Virtual wall device for sweeping robot and sweeping robot assembly having the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot and a sweeping robot assembly having the same, wherein the virtual wall device comprises: a shell, a movement and a mechanical switching member, wherein the shell comprises a first light-transmitting area and a second light-transmitting area, the movement and the shell are relatively statically arranged in the shell, and comprises a first transmitter and a second transmitter, and the mechanical switching member moves relative to the shell under the action of gravity during the flipping of the shell, and when the shell is flipped to an upright state, the first signal line can be projected out of the shell, and the second signal line cannot be projected out of the shell, and when the shell is flipped to an inverted state, the second signal line can be projected out of the shell, and the first signal line cannot be projected out of the shell. According to the virtual wall device for a sweeping robot of the present invention, the switching of working modes can be automatically completed by flipping the virtual wall device, the reliability of working mode switching is high, and the user is convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sweeping robots, and in particular to a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot and a sweeping robot component having the virtual wall device. Background Art

[0002] Some virtual wall devices in the related art have a switch button for switching virtual isolation areas. When in use, the user needs to manually press the switch button according to the usage scenario so that the switched virtual isolation area meets the cleaning requirements of the usage scenario. However, since the usage scenarios change frequently and the user needs to manually press the switch button every time the scene is switched, the user's operation is cumbersome and there is a possibility of misoperation, which makes the sweeper unable to clean according to the user's needs. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the related art. To this end, the present invention is to propose a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot, which can automatically switch the working mode by flipping, has high reliability in switching the working mode, and is convenient for users to use.

[0004] The present invention also provides a sweeping robot assembly having the virtual wall device.

[0005] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot comprises: a shell, the shell comprising a first end wall and a second end wall arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and a peripheral wall connected between the first end wall and the second end wall, the peripheral wall having a first light-transmitting area and a second light-transmitting area arranged in sequence along a direction from the first end wall to the second end wall, the shell being flippable between an upright state and an inverted state, in the upright state, the first end wall is located above the second end wall, and in the inverted state, the second end wall is located above the first end wall; a movement, the movement being relatively stationary and arranged in the shell, and comprising a first transmitter and a second transmitter The virtual wall device is configured such that the first transmitter is suitable for transmitting the first signal line toward multiple angles through the first light-transmitting area, and the second transmitter is suitable for transmitting the second signal line toward a single angle through the second light-transmitting area; and a mechanical switching element, the mechanical switching element is movable relative to the shell and is configured such that, during the flipping process of the shell, it moves relative to the shell under the action of gravity, and when the shell is flipped to the upright state, the first signal line can be emitted outside the shell, and the second signal line cannot be emitted outside the shell, and when the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the second signal line can be emitted outside the shell, and the first signal line cannot be emitted outside the shell.

[0006] According to the virtual wall device for a sweeping robot in the first embodiment of the present invention, the working mode can be automatically switched by flipping the virtual wall device. The working mode switching has high reliability and is convenient for users to use.

[0007] In some embodiments, the mechanical switching member includes: a shielding member, which is movable relative to the shell along the first direction, and when the shell is flipped to the upright state, the shielding member blocks the second light-transmitting area and avoids the first light-transmitting area, and when the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the shielding member blocks the first light-transmitting area and avoids the second light-transmitting area.

[0008] In some embodiments, the shielding member is located inside the shell and is sleeved outside the movement, or the shielding member is sleeved outside the shell.

[0009] In some embodiments, the housing has a limiting structure, and the limiting structure is used to limit the movement range of the shielding member along the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the shell includes: a transparent cover, which is a cylinder with one axial end open and includes the first end wall and a first sub-circumferential wall; a shell body, which is a cylinder with one axial end open and includes the second end wall and a second sub-circumferential wall, and the transparent cover is connected to the shell body along the first direction so that the first sub-circumferential wall and the second sub-circumferential wall are connected to form the circumferential wall, wherein the first sub-circumferential wall serves as the first light-transmitting area, and the partial light-transmitting effect of the second sub-circumferential wall serves as the second light-transmitting area.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second end wall is detachably connected to the second sub-peripheral wall.

[0012] In some embodiments, the movement also includes a mounting frame, the first transmitter is arranged on a side of the mounting frame facing the first end wall, the second transmitter is arranged on a side of the mounting frame facing the surrounding wall, and the inner side of the first end wall has a reflective structure, and the reflective structure is suitable for reflecting the signal line emitted by the first transmitter to the first light-transmitting area.

[0013] In some embodiments, it is characterized in that the movement further includes a power supply component, and the power supply component is always electrically connected to the first transmitter and the second transmitter.

[0014] In some embodiments, the movement also includes a power supply component, and the mechanical switching component includes: a rotating component, which is rotatable relative to the shell around a pivot axis, and the rotating component includes a power connection end electrically connected to the power supply component, wherein when the shell is flipped to the upright state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the first transmitter and is separated from the power connection point of the second transmitter and is powered off; when the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the second transmitter and is separated from the power connection point of the first transmitter and is powered off.

[0015] In some embodiments, the rotating member also includes an insulating counterweight end. When the shell is flipped to the upright state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the first transmitter, and the insulating counterweight end is in contact with the power connection point of the second transmitter to cut off power. When the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the second transmitter, and the insulating counterweight end is in contact with the power connection point of the first transmitter to cut off power.

[0016] A sweeping robot assembly according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention comprises a sweeping robot and a virtual wall device, wherein the virtual wall device is the virtual wall device for the sweeping robot according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] According to the sweeping robot assembly of the second embodiment of the present invention, the overall performance of the sweeping robot assembly is improved by providing the virtual wall device for the sweeping robot of the first embodiment.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a virtual wall device for a cleaning robot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the assembled virtual wall device shown in FIG. 1 , in which the virtual wall device is in an upright position;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the virtual wall device shown in FIG. 1 , which is flipped to an inverted state;

[0022] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the virtual wall device is in an upright state;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A cross-sectional view of the virtual wall device shown in FIG. 1 , which is flipped to an inverted state;

[0024] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning robot assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in operation, in which the virtual wall device is in an upright state;

[0025] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning robot assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention when in operation, in which the virtual wall device is in an inverted state.

[0026] Reference numerals:

[0027] Cleaning robot assembly 1000:

[0028] Cleaning robot 100; virtual wall device 200; first direction F1;

[0029] Shell 1; first light-transmitting area A; second light-transmitting area B;

[0030] Transparent cover 11; first end wall 111; reflective structure 1111; first sub-circumferential wall 112;

[0031] Shell body 12; second end wall 121; second sub-circumferential wall 122;

[0032] Peripheral wall 13; Limiting structure 14;

[0033] Movement 2;

[0034] A first transmitter 21; a power connection point 211 of the first transmitter;

[0035] A second transmitter 22; a power connection point 221 of the second transmitter;

[0036] Mounting frame 23; Power supply component 24;

[0037] Mechanical switching element 3;

[0038] Shielding member 31; rotating member 32; power connection end 321; pivot shaft 322; insulating weight end 323. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to implement different structures of the present invention. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention can repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed. In addition, the present invention provides various specific processes and examples of materials, but those of ordinary skill in the art can be aware of the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a virtual wall device 200 for a cleaning robot 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will be described.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the virtual wall device 200 for the sweeping robot 100 may include: a housing 1, a movement 2 and a mechanical switching member 3, Figure 2 The housing 1 may include a first end wall 111 and a second end wall 121 that are arranged opposite to each other along a first direction F1, and a peripheral wall 13 connected between the first end wall 111 and the second end wall 121. The peripheral wall 13 has a first light-transmitting area A and a second light-transmitting area B that are sequentially arranged along a direction from the first end wall 111 to the second end wall 121. The housing 1 can be flipped between an upright state and an inverted state. In the upright state, the first end wall 111 is located above the second end wall 121. Figure 3 In the inverted state, the second end wall 121 is located above the first end wall 111 .

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, when the housing 1 is in the upright state, the first end wall 111 is located above the second end wall 121, the first light-transmitting area A is located above the second light-transmitting area B, and the first light-transmitting area 121 is located above the second light-transmitting area B. Figure 3 When the housing 1 is flipped to an inverted state, the second end wall 121 is located above the first end wall 111 , and the second light-transmitting area B is located above the first light-transmitting area A.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the movement 2 and the shell 1 are relatively statically arranged in the shell 1, that is, the movement 2 cannot move relative to the shell 1, so as to flip synchronously with the shell 1 when the shell 1 flips, and the movement 2 may include a first transmitter 21 and a second transmitter 22. The virtual wall device 200 is configured such that the first transmitter 21 is suitable for emitting a first signal line toward multiple angles through a first light-transmitting area A, and the second transmitter 22 is suitable for emitting a second signal line toward a single angle through a second light-transmitting area B.

[0045] For example, in a specific example, when the first transmitter 21 is working, the virtual wall device 200 is in an omnidirectional transmitting state, which can be used to establish an arc-shaped virtual isolation area (such as Figure 6 When the second transmitter 22 is working, the virtual wall device 200 is in a straight-line transmitting state, which can be used to establish a straight-line virtual isolation area (such as Figure 7 The virtual wall device 200 can have two working modes. It should be noted that the types of the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 are not limited, for example, they can include but are not limited to infrared sensors, which are well known to ordinary technicians in the field and will not be described in detail here. In addition, it should be noted that the specific form of the virtual isolation area that can be established by the virtual wall device 200 can be specifically set according to the setting form of the light-transmitting area and the type of transmitter selected, which is not limited here.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical switching member 3 is movable relative to the housing 1 and is configured such that, during the flipping process of the housing 1, the mechanical switching member 3 moves relative to the housing 1 (e.g., slides relative to the housing 1, rotates relative to the housing 1, etc.) under the action of gravity, and when the housing 1 is flipped to the upright state (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown), the first signal line can be projected out of the housing 1, and the second signal line cannot be projected out of the housing 1. When the housing 1 is flipped to an inverted state (as shown Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the second signal line can be projected out of the shell 1, and the first signal line cannot be projected out of the shell 1. That is to say, when the shell 1 is turned over, the mechanical switching member 3 mechanically moves relative to the shell 1 under the action of gravity, such as sliding relative to the shell 1, rotating relative to the shell 1, etc., thereby, the virtual isolation area formed by the virtual wall device 200 can be switched by the movement of the mechanical switching member 3 relative to the shell 1.

[0047] For example, when the virtual wall device 200 is turned over to the upright state, Figure 2 As shown, the first light-transmitting area A is located above the second light-transmitting area B, and the first transmitter 21 transmits multi-angle signals outward through the first light-transmitting area A, so that the virtual wall device 200 switches to the working mode of the arc-shaped virtual isolation area (such as Figure 6 When the virtual wall device 200 is turned upside down, as shown in the dotted line area, Figure 3 As shown, the second light-transmitting area B is located above the first light-transmitting area A, and the second transmitter 22 transmits a single angle signal outward through the second light-transmitting area B, so that the virtual wall device 200 switches to the working mode of the straight-line virtual isolation area (such as Figure 7 dotted area shown).

[0048] Therefore, the user only needs to flip the virtual wall device 200 when using it, which is not only convenient to operate but also reduces the possibility of misoperation. In addition, since the mechanical switching member 3 realizes switching by mechanical movement relative to the shell 1 under the action of gravity, complex circuit control is omitted and circuit failure problems existing in circuit control are avoided, so that the switching reliability of the virtual wall device 200 in switching the working mode is higher and the cost of the virtual wall device 200 is lower.

[0049] According to the virtual wall device 200 for the sweeping robot 100 of the first aspect of the present invention, the working mode can be automatically switched by flipping the virtual wall device 200. The working mode switching has high reliability and is convenient for users to use.

[0050] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the mechanical switching member 3 may include: a shielding member 31, the shielding member 31 is movable relative to the housing 1 along the first direction F1, when the housing 1 is flipped to the upright state, the shielding member 31 avoids the first light-transmitting area A and blocks the second light-transmitting area B, combined with Figure 3 As shown, when the housing 1 is turned over to an inverted state, the shielding member 31 avoids the second light-transmitting area B and shields the first light-transmitting area A.

[0051] That is to say, when the housing 1 is turned over to the upright position, Figure 2 As shown, the shielding member 31 moves along the first direction F1 under the action of gravity to a position that blocks the second light-transmitting area B and exposes the first light-transmitting area A. At this time, the second signal line emitted by the second transmitter 22 is blocked by the shielding member 31, and the first signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21 is emitted from the first light-transmitting area A. Therefore, only signals of virtual isolation zones in multiple angles can be formed on the outside of the shell 1, and signals of virtual isolation zones in a single direction cannot be formed.

[0052] On the contrary, combined Figure 3 As shown, when the shell 1 is flipped to an inverted state, the shielding member 31 moves along the first direction F1 under the action of gravity to a position that blocks the first light-transmitting area A, and makes the second light-transmitting area B visible. At this time, the first signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21 is blocked by the shielding member 31, and the second signal line emitted by the second transmitter 22 is emitted from the second light-transmitting area B. Therefore, only a signal of a virtual isolation zone in a single direction can be formed on the outside of the shell 1, and no signal of a virtual isolation zone in multiple angles can be formed. Therefore, the mechanical switching member 3 has a simple structure and high working reliability.

[0053] In some embodiments, Figure 2As shown, the shielding member 31 is located inside the housing 1 and sleeved outside the movement 2, so that the housing 1 can protect the shielding member 31, and the shielding member 31 has a simple structure and is easy to install. Alternatively, in some other embodiments, the shielding member 31 can also be located outside the housing 1 and sleeved on the housing 1 (this example is not shown in the figure). Therefore, the shielding member 31 has a simple structure and is flexible to set.

[0054] In some embodiments, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1 may have a limiting structure 14, which is used to limit the movement range of the shielding member 31 along the first direction F1, thereby improving the working reliability of the shielding member 31. At the same time, the limiting structure 14 has a simple structure and is easy to set. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the limiting structure 14 may be ribs and a first end wall 111 arranged on the inner wall of the shell 1 .

[0055] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the shell 1 may include: a transparent cover 11 and a shell body 12, the transparent cover 11 is a cylinder with one axial end open and includes a first end wall 111 and a first sub-circumferential wall 112, the shell body 12 is a cylinder with one axial end open and includes a second end wall 121 and a second sub-circumferential wall 122, the transparent cover 11 is connected with the shell body 12 along the first direction F1, so that the first sub-circumferential wall 112 and the second sub-circumferential wall 122 are connected to form a circumferential wall 13, wherein the first sub-circumferential wall 112 serves as a first light-transmitting area A, and the partial light-transmitting of the second sub-circumferential wall 122 serves as a second light-transmitting area B.

[0056] That is, the first sub-peripheral wall 112 is entirely used as the first light-transmitting area A, so that the first light-transmitting area A is the entire circumferential area, so that the first signal line is emitted at multiple angles, and a portion of the second sub-peripheral wall 122 is used as the second light-transmitting area B, so that the second light-transmitting area B is a local area, so that the second signal line is emitted at a single angle. Moreover, the user can easily observe the difference between the first light-transmitting area A and the second light-transmitting area B during use. Therefore, in the process of using the virtual wall device 200, the user only needs to place it (upright or inverted) according to his or her needs to correctly use the required mode, reducing the possibility of misoperation.

[0057] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, different logos may be set on the outer surfaces of the first end wall 111 and the second end wall 121 to distinguish the working modes, so as to directly prompt the user which working mode is currently being used. This will not be elaborated here.

[0058] It should be noted that the specific type of the "cylindrical" mentioned above is not limited, for example, it can be a cylindrical shape, a polygonal cylindrical shape, etc. In addition, the manufacturing materials of the first light-transmitting area A and the second light-transmitting area B are not limited, for example, it can include but is not limited to transparent plastic parts. As long as the first signal line and the second signal line can be well emitted from the first light-transmitting area A and the second light-transmitting area B to the use environment (such as indoors), it will not be elaborated here.

[0059] In some embodiments, Figure 1 As shown, the second end wall 121 is detachably connected to the second sub-circumferential wall 122, so as to facilitate disassembly and assembly. For example, the user can open the second end wall 121 and perform operations such as repair or replacement of the internal components (such as replacement of the power supply component 24 described later). It should be noted that the specific form of detachable connection is not limited, for example, it can be connected by snap-fitting, threaded connector fitting, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown, the movement 2 can also include a mounting frame 23, the first transmitter 21 is arranged on the side of the mounting frame 23 facing the first end wall 111, the second transmitter 22 is arranged on the side of the mounting frame 23 facing the surrounding wall 13, and the inner side of the first end wall 111 has a reflective structure 1111, and the reflective structure 1111 is suitable for reflecting the signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21 to the first light-transmitting area A, so that the first signal line is emitted along multiple angles.

[0061] That is to say, the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 are both mounted on the mounting frame 23, and the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 can respectively transmit signal lines in different directions. For example, when the housing 1 is in an upright position, Figure 2 As shown, the first signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21 is first emitted to the reflective structure 1111 on the inner side of the first end wall 111. At this time, the first signal line can change direction after being reflected by the reflective structure 1111. The first signal line is reflected into multi-angle signal lines by the reflective structure 1111. Then, these reflected first signal lines can pass through the first light-transmitting area A at multiple angles and enter the working environment (combined with Figure 6 When the housing 1 is turned over to an inverted state, as shown in the dotted line area, Figure 3 As shown, the unidirectional signal emitted by the second emitter 22 can directly pass through the second light-transmitting area B and enter the working environment (combined with Figure 7 As shown in the dotted line area), the structure of the virtual wall device 200 is simple.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific form of the reflective structure 1111 is not limited. Figure 2In the specific example shown, the reflective structure 1111 is a cone protruding from the first end wall 111 toward the second end wall 121, so that the structure of the reflective structure 1111 is simple and easy to process and form. For example, the reflective structure 1111 can be processed and formed together with the transparent cover 11 to form an integrated part. For example, the reflective structure 1111 and the transparent cover 11 can also be separately processed and formed and then assembled and connected. For example, the reflective structure 1111 can be adhered to the first wall end by methods such as double-sided tape, etc., which will not be elaborated here.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the mechanical switching member 3 includes a shielding member 31, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the movement 2 may further include a power supply component 24, and the power supply component 24 is always electrically connected to the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22. That is, the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 work simultaneously, and both are powered by the power supply component 24. It should be noted that the type of the power supply component 24 is not limited, for example, it can be a battery or a circuit board, etc. In addition, when the power supply component 24 is a battery, the type of the battery is also not limited, for example, it can be a rechargeable battery, a dry cell, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0064] In some other embodiments of the present invention, when the movement 2 includes a power supply component 24, the power supply component 24 may not be electrically connected to the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 all the time. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mechanical switching member 3 may include: a rotating member 32, the rotating member 32 is rotatable relative to the housing 1 around a pivot axis 322, and the rotating member 32 may include a power connection terminal 321 electrically connected to the power supply component 24, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the housing 1 is turned over to the upright state, the power connection end 321 is electrically connected to the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21 and is disconnected from the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22. Figure 5 As shown, when the housing 1 is turned over to an inverted state, the power connection end 321 is electrically connected to the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22 and is disconnected from the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21 to be powered off.

[0065] Therefore, regardless of whether the mechanical switching member 3 includes the shielding member 31, the switching action of the dotted area can be achieved by flipping the virtual wall device 200. More specifically, since the mechanical switching member 3 includes the above-mentioned rotating member 32, the rotating member 32 can switch one of the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22 to work and the other not to work by flipping the shell 1, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the virtual wall device 200. For example, when the virtual wall device 200 uses a battery to provide power, the standby time of the virtual wall device 200 can be increased. In addition, it should be noted that in the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the mechanical switching member 3 can include the rotating member 32 and the shielding member 31 at the same time, and the mechanical switching member 3 can also include only one of the rotating member 32 and the shielding member 31.

[0066] For example, when the housing 1 is turned over, the contact point 211 of the first transmitter 21 and the contact point 221 of the second transmitter 22 are stationary relative to the housing 1 (i.e., when the housing 1 is turned over, the contact point 211 of the first transmitter 21 and the contact point 221 of the second transmitter 22 are turned over together with the housing 1). At the same time, the housing 1 is turned from an upright position (such as Figure 4 as shown) to flip upside down (as shown) Figure 5 During the process of turning the virtual wall device 200 to the upright state or the inverted state, the rotating member 32 rotates relative to the housing 1 around the pivot shaft 322 (i.e., the rotating member 32 does not turn over with the turning over of the housing 1, but rotates relative to the housing 1 under the action of gravity). Thus, the user can choose to turn the virtual wall device 200 to the upright state or the inverted state to realize the automatic switching of the working mode of the virtual wall device 200, so as to facilitate the use of the user. It should be noted that the specific shape of the rotating member 32 is not limited, for example, it can be a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0067] like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, in order to improve the working stability and working reliability of the rotating member 32, the rotating member 32 may further include an insulating weight end 323, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the housing 1 is flipped to the upright state, the power connection end 321 is electrically connected to the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21, and the insulating weight end 323 is in contact with the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22 to cut off the power. Figure 5 As shown, when the housing 1 is flipped to the inverted state, the power connection end 321 is electrically connected to the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22, and the insulating weight end 323 is in contact with the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21 to cut off the power. Therefore, during the flipping of the housing 1 between the upright state and the inverted state, the insulating weight end 323 can always be located at the lower side relative to the power connection end 321 under the action of gravity, thereby improving the working stability and working reliability of the rotating member 32.

[0068] In addition, in some embodiments, the power connection terminal 321 can be made of a conductive material with elastic deformation, thereby improving the connection effectiveness when the power connection terminal 321 is electrically connected to the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21 and the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22. At the same time, when the rotating member 32 rotates relative to the shell 1, the power connection terminal 321 can be smoothly separated from the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21 and the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22 to cut off the power, thereby improving the working reliability of the rotating member 32, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0069] Below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, two specific examples of mechanical switching members 3 in different forms are described. It should be noted that the following two specific examples are intended to be used to explain the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0070] Example 1

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the mechanical switching member 3 includes a shielding member 31, and the power supply component 24 is always electrically connected to the first transmitter 21 and the second transmitter 22. When the virtual wall device 200 is placed upright, the shielding member 31 moves to shield the first signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21. At this time, the virtual wall device 200 is in an omnidirectional transmitting state, and an arc-shaped virtual isolation zone can be formed on the outside of the virtual wall device 200. Conversely, when the virtual wall device 200 is placed inverted, the shielding member 31 moves to shield the second signal line emitted by the second transmitter 22. At this time, a straight-line virtual isolation zone can be formed on the outside of the virtual wall device 200.

[0072] Example 2

[0073] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the mechanical switching member 3 includes a rotating member 32 but does not include a shielding member 31. The rotating member 32 includes a power connection terminal 321 electrically connected to the power supply component 24. When the virtual wall device 200 is placed upright, the power connection terminal 321 is rotated to be electrically connected to the power connection point 211 of the first transmitter 21, and the first signal line emitted by the first transmitter 21 is emitted from the first light-transmitting area A that is not blocked. At this time, an arc-shaped virtual isolation area can be formed on the outside of the virtual wall device 200. Conversely, when the virtual wall device 200 is placed inverted, the power connection terminal 321 is rotated to be electrically connected to the power connection point 221 of the second transmitter 22, and the second signal line emitted by the second transmitter 22 is emitted from the second light-transmitting area B that is not blocked. At this time, a straight-line virtual isolation area can be formed on the outside of the virtual wall device 200.

[0074] In summary of the above two specific examples, when the user places the virtual wall device 200 upright or inverted, the mechanical conversion member makes mechanical movement relative to the housing 1 to automatically switch the working mode of the virtual wall device 200. Therefore, the virtual wall device 200 is flexible and easy to use. As long as the user places it normally according to their needs, it can be used correctly without frequent use of the switch button, resulting in incorrect state switching. In addition, compared with the virtual wall device in the related art, it can also solve the problem of users using the function incorrectly without knowing the switch state when using the virtual wall device 200.

[0075] Hereinafter, a cleaning robot assembly 1000 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cleaning robot assembly 1000 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaning robot 100 and a virtual wall device 200. The virtual wall device 200 is the virtual wall device 200 for the cleaning robot 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] According to the cleaning robot assembly 1000 of the second embodiment of the present invention, when the cleaning robot 100 is working, upon receiving a virtual isolation area (such as a virtual wall device 200) sent by the virtual wall device 200, Figure 6 and Figure 7 When a signal is received from the virtual wall device 200 (shown in the dotted area), the cleaning robot 100 can automatically make an evasive action. The switching of the working mode can be automatically completed by flipping the virtual wall device 200, and the reliability of the working mode switching is high, and the user is convenient to use.

[0078] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0079] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A virtual wall device for a sweeping robot, characterized in that: include: A housing, the housing comprising a first end wall and a second end wall arranged opposite to each other along a first direction, and a peripheral wall connected between the first end wall and the second end wall, the peripheral wall having a first light-transmitting area and a second light-transmitting area arranged in sequence along a direction from the first end wall to the second end wall, the housing being flippable between an upright state and an inverted state, in which the first end wall is located above the second end wall in the upright state, and in which the second end wall is located above the first end wall in the inverted state; A movement, wherein the movement and the housing are relatively statically arranged in the housing, and comprises a first transmitter and a second transmitter, wherein the virtual wall device is configured such that the first transmitter is adapted to transmit a first signal line toward multiple angles through the first light-transmitting area, and the second transmitter is adapted to transmit a second signal line toward a single angle through the second light-transmitting area, and the movement further comprises a mounting frame, and the first transmitter and the second transmitter are both mounted on the mounting frame; and A mechanical switching component, wherein the mechanical switching component is movable relative to the shell and is configured to move relative to the shell under the action of gravity during the flipping of the shell, and when the shell is flipped to the upright state, the first signal line can be projected out of the shell, and the second signal line cannot be projected out of the shell; when the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the second signal line can be projected out of the shell, and the first signal line cannot be projected out of the shell.

2. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mechanical switching element comprises: The shielding member is movable relative to the shell along the first direction, and when the shell is flipped to the upright state, the shielding member blocks the second light-transmitting area and avoids the first light-transmitting area; when the shell is flipped to the inverted state, the shielding member blocks the first light-transmitting area and avoids the second light-transmitting area.

3. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 2, characterized in that: The shielding member is located in the shell and sleeved outside the movement, or the shielding member is sleeved outside the shell.

4. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing has a limiting structure, and the limiting structure is used to limit the movement range of the shielding member along the first direction.

5. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing comprises: A transparent cover, which is cylindrical with one axial end open and includes the first end wall and a first sub-circumferential wall; The shell body is cylindrical with one axial end open and includes the second end wall and a second sub-circumferential wall, the transparent cover is connected to the shell body along the first direction so that the first sub-circumferential wall and the second sub-circumferential wall are connected to form the circumferential wall, wherein the first sub-circumferential wall serves as the first light-transmitting area, and the partial light-transmitting part of the second sub-circumferential wall serves as the second light-transmitting area.

6. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second end wall is detachably connected to the second sub-peripheral wall.

7. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transmitter is arranged on the side of the mounting frame facing the first end wall, and the second transmitter is arranged on the side of the mounting frame facing the surrounding wall. The inner side of the first end wall has a reflective structure, and the reflective structure is suitable for reflecting the signal line emitted by the first transmitter to the first light-transmitting area.

8. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that: The core further includes a power supply component, and the power supply component is always electrically connected to the first transmitter and the second transmitter.

9. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The movement also includes a power supply component, and the mechanical switching component includes: A rotating member, the rotating member is rotatable relative to the housing around a pivot axis, the rotating member includes a power connection terminal electrically connected to the power supply component, wherein: When the housing is flipped to the upright state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the first transmitter and is disconnected from the power connection point of the second transmitter. When the housing is turned over to the inverted state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the second transmitter and is separated from the power connection point of the first transmitter to be powered off.

10. The virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to claim 9, characterized in that: The rotating member also includes an insulating weight end, When the housing is flipped to the upright state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the first transmitter, and the insulating weight end is in contact with the power connection point of the second transmitter to disconnect the power. When the shell is turned over to the inverted state, the power connection end is electrically connected to the power connection point of the second transmitter, and the insulating weight end is in contact with the power connection point of the first transmitter to cut off power.

11. A sweeping robot assembly, characterized in that: It comprises a sweeping robot and a virtual wall device, wherein the virtual wall device is a virtual wall device for a sweeping robot according to any one of claims 1-10.

Images