A separation module for a robot vacuum cleaner and a robot vacuum cleaner

Abstract

The application relates to a separating module for a sweeper and the sweeper. The separating module comprises a separating element for separating dust and liquid at least, a roller below the shell, and a linkage assembly. The separating element is below the air outlet and opens the air outlet when the roller is in contact with the ground to be cleaned. The power input end of the linkage assembly is connected with the roller, and the power output end is connected with the separating element, so as to drive the separating element to move in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the roller when the roller moves up and down. The first elastic element acts on the roller and is in the energy storage state when the roller is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, so that the roller always has the tendency to move downward and then drives the separating element to move upward to close the air outlet. The water in the chamber is prevented from entering the fan when the sweeper is lifted or tilted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of household washing and cleaning, specifically relating to a separation module for a sweeping machine and the sweeping machine itself. Background Technology

[0002] Sweeping machines suck up a mixture of dust and moisture from the ground into their internal cavity. To separate the dust particles and moisture mixture, sweeping machines typically use a separation device.

[0003] Current robotic vacuum cleaners, such as the Chinese utility model patent "Vortex Filtration Separation System and Sweeping Robot and Equipment," patent application number ZL201921208546.0 (authorization announcement number CN210612041U), disclose a vortex filtration separation system, including a filter structure with a vortex channel cavity, a dust box structure embedded in the filter structure, a mesh support for connecting the filter structure and the dust box structure, and a HEPA support mounted on the dust box structure; the dust box structure has an installation cavity, a dust chamber communicating with the installation cavity, an air inlet communicating with the installation cavity, and an air outlet communicating with the dust chamber; the mesh support is equipped with a mesh, and the HEPA support is equipped with a HEPA filter; the filter structure is installed in the installation cavity, the vortex channel cavity includes a starting end and an ending end, and a plurality of outlets located between the starting end and the ending end; the starting end of the vortex channel cavity is connected to the air inlet, the outlet of the vortex channel cavity is connected to the dust chamber through the mesh support, and the ending end of the vortex channel cavity is connected to the dust chamber. The aforementioned separation module achieves the separation of water and dust particles. However, when the user picks up the sweeper from the ground or the sweeper tipes over, the water in the separation chamber will flow into the fan, causing the motor in the fan to malfunction.

[0004] Therefore, further improvements are needed to the existing sweeping machines. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a separation module for the sweeper that prevents water in the chamber from entering the fan when the sweeper is picked up or tilted, in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a separation module that ensures the air outlet is open during the obstacle crossing process of a sweeping robot.

[0007] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sweeper that prevents water in the chamber from flowing out to the ground through the cleaning module when the sweeper is picked up or tilted.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: a separation module for a sweeping machine, comprising: The housing has an interior chamber for communicating with the cleaning module of the sweeper, the chamber having an exhaust port for fluid communication with the blower of the sweeper; A separator, used at least to separate dust and liquid, is located within the chamber; Its characteristic is that it further includes: The roller is located below the housing and is arranged to move up and down relative to the housing. When the roller is in contact with the floor to be cleaned, the separator is located below the exhaust vent and opens the exhaust vent. The linkage component has its power input end connected to the roller and its power output end connected to the separator, and is used to drive the separator to move in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the roller when the roller moves up and down; The first elastic element acts on the roller. When the roller is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the first elastic element is in an energy storage state, so that the roller always has the tendency to move downward and then drive the separating element to move upward and close the exhaust port.

[0009] There are various structural forms of the linkage assembly. It can be in the form of a lever (with a roller connected to one end of the lever and a separator connected to the other end of the lever), or it can be in the form of two vertical rods and a wedge block located between the two vertical rods. Other forms are also possible. However, preferably, the linkage assembly includes a first link, a second link, and a linkage member for moving the first link and the second link in opposite directions in the vertical direction. The first link and the second link are both arranged vertically, and the lower end of the first link is connected to the roller, the upper end of the second link is connected to the separator, the power input end of the linkage member is driven and connected to the first link, and the power output end of the linkage member is driven and connected to the second link.

[0010] The linkage can be in the form of a wedge (with an inclined surface), a lever, or a pull rope. However, preferably, the linkage is a gear located between the first link and the second link, and both the first link and the second link have rack portions on their surfaces facing the gear that mesh with the gear.

[0011] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: when the roller is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the gear is located below the rack portion of the first connecting rod and there is a gap between the gear and the rack portion of the first connecting rod; when the roller is in a non-contact, off-ground state with the ground to be cleaned, the rack portion of the first connecting rod meshes with the gear.

[0012] In order to make the first link and the second link move only in the vertical direction, a connecting seat fixed relative to the housing is also included. The connecting seat has a first slot extending vertically at the position corresponding to the first link and a second slot extending vertically at the position corresponding to the second link. The first link is slidably limited in the first slot in the vertical direction, and the second link is slidably limited in the second slot in the vertical direction.

[0013] Preferably, the first elastic element is disposed between the connecting seat and the roller, and is a spring located on the periphery of the first connecting rod.

[0014] To reduce the contact between sewage and the linkage assembly and elastic element within the chamber, an opening is provided on the bottom wall of the housing for the roller to pass through downwards. The periphery of the opening extends upwards to form an annular channel. The separating member is located above the annular channel, and at least a portion of the first elastic element and linkage assembly is located within the annular channel.

[0015] The surface where the exhaust vent is located can be arranged vertically or horizontally, but preferably, the surface where the exhaust vent is located is arranged horizontally, and the separator is a separator plate that cooperates with the surface where the exhaust vent is located.

[0016] To improve the separation capability of wastewater, dust, and other debris, a ring-shaped component is installed within the chamber. This ring-shaped component is vertically arranged, and its annular wall surrounds the exhaust port, forming a flow channel that communicates with the exhaust port. A separation plate is located within this flow channel, and a gap is maintained between the outer peripheral wall of the separation plate and the inner wall of the ring-shaped component to allow airflow. Due to the presence of the ring-shaped component, the airflow entering the chamber flows along it and collides with it for separation.

[0017] To further improve the separation capability, the inner wall of the annular component is provided with laterally extending blocking portions. There are at least two blocking portions, arranged at circumferential intervals, and the blocking portions enclose an area for the separating component to pass through. The presence of the blocking portions can further intercept and block the rotating airflow that has been deflected and turned by the annular component, thereby achieving further deflection and separation of water particles.

[0018] Preferably, the outer peripheral wall of the annular component is provided with a baffle extending laterally outward. The presence of the baffle allows the airflow to separate upon collision with it.

[0019] More preferably, the baffle wall gradually slopes outward from top to bottom.

[0020] Preferably, the annular component's ring wall comprises a first contraction section and a second contraction section from top to bottom. The first contraction section gradually contracts inward from top to bottom, and the second contraction section gradually contracts inward from the lower circumference of the first contraction section from top to bottom. The cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow entering the annular component's flow channel gradually increases, resulting in a greater amount of airflow passing through after separation.

[0021] To ensure timely drainage of wastewater from the chamber, the housing is equipped with a drainage channel communicating with the chamber. This drainage channel is vertically arranged, with its top opening serving as a drainage outlet. A baffle is installed at the drainage outlet, designed to rotate within the plane of the outlet to open or close it. The baffle prevents debris from flowing out of the drainage outlet when the sweeper tilts over.

[0022] In order to guide the sewage, the bottom surface of the chamber is partially inclined from top to bottom towards the sewage discharge channel.

[0023] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a sweeper having the aforementioned separation module, characterized in that: the housing has an air inlet channel connecting the chamber and the cleaning module of the sweeper; the air inlet channel is provided with a baffle plate that can rotate relative to the air inlet channel to open or block the air inlet channel; the baffle plate has a first state in which the air inlet channel is open when the bottom of the sweeper is placed on the ground to be cleaned, and a second state in which the air inlet channel is blocked when the bottom of the sweeper is at least partially detached from the ground to be cleaned. Thus, the air inlet channel is open when the sweeper is working normally, and closed when not working, preventing the sweeper from tipping over and causing internal debris to flow onto the ground through the cleaning module when not in operation.

[0024] There are several ways to achieve the rotation of the wind deflector; it can be achieved using a motor or a drive wheel assembly as the power source. However, the preferred method is... It also includes an organism and a transmission assembly for rotating the baffle to open or close the air intake channel. The separation module is fixed to the body. The body is provided with a drive wheel assembly for moving the body forward. The first side of the drive wheel assembly is rotatably mounted on the body so that the second side of the drive wheel assembly swings up and down relative to the body. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly is in full contact with the ground, its second side is in an upward movement state. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly is out of contact with the ground under the action of an external force, its second side is in a downward movement state. The power input end of the drive wheel assembly is driven and connected to the transmission assembly, so that when the second side of the drive wheel assembly is in an upward movement state, it drives the baffle to rotate to a first state, and when the second side of the drive wheel assembly is in a downward movement state, it drives the baffle to rotate to a second state.

[0025] To protect the drive wheel assembly, the body includes a bottom shell and a cover. The bottom shell has a through-hole for the drive wheel assembly to pass through partially downwards. The cover covers the bottom shell at the position corresponding to the through-hole and forms a space for accommodating the drive wheel assembly between the cover and the bottom shell.

[0026] Preferably, the wind deflector is installed in the air intake channel via a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft being at least partially located outside the air intake channel and arranged adjacent to the transmission assembly, the portion of the rotating shaft outside the air intake channel being drivenly connected to the transmission assembly.

[0027] The transmission assembly can have various structural forms. It can employ a rack and pinion mechanism, specifically, with the rack arranged vertically and moving up and down under the drive of the drive wheel assembly, and the gear mounted on the rotating shaft and meshing with the rack. Other forms are also possible, but preferably, the outer wall of the rotating shaft extends laterally to form an extension rod located outside the air inlet channel. The transmission assembly includes: A vertical rod is arranged vertically, with its upper end located above the cover and its lower end connected to the top surface of the drive wheel assembly, and moves up and down under the drive of the drive wheel assembly; A crossbar, located above the cover and arranged along the length of the pivot, is rotatably disposed on the upper surface of the cover near its middle position. Its first end is rotatably connected to the upper end of the vertical bar, and its second end can act on the extension rod near its free end and drive the second end of the extension rod to move up and down, thereby causing the pivot to rotate.

[0028] There are several ways to make the crossbar drive the second end of the extension rod to move up and down. One of the ways is to connect the second end of the crossbar to the upper part of the extension rod.

[0029] The second implementation method is as follows: a groove extending along the length direction is provided on the extension rod, and the transmission assembly includes: A rotating component, located outside the cover, has a first end with a protrusion that slides within a groove in the extension rod, and a second end rotatably connected to the second end of the crossbar. The second end of the rotating component moves vertically under the influence of the crossbar, thereby rotating the shaft. The extension rod can extend forward and backward or horizontally.

[0030] In order for the second side of the drive wheel assembly to move downward when the drive wheel assembly is off the ground, a second elastic member is also included, which acts on the drive wheel assembly, is in an energy storage state during the contact between the second side of the drive wheel assembly and the ground to be cleaned, and in the energy storage state always gives the second side of the drive wheel assembly a downward tendency.

[0031] Preferably, it further includes a third elastic element that acts on the crossbar and causes the first end of the crossbar to always have a downward tendency to move.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: the separating component in the separating module of the sweeper, driven by the roller and linked by the linkage component, can move in the opposite direction to the roller's movement direction, thereby opening or closing the exhaust port. That is, when the sweeper's roller is in contact with the ground, the roller moves upward, the first elastic element is in an energy storage state, driving the separating plate downward to open the exhaust port, realizing the discharge of the separated airflow during normal operation of the sweeper; when the sweeper is lifted or tilted, so that the roller is in a non-contact state with the ground, the roller moves downward under the action of the first elastic element, and driven by the linkage component, drives the separating plate upward to close the exhaust port, preventing sewage and garbage in the chamber from flowing out through the exhaust port and contacting the fan, thus affecting the fan's service life. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the sweeper in this embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 Partial structural diagram; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of part of the structure with the exhaust vent open; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of part of the structure with the exhaust vent closed; Figure 5 for Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the middle drive wheel assembly with the ground off; Figure 6 for Figure 5A cross-sectional view of the middle section of the structure from another angle; Figure 7 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the drive wheel assembly in contact with the ground; Figure 8 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view from another angle showing the drive wheel assembly in contact with the ground; Figure 9 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram of the separation module. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 9 As shown, the sweeper in this embodiment includes a body 6, a transmission assembly 7, a drive wheel assembly 8, a second elastic element, a cleaning module 03 for cleaning the floor to be cleaned, a separation module, and a fan. The separation module is fixed to the body 6, and the drive wheel assembly 8 is mounted on the body 6 to drive the body 6 forward. The specific structures of the drive wheel assembly 8 and the cleaning module in this embodiment adopt the structures in the prior art, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0036] Along the airflow path, the separation module is located between the cleaning module 03 and the fan 02, with the cleaning module 03 upstream of the separation module. The air inlet of the separation module is connected to the cleaning module, and the outlet of the separation module is connected to the inlet of the fan 02. Under the action of the fan, a negative pressure is created inside the cleaning module and the separation module, thereby drawing dust, water, particles, and other debris into the cleaning module through its suction port. Subsequently, the gas separated by the separation module is discharged, and the separated wastewater is stored in the chamber of the separation module.

[0037] like Figures 3 to 9 As shown, the separation module includes a housing 1, a separation component, a roller 2, a first elastic component, a linkage component 3, and a connecting seat 11 that is fixed relative to the housing 1.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 1 has a chamber 10 inside for connecting to the cleaning module of the sweeper. The chamber 10 has an exhaust port 101 for fluid communication with the blower 02 of the sweeper. The surface where the exhaust port 101 is located is arranged laterally. The housing 1 has an air outlet channel 107 communicating with the chamber 10. The air outlet channel 107 is partially located above the exhaust port 101. Along the fluid flow path, the exhaust port 101 is located upstream of the air outlet channel 107. A filter screen 9 is installed in the air outlet channel 107, and the blower 02 is located downstream of the filter screen 9.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a ring-shaped member 13 is provided inside the chamber 10. The ring-shaped member 13 is arranged vertically, and its annular wall surrounds the outer periphery of the exhaust port 101. The inner circumference of the annular wall forms a flow channel 130 that communicates with the exhaust port 101. The annular wall of the aforementioned ring-shaped member 13 includes a first contraction section 13a and a second contraction section 13b from top to bottom. The first contraction section 13a gradually contracts inward from top to bottom, and the second contraction section 13b gradually contracts inward from top to bottom from the lower circumference of the first contraction section 13a. The lower end of the ring-shaped member 13 is open. A baffle 132 extending laterally outward is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the ring-shaped member 13. The baffle 132 is located at the connection between the first contraction section 13a and the second contraction section 13b, and gradually slopes outward from top to bottom. The aforementioned separating element is a separating plate 5 that mates with the surface of the exhaust vent 101. The separating plate is used to separate at least dust and liquid, and is located in the flow channel 130 of the annular element 13, and below the exhaust vent 101. Laterally extending blocking portions 131 are provided on the inner wall surface of the annular element 13. There are at least two blocking portions 131, and in this embodiment there are four blocking portions 131, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference. Each blocking portion 131 encloses a region 04 for the separating plate 5 to pass through.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall of the housing 1 has an opening 12, and an annular channel 121 extends upward from the periphery of the opening 12. The separation plate 5 is located above the annular channel 121. The separation plate 5 is connected to the roller 2 via a linkage assembly 3. The roller 2 is located at the opening 12 and below the separation plate 5, and is arranged to move up and down relative to the housing. When moving downward, it can pass through the opening 12. Specifically, a portion of the linkage assembly 3 is located within the annular channel 121, and the power input end of the linkage assembly 3 is connected to the roller 2, while the power output end of the linkage assembly 3 is connected to the separation plate 5. This allows the separation plate 5 to move in the opposite direction to the movement of the roller 2 when it moves up and down, thus enabling the separation plate 5 to have a first state of moving downward to open the exhaust vent 101 and a second state of moving upward to close the exhaust vent 101. When the roller 2 is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the separation plate 5 is located below the exhaust vent and is in the first state.

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the aforementioned linkage assembly 3 includes a first link 31, a second link 32, and a linkage member for causing the first link 31 and the second link 32 to move in opposite directions in the vertical direction. Both the first link 31 and the second link 32 are arranged vertically, and the lower end of the first link 31 is connected to a roller 2. Specifically, the roller 2 is a rotatable caster wheel mounted on the lower end of the first link 31. The upper end of the second link 32 is connected to a separation plate 5. The power input end of the linkage member is driven by the first link 31, and the power output end of the linkage member is driven by the second link 32. In this embodiment, the linkage is a gear 33 located between the first link 31 and the second link 32. Both the first link 31 and the second link 32 have rack portions 310 that mesh with the gear 33 on their surfaces facing the gear 33. The rack portion 310 of the first link 31 is located at the upper end of the first link 31, and the rack portion 310 of the second link 32 is located at the lower end of the second link 32.

[0042] When the roller 2 is in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the gear 33 is located below the rack portion 310 of the first connecting rod 31, with a gap between them. When the roller 2 is off the ground and not in contact with the surface to be cleaned, the rack portion 310 of the first connecting rod 31 meshes with the gear 33. This gap allows the sweeper to overcome obstacles, such as obstacles, by lifting the roller without triggering the gear to rotate, thus causing the first connecting rod to move up and down within a certain range.

[0043] In order to make the first link and the second link move only in the vertical direction, the gear 33 is installed in the connecting seat 11. The connecting seat 11 is located in the annular channel 121. The connecting seat 11 has a vertically extending first slot 111 at the position corresponding to the first link 31 and a vertically extending second slot 112 at the position corresponding to the second link 32. The first link 31 is slidably limited in the first slot 111 in the vertical direction, and the second link 32 is slidably limited in the second slot 112 in the vertical direction. In order to make the roller move downward when the roller is off the ground, the first elastic element acts on the roller 2. When the roller 2 is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the first elastic element is in an energy storage state, and in the energy storage state, the roller 2 always has the tendency to move downward and then drive the separation plate 5 to move upward and close the exhaust port 101. Specifically, the first elastic element is set between the connecting seat 11 and the roller 2, and is a spring 4 located on the periphery of the first connecting rod 31. The upper end of the spring 4 is connected to the first connecting rod 31. When the roller moves downward, the first connecting rod 31 is driven to move downward under the action of the spring 4.

[0044] To drain wastewater from the chamber of the separation module, a drainage channel 104 connected to the chamber 10 is provided on the housing 1. A portion of the bottom surface of the chamber 10 is an inclined surface 106 that gradually slopes downwards towards the drainage channel 104. The drainage channel 104 is vertically arranged, and its top opening is a drainage outlet 1041. A baffle 105 covers the drainage outlet 1041. The baffle 105 is arranged to rotate within the plane of the drainage outlet 1041 to open or close it. The baffle 105 can be rotated in various ways, including manually or by a motor, as long as rotation is achieved.

[0045] The cross-section of the aforementioned housing 1 is circular or elliptical; in this embodiment, the cross-section of housing 1 is circular. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the housing 1 has an air inlet channel 14 connecting the chamber 10 and the cleaning module of the sweeper. The air inlet channel 14 is used to allow air to enter the chamber 10 tangentially. Along the airflow direction, the air inlet channel 14 sequentially includes a straight section 141 with a constant cross-sectional area and a narrowing section 142 with a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. Figure 9 As shown, the inner peripheral wall of the chamber 10 is provided with a laterally inwardly extending air guide plate 109 for guiding the fluid entering the chamber 10. The air guide plate 109 extends spirally downward and its inner peripheral edge is connected to the outer wall of the annular member 13. Along the fluid flow direction, the air guide plate 109 is located between the air inlet channel 14 and the flow channel 130, and a connecting channel 110 is provided between the air guide plate 109 and the air inlet channel 14.

[0046] To prevent wastewater in chamber 10 from flowing out through air inlet 14 and cleaning module onto the surface to be cleaned and contaminating it when the sweeper is lifted or tipped over, the air inlet 14 is equipped with a baffle 15 that can rotate relative to the air inlet 14 to connect or block it. The baffle 15 has a first state of opening the air inlet 14 and a second state of blocking the air inlet 14. There are various ways to achieve the rotation of the baffle 15, including motor drive and other methods.

[0047] like Figures 5 to 8As shown, the transmission assembly 7 is used to drive the baffle 15 to rotate, thereby opening or blocking the air intake passage 14. The first side of the drive wheel assembly 8 on its front and rear sides is rotatably mounted on the body 6, so that the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 on its front and rear sides moves vertically relative to the body 6. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly 8 is fully in contact with the ground, the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 is in an upward movement state, at which time the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 is against the ground, and the second elastic element is in an energy-storing state. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly 8 is removed from the ground under the action of an external force, the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 has a downward tendency under the action of the second elastic element, that is, the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 is in a downward movement state. Specifically, a first leg 81 extends upward from the upper surface of the drive wheel assembly 8. A through hole 623 for the first leg 81 to pass through is provided on the top surface of the cover 62. A second leg 624 extends upward from the top surface of the cover 62. The second elastic element is a tension spring 05, one end of which is connected to the first leg 81, and the other end of which is connected to the second leg 624. Figure 1 As shown, the drive wheel assembly 8 in this embodiment has two sets, arranged alternately on the left and right sides. Figure 2 As shown, the body 6 includes a bottom shell 61 and a cover 62. The bottom shell 61 has a through-hole 611 at the position corresponding to the drive wheel assembly 8, allowing the drive wheel assembly 8 to partially pass downwards, and a clearance opening at the position corresponding to the roller 2, allowing the roller 2 to pass through. Each drive wheel assembly 8 corresponds to a cover 62, which covers the bottom shell 61 at the position corresponding to the through-hole 611, and forms a space between the cover 62 and the bottom shell 61 to accommodate the corresponding drive wheel assembly 8. The power input end of the aforementioned transmission component 7 is driven and connected to one of the drive wheel assemblies 8. In this embodiment, the power input end of the transmission component 7 is driven and connected to the drive wheel assembly 8 located on the right. Alternatively, it can be driven and connected to the drive wheel assembly 8 on the left. When the drive wheel assembly 8 is in an upward movement state, the transmission component 7 drives the baffle 15 to rotate to the first state of opening the air intake channel 14. When the drive wheel assembly 8 is in a downward movement state, the transmission component 7 drives the baffle 15 to rotate in the opposite direction to the second state of closing the air intake channel 14. like Figure 8 As shown, the wind deflector 15 is installed in the air inlet channel 14 via a rotating shaft 151. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 151 extends in the left-right direction and is located outside the air inlet channel 14 and is arranged adjacent to the transmission assembly 7. The right end of the rotating shaft 151 outside the air inlet channel 14 has a laterally extending extension rod 152. The extension rod 152 extends in the front-back direction and has a groove 1521 extending along its length direction.

[0048] In addition, the pivot 151 can also extend in the front-to-back direction, while the extension rod extends in the left-to-right direction, depending on the actual arrangement.

[0049] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the aforementioned transmission assembly 7 includes a vertical rod 71, a horizontal rod 72, a rotating member 73, and a third elastic member. The vertical rod 71 is arranged vertically, with its upper end above the cover 62. Its lower end contacts the top surface of the drive wheel assembly 8 and moves up and down under the drive of the drive wheel assembly 8. The rotating member 73 is located to the left of the vertical rod 71. The horizontal rod 72 is located above the cover 62 and is arranged laterally, i.e., along the length of the rotating shaft 151. The horizontal rod 72 is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the cover 62 near its center via a mounting shaft. The first end of the horizontal rod 72 is rotatably connected to the upper end of the vertical rod 71. The rotating member 73 is located outside the cover 62. The first end of the rotating member 73 has a protrusion 731 that slides within the groove 1521 of the extension rod 152. The second end of the rotating member 73 is rotatably connected to the second end of the horizontal rod 72, and the second end of the rotating member 73 moves up and down under the drive of the horizontal rod 72. The working principle of the aforementioned crossbar 72 is similar to that of a seesaw. Specifically, the rotating member 73 includes a rotating rod 730 extending along the direction of the extension rod 152 and a laterally extending protruding rod 732 disposed on the rotating rod 730. A sliding part 7321 is provided on the free end of the protruding rod 732. A connecting shaft 733 rotatably connected to the crossbar 72 is provided on the side of the protruding rod 732 away from the sliding part. The connecting shaft 733 extends along the length direction of the rotating rod 730. The cover 62 has a guide groove 621 extending in the vertical direction at the position corresponding to the sliding part 7321. The sliding part 7321 of the rotating member 73 is slidably limited within the corresponding guide groove 621. In order to make the first end of the crossbar 72 automatically return to the initial position, the third elastic member is a torsion spring 74 acting on the crossbar 72. The torsion spring sleeve 74 is disposed on the mounting shaft, with one end abutting against the crossbar 72 and the other end abutting against the cover 62.

[0050] The working process of the sweeper described above is as follows: When the sweeper is lifted or tilted so that the rollers are in a non-contact, off-ground state with the floor to be cleaned, the rollers 2 and the first connecting rod 31 move downward under the action of the spring 4. Since the rack on the first connecting rod 31 and the rack on the second connecting rod 32 are engaged with the gear 33, the gear 33 rotates when the first connecting rod 31 moves downward, which in turn drives the second connecting rod 32 to move upward. This, in turn, drives the separation plate 5 to move upward and close the exhaust port 101, preventing sewage and garbage in the chamber from flowing out through the exhaust port 101 and coming into contact with the fan 02, thus affecting the service life of the fan 02. When the sweeper is placed on the surface to be cleaned and its roller 2 contacts the surface, the roller 2 and the first connecting rod 31 move upward. Since the rack part on the first connecting rod 31 and the rack part on the second connecting rod 32 are engaged with the gear 33, the gear 33 is driven to rotate when the first connecting rod 31 moves upward, which will drive the second connecting rod 32 to move downward, and then drive the separation plate 5 to move downward and open the exhaust port 101. Thus, when the sweeper is working normally, the separated gas flows out through the exhaust port 101.

[0051] When the sweeper is placed on the surface to be cleaned and the bottom of its drive wheel assembly 8 is in complete contact with the surface, the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 moves upward, which drives the vertical rod 71 to move upward. When the vertical rod 71 moves upward, it drives the first end of the horizontal rod to move upward. At this time, the second end of the horizontal rod 72 moves downward, which drives the rotating shaft 151 to rotate through the rotating component 73, thereby opening the air intake channel 14 of the baffle plate 15. Thus, when the sweeper is working normally, the dust and other debris cleaned by the cleaning module enter the separation module through the air intake channel 14 for separation. The separated gas is discharged through the exhaust port 101, the filter screen and the fan 02. When the sweeper is lifted or tilted, causing the bottom of the drive wheel assembly 8 to be in a non-contact, off-ground state with the surface to be cleaned, the second side of the drive wheel assembly 8 moves downward. At this time, the vertical rod 71 moves downward under the action of the torsion spring 74, causing the first end of the horizontal rod 72 to move downward. At this time, the second end of the horizontal rod 72 moves upward, causing the rotating shaft 151 to rotate in the opposite direction through the rotating component 73, thereby causing the baffle plate 15 to close the air inlet channel 14 and prevent sewage and garbage in the chamber 10 from flowing to the ground through the air inlet channel 14 and the cleaning module 03.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the sweeper travels in a forward direction.

[0053] The term "fluid connectivity" as used in this invention refers to the spatial relationship between two components or parts (hereinafter referred to as the first part and the second part, respectively), that is, a fluid (gas, liquid, or a mixture of both) can flow from the first part along a flow path and / or be transported to the second part. This can be a direct connection between the first part and the second part, or an indirect connection between the first part and the second part through at least one third party. This third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide, hole, or groove, or a chamber or combination thereof that allows fluid to flow through.

Claims

1. A separation module for a sweeping robot, comprising: The housing (1) has a chamber (10) inside which is connected to the cleaning module of the sweeper, the chamber (10) having an exhaust port (101) for fluid communication with the fan (02) of the sweeper; A separator, used at least to separate dust and liquid, is located within the chamber (10); Its features are, It also includes: The roller (2) is located below the housing (1) and is arranged to move up and down relative to the housing (1). When the roller (2) is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the separator is located below the exhaust port (101) and opens the exhaust port (101). The linkage component (3) has its power input end connected to the roller (2) and its power output end connected to the separator, and is used to drive the separator to move in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the roller (2) when the roller (2) moves up and down; The first elastic element acts on the roller (2). When the roller (2) is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the first elastic element is in an energy storage state, so that the roller (2) always has the tendency to move downward and then drive the separator to move upward and close the exhaust port (101). The linkage assembly (3) includes a first link (31), a second link (32), and a linkage member for making the first link (31) and the second link (32) move in opposite directions in the vertical direction. The first link (31) and the second link (32) are both arranged vertically, and the lower end of the first link (31) is connected to the roller (2), and the upper end of the second link (32) is connected to the separator. The power input end of the linkage member is driven and connected to the first link (31), and the power output end of the linkage member is driven and connected to the second link (32). The linkage is a gear (33) located between the first link (31) and the second link (32). The first link (31) and the second link (32) are each provided with a rack portion (310) that meshes with the gear (33) on the surface facing the gear (33). When the roller (2) is in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the gear (33) is located below the rack portion (310) of the first connecting rod (31) and there is a gap between it and the rack portion (310) of the first connecting rod (31). When the roller (2) is off the ground and not in contact with the ground to be cleaned, the rack portion (310) of the first connecting rod (31) meshes with the gear (33).

2. The separation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting seat (11) fixed relative to the housing (1). The connecting seat (11) has a vertically extending first slot (111) at the position corresponding to the first connecting rod (31) and a vertically extending second slot (112) at the position corresponding to the second connecting rod (32). The first connecting rod (31) is slidably limited in the first slot (111) along the up and down direction, and the second connecting rod (32) is slidably limited in the second slot (112) along the up and down direction.

3. The separation module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first elastic element is disposed between the connecting seat (11) and the roller (2), and is a spring (4) located on the periphery of the first connecting rod (31).

4. The separation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom wall of the housing (1) has an opening (12) for the roller (2) to pass through downwards. The periphery of the opening (12) extends upwards to form an annular channel (121). The separating member is located above the annular channel (121). At least a portion of the first elastic member and the linkage assembly (3) is located within the annular channel (121).

5. The separation module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The surface where the exhaust vent (101) is located is arranged horizontally, and the separating component is a separating plate (5) that cooperates with the surface where the exhaust vent (101) is located.

6. The separation module according to claim 5, characterized in that: The chamber (10) is provided with an annular component (13) in a ring shape. The annular component (13) is arranged vertically, and the annular wall of the annular component (13) surrounds the periphery of the exhaust port (101) and forms a flow channel (130) connected to the exhaust port (101). The separation plate (5) is located in the flow channel of the annular component (13), and there is a gap between the outer peripheral wall of the separation plate (5) and the inner wall of the annular component (13) for air to pass through.

7. The separation module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall surface of the annular member (13) is provided with a laterally extending blocking part (131). There are at least two blocking parts (131) and they are arranged at intervals along the circumference. Each blocking part (131) encloses a region (04) for the separation member to pass through.

8. The separation module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The outer peripheral wall of the annular component (13) is provided with a baffle (132) that extends laterally outward.

9. The separation module according to claim 8, characterized in that: The baffle (132) gradually slopes outward from top to bottom.

10. The separation module according to claim 6, characterized in that: The annular component (13) has a first contraction section (13a) and a second contraction section (13b) in the annular wall from top to bottom. The first contraction section (13a) gradually contracts inward from top to bottom, and the second contraction section (13b) gradually contracts inward from the lower circumference of the first contraction section (13a) from top to bottom.

11. The separation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The housing (1) is provided with a sewage discharge channel (104) communicating with the chamber (10). The sewage discharge channel (104) is arranged vertically, and the top opening of the sewage discharge channel (104) is a sewage outlet (1041). The sewage outlet (1041) is covered with a baffle (105). The baffle (105) is arranged to rotate in the plane where the sewage outlet (1041) is located to open or close the sewage outlet (1041).

12. The separation module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The bottom surface of the chamber (10) is partially an inclined surface (106) that gradually slopes downward toward the sewage channel (104).

13. A sweeping machine having the separation module as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: The housing (1) has an air inlet channel (14) connecting the chamber (10) and the cleaning module of the sweeper. The air inlet channel (14) is provided with a baffle plate (15) that can rotate relative to the air inlet channel (14) to open or block the air inlet channel (14). The baffle plate (15) has a first state in which the air inlet channel (14) is opened when the sweeper is placed on the ground to be cleaned, and a second state in which the air inlet channel (14) is blocked when the bottom of the sweeper is at least partially detached from the ground to be cleaned.

14. The sweeper according to claim 13, characterized in that: It also includes an organism (6) and a transmission assembly (7) for driving the baffle (15) to rotate and thus open or close the air inlet channel (14). The separation module is fixed relative to the body (6). The body (6) is provided with a drive wheel assembly (8) for driving the body (6) to move forward. The first side of the drive wheel assembly (8) is rotatably mounted on the body (6) so that the second side of the front and rear sides swings up and down relative to the body. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly (8) is in complete contact with the ground, its second side is in an upward movement state. When the bottom of the drive wheel assembly (8) is out of contact with the ground under the action of external force, its second side is in a downward movement state. The power input end of the drive wheel assembly (8) is driven and connected to the transmission assembly (7), so that when the second side of the drive wheel assembly (8) is in an upward movement state, it drives the baffle (15) to rotate to the first state. When the second side of the drive wheel assembly (8) is in a downward movement state, it drives the baffle (15) to rotate to the second state.

15. The sweeper according to claim 14, characterized in that: The body (6) includes a bottom shell (61) and a cover (62). The bottom shell (61) has a through-hole (611) through which the drive wheel assembly (8) partially passes downward. The cover (62) covers the bottom shell (61) at the position corresponding to the through-hole (611) and forms a space for accommodating the drive wheel assembly (8) between the cover (61) and the bottom shell (61).

16. The sweeper according to claim 15, characterized in that: The wind deflector (15) is installed in the air intake channel (14) via a rotating shaft (151). The rotating shaft (151) is at least partially located outside the air intake channel (14) and is arranged adjacent to the transmission assembly (7). The portion of the rotating shaft (151) located outside the air intake channel (14) is drivenly connected to the transmission assembly (7).

17. The sweeper according to claim 16, characterized in that: The rotating shaft (151) extends laterally from the outer side wall of the transmission assembly (7) to an extension rod (152) located outside the air inlet channel (14), the transmission assembly (7) including: The vertical rod (71) is arranged vertically, with its upper end located above the cover (62) and its lower end connected to the top surface of the drive wheel assembly (8), and moves up and down under the drive of the drive wheel assembly (8). A crossbar (72) is located above the cover (62) and arranged along the length of the pivot (151). It is rotatably disposed on the upper surface of the cover (62) near the middle position. Its first end is rotatably connected to the upper end of the vertical bar (71), and its second end can act on the position near the free end of the extension rod (152) and drive the second end of the extension rod (152) to move up and down, thereby causing the pivot (151) to rotate.

18. The sweeper according to claim 17, characterized in that: The extension rod (152) has a groove (1521) extending along its length, and the transmission assembly (7) includes: The rotating component (73) is located outside the cover (62). Its first end has a protrusion (731) that is slidably limited in the groove (1521) of the extension rod (152). Its second end is rotatably connected to the second end of the crossbar (72). The second end of the rotating component (73) moves in the up and down direction under the drive of the crossbar (72), thereby driving the rotating shaft (151) to rotate.

19. The sweeper according to claim 14, characterized in that: It also includes a second elastic element that is in an energy storage state during the contact between the drive wheel assembly (8) and the ground to be cleaned, and in the energy storage state, always causes the second side of the drive wheel assembly (8) to have a downward movement tendency, the second elastic element acting on the drive wheel assembly (8).

20. The sweeper according to claim 17, characterized in that: It also includes a third elastic element that acts on the crossbar (72) and causes the first end of the crossbar (72) to always have a downward tendency.

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