Control method of a surface cleaning device and surface cleaning device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a control method of a surface cleaning device, the surface cleaning device comprising: starting a foam pump according to a determination that a clean water pump of the surface cleaning device is operating at a first flow rate; adjusting the clean water pump to operate at a second flow rate based on a determination that the foam pump is started, wherein the second flow rate is greater than the first flow rate; maintaining the clean water pump to operate at no less than the second flow rate for a first timer time based on a determination that the foam pump is turned off. The present disclosure also provides a surface cleaning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a control method for a surface cleaning device and a surface cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are several types of surface cleaning devices that use vacuum and / or fluids to clean the surface. One type of surface cleaning device is called a wet surface cleaning device, which uses a cleaning solution (including water) to clean the surface, and then uses a vacuum system to recover the waste liquid from the surface. Another type of surface cleaning device is called a foam surface cleaning device, which uses the cleaning power of foam to clean the surface in intensive cleaning areas, and then uses a vacuum system to recover the mixture of foam and cleaning waste liquid from the surface. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a control method for a surface cleaning device, including:

[0004] The surface cleaning equipment includes:

[0005] A water pump is used to deliver cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned.

[0006] Foam pumps are used to deliver cleaning foam to surfaces that need cleaning.

[0007] Based on the determination that the clean water pump of the surface cleaning equipment is operating at the initial flow rate, start the foam pump;

[0008] Based on the determination that the foam pump has started, the clean water pump is adjusted to operate at a second flow rate, wherein the second flow rate is greater than the initial flow rate;

[0009] Based on the determination that the foam pump is shut down, the clean water pump is maintained at a flow rate of not less than the second flow rate for the first timer period.

[0010] A method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein,

[0011] The adjustment of the clean water pump to operate at the second flow rate is performed at the same time as the determination of foam pump startup, or later than the determination of foam pump startup.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the method of this disclosure, the first timer duration is 5 to 10 seconds.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the method of this disclosure, based on the determination of foam pump startup, after a second timer period, the clean water pump is adjusted to operate at the initial flow rate.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the method of this disclosure, the second flow rate is 40-150 ml / min, and the initial flow rate is 15-30 ml / min.

[0015] This disclosure also provides a surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

[0016] A water pump is used to deliver cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned.

[0017] Foam pumps are used to deliver cleaning foam to surfaces that need cleaning.

[0018] The first signal detector is used to detect the operating characteristics of the clean water pump of the surface cleaning equipment;

[0019] The second signal detector is used to detect the operating characteristics of the foam pump in the surface cleaning equipment;

[0020] A first actuator is used to perform the action of shutting down the foam pump;

[0021] A second actuator is used to perform the action of reducing the flow rate of the water pump from a second flow rate to an initial flow rate;

[0022] The controller, based on the detection signals from the first signal detector and / or the second signal detector, controls the second actuator to start at least after a first timer period following the start of the first actuator.

[0023] The apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes:

[0024] A third actuator is used to perform the action of starting the foam pump;

[0025] A fourth actuator is used to perform the action of increasing the flow rate of the water pump from the initial flow rate to the second flow rate;

[0026] The controller is configured to control the fourth actuator to start no earlier than the third actuator, based on the operating characteristics of the water pump and the foam pump.

[0027] The device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: the controller controlling the second actuator to start at least after a second timer period following the start of the third actuator, based on the detection signals of the first signal detector and / or the second signal detector.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, the duration of the first timer is 5 to 10 seconds.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, the second timer duration is 60 seconds. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To gain a detailed understanding of the features described above, reference can be made to certain aspects illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which provide a more specific description of the features briefly outlined above. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope, as the disclosure may encompass other equally valid aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0031] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning apparatus as described in this disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of a floor brush for a surface cleaning apparatus as described in this disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a control system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning apparatus control method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function described herein. Rather, these aspects are provided to make the present disclosure comprehensive and complete, and to fully illustrate the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover any aspect disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of this disclosure. For example, any aspect described herein may be used to implement an apparatus or a method. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover apparatuses or methods implemented using other structures, functions, or structures and functions besides those set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0036] Among various surface cleaning devices, wet surface cleaning devices are suitable for deep cleaning of hard floor surfaces such as tile and hardwood. Wet surface cleaning devices include a fluid delivery system and a fluid recovery system. The former delivers the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, while the latter removes waste liquid and debris from the surface. The fluid delivery system typically includes one or more fluid supply tanks for storing the cleaning fluid, a fluid distributor for applying the cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned, and fluid supply lines for conveying the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tanks to the fluid distributors. An agitator is used to stir the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned, softening and dissolving stubborn dirt adhering to the surface. The fluid recovery system typically includes a recovery tank, a nozzle adjacent to the surface to be cleaned and fluidly connected to the recovery tank via a working air line, and a vacuum suction source fluidly connected to the working air line to draw the cleaning fluid from the surface to be cleaned and into the recovery tank through the nozzle and working air line.

[0037] There are ongoing demands for improvements to floor surface cleaning equipment, including increased cleaning efficiency, better control over cleaning solution formulations, and other enhancements.

[0038] One improvement involves a foam cleaning technique for surfaces, enhancing cleaning efficiency by applying highly effective foam to the surface. This type of surface cleaner applies foam to the floor at a high flow rate, utilizing foam bursting technology to assist in cleaning stubborn dirt on hard floor surfaces. This foam application to hard floor surfaces allows the surface cleaner's roller brush to transfer dirt from the floor into the foam and cleaning solution, then removes the dirty floor surface and collects it in the surface cleaner's recycling bin.

[0039] However, the amount of foam dispensed by existing floor surface cleaners is difficult to predict depending on the usage scenario. This sometimes leads to longer foam dispensing times because the soiled floor must be treated multiple times in a given job, and users cannot accurately estimate the amount of foam applied to completely remove the dirt. This replenishment usually requires sufficient foam application. Often, operators apply too much foam to the floor, resulting in undesirable residue. This residue is slippery and leaves additional cleaning stains.

[0040] The embodiments of the present invention improve cleaning efficiency and enhance the recovery of residual foam on the ground by automatically controlling the output volume and output time of foam and water, thereby reducing the residue on the floor surface after cleaning operations. Based on the efficient cleaning of floor stains, the cleaned floor is safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

[0041] Figure 1A A surface cleaning device is schematically illustrated. For example... Figure 1AAs shown, the surface cleaning device can be a semi-autonomous surface cleaning device operated by a user handheld. In normal user mode, the semi-autonomous surface cleaning device receives operating commands such as forward and backward movement caused by the user's handheld operation, and automatically performs stain removal and recovery actions on the surface to be cleaned. The surface cleaning device can also be an autonomous surface cleaning device. In foam mode, the surface cleaning device can receive or otherwise obtain a set of instructions or parameters for performing operations, and the surface cleaning device can autonomously perform the operation based on this set of instructions or parameters. The surface cleaning device can receive instruction or parameter sets from the operator and / or controller on the surface cleaning device or from a controller remotely located on the surface cleaning device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the surface cleaning device 100 is a handheld wet surface cleaning device having a housing including an upright body 120 and a floor brush 140, the floor brush 140 being pivotally and / or rotatably mounted to the upright body 120 and adapted to move over the surface to be cleaned.

[0043] The upright body 120 includes a handle 122 and a body 124. The handle 122 includes a handheld portion. The body 124 includes a support frame that supports at least the cleaning tank assembly 126 and the wastewater tank assembly 128. The surface cleaning device 100 may include: a fluid delivery or supply path that includes and is at least partially defined by the cleaning tank assembly 126 for storing and delivering cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid recovery path that includes and is at least partially defined by the wastewater tank assembly 128 for removing used cleaning fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned and storing the used cleaning fluid and debris until emptied by the user.

[0044] A pivotable rotary joint assembly is formed at the lower end of the body 124 and movably mounts the floor brush 140 to the upright body 120. In the embodiment shown herein, the floor brush 140 can pivot vertically relative to the upright body 120 about at least one axis. The pivotable joint assembly may optionally include a universal joint, such that the floor brush 140 can pivot relative to the upright body 120 about at least two axes. Wiring and / or conduits for supplying air and / or fluid between the floor brush 140 and the upright body 120 may extend through the pivotable joint assembly.

[0045] The floor brush 140 includes a nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly can be configured to include: at least one inlet nozzle for recovering fluid and debris from the surface to be cleaned; and at least one outlet for delivering fluid to the surface to be cleaned.

[0046] like Figure 1A and 1BAs shown, in one embodiment, the floor brush 140 may include a floor brush housing 142 and a floor brush cover 146, which cooperate to form a receiving cavity for an agitator capable of rotating within the receiving cavity about a drive shaft in a horizontal or vertical direction. The inlet nozzle is disposed adjacent to the agitator within the receiving cavity. A fluid dispenser is configured with at least one outlet to deliver fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid dispenser may include one or more outlets configured to deliver cleaning fluid from a fluid delivery channel to the receiving cavity.

[0047] The floor brush 140 is equipped with a foaming agent storage section 144, which is connected to a nozzle 148 via a foam generator (not shown). The foaming agent stored in the storage section 144 generates cleaning foam via the foam generator, which is then supplied to the nozzle 148 and sprayed out. The nozzle 148 supplies the cleaning foam generated by the foam generator to the surface to be cleaned. In other words, the foam generator produces pressurized foam, which is then radially sprayed at high speed from the nozzle 148, resulting in a large coverage area for the cleaning foam.

[0048] After the surface cleaning equipment is started, the surface cleaning equipment receives a foam treatment signal for the surface to be cleaned and controls the foam generator of the surface cleaning equipment to provide cleaning foam to the surface to be cleaned at a preset flow rate, so that at least part of the cleaning foam is located on the surface to be cleaned in front of the agitator of the surface cleaning equipment.

[0049] As the surface cleaning equipment moves forward, the agitator is controlled to rotate. The agitator stirs up the foam and dirty water on the surface to be cleaned, and the mixture of air, liquid and liquid foam is transported to the recycling and storage section through the suction nozzle of the surface cleaning equipment, thereby achieving good surface cleaning ability.

[0050] The surface cleaning device is equipped with a controller 202 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)) that can receive signals from actuators or controllers, instructing on the required control, and converting the signals into electronic commands for performing the required control. Furthermore, the controller 202 may include cleaning controls for controlling the foam cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device. In relation to the foam cleaning operation of the surface cleaning device, the surface cleaning device may include one or more actuators communicating with the controller 202. Additionally, the controller 202 may be configured to cause the power supply to the surface cleaning device to be switched off and on. The controller 202 may include one or more memories and / or one or more processors configured to perform the operations described herein. As described above, Figure 1 is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from those shown in Figure 1.

[0051] Figure 2 An example of a control system 200 is shown. The control system 200 may be included in a surface cleaning apparatus. The control system 200 may include multiple systems 204 configured to receive power from a rechargeable battery carried on the upright body 120. The multiple systems 204 may include a cleaning control system 201, a communication control system 203, an interactive control system 205, a drive control system 207, and so on. The control system 200 may include a controller 202, one or more actuators 206, and / or one or more sensors 208. Specifically, the cleaning control system 201 may be configured to receive commands for operation under various cleaning modes (e.g., foam cleaning mode and regular cleaning mode, etc.) performed by the surface cleaning apparatus.

[0052] The controller can perform one or more different operations associated with the activation and deactivation of the foam cleaning mode, depending on whether the surface cleaning device is operating in foam cleaning mode or regular cleaning mode. Therefore, the controller 202 needs to determine whether the surface cleaning device is operating in foam mode or regular mode. The controller 202 can determine that the surface cleaning device has entered a foam mode operation based on trigger signals received from the activation of the foam pump, for example, by instructing the surface cleaning device to activate foam mode via a trigger signal (e.g., activation of a user interaction button). As another example, the controller 202 can determine that the surface cleaning device has activated foam mode operation based on receiving sensor signals indicating autonomous operation (e.g., by automatically detecting that the degree of dirt on the floor has reached a set value), based on an instruction schedule for the autonomous operation of the surface cleaning device (e.g., instructing the surface cleaning device to operate in foam mode).

[0053] When determining that the surface cleaning device is operating in foam mode, and when the vacuum fan of the surface cleaning device is running, the controller 202 can determine the state of the cleaning medium in the clean water tank of the surface cleaning device (e.g., whether the current clean water in the surface cleaning device meets the conditions to support continued foam cleaning). In normal mode, the controller 202 can automatically determine whether the clean water tank of the surface cleaning device is filled with water. Based on the determination that the clean water tank is filled with water, the controller 202 can allow the foam mode to be further activated.

[0054] The first set of information is detected to confirm the operating characteristics of the water pump in the surface cleaning equipment (e.g., whether the water pump is operating normally and its operating power). Simultaneously, the second set of information is detected to confirm the operating characteristics of the foam pump in the surface cleaning equipment (e.g., whether the foam pump is operating normally). After ensuring that both the water pump and the foam pump are operating correctly, a signal is sent to the controller to allow the foam mode to be activated.

[0055] As described above, a foam launching action is executed over a time cycle by manually or automatically sending a trigger signal to the controller. This time cycle can typically be determined by the pressing time of the foam trigger button located on the surface cleaning equipment or the contact time of the foam ejection trigger button on the remote control. For example, if the surface to be cleaned is heavily soiled at this stage, the button can be triggered continuously; if it is only for ordinary soiling, the button can be triggered for a shorter time. After the button is triggered, the foam is ejected at high speed from the nozzle towards the front of the surface cleaning equipment, and can immediately come into contact with the dirt on the surface to be cleaned and burst, then mix with the rotating roller brush and the cleaning liquid (e.g., water) applied to the roller brush, and generate friction with the dirt on the ground to achieve deep cleaning of the ground.

[0056] Furthermore, the foam can be generated autonomously. For autonomously moving cleaning robots, if the level of dirt on the ground exceeds the cleaning capacity of the regular mode or reaches the cleaning capacity of the foam mode, the robot will autonomously activate the foam spraying action, and the aforementioned time period can be automatically adjusted by the autonomous control system.

[0057] In one embodiment, the control system of this disclosure further includes a plurality of actuators 206 connected to a controller for performing related actions of the foam pump and the water pump, as well as the duration of the actions. A foam pump activation actuator connected to the controller can activate the foam pump based on a foam mode activation signal, causing the nozzle to spray foam. When the controller receives a foam mode trigger signal, it sends an execution signal to the foam pump activation actuator, controlling the foam pump to start immediately, thereby causing the foam nozzle of the surface cleaning device to spray foam onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, to further dilute the foam on the surface to be cleaned and eliminate foam residue after the foam cleaning process, the actuator needs to be activated simultaneously with the activation action to increase the pumping power of the clean water pump and increase the output of clean water flow. Based on the signal that the foam pump is activated, the clean water pump flow increase actuator connected to the controller increases the operating power of the clean water pump. At this time, the clean water flow is larger than the clean water flow in the normal mode, so as to dilute the foam sprayed on the surface to be cleaned as much as possible.

[0059] In another embodiment, depending on the foaming agent material, for more diluted foaming agents or anti-slip foaming agent materials, only the foam pump actuator may be activated, while the flow-increasing actuator in the clean water pump remains inactive. In other words, for more diluted foaming agents or anti-slip foaming agent materials, the water output remains at the normal level during foam spraying.

[0060] The controller can shut down the foam pump by controlling the foam pump shut-off actuator connected to it, based on the fact that the foam mode activation signal is no longer being received. In some examples, the controller 202 can start a timer for a timer period (e.g., 5s, 10s, etc.) based on the determination of the surface cleaning device that the foam pump has been shut down by the shut-off actuator (e.g., the foam pump is no longer running or the nozzle is not continuously spraying foam). During the timer period, the clean water pump maintains pumping clean water at a flow rate higher than the normal cleaning mode. While the clean water pump maintains pumping clean water at a flow rate higher than the normal cleaning mode, the controller 202 can monitor activities indicating that the surface cleaning device is no longer in foam cleaning mode (e.g., input from the control device of the shut-off actuator indicates that the foam pump of the surface cleaning device is no longer running). After the foam pump is shut down, and within the timer period, the foam pump can be manually restarted by the operator of the surface cleaning device, and the controller 202 can then monitor the status of the foam mode again.

[0061] If it is determined that the surface cleaning device is no longer operating in foam mode (no activation of foam mode is detected again within the timer cycle), the controller sends an execution signal to the clean water pump flow reduction actuator, which adjusts the power of the clean water pump to the power of the normal mode. Correspondingly, the water output of the clean water pump is also reduced to the output of the normal mode.

[0062] The timer cycle is set to ensure that sufficient clean water is applied to the surface to be cleaned after the foam spraying action is completed. This dilutes the foam, improving cleaning power and facilitating recycling. The foam on the ground is further diluted with more clean water to a high-efficiency cleaning medium. It then mixes with the dirt on the ground and is carried by the roller brush into the suction port of the surface cleaning device, where it is collected in the wastewater collection tank. The timer cycle should not be too long, as an excessively long timer cycle will lead to a decrease in cleaning efficiency, and excess foam residue will become excessive clean water residue, which obviously does not meet the user's expectations. In addition, the controller 202 can be configured to indicate the timer cycle required for the operation. The amount of time required for the operation can be determined based on historical data (e.g., historical data indicating one or more timer cycles required for previous operations of the surface cleaning device), using machine learning models, or similar information.

[0063] The controller 202 can transition the surface cleaning device to a low-power mode based on the rechargeable battery charge and / or the water level in the clean water tank. In low-power mode, the flow booster actuator for the clean water pump and the foam pump activation actuator for the foam pump cannot be activated. This low-power mode prevents insufficient power and / or clean water level from triggering foam mode simultaneously or shortly thereafter. However, the surface cleaning device can continue operating in its normal mode until the controller receives a warning of insufficient power and / or low water level in the clean water tank.

[0064] The controller 202 can determine whether the conditions meet the low-power mode. As an example, as described above, the controller 202 can predetermine the predetermined amount of electricity and / or water output required to meet the conditions before the aforementioned timer period expires (e.g., so that the surface cleaning device enters the low-power mode after performing the foam dilution operation).

[0065] While monitoring whether the above conditions are met, the controller 202 can detect whether the fan temperature is higher than a threshold and whether the roller brush torque is greater than a threshold. These can all be prerequisites for activating the foam cleaning mode. As mentioned above, Figure 2 This is provided as an example. Other examples may be provided. Figure 2 The differences are as described.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a process diagram 300 illustrating an example process associated with the control method of the surface cleaning apparatus of this disclosure. In some implementations, Figure 3 One or more process modules may be executed by another device or group of devices independent of or including the control device 200 (e.g., a server / signal transmitter or other control device independent of the control device). Furthermore, or alternatively, Figure 3 One or more process blocks can be executed by one or more components of the control device 200, such as actuator 206, controller 202, sensor 208, cleaning control system 201, communication control system 203, interactive control system 205, and drive control system 207, etc. Although Figure 3 The example shown is of process module 300, but in some implementations, process 300 may include... Figure 3 The process modules described herein can be additional process modules, fewer process modules, different process modules, or process modules arranged differently. Furthermore, two or more process modules in process 300 can be selected to be executed in parallel. Figure 3 One or more process blocks can be executed by controller 202 and / or actuator 206. Furthermore, or alternatively, Figure 3 One or more process blocks may be executed by another device or a group of devices that are independent of or include controllers and / or actuators.

[0067] Process 300 begins when the machine starts running on the surface to be cleaned. The machine can be a wet surface cleaning device. Figure 3 As shown, process 300 may include determining whether the machine is operating in foam mode or in normal mode (e.g., foam cleaning mode is triggered by a trigger button or sensor on the wet surface cleaning device).

[0068] If the machine is operating in normal mode, process 300 may include maintaining the water output of the clean water pump at the initial water flow rate (e.g., 20 ml / min) based on the determination that the machine is in normal state.

[0069] If the machine is operating in foam mode, process 300 may include determining that the foam pump is activated, and the flow booster actuator of the clean water pump increasing the water output of the clean water pump according to a controller signal. For example, the controller (e.g., using a processor, memory, or similar device) may, based on the machine's determination that the foam pump is activated, as described above, increase the output power of the clean water pump, thereby increasing the water output to a second flow rate (e.g., 60 ml / min) greater than the initial water flow rate in normal mode. In some examples, process 300 may also include increasing the output power of the clean water pump shortly after the foam pump is activated (e.g., 0.5 s, 1 s, etc.) as described above.

[0070] Once foam mode is activated, the time allotted for applying foam to the surface to be cleaned should not be too long. Foam has a higher cleaning power than plain water, and a proper mixing ratio of foam to water provides a reasonable and efficient cleaning effect. Excessive foam will typically increase the viscosity of the surface, hindering the removal of contaminants. Therefore, the time difference between starting and stopping the foam pump is usually very short. Within 1-2 seconds, the high-speed spray of foam is sufficient to provide the required quality for cleaning the current dirt. After the foam pump is turned off, subsequent cleaning strategies need to be considered to further reduce foam residue on the floor while maintaining cleaning efficiency.

[0071] Even with the foam pump shut off, the clean water pump still needs to be kept running at increased power for a timer period to output enough clean water to mix with the applied foam.

[0072] During the subsequent cleaning process based on the activation of the foam pump actuator, a floor dirt detection device located on the surface cleaning equipment continuously monitors the surface. In one example, the controller calculates a second timer period starting from the moment the foam pump actuator is turned off. During this second timer period, the controller continuously receives floor dirt levels signals to further adjust the water flow rate of the clean water pump.

[0073] Process 300 may include monitoring whether conditions are met to further increase the output of the clean water pump. For example, a controller (e.g., using a processor, memory, input components, communication components, or similar components) may monitor whether the conditions for starting the ground dirt are met.

[0074] The controller continuously receives ground dirt detection signals for at least one time period starting from the moment the foam pump is turned off, in order to control the power of the vacuum fan and the power (water output) of the clean water pump of the surface cleaning device to achieve the best cleaning effect.

[0075] As shown in Figure 300, dirt on the floor is continuously detected during a first time period (e.g., 10 seconds from the start of the foam pump's shutdown). If a condition (dirt level reaching a threshold) is met before the first time period expires, process 300 may include increasing the power of the clean water pump from a second flow rate (e.g., 60 ml / min) to a third flow rate (e.g., 130 ml / min), without adjusting the vacuum fan power. The vacuum fan power should remain constant at this point to avoid prematurely collecting the unused foam and cleaning water mixture into the recovery tank before the roller brush has thoroughly cleaned the floor. For example, after foam has been applied to the floor and the foam pump has been shut down, the dirt sensor detection actuator of the surface cleaning equipment (e.g., using a processor, memory, or similar device) may cause an increase in the clean water pump's flow rate.

[0076] During the first time period (e.g., 10 seconds from when the foam pump is shut down), the dirt on the floor is continuously monitored. If the condition is not met (the dirt level does not reach the threshold) before the first time period expires, then process 300 may include maintaining the current flow rate, i.e., the second flow rate (e.g., 60 ml / min), without adjusting the vacuum fan power.

[0077] If no dirt is detected within the second time period (block 10s), dirt detection continues for another second time period (e.g., 60s from the start of the foam pump's shutdown). If the condition (dirt level reaching a threshold) is met before the second time period expires, process 300 may include increasing the water pump power, raising the flow rate from a second flow rate (e.g., 60 ml / min) to a third flow rate (e.g., 130 ml / min), without adjusting the vacuum fan power. The vacuum fan power should remain constant at this point to avoid prematurely collecting the unused foam and cleaning water mixture into the recovery tank before the roller brush has thoroughly cleaned the surface. For example, after foam has been applied to the surface and the foam pump has been shut off, the dirt sensor detection actuator of the surface cleaning equipment (e.g., using a processor, memory, or similar device) may cause an increase in the water pump's flow rate.

[0078] During the second time period, the dirt level on the ground is continuously monitored. If the condition is not met (the dirt level does not reach the threshold) before the second time period expires, then process 300 may include reducing the current second flow rate of the clean water pump (e.g., 60 ml / min) to the first flow rate (e.g., 20 ml / min), that is, the water output in the normal mode.

[0079] If no dirt is detected within the second time period, the foam cleaning mode is considered complete. Regardless of whether dirt is detected again afterward, process 300 reduces the current water pump output to the normal mode output (e.g., 20 ml / min). The subsequent process reverts to the normal cleaning mode. If dirt is encountered again outside the second time period, the normal cleaning mode continues as long as the foam cleaning mode is not triggered, until the next foam cleaning mode is triggered.

[0080] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand various aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can at any time design or modify other methods and structures based on this disclosure to achieve the same purpose and / or attain the same advantages of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this document without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A control method for a surface cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The surface cleaning equipment includes: A water pump is used to deliver cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned. Foam pumps are used to deliver cleaning foam to surfaces that need cleaning. Based on the determination that the clean water pump of the surface cleaning equipment is operating at the initial flow rate, start the foam pump; Based on the determination that the foam pump has started, the clean water pump is adjusted to operate at a second flow rate, wherein the second flow rate is greater than the initial flow rate; Based on the determination that the foam pump is shut down, the clean water pump is maintained at a flow rate of not less than the second flow rate for the first timer period.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, in, The adjustment of the clean water pump to operate at the second flow rate is performed simultaneously with or after the determination of foam pump startup.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first timer lasts for 5 to 10 seconds.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the determination of foam pump startup, after the second timer period, the clean water pump is adjusted to run at the initial flow rate.

5. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow rate is 40-150 ml / min, and the initial flow rate is 15-30 ml / min.

6. A surface cleaning device, characterized in that, include: A water pump is used to deliver cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned. Foam pumps are used to deliver cleaning foam to surfaces that need cleaning. The first signal detector is used to detect the operating characteristics of the clean water pump of the surface cleaning equipment; The second signal detector is used to detect the operating characteristics of the foam pump in the surface cleaning equipment; A first actuator is used to perform the action of shutting down the foam pump; A second actuator is used to perform the action of reducing the flow rate of the water pump from a second flow rate to an initial flow rate; The controller, based on the detection signals from the first signal detector and / or the second signal detector, controls the second actuator to start at least after a first timer period following the start of the first actuator.

7. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A third actuator is used to perform the action of starting the foam pump; A fourth actuator is used to perform the action of increasing the flow rate of the water pump from the initial flow rate to a flow rate not less than a second flow rate; The controller is configured to control the fourth actuator to start no earlier than the third actuator, based on the operating characteristics of the water pump and the foam pump.

8. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 7, characterized in that, in, The controller controls the second actuator to start at least after a second timer period following the start of the third actuator, based on the detection signals from the first signal detector and / or the second signal detector.

9. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that, in, The first timer lasts for 5 to 10 seconds.

10. The surface cleaning equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that, in, The second timer has a duration of 60 seconds.

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