Cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning method, which belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and is used to solve the problem of high power consumption of the power supply unit during the first heating and steam generation process of existing cleaning devices. The cleaning device of the present invention includes a cleaning robot and a charging stand, the cleaning robot includes a power supply unit and a water tank, and a steam generating unit is provided in the water tank; the power supply unit is connected to the charging stand for charging; the steam generating unit is connected to the charging stand and / or the power supply unit to heat the water in the water tank and convert it into steam; the charging stand supplies power for the first heating and steam generation process of the steam generating unit. The first heating and steam generation process of the steam generating unit is directly powered by the charging stand, which does not consume the power of the power supply unit, and can avoid excessive power consumption of the power supply unit due to the first heating and steam generation process of the steam generating unit, so that the power supply unit is in a fully charged state when the cleaning robot starts to clean the room, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect of the cleaning robot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a cleaning device and a cleaning method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, cleaning equipment (such as cleaning robots and vacuum cleaners) use side brushes and roller brushes to clean the floor, and then use steam to clean the floor to improve the cleaning effect. However, because the steam generation process consumes a lot of electricity, especially when heating and generating steam for the first time, it is easy to cause the power supply unit of the cleaning equipment to consume too much power when cleaning indoors. In order to ensure that the remaining power in the power supply unit is still enough to complete the indoor cleaning, it is necessary to reduce the power of other cleaning components (such as roller brushes, side brushes, suction motors, etc.), which affects the indoor cleaning level. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above analysis, the embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a cleaning device and a cleaning method to solve the problem of high power consumption of the power supply unit during the first heating and steam generation process of the existing cleaning device.

[0004] On the one hand, the present invention provides a cleaning device, including a cleaning robot and a charging base, the cleaning robot including a power supply unit and a water tank, and a steam generating unit is provided in the water tank; the power supply unit is connected to the charging base for charging; the steam generating unit is connected to the charging base and / or the power supply unit to heat the water in the water tank and convert it into steam; the steam generating unit is powered by the charging base during the first heating process to generate steam.

[0005] Furthermore, the charging base, power supply unit, and steam generating unit are connected in sequence.

[0006] Furthermore, the charging stand is connected to the power supply unit and the steam generating unit respectively.

[0007] Furthermore, the steam generating unit is provided with a selection terminal, and the steam generating unit is connected to the charging stand or the power supply unit via the selection terminal.

[0008] Furthermore, the cleaning robot also includes a control unit, which is connected to the power supply unit and the steam generating unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the steam generating unit includes a water pump, a heating element, a temperature measuring element and a steam nozzle, which are connected in sequence. The temperature measuring element is used to detect the temperature of the heating element and send the detected temperature to the control unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the water tank is provided with a water storage cavity, and the steam generating unit is located in front of the water storage cavity;

[0011] The water pump is connected to the water storage chamber, and the nozzle of the steam nozzle is arranged at the bottom of the water tank.

[0012] Furthermore, a rag is provided at the bottom of the water tank, and the rag is located behind the spout.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom wall surface of the water storage chamber is an inclined surface, and the inclined surface faces the position where the steam generating unit is located.

[0014] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber is α, and 5°≤α≤10°.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning method for a cleaning device, which is used for cleaning the above-mentioned cleaning device, comprising the following steps:

[0016] S1: Before the cleaning robot (1) performs indoor cleaning, the steam generating unit (13) is powered via the charging base (2), so that the steam generating unit (13) is heated for the first time to generate steam;

[0017] S2: The cleaning robot (1) is disconnected from the charging base (2) and starts cleaning. The steam generating unit (13) is powered by the power supply unit (11), so that the steam generating unit (13) is heated to generate steam.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0019] (1) The process of the steam generating unit heating up to generate steam for the first time is directly powered by the charging stand, which does not consume the power of the power supply unit. This can avoid excessive power consumption of the power supply unit due to the process of the steam generating unit heating up to generate steam for the first time, so that the power supply unit is in a fully charged state when the cleaning robot starts to clean the room, thereby ensuring the cleaning effect of the cleaning robot;

[0020] (2) When the cleaning robot is performing indoor cleaning, the power supply unit continuously supplies power to the steam generating unit, so that the heat of the steam generating unit is always at a specified temperature. The cleaning robot can also complete indoor cleaning without reducing the power of other cleaning components, and will not cause adverse effects on the cleaning process of the cleaning robot (such as reduced cleaning effect, reduced cleaning efficiency, etc.);

[0021] (3) The rag is located behind the nozzle, so that the surface to be cleaned is first humidified and heated by water vapor before being wiped by the rag. This not only can better remove stubborn stains and improve the cleaning effect, but also can ensure the dryness of the surface to be cleaned, making it less likely to cause people to slip;

[0022] (4) The bottom wall of the water storage chamber is an inclined surface so that the water in the water storage chamber can flow to the location of the steam generating unit under the action of gravity, thereby ensuring that the water in the water storage chamber can be converted into water vapor to avoid waste.

[0023] In the present invention, the above-mentioned technical solutions can be combined with each other to achieve more preferred combinations. Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following description, and some advantages will become apparent from the description or be learned through practice of the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained through the contents particularly pointed out in the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating particular embodiments and are not to be considered limiting of the present invention. Like reference symbols denote like parts throughout the drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a structural block diagram of a cleaning device in a specific embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 is a bottom view of the water tank in a specific embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is a top view of a water tank in a specific embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 3 AA cross-sectional view.

[0029] Reference numerals:

[0030] 1-Cleaning robot; 11-Power supply unit; 12-Water tank; 121-Water storage chamber; 122-Cloth; 123-Assembly column; 124-Water inlet; 13-Steam generating unit; 131-Selection terminal; 132-Water pump; 133-Heating element; 134-Temperature measuring element; 135-Steam nozzle; 136-Nozzle; 14-Control unit; 15-Liquid level sensor; 2-Charging base. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the accompanying drawings constitute a part of the present invention and are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. It can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0033] The terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," and "on" used throughout the description refer to relative positions of components of a device, such as the relative positions of top and bottom substrates within a device. It will be understood that devices are multifunctional regardless of their orientation in space.

[0034] The working surface of the present invention can be a plane or a curved surface, can be inclined, or can be horizontal. For the convenience of description, the embodiment of the present invention is placed on a horizontal surface and used on the horizontal surface, and "high and low" and "up and down" are defined in this way.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] This embodiment provides a cleaning device such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the cleaning robot 1 includes a cleaning robot 1 and a charging base 2. The cleaning robot 1 includes a power supply unit 11 and a water tank 12. A steam generating unit 13 is provided in the water tank 12. The power supply unit 11 is connected to the charging base 2 for charging. The steam generating unit 13 is connected to the charging base 2 and / or the power supply unit 11 to heat the water in the water tank 12 and convert it into steam. The first heating process of the steam generating unit 13 to generate steam is powered by the charging base 2.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, in the cleaning equipment provided by this embodiment, the process in which the steam generating unit 13 heats and generates steam for the first time (hereinafter referred to as the first heating) is directly powered by the charging stand 2, and does not consume the power of the power supply unit 11. This can avoid the power supply unit 11 consuming too much power due to the first heating, so that the power supply unit 11 is in a fully charged state when the cleaning robot starts cleaning the room, so as to ensure the cleaning effect of the cleaning robot; when the cleaning robot is performing indoor cleaning, the power supply unit 11 provides uninterrupted power supply for the heating of the steam generating unit 13, so that the heat of the steam generating unit is always at a specified temperature. The cleaning robot 1 can complete indoor cleaning without reducing the power of other cleaning components, and will not cause adverse effects on the cleaning process of the cleaning robot 1 (such as reduced cleaning effect, reduced cleaning efficiency, etc.).

[0038] When the cleaning robot 1 is in standby mode (the cleaning robot enters standby mode after the power supply unit 11 is charged, and the cleaning robot 1 is connected to the charging base 2), the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the charging base 2, and the steam generating unit 13 in the water tank 12 is heated at the first heating moment until the steam generating unit 13 reaches the specified temperature, realizing the first heating of the steam generating unit 13, and then the cleaning robot 1 is disconnected from the charging base 2 and starts cleaning.

[0039] When the cleaning robot 1 is in the cleaning state (the state of the cleaning robot 1 in the cleaning process, at this time the cleaning robot 1 is disconnected from the charging base 2), the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the power supply unit 11, and the power supply unit 11 supplies power to the steam generating unit 13 so that it can maintain a specified temperature to ensure that the cleaning robot 1 has continuous steam production (assuming that there is enough water in the water tank 12) to ensure the cleaning effect of the cleaning robot 1.

[0040] It should be noted that the above-mentioned first heating time is related to the time required to complete the first heating (hereinafter referred to as the first heating time) and the preset time for the cleaning robot 1 to start cleaning (hereinafter referred to as the preset time). Specifically, the first heating time = preset time - first heating time. For example, if the preset time is 8:00 am and the first heating time is 10 minutes, the first heating time is 7:50 am; the above-mentioned specified temperature is set by the user or set when the cleaning robot leaves the factory, and the specified temperature is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature for heating water into steam. The first heating time is related to the initial temperature of the water in the water tank 12, the specified temperature and the heating rate of the steam generating unit 13. The specified temperature and the heating rate of the steam generating unit 13 are constants. Therefore, the time required for the first heating can be calculated by measuring the initial temperature of the water in the water tank. Because the cleaning robot 1 is generally used indoors, the initial temperature of the water in the water tank is similar to the room temperature (25°C), and it can be considered that the initial temperature of the water in the water tank is 25°C. In this way, the time required for the first heating is also a fixed value. In actual applications, in order to simplify the structure of the cleaning robot 1, the initial temperature of the water in the water tank can be set to room temperature (25°C) or normal temperature (20°C); if in order to make the cleaning robot 1 more intelligent, a temperature sensor is installed in the water tank 12 to test the initial temperature of the water in the water tank, so as to accurately calculate the first heating time and obtain a more accurate first heating moment.

[0041] The steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in parallel or in series.

[0042] When the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in parallel, the charging base 2 is connected to the power supply unit 11 and the steam generating unit 13 respectively, that is, the charging base 2 supplies power to the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 respectively without affecting each other. The charging base 2 can charge the power supply unit 11 while supplying power to the steam generating unit 13.

[0043] When the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in series, the charging base 2, the power supply unit 11, and the steam generating unit 13 are connected in sequence. The charging base 2 first charges the power supply unit 11. After the power supply unit 11 reaches a fully charged state, the charging base 2 then supplies power to the steam generating unit 13 through the power supply unit 11. At this time, the power supply unit 11 is the power medium.

[0044] It should be noted that the concepts of parallel and series in the present invention are not the same as the concepts of parallel and series in the traditional electrical field. Specifically, the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in parallel, which means that the charging base 2 is connected to the power supply unit 11 and the steam generating unit 13 respectively; the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in series, which means that the charging base 2, the power supply unit 11 and the steam generating unit 13 are connected in sequence.

[0045] In this embodiment, the steam generating unit 13 and the power supply unit 11 are connected to the charging base 2 in parallel. When the cleaning robot 1 is in standby state, the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the charging base 2. When the cleaning robot 1 is in cleaning state, the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the power supply unit 11. Specifically, the steam generating unit 13 is provided with a selection terminal 131, and the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the charging base 2 or the power supply unit 11 through the selection terminal 131.

[0046] Selecting the above-mentioned parallel connection mode makes the power supply mode of the charging base 2 more flexible, saves the charging and standby preparation time of the cleaning robot, and can extend the service life of the power supply unit 11.

[0047] The cleaning robot 1 further includes a control unit 14 , which is used to control the operation of the entire cleaning device. The control unit 14 is connected to the power supply unit 11 and the steam generating unit 13 .

[0048] Specifically, the control unit 14 is connected to the selection terminal 131 , and can control whether the steam generating unit 13 is connected to the charging stand 2 or the power supply unit 11 by controlling the selection terminal 131 .

[0049] If a temperature sensor is provided in the water tank 12, the temperature sensor is connected to the control unit 14, and the temperature sensor transmits the measured initial temperature of the water tank 12 to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 calculates the first heating time according to the initial temperature, thereby obtaining the first heating time of the steam generating unit 13 from the preset time.

[0050] The steam generating unit 13 also includes a water pump 132, a heating element 133, a temperature measuring element 134 and a steam nozzle 135. The water pump 132, the heating element 133 and the steam nozzle 135 are connected in sequence. The water pump 132 can pump the water in the water tank 12 into the heating element 133. The heating element 133 can heat the water and convert it into steam. The steam nozzle 135 guides the steam generated by the heating element 133 out of the cleaning robot 1. The nozzle 136 of the steam nozzle 135 is directed towards the surface to be cleaned or the rag. The temperature measuring element 134 is used to detect the temperature of the heating element 133 and send the detected temperature to the control unit 14.

[0051] The water pump 132 pumps the water in the water tank 12 into the heating element 133 , and the heating element 133 heats the water pumped therein and converts it into water vapor, which is sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned or the rag by the steam nozzle 135 .

[0052] The water pump 132, the heating element 133, and the temperature measuring element 134 are respectively connected to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 controls the working process of the heating element 133 and the water pump 132 according to the temperature signal of the heating element 133 measured by the temperature measuring element 134. Specifically, the control unit 14 controls the power of the heating element 133 according to the temperature measured by the temperature measuring element 134; when the temperature of the heating element 133 reaches the specified temperature, the control unit 14 controls the water pump 132 to pump water into the heating element 133, and can control the amount of water pumped in and the speed of pumping water to achieve control of the steam spray amount of the cleaning robot 1.

[0053] A liquid level sensor 15 is also installed in the water tank 12. The liquid level sensor 15 is used to detect the remaining amount of water in the water tank 12. The liquid level sensor 15 is connected to the control unit 14 and transmits the water level signal it detects to the control unit 14. Once the water level in the water tank 12 is less than or equal to the minimum water level of the water tank 12, the control unit 14 issues an instruction to the power supply unit 11 to stop supplying power to the heating element 133, and the heating element 133 stops heating. The residual heat of the heating element 133 can convert the remaining liquid in the water tank 12 into steam.

[0054] The control unit 14 includes an information module, a clock module and a main control module. The main control module is connected to the information module and the clock module respectively. The information module is used to receive signals sent by temperature sensors, liquid level sensors, temperature measuring elements 134, etc. The information module transmits the processed signal data to the main control module; the main control module is used to control the operation of the entire cleaning equipment, such as controlling the connection mode of the selection terminal 131, controlling the working progress of the heating element 133, the water pump 132, and the power supply unit 11 according to the received signal data, etc.; the clock module is used to indicate the real time (synchronized with the time in real life). After the preset time is determined, the first heating time can be obtained. When the real time reaches the first heating time, the control unit 14 controls the charging base 2 to heat the steam generating unit 13 for the first time. When the real time reaches the preset time, the control unit 14 controls the cleaning robot 1 to separate from the charging base 2, and the cleaning robot starts cleaning.

[0055] It should be noted that it is not necessary to set a preset time for the cleaning robot 1 to start cleaning work. The cleaning equipment can also be directly controlled manually. The cleaning robot 1 is provided with a manual button, which is connected to the control unit 14. After pressing the manual button, the control unit 14 controls the charging base 2 to supply power to the steam generating unit 13 to start the first heating. After the first heating is completed, the control unit 14 controls the cleaning robot 1 to disengage from the charging base 2, and the cleaning robot starts cleaning work.

[0056] During the cleaning process of the cleaning robot 1, if it encounters special circumstances such as a sudden drop in external temperature, causing the temperature of the heating element 133 to drop suddenly, once its temperature differs from the specified temperature by more than 5°C (it should be noted that the difference of 5°C here is just an example, and the specific difference can be set according to actual conditions when the cleaning equipment leaves the factory), the heating element 133 will not be able to continue to generate steam, and the control unit 14 will send a stop-work instruction to the roller brush, side brush, motor unit, water pump 132 and other cleaning-related components of the cleaning robot 1, so that the cleaning robot 1 stays in place, and the power supply unit 11 only supplies power to the heating element 133 until the temperature of the heating element 133 reaches the specified temperature, and the cleaning robot 1 resumes normal cleaning work. Such a setting can effectively improve the heating efficiency of the heating element 133 under special circumstances, so that the heating element 133 can quickly reach the specified temperature, and can also ensure that the ground after cleaning is cleaned by steam to avoid omissions.

[0057] The cleaning robot 1 also includes a roller brush, a side brush, a filter unit, a motor unit and a main housing, wherein the power supply unit 11, the control unit 14, the filter unit and the motor unit are installed in the main housing, the roller brush and the side brush are installed at the bottom of the main housing, and the water tank 12 is detachably installed in the main housing.

[0058] Specifically, the main housing is provided with an assembly cavity for assembling the water tank 12 , the opening of the assembly cavity is downward, and the water tank 12 can be detachably installed in the assembly cavity.

[0059] In this embodiment, the water tank 12 is provided with a water storage chamber 121, the steam generating unit 13 is located in front of the water storage chamber 121, the water pump 132 is connected to the water storage chamber 121, and the nozzle 136 of the steam nozzle 135 is disposed at the bottom of the water tank 12. In addition, a rag 122 is provided at the bottom of the water tank 12, and the rag 122 is located behind the nozzle 136. In this way, water vapor is sprayed from the nozzle 136 toward the surface to be cleaned. The surface to be cleaned is first humidified and heated by the water vapor, and then wiped by the rag 122. This can better remove stains on the surface to be cleaned, making it easier to remove stubborn stains, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning device.

[0060] It should be noted that the temperature sensor and the liquid level sensor are both installed in the water storage chamber.

[0061] In order to ensure that all water in the water storage chamber 121 flows to the steam generating unit 13, the bottom wall of the water storage chamber 121 is an inclined surface, with the inclined surface facing the steam generating unit 13 (i.e., the front end of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber 121 is lower than the rear end), and the front end of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber 121 is connected to the water inlet end of the water pump 132, so that the water in the water storage chamber 121 can flow to the location of the water pump 132 under the action of gravity, thereby ensuring that all water in the water storage chamber 121 can be converted into water vapor.

[0062] In order to ensure that all the water in the water storage chamber 121 can flow to the steam generating unit 13 and ensure the water storage capacity of the water storage chamber 121, the inclination angle of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber 121 is α, and 5°≤α≤10°. In this embodiment, α=6°.

[0063] It should be noted that the bottom end surface of the water tank 1 is a horizontal surface.

[0064] There are multiple nozzles 136 distributed at the front end of the bottom of the water tank 12. Specifically, the nozzles 136 are evenly distributed in a row at the front end of the bottom plate of the water tank 1, and the arrangement direction of the nozzles 136 is perpendicular to the travel direction of the cleaning robot. In this embodiment, the cleaning robot 1 is provided with 16 nozzles 136.

[0065] The rag 122 is detachably mounted on the bottom plate of the water tank 12 , and is located behind the spout 136 .

[0066] The rag 122 is detachably mounted on the bottom of the water tank 12 so that the rag 122 can be replaced at any time to ensure the cleaning effect of the cleaning device. In this embodiment, the rag 122 is detachably mounted on the bottom of the water tank 12 by a Velcro.

[0067] In order to ensure that the rag 122 can wipe all the water vapor sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, the rag 122 is projected in the direction of the nozzles 136 to cover all the nozzles 136 to ensure the cleaning effect of the cleaning equipment.

[0068] In this embodiment, the bottom plate of the water tank 12 is mushroom-shaped. Specifically, the bottom plate of the water tank 12 includes a head and a root. The root is connected to the head and is located in front of the head. The nozzle 136 is located at the front end of the root. The rag 122 extends from the middle front part of the root to cover the entire head. Specifically, the front end of the rag 122 is located behind the nozzle 136, and the front end of the rag 122 exceeds the middle part of the root. The rag 122 covers two-thirds of the area of ​​the root and the entire head.

[0069] An assembly column 123 is provided on the top of the water tank 12 , and the water tank is detachably mounted in the assembly cavity of the main shell through the assembly column 123 .

[0070] To facilitate the filling of water into the water storage chamber 121, a water filling port 124 is provided on the water tank 12. The water filling port 124 communicates with the water storage chamber 121. In this embodiment, the water filling port 124 is located at the top of the water tank 12. To prevent the water in the water storage chamber 121 from leaking out, a sealing plug is provided on the water filling port 124 to prevent the water in the water storage chamber 121 from leaking out.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] This embodiment provides a cleaning method for a cleaning device, which is used to clean the cleaning device provided in Example 1, and includes the following steps:

[0073] S1: Before the cleaning robot 1 performs indoor cleaning, the steam generating unit 13 is powered by the charging base 2 so that the steam generating unit 13 is heated for the first time to generate steam.

[0074] Specifically, S1 is divided into the following steps:

[0075] S1.1: The cleaning robot 1 enters a standby state after the power supply unit 11 finishes charging;

[0076] S1.2: Setting a preset time, the control unit 14 calculates the first heat time according to the preset time;

[0077] S1.3: The control unit 14 controls the charging stand 2 to start supplying power to the steam generating unit 13 at the first heating moment, so that the steam generating unit 13 completes the first heating.

[0078] Among them: the first heating moment is related to the first heating time (the time required for the steam generating unit 13 to complete the first heating) and the preset moment (the preset moment when the cleaning robot 1 starts cleaning). Specifically, the first heating moment = preset moment - first heating time.

[0079] S2: The cleaning robot 1 is disconnected from the charging base 2 and starts cleaning. The power supply unit 11 supplies power to the steam generating unit 13 so that the steam generating unit 13 is heated to generate steam.

[0080] Specifically, S2 is divided into the following steps:

[0081] S2.1: After the temperature of the heating element 133 reaches the specified temperature, at a preset time, the control unit 14 controls the cleaning robot 1 to leave the charging station 2 and start cleaning the room;

[0082] S2.2: The power supply unit 11 starts to supply power to the steam generating unit 13 so that the temperature of the heating element 133 is not lower than a specified temperature;

[0083] S2.3: The water in the water tank 12 is injected into the heating element 133 through the water pump 132 to generate steam, which is then sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned or the rag through the steam nozzle 135.

[0084] Among them: the specified temperature is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature for heating water to convert into steam, which is generally set by the cleaning equipment when it leaves the factory.

[0085] S2.2 includes the following two situations:

[0086] Case 1: When the cleaning robot 1 is cleaning a room, the power supply unit 11 supplies power to the heating element 133, so that the real-time temperature value of the heating element 133 (measured by the temperature measuring element 134) is always maintained at or above a specified temperature value, so that steam is always generated when the water in the water tank 12 is injected into the heating element 133 via the water pump 132;

[0087] Case 2: The temperature measuring element 134 measures the temperature of the heating element 133 once at the same time interval and transmits the temperature signal to the control unit 14. If the control unit 14 determines that the temperature value is less than the specified temperature, the power supply unit 11 heats the heating element 133 so that the temperature value of the heating element reaches the specified temperature value so as not to affect the steam generation unit 13.

[0088] It should be noted that the above-mentioned interval time period cannot be too long, which will cause the temperature of the heating element 133 to drop to a temperature value far lower than the specified temperature. Therefore, the interval time period does not exceed 1 minute.

[0089] In this embodiment, the method of case 1 is adopted, that is, the temperature measuring element 134 tests the temperature of the heating element 133 in real time, and transmits the temperature signal to the control unit 14 in real time. The control unit 14 controls the heating power of the heating element 133 according to the real-time temperature, so that the temperature of the heating element 133 is moderately maintained at the specified temperature. Of course, maintaining the specified temperature here does not mean being equal in a strict sense, but rather |real-time temperature-specified temperature|≤0.5℃.

[0090] In the second situation mentioned above, once the temperature of the heating element 133 is so low that it cannot continue to generate steam, the control unit 14 sends a stop-work instruction to the roller brush, side brush, motor unit, water pump 132 and other cleaning-related components of the cleaning robot 1, so that the cleaning robot 1 stays in place, and the power supply unit 11 only supplies power to the heating element 133 until the temperature of the heating element 133 reaches the specified temperature, and the cleaning robot 1 resumes normal cleaning work. Such a setting can effectively improve the heating efficiency of the heating element 133 under special circumstances, so that the heating element 133 can quickly reach the specified temperature, and can also ensure that the ground after cleaning is cleaned by steam to avoid omissions.

[0091] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention should be covered by the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning method for cleaning equipment, characterized in that: The cleaning device comprises a cleaning robot (1) and a charging base (2); the cleaning robot (1) comprises a power supply unit (11) and a water tank (12); a steam generating unit (13) is provided in the water tank (12); The power supply unit (11) is connected to the charging base (2) for charging; The steam generating unit (13) is connected to the charging base (2) and / or the power supply unit (11) to heat the water in the water tank (12) and convert it into steam; The steam generating unit (13) is powered by the charging base (2) during the first heating process to generate steam; The charging base (2), the power supply unit (11), and the steam generating unit (13) are connected in sequence; the charging base (2) first charges the power supply unit (11), and after the power supply unit (11) reaches a fully charged state, the charging base (2) then supplies power to the steam generating unit (13) through the power supply unit (11); The cleaning robot (1) further comprises a control unit (14), wherein the control unit (14) is connected to the power supply unit (11) and the steam generating unit (13); The cleaning method includes the following steps: S1: Before the cleaning robot (1) performs indoor cleaning, the steam generating unit (13) is powered via the charging base (2), so that the steam generating unit (13) is heated for the first time to generate steam; S1.1: The cleaning robot (1) enters a standby state after the power supply unit (11) finishes charging; S1.2: Setting a preset time, and the control unit (14) calculates the first heat time according to the preset time; S1.3: The control unit (14) controls the charging stand (2) to start supplying power to the steam generating unit (13) at the first heating moment, so that the steam generating unit (13) completes the first heating; First heating moment = preset moment - first heating time; wherein the first heating time is the time required for the steam generating unit (13) to complete the first heating; the preset moment is the moment when the cleaning robot (1) is preset to start cleaning; S2: The cleaning robot (1) is disconnected from the charging base (2) and starts cleaning. The power supply unit (11) supplies power to the steam generating unit (13), causing the steam generating unit (13) to heat and generate steam. S2.1: After the temperature of the heating element (133) reaches a specified temperature, at a preset time, the control unit (14) controls the cleaning robot (1) to leave the charging base (2) and start cleaning the room; S2.2: The power supply unit (11) starts to supply power to the steam generating unit (13) so that the temperature of the heating element (133) is not lower than a specified temperature; When the cleaning robot (1) is cleaning a room, the power supply unit (11) supplies power to the heating element (133), so that the real-time temperature value of the heating element (133) is always maintained at not less than a specified temperature value; Alternatively, the temperature measuring element (134) measures the temperature of the heating element (133) once every same time period and transmits the temperature signal to the control unit (14); if the control unit (14) determines that the temperature value is less than a specified temperature, the heating element (133) is heated by the power supply unit (11) so that the temperature value of the heating element reaches the specified temperature value; If the temperature of the heating element (133) is too low to continue to generate steam, the control unit (14) sends a stop-work instruction to the cleaning-related components of the cleaning robot (1), so that the cleaning robot (1) stays in place, and the power supply unit (11) only supplies power to the heating element (133) until the temperature of the heating element (133) reaches a specified temperature, and the cleaning robot (1) resumes normal cleaning work; S2.3: The water in the water tank (12) is injected into the heating element (133) through the water pump (132), and steam is generated. The steam is then sprayed toward the surface to be cleaned or the rag through the steam nozzle (135).

2. The cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein The steam generating unit (13) is provided with a selection terminal (131), and the steam generating unit (13) is connected to the power supply unit (11) via the selection terminal (131).

3. The cleaning method according to claim 2, wherein: The steam generating unit (13) comprises a water pump (132), a heating element (133), a temperature measuring element (134) and a steam nozzle (135). The water pump (132), the heating element (133) and the steam nozzle (135) are connected in sequence. The temperature measuring element (134) is used to detect the temperature of the heating element (133) and send the detected temperature to the control unit (14).

4. The cleaning method according to claim 3, wherein: The water tank (12) is provided with a water storage chamber (121), and the steam generating unit (13) is located in front of the water storage chamber (121); The water pump (132) is connected to the water storage chamber (121), and the nozzle (136) of the steam nozzle (135) is arranged at the bottom of the water tank (12).

5. The cleaning method according to claim 4, characterized in that A rag (122) is provided at the bottom of the water tank (12), and the rag (122) is located behind the nozzle (136).

6. The cleaning method according to claim 5, characterized in that The bottom wall surface of the water storage chamber (121) is an inclined surface, and the inclined surface faces the position where the steam generating unit (13) is located.

7. The cleaning method according to claim 6, characterized in that The bottom wall of the water storage chamber (121) has an inclination angle of α, and 5°≤α≤10°.

Images