Dust collecting box, sweeping robot and control method of sweeping robot

Abstract

The application discloses a dust collecting box, a sweeping robot and a control method of the sweeping robot. The dust collecting box comprises a box body, a first cover member and a second cover member. The box body is internally provided with a dust collecting cavity. The box body is further provided with a dust collecting port, an air inlet and a dust extraction port which are communicated with the dust collecting cavity. The air inlet and the dust extraction port are respectively arranged at opposite ends of the box body. The first cover member is used for opening and covering the dust collecting port. The second cover member is used for opening and covering the air inlet. The technical scheme of the application improves the dust extraction effect of the base station on the dust collecting box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of robotic vacuum cleaner technology, and in particular to a dust collection box, a robotic vacuum cleaner using the dust collection box, and a control method for the robotic vacuum cleaner. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, an increasing number of robotic vacuum cleaners are designed to use a base station for dust extraction, transferring debris from the robot's dustbin to the base station for temporary storage. However, these robotic vacuum cleaners typically still use the dust collection port on the dustbin as the airflow inlet for extraction. Due to the central location of the dust collection port, its orientation differs from the extraction port at one end. Consequently, when extracting dust through the extraction port, debris in the corners and edges of the dustbin furthest from the extraction port is difficult to clean, leading to dust accumulation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a dust collection box that improves the dust extraction efficiency of the base station.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the dust collection box proposed in this invention includes:

[0005] The box body has a dust collection chamber inside, and the box body also has a dust collection port, an air inlet and a dust extraction port that communicate with the dust collection chamber. The air inlet and the dust extraction port are respectively located at opposite ends of the box body.

[0006] A first cover, used for opening and closing the dust collection port; and

[0007] A second cover is used to open and cover the air inlet.

[0008] Optionally, the box body is defined to have a length direction and a width direction, the dust collection port is disposed on one cavity wall of the dust collection chamber in the width direction of the box body, and the air inlet and the dust extraction port are respectively disposed on two cavity walls of the dust collection chamber in the length direction of the box body.

[0009] Optionally, the cavity wall with the air inlet in the dust chamber is defined as the first cavity wall, and the cavity wall with the dust extraction port is defined as the second cavity wall;

[0010] The second cavity wall includes a first wall segment and a second wall segment connected in sequence in the width direction of the box body;

[0011] The first wall segment and the first cavity wall are arranged in parallel, and the second wall segment and the first wall segment enclose each other to form an obtuse angle toward the first cavity wall, and the dust extraction port is located in the second wall segment.

[0012] Optionally, the first cover is movably disposed on the box body, and the first cover is further provided with one of a magnetic body and an electromagnet, so that the first cover opens and closes the dust collection port when driven by the other of the magnetic body and the electromagnet.

[0013] Optionally, the dust collection chamber wall with the dust collection port is provided with a guide post, and the guide post extends along the center line of the dust collection port;

[0014] The first cover is provided with a hook, which is slidably hung on the guide post along the extension direction of the guide post.

[0015] Optionally, the end of the guide post away from the dust collection port is provided with a stop to limit the sliding stroke of the first cover;

[0016] And / or, the number of guide posts is at least two, and they are arranged sequentially along one edge of the dust collection port; the number of hooks is at least two, two of which are arranged back to back, and each hook is hung on one of the guide posts;

[0017] And / or, both the guide post and the first cover are located inside the dust collection chamber.

[0018] Optionally, the second cover is movably disposed on the box body, and the dust collection box further includes a drive mechanism for driving the second cover to move so that the second cover opens and seals the air inlet.

[0019] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes:

[0020] Rotary drive component;

[0021] A gear, the gear being connected to the rotary drive member and being driven to rotate by the rotary drive member; and

[0022] A rack meshes with the gear and is also connected to the second cover so that when the rack is rotatably driven by the gear, it can cause the second cover to slide.

[0023] Optionally, the dust collection chamber wall with the air inlet is provided with a guide groove, the guide groove extends along the sliding direction of the second cover, and a portion of the second cover is inserted into the guide groove.

[0024] Optionally, the guide groove has a through opening at one end in the sliding direction of the second cover, and the box body has a limiting plate, the limiting plate and the through opening being arranged opposite to each other;

[0025] The second cover and the rack are both made of deformable material, so that one end of the second cover and the rack can extend from the through-hole and be bent and fitted to the side of the limiting plate facing the through-hole, and the gear meshes with the rack fitted to the limiting plate.

[0026] The present invention also proposes a sweeping robot, including the dust collection box as described above.

[0027] The present invention also proposes a control method for a sweeping robot, characterized in that the sweeping robot is as described above, and the control method for the sweeping robot includes the following steps:

[0028] Receive cleaning instructions from the robotic vacuum cleaner;

[0029] Based on the cleaning command, the first cover is controlled to open the dust collection port, and the second cover is controlled to seal the air inlet.

[0030] Start the robot vacuum cleaner and enter the cleaning mode.

[0031] Optionally, after initiating the step of starting the sweeping robot into cleaning mode, the control method for the sweeping robot further includes the following steps:

[0032] Detect whether the robotic vacuum cleaner has completed the cleaning task;

[0033] If so, control the sweeping robot to exit the cleaning mode, and the first sealing cover to seal the dust collection port.

[0034] Optionally, after controlling the sweeping robot to exit the cleaning mode and after the first cover member seals the dust collection port, the control method for the sweeping robot further includes the following steps:

[0035] Control the robotic vacuum cleaner to connect with the base station;

[0036] After the sweeping robot completes docking with the base station, it controls the two sealing covers to open the air inlet.

[0037] Optionally, the step of controlling the robotic vacuum cleaner to dock with the base station includes the following steps:

[0038] Control the sweeping robot to move and dock at the base station;

[0039] Upon receiving the docking signal from the robotic vacuum cleaner, it is determined that the robotic vacuum cleaner has successfully docked with the base station.

[0040] When the dust collection box of this invention is applied to a robotic vacuum cleaner, during the cleaning mode, the dust collection port on the box body can be opened by the first cover, and the air inlet can be closed by the second cover. This allows external debris to enter the dust collection chamber solely through the dust collection port, following the airflow, thus completing the cleaning and collection of debris from the floor. Subsequently, when the robotic vacuum cleaner needs to be vacuumed by a base station, the dust collection port can be closed by the first cover, and the air inlet can be opened by the second cover. This allows external airflow to enter the dust collection chamber solely through the air inlet, forming an airflow path from the air inlet, through the vacuum inlet, to the base station. This carries debris from the dust collection chamber into the base station, transferring the debris from the dust collection box to the base station for temporary storage. Furthermore, since the air inlet and vacuum inlet are located at opposite ends of the box body, when vacuuming the dust collection box of the robotic vacuum cleaner, the vacuuming airflow flows from one end of the box body towards the opposite end. At this time, the dust extraction airflow can cover all parts of the dust collection box well, so that the garbage in the dust collection box, whether it is the end near the dust extraction port or the end away from the dust extraction port, can come into contact with the dust extraction airflow and be carried away, thereby improving the dust extraction effect of the base station on the dust collection box. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the sweeping robot of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a robotic vacuum cleaner from one perspective;

[0044] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another perspective view of a partial structure of a robotic vacuum cleaner;

[0045] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An exploded structural diagram of the body and dust collection box of a robotic vacuum cleaner;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the dust collection box of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 for Figure 5Another structural diagram of the central dust collection box;

[0048] Figure 7 for Figure 5 Another structural schematic diagram of the central dust collection box;

[0049] Figure 8 for Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dust collection box;

[0050] Figure 9 for Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first sealing component;

[0051] Figure 10 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the middle box body;

[0052] Figure 11 for Figure 10 A structural schematic diagram of the middle box body from another perspective;

[0053] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the first embodiment of the control method for the sweeping robot of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the control method for the sweeping robot of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the third embodiment of the control method for the sweeping robot of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 15 for Figure 14 A partial flowchart illustrating the control method of a robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0057] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0058] label name label name 100 robot vacuum 316b Second wall section 10 body 317 Guide column 11 Dust extraction channel 317a Stop section 13 Protrusion 318 Guide groove 15 Electromagnet 318a Through 30 Dust collection box 319 Limit plate 31 Box body 33 First sealing piece 310 Dust collection chamber 331 Magnetic body 311 Dust collection port 333 hook up 312 exhaust vent 35 Second cover 313 air inlet 37 Drive mechanism 314 Dust extraction port 371 Rotary drive 315 First cavity wall 373 gear 316 Second cavity wall 375 rack 316a First section

[0059] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0061] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0062] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this application is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the word "and / or" throughout the text means including three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of a person skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0064] A robotic vacuum cleaner, also known as a floor cleaning robot, is a common name for a robot used to clean floors. Due to their limited size, the dustbin inside a robotic vacuum cleaner has a relatively small capacity. Therefore, to temporarily store the debris in the dustbin for later, more convenient emptying, more advanced cleaning methods are employed. Increasingly, robotic vacuum cleaner manufacturers are equipping their products with base stations. These base stations control the vacuum cleaner's suction function, transferring debris from the dustbin to the base station for temporary storage and collection.

[0065] However, when these types of robotic vacuum cleaners perform dust extraction, they typically use the dust collection port on the dustbin as the airflow inlet. In this case, because the robotic vacuum cleaner needs to clean the floor evenly, the dust collection port must be located in the center of the dustbin. The suction port, on the other hand, is usually located at one end of the dustbin due to other structural features. For example, to ensure effective dust collection, the suction port is positioned opposite the dust collection port, and the dust collection mechanism that generates the airflow is also positioned opposite the suction port. This results in a significant difference in orientation between the central dust collection port and the suction port at one end. Consequently, when extracting dust through the suction port, debris in the corners and edges of the dustbin furthest from the suction port is difficult to clean, leading to dust accumulation.

[0066] Based on the above considerations, and to address the current issue of incomplete dust collection in robotic vacuum cleaners during vacuuming, this application proposes a novel dust collection box. This innovative dust collection box features a new air inlet at the end furthest from the suction port within the box body. It also includes a first cover for opening and closing the suction port, and a second cover for opening and closing the air inlet. This ensures that the air inlet can be closed for normal cleaning operations while the robotic vacuum cleaner is performing its cleaning function; and that the suction port can be closed during vacuuming, using the newly created air inlet as the airflow entrance. In this case, the suction airflow flows from one end of the dust collection box to the opposite end, increasing the area covered within the dust collection box and thus improving the dust collection efficiency.

[0067] The specific structure of the dust collection box proposed in this application will be explained below with reference to specific embodiments. In one embodiment of this application, please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 8 The dust collection box 30 proposed in this application includes a box body 31, a first sealing member 33, and a second sealing member 35. The box body 31 is provided with a dust collection chamber 310, and the box body 31 is also provided with a dust collection port 311, an air inlet 313, and a dust extraction port 314 communicating with the dust collection chamber 310. The air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 are respectively located at opposite ends of the box body 31. The first sealing member 33 is used to open and close the dust collection port 311; the second sealing member 35 is used to open and close the air inlet 313.

[0068] The box body 31 serves as the main structure of the dust collection box 30, forming the dust collection chamber 310 and housing the first and second sealing covers 33 and 35. The box body 31 can be a cuboid or cube to ensure a regular shape for easy installation on the robot vacuum cleaner 100's body 10. In other embodiments, the box body 31 can have other shapes; this application does not limit the specific shape of the box body 31. The dust collection chamber 310 provides space to hold the debris collected by the robot vacuum cleaner 100 during cleaning. The shape of the dust collection chamber 310 can be adapted to roughly follow the shape of the box body 31. The dust collection port 311 serves as the entry point for debris and can be located in the middle of one side of the box body 31 to allow the robot vacuum cleaner 100 to clean the floor evenly. The dust collection port 311 can be rectangular or square to ensure a regular shape and a large area. Of course, in other embodiments, the dust collection port 311 can also be of other shapes. To enable the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to clean the floor, it typically includes a dust collection mechanism, specifically a fan, for generating a dust-collecting airflow. Simultaneously, the main body 31 is also provided with an exhaust port 312, which connects to the dust collection chamber 310 and is opposite to the dust collection port 311. This exhaust port 312 is connected to the dust collection mechanism. Thus, when the dust collection mechanism is activated, a dust-collecting airflow is formed, entering through the dust collection port 311, passing through the dust collection chamber 310 and the exhaust port 312, and finally reaching the dust collection mechanism, thereby collecting external debris through the dust collection port 311 into the dust collection chamber 310 for collection. The air inlet 313 can be used for air intake, but unlike the dust collection port 311, it is used only when the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 is vacuuming and is solely for airflow. The air inlet 313 can be rectangular or square to make its shape relatively regular and have a large area. Of course, in other embodiments, the air inlet 313 can also be other shapes. The dust extraction port 314 can be used to communicate with the base station, so that after the dust extraction mechanism (specifically a fan) in the base station is started, a dust extraction airflow can be formed from the air inlet 313, through the dust collection port 311 and the dust extraction port 314 to the base station, thereby realizing the collection and temporary storage of the garbage in the dust collection box 30 into the base station. The dust extraction port 314 can be rectangular or square to make its shape relatively regular and have a large area. Of course, in other embodiments, the dust extraction port 314 can also be other shapes. In addition, the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 are respectively located at opposite ends of the box body 31, which means that the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 can be arranged opposite each other or not opposite each other, as long as they are located at opposite ends of the box body 31.

[0069] The first sealing cover 33 can be used to cover and open the dust collection port 311. When the robot vacuum cleaner 100 needs to perform cleaning work, the first sealing cover 33 can open the dust collection port 311 to allow external debris to enter. However, to ensure that the airflow only enters through the dust collection port 311, the air inlet 313 needs to be kept closed by the second sealing cover 35. The dust extraction port 314 is inherently closed and is only opened by the base station when docking; therefore, the dust extraction port 314 does not need to be covered at this time. The first sealing cover 33 can be rectangular or square, etc., and can be adapted to the shape of the dust collection port 311 to ensure a good sealing effect. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the dust collection port 311 by the first sealing cover 33 can be done automatically as described below, or it can be manually installed or removed by the user.

[0070] The second cover 35 can be used to cover and open the air inlet 313. When the robot vacuum cleaner 100 needs to perform dust extraction, the second cover 35 can open the air inlet 313 to allow external airflow to enter. However, to ensure that the extraction airflow only enters through the air inlet 313, the dust collection port 311 needs to be kept closed by the first cover 33. The second cover 35 can be rectangular or square, etc., and can be adapted to the shape of the air inlet 313 to ensure a good sealing effect. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the dust collection port 311 by the second cover 35 can be done automatically as described below, or it can be manually installed or removed by the user.

[0071] When the dust collection box 30 of this application is applied to the robotic vacuum cleaner 100, during the cleaning mode, the dust collection port 311 on the box body 31 can be opened by the first cover 33, and the air inlet 313 can be closed by the second cover 35. This allows external debris to enter the dust collection chamber 310 through the dust collection port 311, following the airflow, thereby completing the cleaning and collection of debris on the ground by the robotic vacuum cleaner 100. Subsequently, when the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 needs to be vacuumed by the base station, the dust collection port 311 can be closed by the first cover 33, and the air inlet 313 can be opened by the second cover 35. This allows external airflow to enter the dust collection chamber 310 through the air inlet 313, forming an airflow path from the air inlet 313 through the vacuum port 314 to the base station. This, in turn, carries the debris in the dust collection chamber 310 into the base station, thus transferring the debris in the dust collection box 30 to the base station for temporary storage and collection. Furthermore, since the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction outlet 314 are respectively located at opposite ends of the body 31, when the dust collection box 30 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 is being vacuumed, the airflow flows from one end of the body 31 towards the opposite end. At this time, the airflow can effectively cover all areas within the dust collection box 30, ensuring that debris in both the end near and away from the dust extraction outlet 314 comes into contact with the airflow and is carried away, thereby improving the vacuuming effect of the base station on the dust collection box 30.

[0072] Please refer to the reference. Figures 5 to 8 ,as well as Figure 10 In one embodiment of this application, the box body 31 is defined to have a length direction and a width direction. The dust collection port 311 is provided on one cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 310 in the width direction of the box body 31. The air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 are respectively provided on two cavity walls of the dust collection chamber 310 in the length direction of the box body 31.

[0073] The dust collection box 31 has a length direction and a width direction, which are defined when the dust collection box 30 is normally placed on the robot vacuum cleaner 100. At this time, the height direction of the dust collection box 31 is the vertical direction, while the length direction and width direction of the dust collection box 31 are two horizontal directions.

[0074] In this embodiment, the body 31 is configured as a cuboid or approximately cuboid structure, allowing the dust collection box 30 to extend along a diameter of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100. This maximizes the volume of the dust collection chamber 310 while improving the ease of placement of the dust collection box 30 within the limited space of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100's body. Furthermore, the dust collection port 311 is located on one wall of the dust collection chamber 310 along the width direction of the body 31, ensuring it is positioned well in the center of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 for even cleaning of the floor. The air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 are respectively located on two walls along the length direction. This allows the airflow entering the dust collection chamber 310 from the air inlet 313 to reach the corners and edges of the dust collection chamber 310 after the limited width of the body 31. That is, this is beneficial for increasing the coverage area of ​​the dust collection chamber 310 by the suction airflow, thereby further improving the cleaning effect on the garbage in the dust collection box 30. Moreover, the two chamber walls in the length direction are arranged opposite to each other, which further improves the relativity of the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314, reducing the possibility of large changes in airflow direction affecting the airflow flow and thus affecting the dust extraction efficiency. Of course, it should be noted that in other embodiments, only one of the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 may be arranged on the chamber wall in the length direction of the dust collection chamber 310, while the other may be arranged on the chamber wall in the width direction of the dust collection chamber 310. Alternatively, both the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314 may be arranged on the chamber wall in the width direction of the dust collection chamber 310. This application does not limit the specific positions of the air inlet 313 and the dust extraction port 314, ensuring that they can be respectively arranged at opposite ends.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, the cavity wall with an air inlet 313 in the dust chamber is defined as the first cavity wall 315, and the cavity wall with a dust extraction port 314 is defined as the second cavity wall 316. The second cavity wall 316 includes a first wall segment 316a and a second wall segment 316b connected in sequence in the width direction of the box body 31. The first wall segment 316a and the first cavity wall 315 are arranged in parallel, and the second wall segment 316b and the first wall segment 316a form an obtuse angle facing the first cavity wall 315. The dust extraction port 314 is located on the second wall segment 316b.

[0076] Since the dust collection box 30 is installed on the body 10 of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100, the two ends of the box body 31 in the longitudinal direction are located between the protrusions 13 in the body 10 for mounting the rollers. Therefore, the dust extraction port 314 is positioned on the inclined second wall section 316b, so that the dust extraction channel 11 on the robotic vacuum cleaner 100, which connects the dust extraction port 314 and the base station, can be aligned with the second wall section 316b, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the dust extraction channel 11 and the protrusions 13 on the body 10. In other words, the inclined second wall section 316b provides a clearance position for the dust extraction channel 11, preventing it from interfering with objects at both ends of the box body 31 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

[0077] Please refer to the reference. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 In one embodiment of this application, a first cover 33 is movably disposed on the box body 31. The first cover 33 is also provided with one of a magnetic body 331 and an electromagnet 15, so that the first cover 33 opens and closes the dust collection port 311 when driven by the other of the magnetic body 331 and the electromagnet 15.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the first cover 33 is provided with a magnetic body 331 and the body 10 of the sweeping robot 100 is provided with an electromagnet 15, since the two are in a repulsive state, the repulsive force between them can drive the first cover 33 to move, thereby opening the dust collection port 311 so that the sweeping robot 100 can perform cleaning work. After the sweeping robot 100 finishes its work and needs to vacuum, it can energize the electromagnet 15, changing its polarity so that the magnetic body 331 and the electromagnet 15 are in a mutually attractive state. Therefore, the magnetic attraction between them can drive the first cover 33 to move, thereby sealing the dust collection port 311. Conversely, when the first cover 33 is provided with an electromagnet 15 and the body 10 is provided with a magnetic body 331, the same effect can be achieved. At this point, on the one hand, the opening of the first cover 33 and the automatic driving of the dust collection port 311 are realized, which helps to improve the intelligence level of the sweeping robot 100 and improve its ease of use. On the other hand, since the magnetic body 331 and the electromagnet 15 are relatively small in size, it is beneficial to greatly improve the convenience of setting up the first cover 33, the magnetic body 331 and the electromagnet 15 when the space on the body 10 is limited. Of course, in other embodiments, when the setting space on the body 10 is limited, it is also possible to use the driving mechanism 37 described below to drive the first cover 33.

[0079] Please refer to the reference. Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment of this application, the dust collection chamber 310 has a guide post 317 on the wall of the chamber with a dust collection port 311. The guide post 317 extends along the center line of the dust collection port 311. The first cover 33 has a hook 333, which is slidably hung on the guide post 317 along the extension direction of the guide post 317.

[0080] In this embodiment, the first cover 33 is slidably hung on the guide post 317 via the hook 333. This guide post 317 guides the sliding of the first cover 33, ensuring that it accurately and effectively opens and closes the dust collection port 311, allowing the robot vacuum cleaner 100 to operate normally and stably. Furthermore, this design simplifies the installation of the first cover 33, allowing for direct hanging and installation, thus improving ease of installation. Additionally, the first cover 33 slides along the centerline of the dust collection port 311, enabling the opening and closing of the dust collection port 311 to be completed quickly and in one operation. Moreover, during the movement, the first sealing member 33 is driven to slide to fit against the box body 31 and to detach from the box body 31, thereby opening and closing the dust collection port 311. This allows the movement trajectory of the first sealing member 33 to be relatively small, so that it will not interfere with other objects due to a large movement trajectory. Of course, it should be noted that in other embodiments, the first sealing member 33 may also be rotatably disposed on the box body 31, and can open and close the dust collection port 311 during rotation.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, the end of the guide post 317 away from the dust collection port 311 is provided with a stop 317a to limit the sliding stroke of the first cover 33.

[0082] In this embodiment, the stop portion 317a can be provided to abut and limit the first cover 33, preventing the first cover 33 from detaching from the end of the guide post 317 due to excessive sliding stroke. The stop portion 317a can be a column structure, a block structure, or a plate structure. This application does not limit the specific structural form and shape of the stop portion 317a, as long as it ensures that the side of the first cover 33 away from the dust collection port 311 can be abutted and limited during the process of the first cover 33 being driven away from the dust collection port 311 to open the dust collection port 311.

[0083] Please refer to the reference. Figure 8 and Figure 9In one embodiment of this application, the number of guide posts 317 is at least two, and they are arranged sequentially along one edge of the dust collection port 311; the number of hooks 333 is at least two, two of which are arranged back to back, and each hook 333 is hung on one guide post 317.

[0084] In this embodiment, the number of guide posts 317 and hooks 333 can be at least two, so that the first cover 33 can be evenly stressed at both ends along the length of the box body 31, thereby improving the stability of the first cover 33 when it is hung on the box body 31. Furthermore, the two hooks 333 are arranged back-to-back, which also allows the first cover 33 to be constrained by the two guide posts 317 along the length of the box body 31, reducing the possibility of it wobbling along the length of the box body 31, thus further improving the stability of the first cover 33 during its sliding process.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment of this application, the guide post 317 and the first cover 33 are both located inside the dust collection chamber 310.

[0086] In this embodiment, the guide post 317 and the first cover 33 are disposed inside the dust collection chamber 310, which improves the compactness of their arrangement and avoids the possibility of interference with objects on the body 10 of the sweeping robot 100 during movement. Of course, it should be noted that this application is not limited to this; in other embodiments, the guide post 317 and the first cover 33 can also be disposed outside the box body 31.

[0087] Please refer to the reference. Figure 7 , Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In one embodiment of this application, the second cover 35 is movably disposed on the box body 31, and the dust collection box 30 further includes a drive mechanism 37, which is used to drive the second cover 35 to move so that the second cover 35 opens and covers the air inlet 313.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second cover 35 is also movably mounted on the box body 31 and equipped with a drive mechanism 37 for driving it. This allows the second cover 35 to be automatically driven by the drive mechanism 37, thereby improving the intelligence level of the sweeping robot 100 and enhancing its ease of use. The drive mechanism 37 can be a combination of a rotary drive 371, a gear 373, and a rack 375, as described below. Alternatively, it can be a combination of a rotary drive 371, a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a belt fitted onto the drive wheel and driven wheel, in which case the second cover 35 can be connected to the belt. Alternatively, the drive mechanism 37 can be a telescopic cylinder or a linear module, ensuring that it can move the second cover 35 to open and close the air inlet 313.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment of this application, the drive mechanism 37 includes a rotary drive 371, a gear 373, and a rack 375. The gear 373 is connected to the rotary drive 371 and can be driven to rotate by the rotary drive 371. The rack 375 meshes with the gear 373 and is also connected to the second cover 35 so that when the rack 375 is driven by the rotating gear 373, it can drive the second cover 35 to slide.

[0090] In this embodiment, the rotary drive 371 provides rotational driving force to rotate the gear 373. The rotating gear 373 drives the meshing rack 375 to slide, which in turn drives the connected second cover 35 to slide. Since the gear 373 and rack 375 have the advantage of stable transmission, this improves the stability and effectiveness of the drive mechanism 37 in driving the second cover 35. Furthermore, the compact distribution of the gear 373 and rack 375 helps reduce the overall size of the drive mechanism 37, improving its ease of placement within the limited space of the box body 31. The rotary drive 371 can be a motor or a rotary cylinder, ensuring that it can provide rotational driving force.

[0091] Please combine Figure 7 and Figure 11 In one embodiment of this application, the dust collection chamber 310 has a guide groove 318 on the chamber wall with an air inlet 313. The guide groove 318 extends along the sliding direction of the second cover 35, and a portion of the second cover 35 is inserted into the guide groove 318.

[0092] In this embodiment, the guide groove 318 provides conductivity for the sliding of the second cover 35, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the second cover 35 in opening and closing the air inlet 313, ensuring the robot vacuum cleaner 100 operates normally and stably. The guide groove 318 is located on the wall of the dust collection chamber 310 where the air inlet 313 is located, allowing the guide groove 318 and the second cover 35 to be very compactly distributed for easy insertion and installation. The guide groove 318 can be located on the outer side of the wall of the dust collection chamber 310 where the air inlet 313 is located, so that the second cover 35, the rotary drive 371, the gear 373, and the rack 375 can all be installed on the outer side of the box body 31. The outer side of the box body 31 has relatively large space and a simple structure, thus improving the ease of installation of the second cover 35 and the drive mechanism 37. Meanwhile, this arrangement also ensures that this part of the structure does not occupy the space within the dust collection chamber 310, thus helping to maintain the volume of the dust collection chamber 310. Of course, in other embodiments, when there is a large space within the dust collection chamber 310, it is also possible to place the second sealing member 35 and the driving mechanism 37 within the dust collection chamber 310. In addition, the sliding direction of the second sealing member 35 and the extending direction of the guide groove 318 can be parallel to the height direction of the box body 31, or the direction can be parallel to the width direction of the box body 31.

[0093] Please refer to the reference. Figure 7 and Figure 11 In one embodiment of this application, the guide groove 318 has a through opening 318a at one end of the second cover 35 in the sliding direction, and the box body 31 has a limiting plate 319. The limiting plate 319 and the through opening 318a are arranged opposite to each other. The second cover 35 and the rack 375 are both made of deformable material so that one end of the second cover 35 and the rack 375 can extend from the through opening 318a and be bent and attached to the side of the limiting plate 319 facing the through opening 318a. The gear 373 and the rack 375 attached to the limiting plate 319 mesh with each other.

[0094] In this embodiment, both the second cover 35 and the rack 375 are made of deformable material. A through-hole 318a is provided at one end of the guide groove 318, and a limiting plate 319 is disposed at that end. This allows both the second cover 35 and the rack 375 to be bent, thus preventing them from sliding excessively only in the extension direction of the guide groove 318 due to their sliding stroke. For example, if the guide groove 318 extends along the height direction of the box body 31, the limiting plate 319 can be disposed at the upper end of the guide groove 318. This allows the movement of the second cover 35 and the rack 375 to be distributed in both the height and horizontal directions. Since the height of the robot vacuum cleaner 100's body 10 is limited in the height direction, interference between the second cover 35 and the rack 375 and the robot vacuum cleaner 100's body 10 due to movement only in the height direction can be effectively avoided. The second cover 35 and the rack 375 can be made of silicone or rubber, ensuring they possess sufficient rigidity and elasticity to deform and transmit power. The rack 375 can be directly attached to the limiting plate 319, in which case it can be arranged side-by-side with the second cover 35. Alternatively, the rack can be indirectly attached to the limiting plate 319, in which case it can be positioned on the surface of the second cover 35 facing away from the air inlet 313. Furthermore, the rack 375 and the second cover 35 can be an integral structure to improve the overall strength and ease of manufacturing.

[0095] Please refer to the reference. Figures 1 to 8 This application also proposes a robotic vacuum cleaner 100, which includes a dust collection box 30. The specific structure of the dust collection box 30 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, and will not be described in detail here. The robotic vacuum cleaner 100 also includes a body 10, and the dust collection box 30 can be installed on the body 10.

[0096] This application also proposes a control method for a sweeping robot 100. Please refer to the above-mentioned sweeping robot 100. Figure 12 In one embodiment of this application, the control method for a robotic vacuum cleaner includes the following steps:

[0097] Step S10: Receive cleaning instructions from the robot vacuum cleaner 100;

[0098] In step S20, based on the cleaning command, the first cover 33 is controlled to open the dust collection port 311, and the second cover 35 is controlled to cover the air inlet 313.

[0099] Step S30: Start the robot vacuum cleaner 100 and enter the cleaning mode.

[0100] In this embodiment, because the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 controls the first cover 33 to open the dust collection port 311 and the second cover 35 to cover the air inlet 313, after the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 enters the cleaning mode, the dust collection airflow only enters the dust collection chamber 310 of the dust collection box 30 from the dust collection port 311. This ensures the strength of the dust collection airflow entering from the dust collection port 311, thereby facilitating the effective suction of debris from the ground into the dust collection chamber 310. The cleaning commands for the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can be input by the user through a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or by the user directly through voice input or manual input; this application does not limit this.

[0101] Furthermore, for the control method of the sweeping robot based on the above embodiments, please refer to... Figure 13 In one embodiment of this application, after the step of starting the sweeping robot 100 to enter the cleaning working mode, the control method of the sweeping robot further includes the following steps:

[0102] Step S40: Check whether the robot vacuum cleaner 100 has completed the cleaning work;

[0103] In step S50, if so, control the sweeping robot 100 to exit the cleaning mode and the first cover 33 to cover the dust collection port 311.

[0104] In this embodiment, after the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 completes its cleaning work, the first sealing member 33 is controlled to seal the dust collection port 311. This seals the dust collection port 311, preventing the possibility of debris from overflowing from the dust collection box 30 during the movement or transport of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100, thus improving the stability of the dust collection box 30 in collecting debris. The completion of the cleaning work by the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can be detected by using a preset cleaning time or a preset cleaning map. For example, after pre-setting the cleaning time, the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can determine that the cleaning work is complete when it detects that the preset time has been reached. Alternatively, the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 can determine that the cleaning work is complete when it detects that its movement trajectory has traversed the entire cleaning map from a pre-stored cleaning map. Alternatively, when the user gives the robot vacuum cleaner 100 a cleaning task completion command via a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone or by direct voice input, the robot vacuum cleaner 100 can determine that the cleaning task is completed based on the cleaning task completion command.

[0105] Furthermore, for the control method of the sweeping robot based on the above embodiments, please refer to... Figure 14In one embodiment of this application, after the steps of controlling the sweeping robot 100 to exit the cleaning working mode and the first cover 33 to cover the dust collection port 311, the control method of the sweeping robot further includes the following steps:

[0106] Step S60: Control the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to connect with the base station;

[0107] In step S70, after the robot vacuum cleaner 100 has completed docking with the base station, the second cover is controlled to open the air inlet 313.

[0108] In this embodiment, after the sweeping robot 100 completes its cleaning work, it is connected to the base station, and the air inlet 313 is opened through the two sealing covers, allowing the base station to vacuum the sweeping robot 100. This facilitates the timely transfer of debris from the sweeping robot 100 to the base station for collection and temporary storage. Furthermore, since only the air inlet 313 is open at this time, the suction airflow can only enter through the air inlet 313, ensuring the strength of the suction airflow entering through the air inlet 313 to effectively move the debris in the dust collection box 30.

[0109] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, please refer to... Figure 15 In one embodiment of this application, the step of controlling the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to interface with the base station includes the following steps:

[0110] Step S61: Control the robot vacuum cleaner 100 to move and stop at the base station;

[0111] Step S63: Upon receiving the docking signal of the sweeping robot 100, it is determined that the sweeping robot 100 has completed docking with the base station.

[0112] In this embodiment, the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 is controlled to move and dock at the base station, eliminating the need for manual handling by the user. This enhances the intelligence of the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 and improves its ease of use. The robotic vacuum cleaner 100 determines its docking status with the base station based on a docking signal. This ensures accurate docking before the base station can begin vacuuming, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the vacuuming process. The docking signal can be emitted by the base station, which may be equipped with a Hall sensor. The robotic vacuum cleaner 100 may have a magnet. When the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 docks at a preset position on the base station, the Hall sensor detects the magnet, allowing the base station to transmit the docking signal to the robotic vacuum cleaner 100. This enables the robotic vacuum cleaner 100 to control the second cover 35 to open the air inlet 313 and begin vacuuming preparation. Of course, the docking signal can also be generated by the robot vacuum cleaner 100 itself. For example, the robot vacuum cleaner 100 can be equipped with a contact switch, which can be triggered when the robot vacuum cleaner 100 is at a preset position on the base station, thereby generating a docking signal.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the inventive concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A dust collection box for use in a robotic vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, include: The box body has a dust collection chamber inside. The box body also has a dust collection port, an exhaust port, an air inlet, and a dust extraction port that connect to the dust collection chamber. The dust collection port is located in the middle of one side of the box body. The exhaust port is opposite to the dust collection port. The exhaust port is used to connect to the dust collection mechanism. The air inlet and the dust extraction port are respectively located at opposite ends of the box body. The dust extraction port is used to connect to the base station and is opened by the base station when docking with the base station. A first cover, used to open and cover the dust collection port; as well as A second cover is used to open and cover the air inlet; When the robot vacuum cleaner is in cleaning mode, the first cover opens the dust collection port, the second cover closes the air inlet, the dust collection mechanism is activated, and a dust collection airflow is formed that enters through the dust collection port, passes through the dust collection chamber and the exhaust port to the dust collection mechanism, so as to bring the external garbage into the dust collection chamber through the dust collection port for collection. When the robot vacuum needs to be vacuumed through the base station, the first cover seals the dust collection port, and the second cover opens the air inlet, allowing external airflow to enter the dust collection chamber through the air inlet, forming an airflow path that enters through the air inlet and passes through the dust extraction port to the base station, thereby driving the debris in the dust collection chamber into the base station along with the airflow.

2. The dust collection box as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The box body is defined to have a length direction and a width direction. The dust collection port is located on one cavity wall of the dust collection chamber in the width direction of the box body. The air inlet and the dust extraction port are respectively located on two cavity walls of the dust collection chamber in the length direction of the box body.

3. The dust collection box as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The cavity wall with the air inlet in the dust chamber is defined as the first cavity wall, and the cavity wall with the dust extraction port is defined as the second cavity wall; The second cavity wall includes a first wall segment and a second wall segment connected in sequence in the width direction of the box body; The first wall segment and the first cavity wall are arranged in parallel, and the second wall segment and the first wall segment enclose each other to form an obtuse angle toward the first cavity wall, and the dust extraction port is located in the second wall segment.

4. The dust collection box as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first cover is movably disposed on the box body. The first cover is further provided with one of a magnetic body and an electromagnet, so that the first cover opens and closes the dust collection port when driven by the other of the magnetic body and the electromagnet.

5. The dust collection box as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The dust collection chamber has a guide post on its wall where the dust collection port is located, and the guide post extends along the center line of the dust collection port. The first cover is provided with a hook, which is slidably hung on the guide post along the extension direction of the guide post.

6. The dust collection box as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The guide post is provided with a stop at one end away from the dust collection port to limit the sliding stroke of the first cover; And / or, the number of guide posts is at least two, and they are arranged sequentially along one edge of the dust collection port; the number of hooks is at least two, two of which are arranged back to back, and each hook is hung on one of the guide posts; And / or, both the guide post and the first cover are located inside the dust collection chamber.

7. The dust collection box as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second cover is movably disposed on the box body. The dust collection box also includes a drive mechanism for driving the second cover to move so that the second cover opens and seals the air inlet.

8. The dust collection box as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: Rotary drive component; A gear, the gear being connected to the rotary drive member and being driven to rotate by the rotary drive member; and A rack meshes with the gear and is also connected to the second cover so that when the rack is rotatably driven by the gear, it can cause the second cover to slide.

9. The dust collection box as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The dust collection chamber has a guide groove on the wall of the chamber with the air inlet. The guide groove extends along the sliding direction of the second cover and a portion of the second cover is inserted into the guide groove.

10. The dust collection box as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The guide groove has a through opening at one end in the sliding direction of the second cover, and the box body has a limiting plate, the limiting plate and the through opening are arranged opposite to each other; The second cover and the rack are both made of deformable material, so that one end of the second cover and the rack can extend from the through-hole and be bent and fitted to the side of the limiting plate facing the through-hole, and the gear meshes with the rack fitted to the limiting plate.

11. A robotic vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, Includes the dust collection box as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A control method for a sweeping robot, characterized in that, The sweeping robot as described in claim 11, wherein the control method of the sweeping robot includes the following steps: Receive cleaning instructions from the robotic vacuum cleaner; Based on the cleaning command, the first cover is controlled to open the dust collection port, and the second cover is controlled to seal the air inlet. Start the robot vacuum cleaner and enter the cleaning mode.

13. The control method for a sweeping robot as described in claim 12, characterized in that, After initiating the cleaning robot's operation mode, the control method for the cleaning robot further includes the following steps: Detect whether the robotic vacuum cleaner has completed the cleaning task; If so, control the sweeping robot to exit the cleaning mode, and the first sealing cover to seal the dust collection port.

14. The control method for a sweeping robot as described in claim 13, characterized in that, If so, after controlling the sweeping robot to exit the cleaning mode and the first sealing member to cover the dust collection port, the control method of the sweeping robot further includes the following steps: Control the robotic vacuum cleaner to connect with the base station; After the sweeping robot completes docking with the base station, it controls the second cover to open the air inlet.

15. The control method for a sweeping robot as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The step of controlling the robotic vacuum cleaner to dock with the base station includes the following steps: Control the sweeping robot to move and dock at the base station; Upon receiving the docking signal from the robotic vacuum cleaner, it is determined that the robotic vacuum cleaner has successfully docked with the base station.

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