A foot bath robot matching base station

Abstract

This invention provides a base station for a foot bath robot, including a housing, a charging component, a driving component, a cleaning component, and a controller. The housing has an opening for the foot bath robot to enter. The charging component is located inside the housing and has a connector that can electrically connect with the foot bath robot inside the opening. The charging component has a data acquisition module for detecting the location of the foot bath robot's charging port. The driving component is connected to the charging component and moves the charging component within its vertical plane so that the connector aligns with the foot bath robot's charging port. The cleaning component is connected to the charging component and has a cleaning part. The cleaning component removes residual water from the charging port before the connector connects to it. The base station for the foot bath robot provided by this invention improves the safety and reliability of the foot bath robot during charging.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of intelligent foot bath technology, specifically relating to a base station for a foot bath robot. Background Technology

[0002] The base station serves as the dedicated water supply and charging docking hub for the foot bath robot. The docking accuracy and protection capabilities of its charging structure directly determine the safety and reliability of the foot bath robot when it returns to its charging position. After completing the foot bath process, the foot bath robot moves to the base station for charging docking. The charging structure of the base station precisely matches the robot's charging interface, achieving stable power transmission.

[0003] In existing technologies, the charging structure of a base station typically uses infrared positioning and fine-tuning for positioning. However, after a foot bath robot completes the foot bath process, water droplets splashed during the process easily remain on its side walls. During the fine-tuning docking process of the existing charging structure, the metal contact ends and magnetic connection points of the base station charging structure are prone to directly contacting the residual water droplets on the robot's side walls due to docking precision issues. Even after the charging interface is matched and docked, the water droplets adhering to the charging contact points cannot be removed in time. This not only causes oxidation of the charging contacts and a sharp increase in contact resistance, leading to problems such as intermittent charging connections and a significant decrease in charging efficiency, but if the water droplets seep into the charging interface, it can also cause short circuits and leakage in the charging circuit. In severe cases, it can even damage the circuit modules of the charging structure, reducing the stability of the charging docking and posing electrical safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a base station for a foot bath robot, which aims to improve the accuracy of charging docking and enhance the safety of use of the foot bath robot.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A base station for a foot bath robot is provided, comprising a housing, a charging component, a driving component, a cleaning component, and a controller. The housing has an opening for the foot bath robot to enter or park. The charging component is disposed within the housing and has a connector that can extend into the opening, allowing electrical connection with the foot bath robot parked within the opening. The charging component is equipped with a acquisition module for acquiring the position of the foot bath robot's charging interface. The driving component is connected to the charging component and is used to move the charging component within its vertical plane so that the connector aligns with the foot bath robot's charging interface. The cleaning component is connected to the charging component and has a cleaning part. The cleaning component is used to clean any residual water in the charging interface before the connector connects to the charging interface. The controller is configured to: acquire the position signal of the charging interface after the foot bath robot is parked in the opening, control the driving component to move the charging component so that the connector aligns with the charging interface, and then control the driving component to move towards the opening and insert it into the charging interface.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the charging assembly includes a mounting platform, a first driver, and a charging plug. The mounting platform is poweredly connected to the driving assembly. The first driver is mounted on the mounting platform, with its output end facing the oral cavity, and is fixedly connected to a clamping block. The charging plug is fixedly connected to the clamping block, and the charging plug is a plug-in portion used to extend into the oral cavity under the drive of the first driver.

[0007] In some embodiments, the acquisition module is an infrared sensor, a vision camera, or an infrared imager. The controller is configured to control the drive components based on the detection signal from the acquisition module, so that the mounting platform moves the charging plug to align with the charging interface.

[0008] For example, the direction in which the charging plug slides is defined as the first direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction. The cleaning assembly includes a mounting bracket, a linkage structure, a cleaning roller, and an elastic structure. The mounting bracket is mounted on the clamping block, and two vertically formed limiting grooves are provided on the mounting bracket, located on both sides of the charging plug along the second direction. Two linkage structures are provided, each slidably connected to one of the two limiting grooves. Each linkage structure has an upper movable end and a lower movable end. Two cleaning rollers are provided, one with both ends rotatably connected to the two upper movable ends, and the other with both ends rotatably connected to the two lower movable ends. Two sets of elastic structures are provided, each located within one of the two limiting grooves and connected to one of the two linkage structures. The elastic structures are used to continuously spring the linkage structures, causing the upper and lower movable ends to tend to move closer together.

[0009] For example, each linkage structure includes a slider, a first rod, and a second rod. There are two sliders, both slidably positioned within corresponding limiting grooves. One end of the first rod is rotatably connected to one of the sliders, and the other end forms a lower movable end. One end of the second rod is rotatably connected to the other slider, and the other end forms an upper movable end. The second rod is hinged to the first rod.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the outer periphery of the cleaning roller is surrounded by multiple absorbent sponge strips.

[0011] In some embodiments, the drive assembly includes a lifting structure and a telescopic structure. The lifting structure is disposed on the housing and has a vertically sliding lifting end. The telescopic structure is disposed on the lifting end and has a horizontally sliding telescopic end, which is connected to the charging assembly.

[0012] For example, the lifting structure includes a first slide rail, a lifting plate, and a second driver. The first slide rail is vertically mounted on the housing. The lifting plate is slidably connected to the first slide rail, and a first threaded hole is formed on the lifting plate. The second driver is mounted on the housing, and its output end is connected to a first threaded rod, which is threadedly engaged with the first threaded hole.

[0013] For example, the telescopic structure includes a second slide rail, a sliding plate, and a third actuator. The second slide rail is horizontally mounted on the lifting plate. The sliding plate is slidably connected to the second slide rail, and a second threaded hole is provided on the sliding plate. The third actuator is mounted on the lifting plate, and its output end is connected to a second threaded rod, which is threadedly engaged with the second threaded hole.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the foot bath robot's base station also includes a water injection component for supplying water to the foot bath robot.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the foot bath robot base station provided by this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this invention provides a stable foundation for the foot bath robot to enter and park by setting a shell with an open mouth. Combined with the acquisition module on the charging component, it can accurately acquire the position information of the foot bath robot's charging interface. Then, through a drive component connected to the charging component, it drives the charging component to move in the vertical plane, achieving precise alignment between the plug and the charging interface. This avoids the situation in the prior art where insufficient docking accuracy leads to the charging structure contacting residual water droplets on the robot's side wall.

[0016] A cleaning component connected to the charging assembly and equipped with a cleaning section removes residual water from the charging interface before the connector is connected. This promptly removes water droplets adhering to the charging contacts, preventing oxidation of the charging contacts, sudden increases in contact resistance leading to poor charging connections, and reduced charging efficiency. It also prevents water droplets from seeping into the charging interface, which could cause short circuits, leakage, or even damage to the circuit module, ensuring stable charging connections and improving the safety and reliability of the foot bath robot during its return to charging position. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the base station supporting the foot bath robot provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the charging component used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of region A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the driving component used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 for Figure 4A magnified view of region B in the middle.

[0018] In the diagram: 10, housing; 20, charging component; 21, mounting platform; 22, first driver; 23, clamping block; 24, charging plug; 25, acquisition module; 30, drive component; 31, lifting structure; 311, first slide rail; 312, lifting plate; 313, second driver; 314, first threaded rod; 32, telescopic structure; 321, second slide rail; 322, sliding plate; 323, third driver; 324, second threaded rod; 40, cleaning component; 41, mounting bracket; 42, linkage structure; 421, slider; 422, first rod; 423, second rod; 43, cleaning roller; 431, absorbent sponge strip; 44, elastic structure; 45, limiting groove; 50, water injection component; x - first direction; y - second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on or indirectly on the other element. It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0021] Please refer to the following: Figures 1 to 5 The present invention will now describe a base station for a foot bath robot. The base station for the foot bath robot includes a housing 10, a charging component 20, a driving component 30, a cleaning component 40, and a controller.

[0022] The housing 10 is provided with an opening for the foot bath robot to enter or park. The opening provides an entry channel and parking space for the foot bath robot, which can limit and protect the parked foot bath robot, so as to keep the position of the foot bath robot stable during subsequent charging and docking.

[0023] The charging component 20 is housed within the casing 10. The charging component 20 has a connector that extends into the opening, allowing it to form an electrical connection with the foot bath robot placed inside the opening. The charging component 20 is equipped with a data acquisition module 25 for detecting the location of the foot bath robot's charging interface. The connector is retractable and extends into the opening, allowing it to precisely engage with the robot's charging interface when the robot is placed inside, establishing a stable electrical connection and replenishing the robot's power. The data acquisition module 25, integrated into the charging component 20, is designed to collect real-time location information of the foot bath robot's charging interface, providing data support for subsequent precise docking and preventing positional deviations during the docking process.

[0024] The drive component 30 is connected to the charging component 20 and is used to move the charging component 20 within its vertical plane so that the connector aligns with the charging interface of the foot bath robot. The drive component 30 is directly connected to the charging component 20 and has the ability to move the charging component 20 within its vertical plane. Vertical plane movement includes both vertical height adjustment and horizontal position adjustment. Based on the position information obtained by the acquisition module 25, the spatial position of the charging component 20 can be adjusted to ensure that the connector accurately aligns with the charging interface of the foot bath robot, thus solving the problem of insufficient positioning accuracy in existing technologies.

[0025] The cleaning component 40 is connected to the charging component 20 and has a cleaning section. The cleaning component 40 is used to clean any residual water in the charging interface before the connector is connected to the charging interface. The cleaning component 40 operates only before the connector is connected to the charging interface to remove any residual water droplets inside the charging interface, thus eliminating any potential hazards that could affect charging safety.

[0026] The controller is configured to: acquire the position signal of the charging interface after the foot bath robot is placed in the oral cavity, and control the drive component 30 to move the charging component 20 so that the plug-in part is aligned with the charging interface. Then, it controls the drive component 30 to move towards the oral cavity and insert into the charging interface. The controller is the control core of the base station and is pre-configured with complete control logic. When the foot bath robot is placed in the oral cavity, the controller first receives the charging interface position signal transmitted by the acquisition module 25, and then controls the drive component 30 to move according to this signal, causing the charging component 20 to adjust its position until the plug-in part is aligned with the charging interface. After alignment, the controller continues to control the drive component 30 to move the charging component 20 towards the oral cavity, ultimately achieving stable insertion of the plug-in part into the charging interface. The entire process is automated and requires no manual intervention.

[0027] After completing the foot bath process, the foot bath robot will autonomously move to the base station, enter through the opening of the housing 10, and park in the designated position. At this time, the acquisition module 25 on the charging component 20 is activated to collect the specific position information of the foot bath robot's charging interface and transmit this position signal to the controller in real time. After receiving the position signal, the controller sends control commands to the drive component 30 according to the preset control logic. The drive component 30 responds to the commands and moves the charging component 20 within its vertical plane. Through vertical height adjustment and horizontal position fine-tuning, the plug of the charging component 20 is precisely aligned with the foot bath robot's charging interface.

[0028] Just before the connector makes contact with the charging interface, the cleaning component 40, connected to the charging component 20, operates synchronously. Its cleaning part thoroughly cleans any remaining water droplets inside and around the charging interface, ensuring that no water droplets adhere to the charging contact area. The drive component 30 then moves the charging component 20 further towards the opening, allowing the connector to be smoothly inserted into the charging interface of the foot bath robot, establishing a stable electrical connection and thus achieving a safe and efficient charging process.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the foot bath robot base station provided by this invention are as follows: Compared with the prior art, this invention provides a stable foundation for the foot bath robot to enter and park by setting a shell 10 with an open mouth. Combined with the acquisition module 25 on the charging component 20, it can accurately acquire the position information of the foot bath robot's charging interface. Then, through the drive component 30 connected to the charging component 20, it drives the charging component 20 to move in the vertical plane, achieving precise alignment between the plug and the charging interface. This avoids the situation in the prior art where insufficient docking accuracy leads to the charging structure contacting residual water droplets on the robot's side wall.

[0030] The cleaning component 40, connected to the charging component 20 and equipped with a cleaning section, cleans residual water from the charging interface before the connector is connected to it. This removes water droplets adhering to the charging contact points, preventing oxidation of the charging contacts, sudden increases in contact resistance, and resulting in poor charging connections and reduced charging efficiency. It also prevents water droplets from seeping into the charging interface, thus avoiding the risk of short circuits, leakage, or even damage to the circuit module, ensuring stable charging connections and improving the safety and reliability of the foot bath robot during its return to charging position.

[0031] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3The charging assembly 20 includes a mounting platform 21, a first driver 22, and a charging plug 24. The mounting platform 21 is poweredly connected to the driving assembly 30. The first driver 22 is mounted on the mounting platform 21, with its output end facing the oral cavity, and is fixedly connected to a clamping block 23. The charging plug 24 is fixedly connected to the clamping block 23, and is a plug-in portion used to extend into the oral cavity under the drive of the first driver 22.

[0032] The first actuator 22 can be a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, and is fixedly mounted on the mounting platform 21. Its output end is arranged facing the opening of the housing 10 and is fixedly connected to the clamping block 23. The first actuator 22 can independently output telescopic driving force to drive the clamping block 23 and the charging plug 24 connected to it to achieve directional movement, providing direct power support for the precise insertion of the charging plug 24 into the charging interface of the foot bath robot.

[0033] One end of the clamping block 23 is fixed to the output end of the first driver 22, and the other end is tightly connected to the charging plug 24. The clamping block 23 can reliably transmit power, stably transmitting the driving force of the first driver 22 to the charging plug 24, while also fixing and limiting the charging plug 24 to prevent it from shifting during movement or docking, thus keeping the charging plug 24 in a stable position.

[0034] The charging plug 24 is electrically connected to an external power source via a power cord, enabling a stable power input. The power cord has a sufficient length to accommodate the displacement of the charging component 20, allowing it to flexibly adapt to the vertical plane movement of the mounting platform 21 along with the drive component 30 and the insertion or retraction of the charging plug 24 driven by the first driver 22, thus maintaining a stable electrical connection between the charging plug 24 and the external power source throughout the overall displacement of the charging component 20.

[0035] Driven by the drive component 30, the mounting platform 21 moves in the vertical plane. At this time, the power cord, having an appropriate length, will naturally extend or retract as the mounting platform 21 moves, avoiding obstruction to the movement of the mounting platform 21, while maintaining connection with the external power supply.

[0036] Once the mounting platform 21 is positioned corresponding to the charging interface of the foot bath robot, the first driver 22 activates according to the controller's instructions, generating a directional driving force that is transmitted to the charging plug 24 via the clamping block 23. The clamping block 23 securely holds the charging plug 24, ensuring it maintains a stable posture under the driving force and smoothly inserts into the opening. During this process, the power cord synchronously adapts to the insertion of the charging plug 24, maintaining a continuous electrical connection between the charging plug 24 and the external power source. Finally, the charging plug 24 is precisely aligned and inserted into the charging interface, achieving continuous and stable power transmission with the assistance of the power cord.

[0037] Please see Figure 3 The acquisition module 25 is an infrared sensor, a type of vision camera or infrared imager. The controller is configured to control the drive component 30 based on the detection signal from the acquisition module 25, so that the mounting platform 21 drives the charging plug 24 to align with the charging interface.

[0038] Infrared sensors possess strong resistance to environmental interference and can accurately capture the spatial position of the charging port through infrared signal reflection. A vision camera can clearly acquire image information of the charging port and lock its position coordinates through image recognition. An infrared imager can accurately identify the outline and position of the charging port in low-light or slightly obstructed environments. All three can convert the detected charging port position information into transmittable detection signals, providing accurate data support for the controller.

[0039] In this embodiment, an infrared sensor is preferred. The infrared sensor is integrated on the mounting platform 21 of the charging component 20 and maintains a reasonable distance from the charging plug 24 to ensure that the detection range can accurately cover the charging interface area of ​​the foot bath robot inside the mouth. The infrared sensor mainly consists of an infrared transmitter, an infrared receiver, and a signal processing unit. A reflective mark can be set at the charging interface of the foot bath robot.

[0040] The infrared transmitter emits infrared detection signals directionally towards the opening of the housing 10. The infrared receiver receives the infrared signals reflected back by the reflective marker. The signal processing unit amplifies, filters, and converts the reflected signals, transforming the spatial position information of the charging interface into an electrical signal form recognizable by the controller, forming a detection signal, and transmitting it in real time. This allows for rapid and precise capture of the charging interface's position after the foot bath robot has been parked, providing stable and reliable data support for positioning and alignment.

[0041] The controller simultaneously establishes a bidirectional signal connection with the infrared sensor and the drive component 30. The controller can receive the detection signal transmitted by the infrared sensor in real time, and analyze the signal through a built-in algorithm to accurately extract position parameters such as the horizontal offset and vertical height difference of the charging interface relative to the charging plug 24. Then, based on these parameters, it generates corresponding control commands and sends them to the drive component 30. The power output of the drive component 30 drives the installation platform 21 to move in the vertical plane, thereby gradually adjusting the charging plug 24, which is fixed on the installation platform 21 by the first driver 22 and the clamping block 23, to a position that is completely aligned with the charging interface, thus completing the positioning calibration.

[0042] Infrared sensors are simple in structure and compact in size, minimizing space requirements when installed on mounting platform 21. Furthermore, their fast response time allows for rapid identification of the charging port location, reducing positioning time and improving overall base station efficiency. Infrared sensors are also inexpensive and cost-effective, significantly reducing base station manufacturing costs compared to other data acquisition components such as visual cameras and infrared imagers, resulting in a higher cost-performance ratio.

[0043] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 The direction in which the charging plug 24 slides is defined as the first direction x, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction x is defined as the second direction y. The cleaning assembly 40 includes a mounting bracket 41, a connecting rod structure 42, a cleaning roller 43, and an elastic structure 44.

[0044] The mounting bracket 41 is mounted on the clamping block 23. Two vertically extending limiting grooves 45 are formed on the mounting bracket 41, located on either side of the charging plug 24 along the second direction y. The mounting bracket 41 is fixedly mounted on the clamping block 23 and can move synchronously with the clamping block 23 and the charging plug 24. The two limiting grooves 45 are located on the left and right sides of the charging plug 24 along the second direction y. The limiting grooves 45 can adopt a trapezoidal groove structure, providing a stable mounting carrier and sliding guide for the connecting rod structure 42. Simultaneously, the constricted opening structure of the trapezoidal groove limits the sliding range of the connecting rod structure 42, effectively preventing the connecting rod structure 42 from detaching from the limiting groove 45 during sliding, ensuring reliable operation of the overall structure.

[0045] Two linkage structures 42 are provided, each slidably connected to two limiting grooves 45. Each linkage structure 42 has an upper movable end and a lower movable end. Two cleaning rollers 43 are provided, one of which is rotatably connected to the two upper movable ends at both ends, and the other is rotatably connected to the two lower movable ends at both ends. The linkages can slide stably within the limiting grooves 45 and change angles, providing flexible support for the cleaning rollers 43 and enabling them to open and close adaptively during the docking process. The cleaning rollers 43 can rotate freely around their own axis and can complete the wiping by rolling when contacting the robot's sidewall.

[0046] Two sets of elastic structures 44 are provided, each located within a limiting groove 45 and connected to a connecting rod structure 42. The elastic structures 44 continuously spring the connecting rod structures 42 to keep the upper and lower movable ends tending to move closer to each other, ensuring that the cleaning roller 43 is in a close-fitting state under natural conditions.

[0047] During the docking process between the charging plug 24 and the foot bath robot, the cleaning component 40 moves along the first direction x towards the robot along with the clamping block 23 and the charging plug 24. During this process, the cleaning rollers 43 connected to the upper and lower movable ends of the linkage structure 42 will abut against the side wall of the foot bath robot before the charging plug 24. As the charging plug 24 continues to advance in the docking direction, the robot's side wall exerts a reverse pushing force on the two cleaning rollers 43, causing the upper movable end of the linkage structure 42 to move upward and the lower movable end to move downward, thus gradually opening the linkage structure 42 against the elastic force of the elastic structure 44.

[0048] The linkage structure 42 slides stably under the constraint of the limiting groove 45, preventing it from coming out of the limiting groove 45. During the opening of the upper and lower movable ends, the two cleaning rollers 43 always roll against the side wall of the foot bath robot, cleaning the water droplets remaining on the side wall of the robot and around the charging interface through rolling and wiping. At the same time, the space formed by the opening of the linkage structure 42 can provide a suitable insertion position for the charging plug 24, so that the charging plug 24 can be smoothly aligned and inserted into the charging interface, completing the continuous action of cleaning and docking.

[0049] The linkage structure 42 automatically opens and closes under the pushing action, enabling efficient cleaning through rolling and creating a suitable insertion space for the charging plug 24. After docking, the elastic structure 44 can automatically reset the linkage structure 42 and the cleaning roller 43 for easy reuse.

[0050] Qing Reference Figure 3 Each linkage structure 42 includes a slider 421, a first rod 422, and a second rod 423. Two sliders 421 are provided, each slidably positioned within a corresponding limiting groove 45. One end of the first rod 422 is rotatably connected to one of the sliders 421, and the other end forms a lower movable end. One end of the second rod 423 is rotatably connected to the other slider 421, and the other end forms an upper movable end. The second rod 423 is hinged to the first rod 422.

[0051] Both sliders 421 are slidably disposed within the limiting groove 45. The trapezoidal structure of the limiting groove 45 provides a limiting constraint on the sliders 421, preventing them from slipping out of the groove during sliding. One end of the first rod 422 is rotatably connected to one of the sliders 421, and the other end forms the lower movable end of the connecting rod structure 42, used for rotatably connecting with the cleaning roller 43 below. One end of the second rod 423 is rotatably connected to the other slider 421, and the other end forms the upper movable end of the connecting rod structure 42, used for rotatably connecting with the cleaning roller 43 above. The second rod 423 and the first rod 422 are hinged together, with the hinge portion close to the slider 421 and away from the cleaning roller 43, forming a lever structure with the hinge portion as the fulcrum of the connecting rod structure 422.

[0052] As the charging plug 24 moves along the first direction x towards the foot bath robot, the two cleaning rollers 43 abut against the side wall of the robot before the charging plug 24. As the charging plug 24 continues to advance, the side wall of the robot generates a reverse pushing force on the cleaning rollers 43, and the force is transmitted to the first rod 422 and the second rod 423.

[0053] Since the hinge of the first rod 422 and the second rod 423 is located close to the slider 421, the connecting rod structure 42 forms a lever amplification structure. Under this pushing action, the two sliders 421 only need to slide a short distance in the trapezoidal limiting groove 45 to drive the first rod 422 and the second rod 423 to rotate around the hinge through the lever action, so that the upper movable end of the cleaning roller 43 moves upward and the lower movable end moves downward, thereby realizing the rapid and large-distance opening of the cleaning roller 43.

[0054] As the cleaning roller 43 expands significantly, it remains flush against the side wall of the foot bath robot, wiping away water droplets from the side wall and around the charging port. Simultaneously, it quickly creates a sufficiently spacious central area, providing a smooth passage for the charging plug 24, ensuring it can be easily inserted into the charging port. When charging is complete and the roller retracts, the elastic structure 44 causes the slider 421 to slightly return to its original position along the trapezoidal limiting groove 45. Under leverage, the cleaning roller 43 quickly closes and returns to its original position, ready for the next cycle.

[0055] By positioning the hinge joint between the first rod 422 and the second rod 423 close to the slider 421, and utilizing the lever amplification principle, the slider 421 achieves a small-stroke sliding motion that drives the cleaning roller 43 to open a large distance. This shortens the movement stroke of the slider 421, reduces the required opening length of the limiting groove 45, and makes the overall structure more compact and space-saving. The cleaning roller 43 can quickly open to form sufficient insertion space, avoiding movement interference with the charging plug 24. While ensuring thorough cleaning of water droplets on the robot's sidewalls, this also makes the docking of the charging plug 24 smoother, further improving the stability and safety of charging docking.

[0056] Please see Figure 3 The outer periphery of the cleaning roller 43 is provided with multiple water-absorbing sponge strips 431.

[0057] It should be noted that the absorbent sponge strips 431 are evenly distributed around the circumference of the cleaning roller 43, forming a continuous cleaning and water-absorbing structure. The absorbent sponge strips 431 have good water absorption capacity and deformation adaptability. Their shape and size are adapted to the charging interface of the foot bath robot. When the cleaning roller 43 abuts against the outer wall of the foot bath robot, the absorbent sponge strips 431 can extend into the charging interface, which can not only wipe and absorb water on the side wall surface of the robot, but also penetrate into the charging interface to absorb residual water droplets. Moreover, the sponge material can avoid squeezing or scratching the internal structure of the charging interface.

[0058] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The driving component 30 includes a lifting structure 31 and a telescopic structure 32. The lifting structure 31 is mounted on the housing 10 and has a vertically sliding lifting end. The telescopic structure 32 is mounted on the lifting end and has a horizontally sliding telescopic end, which is connected to the charging component 20. The lifting structure 31 and the telescopic structure 32 have clearly defined functions, achieving independent adjustment in the vertical and horizontal directions respectively. They can be adjusted according to the actual position of the charging interface, avoiding positioning deviations caused by adjustment in only one direction, and solving the problem of insufficient docking accuracy in the prior art.

[0059] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The lifting structure 31 includes a first slide rail 311, a lifting plate 312, and a second driver 313. The first slide rail 311 is vertically mounted on the housing 10. The lifting plate 312 is slidably connected to the first slide rail 311, and a first threaded hole is provided on the lifting plate 312. The second driver 313 is mounted on the housing 10, and its output end is connected to a first threaded rod 314, which is threadedly engaged with the first threaded hole.

[0060] The lifting plate 312 is slidably connected to the first slide rail 311, allowing it to reciprocate vertically along the extension direction of the first slide rail 311. The lifting plate 312 has a first threaded hole for threaded transmission. The second driver 313, which can be a servo motor, is fixedly mounted on the housing 10 and drives the first threaded rod 314 to rotate. The first threaded rod 314 and the first threaded hole on the lifting plate 312 are threadedly engaged, converting the rotational motion output by the second driver 313 into linear lifting motion of the lifting plate 312, thus achieving precise adjustment of the lifting height.

[0061] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5The telescopic structure 32 includes a second slide rail 321, a sliding plate 322, and a third actuator 323. The second slide rail 321 is horizontally mounted on the lifting plate 312. The sliding plate 322 is slidably connected to the second slide rail 321, and a second threaded hole is provided on the sliding plate 322. The third actuator 323 is mounted on the lifting plate 312, and its output end is connected to a second threaded rod 324, which is threadedly engaged with the second threaded hole.

[0062] The second slide rail 321 is arranged along the second direction y, and the sliding plate 322 is slidably connected to the second slide rail 321, allowing it to reciprocate horizontally along the extension direction of the second slide rail 321. The sliding plate 322 has a second threaded hole for forming a threaded transmission engagement with the second threaded rod 324 to realize the conversion and transmission of power.

[0063] The third driver 323 can be a servo motor, fixedly mounted on the lifting plate 312, and can rise and fall synchronously with the lifting plate 312. Its output end is fixedly connected to the second threaded rod 324, which can drive the second threaded rod 324 to rotate, providing a power source for horizontal telescopic adjustment. The second threaded rod 324 is threadedly engaged with the second threaded hole on the sliding plate 322, which can convert the rotational motion output by the third driver 323 into the horizontal linear motion of the sliding plate 322. The sliding plate 322 serves as the telescopic end of the telescopic structure 32 and is connected to the charging component 20, driving the charging component 20 to complete the position adjustment along the second direction y.

[0064] Please see Figure 1 The foot bath robot's supporting base station also includes a water injection component 50, which is used to supply water to the foot bath robot.

[0065] It should be noted that the water injection component 50 can integrate an instant hot water outlet structure, a temperature control module, and a water circuit switching structure, and establish a signal connection with the controller, enabling it to receive control commands from the controller and execute corresponding actions. The controller can send a target temperature signal and a water injection start command to the water injection component 50 according to usage requirements. Upon receiving the corresponding command, the water injection component 50 will delay starting the instant hot water tap to allow buffer time for the water system to stabilize. The temperature control module can adjust the supply ratio of hot and cold water in real time according to the target temperature sent by the controller, accurately adjusting the water temperature to the target temperature, and injecting hot water at a preset high rate to meet the foot bath robot's operational water needs.

[0066] The housing 10 also includes a mop washing chamber. The water injection component 50 can switch the water supply path via a water path switching structure, selecting to supply water to the foot bath robot or to the mop washing chamber on the housing 10, depending on the usage scenario. This achieves a dual-mode supply of water for both the foot bath robot and daily mop washing. This allows the base station to serve not only the foot bath robot but also daily water needs, making it multi-functional and saving space and equipment costs.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the water injection component 50 is further provided with a human-machine interface panel or a separate manual button, the manual button being connected to the controller signal, or the water injection component 50 has a built-in independent manual control module. When the foot bath robot is not placed inside the opening, the user can directly control the water injection component 50 to dispense water by pressing the manual button.

[0068] The instant hot water outlet structure and temperature control module of the water injection component 50, along with the knob or touch button located on the housing 10, allow users to manually adjust the water temperature and flow rate. When not docked with the robot, the water injection component 50 can function as an independent, temperature-adjustable faucet, providing clean water at a suitable temperature to the mop washing chamber or external containers. This satisfies the automated water supply needs of the foot bath robot, enriches the daily practical functions of the base station, and avoids the space and cost waste caused by installing an additional faucet.

[0069] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A base station for a foot bath robot, characterized in that, include: The shell has an opening for the foot bath robot to enter or park; A charging component is disposed within the housing. The charging component has a plug-in portion that can extend into the oral cavity, and the plug-in portion can form an electrical connection with the foot bath robot placed inside the oral cavity. The charging component is provided with a data acquisition module for acquiring the location of the charging interface of the foot bath robot. A driving component, connected to the charging component, is used to drive the charging component to move within the vertical plane so that the plug-in part corresponds to the charging interface of the foot bath robot. A cleaning component is connected to the charging component and has a cleaning part; the cleaning component is used to clean the water remaining in the charging interface before the plug part is connected to the charging interface; The controller is configured as follows: After the foot bath robot is placed in the oral cavity, the position signal of the charging interface is obtained, and the driving component is controlled to drive the charging component to move so that the plug part is aligned with the charging interface; then the driving component is controlled to move towards the oral cavity and insert into the charging interface.

2. The foot bath robot supporting base station as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The charging component includes: The mounting platform is poweredly connected to the drive component. A first driver is disposed on the mounting platform, with its output end facing the opening, and is fixedly connected to a clamping block; A charging plug is fixedly connected to the clamping block. The charging plug is the insertion part and is used to extend into the opening mouth under the drive of the first driver.

3. The foot bath robot supporting base station as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The acquisition module is an infrared sensor, a vision camera, or an infrared imager. The controller is configured to: Based on the detection signal from the acquisition module, the drive component is controlled to cause the installation platform to align the charging plug with the charging interface.

4. The foot bath robot supporting base station as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The direction in which the charging plug slides is defined as the first direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction; The cleaning components include: A mounting bracket is provided on the clamping block, and two limiting grooves are vertically formed on the mounting bracket. The two limiting grooves are located on both sides of the charging plug along the second direction. The linkage structure is provided in two parts, and the two linkage structures are slidably connected to the two limiting grooves respectively; and each linkage structure has an upper movable end and a lower movable end; The cleaning roller is provided in two parts, one of which is rotatably connected to the two upper movable ends at both ends, and the other is rotatably connected to the two lower movable ends at both ends. The elastic structure is provided in two sets, each set of elastic structures is located in one of the two limiting grooves and is connected to one of the two connecting rod structures. The elastic structure is used to continuously bounce the connecting rod structure so that the upper movable end and the lower movable end tend to move closer to each other.

5. A base station for a foot bath robot as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned link structures includes: Two sliders are provided, and both sliders are slidably disposed in the corresponding limiting grooves; The first rod has one end rotatably connected to one of the sliders, and the other end forms the lower movable end; The second rod has one end rotatably connected to the other slider, and the other end forms the upper movable end. The second rod is hinged to the first rod.

6. The foot bath robot supporting base station as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cleaning roller is surrounded by multiple absorbent sponge strips.

7. A base station for a foot bath robot as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving component includes: A lifting structure is provided on the housing and has a vertically sliding lifting end; A telescopic structure is provided on the lifting end and has a horizontally sliding telescopic end, which is connected to the charging component.

8. A base station for a foot bath robot as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The lifting structure includes: The first slide rail is vertically mounted on the housing. A lifting plate is slidably connected to the first slide rail, and a first threaded hole is provided on the lifting plate; The second driver is mounted on the housing and its output end is connected to a first threaded rod, which is threadedly engaged with the first threaded hole.

9. A base station for a foot bath robot as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The telescopic structure includes: The second slide rail is horizontally mounted on the lifting plate; A sliding plate is slidably connected to the second slide rail, and a second threaded hole is provided on the sliding plate; The third driver is mounted on the lifting plate and its output end is connected to a second threaded rod, which is threadedly engaged with the second threaded hole.

10. A base station for a foot bath robot as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The foot bath robot's supporting base station also includes a water injection component, which is used to supply water to the foot bath robot.

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