Sweeping robot base station and sweeping robot system

Abstract

The embodiment of the application relates to a sweeping robot base station and a sweeping robot system, the sweeping robot base station comprising a shell and a dust suction fan arranged in the shell; the shell has a dust collection cavity for communicating with a dust discharge port of a sweeping robot, and the dust suction fan is used for sucking garbage in the sweeping robot into the dust collection cavity through the dust discharge port; the outer side of the dust collection cavity has a heat exchange air duct, the air inlet of the heat exchange air duct communicates with the air outlet of the dust suction fan, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange air duct is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection cavity, so that the hot air discharged from the air outlet of the dust suction fan heats the dust collection cavity, the dust collection cavity is subjected to drying treatment, bacteria breeding and peculiar smell emission of garbage in the dust collection cavity are prevented to a certain extent, and user experience is improved. Meanwhile, the garbage in the dust collection cavity is subjected to drying treatment by using the working heat discharged from the dust suction fan, which is green, environment-friendly and energy-saving.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of robotic vacuum cleaner technology, and more particularly to a robotic vacuum cleaner base station and a robotic vacuum cleaner system. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a robot vacuum cleaner has a dust collection chamber inside its base station. The debris inside the robot vacuum cleaner enters the dust collection chamber through its dust outlet for temporary storage.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, the garbage, especially wet garbage, in the dust collection chamber is prone to bacterial growth and odor, causing great trouble to users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, or at least partially solve them, embodiments of the present invention provide a base station for a sweeping robot and a sweeping robot system.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a base station for a robotic vacuum cleaner, including a housing and a vacuum cleaner fan disposed within the housing; the housing has a dust collection chamber for communicating with the dust exhaust port of the robotic vacuum cleaner, and the vacuum cleaner fan is used to suck the debris inside the robotic vacuum cleaner into the dust collection chamber through the dust exhaust port; the outer side of the dust collection chamber has a heat exchange duct, the air inlet of the heat exchange duct is connected to the air exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner fan, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber, so that the hot air discharged from the air exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner fan heats the dust collection chamber and dries the dust collection chamber.

[0006] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station provided in this embodiment of the invention features a dust collection chamber and a vacuum fan within its housing, with a heat exchange duct located outside the dust collection chamber. The air inlet of this heat exchange duct connects to the exhaust outlet of the vacuum fan, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct makes heat exchange contact with the wall of the dust collection chamber, allowing hot air generated by the vacuum fan to enter the duct. Because the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct is in heat exchange contact with the wall of the dust collection chamber, the heat from the hot air in the duct is transferred to the wall of the dust collection chamber, heating it. As the temperature of the dust collection chamber rises, the debris inside is dried, preventing bacterial growth and odors, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, utilizing the heat from the vacuum fan's exhaust to dry the debris in the dust collection chamber is environmentally friendly and energy-saving.

[0007] Optionally, at least a portion of the heat exchange duct is located below the dust collection chamber, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct is in heat exchange contact with the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber.

[0008] When trash enters the dust collection chamber inside the robot vacuum cleaner's base station from the dust outlet, it accumulates from bottom to top at the bottom of the dust collection chamber. At least part of the heat exchange air duct is located below the dust collection chamber, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange air duct is in heat exchange contact with the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber. That is, the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner when it is working enters the heat exchange air duct below the dust collection chamber and heats it from the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber, which improves the drying efficiency of the trash drying process and further prevents the trash in the dust collection chamber from breeding bacteria and emitting odors.

[0009] Optionally, the heat exchange duct is curved and positioned below the dust collection chamber.

[0010] By bending the heat exchange duct, the path of the heat exchange duct is longer in the same space, which means that the hot air travels a longer path. This increases the contact area between the hot air and the dust collection chamber, improves the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber, and thus improves the drying efficiency of the waste. It also further avoids the growth of bacteria and the generation of odors in the waste in the dust collection chamber, resulting in a better user experience.

[0011] Optionally, the heat exchange duct includes at least a first duct section and a second duct section, the air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section, one end of the second duct section is connected to the other end of the first duct section, and the second duct section bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section in the direction from the other end of the first duct section to the air outlet of the heat exchange duct.

[0012] The structure is simple and easy to assemble. Optionally, a cover plate is provided below the dust collection chamber, at least part of which covers the bottom of the dust collection chamber, and the cover plate and the outer wall of the dust collection chamber form a heat exchange chamber, with the heat exchange air duct located inside the heat exchange chamber.

[0013] With this setup, a heat exchange chamber is formed below the dust collection chamber, and the heat exchange air duct is located inside the heat exchange chamber. This reduces the heat dissipation of the heat exchange air duct, improves the drying efficiency of the waste drying process, and prevents the waste from breeding bacteria and emitting odors in the dust collection chamber.

[0014] Optionally, a baffle is provided inside the heat exchange chamber, and the baffle defines the heat exchange air duct.

[0015] The heat exchange duct is defined within the heat exchange chamber by a partition, which guides the hot air discharged from the exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture. On the one hand, it can promptly discharge the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner during operation into the heat exchange duct, preventing the vacuum cleaner from overheating. On the other hand, it facilitates the circulation of hot air within the heat exchange chamber, achieving full contact between the heat in the hot air and the chamber wall of the dust collection chamber, improving the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the garbage. It further prevents the garbage in the dust collection chamber from breeding bacteria and causing odors, resulting in a good user experience.

[0016] Optionally, the baffle is bent within the heat exchange cavity so that the defined heat exchange duct is curved.

[0017] By bending the partition plate and setting it inside the heat exchange chamber to define a curved heat exchange air duct, the path of the heat exchange air duct can be made longer within the same space, that is, the hot air travels a longer path, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the dust collection chamber, improving the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the waste drying process. This further avoids the phenomenon of bacteria growth and heat dissipation odor in the waste in the dust collection chamber, resulting in a better user experience.

[0018] Optionally, the partition is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber and is integrally formed with the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber.

[0019] This design results in a simple structure, easy connection, good overall integrity, and high structural strength.

[0020] Optionally, the partition plate is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0021] This design increases the connection strength between the outer wall of the dust collection chamber and the partition, avoiding stress concentration and thus improving the structural stability of the heat exchange duct. It also ensures good safety in use and is simple in structure and easy to manufacture.

[0022] Optionally, a sealing element is also provided between the cover plate and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber.

[0023] This design further improves the sealing of the heat exchange duct, thereby reducing heat dissipation in the duct, increasing the drying efficiency of the waste, and preventing bacteria from growing and emitting odors in the dust collection chamber.

[0024] Optionally, the heat exchange duct is curved and disposed below the dust collection chamber; the heat exchange duct includes a first duct section and a second duct section, the air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section, one end of the second duct section is connected to the other end of the first duct section, and the second duct section bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section in the direction from the other end of the first duct section to the air outlet of the heat exchange duct; the sealing element includes a first sealing section and a second sealing section connected together, the first sealing section surrounding the outer edge of the first duct section, and the second sealing section surrounding the outer edge of the second duct section.

[0025] This design further improves the sealing effect, thereby increasing the heat exchange efficiency.

[0026] Optionally, the air outlet of the heat exchange duct is located away from the air inlet.

[0027] This design extends the flow time of hot air in the heat exchange duct, resulting in a longer contact time between the hot air and the dust collection chamber. This improves the heat exchange efficiency between the hot air and the dust collection chamber, further enhancing the drying efficiency of the waste in the dust collection chamber.

[0028] Optionally, the diameter of the air outlet of the heat exchange duct is smaller than the diameter of the air inlet.

[0029] With this configuration, the air volume entering from the air inlet is greater than the air volume exiting from the air outlet, thereby prolonging the residence time of hot air in the heat exchange duct, further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the hot air and the dust collection chamber, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the waste in the dust collection chamber.

[0030] Optionally, a heat-conducting element is provided between the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber, and the heat-conducting element is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber.

[0031] This design improves heat conduction between the hot air and the walls of the dust collection chamber, thus increasing the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber and consequently improving the drying efficiency of the waste. Simultaneously, the heat-conducting components also help to concentrate heat, preventing heat dissipation and reducing heat loss, further enhancing the drying efficiency of the waste.

[0032] Optionally, the robot vacuum cleaner base station further includes a controller and a humidity sensor disposed in the dust collection chamber; the vacuum cleaner fan and the humidity sensor are electrically connected to the controller; the humidity detector is used to detect the humidity of the debris in the dust collection chamber, and the controller is used to control the working state of the vacuum cleaner fan according to the humidity signal detected by the humidity detector.

[0033] With this setup, the humidity sensor can detect the real-time humidity of the waste in the dust collection chamber. When the humidity of the waste is within the preset range (i.e., the waste is wet), the controller drives the vacuum fan to start, thus drying the waste in the dust collection chamber. When the humidity of the waste is outside the preset range (i.e., the waste is dry), the vacuum fan does not operate, thus preventing the waste in the dust collection chamber from being heated. This design is highly intelligent, environmentally friendly, and to a certain extent avoids energy waste, improving the user experience.

[0034] Optionally, a dust bag for holding the waste is fitted inside the dust collection chamber.

[0035] A dust bag is installed inside the dust collection chamber. The garbage from the robot vacuum cleaner enters the dust bag through the dust outlet. If cleaning is needed, the user only needs to take the dust bag containing the garbage out of the dust collection chamber and throw it away, which avoids secondary pollution, facilitates the replacement and cleaning of garbage, and improves the user experience.

[0036] Optionally, the housing has a dust collection box, and the inner cavity of the dust collection box is formed as the dust collection chamber.

[0037] Optionally, the housing is provided with a return air inlet, and the air outlet of the heat exchange duct is connected to the return air inlet.

[0038] This design allows the air discharged from the heat exchange duct to be reused in the return air system connected to the return air inlet, making it green, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient.

[0039] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a sweeping robot system, including a sweeping robot and a sweeping robot base station as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[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, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the first perspective of the robot vacuum cleaner base station described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the second perspective of the robotic vacuum cleaner base station described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3This is a third-view isometric view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a side view of the robot vacuum cleaner base station described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Among them, 1. Dust collection chamber; 2. Heat exchange air duct; 21. First air duct section; 22. Second air duct section; 3. Dust collection box; 4. Partition plate; 5. Sealing element; 51. First sealing section; 52. Second sealing section; 6. Cover plate; 7. Exhaust pipe; 8. Dust inlet pipe; 81. Dust inlet; 9. Dust suction fan. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be further described below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0048] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments in the specification are only some embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0049] A robotic vacuum cleaner, also known as an automatic cleaning machine, intelligent vacuum cleaner, or robotic vacuum cleaner, is a type of smart home appliance that uses artificial intelligence to move automatically on the ground and suck up dust and other debris into its dustbin, thus completing the function of cleaning the floor.

[0050] To ensure continuous operation, robotic vacuum cleaners typically have a base station, which includes a dust collection chamber and a suction fan. When the robotic vacuum cleaner docks with the base station, its exhaust port connects to the dust collection chamber. Once the robotic vacuum cleaner is full of dust and debris, it automatically moves to the base station and docks. At this point, the suction fan draws the debris from the robotic vacuum cleaner through the exhaust port into the dust collection chamber within the base station for temporary storage.

[0051] However, in existing technologies, the garbage, especially wet garbage, in the dust collection chamber is prone to bacterial growth and odor, causing great trouble to users.

[0052] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a robot vacuum cleaner base station and a robot vacuum cleaner system, which can dry the garbage in the dust collection chamber of the base station, thereby preventing bacteria from growing and emitting odors in the garbage in the dust collection chamber to a certain extent, and improving the user experience.

[0053] The following detailed explanation and description of the robot vacuum cleaner base station and robot vacuum cleaner system are provided through specific embodiments:

[0054] Example 1

[0055] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a base station for a sweeping robot (hereinafter referred to as the base station). The base station includes a housing (not shown) and a vacuum cleaner 9 disposed in the housing. The housing has a dust collection chamber 1 for communicating with the dust exhaust port of the sweeping robot. The vacuum cleaner 9 is used to suck the garbage in the sweeping robot into the dust collection chamber 1 through the dust exhaust port.

[0056] The dust collection chamber 1 includes an exhaust port, and the suction port of the vacuum cleaner 9 is connected to the exhaust port of the dust collection chamber 1. The exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner 9 is connected to the outside of the base station casing or to the return air port on the base station. When the robot vacuum cleaner docks with the base station, the exhaust port of the robot vacuum cleaner connects to the dust collection chamber 1, and the vacuum cleaner 9 draws air from the dust collection chamber 1 by creating a vacuum, thereby creating a negative pressure in the dust collection chamber 1 and drawing the debris from the robot vacuum cleaner into the dust collection chamber 1.

[0057] Typically, a filter is installed between the air intake of the vacuum cleaner 9 and the exhaust port of the dust collection chamber 1 to prevent debris in the dust collection chamber 1 from entering the vacuum cleaner 9, thus ensuring good safety.

[0058] In practice, the walls of the dust collection chamber 12 can be made of materials with good thermal conductivity, such as ABS plastic, reinforced polypropylene, and aluminum alloy.

[0059] In some embodiments, the housing has a hollow inner cavity, which forms a dust collection chamber 1. In practical use, a dust bag for holding debris can be fitted inside the dust collection chamber 1. By placing a dust bag inside the dust collection chamber 1, debris inside the robot vacuum cleaner is sucked into the dust bag through the dust outlet. If cleaning is required, the user simply removes the dust bag containing debris from the dust collection chamber 1 and discards it, avoiding secondary pollution, facilitating debris replacement and cleaning, and improving the user experience.

[0060] In other embodiments, the housing includes a dust collection box 3, and the inner cavity of the dust collection box 3 forms a dust collection chamber 1. In actual use, debris inside the robot vacuum cleaner can be sucked into the dust collection box 3 through the dust outlet. Alternatively, a dust bag for holding debris can be fitted inside the dust collection box 3 for easy cleaning and maintenance.

[0061] When the robot vacuum cleaner and the base station use internal circulation, a return air vent is usually set on the shell. The air outlet of the heat exchange air duct 2 is connected to the return air vent. This setting allows the air discharged from the heat exchange air duct 2 to enter the return air system connected to the return air vent for reuse, which is green and environmentally friendly and has a high energy utilization rate.

[0062] It should be noted that the outlet and return air inlet of the heat exchange duct 2 are connected. Specifically, the outlet of the heat exchange duct 2 can be directly connected to the return air inlet on the base station, or the outlet of the heat exchange duct 2 can be connected to the return air inlet on the base station through an exhaust pipe 7. That is, one end of the exhaust pipe 7 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange duct 2, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 7 is connected to the return air inlet on the base station.

[0063] Typically, the dust collection chamber 1 has a dust inlet 81 for communicating with the dust exhaust port of the robotic vacuum cleaner, see reference. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, for example, the dust inlet 81 can be located at the upper part of the dust collection chamber 1. When the robot vacuum cleaner is docked with the base station, the robot vacuum cleaner's exhaust port can be directly connected to the dust inlet 81 on the dust collection chamber 1. Of course, the robot vacuum cleaner's exhaust port and the dust inlet 81 on the dust collection chamber 1 can also be connected through a dust inlet pipe 8. It can be understood that one end of the dust inlet pipe 8 is connected to the robot vacuum cleaner's exhaust port, and the other end of the dust inlet pipe 8 is connected to the dust inlet 81 on the dust collection chamber 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the outer side of the dust collection chamber 1 has a heat exchange air duct 2. The air inlet of the heat exchange air duct 2 is connected to the air outlet of the dust collector 9, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange air duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, so that the hot air discharged from the air outlet of the dust collector 9 heats the dust collection chamber 1 and dries the dust collection chamber 1.

[0065] Among them, reference Figure 1 As shown by the dotted line with arrows, the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner 9 during operation enters the heat exchange duct 2 through the exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner 9 and the inlet of the heat exchange duct 2, and flows along the extension direction of the heat exchange duct 2. While the hot air flows in the heat exchange duct 2, it exchanges heat with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, thereby heating the dust collection chamber 1. The temperature of the dust collection chamber 1 rises, which can then dry the garbage located inside it.

[0066] In addition, the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1. That is to say, heat can be transferred between the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, so that the hot air discharged from the vacuum cleaner 9 into the heat exchange duct 2 can be transferred to the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1. Therefore, the heat in the hot air can be transferred to the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, thereby heating the dust collection chamber 1. The temperature of the dust collection chamber 1 rises, which can then dry the garbage located inside it.

[0067] It should be noted that the heat exchange contact between the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 is specifically understood as: the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in direct contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, or the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 are indirectly connected through an intermediate component with heat conduction properties to achieve heat transfer.

[0068] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station provided in this embodiment of the invention features a dust collection chamber 1 and a vacuum cleaner fan 9 within its housing. A heat exchange duct 2 is located outside the dust collection chamber 1, with its inlet connected to the exhaust outlet of the vacuum cleaner fan 9. The inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the wall of the dust collection chamber 1, allowing hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner fan 9 to enter the duct. Because the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the wall of the dust collection chamber 1, the heat from the hot air in the duct 2 is transferred to the wall of the dust collection chamber 1, thus heating the chamber. As the temperature of the dust collection chamber 1 rises, the debris inside is dried, preventing bacterial growth and odors, thus improving the user experience. Furthermore, utilizing the heat from the vacuum cleaner fan 9 to dry the debris in the dust collection chamber 1 is environmentally friendly and energy-saving.

[0069] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat exchange duct 2 is located below the dust collection chamber 1, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1.

[0070] In practice, a heat exchange duct 2 can be provided only below the dust collection chamber 1, and the heat exchange duct 2 can make heat exchange contact with the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1.

[0071] Of course, heat exchange ducts 2 can also be provided at the bottom and side of the dust collection chamber 1. The heat exchange duct 2 at the bottom of the dust collection chamber 1 is in heat exchange contact with the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1, and the heat exchange duct 2 at the side of the dust collection chamber 1 is in heat exchange contact with the side wall of the dust collection chamber 1.

[0072] When the garbage enters the dust collection chamber 1 inside the robot vacuum cleaner's base station from the dust exhaust port, it accumulates from bottom to top at the bottom of the dust collection chamber 1. At least part of the heat exchange air duct 2 is located below the dust collection chamber 1, and the inner cavity of the heat exchange air duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1. That is, the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner fan 9 when it is working enters the heat exchange air duct 2 below the dust collection chamber 1 and heats it from the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1, which improves the drying efficiency of the garbage drying process and further prevents the garbage in the dust collection chamber 1 from breeding bacteria and emitting odors.

[0073] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the heat exchange duct 2 is curved and positioned below the dust collection chamber 1.

[0074] By bending the heat exchange duct 2, the path size of the heat exchange duct 2 is longer in the same space. In other words, the hot air travels a longer path, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the dust collection chamber 1, improving the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber 1, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the waste. This further avoids the growth of bacteria and the generation of odors in the waste in the dust collection chamber 1, resulting in a better user experience.

[0075] For specific implementation, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange duct 2 includes at least a first duct section 21 and a second duct section 22. The air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section 21, and one end of the second duct section 22 is connected to the other end of the first duct section 21. The second duct section 22 bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section 21 in the direction from the other end of the first duct section 21 to the air inlet. The structure is simple and easy to assemble.

[0076] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 As shown, each section of the heat exchange duct 2 is located in the same plane. By making each section of the heat exchange duct 2 located in the same plane, the space occupied by the heat exchange duct 2 is reduced to a certain extent, enabling the robot vacuum cleaner base station to develop towards a smaller size and occupy less space.

[0077] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a cover plate 6 is provided below the dust collection chamber 1. At least part of the cover plate 6 covers the bottom of the dust collection chamber 1, and the cover plate 6 and the outer wall of the dust collection chamber 1 form a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange air duct 2 is located inside the heat exchange chamber.

[0078] With this configuration, a heat exchange chamber is formed below the dust collection chamber 1, and the heat exchange duct 2 is located inside the heat exchange chamber. This reduces the heat dissipation of the heat exchange duct 2, improves the drying efficiency of the waste drying process, and prevents the waste from breeding bacteria and emitting odors in the dust collection chamber 1.

[0079] The cover plate 6 can be part of the base station housing. Alternatively, the cover plate 6 can be installed inside the base station housing to enclose the dust collection chamber 1 to form a heat exchange chamber for accommodating the heat exchange air duct 2.

[0080] In addition, the partition 4 can be, for example, a heat-insulating steel plate, a heat-insulating plate made of glass fiber and high heat-resistant composite materials, etc.

[0081] In practice, the cover plate 6 can be detachably connected to the wall of the dust collection chamber 1 by fasteners such as bolts. This facilitates the installation and disassembly of the heat exchange duct 2. Furthermore, if the heat exchange duct 2 or the dust collection chamber 1 is damaged and needs to be replaced or repaired, the cover plate 6 can be opened for replacement or repair without replacing the entire base station, thus saving costs.

[0082] In other embodiments, the cover plate 6 may also be bonded to the lower part of the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 by structural adhesive.

[0083] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a baffle 4 is provided inside the heat exchange chamber, and the baffle 4 defines the heat exchange air duct 2.

[0084] The heat exchange duct 2 is defined within the heat exchange chamber by the partition 4, which guides the hot air discharged from the exhaust port of the vacuum cleaner 9. The structure is simple and easy to manufacture. On the one hand, it can promptly discharge the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner 9 into the heat exchange duct 2, preventing the vacuum cleaner 9 from overheating. On the other hand, it facilitates the flow of hot air within the heat exchange chamber, achieving full contact between the heat in the hot air and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, improving the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber 1, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the garbage. It further prevents the growth of bacteria and the generation of odors in the garbage within the dust collection chamber 1, resulting in a better user experience.

[0085] Among them, the partition 4 can be a heat-insulating silicone board, a heat-insulating extruded board, etc.

[0086] In other implementations, the heat exchange duct 2 can also be a prefabricated duct with thermal insulation properties.

[0087] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the baffle 4 is bent inside the heat exchange chamber so that the defined heat exchange duct 2 is bent.

[0088] The partition 4 is bent and set inside the heat exchange chamber to define a curved heat exchange air duct 2. In the same space, the path of the heat exchange air duct 2 can be longer, that is, the hot air passage path is longer, thereby increasing the contact area between the hot air and the dust collection chamber 1, improving the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber 1, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the garbage drying process. This further avoids the phenomenon of bacteria growth and heat dissipation odor in the garbage in the dust collection chamber 1, resulting in a better user experience.

[0089] In some embodiments, the partition 4 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1 and is integrally formed with the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber 1. The structure is simple, easy to connect, has good integrity, and high structural strength.

[0090] In practice, reinforcing ribs can be provided on the partition plate 4 to increase the connection strength between the outer wall of the dust collection chamber 1 and the partition plate 4, avoid stress concentration, thereby improving the structural stability of the heat exchange duct 2, ensuring good safety in use, and at the same time, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0091] In some embodiments, reference Figures 1 to 3As shown, a sealing element 5 is also provided between the cover plate 6 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, which further improves the sealing performance of the heat exchange duct 2, thereby reducing the heat dissipation of the heat exchange duct 2, improving the drying efficiency of the garbage drying process, and preventing the garbage from breeding bacteria and emitting odors in the dust collection chamber 1.

[0092] The shape of the sealing element 5 matches the shape of the joint between the cover plate 6 and the wall of the dust collection chamber 1, resulting in good sealing performance.

[0093] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange duct 2 is curved and disposed below the dust collection chamber 1. The heat exchange duct 2 includes a first duct section 21 and a second duct section 22. The air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section 21, and one end of the second duct section 22 is connected to the other end of the first duct section 21. The second duct section 22 bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section 21 in the direction from the other end of the first duct section 21 to the air inlet. The sealing element 5 includes a first sealing section 51 and a second sealing section 52 connected to each other. The first sealing section 51 surrounds the outer edge of the first duct section 21, and the second sealing section 52 surrounds the outer edge of the second duct section 22, which further improves the sealing effect and thus improves the heat exchange efficiency.

[0094] The first air duct section 21 and the second air duct section 22 can be integrally molded, resulting in good integrity, high structural strength, and good sealing. Of course, the first air duct section 21 and the second air duct section 22 can also be connected together by bolts or structural adhesive. The configuration can be arbitrarily set according to the specific application, and no further restrictions are imposed here.

[0095] The shape of the first sealing section 51 matches the shape of the first air duct section 21, and the shape of the second sealing section 52 matches the shape of the second air duct section 22. In specific assembly, the first sealing section 51 is fitted and sleeved on the outer edge of the first air duct section 21, and the second sealing section 52 is fitted and sleeved on the outer edge of the second air duct section 22. The first sealing section 51 and the second sealing section 52 are integrally formed or bonded together by adhesive.

[0096] In some embodiments, the air outlet of the heat exchange duct 2 is located far from the air inlet. This design extends the circulation time of hot air in the heat exchange duct 2, making the contact time between hot air and dust collection chamber 1 longer, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency between hot air and dust collection chamber 1, and further improving the drying efficiency of drying the garbage in dust collection chamber 1.

[0097] In practice, the air outlet is located at one end of the heat exchange duct 2, and the air inlet is located at the other end of the heat exchange duct 2. That is, the air outlet and the air inlet are located at two opposite ends of the heat exchange duct 2.

[0098] In some embodiments, the diameter of the outlet of the heat exchange duct 2 is smaller than the diameter of the inlet. With this design, the air volume entering from the inlet is greater than the air volume exiting from the outlet, thereby prolonging the accumulation and residence time of hot air in the heat exchange duct 2, further improving the heat exchange efficiency between the hot air and the dust collection chamber 1, and thus improving the drying efficiency of the waste in the dust collection chamber 1.

[0099] In some embodiments, a heat-conducting element is provided between the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, and the heat-conducting element is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1. That is, the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 achieve heat exchange contact through the heat-conducting element. Specifically, the heat of the hot air in the heat exchange duct 2 is transferred to the heat-conducting element, and then transferred to the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, thereby heating the waste in the dust collection chamber 1. By providing the heat-conducting element, the heat conduction between the hot air and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 is improved, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the hot air in the dust collection chamber 1, and consequently improving the drying efficiency of the waste drying process.

[0100] In practice, the side of the heat-conducting component facing the dust collection chamber 1 is matched with the shape of the chamber wall of the dust collection chamber 1 so that the two fit tightly together and improve the heat transfer efficiency.

[0101] Among them, the heat-conducting component can be, for example, thermally conductive silicone coated on the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, or it can be a metal heat-conducting component such as an aluminum plate disposed between the heat exchange duct 2 and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1.

[0102] This design improves heat conduction between the hot air and the walls of the dust collection chamber 1, thus increasing the heating efficiency of the dust collection chamber 1 and consequently improving the drying efficiency of the waste. Simultaneously, the heat-conducting components also help to concentrate heat, preventing heat dissipation and reducing heat loss, further enhancing the drying efficiency of the waste.

[0103] In some embodiments, the robot vacuum cleaner base station also includes a controller (not shown) and a humidity sensor disposed in the dust collection chamber 1; the vacuum cleaner fan 9 and the humidity sensor are electrically connected to the controller; the humidity detector is used to detect the humidity of the garbage in the dust collection chamber 1, and the controller is used to control the working state of the vacuum cleaner fan 9 according to the humidity signal detected by the humidity detector.

[0104] With this setup, the humidity sensor can detect the real-time humidity of the waste in the dust collection chamber 1. When the humidity of the waste is within the preset range, i.e., the waste is wet, the controller drives the vacuum fan 9 to start. The hot air generated by the vacuum fan 9 enters the heat exchange duct and comes into heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1 to dry the waste in the dust collection chamber 1. When the humidity of the waste is not within the preset range, i.e., the waste is dry, the vacuum fan 9 does not work and therefore does not heat the waste in the dust collection chamber 1. This design is highly intelligent, environmentally friendly, and can avoid energy waste to a certain extent, improving the user experience.

[0105] Example 2

[0106] This embodiment also provides a sweeping robot system, which includes a sweeping robot and a sweeping robot base station as described above.

[0107] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station in this embodiment has the same specific structure and implementation principle as the robotic vacuum cleaner base station provided in the above embodiments, and can bring the same or similar technical effects. It will not be described in detail here, but can be referred to the description of the above embodiments.

[0108] In some embodiments, a parking space is provided on the base station. When the sweeping robot runs to the parking space on the base station, the sweeping robot docks with the base station. At this time, the dust exhaust port on the sweeping robot is connected to the dust collection chamber 1 in the base station. The vacuum fan 9 can suck the garbage in the sweeping robot into the dust collection chamber 1 of the base station for temporary storage so that the sweeping robot can continue to operate.

[0109] The robotic vacuum cleaner base station provided in this embodiment of the invention features a dust collection chamber 1 and a vacuum cleaner fan 9 within its housing, and a heat exchange duct 2 on the outside of the dust collection chamber 1. The air inlet of the heat exchange duct 2 is connected to the exhaust outlet of the vacuum cleaner fan 9, allowing the hot air generated by the vacuum cleaner fan 9 to enter the heat exchange duct 2. Since the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct 2 is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, the heat from the hot air in the heat exchange duct 2 can be transferred to the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber 1, thereby heating the dust collection chamber 1. As the temperature of the dust collection chamber 1 rises, the debris inside can be dried, preventing bacterial growth and odor emission to a certain extent, thus improving the user experience. Simultaneously, utilizing the heat from the vacuum cleaner fan 9 to dry the debris in the dust collection chamber 1 is environmentally friendly and saves energy.

[0110] In other embodiments, the base station can also automatically charge the robot vacuum cleaner, replenish clean water, vacuum up wastewater, and clean up hair, thereby enabling comprehensive maintenance of the robot vacuum cleaner, improving the convenience of maintenance, and thus enhancing the user experience.

[0111] In practice, the base station can also provide route guidance for the sweeping robot, demonstrating a high degree of intelligent integration.

[0112] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0113] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features of the embodiments of the invention herein.

Claims

1. A base station for a robotic vacuum cleaner, characterized in that, Includes a housing and a vacuum fan (9) disposed within the housing; The housing has a dust collection chamber (1) for communicating with the dust outlet of the sweeping robot. The vacuum fan (9) is used to suck the garbage in the sweeping robot into the dust collection chamber (1) through the dust outlet. The outer side of the dust collection chamber (1) has a heat exchange air duct (2), the air inlet of the heat exchange air duct (2) is connected to the air outlet of the dust collector (9), and the inner cavity of the heat exchange air duct (2) is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber (1) so that the hot air discharged from the air outlet of the dust collector (9) heats the dust collection chamber (1) and dries the dust collection chamber (1); At least part of the heat exchange duct (2) is located below the dust collection chamber (1), and the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct (2) is in heat exchange contact with the bottom wall of the dust collection chamber (1); A cover plate (6) is provided below the dust collection chamber (1), at least part of the cover plate (6) covers the bottom of the dust collection chamber (1), and the cover plate (6) and the outer wall of the dust collection chamber (1) form a heat exchange chamber, and the heat exchange air duct (2) is located inside the heat exchange chamber.

2. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange duct (2) is curved and located below the dust collection chamber (1).

3. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange duct (2) includes at least a first duct section (21) and a second duct section (22); the air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section (21), one end of the second duct section (22) is connected to the other end of the first duct section (21), and the second duct section (22) bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section (21) in the direction from the other end of the first duct section (21) to the air inlet; And / or, the sections of the heat exchange duct (2) are located in the same plane.

4. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A partition (4) is provided inside the heat exchange chamber, and the partition (4) defines the heat exchange air duct (2).

5. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 4, characterized in that, The partition (4) is bent and disposed in the heat exchange cavity so that the defined heat exchange duct (2) is bent; And / or, the partition (4) is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber (1) and is integrally formed with the outer bottom wall of the dust collection chamber (1); And / or, the partition (4) is provided with reinforcing ribs.

6. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element (5) is also provided between the cover plate (6) and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber (1).

7. The robot vacuum cleaner base station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat exchange duct (2) is curved and disposed below the dust collection chamber (1); the heat exchange duct (2) includes at least a first duct section (21) and a second duct section (22), the air inlet is located at one end of the first duct section (21), one end of the second duct section (22) is connected to the other end of the first duct section (21), and the second duct section (22) bends and extends away from the other end of the first duct section (21) in the direction from the other end of the first duct section (21) to the air inlet; The sealing element (5) includes a first sealing section (51) and a second sealing section (52) connected together. The first sealing section (51) surrounds the outer edge of the first air duct section (21), and the second sealing section (52) surrounds the outer edge of the second air duct section (22).

8. The robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The outlet of the heat exchange duct (2) is located away from the inlet; And / or, the diameter of the outlet of the heat exchange duct (2) is smaller than the diameter of the inlet.

9. The robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, A heat-conducting element is provided between the inner cavity of the heat exchange duct (2) and the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber (1), and the heat-conducting element is in heat exchange contact with the cavity wall of the dust collection chamber (1).

10. The robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The robot vacuum cleaner base station also includes a controller and a humidity sensor installed in the dust collection chamber (1); The vacuum cleaner (9) and the humidity sensor are electrically connected to the controller, respectively; The humidity sensor is used to detect the humidity of the garbage in the dust collection chamber (1), and the controller is used to control the working state of the vacuum fan (9) according to the humidity signal detected by the humidity sensor.

11. The robotic vacuum cleaner base station according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The dust collection chamber (1) is fitted with a dust bag for holding the garbage; And / or, the housing has a dust collection box (3), the inner cavity of the dust collection box (3) is formed as the dust collection chamber (1); And / or, the housing is provided with a return air inlet, and the air outlet of the heat exchange duct (2) is connected to the return air inlet.

12. A robotic vacuum cleaner system, characterized in that, This includes a robotic vacuum cleaner and a robotic vacuum cleaner base station as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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