A robotic vacuum cleaner that can clean even the most difficult-to-reach areas

Abstract

This invention discloses a sweeping robot capable of cleaning dead corners, relating to the field of sweeping robot technology. It includes a housing, a cleaning device, and a separation device. The housing has follower wheels. The cleaning device includes a flow-guiding assembly for distributing air towards the dead corners. The separation device includes several roller brushes connected to a negative pressure air source. Each roller brush includes a roller body and guide vanes. A feeding gap is provided between two opposing roller bodies, and two opposing guide vanes are connected in the feeding gap. A dust channel is provided on the roller body, with the inlet facing the feeding gap. A side discharge groove is provided at the end of the dust channel. The roller body and housing are rotatably connected. The air distribution height of the flow-guiding assembly and the air intake height of the roller body are staggered. By using gas flow instead of a solid structure to clean dead corners, the application range is improved, and the wear of moving parts is reduced. Simultaneously, the combination of positive pressure air distribution and negative pressure flow improves the cleaning efficiency of dead corners.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of robotic vacuum cleaner technology, specifically a robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of automation and intelligent technology, the use of traditional floor cleaning tools is gradually decreasing, and a new generation of home appliances with intelligent control cleaning components is emerging. Among them, the application market of robot vacuum cleaners is relatively widespread.

[0003] As a primary tool for household cleaning, robotic vacuum cleaners can greatly reduce labor intensity. However, due to the limited space in a home, the shape of robotic vacuum cleaners can lead to cleaning blind spots. During regular cleaning, side brushes are used for auxiliary cleaning. Since blind spots occupy a smaller proportion of the floor compared to normal cleaning, adding similar side brush structures would not only increase manufacturing costs but also increase the robot's weight, reducing cleaning efficiency.

[0004] In addition, the collected waste needs to be filtered. Existing single-channel or unidirectional collection mechanisms are prone to causing significant impact on the filter components, which reduces their service life to some extent. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sweeping robot that can clean dead corners, so as to solve the problems of dead corners that cannot be cleaned and the large impact of the collected waste in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: The robotic vacuum cleaner includes a shell, a cleaning device, and a separation device; the shell is equipped with follower wheels. The cleaning device includes a drainage component for distributing air towards areas that are difficult to clean. The separation device includes several roller brushes connected to a negative pressure air source. Each roller brush includes a roller body and guide vanes. A feeding gap is provided between two opposite roller bodies, and two opposite guide vanes are connected in the feeding gap. The roller is equipped with a dust channel, the dust channel inlet faces the feed gap, and the dust channel end is equipped with a side discharge groove. The roller and the housing are rotatably connected, and the air distribution height of the air diversion component and the air intake height of the roller are staggered.

[0007] The housing serves as the main mounting structure, housing other components. A follower wheel is mounted at the front of the travel direction for steering assistance. The cleaning device uses air distribution to assist in cleaning the separation device. The airflow diversion component primarily distributes air to cleaning dead corners, agitating dust and debris to create turbulence. The separation device acts as a negative pressure air source, diverting air from these dead corners. By using air diversion instead of a solid structure to clean dead corners, the application range is expanded, and wear on moving parts is reduced. The combination of positive pressure air distribution and negative pressure diversion further enhances cleaning efficiency in dead corners. Two roller brushes are arranged symmetrically, each with several guide vanes. As the rollers rotate, the guide vanes rotate as well. A feed gap between the two rollers diverts lightweight dust into the dust channel, while heavier debris is diverted through the guide vanes and discharged via a side drain. The height difference facilitates a fixed flow path in space, ensuring collection quality. A mop is located at the bottom of the housing for cleaning after sweeping.

[0008] Furthermore, the drainage component includes a bottom blowing pipe, which is connected to a positive pressure air source; The bottom blowing pipe and the follower wheel are connected by a mounting bracket, with the bottom blowing pipe positioned below the dust duct inlet height. By setting the bottom blowing pipe's outlet height at the lower end of the dust duct inlet, the bottom blowing pipe directly applies high-pressure airflow to the cleaning dead corners, facilitating the formation of turbulence and automatic cleaning of these corners. The dust carried by the airflow flows backward under the action of negative pressure airflow, facilitating negative pressure adsorption.

[0009] The drainage assembly also includes a distribution duct, which is connected to a positive pressure air source and is located on the upper part of the housing; The air distribution duct is located at a height above the dust duct inlet.

[0010] Air is distributed above the dead corner to increase local pressure. At the same time, after the airflow hits the wall of the dead corner, some of the airflow flows downward. Combined with the negative pressure adsorption at the dust duct, automatic cleaning is achieved.

[0011] As an optimization, two air distribution ducts are provided, and the two air distribution ducts are arranged at an angle downwards.

[0012] By setting up two air distribution ducts and tilting them downwards, the downward airflow increases its downward momentum after contacting the dead corner wall, making it easier to guide dust to the negative pressure zone and form a directional flow.

[0013] As an optimization, the projections of the two air distribution ducts on the horizontal plane are aligned and tilted.

[0014] By tilting the projection on the horizontal plane, dust from the outer corners is blown towards the central area for collection, facilitating drainage.

[0015] Furthermore, the separation device also includes a dust box and two separation pipes, which are connected to the dust box pipes. The ends of the separation pipes are spirally arranged, and the ends of the two separation pipes are arranged opposite each other. The dust box is equipped with a dust collection chamber, and there are material guide troughs on both sides of the dust collection chamber; The guide vanes are arranged in a spiral, with the ends of the guide vanes facing the side drain trough; The housing is provided with a drive cavity, and a slot is provided on one side of the drive cavity; The dust box and slot are movably connected. The separation tube is placed inside the drive chamber. The inlet of the separation tube connects to the dust channel and the side discharge trough, and the outlet of the separation tube connects to the guide trough. The dust box serves as a collection container for dust and debris, collecting through a dual-channel system to improve collection efficiency. After collection, the debris is conveyed through the separation tube. The end of the separation tube is spirally designed, placing larger debris on the outer layer and dust on the inner layer. When the gas jets exit from the guide trough, the opposing arrangement causes the two jets of gas to impact each other, attenuating the velocity of larger particles and preventing erosion and wear on the inside of the dust box, which would reduce its smoothness and affect its service life.

[0016] The separation device also includes a vacuum pump; The drainage assembly also includes a drainage tube; The dust box is equipped with a separation chamber, which is eccentrically arranged relative to the line connecting the two guide troughs; The vacuum pump and the separation chamber are connected, and the vacuum pump outlet serves as a positive pressure gas source, which is distributed through the duct.

[0017] The system combines upper and lower air distribution. A proportional valve at the end of the inlet pipe distributes the positive pressure air source, ensuring that the airflow allocated to the air distribution pipe is greater than that allocated to the bottom blowing pipe. This causes dust to be blown away from below, creating turbulence. Meanwhile, the airflow layer formed by the upper air distribution is greater than the airflow turbulence below. By setting up an air film layer, the turbulent dust is constrained, preventing it from spreading outwards and affecting dust removal quality. When the vacuum pump is connected to the separation chamber, it acts as a negative pressure air source; when connected to the bottom blowing pipe and air distribution pipe via the inlet pipe, it acts as a positive pressure air source. Multiple layers of filters are installed inside the separation chamber. The separation chamber is eccentrically positioned relative to the two material guide troughs to prevent the jet gas from directly impacting the separation chamber and causing impact damage.

[0018] As an optimization, the cleaning device also includes a guide assembly, which includes a centering motor and a side brush at the output end of the centering motor; The centering motor is connected to the housing. During regular cleaning, the centering motor drives the side brush to rotate, thereby sweeping the corresponding waste material towards the roller brush. When encountering dead corners, the side brush cannot clean the dead corners, so air is used to guide the air to clean the dead corners.

[0019] As an optimization, two drive wheels are installed on the housing. A drive motor is mounted on each drive wheel and is installed on the housing to drive the movement of the entire machine. The two drive wheels are driven independently, which facilitates their rotation in conjunction with the follower wheel.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The air diversion component is mainly used to distribute air in cleaning dead corners, causing dust and debris in the dead corners to be disturbed and forming turbulence. The separation device acts as a negative pressure air source to divert the gas in the dead corners. By using gas diversion instead of a solid structure to clean the dead corners, the application range is improved and the wear of moving parts is reduced. At the same time, the combination of positive pressure air distribution and negative pressure diversion improves the cleaning efficiency of dead corners. The bottom blowing pipe directly applies high-pressure airflow to the cleaning dead corners, which facilitates the formation of turbulence and automatic cleaning of the dead corners. The dust carried by the airflow flows backward under the action of negative pressure airflow, which facilitates negative pressure adsorption. Air distribution above the dead corners increases the local pressure, and at the same time, the airflow impacts... Upon reaching the dead corner wall, some airflow flows downwards, combining with negative pressure adsorption at the dust duct for automatic cleaning. This ensures that larger debris is located on the outer layer and dust on the inner layer. When the airflow exits from the guide trough, the opposing arrangement causes the two jets of gas to impact each other, attenuating the velocity of larger particles and preventing erosion and wear on the inside of the dust box, reducing its smoothness and affecting its service life. The combination of upper and lower air distribution, with the airflow allocated to the air distribution duct being greater than that allocated to the bottom blowing duct, causes the dust to be blown away from below, creating turbulence. At this time, the airflow layer formed by the upper air distribution is greater than the airflow turbulence below. By setting up an air film layer, the turbulent dust is constrained, preventing it from spreading outwards and affecting the dust removal quality. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the separation device structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the roller brush structure of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of the view; Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dust box of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the separation tube structure of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Housing; 11. Drive chamber; 12. Slot; 2. Cleaning device; 21. Guide assembly; 211. Side brush; 212. Centering motor; 22. Drainage assembly; 221. Drainage pipe; 222. Bottom blowing pipe; 223. Air distribution pipe; 3. Separation device; 31. Roller brush; 311. Roller body; 3111. Dust duct; 3112. Side discharge trough; 312. Guide vane; 32. Dust box; 321. Material guide trough; 322. Separation chamber; 323. Dust collection chamber; 33. Vacuum pump; 34. Separation pipe; 4. Drive wheel; 5. Follower wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] Example 1: As Figures 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides a robotic vacuum cleaner technology solution capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

[0025] The robotic vacuum cleaner includes a housing 1, a cleaning device 2, and a separation device 3. The housing 1 is equipped with follower wheels 5. The cleaning device 2 includes a drainage component 22, which is used to distribute air towards the cleaning dead corners; The separation device 3 includes several roller brushes 31, which are connected to a negative pressure air source. Each roller brush 31 includes a roller body 311 and a guide vane 312. A feeding gap is provided between two opposite roller bodies 311, and two opposite guide vanes 312 are connected in the feeding gap. The roller body 311 is provided with a dust channel 3111, the inlet of the dust channel 3111 faces the feed gap, and the end of the dust channel 3111 is provided with a side discharge groove 3112; The roller body 311 and the housing 1 are rotatably connected, and the air distribution height of the air diversion assembly 22 and the air intake height of the roller body 311 are staggered.

[0026] The housing 1 serves as the main mounting body for installing other devices. A follower wheel 5 is mounted at the front end in the direction of travel for auxiliary steering. The cleaning device 2 assists in cleaning the separation device 3 by distributing air. The airflow guide component 22 is mainly used to distribute air to cleaning dead corners, disturbing dust and debris in these corners and creating turbulence. The separation device 3 acts as a negative pressure air source, guiding the gas in the dead corners. By using gas flow instead of a solid structure to clean dead corners, the application range is improved and the wear of moving parts is reduced. Simultaneously, the combination of positive pressure air distribution and negative pressure airflow improves the cleaning efficiency of dead corners. The roller brushes 31 are arranged symmetrically, with several guide vanes 312 on each roller 311. When the roller 311 rotates, it drives the guide vanes 312 to rotate. The feed gap between the two rollers 311 is used to guide light dust and other materials into the dust channel 3111. Heavier debris is guided by the guide vanes 312 and discharged through the side discharge groove 3112 at the end. By setting a height difference, a fixed flow path is easily formed in space, ensuring collection quality. A mop is installed at the bottom of the casing 1 for cleaning after sweeping is completed.

[0027] Furthermore, the drainage component 22 includes a bottom blowing pipe 222, which is connected to a positive pressure air source; The bottom blowing pipe 222 is connected to the mounting bracket of the follower wheel 5, and the height of the bottom blowing pipe 222 is lower than the inlet height of the dust duct 3111. By setting the outlet height of the bottom blowing pipe 222 at the lower end of the inlet of the dust duct 3111, the bottom blowing pipe 222 can directly apply high-pressure airflow to the cleaning dead corner, which facilitates the formation of turbulence and automatic cleaning of the dead corner. The dust carried by the airflow flows backward under the action of negative pressure airflow, which facilitates negative pressure adsorption.

[0028] As an optimization, the cleaning device 2 also includes a guide assembly 21, which includes a centering motor 212 and a side brush 211 at the output end of the centering motor 212; The centering motor 212 is connected to the housing 1. During normal cleaning, the centering motor 212 drives the side brush 211 to rotate, thereby sweeping the corresponding waste material toward the roller brush 31. When encountering a dead corner, the side brush 211 cannot clean the dead corner, and the dead corner is cleaned by air drainage.

[0029] As an optimization, two drive wheels 4 are provided on the housing 1. A drive motor is installed on the drive wheel 4 and mounted on the housing 1 to drive the movement of the whole machine. The two drive wheels 4 are driven independently, which facilitates their rotation in conjunction with the follower wheel 5.

[0030] Example 2: Figure 6 As shown.

[0031] The drainage component 22 also includes a distribution duct 223, which is connected to a positive pressure air source and is located on the upper part of the housing 1. The height of the air distribution duct 223 is above the height of the dust duct 3111 inlet.

[0032] Air is distributed above the dead corner to increase local pressure. At the same time, after the airflow hits the wall of the dead corner, some of the airflow flows downward. Combined with the negative pressure adsorption at the dust duct 3111, automatic cleaning is achieved.

[0033] As an optimization, there are two air distribution ducts 223, which are arranged at an angle downwards.

[0034] By setting two air distribution ducts 223 and tilting them downwards, the downward airflow increases its downward momentum after contacting the dead corner wall, which facilitates the diversion of dust to the negative pressure zone and forms a directional flow.

[0035] As an optimization, the projections of the two air distribution ducts 223 on the horizontal plane are aligned and tilted.

[0036] By tilting the projection on the horizontal plane, dust from the outer corners is blown towards the central area for collection, facilitating drainage.

[0037] Furthermore, the separation device 3 also includes a dust box 32 and two separation pipes 34, which are connected to the dust box 32. The ends of the separation pipes 34 are spirally arranged, and the ends of the two separation pipes 34 are arranged opposite each other. The dust box 32 is provided with a dust collection chamber 323, and the dust collection chamber 323 is provided with a guide chute 321 on both sides; The guide vanes 312 are spirally arranged, with the ends of the guide vanes 312 facing the side drain 3112; The housing 1 is provided with a drive cavity 11, and a slot 12 is provided on one side of the drive cavity 11; The dust box 32 and the slot 12 are movably connected. The separation pipe 34 is placed inside the drive chamber 11. The inlet of the separation pipe 34 connects to the dust channel 3111 and the side discharge channel 3112, and the outlet of the separation pipe 34 connects to the guide chute 321. The dust box 32 serves as a container for collecting dust and debris, collecting them through a dual-channel system to improve collection efficiency. After collection, the debris is conveyed through the separation pipe 34. The end of the separation pipe 34 is spirally arranged, so that larger debris is located on the outer layer and dust is located on the inner layer. When the debris is ejected from the guide chute 321, the two jets of gas impact each other through a counter-current arrangement, attenuating the velocity of larger particles and preventing erosion and wear inside the dust box 32, which would reduce its smoothness and affect its service life.

[0038] Example 3: Figure 2 As shown The separation device 3 also includes a vacuum pump 33; The drainage component 22 also includes a drainage tube 221; The dust box 32 is provided with a separation chamber 322, which is eccentrically arranged relative to the line connecting the two guide troughs 321; Vacuum pump 33 is connected to separation chamber 322, and the outlet of vacuum pump 33 serves as a positive pressure gas source, which is distributed through the duct 221.

[0039] The system combines upper and lower air distribution. A proportional valve at the end of the guide pipe 221 distributes the positive pressure air source, ensuring that the airflow allocated to the air distribution pipe 223 is greater than that allocated to the bottom blowing pipe 222. This causes dust to be blown away from below, creating turbulence. Meanwhile, the airflow layer formed by the upper air distribution is greater than the airflow turbulence below. By setting up an air film layer, the turbulent dust is constrained, preventing it from spreading outwards and affecting the dust removal quality. When the vacuum pump 33 is connected to the separation chamber 322, it acts as a negative pressure air source; when connected to the bottom blowing pipe 222 and the air distribution pipe 223 via the guide pipe 221, it acts as a positive pressure air source. The separation chamber 322 is equipped with multiple layers of filters. The separation chamber 322 is eccentrically positioned relative to the two material guide troughs 321 to prevent the jet gas from directly impacting the separation chamber 322 and causing impact damage.

[0040] The working principle of this invention: The air diversion component 22 is mainly used to distribute air to cleaning dead corners, causing dust and debris in the dead corners to be disturbed and forming turbulence. The separation device 3 acts as a negative pressure air source to divert the gas in the dead corners. By using gas diversion instead of a solid structure to clean the dead corners, the application range is improved and the wear of moving parts is reduced. At the same time, the combination of positive pressure air distribution and negative pressure diversion improves the cleaning efficiency of dead corners. The bottom blowing pipe 222 directly applies high-pressure airflow to the cleaning dead corners, which facilitates the formation of turbulence and automatic cleaning of the dead corners. The dust carried by the airflow flows backward under the action of negative pressure airflow, which facilitates negative pressure adsorption. Air distribution is carried out above the dead corners to increase the local pressure. At the same time, after the airflow hits the wall surface of the dead corners, some of the dust is dissipated. The airflow flows downwards, combined with the negative pressure adsorption at the dust duct 3111, thus achieving automatic cleaning. This ensures that larger debris is located on the outer layer and dust on the inner layer. When the airflow exits from the guide trough 321, the two jets of gas impact each other through the opposing arrangement, attenuating the velocity of larger particles and preventing erosion and wear on the inside of the dust box 32, which would reduce its smoothness and affect its service life. The upper and lower air distribution systems are combined, with the airflow rate allocated to the air distribution pipe 223 being greater than that allocated to the bottom blowing pipe 222. The dust blown from below creates disturbance, while the airflow layer formed by the upper air distribution is greater than the airflow disturbance below. By setting up an air film layer, the turbulent dust is constrained, preventing it from spreading outwards and affecting the dust removal quality.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas, characterized in that: The sweeping robot includes a shell (1), a cleaning device (2) and a separation device (3), and the shell (1) is provided with follower wheels (5). The cleaning device (2) includes a drainage component (22) for distributing air towards cleaning dead corners; The separation device (3) includes several roller brushes (31), which are connected to a negative pressure air source. Each roller brush (31) includes a roller body (311) and a guide vane (312). A feeding gap is provided between two opposite roller bodies (311), and two opposite guide vanes (312) are connected in the feeding gap. The roller body (311) is provided with a dust channel (3111), the inlet of the dust channel (3111) faces the feeding gap, and the end of the dust channel (3111) is provided with a side discharge groove (3112). The roller (311) and the housing (1) are rotatably connected, and the air distribution height of the air diversion assembly (22) and the air intake height of the roller (311) are staggered.

2. The sweeping robot capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drainage assembly (22) includes a bottom blowing pipe (222), which is connected to a positive pressure air source; The bottom blowing pipe (222) and the follower wheel (5) are connected by a mounting bracket, and the height of the bottom blowing pipe (222) is lower than the inlet height of the dust duct (3111).

3. A robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drainage component (22) also includes a distribution pipe (223), which is connected to a positive pressure air source and is located on the upper part of the housing (1); The height of the air distribution duct (223) is above the height of the dust duct (3111) inlet.

4. A sweeping robot capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two air distribution pipes (223), and the two air distribution pipes (223) are arranged at an angle downward.

5. A sweeping robot capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 4, characterized in that: The two air distribution ducts (223) are arranged at an angle to the center of their projections on the horizontal plane.

6. A robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The separation device (3) further includes a dust box (32) and two separation pipes (34), the two separation pipes (34) and the dust box (32) are connected by pipes, the ends of the separation pipes (34) are spirally arranged, and the ends of the two separation pipes (34) are arranged opposite each other; The dust box (32) is provided with a dust collection chamber (323), and the dust collection chamber (323) is provided with a guide chute (321) on both sides. The guide vanes (312) are spirally arranged, with the ends of the guide vanes (312) facing the side drain grooves (3112). The housing (1) is provided with a drive cavity (11), and a slot (12) is provided on one side of the drive cavity (11). The dust box (32) and the card slot (12) are movably connected. The separation tube (34) is placed in the drive cavity (11). The inlet of the separation tube (34) is connected to the dust channel (3111) and the side discharge channel (3112). The outlet of the separation tube (34) is connected to the guide channel (321).

7. A sweeping robot capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 6, characterized in that: The separation device (3) also includes a vacuum pump (33); The drainage component (22) also includes a drainage tube (221); The dust box (32) is provided with a separation chamber (322), which is eccentrically arranged relative to the line connecting the two guide troughs (321); The vacuum pump (33) and the separation chamber (322) are connected, and the outlet of the vacuum pump (33) serves as a positive pressure gas source, which is distributed through the drainage pipe (221).

8. A robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning device (2) also includes a guide assembly (21), which includes a centering motor (212) and a side brush (211) at the output end of the centering motor (212). The centering motor (212) is connected to the housing (1).

9. A robotic vacuum cleaner capable of cleaning in hard-to-reach areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two drive wheels (4) are provided on the housing (1).

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