Cleaning robot and cleaning assembly, cleaning mechanism and cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of cleaning tools, and provides a cleaning robot and a cleaning assembly, a cleaning mechanism and a cleaning method.The cleaning assembly comprises a supporting frame, a cleaning part and a baffle, the cleaning part and the baffle are arranged on the supporting frame, the baffle can move between a shielding position and an exposure position relative to the supporting frame, and the baffle is arranged on the supporting frame in the shielding position. The baffle plate at least partially covers the cleaning part of the cleaning part so as to prevent the cleaning part from being in contact with the passing surface which does not need to be cleaned, and the baffle plate leaves the cleaning part of the cleaning part so as to allow the cleaning part to be in contact with the passing surface which needs to be cleaned at the exposed position. According to the technical scheme, for the passing surface which does not need to be cleaned or cannot be cleaned, the baffle can be moved to the shielding position, the cleaning piece is isolated from the passing surface, the passing surface is prevented from being polluted and damaged by the cleaning piece, and therefore the passing surface is better protected, and the cleaning quality is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning tools, and in particular to a cleaning component of a cleaning robot, a cleaning mechanism of a cleaning robot, a cleaning method of a cleaning robot, and a cleaning robot. Background Art

[0002] A cleaning robot is a floor cleaning device that integrates multiple cleaning functions. The chassis of a cleaning robot is typically equipped with a walking component and a cleaning component. As the walking component moves over a supporting surface, the cleaning component cleans the surface it passes over, including but not limited to mopping and vacuuming. In the prior art, for surfaces that do not require cleaning, a cleaning robot can lift the cleaning component to keep it at a distance from the surface. However, there is still a possibility that the cleaning component may drop water or other debris on the surface. Furthermore, for softer surfaces such as carpets, even if the cleaning component is lifted, there is still a possibility that it may come into contact with these surfaces, causing them to be accidentally contaminated or damaged. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the technical problems to be solved by this solution is how to prevent the cleaning robot from damaging or contaminating surfaces that are not necessary or cannot be cleaned.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, an embodiment of the present solution provides a cleaning component of a cleaning robot, which includes a support frame, a cleaning member arranged on the support frame, and a baffle, wherein the baffle can move between a shielding position and an exposure position relative to the support frame. In the shielding position, the baffle at least partially covers the cleaning part of the cleaning member to avoid the cleaning member from contacting the path surface that does not need to be cleaned. In the exposure position, the baffle leaves the cleaning part of the cleaning member to allow the cleaning member to contact the path surface that needs to be cleaned.

[0005] In some embodiments, the cleaning component can be configured to rise relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to disengage from the path surface; the cleaning component can be configured to fall relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to contact the path surface.

[0006] In some embodiments, the cleaning member includes a rotatable drum and a rag or a brush disposed on the outer circumference of the drum, and the baffle is an arc-shaped plate disposed around the drum.

[0007] In some embodiments, the support frame is provided with a flip bracket located at the first axial end of the baffle, and the flip bracket supports and drives the baffle to rotate around the drum.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the shielding position, the baffle is detachable relative to the support frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, a disassembly button is provided on the flip bracket, the flip bracket is provided with a first arcuate groove extending around the roller, the support frame is provided with a second arcuate groove extending around the roller, the axial first end of the baffle is accommodated in the first arcuate groove, and the axial second end of the baffle is accommodated in the second arcuate groove, and the disassembly button can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the flip bracket. In the locked position, the disassembly button limits the rotation of the baffle relative to the flip bracket. In the unlocked position, the disassembly button allows the baffle to rotate relative to the flip bracket, thereby realizing the disassembly and installation of the baffle.

[0010] In some embodiments, a first slot is provided at the axial first end of the baffle, and a second slot extending circumferentially around the roller is provided on the surface of the disassembly and assembly button facing the baffle, and the disassembly and assembly button can be operated to move radially. In the locked position, the second slot is staggered with the first slot to limit the circumferential rotation of the baffle relative to the flip bracket. In the unlocked position, the second slot is aligned with the first slot to allow the baffle to rotate circumferentially relative to the flip bracket through the second slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, a driving member and a transmission member are provided on the support frame, and the driving member can drive the flip bracket to rotate around the central axis of the drum through the transmission member to drive the baffle to rotate between the exposed position and the shielding position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cleaning member includes a rotatable disc and a rag or a brush disposed on the disc, and the baffle is a flat plate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cleaning member includes a track structure and a rag or a brush disposed on the track structure, and the baffle is a flat plate or an arc-shaped plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cleaning element is of a wet mop type.

[0015] On the other hand, the present solution provides a cleaning mechanism of a cleaning robot, which includes the cleaning component and the lifting component of the cleaning robot described above, and the lifting component can drive the cleaning component to move up and down.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a cleaning method for a cleaning robot, wherein the cleaning robot includes a cleaning assembly, the cleaning assembly includes a cleaning member and a baffle, and the cleaning method includes the following steps:

[0017] Determine whether the surface the cleaning robot passes by needs to be cleaned;

[0018] If the path surface does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or turns on a non-cleaning state. In the non-cleaning state, the cleaning member stops cleaning, and the baffle is in a shielding position to shield the cleaning portion of the cleaning member, so that the cleaning portion of the cleaning member is isolated from the path surface.

[0019] If the passing surface needs to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or starts the cleaning state. In the cleaning state, the baffle is located in an exposed position to expose the cleaning part of the cleaning member, so that the cleaning part of the cleaning member contacts the passing surface, and the cleaning member starts the cleaning action to clean the passing surface.

[0020] In some embodiments, in a non-cleaning state, the cleaning component rises to a first position to be away from the passing surface; in a cleaning state, the cleaning component descends to a second position to contact the passing surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the cleaning robot moves from the passing surface that needs to be cleaned to the passing surface that does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning action of the cleaning member is stopped, and then the cleaning component is driven to rise to the first position and the baffle is driven to move to the blocking position; when the cleaning robot moves from the passing surface that does not need to be cleaned to the passing surface that needs to be cleaned, the cleaning component is driven to descend and the baffle is driven to move to the exposed position, and then the cleaning action of the cleaning member is started.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the cleaning component starts to be driven to rise from the second position to the first position, the baffle is driven to move from the exposed position to the blocked position; when the cleaning component starts to be driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle is driven to move from the blocked position to the exposed position.

[0023] In some embodiments, after the cleaning component is driven to descend from the first position to the second position by a first predetermined distance or a first predetermined time, or after the cleaning component is driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle is driven to move from the blocking position to the exposed position; after the cleaning component is driven to rise from the second position to the first position by a second predetermined distance or a second predetermined time, or after the cleaning component is driven to move from the second position to the first position, the baffle is driven to move from the exposed position to the blocking position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cleaning robot adopts the cleaning components or the cleaning mechanism described above.

[0025] On the other hand, the present invention provides a cleaning robot, which includes the cleaning component or the cleaning mechanism described above.

[0026] Through the above technical solution, for paths that do not need or cannot be cleaned, the baffle can be moved to a shielding position to isolate the cleaning parts from the paths, preventing the cleaning parts from contaminating or damaging the paths, thereby better protecting the paths and improving the cleaning quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present scheme or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present scheme. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the cleaning mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cleaning assembly is in the second position and the baffle is in the exposed position;

[0029] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning mechanism provided by the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cleaning component is in the first position and the baffle is in the blocking position;

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the cleaning mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the baffle is disassembled from the cleaning assembly;

[0031] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cleaning mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the disassembly button is in a locked position;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a partial structure of the cleaning mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the disassembly button is in the unlocked position.

[0033] Description of reference numerals:

[0034] 1. Cleaning assembly; 2. Cleaning part; 3. Baffle; 4. Flip bracket; 5. Support frame; 6. First arc groove; 7. Driving part; 8. Transmission part; 9. Lifting assembly; 10. Disassembly and assembly button; 11. First card slot; 12. Second card slot; 13. Second arc groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The detailed description of the following examples and the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but rather encompasses all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

[0036] The present invention provides these embodiments to make this embodiment thorough and complete, and to fully express the scope of this embodiment to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of parts and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely exemplary, and not as limiting.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the description of this solution, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means greater than or equal to two. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are intended solely to facilitate and simplify the description of this solution. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on this solution. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0038] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this solution do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but are simply used to distinguish different parts. "Perpendicular" does not mean perpendicular in the strict sense, but rather indicates that the positions are within the tolerance range. "Parallel" does not mean parallel in the strict sense, but rather indicates that the positions are within the tolerance range. "Include" or "comprising" and similar terms mean that the elements listed before the word include the elements listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility that other elements may also be included.

[0039] It should also be noted that, in the description of this solution, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, removable connections, or integral connections; they can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this solution based on the specific circumstances. When a specific device is described as being located between a first device and a second device, there may or may not be an intervening device between the specific device and the first or second device.

[0040] All terms used in this application have the same meaning as those understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in common dictionaries, for example, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or highly formal sense, unless explicitly defined herein.

[0041] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0042] refer to Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the present solution provides a cleaning component 1 of a cleaning robot, which includes a support frame 5, a cleaning member 2 arranged on the support frame 5, and a baffle 3, wherein the baffle 3 can move between a shielding position and an exposure position relative to the support frame 5. In the shielding position, the baffle 3 at least partially covers the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2 to avoid the cleaning member 2 from contacting the path surface that does not need to be cleaned. In the exposure position, the baffle 3 leaves the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2 to allow the cleaning member 2 to contact the path surface that needs to be cleaned.

[0043] The cleaning robot can walk on surfaces such as floors, carpets, and floor tiles, which are referred to as the passage surfaces.

[0044] The cleaning assembly 1 can be used to clean the path surface to remove dirt, dust, hair and other debris on the path surface, for example, by using the cleaning member 2 to clean these debris.

[0045] The support frame 5 is the basic structure of the cleaning assembly 1 and can provide a supporting base for other components, such as supporting structures such as the cleaning member 2 and the baffle 3.

[0046] In some cases, some types of path surfaces do not need to be cleaned, or in other words, cannot be cleaned, and if forced cleaning may cause damage to these path surfaces, such as carpets, etc. The path surfaces that need to be cleaned can be ordinary floors, floor tiles, etc.

[0047] The baffle 3 can move relative to the support frame 5 between an exposed position and a shielding position. In the shielding position, Figure 2 As shown, the baffle 3 at least partially covers the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2, so that at least a portion of the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2 is out of contact with the path surface that does not need to be cleaned, thereby protecting the path surface that does not need (or cannot) be cleaned. In the exposed position, Figure 1As shown, the baffle 3 is away from the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2, allowing the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2 to contact the path surface that needs to be cleaned, thereby cleaning the path surface that needs to be cleaned through the cleaning portion of the cleaning member 2.

[0048] Regarding the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2, it is the part that can contact the passing surface. For some types of cleaning members 2, they move relative to the support frame 5 during cleaning. The cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 is a specific part with reference to the support frame 5, and this specific part is constantly changing with the movement of the cleaning member 2. For example, for crawler-type cleaning members and roller-type cleaning members, the cleaning part is a specific part relative to the support frame 5, and this specific part is constantly changing. For disc-type cleaning members 2, when the disc as a whole is in contact with the passing surface, even if the disc continues to rotate, its cleaning part remains unchanged.

[0049] In addition, when the baffle 3 is in the blocking position, the baffle 3 can at least partially cover the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 to prevent at least a part of the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 from contacting the passing surface. In a preferred embodiment, the baffle 3 can completely cover the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 so that the entire cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 cannot contact the passing surface that does not need to be cleaned, thereby fully protecting the passing surface that does not need to be cleaned.

[0050] In this solution, for paths that do not need or cannot be cleaned, the baffle can be moved to a blocking position to isolate the cleaning parts from the paths, preventing the cleaning parts from contaminating or damaging the paths, thereby better protecting the paths and improving the cleaning quality.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cleaning assembly 1 can be configured to rise relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to disengage from the path surface; and the cleaning assembly 1 can be configured to descend relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to contact the path surface. The cleaning robot may include a main housing, and when the cleaning robot is supported on the path surface and the cleaning assembly 1 rises relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot, the distance between the cleaning assembly 1 and the path surface increases and the cleaning assembly 1 disengages from the path surface. The spacing between the cleaning assembly 1 and the path surface can accommodate the insertion of the baffle 3 to reach a blocking position, and can also allow the baffle 3 to maintain a spacing from the path surface to prevent the baffle 3 from scratching the path surface. When the cleaning robot is supported on the path surface and the cleaning assembly 1 descends relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot, the distance between the cleaning assembly 1 and the path surface decreases and the cleaning assembly 1 gradually begins to contact the path surface. Of course, as the cleaning assembly 1 descends, the baffle 3 can be moved to an exposed position or maintained in an exposed position to allow the cleaning element 2 to contact the path surface for cleaning as the cleaning assembly 1 descends. In which, the cleaning component 1 can rise to a first position separated from the passing surface, which corresponds to the blocking position of the baffle 3, and the cleaning component 1 can descend to a second position where the cleaning member 2 contacts the passing surface, which corresponds to the exposed position of the baffle 3; and, the rising movement of the cleaning component 1 from the second position to the first position corresponds to the movement of the baffle 3 from the exposed position to the blocking position, and the descending movement of the cleaning component 1 from the first position to the second position corresponds to the movement of the baffle 3 from the blocking position to the exposed position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cleaning element 2 comprises a rotatable roller and a rag or brush disposed on the outer periphery of the roller, and the baffle 3 is a curved plate disposed around the roller. The roller is rotatably mounted on a support frame 5, which can form a cavity that partially accommodates the roller. The portion of the roller exposed from the support frame 5 can be used to clean the surface. When the cleaning robot is positioned on a path surface, the axis of rotation of the roller can be parallel to the path surface. When the baffle 3 is in the exposed position, the rag or brush within a specific arc of the lower portion of the roller can contact the path surface. This specific arc represents the cleaning area of ​​the cleaning element 2. While this cleaning area is constantly changing for a rotating roller, it remains fixed relative to the support frame 5. The baffle 3 is a curved plate that matches the shape of the roller. When the baffle 3 is in the blocked position, it covers the rag or brush within a specific arc of the roller, i.e., the curved cleaning area. Of course, in other embodiments, a flat plate or other shaped baffle 3 can be provided to complement the roller-shaped cleaning element 2.

[0053] In some embodiments, the support frame 5 is provided with a flip bracket 4 located at a first axial end of the baffle 3. The flip bracket 4 supports and drives the baffle 3 to rotate about the drum. The baffle 3 is supported by the flip bracket 4, and the flip bracket 4 can drive the baffle 3 to rotate around the drum between an exposed position and a shielded position. The flip bracket 4 can be a plate-shaped structure located at one axial end of the drum, which can be connected to the baffle 3 and support the baffle 3.

[0054] In some embodiments, the baffle 3 is removable relative to the support frame 5 in the shielding position. It is understood that in some cases, the cleaning robot is small and compact, with the majority of the cleaning element 2 located inside the main housing, with only the cleaning portion extending out of the main housing to contact the surface being passed over. Accordingly, when the baffle 3 is moved to the exposed position, the majority of the baffle 3 is located inside the main housing, while when the baffle 3 is moved to the shielding position, more of the baffle 3 is exposed outside the main housing. Therefore, the baffle 3 is configured to be removable and installable in the shielding position. Removal of the baffle 3 allows the cleaning element 2 to be removed, replaced, repaired, and cleaned, and then reinstalled. Furthermore, when removing and installing the baffle 3, in addition to rotating the baffle 3 to the shielding position, the cleaning assembly 1 can also be lowered, allowing more of the baffle 3 to extend outside the main housing, facilitating removal and installation.

[0055] In some embodiments, a disassembly button 10 is provided on the flip bracket 4, the flip bracket 4 is provided with a first arcuate groove 6 extending around the roller, and the support frame 5 is provided with a second arcuate groove 13 extending around the roller. The axial first end of the baffle 3 is accommodated in the first arcuate groove 6, and the axial second end of the baffle 3 is accommodated in the second arcuate groove 13. The disassembly button 10 can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the flip bracket 4. In the locked position, the disassembly button 10 limits the rotation of the baffle 3 relative to the flip bracket 4. In the unlocked position, the disassembly button 10 allows the baffle 3 to rotate relative to the flip bracket 4, thereby realizing the disassembly and installation of the baffle 3.

[0056] The second axial end of the baffle 3 can rotate within the second arcuate groove 13, that is, between an exposed position and a shielded position. The second arcuate groove 13 supports and guides the baffle 3. The first axial end of the baffle 3 is accommodated in the first arcuate groove 6. When the disassembly button 10 is in the locked position, it can restrict the baffle 3 from rotating within the first arcuate groove 6 relative to the flip bracket 4. Therefore, the first arcuate groove 6 and the second arcuate groove 13 can restrict the axial and radial movement of the baffle 3. Combined with the restriction of the circumferential rotation of the baffle 3 by the disassembly button 10, the baffle 3 can be retained on the flip bracket 4.

[0057] When the baffle 3 moves to the blocking position, the disassembly button 10 can be moved to the unlocking position to allow the baffle 3 to rotate further, thereby disengaging from the flip bracket 4 and the support frame 5 to achieve disassembly. Figure 3 As shown; when reinstalling, the two ends of the baffle 3 can be aligned with the first arc groove 6 and the second arc groove 13, and the baffle 3 can be moved in the direction of the blocking position toward the exposed position to make it reach the blocking position, and then the disassembly button 10 is moved to the locking position to limit the movement of the baffle 3 to achieve the installation of the baffle 3.

[0058] In some embodiments, a first card slot 11 is provided at the axial first end of the baffle 3, and a second card slot 12 extending circumferentially around the roller is provided on the surface of the disassembly and assembly button 10 facing the baffle 3. The disassembly and assembly button 10 can be operated to move radially. In the locked position, the second card slot 12 is staggered with the first card slot 11 to limit the circumferential rotation of the baffle 3 relative to the flip bracket 4. In the unlocked position, the second card slot 12 is aligned with the first card slot 11 to allow the baffle 3 to rotate circumferentially relative to the flip bracket 4 through the second card slot 12.

[0059] Among them, reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the baffle 3 is provided with a first slot 11 at the second axial end thereof, and the disassembly button 10 is provided with a second slot 12 on the surface facing the first axial end thereof, so that the disassembly button 10 can move radially between a locked position and an unlocked position. Figure 4 , the disassembly button 10 is partially located in the first slot 11, limiting the circumferential rotation of the baffle 3 relative to the flip bracket 4; radially moving the disassembly button 10, when the second slot 12 is aligned with the first slot 11, reference Figure 5 , the disassembly button 10 is in the unlocked position, and the baffle 3 can pass through the second slot 12 and rotate circumferentially, thereby removing the baffle 3 from the flip bracket 4. In addition, the baffle 3 can be re-inserted into the first arc-shaped slot 6 and the second arc-shaped slot 13 by moving the baffle 3 in the opposite direction to achieve re-installation of the baffle 3. After the baffle 3 is re-installed in place, the disassembly button 10 is radially moved again, so that the second slot 12 is offset from the first slot 11, and the disassembly button 10 is in the locked position to re-lock the baffle 3. The disassembly button 10 can be manually operated by the user, and there can be a pre-tightening force between the disassembly button 10 and the flip bracket 4 to maintain it in the locked position or the unlocked position. For example, a through hole for accommodating the disassembly button 10 can be provided on the flip bracket 4. The through hole can clamp the disassembly button 10, especially the disassembly button 10 in the locked position to prevent it from accidentally moving to the unlocked position.

[0060] It can be seen that by radially moving the disassembly button 10, the baffle 3 can be locked and unlocked, and the baffle 3 can be disassembled and installed, and the operation is simple and easy.

[0061] In other embodiments, the baffle 3 can also be detachably set on the flip bracket 4 and the support frame 5 in other ways. For example, the baffle 3 can be fixed to the flip bracket 4 by screws and pins, and the baffle 3 can be removed by removing the screws and pins.

[0062] In addition, the cleaning robot's cleaning assembly 1 includes a drive member 7 and a transmission member 8 disposed on the support frame 5. The drive member 7, via the transmission member 8, is capable of driving the flip bracket 4 to rotate about the central axis of the drum, thereby driving the baffle 3 to rotate between the exposed position and the blocked position. The drive member 7 can be a torque output member such as a motor or engine, or a telescopic drive member such as a pneumatic cylinder, an oil cylinder, or an electric cylinder. When the drive member 7 is a torque output member, the transmission assembly can include at least one transmission gear, a transmission belt, a transmission chain, etc., that transmits torque to the flip bracket 4 and the drive member 7. When the drive member 7 is a telescopic drive member, the transmission assembly can include at least one connecting rod that transmits torque to the flip bracket 4 and the drive member 7. Under the action of the drive member 7 and the transmission member 8, the flip bracket 4 and the baffle 3 can be driven to rotate together, causing the baffle 3 to rotate between the exposed position and the blocked position. In particular, since cleaning robots are mostly powered by electricity, they can be driven by a motor. The transmission assembly can include multiple sequentially meshing transmission gears to transmit torque to the flip bracket 4, while also achieving acceleration or deceleration of the rotational speed through the specific transmission ratio of the transmission gears.

[0063] In some embodiments, the turning bracket 4 and the roller can be driven by the same driving device or by different driving devices.

[0064] In addition, in some embodiments, the cleaning member 2 includes a rotatable disc and a rag or brush disposed on the disc, and the baffle 3 is a flat plate. The movement of the baffle 3 between the exposing position and the shielding position can be translational or rotational.

[0065] In addition, in some embodiments, the cleaning member 2 includes a crawler structure and a rag or brush disposed on the crawler structure, and the baffle 3 is a flat plate or an arc-shaped plate. The movement of the baffle 3 between the exposing position and the shielding position can be translational or rotational.

[0066] The rag can be soaked in water and can be used to clean the surface it passes through similar to mopping the floor, and the brush can be in a dry state and can be used to clean the surface it passes through similar to sweeping the floor.

[0067] In some embodiments, the cleaning member 2 is of a wet mopping type. That is, the cleaning member 2 may include a rag that can be soaked in water and clean the surface it passes through similar to mopping.

[0068] On the other hand, the present invention provides a cleaning mechanism of a cleaning robot, which includes the cleaning component 1 of the cleaning robot described in the above embodiment and a lifting component 9, wherein the lifting component 9 is capable of driving the cleaning component 1 to move up and down. The lifting component 9 may include a base and a drive component, and the drive component may drive the cleaning component 1 to rise and fall relative to the base. The drive component may be a combination of a motor and a screw mechanism, or may be an oil cylinder, an air cylinder, or the like.

[0069] On the other hand, the present solution provides a cleaning method for a cleaning robot, wherein the cleaning robot includes a cleaning component 1, and the cleaning component 1 includes a cleaning member 2 and a baffle 3, and the cleaning method includes the following steps: judging whether the path surface of the cleaning robot needs to be cleaned; if the path surface does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or starts a non-cleaning state, and in the non-cleaning state, the cleaning member 2 stops the cleaning action, and the baffle 3 is located in a blocking position to block the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2, so that the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 is isolated from the path surface; if the path surface needs to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or starts a cleaning state, and in the cleaning state, the baffle 3 is located in an exposed position to expose the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2, so that the cleaning part of the cleaning member 2 contacts the path surface, and the cleaning member 2 starts a cleaning action to clean the path surface.

[0070] The cleaning robot can be provided with an ultrasonic sensor to detect whether the passing surface is a passing surface that needs to be cleaned or a passing surface that does not need to be cleaned. Of course, a camera can also be used to capture images to determine whether the passing surface needs to be cleaned.

[0071] When the cleaning robot moves, the following situations may occur: if it is always on a path surface that does not need to be cleaned, it will remain in a non-cleaning state, wherein the cleaning part 2 remains in a stopped cleaning action and the baffle 3 remains in a blocked position; if it is always on a path surface that needs to be cleaned, it will remain in a cleaning state, wherein the cleaning part 2 remains in an activated cleaning action; if it moves from a path surface that does not need to be cleaned to a path surface that needs to be cleaned, its state will change from a non-cleaning state to a cleaning state, i.e., the cleaning state is activated, the baffle 3 moves from a blocked position to an exposed position, and the cleaning part 2 activates the cleaning action; if it moves from a path surface that needs to be cleaned to a path surface that does not need to be cleaned, its state will change from a clean state to a non-cleaning state, i.e., the non-cleaning state is activated, the cleaning part 2 stops cleaning action, and the baffle 3 moves from an exposed position to a blocked position. The cleaning action refers to the cleaning part 2 being in an operating state, and its roller, disc or track structure being in a rotating state.

[0072] In addition, in some embodiments, when the cleaning robot is in a non-cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 rises to a first position to be away from the passing surface; when the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 descends to a second position to contact the passing surface. When the cleaning robot is in a non-cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 remains in a first position away from the passing surface; when the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 remains in a second position in contact with the passing surface; when the cleaning robot switches from a non-cleaning state to a cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 descends from the first position to the second position; when the cleaning robot switches from a cleaning state to a non-cleaning state, the cleaning component 1 rises from the second position to the first position. The first position may be the highest position, and the second position may be the lowest position.

[0073] Furthermore, in some embodiments, when the cleaning robot moves from a path surface that requires cleaning to a path surface that does not require cleaning, the cleaning element 2 stops cleaning, the cleaning assembly 1 is then driven to rise to the first position, and the baffle 3 is driven to move to the shielded position. When the cleaning robot moves from a path surface that does not require cleaning to a path surface that requires cleaning, the cleaning assembly 1 is driven to descend, the baffle 3 is driven to move to the exposed position, and the cleaning element 2 is then activated. In other words, when the cleaning robot moves from a path surface that requires cleaning to a path surface that does not require cleaning, the cleaning robot needs to switch from a cleaning state to a non-cleaning state, i.e., stop the operation of the cleaning element 2 and drive the cleaning assembly 1 and baffle 3 to their respective positions. When the cleaning robot moves from a path surface that does not require cleaning to a path surface that requires cleaning, the cleaning robot needs to switch from a non-cleaning state to a cleaning state, i.e., drive the cleaning assembly 1 and baffle 3 to their respective positions and activate the operation of the cleaning element 2. It can be seen that the state transition of the cleaning robot requires corresponding changes in three aspects: the baffle 3, the cleaning element 2, and the cleaning assembly 1.

[0074] In addition, in some embodiments, the cleaning robot is initially set to a non-cleaning state; when the cleaning robot initially set moves to the path surface that needs to be cleaned, the cleaning component 1 is driven to descend and the baffle 3 is driven to move to the exposed position, and then the cleaning action of the cleaning member 2 is started; when the cleaning robot initially set moves to a path surface that does not need to be cleaned, the positions of the cleaning component 1 and the baffle 3 remain unchanged. The cleaning robot is initially set to a non-cleaning state, and when the cleaning robot initially set moves to a path surface that needs to be cleaned, the cleaning robot can be converted from the non-cleaning state to the cleaning state, and when the cleaning robot initially set moves to a path surface that does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning robot can maintain its original non-cleaning state.

[0075] In some embodiments, the movement of the baffle 3 and the rising or falling of the cleaning component 1 start simultaneously.

[0076] Wherein, when the cleaning assembly 1 starts to be driven to rise from the second position to the first position, the baffle 3 is driven to move from the exposing position to the shielding position;

[0077] Wherein, when the cleaning assembly 1 starts to be driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle 3 is driven to move from the shielding position to the exposing position.

[0078] That is to say, when the cleaning robot switches from the cleaning state to the non-cleaning state, the upward movement of the cleaning component 1 from the second position to the first position and the movement of the baffle 3 from the exposed position to the shielding position start at the same time. In some cases, when the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position, the baffle 3 also reaches the shielding position at the same time. In other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the shielding position a while after the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position. In some cases, the baffle 3 reaches the shielding position a while after the baffle 3 reaches the shielding position. In some cases, the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position a while after the baffle 3 reaches the shielding position. Similarly, when the cleaning robot switches from the non-cleaning state to the cleaning state, the downward movement of the cleaning component 1 from the first position to the second position and the movement of the baffle 3 from the shielding position to the exposed position also start at the same time. In some cases, when the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position, the baffle 3 also reaches the exposed position at the same time. In other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position a while after the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position. In some cases, the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position a while after the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position.

[0079] In other embodiments, the movement of the baffle 3 and the rising or falling of the cleaning component 1 do not start at the same time.

[0080] Wherein, after the cleaning component 1 is driven to descend from the first position to the second position for a first predetermined distance or a first predetermined time, or after the cleaning component 1 is driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle 3 is driven to move from the shielding position to the exposing position;

[0081] Among them, after driving the cleaning component 1 to rise from the second position to the first position for a second predetermined distance or a second predetermined time, or after driving the cleaning component 1 to move and rise from the second position to the first position, the baffle 3 is driven to move from the exposed position to the shielded position.

[0082] Among them, the first predetermined distance and the second predetermined distance are greater than 0 and less than the distance between the first position and the second position, the first predetermined time is greater than 0 and less than the moving time of the cleaning component 1 from the second position to the first position, and the second predetermined time is greater than 0 and less than the moving time of the cleaning component from the first position to the second position.

[0083] That is to say, when the cleaning robot switches from the cleaning state to the non-cleaning state, the baffle 3 starts to move from the exposed position to the shielded position only after the cleaning component 1 rises a certain distance or a period of time from the second position. In some cases, when the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position, the baffle 3 also reaches the shielded position at the same time. In other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position only after the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position for a period of time. In still other cases, the cleaning component 1 reaches the first position only after the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position for a period of time. Alternatively, the baffle 3 starts to move from the exposed position to the shielded position only after the cleaning component 1 moves from the second position to the first position. It can be understood that by moving the cleaning component 1 to the first position first, a space for accommodating the baffle 3 can be formed between the cleaning component 1 and the passing surface, so that the baffle 3 will not collide with the passing surface when it moves to the shielding position. Similarly, when the cleaning robot switches from a non-cleaning state to a cleaning state, the baffle 3 starts to move from the blocking position to the exposed position only after the cleaning component 1 descends a certain distance or a period of time from the first position. In some cases, when the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position, the baffle 3 also reaches the exposed position at the same time. In other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position only after the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position for a period of time. In still other cases, the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position only after the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position for a period of time; or, the baffle 3 starts to move from the blocking position to the exposed position only after the cleaning component 1 moves from the first position to the second position.

[0084] In addition, in other embodiments, when the cleaning robot switches between the cleaning state and the non-cleaning state, the baffle 3 may be moved first and then the cleaning assembly 1. When the cleaning robot switches from the cleaning state to the non-cleaning state, the baffle 3 moves from the exposed position to the shielded position for a period of time before the cleaning assembly 1 begins to move from the second position to the first position. In some cases, when the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position, the cleaning assembly 1 also reaches the first position at the same time. In other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position for a period of time before the cleaning assembly 1 reaches the first position. In yet other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position for a period of time after the cleaning assembly 1 reaches the first position. Alternatively, the cleaning assembly 1 begins to move from the second position to the first position after the baffle 3 reaches the shielded position. When the cleaning robot switches from a non-cleaning state to a cleaning state, the baffle 3 moves from the blocking position to the exposed position for a period of time before the cleaning component 1 starts to move from the first position to the second position. In some cases, when the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position, the cleaning component 1 also reaches the second position at the same time. In other cases, the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position a period of time after the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position. In still other cases, the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position a period of time after the cleaning component 1 reaches the second position. Alternatively, the cleaning component 1 starts to move from the first position to the second position after the baffle 3 reaches the exposed position.

[0085] The movement time of the cleaning component 1 between the first position and the second position can be set according to actual needs, for example, it can be 2-5 seconds, and the distance between the first position and the second position can be 2-4 cm. In the case where the baffle 3 and the cleaning component 1 move asynchronously, the baffle 3 can be moved 1-3 seconds after the cleaning component 1 moves, or after the cleaning component 1 moves 1-2 cm.

[0086] As described above, when the cleaning assembly 1 and the baffle 3 move asynchronously, the cleaning assembly 1 moves before the baffle 3. This is because the cleaning member 2 in the cleaning assembly 1 is the core structure and has a higher priority for rising and falling, while the baffle 3 is an auxiliary component and has a relatively lower priority. Of course, in other embodiments, the baffle 3 can also be moved first and then the cleaning assembly 1 is raised and lowered. For example, the baffle 3 can be moved a certain distance (less than the total distance required to move) or for a period of time (less than the total time required to move), or the baffle 3 can be moved into position (reaching the target position, such as an exposed position or a blocked position) before the cleaning assembly 1 is moved.

[0087] Among them, regarding the cleaning method of the cleaning robot described above, wherein, the cleaning robot adopts the cleaning component 1 described in the above scheme or the cleaning mechanism described in the above scheme.

[0088] In addition, the present invention further provides a cleaning robot, which includes the cleaning assembly 1 or the cleaning mechanism described in the above embodiment. The cleaning robot may include a main housing, and the cleaning assembly 1 or the cleaning mechanism may be disposed in the main housing and partially extend from the bottom. Other components, such as a battery, a controller, and a drive structure, may also be disposed on the main housing.

[0089] So far, the various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of the present invention, some details known in the art have not been described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed herein.

[0090] While some specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications to the above embodiments or substitution of certain technical features may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner, provided that no structural conflicts exist.

Claims

1. A cleaning component (1) of a cleaning robot, characterized in that: The invention comprises a support frame (5), a cleaning member (2) arranged on the support frame (5), and a baffle (3); the baffle (3) is movable relative to the support frame (5) between a shielding position and an exposing position; in the shielding position, the baffle (3) at least partially covers a cleaning portion of the cleaning member (2) to prevent the cleaning member (2) from contacting a passing surface that does not need to be cleaned; in the exposing position, the baffle (3) is away from the cleaning portion of the cleaning member (2) to allow the cleaning member (2) to contact a passing surface that needs to be cleaned.

2. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning component (1) can be configured to rise relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to detach from the passing surface; the cleaning component (1) can be configured to descend relative to the main housing of the cleaning robot to contact the passing surface.

3. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning member (2) comprises a rotatable drum and a rag or a brush arranged on the outer periphery of the drum, and the baffle (3) is an arc-shaped plate arranged around the drum.

4. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 3, characterized in that: The support frame (5) is provided with a flip bracket (4) located at the first axial end of the baffle (3), and the flip bracket (4) supports and drives the baffle (3) to rotate around the drum.

5. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the shielding position, the baffle (3) is detachable relative to the support frame (5).

6. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 5, characterized in that: The flip bracket (4) is provided with a disassembly button (10), the flip bracket (4) is provided with a first arc-shaped groove (6) extending around the roller, the support frame (5) is provided with a second arc-shaped groove (13) extending around the roller, the axial first end of the baffle (3) is accommodated in the first arc-shaped groove (6), and the axial second end of the baffle (3) is accommodated in the second arc-shaped groove (13), the disassembly button (10) can move between a locked position and an unlocked position relative to the flip bracket (4), in the locked position, the disassembly button (10) limits the baffle (3) from rotating relative to the flip bracket (4), in the unlocked position, the disassembly button (10) allows the baffle (3) to rotate relative to the flip bracket (4), thereby realizing the disassembly and installation of the baffle (3).

7. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 6, characterized in that: A first slot (11) is provided at the first axial end of the baffle (3); a second slot (12) extending circumferentially around the roller is provided on the surface of the disassembly button (10) facing the baffle (3); the disassembly button (10) can be operated to move radially; in the locked position, the second slot (12) is offset from the first slot (11) to limit the circumferential rotation of the baffle (3) relative to the flip bracket (4); in the unlocked position, the second slot (12) is aligned with the first slot (11) to allow the baffle (3) to rotate circumferentially relative to the flip bracket (4) through the second slot (12).

8. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 4, characterized in that: It comprises a driving member (7) and a transmission member (8) arranged on the support frame (5); the driving member (7) can drive the flip bracket (4) to rotate around the central axis of the drum through the transmission member (8), so as to drive the baffle (3) to rotate between the exposed position and the shielded position.

9. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning member (2) comprises a rotatable disc and a rag or a brush arranged on the disc, and the baffle (3) is a flat plate.

10. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning member (2) comprises a crawler structure and a rag or a brush arranged on the crawler structure, and the baffle (3) is a flat plate or an arc-shaped plate.

11. The cleaning component (1) of the cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning element (2) is of a wet mopping type.

12. A cleaning mechanism of a cleaning robot, characterized in that: The cleaning robot comprises a cleaning component (1) and a lifting component (9) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the lifting component (9) is capable of driving the cleaning component (1) to move up and down.

13. A cleaning method for a cleaning robot, characterized in that: The cleaning robot comprises a cleaning component (1), wherein the cleaning component (1) comprises a cleaning member (2) and a baffle (3), and the cleaning method comprises the following steps: Determine whether the surface that the cleaning robot passes by needs to be cleaned; If the passing surface does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or starts a non-cleaning state. In the non-cleaning state, the cleaning element (2) stops cleaning and the baffle (3) is located in a shielding position to shield the cleaning part of the cleaning element (2), so that the cleaning part of the cleaning element (2) is isolated from the passing surface; If the passing surface needs to be cleaned, the cleaning robot maintains or starts a cleaning state. In the cleaning state, the baffle (3) is located in an exposed position to expose the cleaning part of the cleaning member (2), so that the cleaning part of the cleaning member (2) contacts the passing surface, and the cleaning member (2) starts a cleaning action to clean the passing surface.

14. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot according to claim 13, characterized in that: In a non-cleaning state, the cleaning component (1) rises to a first position to be away from the passing surface; In the cleaning state, the cleaning component (1) descends to the second position to contact the passing surface.

15. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot according to claim 14, characterized in that: When the cleaning robot moves from the path surface that needs to be cleaned to the path surface that does not need to be cleaned, the cleaning action of the cleaning member (2) is stopped, and then the cleaning component (1) is driven to rise to the first position and the baffle (3) is driven to move to the shielding position; When the cleaning robot moves from the path surface that does not need to be cleaned to the path surface that needs to be cleaned, the cleaning component (1) is driven to descend and the baffle (3) is driven to move to the exposed position, and then the cleaning action of the cleaning member (2) is started.

16. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot according to claim 14, characterized in that When the cleaning component (1) starts to be driven to rise from the second position to the first position, the baffle (3) is driven to move from the exposing position to the shielding position; When the cleaning component (1) starts to be driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle (3) is driven to move from the shielding position to the exposing position.

17. The cleaning method of the cleaning robot according to claim 14, characterized in that: After the cleaning component (1) is driven to descend from the first position to the second position for a first predetermined distance or a first predetermined time, or after the cleaning component (1) is driven to descend from the first position to the second position, the baffle (3) is driven to move from the shielding position to the exposing position; After the cleaning component (1) is driven to rise from the second position to the first position for a second predetermined distance or a second predetermined time, or after the cleaning component (1) is driven to move and rise from the second position to the first position, the baffle (3) is driven to move from the exposed position to the shielded position.

18. The cleaning method of a cleaning robot according to any one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that: The cleaning robot adopts the cleaning component (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or the cleaning mechanism described in claim 12.

19. A cleaning robot, characterized in that: It comprises the cleaning component (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 11 or the cleaning mechanism described in claim 12.

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