Surface cleaning system

Abstract

The present application relates to a surface cleaning system comprising a surface cleaning machine and a base station: the surface cleaning machine comprises a dirty liquid recovery system comprising a first dirty liquid recovery tank, a suction mouth and a first vacuum motor, the dirty liquid recovery system being able to establish a first vacuum path from the suction mouth to the first dirty liquid recovery tank and to the first vacuum motor; the base station comprises a dirty liquid pumping system comprising a second dirty liquid recovery tank and a second vacuum motor; when the surface cleaning machine is docked with the base station, the surface cleaning system is able to establish a second vacuum path from the suction mouth, to the first dirty liquid recovery tank, to the second dirty liquid recovery tank and to the second vacuum motor; wherein the surface cleaning system is able to execute a self-cleaning operating mode during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station; during this mode, the second vacuum motor is powered on and active at least for a period of time and the first vacuum motor is powered off during the powering on of the second vacuum motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to surface cleaning systems, and more particularly to surface cleaning systems for base stations that include manually operated wet surface cleaning machines and can interface with surface cleaning machines. Background Technology

[0002] A wet surface cleaning machine mainly consists of brush rollers, a fluid supply system, and a waste liquid recovery unit. During operation, the fluid supply system provides cleaning fluid to the brush rollers, which then use the fluid to clean the surface. The waste liquid recovery unit collects and stores the waste liquid from the surface in its own waste liquid recovery container. Because the brush rollers, waste liquid recovery container, and the pipes connecting them come into contact with waste liquid during operation, stains will inevitably remain in these areas after the machine finishes its work. To prevent odors and mold growth from these stains, the wet surface cleaning machine needs to self-clean these components after use.

[0003] Existing wet surface cleaning machines perform self-cleaning by docking themselves on a self-cleaning tray, as disclosed in Chinese Patent Publication No. CN114795010A. In this solution, the handheld cleaning device docks at the cleaning station and automatically performs self-cleaning. After the self-cleaning is completed, the operator must return to the cleaning station to manually empty the sludge collection box. For machines with a small effective volume of sludge collection box, the operator often needs to return multiple times to empty the sludge or has to stay around the cleaning station. Furthermore, after the self-cleaning is completed, the inner wall of the sludge collection box often has dirt that cannot be removed by emptying the sludge. To prevent this dirt from remaining in the sludge collection box for a long time and deteriorating, the operator has to clean the sludge collection box a second time, which greatly reduces the convenience of using the machine. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to address the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a surface cleaning system that avoids the need for manual dumping of waste liquid during the self-cleaning process.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution: a surface cleaning system, the surface cleaning system comprising: Surface cleaning machine, the surface cleaning machine comprising: A fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system comprising a first fluid supply container, a first pump, and a fluid distributor; A wastewater recovery system, comprising a first wastewater recovery container with a recovery chamber, a suction port, and a first vacuum motor, wherein the wastewater recovery system is capable of establishing a first vacuum path from the suction port to the first wastewater recovery container and then to the first vacuum motor; A brush roller located at the suction inlet, the brush roller being configured to be driven to rotate by a brush roller motor; A battery pack, which is rechargeable and configured to selectively power the first pump, the first vacuum motor, and the brush roller motor; A base station configured to interface with the surface cleaning machine for self-cleaning of the surface cleaning machine, the base station comprising: A clean fluid supply system, the clean fluid supply system comprising a second fluid supply container and a second pump; The wastewater suction system includes a second wastewater recovery container and a second vacuum motor. When the surface cleaning machine is connected to the base station, the surface cleaning system can construct a second vacuum path from the suction port, to the first wastewater recovery container, to the second wastewater recovery container, and then to the second vacuum motor. The surface cleaning system is capable of performing a self-cleaning operation mode during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station; during the self-cleaning operation mode, the second vacuum motor is powered on and activated for at least a period of time, and the first vacuum motor is turned off while the second vacuum motor is powered on and activated.

[0006] In addition to the above structure, the surface cleaning machine may also include: a first controller, which controls the operation of the fluid delivery system and the wastewater recovery system, and controls the operation of the wastewater suction system and the cleaning fluid supply system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine may further include a self-cleaning start button, which is signal-connected to the first controller, and the self-cleaning input control button can trigger the first controller to start the self-cleaning operation mode.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the base station may further include: an electrical plug capable of being electrically connected to an electrical outlet that provides household AC power; the second vacuum motor is an AC motor and is powered by household AC power passing through the electrical plug.

[0009] In another possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine includes a first charging interface electrically connected to the battery pack; the base station includes a second charging interface; when the surface cleaning machine is docked with the base station, the first charging interface and the second charging interface are electrically coupled.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the cleaning fluid supply system will be in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine may further include: a first fluid input pipe, one end of which leads to a recovery chamber inside the first wastewater recovery container; the other end of the first fluid input pipe is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid supply system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station, so that the recovery chamber can be flushed with cleaning fluid supplied by the second fluid supply container during the self-cleaning operation mode.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine may further include: a wastewater output pipe, which is in fluid communication with the interior of the first wastewater recovery container and has a wastewater output interface located on the outer wall of the surface cleaning machine; the wastewater suction system includes: a wastewater channel, which is in fluid communication with the second wastewater recovery container and has a wastewater input interface located on the outer wall of the base station; when the surface cleaning machine is docked with the base station, the wastewater output interface and the wastewater input interface are docked to establish the second vacuum path.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine may further include: a flow regulating mechanism configured to regulate the flow rate of fluid flowing through the wastewater output pipe, the flow regulating mechanism causing the wastewater output pipe to have a first operating mode with the channel open and a second operating mode with the channel closed; the wastewater output pipe is in the second operating mode when the first vacuum motor is energized; and the wastewater output pipe is in the first operating mode when the second vacuum motor is energized.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the surface cleaning machine may include a base and a vertical body rotatably connected to the base at the bottom, with a handle at the top of the vertical body and a waste liquid output port located on the vertical body.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the base station may further include a recess, wherein the brush roller and the suction port are both located in the recess during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station.

[0016] In one possible implementation, during the self-cleaning operation mode, the second vacuum motor is continuously powered on and activated, and is always turned off. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effect of this application is that, in the surface cleaning system disclosed herein, when the surface cleaning machine is placed on the base station, the second vacuum motor on the base station can provide suction power for the self-cleaning operation program of the surface cleaning machine. After the self-cleaning operation program is completed, the sewage is also transferred to the base station, avoiding the need for operators to perform secondary cleaning of the sewage recovery container on the machine, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system structure provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the surface cleaning machine provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning base provided in the embodiment of this application; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of the cleaning base in the diagram; Figure 5 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the upright fuselage provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fluid transport system provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first fluid supply path provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the wastewater recovery system provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the first vacuum path provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of various components in the surface cleaning machine provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a base station provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of various components in the base station provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the second vacuum path established after the waste liquid output interface on the surface cleaning machine and the waste liquid input interface on the base station are connected to each other, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the second fluid supply path established after the first fluid output interface and the first fluid input interface are connected to each other, as provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 15A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the third fluid supply path established after the second fluid output interface and the second fluid input interface are connected in accordance with the embodiments of this application. Figure 16 A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the fourth fluid supply path established after the third fluid output interface and the third fluid input interface are connected in accordance with the embodiments of this application. Figure 17 A schematic diagram illustrating the signal transmission relationship established after the first and second signal transmission interfaces provided in the embodiments of this application are connected to each other; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of current transmission established after the first and second charging interfaces provided in the embodiments of this application are connected to each other; Figure 19 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the steps involved in the self-cleaning operation procedure performed by the system provided in this embodiment of the application. Among them: 100, surface cleaning machines; 500, base stations; 1. Cleaning base; 2. Upright body; 11. Base; 12. Top cover; 13. Roller cavity; 14. Brush roller; 15. Brush roller motor; 111. Front; 112. Rear; 113. First side; 114. Second side; 16. Casters; 131. Suction port; 17. First scraper; 18. Second scraper; 19. Fluid distributor; 110. Third scraper; 21. Body section; 22. Handle section; 221. Handle; 222. Control panel; 223. Rod; 211. Upright housing; 212. Lower connecting end; 23. First display; 24. Battery pack; 25. First fluid supply container; 30. First fluid supply path; 31. Fluid channel; 32. First pump; 26. First wastewater recovery container; 27. First vacuum motor; 261. Recovery chamber; 262. Liquid level detection mechanism; 40. First vacuum path; 41. Recovery channel; 28. First controller; 281. Power switch; 282. Self-cleaning start button; 2112. Wastewater output interface; 2113. First fluid input interface; 2114. Second fluid input interface; 2115. Third fluid input interface; 2116. First charging interface; 2117. First signal transmission interface; 291. Wastewater discharge pipe; 292. Flow regulation mechanism; 294. First fluid input pipe; 295. First valve; 296. Second fluid inlet pipe; 297. Second valve; 298. Third fluid input pipe; 299. Second valve; 293. Charging management circuit; 500. Base station; 5. Main body; 51. Tray; 52. Body; 53. Recess; 6. Electrical plug; 71. Second wastewater recovery container; 72. Second vacuum motor; 73. Wastewater inlet interface; 74. Wastewater inlet pipe; 81. Second fluid supply container; 82. First fluid output port; 83. Second fluid output port; 84. Third fluid output port; 85. First fluid output channel; 86. Second fluid output channel; 87. Third fluid output channel; 88. Second pump; 89. Third pump; 810. Fourth valve.

[0018] 91. Second charging interface; 92. Power supply circuit; 501, Second controller; 502, Second signal transmission interface; 503, Second display. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives and effects of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 This illustration shows an overall schematic diagram of the various functional systems of the system comprising a surface cleaning machine 100 and a base station 500 provided in this application. The surface cleaning machine 100 is capable of wiping the floor using a cleaning fluid, such as water, and recycling the used cleaning fluid that has become a dirty liquid. The functional system of the surface cleaning machine 100 can be arranged in any product type that meets the operator's handheld requirements, such as a vertical surface cleaning device with a cleaning base and an upright body. The base station 500 is typically designed to be able to support itself on a surface and to be electrically connected to an electrical outlet providing household AC power.

[0021] like Figure 2 The surface cleaning machine 100 shown includes a cleaning base 1 movable along the surface to be cleaned and an upright body 2 rotatably connected to the rear of the cleaning base 1. The surface cleaning machine 100 also includes a fluid delivery system between the cleaning base 1 and the upright body 2, capable of delivering cleaning fluid to the cleaning base 1 and a wastewater recovery system for recovering wastewater from the surface to be cleaned.

[0022] The orientation in this article is based on the perspective of an operator standing behind the surface cleaning machine 100 and pushing the surface cleaning machine 100 forward.

[0023] like Figure 3-4The cleaning base 1 shown includes a base body 11 forming the main skeleton of the cleaning base 1, a top cover 12, a roller cavity 13 located at the front of the cleaning base 1, a brush roller 14 disposed within the roller cavity 13, and a brush roller motor 15 for driving the brush roller 14 to rotate. The base body 11 has a front portion 111, a rear portion 112, and a first side portion 113 and a second side portion 114 disposed opposite to each other on the left and right. A pair of movable wheels 16 are rotatably connected to the rear portion 112 of the base body 11, and the movable wheels 16 are used to move the cleaning base 1 on the surface to be cleaned. The top cover 12 is detachably connected to the front portion 111 of the base body 11. The front portion 111, the first side portion 113, the second side portion 114, and the top cover 12 together define the roller cavity 13, and the lower part of the roller cavity 13 has a suction port 131 facing the surface to be cleaned. The surface of the brush roller 14 is covered with fibrous fibers made of a liquid-wetting material. The lower part of the brush roller 14 extends from the suction port 131 so that the fibrous fibers can contact the surface to be cleaned.

[0024] A first scraper 17 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the base 11. The first scraper 17 defines the rear edge of the suction port 131. The first scraper 17 is configured to slope forward and downward so that its front end contacts the ground. The first scraper 17 is typically a flexible scraper. A second scraper 18 and a fluid distributor 19 are also arranged at the front 111 of the base 11. The second scraper 18 is located upstream of the fluid distributor 19 in terms of the rotation direction of the brush roller 14. The second scraper 18 extends into the roller cavity 13 and contacts the brush roller 14. The second scraper 18 is used to scrape off the dirt carried by the brush roller 14 during its rotation. The second scraper 18 is typically a rigid scraper. The fluid distributor 19 has multiple openings that can extend in a direction parallel to the axis of the brush roller 14. The fluid distributor 19 is capable of dispensing cleaning liquid to the brush roller 14. A third scraper 110 is also provided on the inner wall surface of the top cover 12; in terms of the rotation direction of the brush roller 14, the third scraper 110 is located downstream of the fluid distributor 19; the third scraper 110 also extends into the roller cavity 13 and contacts the brush roller 14. The main function of the third scraper 19 is to scrape the cleaning liquid output from the fluid distributor 19 onto the brush roller 14 and to prevent excess liquid output from the fluid distributor 19 that has not been absorbed by the brush roller 14 from flowing directly from the gap between the top cover 12 and the upper part of the brush roller 14 onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0025] like Figure 2 , 5 As shown, the upright machine body 2 includes a body section 21 extending longitudinally and a handle section 22 fixedly connected to the body section 21 and located on the upper side of the body section 21. The handle section 22 has a handle 221 for the user to hold, an operation panel 222 provided on the handle 221, and a rod 223 supporting the handle 221. The two ends of the rod 223 are fixedly connected to the handle 221 and the body section 21, respectively. The form of the operation panel 222 is not limited to buttons, sliders, triggers, etc.

[0026] The body section 21 includes an upright housing 211 and a lower connecting end 212 located at the lower end of the upright housing 211. The upright housing 211 forms the external frame of the body section 21 and can accommodate several components. The lower connecting end 212 is rotatably hinged to the rear of the cleaning base 1, so that the upright body 21 can rotate relative to the cleaning base 1. A first display 23 (see [link to display]) is arranged on the upper part of the upright housing 21. Figure 2 The first display 23 is configured to display the current working status and operating parameters of the surface cleaning machine 100, such as the remaining battery power and the working status of the brush rollers. The first display 23 can also be arranged in other positions on the upright housing 211.

[0027] The upright housing 21 also houses a rechargeable battery pack 24 that provides power to the various power-consuming components of the surface cleaning machine 100.

[0028] See Figure 6 The fluid delivery system mainly consists of a first fluid supply container 25 for storing and supplying cleaning liquid to the outside of the brush roller 14, a fluid distributor 19, a fluid channel 31 in fluid communication between the first fluid supply container 25 and the fluid distributor 19, and a first pump 32 disposed in the fluid channel and providing flow power for the cleaning liquid.

[0029] The first pump 32 can be placed on the base 11 of the cleaning base 1 or inside the upright housing 211 of the upright body 2.

[0030] like Figure 2 , 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid supply container 25 is detachably connected to the upright housing 211 to facilitate manual addition of cleaning liquid by the operator. The cleaning liquid is not limited to water, disinfectant solution with added disinfectant, or cleaning solution with added detergent.

[0031] like Figure 7 As shown, a first fluid supply path 30 is established on the surface cleaning machine 100, from the first fluid supply container 25 to the first pump 32 and then to the fluid distributor 19. When the surface cleaning machine 100 is working, cleaning liquid can be continuously supplied to the brush roller 14 by means of this first fluid supply path 30.

[0032] The fluid delivery system is also equipped with a necessary liquid level detection mechanism (not shown in the figure), which can determine in real time whether the clean liquid in the first fluid supply container 25 is exhausted or full.

[0033] See Figure 8The wastewater recovery system mainly consists of a first wastewater recovery container 26 for receiving and storing wastewater, a recovery channel 41 for fluid communication between the first wastewater recovery container 26 and the suction port 131, and a first vacuum motor 27 for providing negative pressure.

[0034] like Figure 2 , 5 As shown, the first vacuum motor 27 is in fluid communication with the first wastewater recovery container 26. The first wastewater recovery container 26 has a recovery chamber 261 inside and is configured to be detachably connected to the upright housing 211 to facilitate disassembly by the operator for manual cleaning.

[0035] See Figure 5 , 8 The first wastewater recovery container 26 is equipped with a liquid level detection mechanism 262, which can determine in real time whether the wastewater in the recovery chamber 261 has reached the preset liquid level. The liquid level detection mechanism 262 can be a liquid level probe structure or other types of liquid level detection.

[0036] The first vacuum motor 27 can be any suitable motor capable of generating a vacuum. The first vacuum motor 27 is a DC motor and is powered by the battery pack 24. The first vacuum motor 27 is designed to be manually turned on or off by a switch located on the operation panel 222.

[0037] See Figure 9 A first vacuum path 40 is established on the surface cleaning machine 100, from the suction port 131 to the first waste liquid recovery container 26 and then to the first vacuum motor 27. When the surface cleaning machine 100 performs surface cleaning work on the surface to be cleaned, the debris on the surface to be cleaned and the used cleaning liquid that has turned into waste liquid are promptly recovered and stored in the first waste liquid recovery container 26 by means of the first vacuum path 40.

[0038] See Figure 10 The surface cleaning machine 100 also includes a first controller 28 (see...) Figure 5The controller 28 of the surface cleaning machine 100 is operatively signal-connected to various controlled components on the machine, such as the first pump 32 in the fluid delivery system, the first vacuum motor 27 in the wastewater recovery system, the brush roller motor 15, and various switches and buttons on the operation panel 222. The controller 28 is also signal-connected to the first display 23 to control the display of relevant information on the first display 23. The first controller 28 is internally programmed to control the operation of corresponding controlled components according to the surface cleaning operation mode and to control the operation of corresponding controlled components according to the self-cleaning operation mode. In this example, the operation panel 222 includes a power switch 281 and a self-cleaning start button 282; the user can trigger the first controller 28 to control the operation of corresponding controlled components according to the surface cleaning operation mode by operating the power switch 281. After the surface cleaning machine 100 is connected to the base station 500, the user can trigger the first controller 28 to control the corresponding controlled components to work in the self-cleaning operation mode by operating the self-cleaning start button 282. In the self-cleaning operation mode, the first controller 28 needs to send control commands to the second controller 501, which causes the second vacuum motor 71 and other components to start working as needed.

[0039] The surface cleaning machine 100 is equipped with a waste liquid output interface 2112, a first fluid input interface 2113, a second fluid input interface 2114, a third fluid input interface 2115, a first charging interface 2116, and a first signal transmission interface 2117. These interfaces are preferably arranged on the rear wall of the upright housing 211 with their openings facing downwards.

[0040] The wastewater discharge port 2112 is operatively connected to the recovery chamber 261 inside the first wastewater recovery container 26 via a wastewater discharge pipe 291. Specifically, the wastewater discharge pipe 291 extends between the lower part of the first wastewater recovery container 26 and the wastewater discharge port 2112. The wastewater discharge pipe 291 is configured to allow wastewater inside the first wastewater recovery container 26 to be discharged directly to the outside of the machine via this pipe. A flow regulating mechanism 292 is provided on the wastewater discharge pipe 291, which can regulate the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the wastewater discharge pipe 291. The adjustment range of the flow regulating mechanism 292 is from a flow rate of 0 (i.e., the pipe is closed) to a maximum flow rate. The flow regulating mechanism 292 ensures that the wastewater discharge pipe 291 has at least a first operating mode with the passage open and a second operating mode with the passage closed.

[0041] The first fluid inlet port 2113 is operatively connected to the recovery chamber 261 inside the first wastewater recovery container 26 via a first fluid inlet pipe 294. Specifically, the first fluid inlet pipe 294 extends between the upper part of the first wastewater recovery container 26 and the first fluid inlet port 2113. The first fluid inlet pipe 294 is configured to allow cleaning liquid input from the first fluid inlet port 2113 to be directly delivered to the recovery chamber 261 inside the first wastewater recovery container 26 via this pipe, so as to achieve direct flushing of the recovery chamber 261 with cleaning liquid. A first valve 295 is provided on the first fluid inlet pipe 294, which can open and close the first fluid inlet pipe 294. In this example, the first valve 295 is preferably a mechanical valve.

[0042] The second fluid inlet port 2114 is operatively connected to the first fluid supply container 25 via a second fluid inlet conduit 296. Specifically, the second fluid inlet conduit 296 extends between the first fluid supply container 25 and the second fluid inlet port 2114. The second fluid inlet conduit 296 is configured to allow cleaning liquid input from the second fluid inlet port 2114 to be directly delivered to the first fluid supply container 25 via this conduit, thereby replenishing the first fluid supply container 25 with cleaning liquid. A second valve 297 is provided on the second fluid inlet conduit 296, which is capable of opening and closing the second fluid inlet conduit 296. In this example, the second valve 297 is preferably a mechanical valve.

[0043] The third fluid inlet port 2115 is operatively fluidly connected to the fluid channel 31 via a third fluid inlet conduit 298. Specifically, the third fluid inlet conduit 298 extends between the fluid channel 31 and the second fluid inlet port 2114, and the junction of the third fluid inlet conduit 298 and the fluid channel 31 is located upstream of the first pump 32. The third fluid inlet conduit 298 is configured to allow cleaning liquid input from the third fluid inlet port 2115 to be input into the fluid channel 31 via this conduit, thereby bypassing the first fluid supply container 25 and directly supplying cleaning liquid to the fluid distributor 19. A third valve 299 is provided on the third fluid inlet conduit 298, which can open and close the third fluid inlet conduit 298. In this example, the third valve 299 is preferably a mechanical valve. In some embodiments, the third fluid inlet port 2115 and the third fluid inlet conduit 298 may also be omitted, which is beneficial for reducing the number of ports.

[0044] The first charging interface 2116 is electrically connected to the battery pack 24, and a charging management circuit 293 is also provided between them. Under the action of the charging management circuit 293, the electrical energy input from the first charging interface 2116 can be delivered to the battery pack 24 under preset conditions to charge the battery pack 24. The charging management circuit 293 is signal-connected to and controlled by the first controller 28.

[0045] Figure 11 An exemplary base station 500 is shown, comprising a body 5 capable of being supported on a plane and an electrical plug 6 capable of being connected to household AC power. The body 5 includes a tray portion 51 located at the front and a body portion 52 located at the rear. The tray portion 51 is capable of supporting the cleaning base 1 of the surface cleaning machine 100. The front portion of the tray portion 51 has a recess 53.

[0046] When the surface cleaning machine 100 docks with the base station 500, the cleaning base 1 will be supported on the tray 51 at the front of the main body 5, and the brush roller 14 and the suction port 131 will be located in the recess 53; the upright machine body 2 will abut against the front side of the machine body 52.

[0047] The base station 500 is also equipped with a wastewater suction system, a cleaning fluid supply system, and a power supply system. The wastewater suction system is used to suck up and store wastewater collected in the surface cleaning machine 100, which is connected to the base station 500, as well as wastewater generated during the self-cleaning operation. The cleaning fluid supply system is used to deliver cleaning fluid to the surface cleaning machine 100 connected to the base station 500. The power supply system is used to provide electrical energy to the surface cleaning machine 100 connected to the base station 500 and to charge the surface cleaning machine 100.

[0048] like Figure 12 As shown, the wastewater suction system includes a second wastewater recovery container 71, a second vacuum motor 72, a wastewater input interface 73, and a wastewater input pipe 74 connecting the wastewater input interface 73 and the second wastewater recovery container 71. The volume of the second wastewater recovery container 71 is much larger than the volume of the first wastewater recovery container 25, for example, 10 times the volume of the first wastewater recovery container 25. The second wastewater recovery container 71 is arranged on one side of the body 52, and the second vacuum motor 72 is located in the middle of the rear of the body 5. The second vacuum motor 72 can be an AC motor and is powered by household AC power supplied through the power plug 6.

[0049] The cleaning fluid supply system includes a second fluid supply container 81, a first fluid output port 82, a second fluid output port 83, and a third fluid output port 84 capable of outputting cleaning liquid, a first fluid output channel 85 fluidly connecting the second fluid supply container 81 and the first fluid output port 82, a second fluid output channel 86 fluidly connecting the second fluid supply container 81 and the second fluid output port 83, a third fluid output channel 87 fluidly connecting the second fluid supply container 81 and the third fluid output port 84, a second pump 88 arranged on the first fluid output channel 85, a third pump 89 arranged on the second fluid output channel 86, and a fourth valve 810 arranged on the third fluid output channel 87. The fourth valve 810 is capable of opening and closing the third fluid output channel 87. In this example, the fourth valve 810 is preferably a controllable electronic valve.

[0050] The cleaning fluid supply system is also equipped with a necessary liquid level detection mechanism (not shown in the figure), which can determine in real time whether the cleaning liquid in the second fluid supply container 81 is exhausted or full.

[0051] The second fluid supply container 81 is arranged on the other side of the body section 52. The first fluid output port 82, the second fluid output port 83, and the third fluid output port 84 are preferably arranged at the body section 52.

[0052] The power supply system includes a second charging interface 91 and a power supply circuit 92. The horizontal plane at which the second charging interface 91 is located is higher than the horizontal plane at which the aforementioned sewage input interface 73, first fluid output interface 82, second fluid output interface 83 and third fluid output interface 84 are located, and the second charging interface 91 should be far away from these input and output interfaces to prevent liquid flowing from these input and output interfaces from splashing onto the second charging interface 91.

[0053] The base station 500 is also equipped with a second controller 501, which can control various controlled components on the base station 500 and provide timely feedback on the status of each component, such as when the second fluid supply container 81 is low on liquid, the second wastewater recovery container 71 is full, or the second vacuum motor 72 is malfunctioning. For this purpose, the base station 500 is also equipped with a second display 503, preferably positioned in a location easily observable by the operator, such as the top of the main body 52. ​​In this embodiment, the second controller 501 is signal-connected to the second vacuum motor 72, the second pump 88, the third pump 89, the second display 503, the fourth valve 810, and the power supply circuit 92.

[0054] The base station 500 is also equipped with a second signal transmission interface 502, which is connected to the second controller 501. After the surface cleaning machine 100 docks with the base station 500, the second signal transmission interface 502 will connect to the first signal transmission interface 2117 on the surface cleaning machine 100 to establish a signal communication relationship between the surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500, thereby facilitating information exchange between the second controller 501 and the first controller 28.

[0055] In this example, the waste liquid input interface 73, the first fluid output interface 82, the second fluid output interface 83, and the third fluid output interface 84 are preferably located at the lower part of the body part 52. The second charging interface 91 and the second signal transmission interface 502 are also located in the body part 52 and are positioned higher than the positions of the waste liquid input interface 73, the first fluid output interface 82, the second fluid output interface 83, and the third fluid output interface 84.

[0056] The surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500 are also equipped with several sensing components (not shown in the figure). These sensing components can at least detect whether the components on the surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500 are correctly installed, whether the corresponding interfaces are accurately engaged after the surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500 are docked, and whether the monitored components on the surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500 are in normal working condition.

[0057] The base station 500 may also be equipped with a heating device that can heat the cleaning fluid flowing out of the second fluid supply container 81 so that the heated fluid can be supplied to the surface cleaning machine 100; the base station 500 may also be equipped with a blower or drying device to further remove residual water from components such as brush rollers.

[0058] The surface cleaning machine 100 can perform surface cleaning work independently on the surface to be cleaned under the control of the operator. When the surface cleaning machine 100 is performing surface cleaning work, the battery pack 24 powers the entire machine, and the first controller 28 controls the first vacuum motor 27, the first pump 32 and the brush roller motor 15 to start working as needed. The cleaning fluid in the first fluid supply container 25 of the fluid delivery system is continuously delivered to the brush roller 14 through the first fluid supply path 20. The brush roller 14, which is wetted by the cleaning liquid, will continuously rotate and wipe the surface to be cleaned. The first vacuum motor 27 of the waste liquid recovery system will recover the cleaning liquid that has been used and turned into waste liquid and store it in the first waste liquid recovery container 26 after passing through the first vacuum path 30. During the surface cleaning work performed by the surface cleaning machine 100, that is, when the first vacuum motor 27 is powered on, the flow regulating mechanism 292 will remain in a second working mode that keeps the waste liquid output pipe 291 closed.

[0059] After the surface cleaning machine 100 finishes its surface cleaning work, it can dock on the base station 500 and connect with the base station 500. Once connected, the surface cleaning machine 100 can perform self-cleaning, charging, and replenishment of cleaning liquid.

[0060] When the surface cleaning machine 100 is connected to the base station 500, the various interfaces on the surface cleaning machine 100 will be connected to the various interfaces on the base station 500, as follows: like Figure 13 As shown, the wastewater output interface 2112 of the surface cleaning machine 100 and the wastewater input interface 73 on the base station 500 are connected to each other, establishing a second vacuum path 50 from the suction port 131, through the recovery channel 41, the first wastewater recovery container 26, the wastewater output interface 2112, the wastewater input interface 73, the wastewater input pipe 74, the second wastewater recovery container 71, and then to the second vacuum motor 72. The flow regulation mechanism 292 located in the wastewater output pipe 291 can adjust the fluid flow rate through the wastewater output pipe 291 from 0 to maximum after the wastewater output interface 2112 and the wastewater input interface 73 are connected.

[0061] like Figure 14 As shown, the first fluid output interface 82 of the base station 500 and the first fluid input interface 2113 of the surface cleaning machine 100 are connected to each other, thus establishing a second fluid supply path 60 from the second fluid supply container 81 on the base station 500 to the second pump 88 of the first fluid output channel 85, then to the first fluid output interface 82, then to the first fluid input interface 2113 of the surface cleaning machine 100, then to the first fluid input pipe 294, and finally to the interior of the first wastewater recovery container 26. The first valve 295 located in the first fluid input pipe 294 is triggered to open when the first fluid output interface 82 and the first fluid input interface 2113 are connected.

[0062] like Figure 15 As shown, the second fluid output port 83 of the base station 500 and the second fluid input port 2114 of the surface cleaning machine 100 are connected to each other, establishing a third fluid supply path 70 from the second fluid supply container 81 on the base station 500 to the third pump 89 in the second fluid output channel 86, then to the second fluid output port 83, then to the second fluid input port 2114, then to the second fluid input pipe 296, and finally to the interior of the first fluid supply container 25 of the surface cleaning machine 100. The second valve 297 located in the second fluid input pipe 296 is triggered to open when the second fluid output port 83 and the second fluid input port 2114 are connected.

[0063] like Figure 16As shown, the third fluid output interface 84 of the base station 500 and the third fluid input interface 2115 of the surface cleaning machine 100 are connected to each other, establishing a fourth fluid supply path 80 from the second fluid supply container 81 on the base station 500 to the third fluid output channel 87, then to the third fluid output interface 84, then to the third fluid input interface 2115, then to the third fluid input pipe 298, then to the fluid channel 31, passing through the first pump 32, and finally reaching the fluid distributor 19 of the surface cleaning machine 100. The third valve 298 located in the third fluid input pipe 298 is triggered to open when the second fluid output interface 83 and the second fluid input interface 2114 are connected, and the fourth valve 810 located in the third fluid output channel 87 is opened.

[0064] like Figure 17 As shown, when the surface cleaning machine 100 is connected to the base station 500, the first signal transmission interface 2117 and the second signal transmission interface 502 are connected, and a signal transmission relationship is established between the surface cleaning machine 100 and the base station 500. The signal transmission relationship between them is bidirectional. Based on this signal transmission relationship, the first controller 28 on the surface cleaning machine 100 and the second controller 501 on the base station 500 can send instructions or information to each other.

[0065] like Figure 18 As shown, when the surface cleaning machine 100 is connected to the base station 500, the first charging interface 2116 and the second charging interface 91 are electrically connected, so that the power from the base station 500 can be transmitted to the surface cleaning machine 100, so as to charge the battery pack 24 of the surface cleaning machine 100 under the management of the power supply circuit 92 and the charging management circuit 293.

[0066] After the surface cleaning machine 100 is connected to the base station 500, if a program for the surface cleaning machine 100 is started, the first controller 28 will control the corresponding controlled components to work in the self-cleaning operation mode. This will clean the brush roller 14, roller cavity 13, and corresponding fluid pipelines of the surface cleaning machine 100, and simultaneously transfer the waste liquid in the first waste liquid recovery container 26 to the second waste liquid recovery container 71 and clean the first waste liquid recovery container 26 after the waste liquid is transferred. During the execution of the self-cleaning operation mode, the second controller 501 on the base station 500 will also receive instructions from the first controller 28 to start the second vacuum motor 72 and other corresponding components.

[0067] See Figure 19 The document provides an example of the execution steps for a self-cleaning operation mode, as follows: S1, press the self-cleaning start button 282 to start the self-cleaning operation.

[0068] S2, the second vacuum motor 72 on the base station 500 starts working first; the flow regulation mechanism 292 operates simultaneously, so that the sewage output pipe 291 is in the first working mode with the channel unobstructed; the sewage in the first sewage recovery container 26 is transferred to the second sewage recovery container 71 by using the second vacuum path 50, and this step lasts for several seconds.

[0069] S3, the brush roller motor 15 and the first pump 32 on the surface cleaning machine 100 are started, and the second vacuum motor 72 on the base station 500 is also kept in operation. The cleaning liquid inside the second fluid supply container 81 is continuously transported to the brush roller 14 through the fourth fluid supply path 80 to clean the brush roller 14. At the same time, the cleaning liquid that has turned into dirt is sucked into the second vacuum path 50 along with air under the action of the second vacuum motor 72. It passes through the second vacuum path 50, from the suction port 131, through the first dirt recovery container 26 and the second dirt recovery container 71 in sequence. The dirt will be trapped in the second dirt recovery container 72, and the air enters the second vacuum motor 72 and is discharged outward. This step can clean the brush roller 14, the roller cavity 13 and the recovery channel 41 located between the brush roller 14 and the first dirt recovery container 26. This step can be repeated multiple times.

[0070] S4, shut down the brush roller motor 15 and the second vacuum motor 72, and start the second pump 88 on the base station 500. The cleaning liquid inside the second fluid supply container 81 flows into the first wastewater recovery container 26 through the second fluid supply path 60 to rinse the inner wall of the first wastewater recovery container 26. This step can be repeated multiple times. S5, start the second vacuum motor 72 to transfer the waste liquid in the first waste liquid recovery container 26 to the second waste liquid recovery container 71; this step can be performed multiple times in conjunction with step S4.

[0071] The above steps S4 and S5 can also be performed simultaneously, that is, while rinsing the inner wall of the first wastewater recovery container 26 with cleaning liquid, the cleaning fluid used for rinsing is transferred from the first wastewater recovery container 26 to the second wastewater recovery container 71.

[0072] After the above self-cleaning steps are completed, the third pump 89 on the base station 500 can start working to replenish the cleaning liquid in the second fluid supply container 81 to the first fluid supply container 25 of the surface cleaning machine 100 through the third fluid supply path 70, so that the machine 100 can perform the next surface cleaning operation.

[0073] During the self-cleaning process, if the second waste liquid recovery container 71 is full or the second fluid supply container 81 is low on liquid, the machine 100 or the base station 500 will remind the operator to empty the second waste liquid recovery container 71 and add cleaning fluid to the second fluid supply container 81 in order to continue the self-cleaning operation procedure.

[0074] Charging the battery pack 24 of the surface cleaning machine 100 can be done simultaneously with the self-cleaning process or after the self-cleaning operation program has ended; this can be set in the charging management circuit 293.

[0075] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this application, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this application and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning system, characterized in that, The surface cleaning system includes: A surface cleaning machine, wherein the surface cleaning machine is a manually operated vertical surface cleaning device and includes: A fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system comprising a first fluid supply container, a first pump, and a fluid distributor; A wastewater recovery system, comprising a first wastewater recovery container with a recovery chamber, a suction port, and a first vacuum motor, wherein the wastewater recovery system is capable of establishing a first vacuum path from the suction port to the first wastewater recovery container and then to the first vacuum motor; A brush roller located at the suction inlet, the brush roller being configured to be driven to rotate by a brush roller motor; A battery pack, which is rechargeable and configured to selectively power the first pump, the first vacuum motor, and the brush roller motor; A base station configured to interface with the surface cleaning machine for self-cleaning of the surface cleaning machine, the base station comprising: A clean fluid supply system, the clean fluid supply system comprising a second fluid supply container and a second pump; A wastewater suction system includes a second wastewater recovery container and a second vacuum motor. When the surface cleaning machine is connected to the base station, the surface cleaning system can construct a second vacuum path from the suction port, to the first wastewater recovery container, then to the second wastewater recovery container, and finally to the second vacuum motor. The wastewater suction system directly transfers the wastewater in the first wastewater recovery container to the second wastewater recovery container through the second vacuum path. The surface cleaning system is capable of performing a self-cleaning operation mode during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station. During the self-cleaning operation mode, the second vacuum motor is energized for at least a period of time, and the first vacuum motor is turned off while the second vacuum motor is energized. During the self-cleaning operation mode, the cleaning fluid supply system supplies cleaning fluid to the first wastewater recovery container to rinse the inner wall of the first wastewater recovery container, and the second vacuum motor draws the wastewater generated after rinsing the inner wall of the first wastewater recovery container into the second wastewater recovery container via the second vacuum path.

2. The surface cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes: a first controller, which controls the operation of the fluid delivery system and the wastewater recovery system, and controls the operation of the wastewater suction system and the cleaning fluid supply system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station.

3. The surface cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes a self-cleaning start button, which is signal-connected to the first controller. The self-cleaning start button can trigger the first controller to start and run the self-cleaning operation mode.

4. The surface cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base station includes: an electrical plug capable of being electrically connected to an electrical socket that provides household AC power; the second vacuum motor is an AC motor and is powered by household AC power passing through the electrical plug.

5. The surface cleaning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes: a first charging interface, which is electrically connected to the battery pack; the base station includes: a second charging interface; When the surface cleaning machine is connected to the base station, the first charging interface and the second charging interface are electrically coupled.

6. The surface cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning fluid supply system will be in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine and the base station.

7. The surface cleaning system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes: a first fluid input pipe, one end of which leads to a recovery chamber inside the first wastewater recovery container; the other end of the first fluid input pipe is fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid supply system during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station, so that the recovery chamber can be flushed with cleaning fluid supplied by the second fluid supply container during the self-cleaning operation mode.

8. The surface cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes: a wastewater output pipe, which is in fluid communication with the interior of the first wastewater recovery container and has a wastewater output interface located on the outer wall of the surface cleaning machine; the wastewater suction system includes: a wastewater channel, which is in fluid communication with the second wastewater recovery container and has a wastewater input interface located on the outer wall of the base station; when the surface cleaning machine is docked with the base station, the wastewater output interface and the wastewater input interface are docked to establish the second vacuum path.

9. The surface cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes: a flow regulating mechanism configured to regulate the flow rate of fluid flowing through the wastewater output pipe, the flow regulating mechanism causing the wastewater output pipe to have a first operating mode with the channel open and a second operating mode with the channel closed; the wastewater output pipe is in the second operating mode when the first vacuum motor is energized; and the wastewater output pipe is in the first operating mode when the second vacuum motor is energized.

10. The surface cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The surface cleaning machine includes a base and a vertical body rotatably connected to the base. A handle is provided on the upper part of the vertical body, and the waste liquid output interface is provided on the vertical body.

11. The surface cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base station includes a recess, and the brush roller and the suction port are both located in the recess during the docking of the surface cleaning machine with the base station.

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