Base station of window cleaning robot and window cleaning system

Abstract

The invention discloses a base station of a window cleaning robot and a window cleaning system. The base station of the window cleaning robot comprises a body used for containing the window cleaning robot and fixedly connected with an external object; the electric control part is arranged in the base station and used for detecting the fixing state of the body and the external object and controlling the running state of the window cleaning robot according to the fixing state, and the electric control part specifically comprises the steps that when the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixing state of the body and the external object is a first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled not to be standby, the first state is used for representing that the fixing state of the body and the external object does not meet the preset state. According to the technical scheme, the technical problem that under the condition that the base station is not fixed well, when the window cleaning robot is used, the window cleaning robot accidentally falls off and cannot be protected is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning equipment, and in particular to a base station of a window-cleaning robot and a window-cleaning system. Background Art

[0002] Window cleaning robots are now popular among users, helping them solve cleaning problems. However, when operating at height, they may accidentally fall, resulting in the risk of falling objects and damage to the robot. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a base station of a window cleaning robot and a window cleaning system, aiming to solve the technical problem that when the window cleaning robot is used, the window cleaning robot accidentally falls and cannot be protected when the base station is not fixed.

[0004] The present invention provides a base station for a window-cleaning robot, comprising: a main body, for accommodating the window-cleaning robot and for fixedly connecting to an external object; an electrical control unit, arranged in the base station, for detecting the fixed state of the main body and the external object, and controlling the operating state of the window-cleaning robot according to the fixed state, specifically comprising: when the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state of the main body and the external object is a first state, controlling the window-cleaning robot not to be in standby mode, wherein the first state is used to indicate that the fixed state of the main body and the external object does not meet a preset state.

[0005] Among them, during the operation of the window cleaning robot, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled to standby.

[0006] Among them, the electrical control unit is also used to control the window cleaning robot to standby or control the window cleaning robot to work when it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is a second state, wherein the second state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the main body and the external object meets the preset state.

[0007] Among them, after the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state of the main body and the external object is the first state, and the window cleaning robot is not in standby for more than the first preset time, the enhanced adsorption system is activated to make the fixed state of the main body and the external object reach the second state.

[0008] Among them, after the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state of the main body and the external object is the first state, and the window cleaning robot is not in standby mode for more than a second preset time, the base station is controlled to shut down.

[0009] Among them, when it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled not to be in standby mode, specifically including: when it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the main body is controlled to execute the fixation with the external object multiple times.

[0010] Among them, the main body is provided with an adsorption component for adsorbing and fixing with an external object, and the electric control component is used to determine the fixing state of the main body and the external object according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the adsorption component.

[0011] Among them, controlling the window cleaning robot not to be in standby mode includes: controlling the window cleaning robot to be powered off, specifically including: disconnecting at least one of the electrical connection between the window cleaning robot and the base station, and disconnecting the electrical connection between the base station and the external power supply.

[0012] Among them, non-standby includes: interacting with the user to feedback the non-standby state of the window cleaning robot.

[0013] The present invention provides a window cleaning system, comprising a window cleaning robot and the above-mentioned base station, wherein the window cleaning robot is used to be accommodated in the base station; when the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the base station body and the external object is in a first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled not to be in standby mode, wherein the first state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the base station body and the external object does not meet the preset state.

[0014] According to the technical solution of the present invention, when the base station is not fixed, the window cleaning robot will not be in standby mode, such as without power or adsorption, which makes the window cleaning robot unable to work, thereby avoiding human misoperation and the technical problem of the window cleaning robot accidentally falling and being unable to be protected when using the window cleaning robot when the base station is not fixed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a first structural schematic diagram of a window cleaning system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is a second structural schematic diagram of the window cleaning system in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the window cleaning system in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making any creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] It should be noted that all directional indications in the embodiments of the present invention (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0020] It should also be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed on" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element.

[0021] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. in the present invention are for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the fact that they can be implemented by ordinary technicians in this field. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0022] The present invention proposes a base station 20 of a window cleaning robot 10, which is used to protect the window cleaning robot 10 from accidental falling during use; wherein the window cleaning robot 10 can be used to clean surfaces such as doors, windows, walls, and floors.

[0023] See also Figure 1-Figure 3The base station 20 includes a body 202 and an electrical control unit (not shown). The body 202 is used to accommodate the window cleaning robot 10 and is configured to be fixedly connected to an external object. The electrical control unit, located within the base station 20, is configured to detect the fixed state between the body 202 and the external object and control the operating state of the window cleaning robot 10 based on the fixed state. It is understood that the external object includes a floor, a wall, a table, indoor equipment (e.g., a large household appliance), etc. The base station 20 and the window cleaning robot 10 can be connected via a wire 30. The window cleaning robot 10 can optionally include: a body 102 and one cleaning element 101, two cleaning elements 101, or more cleaning elements 101 disposed on the body 102. When two cleaning elements 101 are included, the two cleaning elements 101 can alternately clean, for example, by rotating alternately to clean the surface to be cleaned, or the two cleaning elements 101 can clean simultaneously, for example, by rotating simultaneously. Of course, the body 102 can also be provided with a cleaning element 101 and a walking element independently, with the walking element responsible for walking and the cleaning element 101 responsible for cleaning. The moving element may be a turntable, roller, or track. The cleaning element 101 may include a cleaning disc or a cleaning sheet. The cleaning disc may rotate or float relative to the body 102. The cleaning element 101 may be a single disc structure with a hollow hole, or the cleaning element 101 may be a circular ring structure with a hollow space formed in the middle. The body 202 of the base station 20 may include a receiving seat 204 and a cover 203. The cover 203 may cover the receiving seat 204 or be open relative to the receiving seat 204. The cover 203 may rotate or move horizontally relative to the receiving seat 204.

[0024] When the base station 20 is activated, if the electronic control unit detects that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object is in the first state, the window cleaning robot 10 is controlled to not enter standby mode. The first state indicates that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object does not meet the preset state. It is understood that the non-standby states of the window cleaning robot 10 include: power-off non-standby or non-adsorption non-standby. Non-adsorption non-standby may include controlling the window cleaning robot 10's fan to not start, or controlling the fan to start at a small amplitude that is insufficient to allow the window cleaning robot 10 to attract. The base station 20 can be activated by powering on the base station 20 or by activating a start switch after the base station 20 is powered on. Not meeting the preset state may mean that the main body 202 of the base station 20 is not properly fixed to the external object, thus not meeting the usage requirements. The base station 20 can draw power from an external power source and transmit power to the window cleaning robot 10. Alternatively, the base station 20 can be equipped with an internal battery for power supply. The window-cleaning robot 10 and the base station 20 can be electrically connected. When the body 202 and the window-cleaning robot 10 are fixed in a first state and the predetermined state is not satisfied, the electrical connection between the window-cleaning robot 10 and the base station 20 can be disconnected, such as by a relay switch or other switch. Thus, when the base station 20 is not fixed, even if the base station 20 is connected to an external power source, the window-cleaning robot 10 will not enter standby mode, i.e., it will not be powered on or will not be adsorbed. This will render the window-cleaning robot 10 inoperable, thus preventing human error in using the window-cleaning robot 10 and avoiding the technical problem of the window-cleaning robot 10 accidentally falling and being unable to protect itself when the base station 20 is not fixed. Of course, the power supply for the electrical components can be provided by an indoor power outlet via a plug cord, or by a battery built into the body 202, or other means.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, after the base station 20 is activated, during the operation of the window-cleaning robot 10, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object is in the first state, the window-cleaning robot 10 is controlled to enter a standby state. It is understood that during the operation of the window-cleaning robot 10, if it is detected that the connection between the base station 20 and the external object is loose, that is, the first state is entered, then the window-cleaning robot 10 is controlled to enter a standby state, such as optionally remaining in place. This prevents the window-cleaning robot 10 from pulling on the base station 20 during further movement, causing the base station 20 to become looser. This avoids the technical problem of the base station 20 being unable to catch the window-cleaning robot 10 in time if the window-cleaning robot 10 accidentally falls, thereby reducing the risk of the window-cleaning robot 10 falling from a high altitude.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the electronic control unit is further configured to control the window-cleaning robot 10 to enter standby mode or to operate upon detecting that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object is in a second state, wherein the second state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object satisfies a preset state. It is understood that if the main body 202 of the base station 20 is well fixed to the external object and satisfies the preset state, the window-cleaning robot 10 may be controlled to power on and enter standby mode, or to be attached to the surface to be cleaned, or to be directly operated. That is, when the base station 20 is activated, if the main body 202 of the base station 20 is well fixed to the external object, the window-cleaning robot 10 may be controlled to enter standby mode or to be attached to facilitate subsequent operation of the window-cleaning robot 10, or the window-cleaning robot 10 may be directly operated to perform cleaning operations.

[0027] Therefore, in the present application, when the base station 20 is activated, the window cleaning robot 10 is not powered on or in standby mode unless the base station 20 is properly fixed. This avoids the technical problem of the window cleaning robot 10 being unable to be protected from an accidental fall. Only when the base station 20 is properly fixed can the window cleaning robot 10 be in standby mode, stably attached to the surface to be cleaned, or in operation. This ensures that even if the window cleaning robot 10 accidentally falls, the base station 20 can be properly fixed and promptly catch the window cleaning robot 10, effectively reducing the risk of the window cleaning robot 10 falling from a high altitude and lowering the safety risk for users using the window cleaning robot 10.

[0028] In a specific embodiment, after the base station 20 is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object is in the first state, and the window cleaning robot 10 is not in standby mode for a period exceeding a first preset time, the enhanced adsorption system is activated to make the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object reach the second state. It is understandable that during the startup process of the base station 20, if the main body 202 of the base station 20 and the external object are not fixed properly, and the window cleaning robot 10 is not in standby mode for a long time, such as exceeding the first preset time, the enhanced adsorption system is controlled to be activated to enhance the fixed state between the main body 202 of the base station 20 and the external object. The enhanced adsorption system can be a boosting structure, a screw structure, a lead screw structure, etc. The enhanced adsorption system is used to press against the main body 202 of the base station 20 to further strengthen the fixation of the base body 202 to the external object. Optionally, the first preset time can be 3s, 5s, 10s, 60s, etc. The specific duration of the first preset time is determined according to the specific situation.

[0029] In a specific embodiment, after the base station 20 is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object is in the first state, and the time period during which the window cleaning robot 10 is not in standby mode exceeds a second preset time period, the base station 20 is controlled to shut down. Optionally, the second preset time period is greater than the first preset time period. It is understandable that if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object has been in the first state for a time period exceeding the first preset time period, and the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object has still not reached the second state, and thereafter, the time period during which the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object has been in the first state also exceeds the second state, this indicates that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object has encountered a large obstacle or a large gap, making it difficult for the main body 202 to be fixed properly. In this case, the base station 20 is controlled to shut down. Accordingly, the window cleaning robot 10 is also shut down accordingly. After the base station 20 is shut down, the base station 20 can be moved, re-fixed, and restarted. Optionally, the second preset time may be 5s, 15s, 60s, 120s, etc., and the specific duration of the second preset time is determined according to specific circumstances.

[0030] In one specific embodiment, when the body 202 is detected to be in the first state, the window-cleaning robot 10 is controlled to not enter standby mode. This specifically includes: when the body 202 is detected to be in the first state, controlling the body 202 to repeatedly perform fixation with the external object. It is understood that when the body 202 is detected to be in the first state, controlling the body 202 to repeatedly perform fixation with the external object may include repeatedly performing fixation at the same location, or controlling the base station 20 to move the body 202 to a certain position before performing fixation. That is, the multiple fixation methods may include multiple fixation at the same location, or multiple fixation after moving the body 202 to a different location. In this embodiment, controlling the body 202 to repeatedly perform fixation with the external object may cause the base station 20 to change its fixation with the external object from the first state to the second state. Alternatively, the base station 20 may automatically increase the suction force multiple times for control, or the base station 20 may automatically activate the enhanced suction system multiple times for control, or the base station 20 may automatically move itself and perform control multiple times until the second state changes to the first state.

[0031] Optionally, the electrical control unit includes a control circuit and a detection circuit. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the control circuit and is configured to detect the connection and fixation status between the main body 202 and the external object. The control circuit is configured to determine the connection and fixation status between the main body 202 and the external object based on information detected by the detection circuit, and to control the operating state of the window-cleaning robot 10 based on the detected connection and fixation status.

[0032] In some embodiments, the electrical control further includes a power supply circuit, which is electrically connected to the control circuit and one end of the wire 30. The power supply circuit is used to connect to a power source, such as a power supply from a room outlet via a power input line, or to a battery-powered device built into the body 202. In some embodiments, the power supply circuit and the wire 30 may be connected via a relay switch. The control circuit controls the on / off state of the relay switch based on the detected connection status, thereby controlling the electrical connection between the wire 30 and the power supply circuit. Of course, the power supply circuit and the wire 30 may also be electrically connected via other types of switches or circuits.

[0033] See also Figure 3 In a specific embodiment, a suction piece 201 for adsorbing and fixing an external object is provided on the main body 202, and the electrical control unit is used to determine the fixing state of the main body 202 and the external object according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the suction piece 201. Optionally, the suction piece 201 can be a suction cup. The detection circuit includes an air pressure detection unit provided in the suction piece 201, and the air pressure detection unit is used to detect the internal and external air pressure difference of the suction piece 201. The control circuit is used to determine the connection and fixing state of the main body 202 and the external object according to the internal and external air pressure difference detected by the air pressure detection unit. The electrical control unit can be provided in the suction piece 201 or in the main body 202.

[0034] The main body 202 is fixedly attached to an external object by adsorption of the adsorption member 201. The adsorption member 201 can be a strong suction cup to ensure the reliability of the adsorption and fixation of the main body 202 to the external object. The main body 202 can be provided with a button switch for activating and deactivating the adsorption member 201. When in use, the adsorption member 201 is placed on an external object (such as a base, wall, or table), and the adsorption member 201 is activated by pressing the button switch to complete the fixation of the main body 202.

[0035] The detection circuit detects the internal and external pressure differential of the adsorbent 201 in real time or periodically via the air pressure detection unit and feeds this back to the control circuit. The control circuit then determines the degree of adhesion between the adsorbent 201 and the external object based on the internal and external pressure differential feedback from the air pressure detection unit. The control circuit is pre-set with at least one reference threshold for the internal and external pressure differential. The control circuit compares the internal and external pressure differential feedback from the air pressure detection unit with the reference threshold to determine the degree of adhesion between the adsorbent 201 and the external object, i.e., the state of attachment between the main body 202 and the external object.

[0036] In this embodiment, the base station 20 is fixedly connected to an external object by providing an adsorption member 201 on the body 202. This makes the body 202 easier to fix and more convenient for users to use. Of course, in other embodiments, the body 202 can also be fixed to the external object using other methods, such as a clamping mechanism, a buckle assembly, etc.

[0037] In some embodiments, when the internal and external air pressure differential detected by the air pressure detection unit reaches a first preset value, the control circuit determines that the detected connection and fixation state is the second state. At this time, the control wire 30 is controlled to maintain power, which may be to maintain electrical continuity between the wire 30 and the power supply circuit, or the window cleaning robot 10 is controlled to initiate suction. When the internal and external air pressure differential detected by the air pressure detection unit is lower than the first preset value, the control circuit determines that the detected connection and fixation state is the first state and controls the wire 30 to disconnect power, which may be to disconnect the wire 30 from the power supply circuit, so as to prevent the window cleaning robot 10 from entering standby mode, or to control the window cleaning robot 10 to not initiate suction, or to control the suction state of the window cleaning robot 10 to not satisfy the suction state during normal operation.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, non-standby includes: interactive feedback with the user on the non-standby state of the window cleaning robot 10. Optionally, the interactive feedback method includes: controlling the base station 20 to output reminder information or controlling the window cleaning robot 10 to output reminder information. The reminder information may include sound reminders, for example, controlling the buzzer to continuously emit a reminder sound or intermittently emit a reminder sound. In some embodiments, the reminder information may include light reminder information, for example, controlling the light alarm unit to perform a light alarm (for example, controlling the indicator light to flash or stay on). Through sound reminders or light reminders, when the user is near the base station 20, he can directly know the adsorption and fixing state of the adsorption part 201 of the base station 20 through sound or light, so that the user can adjust the adsorption and fixing state of the base station 20 in time.

[0039] In one specific embodiment, controlling the window-cleaning robot 10 to not enter standby mode includes controlling the window-cleaning robot 10 to power off, specifically by disconnecting at least one of the electrical connection between the window-cleaning robot 10 and the base station 20, and disconnecting the electrical connection between the base station 20 and an external power source. It is understood that there are many ways to disable standby mode, such as disconnecting any electrical connection, such as disconnecting any electrical connection between the power source, the base station 20, and the window-cleaning robot 10.

[0040] Of course, in other embodiments, the method for controlling the window-cleaning robot 10 to not enter standby mode includes controlling the window-cleaning robot 10 to not engage in suction. There are many ways to disable suction, such as powering off the fan or controlling the fan power to below normal operating power. Thus, the non-attraction mode of the window-cleaning robot 10 can also alert the user that the base station 20 is not properly secured and requires attention.

[0041] Therefore, when the base station 20 is not fixed, the window cleaning robot 10 is controlled not to be in standby mode. The non-standby mode includes no power supply, no adsorption, etc., which can make the window cleaning robot 10 unable to work, thereby avoiding the technical problem that the window cleaning robot 10 accidentally falls and cannot be protected when the base station 20 is not fixed.

[0042] The present invention also provides a window cleaning system, comprising a window cleaning robot 10 and the aforementioned base station 20. The window cleaning robot 10 is housed within the base station 20. Upon activation, the base station 20 detects that the fixed state between the main body 202 of the base station 20 and an external object is in a first state, thereby controlling the window cleaning robot 10 to not enter standby mode. The first state indicates that the fixed state between the main body 202 and the external object does not meet a predetermined state. It is understood that when the window cleaning robot 10 is in use, the window cleaning robot 10 is removed from the base station 20. When not in use, the window cleaning robot 10 is stored within the base station 20.

[0043] The window cleaning system avoids the technical problem that the window cleaning robot 10 may accidentally fall and fail to be protected when the window cleaning robot 10 is used when the base station 20 is not fixed properly.

[0044] The above are only some or preferred embodiments of the present invention. Neither the text nor the drawings can limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings under the overall concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A base station for a window cleaning robot, characterized in that: include: A main body, used to accommodate the window cleaning robot and to be fixedly connected to an external object; The electric control unit is located in the base station and is used to detect the fixed state between the main body and the external object, and control the operation state of the window cleaning robot according to the fixed state, specifically including: When the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled not to be in standby mode, wherein the first state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the main body and the external object does not meet the preset state.

2. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that After the base station is started, during the operation of the window cleaning robot, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled to standby.

3. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that The electrical control unit is also used to control the window cleaning robot to standby or to control the window cleaning robot to work when it detects that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is a second state, wherein the second state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the main body and the external object meets the preset state.

4. The base station according to claim 3, characterized in that After the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, and the window cleaning robot is not in standby for longer than the first preset time, the enhanced adsorption system is activated to make the fixed state between the main body and the external object reach the second state.

5. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that After the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, and the window cleaning robot is not in standby mode for longer than a second preset time, the base station is controlled to shut down.

6. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that When it is detected that the fixed state between the main body and the external object is the first state, controlling the window cleaning robot not to be in standby mode specifically includes: When it is detected that the fixing state between the main body and the external object is the first state, the main body is controlled to execute fixing with the external object multiple times.

7. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body is provided with an adsorption component for adsorbing and fixing the external object, and the electric control component is used to determine the fixing state of the main body and the external object according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the adsorption component.

8. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that Control the window cleaning robot from standby mode, including: Controlling the window cleaning robot to cut off power specifically includes: disconnecting at least one of the electrical connection between the window cleaning robot and the base station, and disconnecting the electrical connection between the base station and the external power supply.

9. The base station according to claim 1, characterized in that Non-standby includes: interacting with the user to provide feedback on the non-standby state of the window cleaning robot.

10. A window cleaning system, characterized in that: comprising a window cleaning robot and a base station according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the window cleaning robot is adapted to be accommodated in the base station; When the base station is started, if it is detected that the fixed state between the base station body and the external object is the first state, the window cleaning robot is controlled not to be in standby mode, wherein the first state is used to indicate that the fixed state between the body and the external object does not meet the preset state.

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