A robotic vacuum cleaner for use inside a washing machine

Abstract

This invention discloses a cleaning device for a robot vacuum cleaner inside a washing machine, including a washing machine body. A cleaning position is provided at the bottom of the washing machine body, and an upper cleaning section and a lower cleaning section are installed within the cleaning position. The lower cleaning section corresponds to the mop assembly of the robot vacuum cleaner. The upper and lower cleaning sections are respectively connected to a controllable water inlet of the washing machine body via water pipes. When the robot vacuum cleaner performs a cleaning task, the controller opens the second and fourth water outlets, allowing clean water to flow into the upper cleaning section. At this time, clean water is sprayed from the upper cleaning section, splashing water into the water tank and agitating the dust settled in the tank. Simultaneously, a water pump is activated to discharge wastewater into a wastewater processor, keeping the cleaning plate clean and eliminating the need for manual secondary cleaning, thus facilitating user convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cleaning device technology, specifically a cleaning device for a robot vacuum cleaner inside a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] As technology advances, the functions of household cleaning robots are becoming increasingly specialized. There are mopping robots that only mop, and sweeping robots that combine mopping and vacuuming. To simplify the number of times people need to operate cleaning robots, such as washing the mop and refilling water, base stations integrating dust collection, washing, water refilling, and charging have been invented. These base stations are equipped with dust collection devices and water tanks for cleaning and refilling. Wastewater generated during mop washing enters the wastewater tank, which still needs to be manually removed from the base station for cleaning. Moreover, the base stations are relatively large, requiring a lot of space in the house, and it is not easy to find a suitable place to put them. Of course, in the future, there may be a way to connect the base station to the sewage pipe, but the water supply and sewage pipes in the house are fixed, making it difficult to find a suitable location for the base station. For households, washing machines are one of the most frequently used appliances, and their fixed location makes them an excellent place to store cleaning robots. In addition, sweeping robots often go under beds, tables, and other dusty places during daily cleaning, so their surfaces are also prone to dust accumulation, requiring regular manual cleaning, which is quite tedious. Therefore, a cleaning device located inside the washing machine is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a cleaning device for a robot vacuum cleaner inside a washing machine to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A cleaning device for a robot vacuum cleaner inside a washing machine includes a washing machine body. The bottom of the washing machine body is provided with a cleaning position. An upper cleaning part and a lower cleaning part are installed in the cleaning position. The lower cleaning part corresponds to the mop assembly of the robot vacuum cleaner. The upper cleaning part and the lower cleaning part are respectively connected to the controllable water inlet of the washing machine body through water pipes.

[0006] In a further technical solution, a water supply component is also provided at the cleaning position, and the water supply component is connected to the controllable water inlet of the washing machine body.

[0007] A further technical solution includes a controllable water inlet section comprising a three-way pipe, the first end of which is connected to a water source, the second end of which is connected to a controllable solenoid valve one, and the third end of which is connected to a controllable solenoid valve two. The controllable solenoid valve one is connected to the water inlet of the washing machine body, and the controllable solenoid valve two has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to a water supply component, and the second water outlet is connected to the lower cleaning section.

[0008] In a further technical solution, the second water outlet is connected to a diverter head, one end of which is connected to the lower cleaning section and the other end to the upper cleaning section.

[0009] A further technical solution also includes a controllable solenoid valve three, which includes an inlet end, a third outlet end and a fourth outlet end. The inlet end is connected to the first outlet end, the third outlet end is connected to the water supply component, and the fourth outlet end is connected to the upper cleaning unit.

[0010] In a further technical solution, the upper cleaning part includes a swing assembly, the output end of which is connected to a diversion pipe, and the diversion pipe is provided with a plurality of water outlets, the water outlets facing the cleaning position.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the swing assembly includes a drive motor, the output end of which is connected to a gear one, the gear one meshing with a gear two, and the gear two being connected to a shunt pipe one.

[0012] A further technical solution includes a cleaning plate, a groove at the bottom of the cleaning plate, a plurality of through holes in the groove, a diversion pipe II located in the groove, and a plurality of water outlet sections II extending from the through holes to the cleaning position on the diversion pipe II.

[0013] In a further technical solution, the cleaning plate is provided with a water tank, the water tank is provided with a water outlet, a water pump is installed at the water outlet, and the water pump is connected to the wastewater processor of the washing machine body.

[0014] In a further technical solution, the second water outlet is connected to an electrolyzed water module, the electrolyzed water module is connected to a heating PTC module, and the heating PTC module is connected to the lower cleaning section.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0016] This invention achieves a comprehensive cleaning effect for the robot vacuum cleaner through the cooperation of the upper and lower cleaning parts, eliminating the need for manual cleaning and making it convenient for users.

[0017] In addition, the wastewater is discharged by the drainage structure of the washing machine itself, which eliminates the need for an additional external base station design and reduces the space occupied. Usually, the house is designed with a place reserved for the washing machine, so the water filling and drainage positions are fixed, so there is no need to open up new water filling and drainage positions, which is convenient for users.

[0018] When the robot vacuum cleaner performs a cleaning task, the controller opens the second and fourth water outlets, allowing clean water to flow into the upper cleaning section. At this time, clean water is sprayed from the upper cleaning section, splashing water into the water tank and stirring up the dust that has settled in the water tank. At the same time, the water pump is turned on to discharge the wastewater into the wastewater processor, keeping the cleaning plate clean and eliminating the need for secondary cleaning by humans, making it convenient for people to use.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 : A three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 : Internal structure diagram of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 The waterway distribution diagram of this invention.

[0023] Figure 4 : Structural diagram of the upper cleaning part of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 The lower cleaning section structure of the present invention Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 6 The lower cleaning section structure of the present invention Figure 2 .

[0026] Reference numerals: 11-Washing machine body, 12-Cleaning position, 13-Upper cleaning section, 131-Drive motor, 132-Gear 1, 133-Gear 2, 134-Diverter pipe 1, 135-Water outlet 1, 14-Lower cleaning section, 141-Cleaning plate, 142-Groove, 143-Through hole, 144-Diverter pipe 2, 145-Water outlet 2, 146-Water tank, 147-Water outlet opening, 148-Water pump, 15-Controllable water inlet, 151-T-connector, 152-Controllable solenoid valve 1, 153-Controllable solenoid valve 2, 154-Controllable solenoid valve 3, 16-Water supply assembly, 17-Sewage processor, 18-Electrolyzed water module, 19-Heating PTC module, 2-Sweeping robot. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Please refer to Figure 1-6 ;

[0029] This invention provides a cleaning device for cleaning a robotic vacuum cleaner 2 in conjunction with a washing machine. The device includes a washing machine body 11, a cleaning position 12 at the bottom of the washing machine body 11, an upper cleaning section 13 and a lower cleaning section 14 installed within the cleaning position 12, and the upper cleaning section 13 and lower cleaning section 14 connected to a controllable water inlet section 15 of the washing machine body 11 via water pipes. It should be noted that the washing machine body 11 should be equipped with a sensing device. When the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 enters the cleaning position 12, the sensing device can detect its entry, and then the controller will trigger the corresponding components to operate. The sensing device can refer to the principle of devices in existing base stations, and will not be described in detail here.

[0030] After the robot vacuum cleaner 2 completes its cleaning task, it will move to the cleaning position 12. At this time, the upper surface of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 corresponds to the upper cleaning section 13, and the mop assembly corresponds to the lower cleaning section 14. After the controller senses that the robot vacuum cleaner 2 has entered the cleaning position 12, it will open the controllable water inlet 15, so that clean water can flow to the upper cleaning section 13 and the lower cleaning section 14 respectively and finally spray out. At this time, the upper cleaning section 13 can clean the upper surface of the robot vacuum cleaner 2, while the lower cleaning section 14 can clean the mop assembly. Through the cooperation of the upper cleaning section 13 and the lower cleaning section 14, the robot vacuum cleaner 2 can achieve an all-round cleaning effect without the need for manual cleaning of the robot vacuum cleaner 2 again, making it convenient for users.

[0031] In this embodiment of the invention, a water supply component 16 is also provided at the cleaning position 12. The water supply component 16 is connected to the controllable water inlet part 15 of the washing machine body 11. That is, when the sweeping robot 2 enters the cleaning position 12, the water supply component 16 can be inserted into the water tank of the sweeping robot 2 to realize the function of replenishing the water tank of the sweeping robot 2.

[0032] In this embodiment of the invention, the controllable water inlet 15 includes a three-way pipe 151. The first end of the three-way pipe 151 is connected to a water source, the second end is connected to a controllable solenoid valve 152, and the third end is connected to a controllable solenoid valve 153. The controllable solenoid valve 152 is connected to the water inlet of the washing machine body 11. The controllable solenoid valve 153 has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to the water supply component 16, and the second water outlet is connected to the lower cleaning part 14.

[0033] The three-way pipe 151 enables the separation of water supply to the washing machine body 11 and the cleaning position 12, and the controllable solenoid valve 152 and the controllable solenoid valve 2 153 enable multiple usage modes for users.

[0034] Preferably, the second water outlet is connected to an electrolyzed water module 18, which is connected to a heating PTC module 19. The heating PTC module 19 is connected to the lower cleaning section 14. When the electrolyzed water module is activated, it can sterilize the water and add sterilizing substances. The water then continues to flow to the PTC heating module. After the water temperature rises to the set temperature through the PTC heating module, it is sprayed out from the lower cleaning section 14. The heated water with sterilization effect can not only clean the mop assembly, but also disinfect it.

[0035] Example 1;

[0036] When the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is cleaning outside or does not need to clean, but the washing machine body 11 is needed, the controller opens the controllable solenoid valve 152 and keeps the controllable solenoid valve 2 153 closed. This allows water to flow into the washing machine body 11, but not to the cleaning position 12, achieving independent control and non-interference in operation. Of course, during the washing process of the washing machine body 11, the water needs to be stopped and refilled multiple times. At this time, the controller can control the opening and closing of the controllable solenoid valve 152 without affecting the use of the washing machine body 11. When the time reaches the program set time of the washing machine body 11, the washing machine body 11 stops working, and the sewage flows through the drain pipe to the sewage processor 17, and then through the drain pipe to the floor drain. The washing work is then completed.

[0037] Example 2;

[0038] Regardless of the current working status of the washing machine body 11, after the robot vacuum cleaner 2 completes its cleaning task, the software algorithm system identifies the position of the washing machine body 11 and returns it to the preset cleaning position 12 of the washing machine body 11. The programmable controller IC program senses that the robot has returned to its position and starts the next self-cleaning task. At this time, the controller opens the controllable solenoid valve 153, so that water can flow to the water supply component 16, the upper cleaning section 13 and the lower cleaning section 14, which can achieve the effect of replenishing water and cleaning the robot vacuum cleaner 2. Moreover, the wastewater can be discharged using the drainage structure of the washing machine body 11 itself, without the need for an additional external base station design, thus reducing the space occupied. Usually, the house is designed with a reserved space for the washing machine body 11, so the water filling and drainage positions are fixed, so there is no need to open new water filling and drainage positions, which is convenient for users.

[0039] Example 3;

[0040] Regardless of the current working state of the washing machine body 11, when only cleaning of the robot vacuum is required and no water replenishment is needed, the two output terminals of the controllable solenoid valve 153 can be controlled independently. At this time, the first water outlet of the controllable solenoid valve 153 connected to the water supply component 16 is in a closed state, while the second water outlet is in an open state. That is, clean water will not flow to the water supply component 16, and no water will be added to the water tank. The second water outlet can supply water to the downward cleaning section 14.

[0041] In the first embodiment, the second water outlet is connected to the diverter head. One end of the diverter head is connected to the lower cleaning section 14, and the other end is connected to the upper cleaning section 13. This allows for simultaneous water supply to both the upper cleaning section 13 and the lower cleaning section 14. In this embodiment, the controllable solenoid valve 2 153 can be a CNV6-3H controllable solenoid valve.

[0042] Implementation method two also includes a controllable solenoid valve three 154, which includes an inlet end, a third outlet end, and a fourth outlet end. The inlet end is connected to the first outlet end, the third outlet end is connected to the water supply assembly 16, and the fourth outlet end is connected to the upper cleaning section 13. When it is not necessary to flow clean water into the water supply assembly 16, the first and second outlet ends of the controllable solenoid valve two 153 are both in the open state, and water can be directly supplied to the lower cleaning section 14. The controller closes the first outlet end of the controllable solenoid valve three 154 and opens the second outlet end, so that water can be supplied to the upper cleaning section 13. In this implementation method, the controllable solenoid valve three 154 can be a CNV6-3H controllable solenoid valve.

[0043] This invention provides one example of a hydration identification method:

[0044] The water tank of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 is equipped with a magnetic float and a minimum water level line. A Hall sensor is installed at the minimum water level line. When the water level in the tank drops to the minimum water level line during cleaning, the magnetic float also drops to the minimum water level line. At this time, the Hall sensor detects the position of the magnetic float and sends a signal to the control center of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2. The robotic vacuum cleaner 2 returns to the cleaning position 12 of the washing machine body 11. At the same time, the control center of the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 communicates with the controller of the washing machine body 11. The controller of the washing machine body 11 learns that water needs to be added. After the robotic vacuum cleaner 2 returns to the cleaning position 12, the water supply component 16 opens to fill the water tank with water, and the cleaning component cleans the mop assembly.

[0045] Furthermore, a Hall sensor 2 is installed at the highest water level in the water tank. When the magnetic float is at the highest water level, it can trigger the Hall sensor 2. At this time, the control center of the sweeping robot 2 can receive the signal, the water tank reaches the highest water level, and the control center sends a signal to the controller of the washing machine body 11 to stop the water supply.

[0046] One embodiment of the present invention regarding the upper cleaning section 13 specifically includes a swing assembly. The output end of the swing assembly is connected to a diversion pipe 134. The diversion pipe 134 is provided with a plurality of water outlets 135, which face into the cleaning position 12. The swing assembly drives the diversion pipe 134 to swing at a certain angle, so that the water sprayed from the water outlets 135 can cover a certain area, making the cleaning of the sweeping robot 2 more comprehensive.

[0047] It should be noted that, in order to prevent water from entering the washing machine body 11 when the robot vacuum cleaner 2 is cleaning, the cleaning position 12 is surrounded by a baffle. Therefore, the diversion pipe 134 and the swing assembly are installed on the baffle. The baffle has a slot for accommodating the diversion pipe 134. The slot has several water outlet holes. When the swing assembly drives the diversion pipe 134 to move, the diversion pipe 134 can swing in the slot. The slot can play a limiting role. The water outlet 135 corresponds to the water outlet hole, and the water outlet hole is a strip hole, which can provide swing space for water spraying.

[0048] Furthermore, the swing assembly includes a drive motor 131, the output end of which is connected to a gear 132, the gear 132 meshing with a gear 133, and the gear 133 connected to a shunt pipe 134.

[0049] One embodiment of the present invention regarding the lower cleaning section 14 specifically includes a cleaning plate 141, a groove 142 at the bottom of the cleaning plate 141, a plurality of through holes 143 provided in the groove 142, a diversion pipe 144 located in the groove 142, and a plurality of water outlet sections 145 extending from the through holes 143 to the cleaning position 12 on the diversion pipe 144. The water outlet sections 145 correspond to the mop assembly. During operation, water is sprayed onto the mop assembly through the water outlet sections 145 to rinse away the dust in the mop assembly. At the same time, the mop assembly can rotate or perform other movements to make the rinsing more thorough.

[0050] Furthermore, the cleaning plate 141 is provided with a water tank 146, and the water tank 146 is provided with a water outlet 147. A water pump 148 is installed at the water outlet 147. The water pump 148 is connected to the wastewater processor 17 of the washing machine body 11. The water sprayed from the upper cleaning section 13 and the lower cleaning section 14 can be collected in the water tank 146. The wastewater in the water tank 146 is drawn from the water outlet 147 to the wastewater processor 17 in the washing machine body 11 and finally discharged. The bottom of the water tank 146 can be tilted towards the water outlet 147 so that the wastewater can flow actively towards the water outlet 147, which is convenient for draining the wastewater in the water tank 146.

[0051] Example 4;

[0052] After the robot vacuum cleaner 2 cleans, the wastewater contains dust and other impurities and settles in the water tank 146, which cannot be discharged by the water pump 148. At this time, the upper cleaning section 13 can be used to clean the water tank 146. When the robot vacuum cleaner 2 performs a cleaning task, the cleaning position 12 is empty. At this time, the controller opens the first water outlet of the controllable solenoid valve 153, allowing clean water to flow to the controllable solenoid valve 154. The controller opens the fourth water outlet, while the third water outlet is closed, preventing clean water from flowing to the water supply component 16. Instead, the clean water flows into the upper cleaning section 13, where it is sprayed onto the water tank 146, stirring up the dust settled in the water tank 146. At the same time, the water pump 148 is activated to discharge the wastewater into the wastewater processor 17, keeping the cleaning plate clean and eliminating the need for manual secondary cleaning, making it convenient for users.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0054] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementations that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A robotic vacuum cleaner device for use in a washing machine, comprising a washing machine body (11), characterized in that: The washing machine body (11) has a cleaning position (12) at the bottom. The cleaning position (12) is equipped with an upper cleaning part (13) and a lower cleaning part (14). The lower cleaning part (14) corresponds to the mop assembly of the sweeping robot (2). The upper cleaning part (13) and the lower cleaning part (14) are respectively connected to the controllable water inlet (15) of the washing machine body (11) through water pipes. The controllable water inlet (15) includes a three-way pipe (151), the first end of which is connected to a water source, the second end of which is connected to a controllable solenoid valve one (152), and the third end of which is connected to a controllable solenoid valve two (153). The controllable solenoid valve one (152) is connected to the water inlet of the washing machine body (11), and the controllable solenoid valve two (153) has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to the water supply assembly (16), and the second water outlet is connected to the lower cleaning part (14). It also includes a controllable solenoid valve three (154), which includes an inlet end, a third outlet end and a fourth outlet end. The inlet end is connected to the first outlet end, the third outlet end is connected to the water supply assembly (16) and the fourth outlet end is connected to the upper cleaning part (13). The upper cleaning part (13) includes a swing assembly, the output end of which is connected to a diversion pipe (134), and the diversion pipe (134) is provided with a plurality of water outlets (135), which face the cleaning position (12). The swing assembly includes a drive motor (131), the output end of which is connected to a gear one (132), the gear one (132) meshes with a gear two (133), and the gear two (133) is connected to a shunt pipe one (134). The controller opens the first outlet of the controllable solenoid valve two, allowing clean water to flow to the controllable solenoid valve three. The controller also opens the fourth outlet, while the third outlet is closed, preventing clean water from flowing to the water supply assembly. Instead, the clean water flows into the upper cleaning section, where it is sprayed onto the water tank, stirring up the dust that has settled there. At the same time, the water pump is activated to discharge wastewater into the wastewater treatment unit.

2. The cleaning device for a sweeping robot inside a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning position (12) is also provided with a water supply component (16), which is connected to the controllable water inlet (15) of the washing machine body (11).

3. The cleaning device for a sweeping robot inside a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower cleaning section (14) includes a cleaning plate (141), a groove (142) at the bottom of the cleaning plate (141), a plurality of through holes (143) provided in the groove (142), a second diversion pipe (144) located in the groove (142), and a plurality of second water outlet sections (145) extending from the through holes (143) to the cleaning position (12) on the second diversion pipe (144).

4. The cleaning device for a sweeping robot inside a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cleaning plate (141) is provided with a water tank (146), and the water tank (146) is provided with a water outlet (147). A water pump (148) is installed at the water outlet (147), and the water pump (148) is connected to the sewage processor (17) of the washing machine body (11).

5. A cleaning device for a sweeping robot inside a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second water outlet is connected to an electrolyzed water module (18), which is connected to a heating PTC module (19), and the heating PTC module (19) is connected to the lower cleaning section (14).

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