Base station, liquid supply mechanism, cleaning equipment and residual liquid detection methods

Abstract

This application discloses a base station, a liquid supply mechanism, a cleaning device, and a method for detecting residual liquid. The base station has a accommodating cavity, a placement port, and a cleaning area. A water supply and drainage module and a cleaning liquid bottle are installed in the accommodating cavity. The accommodating cavity is connected to the placement port, allowing the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning liquid bottle to enter the accommodating cavity through the placement port. When the cleaning liquid bottle is fixed inside the accommodating cavity, the projection of the cleaning liquid bottle onto the plane of the placement port at least partially coincides with the placement port. The water supply and drainage module is connected to the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and to extract liquid from the cleaning area. The cleaning liquid bottle is connected to the cleaning area through the liquid supply mechanism, allowing the liquid supply mechanism to guide the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle to the cleaning area. The technical solution provided by this application can improve the user experience when using the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning technology, and in particular to a base station, a liquid supply mechanism, a cleaning equipment, and a method for detecting residual liquid. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, more and more families are starting to use cleaning equipment to reduce labor intensity and improve their quality of life.

[0003] Cleaning equipment typically consists of a base station and surface cleaning equipment. Currently, an increasing number of base stations on the market are equipped with cleaning solution dispensing capabilities. For example, a base station may contain a water tank and a cleaning solution bottle. The water tank delivers clean water to the cleaning section of the surface cleaning equipment for cleaning. Simultaneously, the cleaning solution bottle adds cleaning solution to the water tank to further enhance the cleaning effect of the base station on the surface cleaning section.

[0004] However, existing cleaning equipment usually requires users to manually replenish the cleaning solution, which is inconvenient to operate and results in a poor product experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a base station, a liquid supply mechanism, a cleaning device, and a method for detecting residual liquid, which can improve the user experience when using the device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a base station for use with surface cleaning equipment. The base station includes a body having a accommodating cavity, a placement port, and a cleaning area. A water supply and drainage module and a cleaning fluid bottle are installed within the accommodating cavity. The accommodating cavity is connected to the placement port, allowing the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning fluid bottle to enter the accommodating cavity through the placement port. When the cleaning fluid bottle is fixed inside the accommodating cavity, the projection of the cleaning fluid bottle onto the plane of the placement port at least partially coincides with the placement port. The water supply and drainage module is connected to the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and to extract liquid from the cleaning area. The cleaning fluid bottle is connected to the cleaning area via a liquid supply mechanism, allowing the liquid supply mechanism to guide the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle to the cleaning area.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a liquid supply mechanism, which includes at least a liquid storage tank, a liquid guide pipe, and a liquid extraction device. The liquid storage tank has a vent and a liquid storage cavity, wherein the liquid storage cavity is connected to the outside air through the vent. The liquid guide pipe is connected to the liquid storage cavity, and the bottom end face of the liquid guide pipe is located below the vent, so that liquid in the enclosed space enters the liquid storage cavity through the liquid guide pipe. The inlet of the liquid extraction device is connected to the liquid storage cavity through a transition section, and the transition section is located below the bottom end face of the liquid guide pipe.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a cleaning device, comprising at least a base station and a surface cleaning device, wherein the base station includes a body; the body has a receiving cavity, a placement port, and a cleaning area, the cleaning area being used to receive and clean the surface cleaning device; a water supply and drainage module and a cleaning liquid bottle are installed in the receiving cavity, the receiving cavity being connected to the placement port so that the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning liquid bottle enter the receiving cavity through the placement port, and when the cleaning liquid bottle is fixed inside the receiving cavity, the projection of the cleaning liquid bottle on the plane where the placement port is located at least partially coincides with the placement port; the water supply and drainage module is connected to the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and to extract liquid from the cleaning area; the cleaning liquid bottle is connected to the cleaning area through a liquid supply mechanism, and when the surface cleaning device is located in the cleaning area, the liquid supply mechanism guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle to the cleaning part of the surface cleaning device.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this application also provides a method for detecting residual liquid in a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes at least a liquid supply mechanism and a cleaning liquid bottle. The liquid supply mechanism includes a storage tank, a guide pipe, a pumping device, and a probe level gauge. The storage tank has a vent and a storage cavity, wherein the storage cavity is connected to external air through the vent. The guide pipe is connected to the storage cavity, and the bottom end face of the guide pipe is located below the vent, so that the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle enters the storage cavity through the guide pipe. The inlet of the pumping device is connected to the storage chamber through a transition section, and the transition section is located below the bottom end face of the liquid guide tube. The probe level gauge is installed on the storage tank, and the lower surface of the probe level gauge is located below the bottom end face of the liquid guide tube and above the transition section. The residual liquid detection method includes: determining whether the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted; if the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted, controlling the pumping device to stop pumping and providing feedback to the user on replenishing the cleaning liquid.

[0010] Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application includes a base station with a accommodating cavity and a cleaning area. The accommodating cavity houses a water supply and drainage module and a cleaning fluid bottle. The water supply and drainage module is connected to the cleaning area, and the cleaning fluid bottle is connected to the cleaning area via a fluid supply mechanism. When the surface cleaning device is located in the cleaning area, the water supply and drainage module can spray clean water onto the cleaning part of the surface cleaning device, and the fluid supply mechanism can guide the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle to the cleaning part, thereby cleaning the cleaning part. In this solution, the cleaning fluid and clean water are stored in separate containers, eliminating the need for users to mix them in the same container beforehand. This also reduces the burden on users when refilling the clean water tank by refilling the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the base station has a placement port through which the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning fluid bottle can be fixed within the accommodating cavity. This allows users to directly install and remove the cleaning fluid bottle through the placement port without interference between the cleaning fluid bottle and the water supply and drainage module, making installation and removal convenient. Furthermore, the projection of the cleaning fluid bottle onto the plane of the placement opening partially overlaps with the opening itself, meaning the bottle's installation position is within the opening's coverage area. This eliminates the need for an additional protruding cavity on the base station's side wall to house the cleaning fluid bottle, resulting in a simpler overall base station structure. Moreover, since the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning fluid bottle are housed within the same cavity, users can simultaneously observe the operational status of both modules when replacing or replenishing them, improving the base station's reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a top view of a base station in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a top view of the base station in another embodiment provided in this application;

[0014] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the base station in another embodiment provided in this application;

[0015] Figure 4 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the liquid supply mechanism in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0016] Figure 5This is a partial cross-sectional view of the liquid supply mechanism in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a half-section structure of a base station in another embodiment provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A magnified view of area B;

[0019] Figure 8 This is a top view of a base station after removing part of its structure in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the interior after the cleaning solution bottle has been removed;

[0021] Figure 10 This is a half-sectional view of the cleaning fluid bottle in one embodiment provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection of a residual liquid detection method for a cleaning device in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms used in this application to indicate spatial relative positions, such as “above,” “over,” “below,” “under,” “first end,” “second end,” “one end,” and “other end,” are used for ease of explanation to describe the relationship of one unit or feature relative to another unit or feature as shown in the accompanying drawings. The terms of spatial relative positions may be intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, a unit described as being “below” or “under” other units or features would be located “above” other units or features. Therefore, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatially related descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," "sliding connection," "fixed," and "sleeve connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] As people's living standards improve, more and more families are starting to use cleaning equipment to assist with cleaning, in order to reduce labor intensity and improve quality of life. Existing cleaning equipment usually consists of a base station and surface cleaning equipment. The surface cleaning equipment (common surface cleaning equipment includes robotic vacuum cleaners and window cleaning robots) is used to clean the room; the base station is used to charge the surface cleaning equipment, supply water, and clean the cleaning parts of the surface cleaning equipment (such as roller brushes).

[0026] Currently, an increasing number of base stations on the market are equipped with cleaning fluid dispensing functions. For example, a base station may have both a water tank and a cleaning fluid bottle installed. The water tank delivers clean water to the cleaning section of the surface cleaning equipment for cleaning. Simultaneously, the cleaning fluid bottle adds cleaning fluid to the water tank, mixing the water to create a cleaning agent and further improving the cleaning effect on the cleaning section. However, existing cleaning equipment typically requires manual replenishment of the cleaning fluid by the user, increasing the burden on the user, making operation inconvenient, and resulting in a poor user experience. Furthermore, existing products generally suffer from inaccurate cleaning fluid level detection and unreliable vent valves that prevent the cleaning fluid from being successfully extracted.

[0027] Therefore, how to improve the structure of base stations to solve problems such as inaccurate detection of cleaning fluid level and unreliable venting valves, and thus improve the user experience when using the equipment, has become an urgent issue to be addressed in this field.

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described in this application are only a part of the embodiments, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Please see also Figures 1 to 5 In one feasible implementation, base station A may include at least a body 100, which may have a receiving cavity 110, a placement port 130, and a cleaning area (not shown). A water supply and drainage module 200 and a cleaning fluid bottle 300 may be installed within the receiving cavity 110. The placement port 130 communicates with the receiving cavity 110, allowing the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to enter the receiving cavity 110 through the placement port 130. When the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 are fixed inside the receiving cavity 110, the projection of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 onto the plane of the placement port 130 at least partially coincides with the placement port 130; that is, the installation position of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is within the coverage area of ​​the placement port 130. Thus, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be directly fixed inside the receiving cavity 110 through the placement port 130.

[0030] In practical applications, the main body 100 can be constructed as a barrel-shaped cavity. The top of this cavity has an opening (i.e., a placement port 130), allowing the user to directly install and remove the cleaning fluid bottle 300 through the placement port 130. Simultaneously, a portion of the barrel-shaped cavity can serve as a receiving cavity 110. In this case, the side wall of the main body 100 (i.e., the side wall of the barrel-shaped cavity) becomes the side wall of the receiving cavity 110, and the mounting positions for the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 are both located inside the side wall of the main body 100. Therefore, there is no need to additionally construct a protruding cavity on the side wall of the main body 100 to house the cleaning fluid bottle 300, resulting in a simpler overall structure for the base station A.

[0031] The water supply and drainage module 200 is connected to the cleaning area, enabling it to supply water to the cleaning area and extract accumulated liquid. The cleaning fluid bottle 300 can hold cleaning fluid, and it can be connected to the cleaning area via a liquid supply mechanism 400, allowing the liquid supply mechanism 400 to guide the cleaning fluid in the bottle 300 to the cleaning area.

[0032] Specifically, base station A can provide clean water to the cleaning area by setting up a water supply and drainage module 200 and a cleaning solution bottle 300 to provide cleaning solution to the cleaning area. The cleaning solution and clean water are stored in separate containers, so users do not need to mix the cleaning solution and clean water in the same container beforehand. This also means that when users replenish the clean water tank, they do not need to replenish or mix the cleaning solution again, reducing the burden on users when using the equipment.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 are installed in the same accommodating cavity 110. This eliminates the need for an additional mounting location for the cleaning fluid bottle, resulting in a simpler overall structure for base station A and reducing its manufacturing cost. When a user replaces or replenishes either the cleaning fluid bottle 300 or the water supply and drainage module 200, the user can simultaneously observe the operating status of both modules and adjust them accordingly, thereby improving the reliability of base station A. For example, in one application scenario, when the water supply and drainage module 200 requires maintenance, the user can open the top cover of base station A to access and repair the module within the accommodating cavity 110. Since both the cleaning fluid bottle 300 and the water supply and drainage module 200 are located within the accommodating cavity 110, users can simultaneously monitor the working status of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, such as observing whether the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is leaking or the remaining cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0034] In practical applications, the aforementioned cleaning area can be a receiving space with an inlet and outlet formed on one side of the main body 100, and a water collection tank (not shown) and a cleaning mechanism (not shown) can also be installed within the receiving space. Base station A is typically placed on the ground during use to facilitate the entry of surface cleaning equipment, such as sweeping robots, wiping robots, or other cleaning robots, into the receiving space (i.e., into the cleaning area). Once the surface cleaning equipment enters the cleaning area, base station A can charge the equipment and clean its cleaning section. Specifically, after the surface cleaning equipment enters the cleaning area through the inlet and outlet, the water supply and drainage module 200 provides clean water to the cleaning area, and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 provides cleaning fluid to the cleaning area through the liquid supply mechanism 400. Then, the cleaning mechanism cleans the cleaning section of the surface cleaning equipment. Furthermore, the wastewater generated during the cleaning process can be collected in the water collection tank, and the water supply and drainage module 200 can extract the wastewater from the cleaning area, thereby achieving automatic wastewater discharge.

[0035] Based on the above-mentioned setup that does not require the cleaning solution and clean water to be pre-mixed in the same container, and the function of automatically discharging wastewater, the water supply and drainage module 200 in this application can adopt a variety of different embodiments. The following describes three possible embodiments in detail, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] In the first specific embodiment of the water supply and drainage module 200, please also refer to... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the water supply and drainage module 200 may include a first water tank 210 and a second water tank 220. The first water tank 210 is connected to the cleaning area via a flow guiding component 230, which allows the flow guiding component 230 to guide clean water from the first water tank 210 to the cleaning area. The second water tank 220 is connected to the cleaning area via a return component (not shown), which allows the return component to draw liquid from the cleaning area into the second water tank 220. The cleaning fluid bottle 300 may be positioned between the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220, but is not limited to this. For example, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 may be positioned to the right of the first water tank 210, or to the left of the second water tank 220, etc.

[0037] In practical applications, the first water tank 210 can be used as a clean water tank, and the second water tank 220 can be used as a wastewater tank. When the surface cleaning equipment is located in the cleaning area and the cleaning part of the surface cleaning equipment needs cleaning, the flow guiding component 230 guides the liquid in the first water tank 210 to the cleaning area and cleans the cleaning part of the surface cleaning equipment. At the same time, the return component draws the wastewater in the cleaning area into the second water tank 220 for storage. In one feasible embodiment, in order to draw the wastewater in the cleaning area into the second water tank 220 for storage, the return component may include a water pump and a return pipe. The return component draws the wastewater in the cleaning area through the water pump, and the drawn wastewater flows along the return pipe into the second water tank 220.

[0038] It should be noted that the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 as defined in this application can each be an independent structure. Here, an independent structure means that the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 are detachably connected to the receiving cavity 110 of the main body 100, thereby facilitating the assembly and disassembly of the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 from the main body 100. Of course, the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 may not adopt an independent structure. For example, two isolated water storage spaces can be constructed inside the receiving cavity 110 to be used as the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220, respectively.

[0039] Furthermore, to ensure balanced force on both sides of base station A and prevent deformation of the bottom buffer pad due to excessive force on one side, a center-of-gravity balance design can be implemented for base station A. Since the balance of the center of gravity of base station A mainly depends on the distribution of the centers of mass of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, the first water tank 210, and the second water tank 220, the positions of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, the first water tank 210, and the second water tank 220 can be precisely determined.

[0040] In one feasible implementation, the body 100 may have a first symmetry plane 120, the symmetry plane of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 coincides with the first symmetry plane 120, and the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 are located on both sides of the cleaning fluid bottle 300. Further, the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 are symmetrically arranged about or approximately about the first symmetry plane 120. With this arrangement, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be located in the middle of the base station A, while the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220 are arranged substantially symmetrically on both sides of the base station A, thereby achieving force balance on both sides of the base station A and making the center of gravity of the base station A more stable.

[0041] In a second specific embodiment of the water supply and drainage module 200, the module may not use a first water tank 210 and a second water tank 220. Instead, it directly directs external water supply to the cleaning area, while allowing wastewater within the cleaning area to be directly discharged. Specifically, the water supply and drainage module 200 may include a clean water pipe (not shown) and a sewage pipe (not shown). The clean water pipe connects an external clean water supply outlet (typically a household faucet) directly to the cleaning area, supplying water directly to the cleaning area. The sewage pipe connects the cleaning area directly to the sewer system, discharging wastewater generated within the cleaning area directly into the sewer. Thus, compared to the first specific embodiment of the water supply and drainage module 200, users do not need to periodically clean or drain the sewage tank, nor do they need to replenish the clean water tank, further reducing the user's burden.

[0042] In a third specific embodiment of the water supply and drainage module 200, the water supply and drainage module 200 can be combined with a sewage pipe and a first water tank 210, or combined with a clean water pipe and a second water tank 220. In this way, the installation environment requirements of the water supply and drainage module 200 can be appropriately reduced.

[0043] The following explanation uses a combination of a sewage pipe and a first water tank 210 as an example of the water supply and drainage module 200. The first water tank 210 can guide liquid to the cleaning area via a flow guide component 230, thereby cleaning the cleaning section of the surface cleaning equipment. The cleaning area is directly connected to the sewer via a sewage pipe, allowing accumulated sewage in the cleaning area to be directly discharged into the sewer. Compared to the first specific embodiment of the water supply and drainage module 200, users do not need to regularly clean and empty the sewage tank, reducing the user's burden.

[0044] Regarding the structure of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, there can be two types: one where the internal air of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is not connected to the external air, and the other where the internal air of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is connected to the external air. Therefore, in order to enable base station A to simultaneously utilize both types of cleaning fluid bottles 300 and to stably extract the cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid bottle 300, this application provides a fluid supply mechanism 400, which can be found in conjunction with the above description. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown. In one feasible embodiment, the liquid supply mechanism 400 may include a liquid storage tank 410, a liquid guide tube 420, and a liquid extraction device 430. The cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle 300 first flows to the liquid storage tank 410 through the liquid guide tube 420. The cleaning liquid in the liquid storage tank 410 can serve as a solution buffer. When it is necessary to extract the cleaning liquid, it is directly extracted from the liquid storage tank 410 by the liquid extraction device 430.

[0045] Specifically, the storage tank 410 may be provided with a vent 411 and a storage cavity 412, wherein the storage cavity 412 is connected to the outside air through the vent 411. A guide tube 420 is used to connect the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to the storage cavity 412. When the storage cavity 412 is connected to the interior of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 through the guide tube 420, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 should be located above the storage cavity 412, and the bottom end face 421 of the guide tube 420 should be located below the vent 411. The inlet of the extraction device 430 is connected to the storage cavity 412 through a transition section 440, and the transition section 440 is located inside the storage cavity 412, positioned below the bottom end face 421 of the guide tube 420, thereby allowing the extraction device 430 to extract cleaning fluid from the storage cavity 412. Meanwhile, the outlet of the liquid extraction device 430 is connected to the cleaning area, so that the cleaning liquid extracted from the liquid storage chamber 412 can be diverted to the cleaning area.

[0046] It should be noted that when the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is connected to the storage cavity 412 via the liquid guide tube 420, the air pressure inside the storage cavity 412 will be consistent with the external air pressure due to the presence of the vent 411. Since the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is located above the storage cavity 412, the cleaning fluid in the bottle 300 can flow into the storage cavity 412 through the liquid guide tube 420 under its own gravity. As the cleaning fluid in the bottle 300 continuously flows into the storage cavity 412, when the liquid level in the storage cavity 412 is flush with the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420, the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 forms a liquid seal effect on the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420. Thus, the cleaning fluid in the bottle 300 will no longer flow into the storage cavity 412, and the liquid level in the storage cavity 412 will remain stable.

[0047] Meanwhile, since the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 is located below the vent hole 411, the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 will not flow out from the vent hole 411. Correspondingly, when the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 is flush with the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420, the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 will form a liquid seal effect on the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420. This means that the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 divides the storage cavity 412 into a gas space and a liquid space, which are set vertically. In order for the liquid extraction device 430 to extract the cleaning fluid, the opening of the transition section 440 inside the storage cavity 412 should be located below the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 to realize the function of extracting the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412.

[0048] In practical applications, the structure that connects the air inside the liquid storage chamber 412 with the outside air is not limited to the vent 411; it can also use structures such as a vent valve. This application does not impose any limitations on this. Furthermore, the liquid guide tube 420 and the liquid storage tank 410 can be manufactured as a single piece. For example, the liquid guide tube 420 and the liquid storage tank 410 can be blow-molded or 3D printed, and the liquid guide tube 420 can be connected to the liquid storage chamber 412 during the molding process. Of course, the liquid guide tube 420 and the liquid storage tank 410 can also be designed separately. For example, the liquid guide tube 420 and the liquid storage tank 410 can be manufactured separately, and a threaded hole is pre-drilled at the top of the liquid storage tank 410, allowing the liquid guide tube 420 to be threaded into the threaded hole, thereby achieving a detachable connection between the liquid guide tube 420 and the liquid storage tank 410. In addition, the liquid storage tank 410 can also be constructed as an upper tank and a lower tank. The upper tank and the lower tank are connected to form a rear liquid storage cavity 412, and the liquid guide pipe 420 is integrally formed with the upper tank.

[0049] It should be noted that the specific structure of the liquid extraction device 430 defined in this application can refer to water pumps or other liquid extraction devices in the prior art, and will not be described in detail here. The transition section 440 defined in this application can be a conductive connector for connecting the inlet of the liquid extraction device 430 to the liquid storage tank 410. Of course, to facilitate the installation and arrangement of the liquid extraction device 430, a connecting pipe 431 can also be connected between the liquid extraction device 430 and the transition section 440. For example, in one application scenario, the transition section 440 can be fixed on the liquid storage tank 430, and the transition section 440 is connected to the liquid storage cavity 412. At the same time, the liquid extraction device 430 is connected to the transition section 440 through the connecting pipe 431.

[0050] Furthermore, in order to promptly determine whether the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution bottle 300 has been depleted, in one feasible implementation, such as... Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the liquid supply mechanism 400 may further include a liquid level sensor 450, which is used to detect the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage chamber 412 to determine whether the volume of the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage chamber 412 is lower than a preset volume. It should be noted that since the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is connected to the liquid storage chamber 412 through the liquid guide tube 420, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 will enter the liquid storage chamber 412 through the liquid guide tube 420. Therefore, by determining whether the volume of the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage chamber 412 is lower than the preset volume, it can be determined whether the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is exhausted.

[0051] In practical applications, the preset volume can be pre-set by technicians based on the structure of the liquid storage chamber 412. For example, consider the area of ​​the transition section 440 located between the opening inside the liquid storage chamber 412 and the inner bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 412. Assume that this area can hold a liquid volume of 20ml, while the liquid volume that can be held from the inner bottom surface of the liquid storage chamber 412 to the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 is 80ml. Then, technicians can select a value within the range of 20ml-80ml as the preset volume.

[0052] Furthermore, the aforementioned level sensor 450 can be replaced by a probe level gauge 451. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7 As shown, the probe level gauge 451 can be installed on the storage tank 410, and the lower surface of the probe level gauge 451 is located below the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420, while the lower surface of the probe level gauge 451 is located above the transition section 440.

[0053] It should be noted that since the probe level gauge 451 generates a current change based on the contact between its lower surface and the liquid, the current change of the probe level gauge 451 can be used to determine whether the liquid level in the storage tank 410 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 451. In practical applications, when the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 will no longer be able to replenish the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412, and the liquid level in the storage cavity 412 will decrease as the pumping device 430 continuously pumps out the cleaning fluid. When the liquid level in the storage cavity 412 drops below the transition section 440, the pumping device 430 will no longer be able to pump out the cleaning fluid. Therefore, in order to effectively detect whether the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted, and at the same time ensure that the pumping device 430 can pump out the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412, the lower surface of the probe level gauge 451 should be located between the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 and the transition section 440.

[0054] In one feasible implementation, as the extraction device 430 continuously extracts cleaning fluid from the storage chamber 412, the liquid level in the storage chamber 412 will continuously decrease when the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is exhausted. When the liquid level in the storage chamber 412 drops below the lower surface of the probe level gauge 451, the probe level gauge 451 will experience a current change. The base station A can convert this current change into an alarm signal (such as a buzzer or SMS message) to remind the user to replace the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0055] Furthermore, to prevent water droplets from remaining on the inner wall of the liquid storage cavity 412, which could cause the probe level gauge 300 to misjudge the liquid level within the liquid storage cavity 412, the probe level gauge 300 can also be configured to have a preset distance 452 between itself and the inner wall of the liquid storage cavity 412. This preset distance 452 can be pre-set by a technician based on experience.

[0056] It should be noted that the probe level gauge 451 described above is only one implementation of the level sensor 450, but is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the specific structure of the probe level gauge 451 can be found in existing technology, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0057] To ensure precise communication between the cleaning fluid bottle 300 and the liquid guide tube 420 when the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is installed in the receiving cavity 110, please refer to [the relevant documentation] in one feasible implementation. Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the liquid supply mechanism 400 may further include a limiting member 460, which is used to position the cleaning fluid bottle 300, thereby ensuring precise communication between the cleaning fluid bottle 300 and the liquid guide tube 420 when the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is installed in the receiving cavity 110 via the limiting member 460. Specifically, the limiting member 460 is located within the receiving cavity 110, and the limiting member 460 can form a limiting space 470 independently, or the limiting member 460 and the inner wall of the receiving cavity 110 can together form the limiting space 470. The top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 is located within the limiting space 470. When the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is located within the limiting space 470, the inner wall of the limiting space 470 limits the outer wall of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, thereby allowing the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 to be accurately inserted into the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0058] In practical applications, the shape of the limiting space 470 can be designed to mimic the shape of the cleaning fluid bottle 300. For example, when the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is cuboid, the limiting space 470 can be constructed as a cuboid. Furthermore, the limiting member 460 can be an independent structure, for example, the limiting member 460 can be manufactured as a separate component. When the limiting member 460 is installed in the receiving cavity 110, it can be fixed to the bottom surface of the receiving cavity 110 by means of heat fusion, magnetic attraction, or screw connection. It should be noted that the limiting member 460 can also be integrally formed with the body 100, and this application does not limit this.

[0059] In one feasible implementation, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7As shown, in order to allow the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 to be located in the accommodating cavity 110, a clearance hole 111 can be provided on the body 100, so that the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 can pass through the clearance hole 111 and enter the accommodating cavity 110.

[0060] Furthermore, to facilitate the insertion of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 into the limiting space 470, see also one possible implementation. Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the top of the limiting space 470 has an open structure to form an inlet 471, and the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 is located at the bottom of the limiting space 470. When the cleaning fluid bottle 300 enters the limiting space 470 through the inlet 471, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 can be inserted into the cleaning fluid bottle 300, thereby connecting the cleaning fluid bottle 300 and the liquid guide tube 420. Thus, by vertically inserting the cleaning fluid bottle 300 into the limiting space 470, since the center of gravity of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is downward, some of the downward pushing force required by the user can be saved, making it easier to insert the liquid guide tube 420 into the cleaning fluid bottle 300, thereby facilitating the installation of the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0061] It should be noted that the above-described method of placing the inlet 471 at the top of the limiting space 470 so that the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be vertically inserted into the limiting space 470 is only a preferred embodiment, but is not a limitation. The inlet 471 can also be placed at any position in the limiting space 470. Accordingly, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be inserted into the limiting space 470 at an angle based on the position of the inlet 471, or the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be pushed into the limiting space 470 from the side.

[0062] In one feasible implementation, when the inlet 471 is tilted towards the placement opening 130, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be tilted and inserted into the limiting space 470 through the inlet 471. Correspondingly, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 is located at the bottom of the limiting space 470 and is arranged parallel to the side wall of the limiting space 470. Thus, when the user tilts and inserts the cleaning fluid bottle 300 into the limiting space 470 along the inlet 471, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 can be inserted into the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0063] In another feasible implementation, when the inlet 471 is located on one side of the limiting space 470, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can first be vertically placed into the receiving cavity 110 through the placement port 130, and then the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be horizontally pushed towards the inlet 471, thereby allowing the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to enter the limiting space 470. Correspondingly, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 should be located at the bottom of the limiting space 470, and the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 should be perpendicular to the inlet 471. Thus, when the user horizontally pushes the cleaning fluid bottle 300 towards the inlet 471, thereby allowing the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to enter the limiting space 470, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 can pass through the insertion connection of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 and be inserted into the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0064] Furthermore, the height of the limiting member 460 should be lower than the height of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, so that when the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is installed in the limiting space 470, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be partially exposed in the limiting space 470. In this way, when the user replaces the cleaning fluid bottle 300, the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be easily grasped.

[0065] In practical applications, when base station A moves, the cleaning fluid in the reservoir 412 typically sloshes. To prevent the sloshing cleaning fluid from leaking out of the vent 411, in one feasible embodiment, a waterproof component can be provided at the vent 411. This waterproof component prevents the cleaning fluid in the reservoir 412 from leaking out of the vent 411. This application provides two specific embodiments regarding the specific structure of the waterproof component, but these are not intended to limit the application.

[0066] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, a waterproof and breathable membrane 480 can be used to cover the vent 411. The waterproof and breathable membrane 480 is used to prevent the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage cavity 412 from flowing out through the vent 411 and to allow the air in the liquid storage cavity 412 to communicate with the outside air. In this way, the waterproof and breathable membrane 480 can both enable the liquid storage cavity 412 to communicate with the outside air, allowing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to flow stably into the liquid storage cavity 412, and ensure that the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage cavity 412 cannot overflow through the vent 411 when the base station A shakes, thus playing a waterproof role.

[0067] It should be noted that the specific structure of the waterproof and breathable membrane 480 can be found in existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0068] Example 2: A vent pipe (not shown) may be provided on the liquid storage tank 410. Specifically, the vent pipe is connected to the vent hole 411, and the vent pipe extends outward along the outer wall of the liquid storage tank 410 to prevent the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity 412 from flowing out through the vent hole 411.

[0069] In practical applications, the vent pipe can be integrally formed with the liquid storage tank 410, or it can be fixed to the vent hole 411 in a detachable connection manner. Furthermore, regarding the specific shape of the vent pipe, it can be arranged to extend vertically upwards or to extend upwards in a curved manner; this application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0070] In one feasible implementation, to prevent the cleaning fluid provided by the cleaning fluid bottle 300 from being underutilized, the cleaning fluid provided by the cleaning fluid bottle 300 can be thoroughly mixed with the clean water provided by the water supply and drainage module 100 before the mixed liquid is directed to the cleaning section of the surface cleaning equipment. For details, please refer to... Figure 3 As shown, the flow guiding component 230 may include a first channel 231 and a second channel 232. One end of the first channel 231 is connected to the first water tank 210, and the other end of the first channel 231 is connected to the second channel 232. One end of the second channel 232 is located in the cleaning area, and the other end of the second channel 232 is connected to the outlet of the liquid extraction device 430. Thus, clean water in the first water tank 210 can flow into the cleaning area sequentially through the first channel 231 and the second channel 232, and cleaning liquid extracted by the liquid extraction device 430 can flow into the cleaning area through the second channel 232. Therefore, when both the cleaning liquid extracted by the liquid extraction device 430 and the clean water in the first water tank 210 need to flow into the cleaning area simultaneously, the cleaning liquid extracted by the liquid extraction device 430 can mix with the clean water in the first water tank 210 in the second channel 232. The cleaning liquid will be fully mixed with the clean water before flowing into the cleaning area, thereby achieving full utilization of the cleaning liquid.

[0071] In practical applications, the outlet of the pumping device 430, the first channel 231, and the second channel 232 can be interconnected via a three-way valve 500. This allows the clean water flowing from the first channel 231 to mix with the cleaning fluid drawn by the pumping device 430 at the three-way valve 500, thus entering the second channel 232 together and flowing into the cleaning area. Furthermore, a water pump can be connected in series with the first channel 231 to pump clean water from the first water tank 210. Alternatively, the clean water in the first water tank 210 can flow into the first channel 231 by gravity. Furthermore, an electrically controlled valve can be installed in the first channel 231 to control the opening and closing of the first channel 231, thereby controlling the flow of clean water in the first water tank 210.

[0072] It should be noted that the first channel 231 and the second channel 232 defined in this application are pathways with a connecting function. They can be external pipes or channels formed inside the main body 100, and are not limited here.

[0073] Optionally, to further improve the cleaning effect of the surface cleaning equipment on base station A, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 As shown, in one feasible embodiment, the flow guiding component 230 may further include a heating device 233, which heats the cleaning liquid extracted by the liquid extraction device 430 and the clean water in the first water tank 210, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning liquid and clean water on the cleaning part of the surface cleaning equipment.

[0074] In practical applications, the heating device 233 can be connected in series with the first channel 231. Thus, when clean water in the first water tank 210 flows through the heating device 233, the heating device 233 heats the flowing water. When the clean water flows into the second channel 232, the heated water mixes with the cleaning liquid, thereby achieving the effect of heating the cleaning liquid. It should be noted that the heating device 233 can also be connected in series with the second channel 232, or the heating device 233 can be installed at the outlet of the liquid extraction device 430. The specific structure of the heating device 233 can be referenced from existing heaters and will not be described in detail here.

[0075] Regarding the specific structure of the cleaning fluid bottle 300, in one feasible implementation, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the cleaning solution bottle 300 may include a bottle body 310 and a bottle cap 320. The bottle body 310 and the bottle cap 320 are detachably connected. When the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution bottle 300 is depleted, the user can open the bottle cap 320 to replenish the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution bottle 300. It should be noted that the bottle body 310 and the bottle cap 320 may also be configured as a non-detachable structure to simplify the structure of the cleaning solution bottle 300 and improve the sealing performance of the cleaning solution bottle 300. The bottle cap 320 may also be provided with an elastic part 321. When the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 passes through the elastic part 321 and enters the bottle body 310, the elastic part 321 can seal the gap between the liquid guide tube 420 and the bottle cap 320.

[0076] It is understandable that the aforementioned elastic part 321 can have at least two ways of use.

[0077] In one feasible implementation, the elastic part 321 can act as a soft rubber tip covering the pre-drilled hole 322 of the bottle cap 320. In this case, the elastic part 321 and the bottle cap 320 together seal the outlet of the bottle body 310, thereby preventing the cleaning fluid from leaking out of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 when it is not in use. In practical applications, when the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 pierces the elastic part 321 and enters the bottle body 310, the elastic part 321, under its elastic action, can seal the contact area between the bottle cap 320 and the liquid guide tube 420, thereby preventing the cleaning fluid from leaking out of the cleaning fluid bottle 300.

[0078] In another feasible embodiment, the elastic part 321 can also be coaxially disposed as a sealing ring at the reserved hole 322 of the bottle cap 320, and the central diameter of the elastic part 321 is smaller than the outer diameter of the liquid guide tube 420. Correspondingly, a sealing film (not shown) can also be provided at the outlet of the bottle body 310. The sealing film is used to prevent the cleaning liquid in the bottle body 310 from leaking out when the bottle body 310 is not in use. In practical applications, the top end face 422 of the liquid guide tube 420 first enters the bottle cap 320 through the central diameter of the elastic part 321, and then the top end face 422 pierces the sealing film and enters the bottle body 310. In this way, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle 300 can flow from the liquid guide tube 420 into the liquid storage cavity 412. At the same time, since the central diameter of the elastic part 321 is smaller than the outer diameter of the liquid guide tube 420, the elastic part 321 can seal the contact area between the bottle cap 320 and the liquid guide tube 420, thereby preventing the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle 300 from leaking out.

[0079] Furthermore, the top end face 422 can be needle-shaped, thereby facilitating the top end face 422 to pierce the elastic part 321 or the sealing film.

[0080] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a liquid supply mechanism 400, which includes at least a liquid storage tank 410, a liquid guide pipe 420, and a liquid extraction device 430. The liquid storage tank 410 has a vent 411 and a liquid storage cavity 412, wherein the liquid storage cavity 412 is connected to the outside air through the vent 411. The liquid guide pipe 420 is connected to the liquid storage cavity 412, and the bottom end face 421 of the guide pipe 420 is located below the vent 411, so that liquid in the enclosed space enters the liquid storage cavity 412 through the guide pipe 420. The inlet of the liquid extraction device 430 is connected to the liquid storage cavity 412 through a transition section 440, and the transition section 440 is located below the bottom end face 421 of the guide pipe 420.

[0081] Furthermore, the liquid supply mechanism 400 also includes a liquid level sensor 450. The liquid level sensor 450 is used to detect the liquid level of the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage chamber 412 to determine whether the volume of the cleaning fluid in the liquid storage chamber 412 is lower than the preset volume.

[0082] It should be noted that the specific structure of the liquid storage tank 410, the liquid guide pipe 420, the liquid pumping device 430 and the liquid level sensor 450 and their interconnection relationships can be referred to the relevant content of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] It should be noted that although the liquid supply mechanism 400 in the above embodiment is used for base station A, it is not limited thereto. The liquid supply mechanism 400 of this application can also be used to guide liquid in other enclosed spaces. The liquid supply mechanism 400 of this application can both ensure a stable outflow of liquid in the enclosed space and detect the liquid level in the enclosed space to determine whether the liquid is exhausted.

[0084] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a cleaning device, including at least a base station A and a surface cleaning device (not shown), wherein the base station A includes a body 100. The body 100 has a cleaning area (not shown), a placement port 130, and a receiving cavity 110. The cleaning area is used to accommodate and clean the surface cleaning device. The placement port 130 communicates with the receiving cavity 110, thereby allowing the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to enter the receiving cavity 110 through the placement port 130. When the water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 are installed in the receiving cavity 110, the projection of the cleaning fluid bottle 300 on the plane of the placement port 130 should at least partially coincide with the placement port 130. The water supply and drainage module 200 and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 are installed in the receiving cavity 110. The water supply and drainage module 200 communicates with the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and to extract liquid from the cleaning area. The cleaning fluid bottle 300 is connected to the cleaning area through the liquid supply mechanism 400. When the surface cleaning equipment is located in the cleaning area, the liquid supply mechanism 400 guides the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 to the cleaning part of the surface cleaning equipment.

[0085] Furthermore, the water supply and drainage module 200 includes at least a first water tank 210 and a second water tank 220, wherein a cleaning fluid bottle 300 is disposed between the first water tank 210 and the second water tank 220. The first water tank 210 is connected to the cleaning area via a flow guiding component 230 to guide the liquid in the first water tank 210 to the cleaning area. The second water tank 220 is connected to the cleaning area via a return flow component to draw liquid from the cleaning area into the second water tank 220.

[0086] It should be noted that the specific form of the aforementioned surface cleaning equipment can be, for example, a sweeping robot, a window cleaning robot, or a washing machine. The specific form of base station A can be a service station that provides cleaning and charging functions for the surface cleaning equipment. The specific structure of base station A can be referred to the relevant content in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0087] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a method for detecting residual liquid in a cleaning device. The cleaning device may include at least a liquid supply mechanism 400 and a cleaning liquid bottle 300. The liquid supply mechanism 400 includes a storage tank 410, a liquid guide pipe 420, a liquid extraction device 430, and a probe level gauge 450. The storage tank 410 has a vent 411 and a storage cavity 412, wherein the storage cavity 412 is connected to external air through the vent 411, the liquid guide pipe 420 is connected to the storage cavity 412, and the bottom end face 421 of the guide pipe 420 is located at the vent. Below the hole 411, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 enters the storage chamber 412 through the liquid guide tube 420. The inlet of the liquid pumping device 430 is connected to the storage chamber 412 through the transition section 440, which is located below the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420. The probe level gauge 450 is installed on the storage tank 410, and the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450 is located below the bottom end face 421 of the liquid guide tube 420 and above the transition section 440. The residual liquid detection method includes:

[0088] Determine if the cleaning solution in the 300ml bottle is empty;

[0089] If the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted, the control device 430 will stop pumping and send a message to the user requesting a replenishment of cleaning fluid.

[0090] When the pumping device 430 draws cleaning fluid from the storage chamber 412, the control unit 600 in the cleaning equipment can determine whether the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is exhausted. When the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is exhausted, the control unit 600 can control the pumping device 430 to stop pumping, thereby avoiding damage caused by the pumping device 430 running dry and reminding the user to replenish the cleaning fluid.

[0091] In one feasible implementation, please refer to Figure 11 As shown, a probe level gauge 450 can be installed on the storage tank 410. The probe level gauge 450 is used to detect whether the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450, thereby indirectly determining whether the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is exhausted. The control unit 600 is electrically connected to the probe level gauge 450 and the pumping device 430.

[0092] Correspondingly, determining whether the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted can be achieved through the following steps: determining whether the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450; if the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450, then the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted; if the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage cavity 412 is not lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450, then the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is not depleted.

[0093] In other words, by monitoring the changes in the current of the probe level gauge 450 through the control unit 600, when the current of the probe level gauge 450 changes, it indicates that the level of the cleaning fluid in the storage chamber 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450, thus confirming that the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 has been depleted. When it is determined that the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 is depleted, the control unit 600 can control the pumping device 430 to stop operating and simultaneously remind the user to replenish the cleaning fluid.

[0094] In practical applications, the control unit 600 can be an MCU module, and the pumping device 430 can be a water pump. The probe level gauge 450 detects whether the cleaning fluid level in the storage chamber 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450. When the cleaning fluid level in the storage chamber 412 is lower than the lower surface of the probe level gauge 450, the probe level gauge 450 will experience a current change. This current change information is then acquired by the MCU module, which determines that the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle 300 has been depleted. The MCU module then controls the water pump to stop operating and simultaneously issues an audible alert to remind the user to replenish the cleaning fluid, or sends a cleaning fluid replenishment message to the user's app. The probe level gauge, MCU module, and water pump can be referenced from existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0095] The following section provides a detailed explanation of base station A in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0096] Application Scenario 1 (Taking a robotic vacuum cleaner as an example of surface cleaning equipment)

[0097] User C purchased a cleaning device on Taobao. After receiving the device, User C paired base station A with the robot vacuum cleaner according to the instructions and downloaded the client on his mobile phone to establish a connection between the phone and the cleaning device.

[0098] Next, user C places base station A on the living room floor, opens the top cover of base station A, and installs the clean water tank, wastewater tank, and cleaning fluid bottle 300 into the corresponding installation positions in the accommodating cavity 110 through the placement port 130. Then, the clean water tank is filled with clean water, thus completing the installation of base station A.

[0099] Then, User C sets a cleaning route for the robot vacuum cleaner and tests it. The robot vacuum cleaner cleans the floor according to the set route. After the robot vacuum cleaner finishes cleaning according to the set route, it automatically returns to base station A and enters the cleaning area of ​​base station A. Base station A charges the robot vacuum cleaner. At the same time, the water tank provides clean water to the cleaning area through the flow guide component 230, and the cleaning fluid bottle 300 provides cleaning fluid to the cleaning area through the liquid supply mechanism 400. The clean water and cleaning fluid are mixed in the second channel 232, and the mixed liquid is sprayed upward from the bottom of the cleaning area to rinse the robot vacuum cleaner's roller brush. After base station A finishes cleaning the roller brush, the return component draws the wastewater generated in the cleaning area into the wastewater tank for collection, thus achieving automatic cleaning of the robot vacuum cleaner.

[0100] After the trial period, User C was quite satisfied with the cleaning equipment's performance. Therefore, User C reset the cleaning route and daily cleaning time for the robot vacuum cleaner and put it into official use.

[0101] As the cleaning equipment performed its daily cleaning tasks, one morning, User C noticed a notification on their mobile app reminding them that the cleaning fluid was depleted and needed replenishing. User C then reopened the top cover of Base Station A and confirmed that the cleaning fluid in bottle 300 was indeed empty. User C then removed the empty cleaning fluid bottle 300 and installed the unused cleaning fluid bottle 300, which had come with the purchased cleaning equipment, into the receiving cavity 110. After replacing the cleaning fluid bottle 300, Base Station A, through its self-test program, detected that the cleaning fluid level in the storage cavity 412 had returned to normal, and Base Station A resumed normal operation.

[0102] Therefore, the technical solution provided in this application includes a base station with a accommodating cavity and a cleaning area. The accommodating cavity houses a water supply and drainage module and a cleaning fluid bottle. The water supply and drainage module is connected to the cleaning area, and the cleaning fluid bottle is connected to the cleaning area via a fluid supply mechanism. When the surface cleaning device is located in the cleaning area, the water supply and drainage module can spray clean water onto the cleaning part of the surface cleaning device, and the fluid supply mechanism can guide the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid bottle to the cleaning part, thereby cleaning the cleaning part. In this solution, the cleaning fluid and clean water are stored in separate containers, eliminating the need for users to mix them in the same container beforehand. This also reduces the burden on users when refilling the clean water tank by refilling the cleaning fluid. Furthermore, the base station has a placement port through which the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning fluid bottle can be fixed within the accommodating cavity. This allows users to directly install and remove the cleaning fluid bottle through the placement port without interference between the cleaning fluid bottle and the water supply and drainage module, making installation and removal convenient. Furthermore, the projection of the cleaning fluid bottle onto the plane of the placement opening partially overlaps with the opening itself, meaning the bottle's installation position is within the opening's coverage area. This eliminates the need for an additional protruding cavity on the base station's side wall to house the cleaning fluid bottle, resulting in a simpler overall base station structure. Moreover, since the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning fluid bottle are housed within the same cavity, users can simultaneously observe the operational status of both modules when replacing or replenishing them, improving the base station's reliability.

[0103] Furthermore, the cleaning solution bottle is connected to the cleaning area via a supply mechanism. This supply mechanism can consist of a storage tank, a guide tube, and a suction device. The storage tank has a vent and a storage cavity, with the storage cavity connected to the outside air through the vent. By placing a storage tank between the cleaning solution bottle and the suction device, and ensuring the tank's connection to the outside air, the air pressure inside the storage tank is consistent with the external pressure. This allows the supply mechanism to reliably extract the cleaning solution from the bottle and provide it to the cleaning area.

[0104] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A base station for cooperating with a surface cleaning device, characterized in that, The base station comprises a body having a containing cavity, a placing opening and a cleaning area; The containing cavity is provided with a water supply and drainage module and a cleaning liquid bottle, and the containing cavity is communicated with the placing opening, so that the water supply and drainage module and the cleaning liquid bottle enter the containing cavity through the placing opening, and when the cleaning liquid bottle is fixed inside the containing cavity, the projection of the cleaning liquid bottle on the plane of the placing opening at least partially overlaps with the placing opening; The water supply and drainage module is communicated with the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and to extract liquid in the cleaning area; The cleaning liquid bottle is communicated with the cleaning area through a liquid supply mechanism, so that the liquid supply mechanism guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle to the cleaning area.

2. The base station of claim 1, wherein, The water supply and drainage module comprises at least a first water tank and a second water tank, and the cleaning liquid bottle is arranged between the first water tank and the second water tank; The first water tank is communicated with the cleaning area through a flow guide assembly to guide the liquid in the first water tank to the cleaning area; The second water tank is communicated with the cleaning area through a backflow assembly to extract the liquid in the cleaning area into the second water tank.

3. The base station of claim 2, wherein, The body has a first symmetry plane; The symmetry plane of the cleaning liquid bottle coincides with the first symmetry plane.

4. The base station according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by The liquid supply mechanism comprises a liquid storage tank, a liquid guide pipe and a liquid extraction device: The liquid storage tank has a gas permeable hole and a liquid storage cavity, and the liquid storage cavity is communicated with the outside air through the gas permeable hole; When the liquid storage cavity is communicated with the inside of the cleaning liquid bottle through the liquid guide pipe, the cleaning liquid bottle is located above the liquid storage cavity, and the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe is located below the gas permeable hole; The water inlet of the liquid extraction device is communicated with the liquid storage cavity through a transition section, and the transition section is located below the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe.

5. The base station of claim 4, characterized in that, The liquid supply mechanism further comprises a liquid level sensor; The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity to determine whether the volume of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity is lower than a preset volume.

6. The base station of claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid level sensor is specifically a probe liquid level meter; The probe liquid level meter is installed on the liquid storage tank, the lower surface of the probe liquid level meter is located below the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe, and the lower surface of the probe liquid level meter is located above the transition section, and the probe liquid level meter has a preset distance from the inner side wall of the liquid storage cavity.

7. The base station of claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid supply mechanism further comprises a limiting piece; The limiting piece is located in the containing cavity, and the limiting piece forms a limiting space, or the limiting piece and the inner wall of the containing cavity form a limiting space; The top end surface of the liquid guide pipe is located in the limiting space, and when the cleaning liquid bottle is located in the limiting space, the top end surface of the liquid guide pipe is inserted into the cleaning liquid bottle.

8. The base station of claim 7, characterized in that, The top of the limiting space has an open structure to form a placing opening, and the top end surface of the liquid guide pipe is located at the bottom of the limiting space; When the cleaning liquid bottle enters the limiting space through the placing opening, the top end surface of the liquid guide pipe is inserted into the cleaning liquid bottle.

9. The base station of claim 4, wherein, The gas permeable hole is covered with a waterproof gas permeable film; The waterproof and breathable film prevents the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity from flowing out through the air holes and allows the air in the liquid storage cavity to communicate with the external air.

10. The base station of claim 4, wherein, An air pipe is arranged on the liquid storage tank; The air pipe communicates with the air holes, and the air pipe extends outward along the outer wall of the liquid storage tank to prevent the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity from flowing out through the air holes.

11. The base station of claim 4, wherein, The flow guide assembly includes a first channel and a second channel; One end of the first channel communicates with the first water tank, and the other end of the first channel communicates with the second channel; One end of the second channel is located in the cleaning area, and the other end of the second channel communicates with the water outlet of the liquid pumping device, so that the cleaning liquid pumped out by the liquid pumping device mixes with the liquid in the first water tank in the second channel.

12. The base station of claim 11, characterized in that, The flow guide assembly further includes a heating device connected in series on the first channel.

13. The base station of claim 4, wherein, The cleaning liquid bottle includes a bottle body and a bottle cap, and the bottle body is detachably connected with the bottle cap; The bottle cap has an elastic part, and when the top end surface of the liquid guide pipe passes through the elastic part and enters the bottle body, the elastic part seals the gap between the liquid guide pipe and the bottle cap.

14. A liquid supply mechanism for the base station according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, The liquid supply mechanism at least includes a liquid storage tank, a liquid guide pipe, and a liquid pumping device; The liquid storage tank has air holes and a liquid storage cavity, wherein the liquid storage cavity communicates with the external air through the air holes; The liquid guide pipe communicates with the liquid storage cavity, and the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe is located below the air holes, so that the liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle enters the liquid storage cavity through the liquid guide pipe; The water inlet of the liquid pumping device communicates with the liquid storage cavity through a transition section, and the transition section is located below the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe.

15. The liquid supply according to claim 14, wherein The liquid supply mechanism further includes a liquid level sensor; The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity to determine whether the volume of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity is lower than a preset volume.

16. A cleaning apparatus, characterized by At least including a base station and a surface cleaning device, wherein the base station includes a body; The body has a containing cavity, a placing opening, and a cleaning area, and the cleaning area is used to accommodate and clean the surface cleaning device; The containing cavity is installed with an up-and-down water module and a cleaning liquid bottle, and the containing cavity communicates with the placing opening, so that the up-and-down water module and the cleaning liquid bottle enter the containing cavity through the placing opening, and when the cleaning liquid bottle is fixed inside the containing cavity, the projection of the cleaning liquid bottle on the plane where the placing opening is located at least partially overlaps with the placing opening; The up-and-down water module communicates with the cleaning area to supply water to the cleaning area and pump out the liquid in the cleaning area; The cleaning liquid bottle communicates with the cleaning area through a liquid supply mechanism, and when the surface cleaning device is located in the cleaning area, the liquid supply mechanism guides the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle to the cleaning part of the surface cleaning device.

17. The cleaning apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The up-and-down water module at least includes a first water tank and a second water tank, and the cleaning liquid bottle is arranged between the first water tank and the second water tank; The first water tank is communicated with the cleaning area through a flow guide assembly to guide the liquid in the first water tank to the cleaning area; The second water tank is communicated with the cleaning area through a backflow assembly to extract the liquid in the cleaning area into the second water tank.

18. A method for detecting the remaining cleaning solution of a cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, the cleaning apparatus comprising at least a liquid supply mechanism, the liquid supply mechanism comprising a liquid storage tank, a liquid guide pipe, a liquid pumping device, and a probe liquid level gauge, the liquid storage tank having a gas permeable hole and a liquid storage cavity, wherein the liquid storage cavity is in communication with the outside air through the gas permeable hole, the liquid guide pipe is in communication with the liquid storage cavity, and the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe is located below the gas permeable hole so that the cleaning solution in the cleaning solution bottle enters the liquid storage cavity through the liquid guide pipe, the water inlet of the liquid pumping device is in communication with the liquid storage cavity through a transition section, and the transition section is located below the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe, the probe liquid level gauge is installed on the liquid storage tank, and the lower surface of the probe liquid level gauge is located below the bottom end surface of the liquid guide pipe, and the lower surface of the probe liquid level gauge is located above the transition section, characterized in that, The residual liquid detection method comprises: judging whether the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted; if the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted, controlling the liquid pumping device to stop pumping liquid and feeding back information of supplementing cleaning liquid to the user.

19. The method of heel detection according to claim 18, wherein, The judgment whether the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted comprises: judging whether the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity is lower than the lower surface of the probe liquid level meter; if the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity is lower than the lower surface of the probe liquid level meter, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is exhausted; if the liquid level of the cleaning liquid in the liquid storage cavity is not lower than the lower surface of the probe liquid level meter, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid bottle is not exhausted.

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