Handle assembly and surface cleaning device

Abstract

A handle assembly and a surface cleaning apparatus are disclosed. The handle assembly includes a rotating portion, a holding portion and a connecting portion. The rotating portion is rotatably mounted to a main body or an extension pole about a rotating axis, such that the handle assembly is rotatable in a first plane substantially perpendicular to a working surface. The holding portion is connected to the rotating portion and is configured to be held by a user. The connecting portion is used to connect the rotating portion and the connecting portion. The handle assembly includes a locked state and a rotatable state relative to the main body or the extension pole. When the handle assembly is in the locked state, the handle assembly is stationary relative to the main body or the extension pole during use. When the handle assembly is in the rotatable state, the handle assembly is rotatable relative to the main body or the extension pole during use. The handle assembly can be switched between the locked state and the rotatable state, which greatly improves its convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, and more particularly to a handle assembly and surface cleaning equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Vertical or horizontal cleaning equipment typically includes a cleaning head and a handle assembly, with components positioned between them. Users move the cleaning head back and forth by gripping the handle to clean the surface. The shape and position of the handle play a crucial role in the cleaning process. In existing technologies, to accommodate different user heights or usage scenarios, the handle can be made movable for ease of operation.

[0003] While movable handles can adapt to different scenarios or heights, their movable nature can also cause some inconveniences. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings of the aforementioned technologies, this invention provides a handle assembly and a surface cleaning device, which enable the handle assembly to have both a locked and a rotatable state, thereby improving convenience.

[0005] On one hand, the present invention provides a handle assembly, including

[0006] A rotating part is rotatably mounted to the main body or extension rod about a rotation axis so that the handle assembly can rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface;

[0007] A grip portion, connected to the rotating portion, is configured to be gripped by a user;

[0008] A connecting part is used to connect the rotating part and the connecting part;

[0009] The handle assembly includes a locked state and a rotatable state relative to the main body or the extension rod. When the handle assembly is in the locked state, it is stationary relative to the main body or the extension rod during use. When the handle assembly is in the rotatable state, it can rotate relative to the main body or the extension rod during use.

[0010] Optionally, the handle assembly includes a locking structure for holding the handle assembly in a locked position.

[0011] Optionally, the locking structure includes an elastic element and a locking member connected to the elastic element, the locking member engaging with a groove on the body or extension rod to hold the handle assembly in a locked position.

[0012] Optionally, when the handle assembly is in the locked state, the angle between the axis of the main body or the extension rod and the axis of the grip is less than 45 degrees.

[0013] Optionally, the rotation axis is located outside the rotating part and within the area defined between the rotating part and the gripping part.

[0014] The rotating part slides along an arc relative to the main body or extension rod, while the entire handle assembly rotates relative to the main body or extension rod about the axis of rotation.

[0015] Optionally, the main body or the extension rod has an upright state and a use state relative to the working surface. When the main body or the extension rod is in the use state, the rotating part is located below the gripping part in the vertical direction.

[0016] Optionally, the handle assembly can rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface; wherein, with the first plane passing through at least a portion of the grip portion as a preset plane, the area formed by the movement of the grip portion along an axial direction perpendicular to the grip portion is defined as a first region within the preset plane, and the axis of rotation is located within the first region.

[0017] Optionally, the grip portion has an inclination angle of no more than 20 degrees relative to the working surface when the handle assembly is in use.

[0018] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a surface cleaning device, the surface cleaning device comprising the handle assembly and cleaning head described in any of the above claims.

[0019] Optionally, the surface cleaning equipment further includes a detection device for detecting the relative positional relationship of the handle assembly with respect to the body or extension rod.

[0020] A controller is configured to issue control commands based on the relative positional relationship.

[0021] This invention provides a handle assembly and a surface cleaning device. The handle assembly includes a rotating part, a gripping part, and a connecting part. The rotating part is rotatably mounted to a main body or extension rod about a rotation axis, allowing the handle assembly to rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface. The gripping part is connected to the rotating part and configured to be held by a user. The connecting part connects the rotating part and the connecting part. The handle assembly has a locked state and a rotatable state relative to the main body or extension rod. When the handle assembly is in the locked state, it is stationary relative to the main body or extension rod during use; when the handle assembly is in the rotatable state, it can rotate relative to the main body or extension rod during use. The ability to switch between the locked and rotatable states greatly improves its convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of surface cleaning equipment in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly mounted on the connecting rod in one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the handle assembly and connecting rod in one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly from another angle;

[0027] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the handle assembly and connecting rod from another angle;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the first planar cutting handle assembly in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the first planar cutting handle assembly in another embodiment;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly at one angle when it is in use.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly at another angle during use.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the rotating part and the grip part of the handle assembly;

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly in some other embodiments;

[0034] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a surface cleaning device in one embodiment;

[0035] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the user's initial state when using the cleaning equipment.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the second state when a user is using the cleaning equipment;

[0037] Figure 16 for Figure 14 Enlarged view of region E in the middle;

[0038] Figure 17 for Figure 15 Enlarged view of region F in the middle;

[0039] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly in another embodiment;

[0040] Figure 19 for Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the handle assembly from another angle;

[0041] Figure 20 for Figure 18 The diagram shows the handle assembly separated from the connecting rod;

[0042] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning equipment in another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of the handle assembly in one embodiment;

[0044] Figure 23 for Figure 22 The cross-sectional view of the handle assembly shown is along the SS direction;

[0045] Figure 24 for Figure 23 Enlarged view of the structure of the T-region;

[0046] Figure 25 A cross-sectional view of the handle assembly after it has been rotated by a certain angle;

[0047] Figure 26 This is an exploded view of the handle assembly in one embodiment;

[0048] Figure 27 This is an exploded view of the handle assembly from another angle;

[0049] Figure 28 A structural diagram of the shaft connecting the handle assembly and the connecting structure;

[0050] Figure 29 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first preset region;

[0051] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the second preset region;

[0052] Figure 31 This diagram illustrates the relative angle between the handle assembly and the connecting structure. Detailed Implementation

[0053] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indication, the directional indication is only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a certain specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0055] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0056] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] Figure 1A prior art surface cleaning device is disclosed, wherein the handle assembly cannot rotate relative to the main body. (Reference) Figure 2 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the equipment's operation. Figure 2 A device is disclosed, comprising a main body 2 and a handle assembly 1. The handle assembly is equipped with a control switch for controlling the device. (Reference) Figure 3-12 The handle assembly 1 includes a rotating part 11 and a gripping part 12. It may also include a connecting part 13 that connects the rotating part 11 and the gripping part 12. The rotating part 11 is rotatably mounted to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 about a rotation axis O, so that the handle assembly 1 can rotate within a first plane A substantially perpendicular to the working surface B. The rotation axis may be located inside the rotating part. Alternatively, the rotation axis may be located outside the rotating part (not shown in the figure) and within the area defined between the rotating part and the gripping part. Specifically, when the rotation axis is located outside the rotating part, the rotating part slides along an arc relative to the main body or the extension rod, while the entire handle assembly rotates relative to the main body or the extension rod about the rotation axis. The main body 2 may be a single unit, and may also include a connecting rod 21, to which the handle assembly 1 is rotatably mounted. The rotating part 11 is a part of the handle assembly 1 and can be a small or large part; the volume of the rotating part 11 is not limited here, as long as it can pivot relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4. The grip portion 12 is connected to the rotating portion 11, and the grip portion 12 is configured to be gripped by the user. The connecting portion 13 connects the rotating portion 11 and the connecting portion 13. Here, the connecting portion 13 refers to a part that the user rarely encounters during normal use, but the user may occasionally come into contact with it; however, its primary function is connection, not primarily gripping. The grip portion 12, the connecting portion 13, and the rotating portion 11 can be integrally formed or can be provided separately. At least a partial gripping space is defined between the rotating portion 11, the connecting portion 13, and the grip portion 12 to facilitate user gripping.

[0058] refer to Figure 7-8 In the figure, the arrow points perpendicular to the grip portion. A first plane A, passing through at least a portion of the grip portion 12, is defined as a preset plane. The area formed by the movement of the grip portion 12 along an axis perpendicular to the grip portion 12 is defined as a first region C within the preset plane. The rotation axis O is located within the first region C. The rotation axis O can be perpendicular to the first plane A, or it can be at an angle to the first plane A. Preferably, the rotation axis O is perpendicular to the first plane A. (Reference) Figure 7 When the gripping part 12 has a relatively straight structure, the direction perpendicular to its axis is easier to determine. (Reference) Figure 8When the grip portion 12 has a certain curvature, the two ends of the grip portion 12 can be connected by a line, and the direction perpendicular to this line can be taken as the running direction. The grip portion 12 referred to here is actually the position where the user's hand mainly or for a long time holds the device during operation; other structures used to enhance the handle's shape should not be considered within the grip portion 12. The preset plane is preferably a plane along the device's traveling direction, and this plane is substantially perpendicular to the working surface B. When the grip portion 12 is cut along this preset plane, both the grip portion 12 and the rotation axis O can be contained within this plane. If the rotating part 11 is located directly below the grip portion 12, then the rotating part 11 is also contained within this plane.

[0059] refer to Figure 9-11 The rotation axis 26 of the handle assembly 1 is positioned opposite to the grip portion 12, concentrating the force application point at the position corresponding to the hand. That is, when the hand naturally grips the grip portion 12, the arm, hand, and rotation axis 26 are essentially in a straight line, making it easier for the user to operate the device. Especially during pushing or pulling, the force applied by the main body 2 to the handle assembly 1 is concentrated on the rotation portion 11. Since the rotation portion 11 is rotatable relative to the main body, the user's wrist effort is minimal; only arm strength is transmitted through the hand to the rotation portion 11 of the handle assembly 1. This is equivalent to the user only performing an arm swing motion, with minimal wrist exertion. Therefore, the user will feel that operation is more effortless.

[0060] In the existing technology, the handle assembly 1 cannot rotate relative to the main body 2. The connection between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 changes the position of the user's hand as the device moves back and forth, requiring the user to adjust the position of their hand relative to their forearm, which can be quite strenuous.

[0061] refer to Figure 11 and 12 In one implementation of a handle assembly 1, the handle assembly 1 includes a substantially parallel rotating portion 11 and a gripping portion 12. The handle assembly 1 also includes a first connecting portion 14, which connects a first end of the gripping portion 12 and a first end of the rotating portion 11. The first connecting portion 14 is arc-shaped, but may also be of other shapes. Figure 12 Both diagram a and diagram b in the diagram have only one connection point.

[0062] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 In another implementation of the handle assembly 1, in addition to the first connecting part 14, a second connecting part 15 may also be included, which connects the second end of the grip part 12 and the second end of the rotating part 11. The second connecting part 15 is arc-shaped, but it can also be other shapes. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The c diagram has two connecting parts.

[0063] refer to Figure 11 The connecting portion 13 includes a first connecting portion 14 and a second connecting portion 15. The first connecting portion 14 connects the first end of the rotating portion 11 and the grip portion 12, and the second connecting portion 15 connects the second end of the rotating portion 11 and the grip portion 12. The rotating portion 11, the first connecting portion 14, the grip portion 12, and the second connecting portion 15 together define the gripping space. Using two connecting portions 13 makes the entire handle assembly 1 more stable and easier to operate, because in addition to normal use, the user can also operate the device through the connecting portions 13. Both the first connecting portion 14 and the second connecting portion 15 are arc-shaped, forming a ring together with the rotating portion 11 and the grip portion 12.

[0064] The grip 12 is configured such that when the handle assembly 1 is in use, its tilt angle relative to the working surface B is no greater than 20 degrees. This means that during use, regardless of the angle of tilt of the device relative to the working surface, the grip can rotate to a position no more than 20 degrees different from the working surface. Furthermore, the grip 12 is configured to be substantially horizontal when the handle assembly 1 is in use, meaning it can rotate to a position substantially parallel to the working surface. The "use state" refers to the state when the main body 2 is tilted 0-60 degrees relative to the working surface B, and the user holds the grip 12 and pushes or pulls the device in a relaxed state. In this state, the user can push or pull the device with minimal force, making it more effortless.

[0065] The aforementioned handle assembly 1 can be installed on any device, as long as the main body 2 of the device has a certain angle relative to the working surface B during operation, and the user can push and pull the main body 2 through the handle assembly 1 during operation.

[0066] refer to Figure 13 The figure discloses a surface cleaning device 100, which includes a main body 2, a cleaning head 3, and a handle assembly 1 as described in any of the above embodiments. The main body 2 includes a near-ground end 22 and a far-ground end 23 along its length. The main body 2 may include a connecting rod 21, which is understood to be part of the main body 2. The cleaning head 3 is disposed at the near-ground end 22 and is used to clean the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning head 3 may include a roller brush, a cloth, or other wiping components. The cleaning head 3 can move repeatedly along the direction of travel to clean the surface to be cleaned. The handle assembly 1 includes a rotating part 11 and a gripping part 12. The rotating part 11 is rotatably mounted to the far-ground end 23 about a rotation axis O. The gripping part 12 is connected to the rotating part 11 and is configured to be held by a user. The rotating part 11 is a part of the handle assembly 1 and can be a small or large part; the volume of the rotating part 11 is not limited here, as long as it can pivot relative to the main body 2. The rotating part 11 can be integrally formed with the gripping part 12, or the two can be set separately.

[0067] The surface cleaning device 100 may include one or both of a cleaning solution supply system and a dirt recovery system. The cleaning solution supply system includes a clean water tank, supply pipelines, and a water pump. The dirt recovery system includes a recovery tank and may also include a suction motor and suction pipelines. The clean water tank may be located in the main body 2, the recovery tank may be located in the main body 2, or it may be located in the cleaning head 3. The suction motor may be located in the main body 2 or it may be located in the cleaning head 3. When the clean water tank, the dirty water tank, and the suction motor are all located in the main body 2, the weight of the entire main body 2 will be relatively heavy, making it more difficult for the user to operate.

[0068] The grip 12 is rotatably disposed at the far end 23 of the main body 2 via the rotating part 11. During the process of pushing and pulling the main body 2, since the handle is rotatable relative to the main body 2, the burden on the user holding the handle can be effectively reduced, and the user only needs to use a small amount of force to drag the device.

[0069] refer to Figure 14-17 , Figure 14 It can be the user's first location when using it. Figure 15 This can be the second position for the user during use. The normal cleaning process involves the cleaning device being pushed and pulled between the first and second positions. To further reduce the force required for the user to push and pull the cleaning device, the handle assembly 1 can be further improved. The main body 2 or extension rod 4 is in an upright position relative to the cleaning head 3 (see reference). Figure 13 ) and usage status (reference) Figure 14 and 15 When the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is in use, the vertically rotating part 11 is located below the grip part 12. The "useful state" referred to here means that the user holds the grip part 12 in a relatively relaxed position. Since the handle assembly 1 is rotatable, the device can be pushed or pulled regardless of the rotation angle, only the amount of force required varies. The "useful state" here refers to the user being able to push or pull the device with minimal force. In the above-described use state, the rotating part 11 is located below the grip part 12. "Below" here includes, but is not limited to, being directly below the grip part 12, and can also be slightly offset, for example: [reference needed]. Figure 18-20 The rotating part 11 is located directly below the grip part. (Reference) Figure 3-5If the two rotating axes 26 are respectively located on the outside of the handle assembly 1, even if the rotating part 11 is not directly below the grip part 12, it can be understood that the rotating part 11 is located below the grip part 12. However, if the rotating part 11 and the grip part 12 are placed in the same vertical plane, the rotating axis 26 of the rotating part 11 is located directly below the grip part 12. With this arrangement, it is equivalent to placing the rotating axis 26 directly below the hand. In this case, the user should be able to operate the device with the least effort because, during the pushing and pulling process, the weight of the main body 2 will be concentrated at the rotating axis 26, and the rotating axis 26 is located below the grip part 12. Therefore, it is equivalent to lifting a heavy object by hand. If the handle assembly 1 cannot rotate, then during the pushing and pulling process, the weight of the main body 2 will be concentrated in front of or diagonally in front of the grip part 12. In this case, the user needs to use more force to push and pull, just like picking up something by hand. Lifting should be the least effortful method.

[0070] It is also understood that, referring to the figure, the handle assembly 1 further includes a limiting structure 25, which is configured to limit the rotation angle of the handle assembly 1 so that the rotation angle is less than 100 degrees. Further, it can be limited to 70 degrees. Even further, it can be limited to 45 degrees.

[0071] refer to Figure 18-20 In one implementation, the distal end 23 of the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 includes a connecting structure 24, a portion of which extends into the interior of the handle assembly 1 to be pivotally connected to the rotating part 11 via a rotating shaft 26. The distal end 23 is provided with a limiting structure 25 that limits the rotation angle of the handle assembly 1.

[0072] refer to Figure 3-6 In another implementation, the far end 23 of the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 includes a connecting structure 24, which defines a mounting groove for pivotal connection with the rotating part 11 via a rotating shaft 26, and the far end 23 is provided with a limiting structure 25 that limits the rotation angle of the handle assembly 1.

[0073] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning equipment in another embodiment. (Reference) Figure 21 The surface cleaning device 100 can be a horizontal cleaning device, which includes a main unit 5 and a cleaning head 3 placed on the ground, and an extension rod 4 connecting the main unit 5 and the cleaning head 3. The cleaning head 3 is installed at one end of the extension rod 4, and a handle assembly 1 is installed at the other end, and then it is connected to the main unit 5 through a hose. The handle assembly 1 can be the structure of any of the above embodiments.

[0074] The handle assembly 1 can be based on the handle assembly 1 in any of the above embodiments, with some added features to form a new embodiment, see reference. Figure 22-25Specifically, the handle assembly 1 includes a rotating part 11, a gripping part 12, and a connecting part 13. The rotating part 11 is rotatably mounted to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 about a rotation axis, so that the handle assembly 1 can rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface. The gripping part 12 is connected to the rotating part 11 and is configured to be gripped by the user. The connecting part 13 is used to connect the rotating part 11 and the connecting part 13. To broaden the application range of the handle assembly 1 and meet the needs of different users, the handle assembly 1 includes a locked state and a rotatable state relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4. When the handle assembly 1 is in the locked state, it is stationary relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 during use. When the handle assembly 1 is in the rotatable state, it can rotate relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 during use. For example, when cleaning a large space, the user may need to walk forward for a while and then turn before continuing to push the device forward in a "bow" pattern. In this case, the user only needs to walk forward, so fixing the handle assembly 1 in the locked state is also less strenuous. In addition, some users may be accustomed to the handle being stationary relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4, so the locked state can meet the needs of these users.

[0075] refer to Figure 23-24 Specifically, the handle assembly 1 includes a locking structure 9, which holds the handle assembly 1 in a locked position. The locking structure 9 can be a snap-on, magnetic, or other type, as long as it ensures that the handle assembly 1 is held in the locked state. The locking structure 9 includes a spring element 91 and a locking member 92 connected to the spring element 91. The locking member 92 engages with a groove 93 on the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 to hold the handle assembly 1 in the locked position. (Reference) Figure 26-28 The rotating part 11 is defined with a narrow groove into which the distal end of the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 extends. The groove defines an accommodating space into which a portion of the connecting structure 21 extends. The connecting structure 21 and the rotating part 11 are rotatably connected via a shaft 94. After the shaft 94 is installed, end caps 95 are provided at both ends of the shaft 94 to cover it. The end caps 95 also serve to fix the shaft. The shaft 94 is provided with a wire hole 96 and a snap fastener 97, which secures the shaft to the connecting structure 21. A control switch 98 is provided on the handle assembly 1 for controlling the surface cleaning device. The wire hole 96 facilitates the passage of the wire harness through the connecting structure 21 to the handle assembly 1, ensuring that the wire harness is not affected even if the handle assembly 1 is rotatable.

[0076] refer to Figures 29-31When the handle assembly 1 is locked, the angle between the axis of the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 and the axis of the grip 12 is less than 45 degrees. Furthermore, the angle between the axis of the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 and the axis of the grip 12 is less than 30 degrees. Even when the handle assembly 1 is locked, the user will not experience excessive effort during use.

[0077] This application also discloses a surface cleaning device, which includes a handle assembly 1 and a cleaning head as described in any of the above embodiments. The handle assembly is detachably mounted to the body or the extension rod. The cleaning head may include a roller brush and a drive wheel. The cleaning head may also include two parallel roller brushes. The cleaning head may also include two parallel roller brushes and an additional drive wheel. The handle assembly 1 is rotatable relative to the body 2 or the extension rod 4, see reference. Figures 29-31 The handle assembly 1 can rotate along the r1 and r2 directions. The angle between the handle and the connecting structure 21 can be defined as c, which can be understood as the angle between the grip part 12 and the axis of the connecting structure 21. During use, angle c can be changed at any time to make pushing and pulling easier for the user.

[0078] When repeatedly pushing and pulling a surface cleaning device, if the device's assist force (brushing grip or drive wheel force) is greater when moving forward, the user needs to exert more force to pull the device backward. Conversely, if the assist force is less when moving forward, the user needs to exert more force to push forward. To address these issues, this application improves upon the rotatable handle assembly 1 to change the assist force of the cleaning device during forward or backward movement. Specifically, a detection device 99 and a controller are added to the surface cleaning device. The detection device 99 detects the relative position of the handle assembly 1 relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4. The controller issues control commands, configured to issue corresponding control commands based on the relative position. The detection device 99 can be mounted on the handle assembly 1, the main body 2, or the extension rod 4, or a portion of the detection device 99 can be mounted on the handle assembly 1 and a portion on the main body 2 or the extension rod 4.

[0079] Continue to refer to Figures 29-31In one embodiment, the detection device 99 is used to detect the rotation direction of the handle assembly 1 relative to the body 2 or the extension rod 4. The rotation direction includes a first rotation direction r1 and a second rotation direction r2, and the rotation direction can switch between the first rotation direction r1 and the second rotation direction r2. The controller is configured to issue corresponding control commands based on the change in rotation direction. When the handle turns from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction, it indicates that the user's operation may change from pushing forward to pulling backward. At this time, the detection device 99 generates a signal, and the controller receives or acquires the signal generated by the detection device 99 and issues corresponding control commands. For example, when the cleaning head is equipped with a drive wheel, the rotation direction of the drive wheel can be changed; when the cleaning head is equipped with a roller brush, the rotation speed or rotation direction of the roller brush can be adjusted to change the gripping force or gripping direction of the roller brush. When the cleaning head includes two roller brushes and the two roller brushes rotate in opposite directions, the controller can control the rotation speed of one or both roller brushes to adjust the force generated by the surface cleaning device itself relative to the surface to be cleaned, making it more suitable for user operation. Specifically, the two rollers generate different frictional forces relative to the surface to be cleaned, causing one to rotate at a higher speed than the other, which makes it easier to work in a certain direction.

[0080] The rotation direction of the handle assembly 1 can be changed in several ways, including but not limited to the following:

[0081] 1. The forward and reverse rotation of the handle assembly 1 is detected by a microswitch;

[0082] 2. The encoder disk uses a photoelectric sensor to detect the forward and reverse rotation of the handle assembly 1;

[0083] 3. The forward and reverse rotation of the handle assembly 1 is detected by the rotation angle of the magnetoresistive angle sensor and the magnet, and it can detect any position (angle).

[0084] 4. Using a potentiometer (sliding rheostat), the resistance value of the potentiometer is changed by rotating the handle assembly 1 to detect the forward and reverse rotation of the handle assembly 1;

[0085] 5. The rotation direction of the handle assembly 1 is detected by a Hall sensor;

[0086] In addition to the methods mentioned above, other detection methods can also be used, which will not be listed here.

[0087] Of course, control commands can also control the adjustment of other structures. Control commands can control the on / off switching of the water pump or adjust the water pump's output. By detecting the positional relationship between the handle assembly and the main body or extension rod, the user's intention can be identified more quickly and accurately, allowing the controller to adjust the surface cleaning equipment. Because the handle assembly is rotatable, predicting the position of other components of the surface cleaning equipment before their movement trends change and issuing control commands in advance can effectively improve accuracy and response speed, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0088] To achieve more precise control, a preset area is set within the rotation region of the handle assembly 1. The controller is configured to issue a corresponding control command only when the rotation direction changes within the preset area. When the rotation direction changes outside the preset area, the detection device 99 does not generate a signal, or even if the detection device 99 generates a signal, the controller does not issue a control command.

[0089] refer to Figure 29 When switching from the first rotation direction to the second rotation direction, the controller issues a first control command. For example, if the cleaning head includes two rollers rotating in both directions, switching from the first to the second rotation direction indicates that the device's movement direction will change from forward to backward. At this time, the controller controls the speed of the front roller to decrease, or controls the speed of the rear roller to increase, or simultaneously controls the speed of the front roller to decrease and the speed of the rear roller to increase, based on the signal generated by the detection device 99. The method of changing the roller speed is not limited here; only the force of the device relative to the surface to be cleaned (the force pushing backward) needs to be changed. This makes it easier for the user to pull backward. If the force pushing backward is large, the user does not need to pull backward; simply holding the handle assembly 1 is sufficient. After the device has moved backward a certain distance, it needs to switch from pulling backward to pushing forward, as described in the reference. Figure 30 At this point, when the handle assembly 1 switches from the second rotation direction to the first rotation direction, the controller issues a second control command. This command controls the rotation speed of the front roller brush to increase, or the rotation speed of the rear roller brush to decrease, or simultaneously controls the rotation speed of the front roller brush to increase and the rotation speed of the rear roller brush to decrease. The method of changing the roller brushes is not limited here; only the force of the device relative to the surface to be cleaned (the force pushing forward) needs to be changed. This makes it easier for the user to push forward.

[0090] By controlling the force of the surface cleaning device relative to the ground through changes in the rotation direction of the handle assembly, the user can avoid having to manually drag the device to change its direction when it first needs to be turned (which is often the most unpleasant experience for the user). This is equivalent to anticipating whether a change in the cleaning device's direction is needed. When a change is required, the controller directly controls the surface cleaning device to provide the corresponding assistance to help the user change direction with minimal effort, making the entire cleaning process more effortless. Furthermore, issuing control commands through the rotation direction of the handle assembly allows for more precise control, minimizing the possibility of mis-controls due to variations in user operation (the cleaning device issuing control commands when the user does not intend to change the direction).

[0091] refer to Figure 29 and 30 The preset areas include a first preset area and a second preset area, which are separated from each other. The first and second preset areas can be an angular range, as shown in the figure. Angle 'a' represents the first preset area. Within this angular range, if the detection device 99 detects a change in the rotation direction of the handle assembly 1, the controller issues a control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99. Angle 'b' represents the second preset area. Within this angular range, if the detection device 99 detects a change in the rotation direction of the handle assembly 1, the controller issues a control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99. The values ​​of 'a' and 'b' and their respective areas can be set according to the actual size of the equipment and the user's operating habits. These settings can be configured before shipment or by the user. The separation of the first and second preset areas provides the handle assembly 1 with a range of motion, preventing the controller from issuing commands and affecting the user's operation when the rotation direction of the handle assembly 1 changes in the middle area.

[0092] By setting preset zones, the controller only issues control commands when the handle assembly's rotation occurs within those zones. This effectively adapts to different users' habits while minimizing accidental control. Furthermore, by setting two spaced preset zones, even if the user rotates the handle assembly within the spaced-out zone for some reason, no control signal will be issued, improving control accuracy.

[0093] In another embodiment, the handle assembly 1 has a first position and a second position relative to the main body 2 or the extension rod 4. When the handle assembly 1 is in the first position, the controller issues a first control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99; when the handle assembly 1 is in the second position, the controller issues a second control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99.

[0094] The detection of the position of the handle component 1 can be implemented in ways including but not limited to the following:

[0095] 1. The position of handle assembly 1 is detected by two microswitches;

[0096] 2. The location of the handle assembly 1 is detected by a photoelectric sensor using an encoder disk;

[0097] 3. The position of the handle assembly 1 is detected by the rotation angle of the magnetoresistive angle sensor and the magnet, and any position (angle) can be detected.

[0098] 4. Using a potentiometer, the resistance value of the potentiometer is changed by rotating the handle to detect the position of the handle assembly 1;

[0099] 5. The position of the handle assembly 1 is detected by a Hall sensor.

[0100] In addition to the methods mentioned above, other detection methods can also be used, which will not be listed here.

[0101] In yet another implementation, reference is made to... Figure 30 When the angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is less than a first preset angle, that is, when angle c is less than a certain angle, the controller issues a first control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99. When the angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is greater than a second preset angle, that is, when angle c is greater than a certain angle, the controller issues a second control command based on the signal generated by the detection device 99.

[0102] The detection of the relative positional relationship between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 can be achieved in ways including but not limited to the following:

[0103] 1. The angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is detected by two microswitches;

[0104] 2. The angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is detected by two photoelectric sensors using an encoder disk;

[0105] 3. The angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is detected by the rotation angle of the magnetoresistive angle sensor and the magnet, and any position (angle) can be detected.

[0106] 4. Using a potentiometer, the resistance value of the potentiometer is changed by rotating the handle to detect the angle between the handle assembly 1 and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4;

[0107] 5. The angle between the handle assembly and the main body 2 or the extension rod 4 is detected by a Hall sensor.

[0108] In addition to the methods mentioned above, other detection methods can also be used, which will not be listed here.

[0109] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, characterized in that, The surface cleaning equipment includes a handle assembly, a cleaning head, a detection device, and a controller; The handle assembly includes: A rotating part is rotatably mounted to the main body or extension rod about a rotation axis so that the handle assembly can rotate in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface; A grip portion, connected to the rotating portion, is configured to be gripped by a user; A connecting part is used to connect the rotating part and the connecting part; The handle assembly includes a locked state and a rotatable state relative to the main body or the extension rod. When the handle assembly is in the locked state, it is stationary relative to the main body or the extension rod during use. When the handle assembly is in the rotatable state, it can rotate relative to the main body or the extension rod during use. The handle assembly includes a locking structure for holding the handle assembly in a locked position; the locking structure includes an elastic element and a locking member connected to the elastic element, the locking member engaging with a first groove on the body or the extension rod to hold the handle assembly in the locked position; The rotating part defines a narrow second groove, and a portion of the connecting structure of the main body or the extension rod extends into the second groove; the second groove defines an accommodating space, and a portion of the connecting structure extends into the accommodating space; the connecting structure and the rotating part are rotatably connected by a shaft, and end caps are provided at both ends of the shaft; the shaft is provided with wire holes and hidden buckles, and the hidden buckles can fix the shaft to the connecting structure; The detection device is used to detect the relative positional relationship of the handle assembly with respect to the main body or the extension rod. The controller is used to issue control commands, and the controller is configured to issue corresponding control commands based on the relative positional relationship.

2. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the handle assembly is in the locked state, the angle between the axis of the main body or the extension rod and the axis of the grip is less than 45 degrees.

3. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rotation axis is located outside the rotating part and within the area defined between the rotating part and the gripping part.

4. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main body or the extension rod has an upright state and a use state relative to the working surface. When the main body or the extension rod is in the use state, the rotating part is located below the gripping part in the vertical direction.

5. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The handle assembly is rotatable in a first plane substantially perpendicular to the working surface; wherein, with the first plane passing through at least a portion of the grip portion as a preset plane, the area formed by the movement of the grip portion along an axis perpendicular to the grip portion is defined as a first region within the preset plane, and the axis of rotation is located within the first region.

6. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The angle of inclination of the grip portion relative to the working surface is no greater than 20 degrees when the handle assembly is in use.

Images