined cleaning area (i.e., a focus cleaning area or a target cleaning area), the heating member can be automatically or manually switched off by the user to stop heating the cleaning member; or when the cleaning device enters the carpet area, the heating member can be automatically switched off to stop heating the cleaning member, in order to save electrical energy.

Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Terms used herein are intended to describe specific examples only and are not intended to limit the invention. Terms such as “setup” as they appear herein may indicate either a direct attachment of one component to another or an attachment of one component to another via an intermediate member. Features described herein in one example may be applied to another example, either alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is not applicable in that other example or is otherwise described.

The present invention has been illustrated by the foregoing examples, but it should be understood that the foregoing examples are used for purposes of example and illustration only, and are not intended to limit the present invention to the scope of the described examples. In addition, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and that more variations and modifications may be made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of the claimed protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Number	Date	Country	Kind
202220077557.5	Jan 2022	CN	national
202220840785.3	Apr 2022	CN	national

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/CN2023/071879	Jan 2023	WO
Child	18769664		US

CLEANING DEVICE

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