Docking station and maintenance method of surface cleaner

Abstract

The invention provides a docking station and a maintenance method of a surface cleaner. The docking station comprises a shell part, a wet garbage recycling part, a solid particle recycling part, a joint part and a vacuumizing part. The wet garbage recycling part is arranged in the shell part and comprises an outer shell part, a liquid outlet, a solid-liquid separator, a sewage storage device and a supporting part. The solid particle recovery part is arranged in the shell part and is configured to be used for recovering solid particles, and the solid particle recovery part comprises a flexible recovery part and a supply part; the joint part is arranged in the shell part, is positioned below the solid particle recovery part and is jointed with the solid particle recovery part, and the joint part is configured to close the opening of the flexible recovery part; the vacuumizing part is in fluid connection with the wet garbage inlet, and in the opening mode, negative pressure is generated and used for providing negative pressure for the wet garbage recycling part; the solid particle recovery portion and the joint portion form a common channel from top to bottom, and the wet garbage recovery portion is operably in fluid communication with the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a maintenance method for a docking station and a surface cleaner. Background Technology

[0002] With technological advancements, more and more families are using self-propelled surface cleaning robots to clean their floors. When a self-propelled surface cleaning robot is working, it can move autonomously over the surface to be cleaned, picking up particles such as dust to clean the room.

[0003] Existing self-moving surface cleaning robots also include mops or rollers, and by providing cleaning liquid to the mops or rollers, the self-moving surface cleaning robots have the function of wet cleaning to perform wet cleaning on the surfaces to be cleaned.

[0004] After a self-propelled surface cleaning robot completes its cleaning task, its wastewater tank contains wastewater and dirt particles. Users need to empty the wastewater tank to prevent unpleasant odors. Furthermore, some users flush the wastewater and solid particles from the tank down the drain, which can easily cause blockages.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a docking station that can automatically handle dirt and grime to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and improve the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address one of the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a maintenance method for a docking station and a surface cleaner.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a docking station is provided for maintaining a surface cleaner, comprising: A housing portion configured to define the external appearance of the docking station and form a space therein; A wet waste recycling unit is disposed within the housing section, comprising an outer shell, a liquid outlet, a solid-liquid separator, a wastewater storage unit, and a support unit. The outer shell includes a wet waste inlet, to which the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner is optionally connected for introducing wet waste from the surface cleaner's wastewater tank into the wet waste recycling unit. The liquid outlet discharges liquid to the outside of the wet waste recycling unit. The solid-liquid separator is configured to communicate with the wet waste inlet and separate solid particles from the wet waste introduced from the surface cleaner's wastewater tank. The wastewater storage unit is configured to communicate with the liquid outlet and store the liquid separated by the solid-liquid separator. The support unit is configured to support the separated solid particles. A solid particle recycling unit is disposed in the housing portion and configured to recycle the solid particles, wherein the solid particle recycling unit includes a flexible recycling element and a supply unit; the flexible recycling element is configured to store the solid particles separated by the solid-liquid separator; the supply unit is configured to store at least one of the flexible recycling elements and supply the flexible recycling elements, and to engage the flexible recycling elements with the wet waste recycling unit; A connecting portion, disposed within the housing portion, located below and engaging the solid particle recovery portion, the connecting portion being configured to close the opening of the flexible recovery member; and A vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the wet waste inlet, wherein, in the open mode, a negative pressure is generated to provide negative pressure to the wet waste recycling unit; The solid particle recycling section and the junction section form a common channel from top to bottom, and the wet waste recycling section is operatively fluidly connected to the channel.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the support is configured to be operatively movable such that solid particles on the support are received by a solid particle recovery unit.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of the present disclosure, the support includes a support plate formed as at least a portion of the bottom of the outer shell of the wet waste recycling unit and configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein, in the first position, the bottom of the outer shell is opened; and in the second position, the bottom of the outer shell is closed.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the bottom includes a first bottom and a second bottom, the support is formed as at least a portion of the first bottom, the second bottom is formed as at least a portion of the sewage storage, and the first bottom is higher than the second bottom.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the bottom includes a third bottom, the third bottom being formed as at least a portion of the wastewater storage, and the second bottom being higher than the third bottom.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the position of the liquid outlet is not higher than the first bottom.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the solid-liquid separator includes a filter assembly located downstream of the wet waste inlet and detachably disposed within the housing portion.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the filtration assembly includes a filter for filtering solid particles in wet waste, the filter comprising a filter screen at least partially surrounding the support.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of the present disclosure, the joint includes a closing member capable of opening or closing the channel.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the closing member opens or closes the channel in a linear movement manner.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the closing member includes at least one pair of pressure applying members that are capable of moving linearly to approach each other and apply pressure to each other.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of the present disclosure, at least one of the pair of pressure applying elements includes a heating element.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of the present disclosure, a pair of pressure applying members includes a movable pressure applying member and a fixed pressure applying member, and at least one of the fixed pressure applying member and the movable pressure applying member includes the heating part.

[0020] The docking station according to at least one embodiment of this disclosure further includes: A receiving portion, located below the joining portion, is configured to engage and accommodate the flexible recycling member whose opening is closed.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment of the docking station of this disclosure, the surface cleaner includes a self-moving surface cleaning robot.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for maintaining a surface cleaner is provided, comprising: The surface cleaner is docked at the docking station, which is the docking station described above; The wastewater tank on the surface cleaner is connected to the wet waste collection section of the docking station, and the wet waste collection section is in fluid communication with the vacuum section; Set the vacuum unit to the open mode to generate a working airflow carrying wet waste and allow it to flow through the solid-liquid separator at the docking station. With the help of a solid-liquid separator, solid particles in wet waste are isolated on a support plate, and liquid in wet waste is collected into a wastewater storage tank via working airflow. Set the vacuum unit to the off mode to stop the working airflow; Operate the wet waste recycling unit to make it fluidly connected to the channel, and use gravity to make the solid particles on the support plate fall into the channel; Operate the solid particle recovery unit so that the flexible recovery component receives the solid particles; Operate the joint to close the opening of the flexible recyclable component.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment of the surface cleaner maintenance method of this disclosure, closing the opening of the flexible recyclable element includes: Operate at least one pair of heat-generating pressure-applying elements to close the channel, thereby sealing the opening of the flexible recyclable element. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description thereof, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. These drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a portion of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a portion of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 This is a structural schematic diagram of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station from another angle and in another state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the solid particle recovery unit of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the solid particle recovery section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 9This is a structural schematic diagram of the joint of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of another state of the joint of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing another state of the cross-sectional structure of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a surface cleaner maintenance method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] The specific labels in the attached figures are as follows: 100 Casing section 200 Wet Waste Recycling Department 210 Outer shell 211 First side 212 Second side 213 First bottom 214 Second Bottom 215 Third bottom 216 Vacuum port 220 Liquid Outlet 230 Solid-Liquid Separator 240 Wastewater Storage Unit 250 Support Section 260 Wet Waste Inlet 300 Solid Particle Recycling Department 310 Flexible Recycling Components 320 Supply Department 321 Upper casing 322 Lower housing 400 Joint 410 Fixed pressure application component 420 First movable pressure application component 430 Second movable pressure application component 440 First guide rod 450 Second guide rod 460 First Drive Component 470 Second drive component 500-unit capacity. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present disclosure will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0040] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features described in this disclosure can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary implementations / embodiments shown are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details that provide ways in which the technical concepts of this disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of various implementations / embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged and / or rearranged without departing from the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0042] The use of crosshairs and / or shading in the accompanying drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent components. Thus, unless otherwise stated, the presence or absence of crosshairs or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for the specific material, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the illustrated components, or any other characteristics, properties, etc., of the components. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the dimensions and relative dimensions of components may be exaggerated for clarity and / or descriptive purposes. When exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two consecutively described processes may be performed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order of their description. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same components.

[0043] When a component is referred to as being "on" or "above" another component, "connected to," or "joined to" another component, the component may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly joined to the other component, or there may be intermediate components. However, when a component is referred to as being "directly on" another component, "directly connected to," or "directly joined to" another component, there are no intermediate components. Therefore, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, etc., and may or may not have intermediate components.

[0044] For descriptive purposes, this disclosure may use spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “down,” “above,” “above,” “higher,” and “side (e.g., in a “sidewall”)” to describe the relationship between one component and another component as shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition to the orientations depicted in the drawings, the spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, a component described as “below” or “under” another component or feature would subsequently be positioned “above” said other component or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both “above” and “below” orientations. Furthermore, the device may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), thus interpreting the spatial relative descriptive terms used herein accordingly.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well. Furthermore, when the terms “comprising” and / or “including” and variations thereof are used in this specification, it indicates the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that, as used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and other similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than as terms of degree, thus explaining the inherent biases in measurements, calculated values, and / or provided values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a portion of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the docking station disclosed herein can be used to maintain a surface cleaner. This surface cleaner can be a self-propelled surface cleaning robot. When the surface cleaner requires maintenance, it can autonomously dock at the docking station, at which point the docking station can add cleaning fluid to the surface cleaner's water tank, provide electrical power to charge the surface cleaner's rechargeable battery, and perform self-cleaning of the surface cleaner's cleaning components (mop or roller brush).

[0048] In this disclosed technical solution, the docking station can also treat the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner. Specifically, after the surface cleaner docks at the docking station, the wastewater and dirt particles stored in its wastewater tank can be transferred to the docking station. The docking station can collect and package the dirt particles, thus simplifying maintenance. Users only need to periodically remove the packaged garbage bags, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing of the docking station's components. Moreover, once the garbage bags are packaged, the docking station is less prone to odor generation. Even if the user forgets to remove the packaged garbage bags, the docking station will not produce any unpleasant smells for a period of time. In other words, compared to existing technologies, the docking station of this disclosure has a longer maintenance-free period.

[0049] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of a portion of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the docking station disclosed herein may include components such as a shell section 100, a wet waste recycling section 200, a solid particle recycling section 300, and a joint section 400.

[0051] The housing 100 is configured to define the external appearance of the docking station and form a space within it. Specifically, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the space is formed into an upper space and a lower space. When the surface cleaner docks at the docking station, at least a portion of the surface cleaner can be located in the lower space. The upper space is used to accommodate components such as the wet waste collection unit 200, the solid particle collection unit 300, the joint 400, and the vacuum unit, thereby enabling the docking station of this disclosure to form a compact whole.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the wet waste recycling section 200, the solid particle recycling section 300, and the connecting section 400 are arranged in a top-to-bottom direction, so that the solid particles in the wet waste recycling section 200 can move downward under the action of gravity and pass through the solid particle recycling section 300 and the connecting section 400 in sequence.

[0053] In addition, the docking station disclosed herein also includes a receiving section 500, which is located below the connecting section 400 and configured to receive and accommodate the flexible recycling component 310 (garbage bag) with a closed opening. Thus, after the surface cleaner completes maintenance at the docking station, the packaged garbage bag can be stored in the receiving section, and the user can directly remove the packaged garbage bag from the receiving section.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5This is a structural schematic diagram of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 This is a structural schematic diagram of the wet waste recycling section of a docking station from another angle and in another state according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] like Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the wet waste recycling unit 200 of this disclosure is disposed in the housing portion 100 and located in the upper space. The wet waste recycling unit 200 is capable of receiving wet waste (i.e., sewage and solid particles) from the sewage tank of the surface cleaner, separating the sewage and solid particles, and then temporarily storing the solid particles.

[0056] Specifically, the wet waste recycling unit 200 disclosed herein may include components such as a housing 210, a liquid outlet 220, a solid-liquid separator 230, a wastewater storage unit 240, and a support unit 250.

[0057] The outer casing 210 has an internal receiving space, and a through-hole is formed on its side wall, which serves as a wet waste inlet 260. The wastewater tank of the surface cleaner can be selectively connected to this wet waste inlet 260 for introducing wet waste from the surface cleaner's wastewater tank into the wet waste collection unit 200. In one specific embodiment, when the surface cleaner is docked at the docking station, its wastewater tank can be connected to the wet waste inlet 260 of the outer casing 210 via a pipe, allowing the wet waste in the wastewater tank to be drawn into the interior of the outer casing 210 by negative pressure.

[0058] In other words, the bottom or lower side of the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner can be provided with a wastewater outlet. When the surface cleaner is docked at the docking station, the wastewater outlet of the wastewater tank can be in an open state, allowing the wastewater tank to communicate with the wet waste inlet 260 of the outer casing 210. In addition, the height of the wastewater outlet of the wastewater tank can be lower than the wet waste inlet 260 of the outer casing 210.

[0059] The outer casing 210 of this disclosure also has a liquid outlet 220 for discharging liquid to the outside of the wet waste recycling unit 200. In one specific embodiment, a portion of the accommodating space of the outer casing 210 is formed as a wastewater storage tank 240, which is configured to communicate with the liquid outlet 220 and to store liquid separated by the solid-liquid separator 230, thereby allowing the liquid stored in the wastewater storage tank 240 to be discharged to the outside via the liquid outlet 220.

[0060] The solid-liquid separator 230 is connected to the wet waste inlet 260 and is configured to separate solid particles from the wet waste introduced from the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner. The support 250 is configured to support the separated solid particles.

[0061] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, the solid-liquid separator 230 of this disclosure includes a filter assembly located downstream of the wet waste inlet 260 and detachably disposed within the housing portion 210. More specifically, the filter assembly includes a filter for filtering solid particles from the wet waste, the filter comprising a filter screen that at least partially surrounds the support portion 250.

[0062] The outer casing 210 of this disclosure includes a first side portion 211, which is generally vertically arranged, and a wet waste inlet 260 is formed on the first side portion 211. In addition, the bottom of the outer casing 210 of this disclosure includes a first bottom portion 213, a second bottom portion 214, and a third bottom portion 215, wherein the first bottom portion 213 is higher than the second bottom portion 214, and the second bottom portion 214 is higher than the third bottom portion 215.

[0063] The support portion 250 is formed as at least part of the first bottom portion 213. The first side portion 211, the first bottom portion 213, the support portion 250 and the filter screen together form a filtration space. Thus, sewage and solid particles (i.e., dirt particles) that enter the outer casing portion 210 through the wet waste inlet 260 can directly enter the filtration space and be filtered by the filter.

[0064] In other words, the filter screen is arranged generally vertically and forms at least part of the side of the filtration space, thereby allowing liquid to flow through the filter screen to the outside of the filtration space. Correspondingly, solid particles can be retained inside the filtration space and located on the support 250. That is, these solid particles are supported by the support 250.

[0065] Along the circumferential direction surrounding the filter space, both ends of the filter screen can be connected to the sides of the housing portion 210 (e.g., to the first side and / or other sides of the housing portion 210), thereby allowing the filter screen of this disclosure to be easily removed from the housing portion 210. Based on this structure, when objects such as hair are attached to the filter screen, the user can easily remove the filter screen and clean it.

[0066] In one embodiment, the second bottom 214 is formed as at least a portion of the wastewater storage 240. Additionally, the third bottom 215 is also formed as at least a portion of the wastewater storage 240. Thus, wastewater filtered by the filter can be initially stored in the area corresponding to the third bottom 215. When the area corresponding to the third bottom 215 is full, the wastewater can also be stored in the area corresponding to the second bottom 214. Therefore, the outer casing 210 of this disclosure has a large wastewater storage space, and correspondingly, the docking station of this disclosure can perform multiple maintenance on the surface cleaner without discharging wastewater, thus improving the maintenance-free cycle of the docking station.

[0067] The liquid outlet 220 of this disclosure is positioned no higher than the first bottom 213. Therefore, all sewage in the sewage storage tank 240 can be discharged through the liquid outlet 220, effectively preventing odor generation within the sewage storage tank 240. Furthermore, considering the small height difference between the first bottom 213 and the second bottom 214, when sewage covers the second bottom 214, it needs to be promptly discharged to the outside of the docking station; otherwise, the sewage will cover the support portion. In this case, when the support portion moves and opens the channel, the sewage will flow downwards under gravity to the solid particle recovery section or the joint, affecting the normal operation of the solid particle recovery section or the joint.

[0068] The support portion 250 of this disclosure is configured to be operably movable so that solid particles on the support portion 250 are received by the solid particle recovery portion 300. Thus, the support portion 250 of this disclosure can intermittently and operably release solid particles to the solid particle recovery portion 300 so that these solid particles can be collected by the solid particle recovery portion 300.

[0069] Specifically, the support portion 250 includes a support plate, which forms at least a portion of the bottom of the outer shell 210 of the wet waste recycling section 200 and is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the bottom of the outer shell 210 is open; and in the second position, the bottom of the outer shell 210 is closed. Thus, when the support portion 250 is in the first position, the solid particles will slide off the support portion 250 under gravity and enter the solid particle recycling section 200. When the support portion 250 is in the second position, the solid particles will be held on the support portion 250.

[0070] In one embodiment, the support portion 250 can be driven and rotated by a driving device, thereby enabling the support portion 250 to move between a first position and a second position. Of course, the support portion 250 can also move between the first position and the second position by means of movement, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the solid particle recovery unit of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the solid particle recovery section of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] A solid particle recovery unit 300 is disposed in the housing 100 and configured to recover solid particles. The solid particle recovery unit 300 is located directly below the wet waste recovery unit 200. At this time, the solid particles can be recovered to the solid particle recovery unit 300 under the action of gravity. Thus, the docking station of this disclosure can have a simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0073] Specifically, the solid particle recycling unit 300 includes a flexible recycling member 310 and a supply unit 320; the flexible recycling member 310 is configured to store solid particles separated by the solid-liquid separator 230; the supply unit 320 is configured to store at least one flexible recycling member 310 and supply the flexible recycling member 310, and to connect the flexible recycling member 310 to the wet waste recycling unit 200.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the flexible recycling component 310 of this disclosure is formed into a cylindrical structure and is made of a heat-melting material (e.g., polyethylene). The supply section 320 may include an upper shell 321 and a lower shell 322; wherein, the lower shell 322 is formed into an annular structure, and an annular groove with an upward opening is formed on the lower shell 322; the flexible recycling component 310 of the cylindrical structure can be folded and stored in the annular groove. In addition, the upper shell 321 is also formed into an annular structure, and an annular groove with a downward opening is formed on the upper shell 321; the flexible recycling component 310 of the cylindrical structure can also be stored in the annular groove of the upper shell 321. At this time, the solid particle recycling section 300 can store the flexible recycling component 310 of the maximum length of the cylindrical structure.

[0075] See again Figure 8 In this disclosure, the inner wall of the upper housing 321 extends downward beyond the inner wall of the lower housing 322, and the inner walls of the upper housing 321 and the lower housing 322 are spaced apart. Therefore, the flexible recycler 310 with a cylindrical structure can extend downward through the gap between the inner walls of the upper housing 321 and the lower housing 322. Furthermore, since the inner wall of the upper housing 321 extends downward beyond the inner wall of the lower housing 322, and both the inner walls of the upper housing 321 and the lower housing 322 are formed as part of a channel, solid particles can flow through this channel and are less likely to adhere to the inner walls of either the upper housing 321 or the lower housing 322.

[0076] In addition, when the flexible recycling unit 310 stored in the supply unit 320 is exhausted, the user can disassemble the solid particle recycling unit 300 from the docking station and separate the upper housing 321 and the lower housing 322 to place the new flexible recycling unit 310 into the annular groove of the upper housing 321 and the lower housing 322.

[0077] Figure 9This is a structural schematic diagram of the joint of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of another state of the joint of the docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing another state of the cross-sectional structure of a docking station according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the joint 400 of this disclosure is provided in the housing portion 100, located below the solid particle recovery portion 300 and engaging with the solid particle recovery portion 300. The joint 400 is configured to close the opening of the flexible recovery member 310.

[0079] In this disclosure, the solid particle recycling section 300 and the connecting section 400 form a common channel from top to bottom on the housing section 100, and the wet waste recycling section 200 is operatively in fluid communication with the channel. In other words, the flexible recycling member 310 of this disclosure can pass through the connecting section 400 and is at least partially located below the connecting section 400. Thus, when solid particles fall onto the flexible recycling member 310, the connecting section can thermally melt the flexible recycling member 310, thereby enabling the solid particles to be packaged and sealed.

[0080] Specifically, the joint 400 of this disclosure includes a closing member capable of opening or closing the channel. Thus, when the closing member opens the channel, the flexible recycling member 310 can move to below the joint 400 and be in a state capable of receiving solid particles. When the joint 400 closes the channel, the flexible recycling member 310 can be closed by heat fusion.

[0081] In one embodiment, the closing member opens or closes the channel by linear movement, thereby enabling the closing member of this disclosure to have a simple structure and low manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the closing member of this disclosure also has a long service life.

[0082] In this disclosure, the closing member includes at least one pair of pressure-applying members that can move toward each other and apply pressure to each other by linear movement, thereby enabling the joint 400 of this disclosure to close the flexible retractable member 310.

[0083] In this disclosure, at least one of the pair of pressure-applying members includes a heating element, thereby enabling heat to be supplied to the flexible recycler 310 through the heating element, and causing the flexible recycler 310 to be heat-melted and sealed.

[0084] Specifically, the pair of pressure applying members includes a movable pressure applying member and a fixed pressure applying member 410, and at least one of the fixed pressure applying member 410 and the movable pressure applying member includes a heating element.

[0085] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the movable pressure applying member of this disclosure includes a first movable pressure applying member 420 and a second movable pressure applying member 430; wherein, the first movable pressure applying member 420 can be guided by a first guide rod 440 and driven by a first drive assembly 460 to move along the first guide rod 440. In a preferred embodiment, the first drive assembly 460 can be a synchronous belt drive structure driven by a motor, in which case the first movable pressure applying member 420 can be fixed on the synchronous belt, so that the first movable pressure applying member 420 can move along the first guide rod 440 following the movement of the synchronous belt.

[0086] Similarly, the second movable pressure applicator 430 can be guided by the second guide rod 450 and driven by the second drive assembly 470 to move along the second guide rod 450. In a preferred embodiment, the second drive assembly 470 can be a motor-driven synchronous belt drive structure, in which case the second movable pressure applicator 430 can be fixed to the synchronous belt, so that the second movable pressure applicator 430 can move along the second guide rod 450 following the movement of the synchronous belt.

[0087] Furthermore, the second movable pressure applicator 430 is provided with a guide groove, and the first movable pressure applicator 420 can be inserted into the guide groove and slide along the guide groove. As a result, the first movable pressure applicator 420 and the second movable pressure applicator 430 of this disclosure will not detach. Correspondingly, the flexible recycling member 310 will not move to the outside of the channel formed by the joint 400, and the joint 400 will not be able to seal the flexible recycling member 310.

[0088] The docking station disclosed herein also includes a vacuum unit (not shown in the figure), which is fluidly connected to the wet waste inlet 260. In the open mode, the vacuum unit provides negative pressure to the wet waste recycling unit 200. Thus, the negative pressure generated by the vacuum unit allows wastewater and solid particles from the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner to be transferred to the wet waste recycling unit 200 of the docking station. In a preferred example, the inlet of the vacuum unit may be equipped with a water vapor separator (e.g., a HEPA filter) to prevent wastewater from entering the vacuum unit and causing damage.

[0089] The outer casing 210 of this disclosure also includes a second side portion 212, on which a liquid outlet 220 and a vacuum port 216 may be provided. The vacuum port 216 can communicate with a vacuuming unit, and the vacuum port 216 is positioned higher than the liquid outlet 220. Specifically, the liquid outlet 220 is located near the lower end of the second side portion 212, and the vacuum port 216 is located near the upper end of the second side portion 212.

[0090] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a surface cleaner maintenance method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] The maintenance method for the surface cleaner disclosed herein is used to maintain the surface cleaner. Specifically, after the surface cleaner docks at the aforementioned docking station, the docking station can perform maintenance on the surface cleaner and transfer the sewage and solid waste in the surface cleaner's sewage tank to the docking station.

[0092] Specifically, such as Figure 13 As shown, the maintenance method of the surface cleaner disclosed herein includes: S1010, parking the surface cleaner at the docking station; S1020, connecting the wastewater tank on the surface cleaner to the wet waste collection unit 200 of the docking station, the wet waste collection unit 200 being in fluid communication with the vacuum unit; S1030, setting the vacuum unit to the open mode to generate a working airflow carrying wet waste and causing it to flow through the solid-liquid separator 230 of the docking station; S1040, using the solid-liquid separator 230, separating the solid particles in the wet waste. On the support plate, the liquid in the wet waste is collected into the sewage storage 240 by the working airflow; S1050, the vacuum unit is set to the closed mode to stop the working airflow; S1060, the wet waste recycling unit 200 is operated to make it fluidly connected to the channel, and the solid particles on the support plate fall into the channel by gravity; S1070, the solid particle recycling unit 300 is operated to make the flexible recycling member 310 receive the solid particles; S1080, the joint 400 is operated to close the opening of the flexible recycling member 310.

[0093] In one embodiment, closing the opening of the flexible recycler 310 includes operating at least one pair of heat-generating pressure-applying elements to close the channel, thereby closing the opening of the flexible recycler 310.

[0094] In addition, when the flexible recyclable part 310 is used for the first time, the part of the flexible recyclable part 310 located outside the supply section 320 can be sealed first. The sealing process can be completed manually by the user or automatically by the joint 400. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0095] Based on the maintenance method of the surface cleaner disclosed herein, after the surface cleaner is docked at the docking station, the wastewater and dirt particles stored in its wastewater tank can be transferred to the docking station. The docking station can collect and package the dirt particles, thus simplifying maintenance. Users only need to periodically remove the packaged garbage bags, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing of the docking station's components. Furthermore, once the garbage bags are packaged, the docking station is less prone to odor generation; even if the user forgets to remove the packaged garbage bags, the docking station will not produce any unpleasant smells for a period of time. In other words, compared to existing technologies, the docking station of this disclosure has a longer maintenance-free period.

[0096] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example is included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment / mode or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments / modes or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments / modes or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0097] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0098] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are merely for illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make other changes or modifications based on the above disclosure, and these changes or modifications still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A docking station for maintaining a surface cleaner, characterized in that, include: A housing portion, the housing portion being configured to define the external appearance of the docking station and to form a space therein; A wet waste recycling unit is disposed within the housing section, comprising an outer shell, a liquid outlet, a solid-liquid separator, a wastewater storage unit, and a support unit. The outer shell includes a wet waste inlet, to which the wastewater tank of the surface cleaner is optionally connected for introducing wet waste from the surface cleaner's wastewater tank into the wet waste recycling unit. The liquid outlet discharges liquid to the outside of the wet waste recycling unit. The solid-liquid separator is configured to communicate with the wet waste inlet and separate solid particles from the wet waste introduced from the surface cleaner's wastewater tank. The wastewater storage unit is configured to communicate with the liquid outlet and store the liquid separated by the solid-liquid separator. The support unit is configured to support the separated solid particles. A solid particle recycling unit is disposed in the housing portion and configured to recycle the solid particles, wherein the solid particle recycling unit includes a flexible recycling element and a supply unit; the flexible recycling element is configured to store the solid particles separated by the solid-liquid separator; the supply unit is configured to store at least one of the flexible recycling elements and supply the flexible recycling elements, and to engage the flexible recycling elements with the wet waste recycling unit; A connecting portion, disposed within the housing portion, located below and engaging the solid particle recovery portion, the connecting portion being configured to close the opening of the flexible recovery member; and A vacuum unit is fluidly connected to the wet waste inlet, wherein, in the open mode, a negative pressure is generated to provide negative pressure to the wet waste recycling unit; The solid particle recycling section and the junction section form a common channel from top to bottom, and the wet waste recycling section is operatively fluidly connected to the channel.

2. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support is configured to be operablely movable so that solid particles on the support are received by the solid particle recovery unit.

3. The docking station according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support includes a support plate that forms at least a portion of the bottom of the outer shell of the wet waste recycling unit and is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the bottom of the outer shell is opened in the first position and closed in the second position.

4. The docking station according to claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom includes a first bottom and a second bottom, the support portion is formed as at least a part of the first bottom, the second bottom is formed as at least a part of the sewage storage, and the first bottom is higher than the second bottom.

5. The docking station according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom includes a third bottom, which is formed as at least a portion of the wastewater storage tank, and the second bottom is higher than the third bottom.

6. The docking station according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid outlet is located no higher than the first bottom.

7. The docking station according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid-liquid separator includes a filter assembly located downstream of the wet waste inlet and detachably disposed within the outer casing.

8. The docking station according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The filtration assembly includes a filter for filtering solid particles from wet waste, the filter comprising a filter screen that at least partially surrounds the support portion; Optionally, the joint includes a closing member capable of opening or closing the channel; Optionally, the closing member opens or closes the channel by moving linearly; Optionally, the closing member includes at least one pair of pressure applying members that can move closer to each other and apply pressure to each other by linear movement; Optionally, at least one of the pair of pressure applying elements includes a heating element; Optionally, the pair of pressure applying members includes a movable pressure applying member and a fixed pressure applying member, and at least one of the fixed pressure applying member and the movable pressure applying member includes the heating part; Optionally, it also includes: A receiving portion, located below the joining portion, is configured to engage and accommodate the flexible recycling member with the closed opening; Optionally, the surface cleaner includes a self-moving surface cleaning robot.

9. A method for maintaining a surface cleaner, characterized in that, include: The surface cleaner is docked at the docking station, which is the docking station according to any one of claims 1-8; The wastewater tank on the surface cleaner is connected to the wet waste collection section of the docking station, and the wet waste collection section is in fluid communication with the vacuum section; Set the vacuum unit to the open mode to generate a working airflow carrying wet waste and allow it to flow through the solid-liquid separator at the docking station. With the help of a solid-liquid separator, solid particles in wet waste are isolated on a support plate, and liquid in wet waste is collected into a wastewater storage tank via working airflow. Set the vacuum unit to the off mode to stop the working airflow; Operate the wet waste recycling unit to make it fluidly connected to the channel, and use gravity to make the solid particles on the support plate fall into the channel; Operate the solid particle recovery unit so that the flexible recovery component receives the solid particles; Operate the joint to close the opening of the flexible recyclable component.

10. The maintenance method for the surface cleaner according to claim 9, characterized in that, Closing the opening of the flexible recyclable component includes: Operate at least one pair of heat-generating pressure-applying elements to close the channel, thereby sealing the opening of the flexible recyclable element.

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