RU2788502C1 - Self-propelled cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: cleaning devices.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to self-propelled cleaning devices. The self-propelled cleaning device contains a base; a mobile module adjacent to the base and made with the possibility of contact with the surface when the self-propelled cleaning device moves along the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector located above the base and connected to a vacuum module, wherein the dust collector contains the first hole and the second hole, where the area of the first hole is larger than the area of the second hole, and the first hole is directed in the first direction other than the second direction in which the second hole is directed; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole where the first suction port does not contain bristles or brush blades; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, with the first suction port located between the front side of the base and the second suction port, where the second suction port is adjacent to the first suction port; a set of first locking sheets located between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet and protruding outward from the base for contact with the surface when the self-propelled cleaning device moves over the surface where the first locking sheets are separated; a brush-roller device located on the base and in the second suction port; and an air duct, in this case, the first suction port is connected to the dust collector through an air duct to connect the first suction inlet to the first hole.

EFFECT: expansion of the range of cleaning devices.

20 cl, 15 dwg

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202110830193.3, filed July 22, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a cleaning device, and in particular to a self-propelled cleaning device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Currently known cleaning robots can operate using a vacuum device or using the physical properties of a brush roller to sweep up debris and suck it into a dust collector. However, when oblong debris such as human hair, pet hair, filament or the like is encountered in the above-mentioned cleaning method, such debris may be tightly wrapped around the bristles of the brush roller, thereby clogging the suction port. Therefore, the ability of the cleaning robot to perform cleaning may be weakened, resulting in the cleaning robot being unable to effectively clean the surface. Additional effort must be made to remove hair or threads wound on the brush roller, and the technical possibility of automatic cleaning with it may be significantly reduced. As a result, it is necessary to develop a new design for cleaning robots in order to overcome the aforementioned shortcomings.

[0004] Document No. TWI481377B discloses a cleaning robot that has a first suction inlet and a second suction inlet on its underside. The brush-roller assembly is built into the second suction inlet. The first suction inlet and the second suction inlet are located on opposite sides of the accommodating portions.

[0005] The main problem in the invention disclosed in document No. TWI481377B is that the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet are on opposite sides of the accommodating areas and are located far from each other. As a result, the cleaning efficiency of the robot cleaner for oblong debris such as thread or hair is poor because most of the oblong debris will be sucked into the second suction inlet and become entangled in the brush roller assembly inside the second suction inlet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In embodiments of the present invention, a self-propelled cleaning device is provided, comprising: a base; a mobile unit adjacent to the base and configured to contact the surface as the self-propelled cleaning device travels over the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector disposed above the base and connected to the vacuum module, the dust collector comprising a first opening and a second opening; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, and the first suction port is located between the front side of the base and the second suction port; a device in the form of a brush-roller, located on the base and inside the second suction port; and an air duct, wherein the first suction port is connected to the dust collector through the air duct to thereby connect the first suction inlet to the first opening.

[0007] In some embodiments, the duct includes an air damper configured to open or close the duct to allow or block airflow from entering the first opening.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air duct extends in accordance with the shape of the side wall of the second suction port of the base from the first suction port to a location above the brush-roll device, thereby connecting the air duct to the dust collector.

[0009] In some embodiments, the area of the first hole is larger than the area of the second hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first opening is located above the brush-roller and above the second opening. The dust collector comprises a bottom surface and a second opening higher than the bottom surface by a first distance. The second suction port is adjacent to the first suction inlet, wherein the distance between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet is equal to or less than about 30 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, the robotic cleaner further comprises a plurality of first blocking sheets positioned between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet and protruding outward from the base to contact the surface when the robotic cleaner is moved over the surface.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of first blocking sheets include a first subgroup and a second subgroup, and two adjacent first blocking sheets in the first subgroup or second subgroup are separated by a first distance.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first distance is less than the distance between the first subgroup and the second subgroup; and the first subgroup and the second subgroup together form a row that is parallel to the first suction inlet.

[0014] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaning device further comprises a second blocking sheet located on the side of the second suction inlet opposite the first blocking sheets, wherein the length of the second blocking sheet is greater than the length of the first suction inlet.

[0015] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaning device further comprises a side brush device located on the side of the base, and the side brush device includes a rotating shaft and at least one bristle attached to the rotating shaft, while the self-propelled device for cleaning further comprises a third blocking sheet located between the first suction inlet and the front side of the base, while the third blocking sheet is located within the radius of rotation of at least one bristle.

[0016] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaning device further comprises a spray module located on the base and protruding outward, with a second suction port located between the first suction port and the spray module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaner further comprises a wiping module connected to the base and configured to wipe the surface as the self-propelled cleaner travels over the surface, the spray module being positioned between the second suction port and the wiping module.

[0018] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaner further comprises a lift connected to the base and the wiper module, the lift being configured to move the wiper closer to or away from the base. The wiping module contains: a fabric saddle and a fabric located on the lower surface of the fabric saddle. The lifting device contains: a crank, a drive device configured to ensure the rotation of the crank, and at least one fixing strip covering the crank from two sides and connected to the fabric saddle, and at the same time at least one fixing strip is made to move the fabric saddle closer to the base or further away from it by rotating the crank.

[0019] In some embodiments, the implementation of the crank contains: a crankshaft located on the base; at least one crank arm connected to the crankshaft; and a gear-like part located on the crankshaft and connected with the driving device, whereby the driving device causes the crankshaft to rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise through the gear-like part, and the driving device moves the end of at least one arm of the crank closer to base or further from it by rotating the crankshaft. Part in the form of a gear and at least one crank arm are located on two opposite sides of the crankshaft, wherein at least one crank arm contains a support element, and the support element extends outward from the side of at least one crank arm in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. At least one fixing strip contains: a horizontal part covering the support element of at least one arm of the crankshaft crank on both sides; and at least one connecting element extending from at least the end of the horizontal portion to the underside of the self-propelled cleaner, wherein the fabric saddle is secured to the at least one connecting element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the lifting device further comprises at least one spring connected to the base and the wiping module, wherein the at least one spring is configured to provide a downward force to the wiping module when the self-propelled cleaning device moves across the surface . At least one spring contains the first spring and the second spring, and the horizontal part and the support part are located between the first spring and the second spring in a vertical projection.

[0021] In some embodiments, the implementation of the present invention provides a self-propelled device for cleaning, containing: base; a mobile unit adjacent to the base and configured to contact the surface as the self-propelled cleaning device travels over the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector disposed above the base and connected to the vacuum module, the dust collector comprising a first opening and a second opening; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, the first suction port being located between the front side of the base and the second suction port; a device in the form of a brush-roll located on the base and inside the second suction port; a spray module located on the base; and a wiping module located between the base and the surface and configured to contact the surface during operation, wherein the first suction port, the second suction port, the spray module, and the wiping module are arranged in series from the front side of the base to the rear side of the base.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first opening is located above the brush-roller and above the second opening. The dust collector comprises a bottom surface and a second opening higher than the bottom surface by a first distance.

[0023] In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaner further comprises an air duct, wherein the first suction port is connected to the dust collector via the air duct to connect the first suction inlet to the first port. The duct contains an air damper configured to open or close the duct to allow or block the flow of air into the first hole.

[0024] In some embodiments, the duct includes a third opening connected to the first suction inlet, wherein the area of the third opening is larger than the area of the first opening.

[0025] In some embodiments, the robotic cleaner further comprises a controller configured to sequentially perform the following steps as the robotic cleaner moves over a surface: vacuum cleaning via the first suction port, vacuum cleaning via the second suction port, performing spraying by the spray module and performing wiping with the wiping module.

[0026] With the arrangement of the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet of the self-propelled cleaner according to the present invention described above, oblong debris such as hair or thread can be effectively sucked through the first suction inlet. Heavier and shorter debris can be sucked through the second suction inlet so that the oblong debris is not wrapped around the brush roller of the second suction inlet, thereby improving the efficiency of the self-propelled cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF GRAPHICS

[0027] Aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It should be emphasized that, in accordance with common industry practice, the various features are not drawn to scale. As such, the sizes of the various features can be arbitrarily scaled up or down for clarity of description.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a self-propelled cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2A and 2B are three-dimensional and bottom views, respectively, of a self-propelled cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3A and 3B are three-dimensional and bottom views, respectively, of a self-propelled cleaning device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] In FIG. 3C is a bottom view of a self-propelled cleaner in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a self-propelled cleaner in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a base in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 6A and 6B show a 3D exploded view and assembly diagram of a base, duct, and dust collector, respectively, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 7A, 7B, and 7C are 3D exploded, front, and side views, respectively, of a dust collector in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a hoist in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a hoist in a stowed position, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following invention, many different embodiments, or examples, are provided for implementing various features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present invention. Of course, these are just examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of the first feature above or on the second feature in the description below may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features. so that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, reference numerals and/or letters may be repeated in the present invention in various examples. This repetition is for simplicity and clarity and does not in itself prescribe the relationship between the various contemplated embodiments and/or configurations.

[0039] Also space-related terms such as "below", "below", "bottom", "above", "upper", "above", and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe a relationship one element or feature with another element(s) or feature(s), as illustrated in the figures. Spatial terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in a different orientation) and space-related descriptors used in this document may also be interpreted accordingly.

[0040] In the context of this document, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from others. Terms such as "first", "second", and "third" as used herein are not intended to be in sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates this.

[0041] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is intended to be descriptive and should not be considered limiting. The use of terms such as "comprising", "comprising", or "having" and variations thereof in this document is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The terms "connected" and "connected" are used in a broad sense and cover both direct and indirect installation, connection and binding. Also, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or bonds.

[0042] The present invention relates generally to a self-propelled cleaning device that can be used to clean floors or large surfaces such as stages, large tables or work platforms. The self-propelled cleaning device of the present invention may be of various types, such as toys, RC cars, robots, and/or the like, and may perform cleaning by moving on the contact surface and perform the task of cleaning the surface by moving back and forth on the surface. The surface cleaning robot will be used as an example for the following description, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0043] FIG. 1 and 2A show three-dimensional views of a self-propelled cleaning device 100 from different perspectives, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a self-propelled cleaning device 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a self-propelled cleaning device 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a base in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The operating principle of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 in the present invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the above figures.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the self-propelled cleaner 100 includes a buffer 120, a shroud 112, and a top cover 102. In some embodiments, the self-propelled cleaner 100 further includes an operation panel 104 that may allow a user to select a mode of operation by touching or pressing, as shown in FIG. fig. 1. The self-propelled cleaning device 100 can move freely in different directions on the surface to be cleaned. For convenience of description, the self-propelled cleaner 100 is described herein as having a forward direction F and a backward direction B. The buffer 120 is flat in shape and faces the forward direction F, with the buffer 120 forming the front side of the self-propelled cleaner 100. The casing 112 has a curved shape and faces in the direction of rear movement B, while the casing 112 forms the rear side of the self-propelled cleaning device 100. However, the present invention is not limited to the forms of buffer 120 and housing 112.

[0045] FIG. 2A shows a three-dimensional view of a self-propelled cleaning device 100 from another perspective, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 2B shows a bottom view of a self-propelled cleaning device 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 further comprises various components such as a first suction port 122, a second suction port 124, a mobile unit 130, a front wheel 132, a brush-roll device 140, a side brush device 150, and a sprayer. module 160. The components mentioned above are attached to the base 114 and extend or open from the bottom side of the base 114. As described herein, for convenience of description, the base 114 has an upper side and a lower side, and these sides refer to the orientations of the self-propelled cleaning device 100, when it is located on the surface to be cleaned, the upper side refers to the side facing away from the surface to be cleaned, and the lower side refers to the side facing the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 further comprises a battery module 170 attached to the base 114.

[0046] The mobile module 130 is adjacent to the base 114, located on opposite sides of the base 114, open on the underside of the base 114 and located in the middle of the base 114, allowing the self-propelled cleaning device 100 to contact the surface to be cleaned during the movement of the self-propelled device 100 for surface cleaning. As shown in FIG. 2B, the mobile module 130 may include a pair of mobile components and a main drive device, where the mobile components may be moving parts such as pulleys and rollers, and the main drive device may be a combination of motor, gear and other transmission devices. The mobile components are driven by the main drive device to move the self-propelled cleaning device 100 forward, backward, or rotate on the surface to be cleaned. In the present embodiment, each of the mobile components of the mobile module is configured as a pulley that includes tracks and two drive wheels for driving the tracks.

[0047] The front wheel 132 is located in the front region of the cleaner 100 and is closer to the front side of the cleaner 100 than the mobile unit 130. In some embodiments, the front wheel 132 is used as an auxiliary wheel of the mobile unit 130; while the mobile module 130 drives the cleaner 100, the front wheel 132 helps maintain balance, and thus the front wheel 132 is not required to drive the cleaner 100.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 4, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 further comprises a dust collector 200 and a vacuum module 180 located in a housing 112 above the base 114. The vacuum module 180 is connected to the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124 through the dust collector 200. In one embodiment, the vacuum module 180 comprises pump. During operation, the air in the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124 is sucked out by the vacuum module 180, resulting in a negative pressure inside the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124, thereby generating a suction force.

[0049] In one embodiment, the spray module 160 is located on the base 114 and can spray water or other cleaning liquid to moisten the surface to be cleaned, so that the dirt adhering to the surface can be more easily removed, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the vehicle. 100 for cleaning. In one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 includes a water supply module, which may consist of a water tank, a pump, and a supply pipe, the water tank being filled with water or cleaning fluid that is conveyed to the spray module 160 through the supply pipe, and the pump used to pressurize the water or cleaning fluid in the supply pipe. In one embodiment, the nozzle of the spray module may extend from the underside of the base 114 to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the spray module 160 includes an outlet, such as a nozzle, that can control the direction of the spray module 160 by adjusting the direction of the outlet, and which sprays water or cleaning fluid from both sides of the base 114 toward the middle of the base, resulting in water or the cleaning liquid can be more effectively used with the cloth.

[0050] The base 114 is provided with a first suction port 122. In one embodiment, the first suction port 122 has a first vacuum channel formed from a frame and a plurality of sidewalls formed from the base 114 and extends from the underside of the base 114 to the top side of the base 114. The first vacuum passage includes a first suction inlet 123 located on the underside of the base 114. As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the first suction port 122 has a pair of symmetrical wall surfaces 122A, a pair of symmetrical wall surfaces 122B, and a pair of symmetrical wall surfaces 122C on the underside of the base 114, on which these wall surfaces form the first suction inlet. 123 along both sides of the first suction port 122. The wall-like surfaces 122A may have flat surfaces, and the wall-like surfaces 122B and 122C may have curved surfaces, wherein the curvature of the curved surfaces at the wall-like surfaces 122C is greater than the curvature of the curved surface at surfaces 122B in the form of walls. This causes the first vacuum passage of the first suction inlet 123 to occupy a large area of the lower side of the base 114, while the area of the first vacuum passage gradually decreases towards the upper side of the base 114, so that more dust can be collected through the lower side of the base 114. or garbage.

[0051] In one embodiment, the first suction port 122 draws dust or dirt from the surface to be cleaned into the first suction inlet 123 and into the dust container 200 using the negative pressure generated by the vacuum module 180. In one embodiment, for the first suction port 122 or the first suction inlet 123, cleaning elements such as bristles or brush blades are not provided, and as a result, any debris having an oblong shape, such as filaments, human hair or pet hair, will not get stuck in the first vacuum passage or the first suction inlet 123. Therefore, it is not necessary to regularly clean the first suction port 122, which reduces the time spent on maintenance and operation of the self-propelled cleaning device 100.

[0052] The base 114 is further provided with a second suction port 124. In one embodiment, the second suction port 124 includes a second vacuum conduit formed from a frame and a plurality of sidewalls formed in the base 114. The second vacuum conduit includes a second suction inlet 125 located on bottom side of base 114 and adjacent to first suction inlet 123. In one embodiment, the distance between second suction inlet 125 and first suction inlet 123 is equal to or less than about 30 mm, and preferably less than about 25, 20, 15, 12, 10 or 5 mm. If the distance between the second suction inlet 125 and the first suction inlet 123 exceeds about 30 mm, the possibility of lighter oblong debris entering the second suction port 124 and becoming entangled on the brush roller is greatly increased. If the distance is less than about 5 mm, then the difficulty of manufacturing the self-propelled cleaning device 100 is greatly increased due to the tighter tolerances. In one embodiment, the distance between the second suction inlet 125 and the first suction inlet 123 is within either of the above two values based on a balance between collection efficiency of lighter oblong debris and ease of fabrication and assembly; the distance is preferably 5 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 10 mm to 15 mm. In one embodiment, the brush-roll device 140 is located on the base 114, surrounded by the second suction port 124, and open through the underside of the base 114. In one embodiment, the second suction port 124 includes a brush-roll cover 227 that is located on the underside of the base. 114. The brush roll cover 227 may be annular and may allow the second suction inlet 125 to be opened. of the brush-roller is open and allowing the brush-roller device 140 to be locked by the brush-roller cover 227 on the base 114 in the second suction inlet 125 when the brush-roller cover 227 is closed. This configuration allows the brush-roll device 140 to rotate stably without vibration during the cleaning operation. In one embodiment, the area of the second suction port 124 is greater than the area of the first suction port 122, or the width of the second suction port 124 is greater than the width of the first suction port 122.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2B and 4, the brush-roller device 140 includes a brush-roller shaft 142 and a brush-roller 144 located on the brush-roller shaft 142. In one embodiment, the brush roll shaft 142 is rod-shaped, the retaining ends are located on both sides of the shaft, and the brush roll shaft 142 is releasably pressed against the base 114. The brush-roll shaft 142 may be connected to a brush-roll drive 146, such as a motor, via a holding end, with the brush-roll drive 146 providing power to rotate the brush-roll shaft 142. In one embodiment, the brush roller 144 is made of a flexible material and is in the form of a brush blade or bristles. The brush roller 144 is attached to the brush roller shaft 142 and extends radially outward with the brush roller shaft 142 as the center. In one embodiment, the brush blades of the brush roller 144 extend in a curved or wavy pattern. When the self-propelled cleaning device 100 is moved, the brush roller 144 generates torque by rotating the brush roller shaft 142 by the brush roller driver 146, which causes the brush roller 144 to rotate with the brush roller shaft 142 as an axis. Therefore, when the brush roller 144 rotates, its outer end, i.e., the position near the surface to be cleaned, has the largest or almost the largest tangential speed, which helps the brush roller 144 to scrape dust or dirt from the surface with the rotational force.

[0054] In one embodiment, the second suction port 124 draws dust or dirt from the surface to be cleaned into the second suction inlet 125 through the negative pressure generated by the vacuum module 180. In one embodiment, since the second suction port 124 includes a device 140 brush-roller in the second suction inlet 125, when there is sticky dust or heavier debris on the surface to be cleaned, the vacuum suction force of the vacuum module 180 and the torque of the brush-roller device 140 can be applied simultaneously to remove the sticky dust or heavier debris, and any debris that is not completely removed by the first suction port 122 can be drawn in by the second suction port 124, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the self-propelled cleaning device 100.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B and 4, the side brush device 150 is located on the underside of the base 114. In one embodiment, the side brush device 150 is located on the underside of the base 114 asymmetrically or unilaterally. The side brush device 150 may be positioned at any corner near the front side of the self propelled cleaner 100, for example, the side brush device 150 may be positioned between the front side of the self propelled cleaner 100 and the first suction port 122, adjacent the front side of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 or near the side of the base 114. In one embodiment, the side brush device 150 includes a rotating shaft 152 and bristles 154 located on a rotating shaft 152. In one embodiment, the rotating shaft 152 is in the form of a disk, and the holding end is located on the side of the rotating shaft 152 facing the base 114, the holding end being connected to the base 114. The rotating shaft 152 may be connected to a side brush driving device, such as a motor (not shown), through the holding end, and thus driven by the side brush drive and. In one embodiment, the bristles 154 are made of a flexible material and are in the form of a long strip. The number of bristles 154 may be one or more, such as 3, and the number of bristles 154 is not limited in the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3C, the bristles 154 are attached to the rotating shaft 152 and extend radially outward from the rotating shaft 152. The region formed by the circle C1 with the rotating shaft 152 as the center and the length of the bristles 154 as the radius R1 is substantially parallel to the surface to be cleaned. When the self-propelled cleaner 100 is moved, the rotating shaft 152 generates a torque that causes the bristles 154 to rotate in a direction parallel to the surface to be cleaned, whereby the bristles 154 can contact the maximum surface area, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the self-propelled cleaner 100 for cleaning. cleaning. By moving the self-propelled cleaning device 100 along with the sweeping action of the side brush device 150, dust or dirt on the surface can be swept by the side brush device 150 closer to the first suction inlet 123 or the second suction inlet 125 and can be more easily sucked into the first suction inlet 123 or the second suction inlet 125.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2B and 4, in one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaner 100 includes a battery module 170, and the base 114 further includes a battery cover 172 located on the underside of the base 114. The battery module 170 is installed in the base 114, and the battery cover 172 is used to secure the battery module 170 at the base, and the battery cover 172 can be opened to replace the battery module 170.

[0057] In one embodiment, the side wall of the first suction port 122 extends from the first suction inlet 123 to the top side of the base 114 and an opening 128 is formed adjacent to the second suction port 124 (see FIG. 6B). The opening 128 and the first suction inlet 123 are located on the upper side and the lower side of the base 114, respectively, and act as two openings of the first suction port 122. In one embodiment, the side wall of the second suction port 124 forms a space for receiving a brush roller on the upper side of the base 114 to accommodate the device 140 in the form of a brush-roller. In one embodiment, the brush roll space is cylindrical in shape, but the present invention is not limited to the shape of the brush roll space of the second suction port 124, and other shapes may also be within the intended scope of the present invention. The side wall of the second suction port 124 defines an opening 129 on the upper side of the brush-roller space. As shown in FIG. 2B and 5, an opening 129 and a second suction inlet 125 are located on the upper and lower sides of the base 114, respectively, and serve as two openings of the second suction port 124, with a brush-roll device 140 located between the second suction inlet 125 and the opening 129. .

[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, the dust collector 200 is disposed in the dust collector accommodation space formed in the housing 112. The self-propelled cleaning apparatus 100 further includes an air duct 400 disposed between the housing 112 and the base 114. Referring to FIG. 6A and 6B, the dust collector 200, the air duct 400, and the base 114 are connected in series after assembly. The air duct 400 has side walls to form an upper opening 410 and a lower opening 420, with the lower opening 420 connected to the opening 128 of the first suction port 122, and the upper opening 410 connected to the dust collector 200. In one embodiment, a wall-like surface 122C is located on the air duct 400 and defines the bottom opening 420, and the wall surfaces 122A and 122B are located on the base 114, thereby allowing the wall surface 122C to have a greater curvature. In one embodiment, the second suction port 124 is in the form of a cylinder, and the duct 400 includes a curved channel wall that extends along a side wall (e.g., a curved surface) of the second suction port 124, whereby the use of the interior of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 can be maximized, the volume of the self-propelled cleaner 100 can be reduced and the length of the first vacuum channel can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the vacuum module 180 and the noise of the vacuum module 180. In one embodiment, the channel wall of the air duct 400 and the wall of the second suction port 124, adjacent to the duct 400, have the same bend. As mentioned above, due to the curved wall-like design of surfaces 122B and 122C, the area of the first suction inlet 123 is larger than the area of the hole 128. In one embodiment, the area of the duct 400 gradually decreases from the lower hole 420 to the upper hole 410 so that that the opening of the first vacuum passage gradually increases in size from the first opening 250 of the dust container 200 to the first suction inlet 123. In this case, the area of the first suction inlet 123 is larger than the area of the opening 128 and the area of the bottom hole 420, and the area of the bottom hole 420 is larger, than the area of the upper opening 410, whereby the first vacuum passage has a gradually decreasing area.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 6B, in one embodiment, duct 400 includes an air damper 440 that can be controlled by an air damper actuator, such as a motor 430, to open or close. The air damper 440 may be rotated by an air damper driver (such as a motor 430), while the air damper 440 is rotated about the center axis 442, and when the air damper 440 is opened, the air duct 400 may remain unshielded so that air flow enters the dust collector 200 through the air duct. 400. When the air damper 440 closes and abuts the bottom wall of the pipe of the air duct 400, the air duct 400 closes to close the first vacuum passage, thereby blocking the air flow into the dust collector 200 through the air passage 400. In normal operation, the air damper 440 is opened to allow the first vacuum passage remained free. In another embodiment, if the user decides to use the power saving mode or quiet mode of the self-propelled cleaner 100, then the first vacuum channel may be closed. Most or all of the suction force generated by the vacuum module 180 is concentrated in the second vacuum channel so that the power consumption and noise of the vacuum module 180 can be reduced to achieve energy saving and silent operation. In one embodiment, if the user determines that there is no oblong debris on the surface to be cleaned, then the user may choose to close the first vacuum port to increase the suction force of the second vacuum port, thereby speeding up the cleaning process.

[0060] FIG. 7A is an exploded view of a dust collector in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7A, the dust container 200 includes a body 210, a top cover 220, a handle 222, a filter section 230, and a filter 240. In one embodiment, the top cover 220 is designed to open and close, and the body 210 includes a center pin at the top edge of one side, resulting in provided a swivel connection of the top cover 220 with the housing 210 through the center axis. The top cover 220 can be tightly attached to the body 210 when the top cover 220 is closed to prevent the collected dust and debris from falling out of the dust box 200. Dust and debris collected by the dust box 200 can be poured out when the top cover 220 is opened. The handle 222 on the top cover 220 allows the user to remove the dust container 200 from the housing 112 to empty dust and debris from the dust container 200.

[0061] In one embodiment, the body 210 of the dust container 200 has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the top cover 220. However, in other embodiments, the body 210 of the dust container 200 may have other shapes. In an embodiment in which case 210 is four-sided, case 210 has at least four sides, such as a front side that has a front side wall 210F (e.g., on the front side of case 210 facing duct 400), a back side, to which the filtration section 230 is attached, and a left side and a right side, which have a left side wall and a right side wall, respectively, for connecting the front side wall 210F and the filtration section 230. The housing 210 further includes a fifth side wall 210S between the front side wall 210F and the bottom surface 210B, which has an inclined surface, wherein the area of the front side wall 210F is smaller than the area of the rear side. In one embodiment, in connection with the sloped surface of the fifth side wall 210S, each of the left side wall and the right side wall has a narrow front, a wide rear, a narrow bottom, and a wide top.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 7B and 7C, the housing 210 includes a first opening 250 and a second opening 260, with the first opening 250 located on the front side wall 210F and the second opening 260 located on the fifth side wall 210S, resulting in the first opening 250 located above the second opening 260. The distance between the front side wall 210F or the first opening 250 and the bottom surface 210B is approximately equal to the distance D1, and the distance between the second opening 260 and the bottom surface 210B is equal to the distance D2. Referring to FIG. 7A, the housing 210 includes an opening cover 270 on the first opening 250 that closes when there is no air flow through the first opening 250 to ensure that dust and debris do not fall out of the dust container 200. Similarly, the housing 210 includes a side wall 280 adjacent to the second opening 260 as a barrier wall to surround the second opening 260 from the inside, and the second opening 260 is higher than the bottom surface 210B by a distance D2, whereby the side wall 280 and the bottom surface 210B form a debris accommodating space that increases the volume of the dust container 200 for garbage disposal.

[0063] As mentioned above, the surface to be cleaned in an ordinary home or office is often scattered, in addition to dust and dirt, oblong debris such as thread, human hair or pet hair. Such oblong debris is usually light and usually not sticky, but it is also not easy to clean up because it can easily become entangled with the brush blades or bristles of conventional vacuum cleaners. However, brush blades and bristles also offer cleaning benefits. As mentioned above, although dust and dirt adhering to the surface to be cleaned can be effectively removed by rotating the brush blades or bristles, such dust and dirt may not be removed as easily if done with a vacuum cleaner alone, and effective cleaning may require additional vacuum force, and excess power consumption will reduce the efficiency of the cleaning device. In addition, such a vacuum module may also generate more noise when generating more vacuum force, which will greatly reduce the convenience of the cleaning device for the user.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2B, 5, 6A, and 6B, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 of the present invention includes dual vacuum channels defined by a first vacuum channel and a second vacuum channel. First, the hole 128 is connected to the bottom hole 420 of the air duct 400 through the first suction port 122, and then the first hole 250 of the dust container 200 is connected to the upper hole 410 of the air duct 400 to form the first vacuum channel, which allows the sucked dust and oblong lightweight debris to enter the dust container 200 through the first suction inlet 123 by the suction force generated by the vacuum module 180. In one embodiment, the duct 400 does not have any rollers, brushes, or the like, so oblong debris such as human hair, filaments, or pet hair will not get stuck in the air duct 400. Therefore, it is not necessary to regularly clean the first suction port 122 or the air duct 400, thereby reducing the time spent on maintenance and operation of the self-propelled cleaning device 100.

[0065] Also, the hole 129 through the second suction port 124 is connected to the second hole 260 of the dust container 200 to form a second vacuum channel, which allows the sucked dust and heavier debris to enter the dust container 200 through the second suction inlet 125 using the suction force generated by the vacuum module 180. In one embodiment, a brush-roll device 140 is located in the second vacuum channel and can be used to scrape, sweep, and push dust that has adhered to a surface or dust that is heavier and more difficult to remove. In addition, since oblong debris has already been removed into the first vacuum passage, the likelihood of oblong debris being sucked into the second suction port 124 through the second vacuum passage is greatly reduced, thereby greatly reducing the likelihood of oblong debris being entangled in the brush-roller 140. The need for the user to brush hair or threads from the brush-roller 140 is also greatly reduced, thereby improving the cleaning convenience and efficiency of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 and reducing maintenance costs.

[0066] In one embodiment, the dust container 200 includes a first opening 250 and a second opening 260 for connection to the aforementioned first vacuum passage and second vacuum passage, respectively. In other words, the first vacuum passage and the second vacuum passage share the dust collector 200, which further reduces the volume of the self-propelled cleaning apparatus 100. As mentioned above, the first vacuum port and the second vacuum port are designed for different types of dust and debris, so the suction force distributed to the first vacuum port and the second vacuum port can be different, thus helping to achieve the dual purpose of energy saving and efficient cleaning at the same time. In one embodiment, the first opening 250 and the second opening 260 of the dust container 200 have different areas, whereby the respective negative pressures of the first vacuum passage and the second vacuum passage are different. For example, the negative pressure required by the first vacuum port is relatively small, since the negative pressure of the first vacuum port should only be sufficient to suck up light and oblong debris such as hair, while the negative pressure required by the second vacuum port is relatively large because it has to suck in heavier debris. Therefore, the same negative pressure generated by the vacuum module 180 is distributed between the first hole 250, which has a larger area, and the second hole 260, which has a smaller area. In one embodiment, the first opening 250 is located above the second opening 260, the first opening 250 is connected to the first suction port 122, and the second opening 260 is connected to the second suction port 124; this configuration allows the first vacuum passage to have a longer duct length than the second vacuum passage. Since the debris collected by the first vacuum passage is lighter, the cleaning efficiency of the first vacuum passage and the second vacuum passage can be balanced by the difference in the length of the duct described above. In the dust container 200, there is no partition that separates the first opening 250 from the second opening 260, so that lighter debris and heavier debris are collected in the same space formed by the dust container 200.

[0067] FIG. 7B and 7C are front and side views, respectively, of a dust collector 200 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7B, in one embodiment, the first opening 250 has a rectangular shape, however, the first opening 250 may have other shapes. In one embodiment, the second opening 260 has a trapezoidal shape, however, the second opening 260 may have other shapes. Referring to FIG. 7C, when viewed from the side of the dust container 200, since the left side wall and the right side wall of the housing 210 each have a wide upper portion and a narrow lower portion, the first opening 250 protrudes a greater forward distance than the second opening 260. In one embodiment, when viewed from the front, the first opening 250 and the second opening 260 overlap in the vertical direction, while when viewed from the side, the first opening 250 and the second opening 260 do not overlap in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the internal angle formed by the first opening 250 and the bottom surface 210B of the dust container 200 is the first acute angle, and the internal angle formed by the second opening 260 and the bottom surface 210B of the dust container 200 is the second acute angle, wherein the first acute angle is larger, than the second acute angle. In one embodiment, the first opening 250 and the second opening 260 are located on the side opposite the filtration section 230, with the first opening 250 protruding further forward than the second opening 260, the first opening 250 is closer to the upper side compared to the second opening 260, the second opening 260 is located on the fifth side wall 210S of the inclined surface, and the shape of the fifth side wall 210S matches the wall of the air duct 400 and matches the shape of the side wall of the second suction port 124. Thus, the aforementioned parts of the self-propelled cleaning apparatus 100 are provided in a relatively compact arrangement.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, in one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 includes one or more first blocking sheets 182 located on the underside of the base 114, with the first blocking sheets 182 located between the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124. In one embodiment, implementation of the first blocking sheets 182 are located on the cover 227 of the brush roller. The first blocking sheets 182 may be made of a flexible material such as gum, plastic, etc. Referring to FIG. 2A, the first blocking sheets 182 emerge from the base 114 and extend towards the surface to be cleaned. The first blocking sheets 182 have a height H1 that is equal to or greater than the vertical distance between the second suction port 124 and the surface to be cleaned, so that when the self-propelled cleaning device 100 travels over the surface to be cleaned, the first blocking sheets 182 can contact with surface. In one embodiment, the first blocking sheets 182 flex slightly upon contact with the surface to be cleaned to ensure that the first blocking sheets 182 actually contact the surface without hindering the movement of the cleaner 100.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2B, a plurality of first blocking sheets 182 are arranged in a row in the space between the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124, leaving a distance between them. In one embodiment, the first blocking sheets 182 are directed parallel to the long side of the first suction port 122 or the long side of the second suction port 124, and a plurality of first blocking sheets 182 are arranged in a row along a direction parallel to the long side of the first suction port 122 or the long side of the second suction port 124 The number of first blocking sheets 182 may be one or more, and the number of first blocking sheets 182 is not limited in the present invention.

[0070] The first blocking sheets 182 may be used to block a piece of oblong debris that passes near the first suction port 122 without being completely sucked into the first suction inlet 123, resulting in the suction of the other end of the oblong piece of debris (e.g., the other end of a hair strand). ) into the second suction inlet 125. Since the negative pressure of the second vacuum port is larger than the negative pressure of the first vacuum port, when oblong debris is sucked into both the first suction inlet 123 and the second suction inlet 125 at the same time, there is a possibility that oblong debris will end up stuck between the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124, or may be sucked in by the second suction port 124. The first blocking sheets 182 can effectively prevent oblong debris from entering the second suction port 124. Meanwhile, due to the distance between adjacent pairs of the first blocking sheets 182, if finer particles of dust or loose debris are not collected by the first suction port 122, the finer particles can still reach the second suction port 124 through the gap between the first blocking sheets 182 and be sucked into the second suction port 124.

[0071] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, in order to allow non-oblong debris to reach the second suction port 124 faster through the first block sheets 182, a plurality of first block sheets 182 are spaced at irregular intervals. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the first blocking sheet 182 faces only the wall surface 122A, 122B, or 122C of the first suction port 122. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the first blocking sheet 182 and the first suction inlet 123 do not overlap, thereby preventing obstacles from being placed in front of the first suction inlet 123 and the second suction inlet 125 in a direction parallel to the moving direction F, to improve cleaning efficiency. of the second suction port 124. In such a case, since the suction force of the first suction port 122 gradually weakens from the center position to positions outside the two sides of the long side, oblong debris near the wall-like surface 122A of the first suction port 122 is more likely to be sucked in at the same time. by the suction forces of the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124, causing half of the oblong debris to be sucked in by the first suction port 122, and the other half of the oblong debris being sucked in by the second suction port 124, causing the oblong debris on the base 114 or suction of all oblong debris into the second suction port 124 where it can become tangled on the brush-roller 140. To prevent such a problem, the first blocking sheets 182 are located adjacent to the wall-like surface 122A, 122B, or 122C, but not adjacent to the first suction inlet 123, and the first blocking sheets 182 may contact the surface to be cleaned to ensure that the oblong debris will be blocked by one or more of the first blocking sheets 182 without interfering with the suction of loose debris into the second suction inlet 125 through the gap of the first blocking sheets 182 or from the area adjacent to the first suction port 122.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 3A and 3B, in one embodiment, the first blocking sheets 182 are divided into two sets, with the first set (for example, containing two blocking sheets 182) located on the side adjacent to the side brush device 150, and the second set (for example, containing two blocking sheet 182) is located on the side located at a distance from the device 150 in the form of a side brush. The blocking sheets 182 in the first set have a first distance S1 between them, and the blocking sheets 182 in the second set have a second distance S2 between them, wherein the first distance S1 and the second distance S2 may or may not be equal. In one embodiment, the first set and the second set have a third distance S3, wherein the third distance S3 is greater than the first distance S1 and greater than the second distance S2. Referring again to FIG. 3B, both wall surfaces 122C are located within a region corresponding to the third distance S3, and at least a portion of the blocking sheets 182 on the inner sides of the first set and second set face the wall surface 122B, so that both the bottom opening 420 and and the upper opening 410 of the air duct 400 are located within the portion corresponding to the third distance S3.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, in one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaner 100 includes a second blocking sheet 184 located on the underside of the base 114 and on the side of the second suction port 124 that is closer to the spray module 160. In one embodiment, the second blocking sheet the sheet 184 is positioned on the side of the brush roll cover 227 opposite the first blocking sheets 182. The second blocking sheet 184 may be made of a flexible material such as gum, plastic, etc. Referring to FIG. 2A, the second blocking sheet 184 emerges from the base 114 and extends towards the surface to be cleaned. The second blocking sheet 184 has a height H2 that is equal to or greater than the vertical distance between the second suction port 124 and the surface to be cleaned, whereby the second blocking sheet 184 can contact the surface when the self-propelled cleaning device 100 travels over the surface to be cleaned. cleaning. In one embodiment, the second blocking sheet 184 flexes slightly upon contact with the surface to be cleaned to ensure that the second blocking sheet 184 will actually abut the surface without hindering the movement of the cleaning device 100.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 2B, the second blocking sheet 184 extends along a direction parallel to the long side of the first suction port 122 or the long side of the second suction port 124. In one embodiment, the second blocking sheet 184 extends from one end of the long side of the second suction inlet 125 to the other end of the long side of the second suction inlet 125. The second blocking sheet 184 can be used to block dust or debris that was not initially sucked into the first suction inlet 123 or the second suction inlet 125. Through the non-selective blocking structure of the second blocking sheet 184, the second suction port 124 can more dust and debris can be sucked in, and the cleaning effect of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 can be improved. In addition, since the second blocking sheet 184 contacts the surface to be cleaned, air will not flow through the second blocking sheet 184 or flow out from under the second blocking sheet 184, which can increase the suction power of the second suction port 124 in terms of dust and debris to improve the efficiency of removing dust and debris.

[0075] The length of the second blocking sheet 184 may be equal to or greater than the length of the second suction inlet 125. In one embodiment, the first blocking sheet 182 and the second blocking sheet 184 overlap in the travel direction F of the cleaning vehicle 100. In other words, the one of the plurality of first blocking sheets 182 closest to the two sides of the second suction port 124 does not extend beyond the two ends of the second blocking sheet 184 when viewed in a direction parallel to the moving direction F.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, in one embodiment, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 includes a third blocking sheet 186 located on the underside of the base 114 and adjacent to the side brush device 150. In one embodiment, a third blocking sheet 186 is located at a position adjacent to the side brush device 150, between the front side of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 and the first suction port 122. The third blocking sheet 186 may be located on or near the battery cover 172 . The third blocking sheet 186 may be made of a flexible material such as gum, plastic, etc. Referring to FIG. 2A, the third blocking sheet 186 emerges from the base 114 and extends towards the surface to be cleaned. The third blocking sheet 186 has a height H3 that is less than, equal to, or greater than the vertical distance between the second suction port 124 and the surface to be cleaned, so that when the self-propelled cleaning device 100 travels over the surface to be cleaned, the third blocking sheet 186 may or may not contact the surface. Referring to FIG. 3C, in one embodiment, at least one portion of the third blocking sheet 186 is located within the radius of rotation R1 of the bristles 154 to ensure that the bristles 154 will strike the third blocking sheet 186 during rotation without preventing the rotation of the bristles 154. In one embodiment, the third blocking sheet 186 is located entirely within the radius of rotation R1 of the bristles 154.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2B and 3B, the third blocking sheet 186 extends along a direction parallel to the long side of the first suction port 122 or the long side of the second suction port 124. In one embodiment, the length of the third blocking sheet 186 is approximately 0.5-3 times the length of any of the first blocking sheets 182. In one embodiment, the length of the third blocking sheet 186 does not exceed the length of the bristles 154. In one embodiment, dust easily attaches to the bristles 154 and accumulates on the bristles 154 due to the electrostatic effect when the side brush device 150 rotates to clean the surface , and thus the cleaning effect of the bristles 154 can be reduced. By positioning the third blocking sheet 186 within the radius of rotation R1 of the bristles 154, after the bristles 154 sweep dust along the surface to be cleaned, the dust will be shaken off the bristles 154 when the bristles 154 strike the third blocking sheet 186. Through this process and in combination with the design of the first suction port 122 adjacent to the side brush device 150, the dust shaken from the bristles 154 can be sucked into the first suction inlet 123, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the self-propelled cleaning device 100 and reducing the maintenance cost of the side brush device 150. brushes.

[0078] The bristles 154 rotate to remove dust when the side brush device 150 is operated. The bristles 154 are bent by striking the third blocking sheet 186, and then the bristles 154 leave the third blocking sheet 186 and quickly return to their original straight state due to the elasticity of the bristles 154. Referring to FIG. 3C, in one embodiment, the relative positions of the bristles 154 and the third blocking sheet 186 are such that when the bristles 154 rotate and contact the third blocking sheet 186, a line of continuation T1 of the bristles 154 in the tangential direction of the circle C1 passes through the first suction port 122, preferably between two wall surfaces 122B, and more preferably between two wall surfaces 122C. According to the above construction, when the debris on the bristles 154 is shaken off, such debris is very likely to fall into the first suction port 122. 154 through the third blocking sheet 186, and then returning from the bent to the straight state, the long axis of the bristles 154 facing the first suction port 122 can overlap the first suction inlet 123, so that the first suction inlet 123 can provide the best vacuum effect with respect to the debris that was knocked off the bristles 154 by the third blocking sheet 186.

[0079] In one embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2B, the battery module 170, the first suction port 122, the second suction port 124, the spray module 160, and the wiping module 500 are arranged in series from the front side of the cleaner 100 to the rear side of the cleaner 100, with the first suction port 122 and the second the suction port 124 is located in the front half of the base 114, and the spray module 160 and the wiper module 500 are located in the back half of the base 114. lighter and more oblong debris, and the second suction port 124 is used to clean the remaining dust along with short and heavier debris. As a result, any remaining debris or dirt that has not been cleaned cannot be ideally removed by the dry cleaning mode or the negative pressure generated by the vacuum module 180. Therefore, the rear half of the self-propelled cleaner 100 can perform a wet cleaning function, depending on the requirements. Compared to the dry cleaning mode, the wet cleaning mode is useful for cleaning dust and dirt that is likely to adhere to the surface to be cleaned, or dust and debris left from the first suction port 122 and the second suction port 124. In one embodiment, the mode dry cleaning and wet cleaning mode can be performed independently or together.

[0080] In one embodiment, the wiping module 500 is located on the rear half of the self-propelled cleaner 100, such as on the rear side of the spray module 160, whereby the spray module 160 can spray liquid onto the surface to be cleaned and the final cleaning process is performed by the cloth 520 wiping unit 500 so that the cleaning effect of the self-propelled cleaning apparatus 100 can be optimized. In one embodiment, the wiping module 500 includes a fabric saddle 510 that is located on the underside of the base 114 and has a flat surface parallel to the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the side of the fabric saddle 510 facing the surface to be cleaned is used to adhere or attach the fabric 520 as the fabric 520 cleans the surface while moving along the travel direction F of the cleaner 100. The fabric saddle 510 may include a hook-and-loop fastener, such as Velcro, to releasably attach the fabric 520 to the fabric saddle 510.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B, and 4, in one embodiment, the wiper module 500 is connected to the base 114 via other elements of the lifting device 300. The fabric saddle 510 has a flat surface for ease of sticking or attaching to the fabric 520 during cleaning.

[0082] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 includes an elevator 300 that is located on the base 114. The elevator 300 is connected to the base 114 and the wiper module 500, and can move the wiper module 500 up and down relative to the base 114 so that the cloth 520 approaches the surface, to be cleaned, or moves away from it. In one embodiment, the fabric saddle 510 approaches the surface to be cleaned in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, whereby the fabric 520 may be in full contact with the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the fabric saddle 510 is raised from the surface to be cleaned in a direction perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned and spaced away from the surface to be cleaned, whereby the fabric 520 can be completely separated from the surface to be cleaned.

[0083] There are many advantages provided by the design of the wiping module 500 and fabric saddle 510, which can move up and down, as described above. When the cleaner 100 needs to overcome an obstacle (such as a door sill), the wiper module 500 can be raised to increase the space under the base 114 so that the cleaner 100 can easily overcome the obstacle. In one embodiment, when the self-propelled cleaner 100 has finished cleaning, the cloth 520 may be stained. Therefore, raising the wiping unit 500 can prevent secondary contamination when the mobile cleaning device 100 passes through the cleaned area. In another embodiment, the self-propelled cleaner 100 may travel on surfaces containing a variety of materials, some of which may not be suitable for wet cleaning, such as carpets. In such an embodiment, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 includes a surface detector (not shown) for detecting surface material. When the surface detector determines that the surface material is not suitable for wet cleaning, the self-propelled cleaning device 100 may lift the wiping module 500 to prevent the surface from getting wet. In one embodiment, the current or load moment of the brush roller can be used to determine whether the wiping module 500 needs to be raised. In one embodiment, the surface detector can be a surface material sensor, which can be a sound wave sensor, a light sensor, or a polarized light sensor, and can use a sound, light or polarized light signal to determine the surface material. In one embodiment, when the mobile cleaner 100 senses a signal indicating low battery power, the mobile cleaner 100 can confirm that it has returned to the charging stand by acknowledging the charging signal, and can raise the wiper module 500 to prevent wetting the surface.

[0084] In one embodiment, the wiping module 500 includes a fabric saddle 510 and a fabric 520, with the fabric 520 located on the bottom surface of the fabric saddle 510. The fabric saddle 510 includes a guide post 530 that extends through the guide hole 115 of the base 114, resulting in the fabric saddle 510 moves along the long axis of the guide post 530. In one embodiment, the guide post 530 has a spring 370 with the two ends of the spring 370 pressed against the base 114 and the fabric seat 510, respectively. In one embodiment, the guide post 530 is formed as a hollow polygonal post or hollow semicircular post, and the spring 370 is located in the guide post 530. Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, fabric saddle 510 includes a positioning saddle 512, wherein positioning saddle 512 defines a positioning space 514 for receiving connector 334.

[0085] FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an elevator 300 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 6B is a schematic representation of lifting a lifting device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of the lowering of an elevator in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, 5, 6B, 8, and 9, the lifting device 300 includes a crank 320, a fixing strip 330, a top cover 340, a drive device 350, and a spring 370. The drive device 350 is used to drive the crank 320 into rotation and includes a gear 352 and a motor 354. The crank 320 includes a crankshaft 322, a crank arm 324, and a gear portion 326, the base 114 includes a sidewall to form a crankshaft seat 310, and the crankshaft seat 310 includes an opening 312 to allow passage of the crank 320 and locking strip 330 and their moving up and down relative to the base 114. The crankshaft 322 is located between the seat 310 of the crankshaft and the top cover 340, and the crank 320 is pressed against the ledge 116 on the seat 310 of the crankshaft for rotation, as a result of which the end of the arm 324 of the crank rises or falls relative to the seat 310 of the crankshaft shaft through the hole 312 of the seat 310 of the crankshaft. In one embodiment, the protrusion 116 defines a crankshaft receiving space for receiving the crankshaft 322. In one embodiment, the lifting device 300 includes a pair of locking bands 330 corresponding to two of the arms 324 of the crank 320, respectively, with each of the locking bands 330 having a horizontal portion 332 and two connecting members 334 extending downward from both sides of the horizontal portion 332. The locking strips 330 pass through the hole 312 of the seat 310 of the crankshaft of the base 114. The horizontal portion 332 of the locking band 330 encloses the shoulder 324 of the crank 320 on both sides, and the connecting member 334 passes down along the crank 320 and is connected to the wiping module 500 through the hole 312 of the seat 310 of the crankshaft. In one embodiment, the crank arm 324 is formed with a seat member 325, wherein the seat member 325 extends from the side of the crank arm 324, preferably in the long axis direction of the crankshaft 322, and the horizontal portion 332 surrounds the seat member 325 on both sides. In one embodiment, the lifting device 300 includes a fastener 380 (such as a screw, rivet, etc.) for attaching the fabric seat 510 of the wiping module 500 to the retaining strip 330. Preferably, the lifting device 300 may attach the wiping module 500 to the connector 334 of the retaining stripes 330.

[0086] The gear portion 326 and the crank arm 324 are respectively located on opposite sides of the crankshaft 322. The gear portion 326 is disposed on the crankshaft 322 and is connected to the drive device 350, whereby the drive device 350 causes the gear portion 326 to rotate. clockwise or counterclockwise. In one embodiment, the motor 354 is controlled based on the control current to output torque to drive the gear 352, and the gear portion 326 of the crank 320 is engaged with the gear 352 for rotation. Motor 354 can output clockwise or counterclockwise torque based on different directions of driving current, whereby motor 354 causes pinion 352 and pinion portion 326 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby raising or lowering the arm. 324 of the crank arm 320. When the support member 325 of the crank arm 324 is lifted, the fixing band 330 is also raised, whereby the fabric saddle 510 can also be correspondingly raised, thereby lifting the fabric 520 off the surface to be cleaned. Conversely, when the support member 325 of the crank arm 324 is lowered, the locking strip 330 is also lowered, thereby lowering the fabric saddle 510, causing the fabric 520 to contact the surface to be cleaned. Preferably, in addition to moving up and down, the crank arm 324 also moves back and forth in the direction in which the horizontal portion 332 extends (horizontal direction in FIG. 9).

[0087] In one embodiment, the gear portion 326 of the crankshaft 322 includes an upper starting point and a lower starting point for determining the lift range of the wiping module 500. Preferably, the gear portion 326 is formed with a plurality of continuous gear teeth, with two ends of the continuous teeth the gears form an upper starting point and a lower starting point, respectively. In one embodiment, by setting the number of gear teeth of the gear portion 326, the two ends of the continuous gear teeth are set to correspond to the upper starting point and the lower starting point, and when the rotation of the gear portion 326 reaches either of the two ends, the portion 326 in the gear can no longer move forward or backward, causing the rotation of the crankshaft 322 to stop. In one embodiment, the hoist 300 detects that the output current of the motor 354 has increased, indicating that the gear portion 326 of the crankshaft 322 has reached an upper or lower starting point, thereby stopping or reducing the supply current, which can keep the hoist running. devices 300 are in normal condition.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the crankshaft seat 310 is connected to the fabric seat 510 via a spring 370. When the motor 354 is not producing a driving torque, the spring 370 applies a force to the fabric seat 510 so that the fabric seat 510 moves towards the surface to be cleaned. At this point, the wiping module 500 can be said to be extended or retracted. When the self-propelled cleaner 100 is placed on the surface to be cleaned, the weight of the self-propelled cleaner 100 compresses the spring 370, thereby pressing the fabric 520 against the surface to be cleaned more tightly. At this point, the wiping module 500 can be said to be laid flat or retracted. In addition, the downward force generated by the compression of the spring 370 is applied to the fabric 520 through the fabric saddle 510 so that the fabric 520 is assisted by the cleaning force provided by the downward force when wiping the surface, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0089] In one embodiment, the locking strips 330 are located at two opposite ends of the gear portion 326, the crank arms 324 are located at two opposite ends of the gear portion 326, the gear portion 326 and the crank arms 324 are located on two opposite sides of the crankshaft. shaft 322, and the gear portion 326 protrudes in a first direction, and the crank arm 324 protrudes in a second direction different from or opposite to the first direction. Preferably, at least one locking strip 330 passes through the opening 312 of the base 114, and the crankshaft 322 rotates about the protrusion 116 on the seat 310 of the crankshaft; the locking strip 330 passes through the hole 312 of the seat 310 of the crankshaft.

[0090] In one embodiment, the fabric saddle 510 includes a guide post 530, with the guide post 530 passing through the guide hole 115 of the base 114 so that the fabric saddle 510 moves along the long axis of the guide post 530. Preferably, in one embodiment, the spring 370 is slid onto the guide post 530 and the two ends of the spring 370 are pressed against the base 114 and the fabric seat 510, respectively. The shoulder 324 of the crank includes a support element 325, while the support element 325 extends from the side of the shoulder 324 of the crank in the direction of the long axis of the crankshaft 322, and the horizontal part 332 surrounds the support element 325 from two sides. According to this feature, the two springs 370 can be equally compressed when the fabric seat 510 is lifted, and the fabric seat 510 can remain level without tilting during the lift. Preferably, referring to FIG. 9, as viewed from the side of the self-propelled cleaning device 100, the horizontal portion 332 and the support member 325 are located between two springs 370. In one embodiment, by rotating the crank 320, the support member 325 is pressed against the horizontal portion 332 and brings the fabric saddle 510 closer to the base 114. , retracting the fabric seat 510. At this point, the support member 325 is between the two springs 370, which helps keep the fabric seat 510 in a level position when raised or lowered. In another embodiment, when seat 325 is lowered to its lowest level, fabric seat 510 can be said to be in the lowered state and seat 325 is between two springs 370, further helping to keep fabric seat 510 in a level position when raised or lowering. In another embodiment, when the fabric seat 510 is between the retracted state and the lowered state, the support member 325 is between two springs 370.

[0091] In one embodiment, the walker cleaner 100 further comprises a circuit board 190 comprising a controller that is configured to sequentially execute, as the walker cleaner 100 moves over the surface to be cleaned, the following steps: the first suction port 122 is used to vacuum cleaning, the second suction port 124 is used for vacuum cleaning, the spray module 160 is used for spraying, and the wiping module 500 with cloth 520 is used for wiping.

[0092] The above text sets forth features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand aspects of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they can easily use the present invention as a basis for designing or modifying other operations and structures to accomplish the same goals and/or achieve the same benefits of the embodiments presented herein. Those skilled in the art should also understand that such equivalent constructs do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and transformations described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims (90)

1. Self-propelled cleaning device, comprising: base; a mobile unit adjacent to the base and configured to contact the surface as the self-propelled cleaning device travels over the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector located above the base and connected to the vacuum module, and the dust collector contains the first hole and the second hole, where the area of the first hole is greater than the area of the second hole, and the first hole is directed in a first direction different from the second direction in which the second hole is directed; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole, where the first suction port does not contain bristles or brush blades; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, the first suction port being located between the front side of the base and the second suction port, where the second suction port is adjacent to the first suction port; a plurality of first blocking sheets positioned between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet and protruding outward from the base to contact the surface when the self-propelled cleaner travels over the surface where the first blocking sheets are separated; a device in the form of a brush-roller located on the base and in the second suction port; and an air duct, wherein the first suction port is connected to the dust collector through the air duct to thereby connect the first suction inlet to the first opening. 2. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct contains an air damper configured to open or close the duct to allow or block the flow of air into the first hole. 3. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first hole is located above the device in the form of a brush-roller and the first hole is located above the second hole; where the dust collector contains: front side wall; bottom surface and an inclined surface between the front side wall and the lower side wall, where the second hole is located on an inclined surface; where the first inner corner is formed between the first hole and the lower surface and the second inner corner is formed between the second hole and the lower surface of the dust collector, where the first inner corner is larger than the second inner corner; where the air duct passes in accordance with the shape of the side wall of the second suction port of the base from the first suction port to a location above the device in the form of a brush-roller, thereby connecting the air duct to the dust collector; and where the shape of the inclined surface corresponds to the wall of the air duct and corresponds to the shape of the side wall of the second suction port, and the dust collector and the second suction port are made in a compact arrangement. 4. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim. 1, characterized in that the first hole protrudes a greater distance forward than the second hole, and when viewed from the side, the first hole and the second hole do not overlap in the vertical direction. 5. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: dust bag contains: a bottom surface, the second opening being higher than the bottom surface by a first distance; and a side wall adjacent to the second opening as a barrier wall to surround the second opening from the inside, whereby the side wall and the bottom surface form a space for accommodating debris; and the second suction port is adjacent to the first suction inlet, and the distance between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet is equal to or less than 30 mm. 6. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim. 1, characterized in that the distance between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet is from 5 to 20 mm. 7. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of first blocking sheets comprises a first subgroup and a second subgroup and two adjacent first blocking sheets in the first subgroup or second subgroup are separated by a first distance. 8. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the first distance is less than the distance between the first subgroup and the second subgroup; and the first subgroup and the second subgroup together form a row that is parallel to the first suction inlet. 9. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a second blocking sheet located on the side of the second suction inlet opposite the first blocking sheets, while the length of the second blocking sheet is greater than the length of the first suction inlet. 10. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a side brush device located on the side of the base, and the side brush device comprises a rotating shaft and at least one bristle attached to the rotating shaft, with In this case, the self-propelled cleaning device further comprises a third blocking sheet located between the first suction inlet and the front side of the base, and wherein the third blocking sheet is located within the radius of rotation of at least one bristle. 11. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim. 1, characterized in that it further comprises a spray module located on the base and protruding outward, while the second suction port is located between the first suction port and the spray module. 12. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim. 11, characterized in that it further comprises a wiping module connected to the base and configured to wipe the surface when the self-propelled cleaning device moves over the surface, while the spray module is located between the second suction port and the wiping module, and the area of the second suction port is larger than the area of the first suction port. 13. Self-propelled cleaning device, comprising: base; a mobile unit adjacent to the base and configured to contact the surface as the self-propelled cleaning device travels over the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector disposed above the base and connected to the vacuum module, the dust collector comprising a first opening and a second opening; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, the first suction port being located between the front side of the base and the second suction port, where the second suction port is adjacent to the first suction port; a device in the form of a brush-roller located on the base and in the second suction port; and an air duct, wherein the first suction port is connected to the dust collector through the air duct to thereby connect the first suction inlet to the first opening; a wiping module connected to the surface and configured to wipe the surface as the self-propelled cleaner travels over the surface; and a lifting device connected to the base and the wiping module, wherein the lifting device is configured to move the wiping module closer to or further from the base, while the wiping module contains: fabric saddle and fabric located on the lower surface of the fabric saddle, while the lifting device contains: crank; a drive device configured to rotate the crank; and at least one locking strip enclosing the crank on both sides and connected to the fabric seat, and at the same time at least one fixing strip is configured to move the fabric saddle closer to the base or further away from it by rotating the crank. 14. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the crank contains: crankshaft located on the base; at least one crank arm connected to the crankshaft; and a gear-like part located on the crankshaft and connected with the driving device, whereby the driving device rotates the crankshaft clockwise or counter-clockwise through the gear-like part, and the driving device moves the end of at least one arm of the crank closer to the base or further away from it by rotating the crankshaft, wherein the part in the form of a gear and at least one shoulder of the crank are located on two opposite sides of the crankshaft, at least one crank arm includes a support element, and the support element extends outward on the side of at least one crank arm in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft, and at least one fixing strip contains: a horizontal part covering the support element of at least one shoulder of the crankshaft crankshaft on both sides; and at least one connecting element extending from at least the end of the horizontal part to the underside of the self-propelled cleaning device, wherein the fabric saddle is fastened to at least one connecting element. 15. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that the lifting device further comprises at least one spring connected to the base and the wiping module, wherein at least one spring is configured to provide a downward force to the wiping module, when the self-propelled cleaning device moves over the surface, wherein at least one spring includes a first spring and a second spring, and the horizontal part and the supporting element are located between the first spring and the second spring in a vertical projection. 16. Self-propelled cleaning device, comprising: base; a mobile unit adjacent to the base and configured to contact the surface as the self-propelled cleaning device travels over the surface; a vacuum module located above the base; a dust collector located above the base and connected to the vacuum module, and the dust collector contains the first hole and the second hole, where the area of the first hole is greater than the area of the second hole, and the first hole is directed in a first direction different from the second direction in which the second hole is directed; the first suction port located on the base and containing the first suction inlet connected to the first hole, where the first suction port does not contain bristles or brush blades; a second suction port located on the base and containing a second suction inlet connected to the second hole, the first suction port being located between the front side of the base and the second suction port, where the second suction port is adjacent to the first suction port; a plurality of first blocking sheets positioned between the first suction inlet and the second suction inlet and protruding outward from the base to contact the surface when the self-propelled cleaner travels over the surface where the first blocking sheets are separated; a device in the form of a brush-roller located on the base and in the second suction port; a spray module located on the base; and a wiping module located between the base and the surface and configured to contact the surface during operation, wherein the first suction port, the second suction port, the spray module and the wiping module are arranged in series from the front side of the base to the rear side of the base. 17. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that the first hole is located above the device in the form of a brush-roller, and the first hole is located above the second hole; and the dust collector comprises a bottom surface, and a second opening higher than the bottom surface by a first distance. 18. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally contains an air duct, while the first suction port is connected to the dust collector through an air duct for connecting the first suction inlet to the first opening, and the duct contains an air damper configured to open or close the duct to allow or block the flow of air into the first hole. 19. Self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 18, characterized in that the air duct contains a third hole connected to the first suction inlet, while the area of the third hole is larger than the area of the first hole. 20. The self-propelled cleaning device according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a controller configured to sequentially perform the following steps when the self-propelled cleaning device moves over the surface: vacuum cleaning through the first suction port; vacuum cleaning through the second suction port; spraying with the spray module, and performing wiping with the wiping module.

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