Multifunctional cleaning tools

Abstract

A multi-purpose cleaning appliance (10) that eliminates the need for separate appliances for vacuuming and mopping includes a floor tool body (14) with a base (15) and wheels (12, 13) for supporting the floor tool body (14) on the floor, the base (15) being above the floor; and a mopping module (21) and a vacuuming module (20) interchangeably mounted on the floor tool body (14) for mopping or vacuuming, respectively, wherein the mopping module (21) is configured to perform wet mopping.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to cleaning appliances having two or more cleaning functions, and more specifically, to cleaning appliances that can perform vacuuming and mopping simultaneously. Background Technology

[0002] Wet mopping is a common household chore. In addition to a mop, tools such as a vacuum cleaner are needed to pre-treat the surface, as mops are not very effective at collecting solid debris or larger dust build-ups. Wet mopping involves using cleaning solution and rubbing the surface to loosen dirt, and includes retrieving the dirty cleaning solution to prevent the dirt from spreading to other parts of the floor.

[0003] Appliances for wet mopping include applicators for cleaning liquids, characterized by their ability to retrieve soiled cleaning fluid from the floor and store it. Wet vacuum cleaners can be used to recycle soiled cleaning fluid, but appliances capable of sucking up a reasonable amount of liquid are energy-intensive, often making them unsuitable as standalone battery-powered tools. Household appliances with compromised suction capabilities may be suitable for light wet mopping, but their drawback is that they are easily clogged due to their small suction nozzles unless the tool itself is cleaned regularly and the environment in which it is used is relatively clean.

[0004] In another type of wet mopping appliance, an absorbent element such as a sponge or mop is used for mopping, and this absorbent element is periodically wrung out to recover the used cleaning solution. For example, the appliance of US7950105 uses a mop consisting of a loop of absorbent material that is driven by a motor and continuously wrung out, with the wrung-out dirty liquid collected in an onboard water tank. The disclosure of US7950105 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Floor cleaning using lighter models of cleaning fluid is called wet mopping. The equipment used may also include a fluid applicator and, for example, a removable cloth that is discarded once soiled. Compared to wet mopping, the equipment used for wet mopping is not capable of keeping the recovered dirty fluid beyond what the cloth can absorb.

[0006] To replace separate vacuuming and mopping appliances, a single multi-purpose vacuuming and (wet or semi-wet) mopping appliance, offering greater flexibility and cost savings, would be a boon to many households. The purpose of this invention is to address the need for such a multi-functional appliance, or more generally, to provide an improved multi-functional cleaning appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cleaning appliance is provided, comprising:

[0008] A floor tool body, including a base and wheels, for supporting the floor tool body on the floor, with the base higher than the floor; and

[0009] The mopping module and vacuum cleaner module can be interchangeably mounted on the floor tool body for mopping or vacuuming, respectively.

[0010] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner module is a sub-component comprising:

[0011] Electronic circuits;

[0012] A vacuum cleaner motor connected to electronic circuitry;

[0013] One of the first and second electrical couplers complements the other and is electrically coupled to the electronic circuit;

[0014] A fan driven by a vacuum cleaner motor;

[0015] The inlet nozzle allows ambient air drawn in by the fan to enter the airstream.

[0016] A separator downstream of the inlet nozzle is used to remove dust from the airflow;

[0017] An exhaust device for expelling air from the vacuum cleaner module, and

[0018] Vacuum cleaner module battery pack;

[0019] The mopping module is a sub-component, which includes:

[0020] frame;

[0021] The rollers are supported by a generally parallel frame.

[0022] An annular belt extends around a roller and includes absorbent material, the portion of which contacts the floor across the width of the belt for contact with the floor;

[0023] The floor tool body includes:

[0024] power supply;

[0025] The module receiving recess extends into an opening on the base, such that:

[0026] When the vacuum cleaner module is installed in the module receiving recess, the inlet nozzle is positioned at the opening, and

[0027] When the mopping module is in the installation position within the module receiving recess, the strip segment that contacts the floor passes through the opening and makes contact with the floor; and

[0028] When the cordless vacuum cleaner module is placed in the module receiving recess, the other of the first and second electrocouplers is connected to the first electrocoupler to supply power from the power source to the power supply circuit, and wherein...

[0029] The vacuum cleaner battery pack includes a third electrical coupler, which is similar in shape to another of the first and second electrical couplers, enabling electrical connection to the electronic circuitry so that the vacuum cleaner module can be used independently of the floor tool body.

[0030] The term "battery pack" as used here refers to a package containing one or more battery cells.

[0031] Therefore, this cleaning appliance provides a single floor tool body that can be moved manually or autonomously across the floor, capable of vacuuming when the vacuum module is attached, or mopping when the mopping module is attached. For increased flexibility, vacuuming can be performed elsewhere while mopping, as the vacuum module can be assembled into a standalone handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0032] Preferably, the mopping module and vacuum cleaner module are lowered into the module receiving recess during use and pushed to their respective installation positions by their own weight. Preferably, complementary tongue and groove members, respectively provided on the floor tool body and each module, guide the modules along a linear path when lowered to their respective installation positions. Preferably, one of the tongue and groove members is provided on a first electrical coupler, and the other on a second electrical coupler, thereby connecting the first and second electrical couplers by a relative linear sliding connection. Preferably, electrical contacts, respectively provided on the first and second electrical couplers, abut against each other at the end of the relative linear sliding movement.

[0033] Preferably, the device further includes a roller mounted on the body and a dirty liquid reservoir mounted on the floor tool body, wherein, in a running position, the belt is clamped between the roller mounted on the body and a first frame-supported roller to squeeze liquid from the belt and then discharge it into the dirty liquid reservoir, and the mopping module is movable relative to the floor tool body from the running position to a release position, in which the belt is released from between the roller mounted on the body and one of the frame-supported rollers.

[0034] Preferably, the rollers mounted on the body cause the belt to deviate from the line tangent to the rollers supported by the two adjacent frames, thereby tightening the belt.

[0035] Preferably, the floor tool body further includes: a motor electrically connected to a power source, and

[0036] The transmission device coupled to the motor provides torque to the roller supported by the first frame when the mopping module is placed into the module receiving groove.

[0037] Preferably, the rollers supported by each frame engage with the inner surface of the belt.

[0038] The manual release connectors on the floor tool body and mop module can be used to secure both parts together in the installation position.

[0039] Preferably, a synchronization device is provided for synchronizing the peripheral speeds of the rollers mounted on the housing and the rollers supported by the first frame, wherein the belt is clamped between the two rollers in the running position of the belt.

[0040] Preferably, the synchronization device includes a pair of meshing gears, each of which is rotatably fixed in a roller mounted on a housing and a roller supported by a first frame.

[0041] Preferably, the frame-supported rollers further include second and third frame-supported rollers, so that the lower extension of the belt for contacting the floor is supported between the second and third frame-supported rollers.

[0042] Preferably, the upper part of the belt extends to the lower part and is supported between the first frame-supported roller and the foremost of the second and third frame-supported rollers.

[0043] Preferably, the inlet nozzle extends to the floor tool body and further includes a brush roller for engaging with the floor. The floor tool body holds a removable dustbin assembly, including a dustbin, the opening of which extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush roller for receiving dirt swept into the opening.

[0044] Preferably, the cleaning fluid reservoir includes a liquid applicator configured to apply cleaning fluid from the onboard cleaning fluid reservoir to the belt. Alternatively, the applicator may apply the liquid to the floor or to a brush or other scrubbing device, rather than applying the liquid directly to the belt.

[0045] The liquid applicator is preferably mounted on the floor tool to apply the cleaning solution evenly to the surface. In some embodiments, the cleaning solution comprises water and / or water mixed with surfactants such as detergents, fragrances, disinfectants, and abrasive particles.

[0046] The cleaning solution reservoir can be detached from the floor tool for refilling. Alternatively, if the cleaning solution reservoir is integrated into the appliance, the appliance can be configured to release the contents of the surfactant cartridge into the cleaning solution reservoir to ensure the proper ratio of water to surfactant. For example, a puncture device in the cartridge cavity can be configured to puncture the cartridge and allow its contents to fall into the cleaning solution reservoir.

[0047] Preferably, the liquid applicator includes a power actuator that actuates a pump for drawing liquid from a reservoir and spraying it from a nozzle.

[0048] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner module includes:

[0049] The cyclone separation chamber is located next to the waste bin, so that the axial range of the cyclone separation chamber and the waste bin is basically the same.

[0050] The intake pipe has one end adapted to connect to the inlet nozzle, and the other end guides the circulating air along a spiral path to the periphery of the inner shaft end of the cyclone separator.

[0051] An eddy current detector is placed in the center of the cyclone separation chamber, through which air leaves the cyclone separation chamber;

[0052] The dirt outlet is located adjacent to the outer shaft end of the cyclone separator and communicates with the dirt bin. When the vacuum cleaner is installed on the floor, the dirt bin is located below the cyclone separator.

[0053] Preferably, the waste bin and the wall of the cyclone separation chamber are integrated.

[0054] Preferably, the hinged closure at the outer shaft end simultaneously opens the dirt bin and the cyclone separation chamber.

[0055] Preferably, the axis of the cyclone separator is substantially perpendicular to the extended axis of the intake pipe.

[0056] Preferably, the fan / motor assembly is placed in the fan / motor housing, with its axis substantially perpendicular to the extended axis of the intake pipe.

[0057] Preferably, the intake pipe is centrally located, and the fan / motor housing and the cyclone separator wall extend substantially parallel to each other in the lateral direction on opposite sides of the intake pipe.

[0058] Preferably, the exhaust pipe is located at the outer shaft end of the fan / motor housing. The outer shaft end of the fan / motor housing can be arranged relative to a vent on the wall of the floor tool body.

[0059] Preferably, one of the first and second electrical couplers is centrally located on a protrusion extending from the wall of the cyclone separator and the fan / motor housing.

[0060] Preferably, the third electrocoupler mechanically couples the vacuum cleaner battery pack, causing it to extend in a cantilevered manner from one of the first and second electrocouplers in an extended state for use as a handle.

[0061] Preferably, the vacuum cleaner module includes a fourth electrical coupler similar in shape to one of the first and second electrical couplers, wherein the connection of the third and fourth couplers mechanically couples the vacuum cleaner battery pack to a recessed storage location, wherein the fourth electrical coupler is electrically connected to the power supply circuit.

[0062] In one embodiment, the appliance is a cleaning robot including a drive subsystem controlled by a main control module and powered by a built-in power module to autonomously move the floor tool body on the cleaning surface, typically in a forward direction defined by a front and rear axis, wherein the nozzle and inlet floor engagement strip portion extend laterally along the front and rear axis.

[0063] With the vacuum cleaner module in place, the surface cleaning robot is configured to collect particulate matter from the surface. After replacing the vacuum cleaner module with the mopping module, it cleans the surface by applying cleaning fluid and then recovering waste fluid from the surface. There are two containers or compartments to hold and store the cleaning fluid and waste, respectively.

[0064] The robot preferably has a weight and size suitable for home use. Its gross weight (fully filled with liquid) is preferably about 4 to 6 kg, and its tare weight is about 3 to 5 kg. The gross weight should not exceed about 10 kg. The cleaning width, and the overall width of the body, is approximately between 20 and 50 cm, the height is between 7.5 and 20 cm, and the length is between 20 and 70 cm. In some embodiments, the ground clearance is 3-7 mm, and the wheels are 30-60 mm.

[0065] During mopping, effective friction on the surface requires dragging and relative sliding of the belt on the floor. Depending on the direction of belt movement, the belt generates either dragging or thrusting force. In this invention, both can be employed; for example, in one mopping mode, the belt drive is driven relative to the drive wheel's power, or in another mopping mode, the drive wheel is driven relative to the belt's power. To this end, the appliance can determine wheel rotation data, determined by a rotary wheel encoder, to determine how the corresponding motion relates to the outputs of other distance sensors, such as lidar, cameras, or ultrasonic sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0066] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the first embodiment of the cleaning appliance of the present invention as viewed from above;

[0068] Figure 2a Viewed from below Figure 1 An illustration of an appliance with a vacuum cleaner module installed;

[0069] Figure 2b yes Figure 1 A control diagram of the appliance;

[0070] Figure 3 It is a display Figure 1 Exploded view of the main detachable components after disassembly of the appliance;

[0071] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the vacuum cleaner module of the appliance;

[0072] Figure 5 Viewed from the back Figure 1 A diagram of the vacuum cleaner module of the appliance;

[0073] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial view of the electrical connections of the vacuum cleaner module;

[0074] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A diagram of the battery pack for the vacuum cleaner module;

[0075] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial view of the electrical connections of the floor tool body of the appliance;

[0076] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 Electrical schematic diagram of the vacuum cleaner module and the floor tool body of the appliance;

[0077] Figure 10 Through Figure 4 The cross-section of the vacuum cleaner module in the longitudinal plane;

[0078] Figure 11 Through Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the waste bin of the appliance;

[0079] Figure 12 and 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view (vertical), showing the insertion of the vacuum cleaner module and the vacuum cleaner module in... Figure 1 The final position in the instrument;

[0080] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the mopping module after the belt has been removed;

[0081] Figure 15 and 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the mopping module in... Figure 1 The position of the instrument, and

[0082] Figure 17 This is a diagram of the second embodiment of the cleaning appliance of the present invention, viewed from above. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Reference Figure 1-3 The first embodiment of the cleaning appliance 10 is of the robotic type and may include a drive subsystem 34 controlled by a main control unit 30 and powered by a built-in power supply 32 to move autonomously on a cleaning surface, typically in a forward direction defined by the front and rear axles 11. The cleaning appliance 10 has a floor tool body 14, the base of which is supported by two independently driven wheels 12, 13, which may be coaxial, arranged toward the rear of the appliance 10, and driven by the drive subsystem 34.

[0084] A pair of rollers 16a and 16b can be arranged in front of the center of the appliance 10 and on opposite sides of the front and rear shafts 11, cooperating with driven wheels 12 and 13 to support the equipment, especially when used for vacuuming. The rollers 16a and 16b can be mounted to rotate about a common transverse axis.

[0085] The hatch 16 can be mounted on a module receiving recess 17 on the body 14, the opening 19 of which is closed at its upper end by the hatch 16 extending to an opening 18 on its lower end, the base 14. The opening 18 is generally laterally extended, effectively defining the cleaning width. The appliance 10 includes a vacuum cleaner module 20 and a mopping module 21, either of which can be placed in the module receiving recess 17 for interchangeable mounting on the floor tool body 14 for mopping or vacuuming, respectively.

[0086] The robotic cleaning appliance 10 further includes a sensor unit 29, which comprises multiple sensors attached to the housing and / or integrated with the robot to sense internal and external states. In response to the sensed states, the sensor unit 29 can send electrical signals to the control module 30. The individual sensors detect obstacles, steep drops, dirty floors, low battery, liquid levels, wheel speed, wheel slippage, vacuum suction levels, acceleration, magnetic bearings, ultrasonic or laser rangefinder data, etc. The sensor unit 29 may include position sensors, such as microswitches, that sense the presence of the vacuum cleaner module 20 or the mopping module 21 and position it for operation.

[0087] Depending on whether the appliance 10 is equipped with a vacuum cleaner module 20 or a mopping module 21, the operation of the vacuum cleaner module 20 is controlled by the vacuum control unit 26, or the mopping module 21 is controlled by the mopping control unit 27. The main control unit 30 coordinates the robot's drive and module operation to complete the cleaning task. During mopping, the liquid applicator control unit 28 controls the application of cleaning liquid to the floor.

[0088] The robotic cleaning appliance 10 may also include a user control unit 25, which provides one or more input interfaces, generates electrical signals in response to user input, and transmits the signals to the main control module 30, such as from touch or voice input.

[0089] The robotic cleaning device 10 may also include one or more interface units 33 mounted on the housing for connecting to one or more external devices, such as exchanging operating commands, digital data and other electrical signals, or charging the robot's rechargeable battery from an external power source. The interface units 33 may be configured to communicate via wireless networks, handheld remote control devices, local or remote computers, etc.

[0090] Other detachable parts of appliance 10 (such as Figure 3(As shown) includes a cleaning fluid reservoir 22, used together with the mopping module 21 for supplying cleaning fluid, and a waste bin 23. The cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is nested in a module receiving recess 17 above the mopping module 21. The waste bin 23 may be elongated and slidably received in a hole 24 in the body 14 to extend laterally.

[0091] Figure 1-3 Two rotating brushes 35 and 36, mounted on the base 15, are also shown, engaging the ground as they rotate about their respective generally upright axes. Brushes 35 and 36 are positioned in front of and to the outside of the opening 18, their sweeping diameters protruding inwards at the lateral ends of the opening 18 and laterally outwards on the sides of the body 14. Thus, brushes 35 and 36 extend the effective sweeping width from both ends of the opening 18 to the full width of the appliance 10.

[0092] Reference Figure 4-13 The vacuum cleaner module 20 is a sub-assembly that includes a vacuum cleaner unit 41 from which an inlet nozzle 39 and a vacuum cleaner module battery pack 40 are detachably accessible. The inlet nozzle 39, from which ambient air is drawn in, extends to cover the entire floor tool body 14, and includes a brush roller 42 for engaging the floor, performing sweeping and agitation functions as it rotates about a generally horizontal axis. The brush roller 42 is driven by a brush roller motor 43 mounted in the nozzle body 45 via a belt 44. Power is supplied from the electronic circuitry 37 of the vacuum cleaner unit 41 to the brush roller motor 43 via mating connectors 47, which are engaged when the vacuum cleaner unit 41 is connected to the inlet nozzle 39 at port 46.

[0093] To generate airflow, the vacuum cleaner unit 41 includes a vacuum motor 38 that drives a fan 48 and is powered by electronic circuitry 37. Conversely, when the vacuum cleaner module 20 is mounted in the floor tool body 14, power can be supplied from the power source 32 to the circuitry 37 when a first electrical coupler 51 electrically connected to the power source 32 is connected to a complementary second electrical coupler 52 electrically coupled to the electronic circuitry 37. Figure 13 As shown. In standalone operation, when the vacuum cleaner module 20 is used separately from the floor tool body 14, when the third electrical coupler 51a, which is similar in shape to coupler 51 and electrically connected to the battery pack 40 unit 50, engages with the second electrical coupler 52, power is supplied from the battery pack 40 to the circuit 37, as shown. Figure 5 , 9 As shown in Figure 10. In this position, the second electrical coupler 52 and the third electrical coupler 51a mechanically couple the vacuum cleaner battery pack 40, extending in a cantilever manner to serve as a handle, which is centrally located in the vacuum cleaner module 20.

[0094] The vacuum cleaner unit 41 includes an air intake duct 53, one end of which is adapted to a port 46 for connection to the inlet nozzle 39. The air intake duct 53 is generally centrally located, with the assembly of the vacuum motor 38 and fan 48 on one lateral side of the housing 49, and the assembly of the separator 54 and waste bin 55 on the other lateral side. The mass of these two assemblies is advantageously balanced against each other around the centrally located, longitudinally aligned handle.

[0095] Downstream of the inlet nozzle, a separator 54 for removing dirt from the airflow may include a cylindrical cyclone separator 56, placed side-by-side with a dirt bin 55, with air introduced near the periphery of the inner axial end of the cyclone separator 56. Opposite the inlet nozzle end, the end of the intake duct 53 defines a helical path 57, giving the circulating flow an axial component. A dirt outlet 58, adjacent to the outer axial end of the cyclone separator 56, communicates with the dirt bin 55. In use, when the vacuum cleaner unit 41 is mounted on a floor head, the dirt bin 55 is located below the cyclone separator 56. In this embodiment, the dirt bin 55 is integral with the wall of the cyclone separator 56, and the cyclone separator 56 and the dirt bin 55 are substantially the same axially within the cyclone separator. Air thus exits the vortex detector 59 of the cyclone separator 56, which is centrally located within the cyclone separator 56 and may be layered or include a mesh for further air filtration. The air then moves laterally to the other side of the vacuum cleaner unit 41 and is exhausted through the exhaust port 59 at the outer shaft end of the fan / motor housing 49. The outer shaft end of the fan / motor housing 49 can be arranged relative to the vent 160 on the wall of the floor tool body 14. The hinged closure 76 on the outer shaft end opens both the dirt bin 55 and the cyclone separation chamber 54 for emptying and cleaning.

[0096] The fan / motor housing 49 and the cyclone separator 56 can extend laterally and substantially parallel to each other on opposite sides of the intake pipe 53. On the side of the intake pipe 53 opposite to the waste bin 55, there is a cavity 60, possibly within the fan / motor housing 49, for storing the battery pack 40. To secure and charge the battery pack 40, a fourth electrical coupler 52a, similar in form to the second electrical coupler 52, is provided at the inner end of the cavity 60. The connection of the third and fourth couplers 51a and 52a mechanically couples the vacuum cleaner battery pack 40 to this recessed storage location, wherein the fourth electrical coupler 52a is electrically connected to the electronic circuit 37 for charging.

[0097] Electrical couplers 51, 51a, 52, and 52a can be sliding couplers of known types, providing mechanical and electrical connections. Couplers 51 and 51a can be female elements, including concave surfaces 61 with opposing edges, each with similar tenons 62 and 63 protruding. Mating couplers 52 and 52a are male elements, including protrusions 64 with generally parallel opposing edges, each protruding with similar slots 65 and 66. When the tenons 62 and 63 are received in the slots 65 and 66, the couplers slide linearly relative to each other until the mating electrical contacts 67 and 68, respectively disposed on the first and second electrical couplers, abut at the end of the relative linear sliding movement. The mating tenons 62 and 63 and the slots 65 and 66 can be generally parallel, or they can taper gradually in the mounting position to avoid any gaps or "gaps" between the connected couplers. A pawl 69 of one engages with a shoulder 70 of the other, holding the coupler in the connected state.

[0098] like Figure 12 As shown, with the sliding shafts of couplers 51, 51a, 52, and 52a substantially upright, the vacuum cleaner module 20 is lowered into the module receiving recess 17. The brush roller 42 is positioned in front of the nozzle body 45, opposite the ramp portion 71, the end of which is a hole 72 with a closure 73. The vacuum cleaner module 20 is lowered to its mounting position (…). Figure 13 Before this, the closure 73 is removed or opened, in which position the hole 72 aligns with the opening 173 formed in the box portion 74 at the front lower part of the waste bin 23. The brush roller 42 rotates (relative to) Figure 12 (In other words, it rotates counterclockwise) to drive the fragments up the inclined section 71, through the hole 72, and into the box section 74. In this mounting position, the inlet nozzle is placed in the opening 18, the lowermost surface of which is generally above the ground. The resilient blade 77 for engaging with the floor can be arranged behind the inlet of the floor nozzle and spans the width of the floor nozzle.

[0099] The overall configuration of the mopping module 21 is the same as that in US7950105, comprising three generally parallel rollers 80, 81, and 82, which rotate at opposite ends supported by journals (not shown) mounted on a frame 84. A belt 85 extends around all the rollers so that each roller engages with the inner surface of the belt 85. The belt 85 is made of absorbent material and may have circumferential internal ribs 86 accommodated in circumferential channels 87 of the rollers to prevent slippage. A lower extension 88, supported between idler rollers 81 and 82 supported by the lowermost frame, defines the floor engagement portion of the belt 85 for engagement and mopping, extending to the opening 18. An upper extension 89 of the belt extends to the lower extension 88 and is supported between the roller 80 supported by the (first) uppermost frame and the foremost roller 81.

[0100] In conjunction with the mopping module 21 and mounted on the body 14 at the edge of the module receiving groove 17, is a roller 83 mounted on the body. In the operating position, a belt 85 is sandwiched between the roller 83 mounted on the machine body and the roller 80 supported by the first frame to squeeze liquid from the belt 85.

[0101] Below the roller 83 mounted on the main body, the channel 100 extends substantially along the width of the top wall 101 of the waste bin 23 and drains through the central portion 102 to the inlet port 103 leading to the waste liquid reservoir 104. An elongated, flexible scraper 105 is mounted in the channel 100 and engages with the length of the roller 83 mounted on the main body. The waste liquid reservoir 104 further includes an electrical connector (not shown) connected to a level sensor (not shown) for activating a level warning indicator (not shown). A closable outlet 97 is provided for emptying the reservoir 104 when the bin portion 74 is emptied as the waste bin 23 is removed from the main body 14.

[0102] The motor 90 in the body 14 is powered by the onboard power supply 32 to rotate the belt 85. The transmission coupled to the motor 90 includes a drive gear 91 that meshes with a driven gear 92 fixed to the roller 80, thereby providing torque to the roller 80. The driven gear 92 also meshes with a gear 93 that rotates rapidly along with the roller 83 mounted on the body, thereby providing a means of synchronizing the peripheral speeds of the two rollers 80, 83, between which the belt is clamped, and the drive gear 91a meshes with the driven gear 92 fixed to the roller 80.

[0103] Understandably, the rollers 83 mounted on the body cause the belt 85 to deviate from the line tangent to the rollers 80, 82 supported by the adjacent frame, thereby tensioning the belt 85 so that the belt 85 can be removed from the frame 84 if necessary by removing the mopping module 21.

[0104] The cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is a separate unit from the mopping module 20, installed in the module receiving recess 17 and nested above the mopping module 20. The wall 111 of the cleaning fluid reservoir 22 may be flat and arranged opposite to the upper extension 89 of the strap. A liquid applicator 112, mounted on the floor tool body 114, receives cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir 22 via a fluid coupler (not shown) connected to the cleaning fluid reservoir 22, and may include a pump (not shown) controlled by the mop control unit 27 to evenly distribute the cleaning fluid onto the surface of the upper extension 89 through a nozzle (not shown).

[0105] This invention is also applicable to other types of cleaning appliances, especially cordless appliances, such as... Figure 17The cleaning appliance 10a shown has a floor head 75 connected to an elongated handle 78, through which the cleaner can be manually moved. The floor head 75 is supported on the floor by wheels 79. The lower end of the handle 78 can fork to form a pair of yokes 94, 95, which connect the handle 78 and the body 75 respectively, allowing rotation about a generally horizontal axis 96 around which the wheels 79 can also rotate. The floor head 75 is adapted to interchangeably accommodate a mopping module 21 and a vacuum cleaner module 20, which are lowered into module receiving recesses and pushed to their respective mounting positions by their own weight. Generally, the cleaning appliance 10a has the structure of the robotic device 10, but the robotic drive subsystem 34 is replaced by the handle 78.

[0106] The power source (not shown) in the floor head 75 supplies power to the mopping module 21 and the vacuum cleaner module 20 via an electrical coupler 151 configured similarly to the coupler 51. A hatch 16a can be mounted on a module receiving recess 17a on the floor tool body 14a, the opening 19a of which is closed at its upper end by the hatch 16a, extending to an opening 18a on its lower end, the base 14a. The opening 18a is generally laterally extended, effectively defining the cleaning width. Either the vacuum cleaner module 20 or the mopping module 21 can be placed in the module receiving recess 17a for interchangeable mounting to the floor tool body 14a, or placed on the floor tool body 14a, for manual or mechanical mopping or vacuuming, respectively.

[0107] Depending on whether the appliance 10a is equipped with a vacuum cleaner module 20 or a mopping module 21, the operation of the vacuum cleaner module 20 is controlled by a vacuum control unit (not shown), or the mopping module 21 is controlled by a mopping control unit (not shown). During mopping, a liquid applicator control unit (not shown) controls the application of cleaning liquid to the floor. The robotic cleaning appliance 10a may also include one or more interface units 33a for user control settings.

[0108] The cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is also used on the appliance 10a along with the mop module 21 and the waste bin 23 for supplying cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid reservoir 22 is nested in the module receiving recess 17a above the mopping module 21, in the same manner as the appliance 10. Similarly, features of the appliance 10 that cooperate with the mopping module 21 are also present in the appliance 10a, such as the roller 83a mounted on the body cooperating with the clamping belt 85 to squeeze liquid out of the belt 85.

[0109] Various aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only, and it should be understood that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims

1. A cleaning appliance, comprising: A floor tool body, including a base and wheels, is used to support the floor tool body on the floor, wherein the base is higher than the floor; as well as The mopping module and the vacuum cleaner module are interchangeably mounted on the floor tool body and are used for mopping or vacuuming, respectively. The vacuum cleaner module is a sub-component that includes: Electronic circuits; A vacuum cleaner motor connected to the electronic circuit; First and second electrical couplers that can be connected to each other, wherein the second electrical coupler is electrically coupled to the electronic circuit; A fan driven by the aforementioned vacuum cleaner motor; An inlet nozzle allows ambient air drawn in by the fan to enter the airstream. The separator downstream of the inlet nozzle is used to remove dust from the airflow; An exhaust device for expelling air from the vacuum cleaner module, and Vacuum cleaner module battery pack; And the mopping module is a sub-component, including: frame; Rollers supported by a generally parallel frame, and supported on the frame; and An annular belt extends around the roller and includes absorbent material, the portion of which contacts the floor across the width of the annular belt for contact with the floor; The floor tool body includes: A power source, wherein the first electrical coupler is electrically coupled to the power source; The module receiving recess extends into an opening on the base, such that: When the vacuum cleaner module is in the mounting position within the module receiving recess, the inlet nozzle is positioned at the opening, and When the mopping module is in the installation position within the module receiving recess, the annular belt segment that contacts the floor passes through the opening and makes contact with the floor; and When the vacuum cleaner module is placed in the module receiving recess, the second electrical coupler is connected to the first electrical coupler to supply power from the power source to the electronic circuit, and wherein... The vacuum cleaner battery pack includes a third electrical coupler that can be connected to the second electrical coupler to enable electrical connection with the electronic circuitry so that the vacuum cleaner module can be used independently of the floor tool body.

2. The cleaning appliance according to claim 1, wherein the mopping module and the vacuum cleaner module are lowered into the module receiving groove during use and pushed to their respective installation positions by their own weight.

3. The cleaning appliance of claim 2 further includes complementary tongue and groove components respectively disposed on each of the floor tool body and the mopping module and the vacuum cleaner module to guide the mopping module and the vacuum cleaner module in a linear path when lowered to their respective mounting positions.

4. The cleaning appliance according to claim 3, wherein, One of the tenon and groove components is mounted on the first electrical coupler, and the other of the tenon and groove component is mounted on the second electrical coupler, thereby the first and second electrical couplers are connected by a relative linear sliding connection.

5. The cleaning appliance of claim 1, further comprising a roller mounted on the floor tool body and a dirty liquid reservoir mounted on the floor tool body, wherein, in an operating position, the annular belt is clamped between the roller mounted on the floor tool body and the first roller supported by the frame to squeeze liquid from the annular belt and then discharge it into the dirty liquid reservoir, and the mopping module is movable relative to the floor tool body from the operating position to a release position, in which the annular belt is released from between the roller mounted on the floor tool body and one of the rollers supported by the frame.

6. The cleaning appliance of claim 5, wherein a roller mounted on the floor tool body causes the annular belt to deviate from a line tangential to two adjacent frame-supported rollers, thereby tightening the annular belt.

7. The cleaning appliance according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the floor tool body further comprises: A motor that can be electrically connected to the power source, and The transmission device coupled to the motor provides torque to the first roller supported by the frame when the mopping module is placed into the module receiving groove.

8. The cleaning appliance of claim 5, wherein each of the frame-supported rollers engages with the inner surface of the annular belt.

9. The cleaning appliance according to claim 5, further comprising a synchronization device for synchronizing the peripheral speeds of the rollers mounted on the floor tool body and the rollers of the first frame support, wherein the annular belt is clamped between the two rollers in the running position of the annular belt.

10. The cleaning appliance of claim 9, wherein the synchronization device comprises a pair of meshing gears, each of the gears being rotatably fixed in a roller mounted on the floor tool body and a roller supported by the first frame.

11. The cleaning appliance of claim 5, wherein the frame-supported roller further comprises second and third frame-supported rollers such that the lower portion of the annular belt for contacting the floor extends and is supported between the second and third frame-supported rollers.

12. The cleaning appliance of claim 9, wherein the upper extension of the annular belt extends to the lower extension and is supported between the foremost of the first roller supported by the first frame and the second and third rollers supported by the third frame.

13. The cleaning appliance of claim 1, wherein the inlet nozzle extends to the floor tool body and further includes a brush roller for engaging with the floor, the floor tool body holding a removable dustbin assembly including a dustbin whose opening extends substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the brush roller for receiving dirt swept into the opening.

14. The cleaning appliance of claim 9, further comprising a cleaning fluid reservoir nested in the module receiving recess, wherein the cleaning fluid reservoir includes a liquid applicator configured to apply cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid reservoir to the annular band.

15. The cleaning appliance of claim 14, wherein the liquid applicator is disposed on the floor tool body to uniformly apply cleaning fluid to the surface of the annular strip.

16. The cleaning appliance of claim 14, wherein the cleaning fluid reservoir is removable from the floor tool body for refilling.

17. The cleaning appliance of claim 1, wherein the vacuum cleaner module comprises: The cyclone separation chamber is located next to the waste bin, such that the cyclone separation chamber and the waste bin have essentially the same axial range in the cyclone separation chamber; An air intake pipe, one end of which is adapted to be connected to the inlet nozzle, and the other end of which guides circulating air along a spiral path to the periphery of the inner shaft end of the cyclone separator. An eddy current detector is located in the center of the cyclone separation chamber, through which air leaves the cyclone separation chamber; A dirt outlet is located adjacent to the outer shaft end of the cyclone separation chamber and communicates with the dirt box, wherein when the vacuum cleaner module is installed in the module receiving groove, the dirt box is located below the cyclone separation chamber.

18. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein the waste bin is integral with the wall of the cyclone separation chamber.

19. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein the axis of the cyclone separator is substantially perpendicular to the extended axis of the air inlet pipe.

20. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein the fan / motor assembly is housed in a fan / motor housing with its axis substantially perpendicular to the extended axis of the air intake pipe.

21. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein the air intake pipe is centrally located, and the fan / motor housing and the cyclone separator wall extend substantially parallel to each other in the lateral direction on opposite sides of the air intake pipe.

22. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein the exhaust device is disposed on the outer shaft end of the fan / motor housing.

23. The cleaning appliance of claim 17, wherein one of the first and second electrical couplers is centrally disposed on a protrusion extending from the wall of the cyclone separator and the fan / motor housing.

24. The cleaning appliance of claim 23, wherein the third electrocoupler mechanically couples the vacuum cleaner battery pack such that it extends in a cantilevered manner from one of the first and second electrocouplers in an extended state for use as a handle.

25. The cleaning appliance of claim 24, wherein the vacuum cleaner module includes a fourth electrical coupler similar in shape to one of the first and second electrical couplers, whereby the connection of the third and fourth electrical couplers mechanically couples the vacuum cleaner battery pack to a recessed storage location, wherein, The fourth electrical coupler is electrically connected to the electronic circuit.

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