A method of maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, comprising: receiving a heating mode instruction signal; receiving a completion signal of a self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; starting the air blower to form an air flow in the air path according to the completion signal; starting at least the rear heating assembly to heat the air flow in the air path to form a heated air flow according to the heating mode instruction signal; adjusting the rotating speed of the agitator according to the heating mode instruction signal; directing the heated air flow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; when the rear heating assembly is started, at least a part of the heat thereof is used to heat the working surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for maintaining surface cleaning equipment on a base station. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, household surface cleaning devices typically require cleaning of their cleaning components, such as the agitator, after each cleaning cycle to prevent secondary contamination from dirt adhering to them from the previous cycle. This is usually achieved through self-cleaning with water or foam via a base station or tray structure to remove dirt. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Some aspects of this disclosure provide a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, the method comprising: receiving a heating mode command signal; receiving a completion signal of a self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; activating a blower according to the completion signal to form an airflow in an air path; activating a rear heating component according to the heating mode command signal to heat the airflow in the air path to form a heated airflow; adjusting the rotation speed of a stirring component according to the heating mode command signal; directing the heated airflow to the stirring component of the surface cleaning device; and when the rear heating component is activated, at least a portion of its heat is used to heat the working surface.

[0004] Some aspects of this disclosure provide a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, the method comprising: receiving a heating mode command signal; receiving a completion signal of a self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; activating a blower according to the completion signal to form an airflow in the air path; activating a front heating component after activating a rear heating component according to the heating mode command signal to heat the airflow in the air path to form a heated airflow; adjusting the rotation speed of the agitator according to the heating mode command signal; directing the hot airflow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; and when the rear heating component is activated, at least a portion of its heat is used to heat the working surface.

[0005] Some aspects of this disclosure provide a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, the method comprising: receiving a heating mode command signal; receiving a completion signal of a self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; activating a blower to form an airflow in an air path according to the completion signal; activating a rear heating component after activating a pre-heating component according to the heating mode command signal to heat the airflow in the air path to form a heated airflow; adjusting the rotation speed of a stirring component according to the heating mode command signal; directing the hot airflow to the stirring component of the surface cleaning device; and when the rear heating component is activated, at least a portion of its heat is used to heat the working surface.

[0006] This disclosure provides a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, the method comprising: receiving a self-cleaning cycle command of the surface cleaning device; initiating a self-cleaning cycle, wherein the rotational speed of the agitator is not lower than a first rotational speed during the self-cleaning cycle; activating a rear heating assembly to heat at least a portion of the working surface to heat the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle; receiving a completion signal of the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; activating a blower according to the completion signal to form an airflow in the air path; receiving a heating mode command signal; activating a front heating assembly according to the heating mode command signal to keep the rear heating assembly energized and to sequentially heat the airflow in the air path through the front heating assembly and the rear heating assembly to form a heated airflow; guiding the heated airflow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; and adjusting the rotational speed of the agitator to a second rotational speed according to the heating mode command signal, wherein the second rotational speed is not greater than the first rotational speed.

[0007] This disclosure provides a method for maintaining a surface cleaning device on a base station, the method comprising: receiving a self-cleaning cycle command of the surface cleaning device; initiating a self-cleaning cycle, wherein the rotational speed of the agitator is not lower than a first rotational speed during the self-cleaning cycle; activating a rear heating assembly to heat at least a portion of the working surface to heat the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle; receiving a completion signal of the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; activating a blower according to the completion signal to form an airflow in the air path; deactivating the rear heating assembly and activating a front heating assembly according to a heating mode command signal to heat the airflow in the air path through the front heating assembly to form a heated airflow; directing the heated airflow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; and adjusting the rotational speed of the agitator to a second rotational speed according to the heating mode command signal, wherein the second rotational speed is not greater than the first rotational speed.

[0008] The foregoing provides a broad overview of the features and technical advantages of the examples provided according to this disclosure to facilitate a better understanding of the detailed description that follows. Other features and advantages will also be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures or methods to achieve the same purpose of this disclosure. Such equivalent structures do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics, organization, and operation of the concepts disclosed in this invention, as well as the associated advantages, can be better understood from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes and is not intended to define the scope of the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To gain a detailed understanding of the features described above, reference can be made to certain aspects illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which provide a more specific description of the features briefly outlined above. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of the disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope, as the disclosure may encompass other equally valid aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a base station according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A top view of a base station according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown, illustrating the internal structure of the base station.

[0013] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section along the AA direction.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a hardware device block diagram of a base station that supports the performance of surface cleaning equipment maintenance according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control equipment for a base station according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7 A flowchart is shown of a base station performing a surface cleaning device for maintenance according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 8 Another flowchart is shown of a base station performing maintenance surface cleaning equipment according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 9 Another flowchart of a base station performing maintenance surface cleaning equipment according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Various aspects of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function described herein. Rather, these aspects are provided to make the present disclosure comprehensive and complete, and to fully illustrate the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover any aspect disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or in combination with any other aspect of this disclosure. For example, any aspect of this disclosure may be used to implement an apparatus or a method. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover apparatuses or methods implemented using other structures, functions, or structures and functions other than those set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0020] In the current market, household floor scrubbers are becoming increasingly popular. Self-cleaning after cleaning has become a trend in floor scrubbers. Self-cleaning can greatly reduce secondary pollution caused by dirt adhering to the agitator fibers of surface cleaning equipment, effectively removing dirt attached to the agitator.

[0021] Since the self-cleaning cycle usually uses clean water to repeatedly wash the agitator, the fuzz on the surface of the agitator still has a certain degree of moisture after self-cleaning. Even if the speed of the agitator is increased to remove excess water through centrifugal force, the moisture on the fuzz of the agitator cannot be completely removed after the self-cleaning cycle ends. This can lead to the possibility of bacteria growing in a humid environment.

[0022] To address this issue, existing technologies include hot air drying of the agitator after self-cleaning to thoroughly remove moisture from the agitator's fibers, thus preventing the potential growth of bacteria and microorganisms within them. For example, Chinese patent application ZL202110456057.2 describes a hot drying mechanism within the base that allows for the hot drying of the cleaning equipment's roller brush, improving cleaning efficiency and extending the equipment's lifespan. Controlling the operation of the fan and heating element on the base station enables the heating and dispersion of airflow, achieving thorough heating and hot drying of the cleaning equipment. Furthermore, by incorporating a tray and air guide, the airflow from the hot drying mechanism can be directed towards the cleaning trough on the tray, further enhancing the hot drying effect.

[0023] Another method of hot water self-cleaning involves setting up a heating module in the cleaning area of ​​the stirring component of the base station. The heating module conducts heat to the contact area of ​​the cleaning component to heat the self-cleaning water in the contact area, thereby achieving hot water self-cleaning.

[0024] Currently, drying of wet surface cleaning devices, such as floor scrubbers, has become a trend. However, most base stations with heat drying functions on the market require a long time to completely dry the cleaned parts.

[0025] The base station and surface cleaning equipment maintenance methods described in this article can improve the efficiency of thermal drying of cleaned parts depending on different maintenance modes. In some examples of base stations, the base station may be configured with enhanced heating components. In some examples, the enhanced heating components can operate on both the thermal drying cycle and the self-cleaning cycle preceding the thermal drying cycle.

[0026] In some implementations, the control device can employ various mechanisms and algorithms to determine the maintenance mode, thereby determining different self-cleaning and hot-drying cycle strategies based on the user's mode selection. It can also automatically determine the self-cleaning and hot-drying cycle strategies according to environmental changes, eliminating excessively long maintenance waiting times while ensuring maintenance efficiency.

[0027] Figure 1 An example is shown that supports surface cleaning equipment for performing maintenance according to various aspects of this disclosure. The term "surface cleaning equipment" may be used herein to describe various types of household cleaning equipment, including autonomous handling equipment configured to provide some semi-autonomous or autonomous capabilities. Examples of household cleaning equipment include: floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners with mopping functions, robotic vacuum cleaners with scrubbing functions, window cleaning robots, etc.

[0028] In embodiments where the surface cleaning device is a floor scrubber, the surface cleaning device may include an onboard processing device configured to receive information or instructions, such as information or instructions from a human operator (e.g., via a remote computing device), and to semi-autonomously manipulate the surface cleaning device to clean the floor and / or perform base station maintenance of the surface cleaning device based on the received information or instructions.

[0029] Figure 1This is a surface cleaning system architecture diagram according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The surface cleaning system 100 may support a mechanism for cleaning and maintenance of the surface cleaning device 210. In some embodiments, the surface cleaning device 210 may be configured to perform a semi-autonomous or autonomous dirt particle collection process. For example, the surface cleaning device 210 may include a wet floor cleaning device. The surface cleaning device 210 may be configured to identify the degree of dirt on the floor and the usage time of the cleaning components of the surface cleaning device 210 within a cleaning cycle. Some examples of identifying the degree of dirt on the floor and the usage time of the cleaning components may be based on sensor information. After the surface cleaning device 210 determines that the cleaning components should be maintained, it may pause operation and record the current working position of the surface cleaning device 210. The base station 220 of the surface cleaning device 210 may be configured with a system capable of performing self-cleaning cycles and thermal drying cycles, which may begin performing corresponding cleaning and maintenance operations when the surface cleaning device 210 is housed and supported on the base station 220.

[0030] In some implementations, various mechanisms and algorithms can be employed to determine the maintenance mode of the cleaning components of the surface cleaning device 210 to adapt to the current working conditions. The current working conditions can be defined by the user and / or identified by the surface cleaning device using environmentally relevant occupancy data, such as the area and geographical location of areas already cleaned in a home, and records of the dirt levels on cleaned floors. By automatically selecting maintenance modes through mechanisms and algorithms, the corresponding maintenance mode can be invoked on the base station 220 to maintain the surface cleaning device, thus reducing downtime or waiting time.

[0031] like Figure 1 In some implementations, the surface cleaning system 100 may further include an access point 110, a server 120, a remote control device 130, a database 140, and a wireless communication link 150. The server 120 may include a data server, a cloud server, a server associated with an automation service provider, a proxy server, a mail server, a network server, an application server, a database server, a communication server, a home server, a mobile server, or any combination thereof. For example, the surface cleaning device 210 may upload data (such as notifications) to an application hosted on the server 120 to publish data related to autonomous functions performed by the surface cleaning device 210. For example, a user may view the data published by the surface cleaning device 210 through an application running on the remote control device 130 to view the functions performed by the surface cleaning device 210. The server 120 may also transmit various information to the surface cleaning device 210, such as location information, motion control commands, and other information, instructions, or commands related to the autonomous operation of the surface cleaning device 210.

[0032] Database 140 can store data, which may include operational information such as location information, control commands, consumable information (e.g., agitator information, filter information), water level information, dirt information, and battery information, as well as other information, instructions, or commands related to the maintenance operations of the surface cleaning equipment (e.g., the duration of the self-cleaning cycle, the duration of the heat drying cycle, the charging power of the base station 220 during the maintenance of the surface cleaning device, etc.). Surface cleaning equipment 210 can retrieve the stored data from database 140 via access point 110.

[0033] In some cases, surface cleaning equipment can also communicate directly with another device (e.g., using point-to-point (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocols), such as smartphones, Bluetooth devices, Wi-Fi devices, mobile stations, user stations, mobile clients, etc.

[0034] The wireless communication link 150 shown in the surface cleaning system 100 may include uplink (UL) transmission from the surface cleaning device to access point 110 or server 120, and / or downlink (DL) transmission from access point 110 or server 120 to the surface cleaning device. Downlink transmission may also be referred to as forward link transmission, and uplink transmission may also be referred to as reverse link transmission. The wireless communication link 135 may transmit bidirectional and / or unidirectional communication. The wireless communication link 135 may include one or more connections, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, point-to-point, LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN), Ethernet, fiber optic, and / or other connection types associated with the wireless communication system.

[0035] Figure 1 An example of an environment 200 supporting surface cleaning equipment performing maintenance on base station 220 according to various aspects of this disclosure is also shown. Environment 200 can implement various aspects of surface cleaning system 100.

[0036] In some examples, environment 200 can be part of a structure, such as a residential or commercial building. For example, environment 200 can be a home, specifically a room, including one or more different floor materials and objects throughout the room. The surface cleaning device can be configured to perform cleaning functions within the scope of the home. For example, the surface cleaning device can perform a semi-autonomous (or autonomous) collection process of surface dirt particles within the aforementioned geographical boundaries under the manual control of a user, including: during operation, a cleaning fluid is supplied from a fluid supply container to a dispenser, and from the outlet of at least one dispenser to a cleaning element. The fluid flows onto the cleaning element such that the surface to be cleaned, such as a bare floor surface, can be wetted or dampened via the fluid indirectly delivered through the cleaning element. A recovery system can operate simultaneously with the dampened cleaning element. More specifically, during the operation of the recovery system, a vacuum cleaner draws in fluid carrying debris through suction nozzles and draws this fluid into a downstream recovery container, where the debris and wastewater are substantially separated from the working air. The airflow then exits the surface cleaning device through a suction source.

[0037] Typically, in traditional environments, the cleaning efficiency of surface cleaning equipment decreases after a cleaning cycle or within a cycle because the increasing dirt on the cleaning components exceeds the amount of dirt automatically removed during cleaning. At this point, the collection process needs to be paused, and maintenance of the cleaning components needs to be performed at base station 220. Maintenance at base station 220 typically includes self-cleaning and thermal drying, with thermal drying requiring a longer time interval. Therefore, this limits the number of areas the surface cleaning equipment can operate in environment 200, or causes unnecessary delays due to sudden ground soiling events requiring cleaning. As described in this paper, a highly efficient maintenance mechanism for surface cleaning equipment can be configured on base station 220, thereby eliminating the limitations and delays associated with manual intervention.

[0038] Figure 2-4 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of base station 220 related to this disclosure. For example... Figure 2-4 As shown, this disclosure provides a base station 220 for docking surface cleaning equipment. The base station 220 not only accommodates the surface cleaning equipment but also performs self-cleaning and hot-drying cycles for the agitator of the surface cleaning equipment docked on the base station 220. Furthermore, the base station 220 also has the function of providing electrical energy to the surface cleaning equipment docked thereon, charging the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning equipment using the electrical energy provided by the base station 220.

[0039] The base station 220 includes key components such as a housing 221, a tray 222, and a storage section 223. The storage section 223 is located below the tray 222, is firmly fixed to the tray 222, and together with the tray 222, forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the base station 220.

[0040] A cleaning zone 224 is provided within the housing 221. This cleaning zone 224 is located on a tray 222, at its front end. When the surface cleaning equipment is docked at the base station 220, the agitator of the surface cleaning equipment is contained within the cleaning zone 224. At this time, the cleaning zone 224 can store cleaning liquid, enabling self-cleaning when the agitator of the surface cleaning device operates within it.

[0041] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, in one embodiment, during the self-cleaning process, the heat conduction element 225 transfers the heat generated by the heating assembly 226 within the base station 220 to the cleaning area 224. In this way, the liquid within the cleaning area 224, including the liquid adhering to the agitator fibers and the liquid accumulated within the cleaning area 224, will be effectively heated to achieve sterilization and disinfection.

[0042] The heat-conducting component 225 is at least partially disposed within the clean area 224 and can be stably fixed to at least a portion of the base station 220 via the frame portion. In one example, the frame portion is mounted and fixed to the frame of the heating assembly 226. Because the frame is made of a high-temperature resistant and low-deformation material, the frame can be embedded into the clean area 224 with an interference fit, and then sealed using conventional soft adhesive. This design ensures both effective heat conduction and maintains the integrity of the clean area 224 under high-temperature conditions.

[0043] In one embodiment, during the heat drying process, the heating component 226 of this disclosure, along with the heat generated by the in-station heating group 226, transfers heat to the cleaning area 224. In one embodiment, the hot airflow during the heat drying process is configured on the base station 220 to be directed towards the cleaning area 224, particularly the heat conduction element 225. Thus, during the heat drying process, the cleaning component of the surface cleaning equipment can simultaneously receive heat transferred from the heat conduction element 225 and heat transferred from the hot airflow.

[0044] To achieve heating of the airflow inside base station 220, such as Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, a heating assembly 226 is disposed inside the housing of the base station 220 for installation in the air duct of the surface cleaning system to heat the airflow in the air duct for use in the heat drying process.

[0045] like Figure 2 and 3As shown, the housing 221 of the base station 220 forms a cavity structure inside, and the housing 221 has an air inlet 227 and an air outlet 228. One or more blowers 229 are arranged between the air inlet 227 and the air outlet 228. The blowers 229 are located inside the housing 221. When they are powered on, a pressure difference is generated inside the housing 221. A negative pressure is generated at the air inlet 227, and under the action of atmospheric pressure, the airflow from the outside is sent into the air inlet 227. A positive pressure is generated at the air outlet 228, thereby overcoming the action of atmospheric pressure and sending the airflow inside the base station 220 out of the air outlet 228. Under the continuous action of the blowers 229, an airflow path is generated from the air inlet 227 to the air outlet 228.

[0046] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, according to an example of this disclosure, a preheating assembly 2261 is provided on the flow path through which the airflow passes. The preheating assembly 2261 is used to receive airflow from upstream of the airflow path. As described above, in one embodiment, the upstream airflow originates from the output airflow of a blower 229, and the preheating assembly 2261 is located downstream of the blower 229, thus heating the upstream airflow from the blower 229 to form a preheated airflow F1.

[0047] The preheated airflow F1 moves downstream under the guidance of the air duct. Downstream of the preheating component 2261, one or more postheating components 2262 are set to receive the preheated airflow F1 and heat the preheated airflow F1 to form a secondary heated airflow F2. The secondary heated airflow F2 is introduced into the clean area 224 through the air outlet 228.

[0048] In one example of this disclosure, the airflow path is restricted within the housing of base station 220 by an airflow guiding device. The airflow flows between the inlet and outlet of the airflow guiding device, particularly from the inlet to the outlet. The airflow guiding device is typically located in the center of the housing of base station 220 to prevent significant deviation in the airflow trajectory and ensure uniform dispersion from the outlet. The airflow guiding device typically includes a pair of symmetrically arranged guides 230, 231 to confine the airflow between the guides 230, 231.

[0049] In one example, a pair of guide tubes 230 and 231 form a diffusion structure, which can meet the airflow guidance requirements while ensuring that the airflow is reflected between the guide tubes through the reflection principle, ensuring that the airflow flows out uniformly at the outlet without significantly reducing the flow velocity. By setting an airflow guiding device to guide the airflow from the blower 229 to the heating mechanism, the airflow utilization efficiency of the heating mechanism can be increased. Without requiring excessive power, the blower 229 can meet the required airflow, reducing the power consumption of the base.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in one example, a preheating assembly 2261 is located at the inlet 233 of a diffusion structure formed by a pair of guide tubes 230 and 231. It receives airflow from the blower 229, which, after passing through the preheating assembly 2261, is introduced into the interior of the diffusion structure and continues downstream. A postheating assembly 2262 is located at the outlet 234 of the diffusion structure, receiving the preheated airflow F1 and heating it to form a secondary heated airflow F2. Due to the diffusion structure, it is necessary to ensure that the airflow passes through the heating assembly 226 both when entering and exiting the diffusion structure. Correspondingly, the lateral width of the postheating assembly 2262 is greater than the lateral width of the preheating assembly 2261 to ensure that the airflow is heated. The secondary heated airflow F2 is introduced into the cleaning zone 224, or the location of the cleaning element, which significantly improves the drying efficiency of the thermal drying cycle.

[0051] In one example, a heating zone is formed within the cleaning zone. This heating zone is implemented by a heat conductor 225. The heat conductor 225 is configured such that at least a portion of the cleaning element is in contact with the heat conductor 225 when the surface cleaning device is located on the base station 220. The heat conductor 225 is configured to transfer heat to at least a portion of the cleaning zone during the thermal drying cycle of the surface cleaning device to heat residual water from, for example, lint on the agitator within the cleaning zone, thereby improving the evaporation efficiency of the moisture and achieving more efficient thermal drying of the agitator.

[0052] During the hot drying cycle, the heat transfer element 225 transfers heat to the cleaning zone 224, accelerating the evaporation of residual water from the rotating agitator. This heating effect further enhances the evaporation of residual water from the fluff, building upon the drying process of the secondary heating airflow F2, while simultaneously reducing bacterial activity or directly killing bacteria. Specifically, the heat transfer element 225 is positioned in the cleaning zone, contacting the rotating agitator placed there, transferring heat to the surface of the cleaning element and raising the temperature of the residual liquid on its surface. Under the action of the secondary heating airflow F2, the residual liquid can evaporate more efficiently, achieving the drying effect of the cleaning element in a short time, thus realizing rapid hot drying of the agitator and reducing the user's waiting time.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown in one aspect of this disclosure, in one example, the front heating assembly 2261 includes a PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is securely fixed inside the base station 220 housing by a bracket, which is preferably made of a high-temperature resistant material to prevent deformation after heating, which could lead to functional failure of the heating mechanism.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown in one aspect of this disclosure, the rear heating assembly 2262 includes a PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is securely fixed inside the base station 220 housing by a bracket, which is preferably made of a high-temperature resistant material to prevent deformation after heating, which could lead to functional failure of the heating mechanism. In one example, the rear heating assembly 2262 conducts heat from inside the base station 220 housing to the clean area 224 through a heat conduction element 225 fixedly connected to it and having a thermal conductivity relationship.

[0055] The heat transfer element 225 is configured to transfer heat to the agitator of the surface cleaning device. The application scenarios for the heat transfer element 225 mainly cover installation within the cleaning area 224 of the base station 220 to assist in cleaning operations. For example, when the heat transfer element 225 is installed within the cleaning area 224 of the base station 220, at least a portion of the heat transfer element 225 is connected to a heater disposed on the base station 220 via heat transfer, transferring heat from the heater of the base station 220 to the cleaning area 224.

[0056] The heat transfer element 225 is positioned in the middle of the cleaning zone 224, and its main function is to transfer heat energy to the agitator of the surface cleaning device through efficient heat conduction. Specifically, when the heat transfer element 225 is installed in the cleaning zone 224 of the base station 220, at least a portion of the heat transfer element 225 is thermally connected to the heater installed on the base station 220, ensuring that heat is transferred from the heater of the base station 220 to the cleaning zone 224, providing the necessary heat energy for the liquid in the cleaning zone.

[0057] To ensure high thermal conductivity and stability, the heat transfer element 225 is selected primarily based on materials with high thermal conductivity and good stability. In this embodiment, aluminum, copper, and other metals are selected as the main constituent materials of the heat transfer element 225. These metals are widely used in the field of heat transfer due to their excellent thermal conductivity, and can effectively transfer heat to the cleaning zone 224, providing the necessary thermal energy support for the self-cleaning of the stirring component.

[0058] In another example of this disclosure, the heat conduction element 225 is part of the body of the rear heating assembly 2262. That is, when designed for assembly, at least a portion of the heat dissipation portion on the body of the rear heating assembly 2262 is located within the cleaning zone and comes into contact with the cleaning element of the surface cleaning device during a self-cleaning cycle or a thermal drying cycle.

[0059] Therefore, the post-heating component 2262 also functions during the self-cleaning process of the surface cleaning device. By transferring heat, the post-heating component 2262 transfers thermal energy to at least a portion of the cleaning area, particularly for heating residual water and clean water within the cleaning area, to more effectively achieve self-cleaning of the agitator. The purpose of this heating effect is to increase the molecular activity of dirt particles while reducing bacterial activity or directly killing bacteria. Specifically, the post-heating component 2262 interacts with the liquid in the cleaning area through the heat conduction element 225, transferring thermal energy to at least a portion of the cleaning area through efficient heat conduction. This includes residual water on the agitator and clean water within the cleaning area. The presence of the heat conduction element increases the temperature of these liquids, thereby activating chemical processes within the cleaning area, such as increased molecular activity and reduced bacterial activity, thus effectively removing residual dirt from the cleaning element during the self-cleaning process.

[0060] Figure 5 A hardware device block diagram 500 is shown for a base station 220 supporting the performance of surface cleaning equipment maintenance according to various aspects of this disclosure. The base station 220 may be a reference... Figures 1 to 5 Examples of various aspects of the described base station 220. Base station 220 may include an AC / DC module, a preheating assembly 2261, a rear heating assembly 2262, a blower 229, an NTC, a MOS, an LDO, etc. Base station 220 may also include a processor. Each of these components can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses).

[0061] The AC / DC module can accept alternating current such as that output from a household power outlet. This current is converted into direct current by the AC / DC module and can be passed to other components of the base station 220 (such as the front heating component 2261, the rear heating component 2262, and the blower 229), as well as to the surface cleaning equipment, which can be charged by the rechargeable battery.

[0062] Base station 220 also includes a processor, such as a general-purpose processor, DSP, CPU, microcontroller, ASIC, FPGA, programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic component, discrete hardware component, or any combination thereof. In some cases, the processor may be configured to use a memory controller to operate the memory array. In other cases, the memory controller may be integrated into the processor. The processor may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the memory to cause base station 220 to perform various functions (e.g., supporting self-cleaning cycles or thermal drying cycles).

[0063] Base station 220 also includes one or more sensors configured to perform periodic or continuous automatic measurements related to autonomous functions. The sensors may include optocouplers, silicon controlled rectifiers, NTCs, etc., and may be able to sense multiple parameters (e.g., temperature, current, voltage).

[0064] In one example, the processor includes an autonomous management module that can be configured to identify the current state of base station 220 based on received instruction data and to execute self-cleaning and thermal drying cycles based on the identified state. For example, when the surface cleaning device is not located at base station 220, the AC / DC module should disable current supply to the PTC heating component 226. Furthermore, during the self-cleaning cycle, high-power execution phases (e.g., the surface cleaning device's fan operates at high power, and the cleaning component of the surface cleaning device operates at a high speed on base station 220) and low-power execution phases (e.g., the surface cleaning device's fan stops operating, and the cleaning component of the surface cleaning device operates at a low speed on base station 220) are identified to selectively charge the surface cleaning device's rechargeable battery during the low-power phase of the self-cleaning cycle.

[0065] The control device 600 of the base station 220 is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an example component of the control device 600, which can correspond to... Figure 5 The components include AC / DC modules, preheating components 2261, rear heating components 2262, blowers 229, NTC, LDO, MOS, and processors.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the control device 600 may include a bus 610, a processor 620, a memory 630, an input component 640, an output component 650, and a communication component 660.

[0068] Bus 610 includes one or more components that enable wired and / or wireless communication between components of control device 600. Bus 610 can... Figure 3 Two or more components are coupled together, for example, through operational coupling, communication coupling, electronic coupling, and / or electrical coupling. Processor 620 includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and / or other types of processing components. Processor 620 is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some embodiments, processor 620 includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes elsewhere herein.

[0069] Memory 630 includes volatile and / or non-volatile memory. For example, memory 630 may include random access memory, read-only memory, hard disk drive, and / or other types of memory (e.g., flash memory, magnetic storage, and / or optical storage). Memory 630 may include internal memory and / or removable memory. Memory 630 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Memory 630 may store information, instructions, and / or software (e.g., one or more software applications) related to the operation of control device 600. In some embodiments, memory 630 includes one or more memories coupled to one or more processors, for example, via bus 610.

[0070] Input component 640 enables control device 600 to receive input, such as user input and / or sensor input. For example, input component 640 may include a touchscreen, button, microphone, switch, or sensor. Output component 650 enables control device 600 to provide output, such as through a speaker and / or light-emitting diode. Communication component 660 enables control device 600 to communicate with other devices via wired and / or wireless connections. For example, communication component 660 may include a receiver, transmitter, transceiver, modem, network interface card, and / or antenna.

[0071] Control device 600 may perform one or more operations or processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 630) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) for execution by processor 620. Processor 620 may execute the instruction set to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some embodiments, execution of the instruction set by one or more processors 620 causes one or more processors 620 and / or control device 600 to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Furthermore, processor 620 may also be configured to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Therefore, implementations of this document are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0072] Figure 6 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. Control device 600 may include... Figure 6 The components shown may be additional, fewer, different, or arranged differently compared to the components described. Furthermore, or alternatively, a group of components (e.g., one or more components) of the control device 600 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another group of components of the control device 600.

[0073] Control device 600 may perform one or more operations or processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 630) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) for execution by processor 620. Processor 620 may execute the instruction set to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some embodiments, execution of the instruction set by one or more processors 620 causes one or more processors 620 and / or control device 600 to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. In some embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with instructions to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Furthermore, processor 620 may also be configured to perform one or more operations or processes described herein. Therefore, implementations of this document are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0074] Figure 6 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as examples. Control device 600 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components related to... Figure 6 The components shown are arranged differently. In addition, or alternatively, a set of components of the control device 600 (e.g., one or more components) may perform one or more functions, which are described as being performed by another set of components of the control device 600.

[0075] Figure 7 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 700 for supporting base station 220 equipment in performing surface cleaning equipment maintenance according to various aspects of this disclosure. The operation of method 700 can be performed by the base station 220 or its components as described herein. For example, the operation of method 700 can be performed by... Figure 5 and 6 The hardware devices and control components shown perform this function. In some examples, base station 220 may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of base station 220 to perform the functions described below. Alternatively, base station 220 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0076] At point 705, a heating mode command signal is received, which may be triggered by at least one of the surface cleaning device, base station 220, or remote operating device; operation of point 705 may be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of point 705 may be performed by device components, as referenced... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0077] At 710, a completion signal for the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device is received. The operation of 710 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 710 can be derived from references... Figure 5 and6 The described operation component is executed.

[0078] At point 715, based on the completion signal, blower 229 is activated to create airflow in the air path, circulating continuously both outside and inside base station 220 to continuously supply airflow to the cleaning area (or cleaning component) to accelerate moisture evaporation. The operation of point 715 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, aspects of the operation of point 715 can be referenced... Figure 5 and 6 The container component described is used for execution.

[0079] At 720, based on the heating mode command signal, at least the rear heating component 2272 is activated to heat the airflow in the air path to form a heated airflow. In one example, the rear heating component 2272 and the blower 229 are activated simultaneously. In another example, the rear heating component 2272 may be activated before the blower 229 to ensure that the airflow is hot when it first exits from inside the base station 220. The operation of 720 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 720 can be referenced... Figure 5 and 6 The container component described is used for execution.

[0080] At 725, the rotational speed of the agitator is adjusted according to the heating mode command signal. The rotational speed of the agitator during the hot drying cycle should be lower than that during the self-cleaning cycle to ensure that heat can be transferred to the surface of the agitator with high efficiency. In one example, the rotational speed of the agitator during the hot drying cycle does not exceed the minimum rotational speed of the agitator during the self-cleaning cycle. The operation of 725 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 725 can be performed by the operating components, as referenced... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0081] When the post-heating component 2272 is activated at point 730, at least a portion of its heat is used to heat the working surface. During the heat drying process, the post-heating component 2272 enables dual heat conduction of hot airflow and heat from the working surface, ensuring that the liquid adhering to the stirring element is rapidly evaporated.

[0082] Figure 8 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for supporting base station 220 equipment in performing surface cleaning equipment maintenance according to various aspects of this disclosure. The operation of method 800 can be performed by the base station 220 or its components as described herein. For example, the operation of method 800 can be performed by an autonomous manager, such as... Figure 5 and 6In some examples, base station 220 may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of base station 220 to perform the functions described below. Alternatively, base station 220 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0083] At point 805, a self-cleaning cycle command from the surface cleaning equipment is received, and the self-cleaning cycle is initiated. During the self-cleaning cycle, the rotation speed of the agitator is not lower than a first rotation speed, so that the dirt adhering to the agitator can be quickly separated by centrifugal force. The separated dirt is then sucked into the recovery assembly for storage by the vacuum action of the surface cleaning equipment. The operation of point 805 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of point 805 can be performed by equipment components, as referenced... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0084] At 810, the post-heating assembly 2262 is activated based on the identified state to heat at least a portion of the working surface, thereby heating the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle. By transferring heat, the post-heating assembly 2262 transfers thermal energy to at least a portion of the cleaning zone, particularly for heating the self-cleaning water within the cleaning zone, to more effectively achieve self-cleaning of the agitator. The aim is to increase the molecular activity of dirt particles while reducing bacterial activity or directly killing bacteria. The identified state includes a state triggered by the user through at least one of the surface cleaning equipment, base station 220, or remote operation equipment. Alternatively, it may be a triggered state determined by an automatically sensed dirt threshold from a dirt sensor. The operation of 810 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 810 can be referenced from... Figure 5 and 6 The described operation component is executed.

[0085] At point 815, a completion signal for the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device is received. The operation of point 815 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of point 815 can be derived from references... Figure 5 and 6 The container component described is used for execution.

[0086] At point 820, based on the completion signal, blower 229 is activated to create airflow in the air path. The operation of point 820 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of point 820 can be referenced... Figure 5 and 6 The container component described is used for execution.

[0087] At 825, a heating mode command signal is received. The operation of 825 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 825 can be performed by an operating component, as referenced... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0088] At point 830, based on the heating mode command signal, the rear heating component 2262 is kept energized, and the front heating component 2261 is activated. This allows the airflow in the air path to be heated sequentially through the front heating component 2261 and the rear heating component 2262 to form a heated airflow. During the heat drying process, the front heating component 2261 and the rear heating component 2262 enable dual heat conduction of both the "enhanced" hot airflow and the heat from the working surface, ensuring that the liquid adhering to the stirring element is rapidly evaporated. In some examples, various aspects of the operation at point 830 can be performed by the operating components, as shown in the reference... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0089] At point 835, based on the heating mode command signal, the rotational speed of the agitator is adjusted to a second rotational speed, wherein the second rotational speed is not greater than the first rotational speed. During the hot drying cycle, the rotational speed of the agitator does not exceed the first rotational speed, which in one example can be the minimum rotational speed of the cleaning component in a surface cleaning device during a self-cleaning cycle. In some examples, various aspects of the operation at point 835 can be performed by an operating component, as shown in the reference... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0090] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating method 900 is shown, which supports a base station 220 in performing autonomous self-service according to various aspects of this disclosure. The operation of method 900 can be implemented by the base station 220 or its components as described herein. For example, the operation of method 900 can be performed by an autonomous manager, such as... Figure 5 and 6 In some examples, base station 220 may execute a set of instructions to control the functional elements of base station 220 to perform the functions described below. Alternatively, base station 220 may use dedicated hardware to perform various aspects of the functions described below.

[0091] At point 905, a self-cleaning cycle command for the surface cleaning equipment is received, and the self-cleaning cycle is initiated. During the self-cleaning cycle, the rotational speed of the agitator is not lower than the first rotational speed. The operation of point 905 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of point 905 can be performed by equipment components, as referenced... Figure 5 and 6 .

[0092] At 910, the post-heating assembly 2262 is activated to heat at least a portion of the working surface to heat the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle. In some examples, various aspects of the operation at 910 may be performed by an operating assembly, as described in the reference. Figure 5 and 6 .

[0093] At point 915, based on the completion signal, blower 229 is activated to create airflow in the air path. The operation of point 915 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of point 915 can be found in the reference... Figure 5 and 6 The operation components are executed.

[0094] At point 920, based on the heating mode command signal, the rear heating element 2262 is turned off, and the front heating element 2261 is activated to heat the airflow in the air path through the front heating element 2261 to form a heated airflow. The operation of 920 can be performed according to the method described herein. In some examples, various aspects of the operation of 920 can be found in the reference... Figure 5 and 6 The operation components are executed.

[0095] At position 925, based on the heating mode command signal, the rotational speed of the stirring element is adjusted to a second rotational speed, wherein the second rotational speed is not greater than the first rotational speed. In some examples, various aspects of the operation at position 925 can be performed by an operating component, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 and 6 .

[0096] The foregoing has outlined features of several embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to better understand various aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that they can at any time design or modify other methods and structures based on this disclosure to achieve the same purpose and / or attain the same advantages of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art should also recognize that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and they can make various changes, substitutions, and modifications to this document without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for maintaining surface cleaning equipment on a base station, characterized in that, The base station includes: case; An air passage formed inside the housing is used to direct airflow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; The working surface formed on the outer surface of the housing is for contacting the stirring element of the surface cleaning device; The blower located inside the housing is used to generate airflow in the air passage; A preheating assembly and a postheating assembly are located in the air duct, with the postheating assembly located downstream of the preheating assembly; The method includes: Upon receiving the self-cleaning cycle command from the surface cleaning device, the self-cleaning cycle is initiated. During the self-cleaning cycle, the rotation speed of the stirring component is not lower than the first rotation speed. The rear heating assembly is activated to heat at least a portion of the working surface in order to heat the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle. Receive the completion signal of the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; Based on the completion signal, the blower is started to form an airflow in the air path; Receive heating mode command signal; According to the heating mode command signal, keep the rear heating component powered on and start the front heating component so that the airflow in the air path is heated by passing through the front heating component and the rear heating component in sequence to form a heated airflow; The heated airflow is directed to the stirring element of the surface cleaning device; According to the heating mode command signal, the rotation speed of the stirring component is adjusted to a second rotation speed, wherein the second rotation speed is not greater than the first rotation speed.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the self-cleaning cycle, the working surface has a fluid storage section, and the fluid in the fluid storage section is heated by the post-heating assembly.

3. A method for maintaining surface cleaning equipment on a base station, characterized in that, The base station includes: case; An air passage formed inside the housing is used to direct airflow to the agitator of the surface cleaning device; The working surface formed on the outer surface of the housing is for contacting the stirring element of the surface cleaning device; The blower located inside the housing is used to generate airflow in the air passage; A preheating assembly and a postheating assembly are located in the air duct, with the postheating assembly located downstream of the preheating assembly; The method includes: Upon receiving the self-cleaning cycle command from the surface cleaning device, the self-cleaning cycle is initiated. During the self-cleaning cycle, the rotation speed of the stirring component is not lower than the first rotation speed. The rear heating assembly is activated to heat at least a portion of the working surface in order to heat the cleaning liquid in contact with the working surface during the self-cleaning cycle. Receive the completion signal of the self-cleaning cycle of the surface cleaning device; Based on the completion signal, the blower is started to form an airflow in the air path; Receive heating mode command signal; According to the heating mode command signal, the rear heating component is turned off and the front heating component is turned on so that the airflow in the air path is heated by the front heating component to form a heated airflow. The heated airflow is directed to the stirring element of the surface cleaning device; According to the heating mode command signal, the rotation speed of the stirring component is adjusted to a second rotation speed, wherein the second rotation speed is not greater than the first rotation speed.

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