Hinge mechanism, cartridge assembly, and base station

Abstract

This disclosure provides a hinge mechanism, a housing assembly, and a base station. The hinge mechanism includes a hinge and a retaining assembly. The hinge is configured to be mounted on a first component and a second component, such that the second component can rotate relative to the first component between a first position and a second position via the hinge. The retaining assembly can be configured to be mounted on the first component, and when the second component is rotated relative to the first component to the first position, the retaining assembly can hold the second component in the first position. Thus, when this hinge mechanism is applied, for example, to a dustbin, the dustbin lid can not only rotate relative to the box body to open the opening of the box body, but the lid can also be held in that state, thereby facilitating the operator's operation of the dustbin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the internal structure of a base station for docking of devices and equipment that can move autonomously on a travel surface, and more particularly to a hinge mechanism, a box assembly including the hinge mechanism, and a base station including the box assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous mobile devices refer to intelligent mobile devices that autonomously perform preset tasks. These devices can move autonomously based on the results sensed by their sensing components (such as maps of the surrounding environment and the presence of obstacles). Currently, autonomous mobile devices typically include, but are not limited to, self-moving cleaning devices (such as intelligent sweeping robots and intelligent floor scrubbers), companion mobile robots (such as intelligent electronic pets and nanny robots), service mobile robots (such as reception robots in hotels, inns, and conference venues), industrial inspection intelligent devices (such as power inspection robots and intelligent forklifts), and security robots (such as home or commercial intelligent security guard robots).

[0003] For example, autonomous mobile devices such as self-propelled cleaning equipment can dock at base stations such as charging stations. In addition to supplying power to the autonomous mobile devices, the base stations can also fill them with cleaning fluid and collect dirt from them. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In existing base stations for autonomous mobile devices, such as self-cleaning equipment, the dustbin may include a body with an opening and a lid, the lid of which can rotate relative to the body to open or close the opening. However, when the opening is open, the dustbin itself does not have a structure capable of holding the lid in that state, thus causing inconvenience to the operator.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, one objective of this disclosure is to provide a hinge mechanism in which, when applied to, for example, a dustbin, the dustbin lid (second component) can not only rotate relative to the body (first component) to open the opening of the body, but also remain in that state, thereby facilitating the operator's operation of the dustbin.

[0006] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a box assembly including the above-described hinge mechanism and a base station including the box assembly.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure adopts the following technical solution.

[0008] This disclosure provides a hinge mechanism, comprising: a hinge configured to be mounted on a first component and a second component, such that the second component is rotatable relative to the first component between a first position and a second position via the hinge; and a retaining assembly configured to be mounted on the first component, wherein, when the second component is rotated relative to the first component to the first position, the retaining assembly is capable of retaining the second component at the first position.

[0009] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the hinge is formed with a positioning groove, and the retaining assembly includes a positioning pin and an elastic member configured to apply an elastic force toward the hinge to the positioning pin. When the second component is rotated to the first position, the positioning pin is inserted into the positioning groove under the action of the elastic force, such that the retaining assembly can hold the second component in the first position.

[0010] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the hinge includes a cam portion, the cam portion including a base circle portion and a protrusion protruding relative to the base circle portion, the positioning groove being formed in the protrusion and recessed relative to the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion.

[0011] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, when the second component is in a position other than the first position, the locating pin abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion.

[0012] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the positioning groove is configured as an arc-shaped groove.

[0013] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the elastic element is configured as a helical spring, the helical spring being fitted onto the locating pin, the helical spring being configured such that one end presses against the locating pin and the other end presses against the first component.

[0014] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the hinge includes a body portion and a shaft portion fixed to each other, the body portion being configured to be fixed to the second component, and the shaft portion being configured to be inserted into the first component such that the second component can rotate relative to the first component.

[0015] This disclosure also provides a box assembly, including the hinge mechanism described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0016] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the box assembly includes a box body as the first component and a box lid as the second component, the box body having an opening, the opening being in an open state when the box lid is in the first position, and the opening being closed by the box lid when the box lid is in the second position.

[0017] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the housing includes a sidewall portion and a mounting portion that are detachably assembled together, the sidewall portion and the mounting portion cooperating to define a mounting space, a portion of the retaining component being housed in the mounting space and the retaining component being inserted through the mounting portion.

[0018] This disclosure also provides a base station, including the box component described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0019] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, a housing assembly, a dust box, and a suction assembly are also included, the housing assembly defining an internal space, the dust box and the suction assembly being mounted on the housing assembly and located within the internal space, the suction assembly being configured to apply a suction force to the interior of the dust box.

[0020] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the housing assembly defines a suction port and a suction passage, the suction port opening toward the outside of the housing assembly, the suction passage extending from the suction port through the dust box and the suction assembly, and terminating in the interior space.

[0021] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, when the suction force is applied, airflow from outside the base station flows sequentially through the dust box and the suction assembly via the suction passage and reaches the portion of the interior space located below the suction assembly.

[0022] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the box assembly is configured as the dust box.

[0023] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the housing assembly includes a housing body and a platform fixed to each other, the platform for docking autonomous mobile devices, the platform including a base portion including an inclined upper surface and a plurality of anti-slip protrusions protruding relative to the upper surface.

[0024] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, when the autonomous mobile device is docked, the plurality of anti-slip protrusions are configured to extend into the tread grooves of the drive wheels of the autonomous mobile device.

[0025] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the side of the anti-slip protrusion facing away from the interior space is configured to abut against the drive wheel.

[0026] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the platform further includes a sealing portion and a lifting mechanism, the sealing portion being rotatably connected to the base portion, the lifting mechanism being mounted on the base portion, and the lifting mechanism being configured to cause the sealing portion to tilt and droop relative to the base portion.

[0027] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, the lifting mechanism includes a motor, a rocker arm, and a driven ring assembled together. The rocker arm is drivenly connected to the motor so that it can rotate relative to the base portion. The driven ring is fixed to the sealing portion, and the rocker arm is located inside the driven ring so that the rocker arm abuts against different parts of the driven ring during rotation, causing the sealing portion to tilt and droop relative to the base portion.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, this disclosure provides a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a hinge and a retaining component. The hinge may be configured to be mounted on a first component and a second component, such that the second component can rotate relative to the first component between a first position and a second position via the hinge. The retaining component may be configured to be mounted on the first component, and when the second component is rotated relative to the first component to the first position, the retaining component can hold the second component in the first position. Thus, when this hinge mechanism is applied, for example, to a dustbin, the dustbin lid (second component) can not only rotate relative to the box body (first component) to open the opening of the box body, but the lid can also be held in that state, thereby facilitating the operator's operation of the dustbin.

[0029] Furthermore, this disclosure also provides a box assembly including the aforementioned hinge mechanism, which can have the effects described above. This disclosure also provides a base station including the aforementioned box assembly, which can serve as the dust box for the base station. Other components of the base station, such as the water tank, can also utilize this box assembly or its hinge mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a base station according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A A front view diagram of the base station.

[0032] Figure 1C It shows Figure 1A A side view diagram of the base station in the image.

[0033] Figure 2A It shows Figure 1A The diagram shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the base station taken along the front-back and up-down directions, where arrows indicate the flow direction of airflow in the suction path and section lines are omitted in the cross-sectional view.

[0034] Figure 2B It shows Figure 1A The diagram shows a cross-sectional perspective of the base station taken along the left-right and up-down directions, where arrows indicate the flow direction of airflow in the suction path and section lines are omitted in the cross-sectional view.

[0035] Figure 2C It shows Figure 1A Another sectional perspective view of the base station along the front-back and up-down directions, where arrows indicate the flow direction of airflow in the suction path and section lines are omitted in this sectional view.

[0036] Figure 3A It shows that it can be applied to Figure 1A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base station mounting platform.

[0037] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A The sectional perspective view of the platform shows the sealing part in a raised state, and the section lines are omitted in this sectional view.

[0038] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3A The diagram shows a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the mounting platform, with the sealing part in a drooping state and the section lines omitted in this cross-sectional view.

[0039] Figure 4A It shows that it can be applied to Figure 1A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base station mounting platform.

[0040] Figure 4B It shows Figure 4A An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the mounting platform.

[0041] Figure 4C It shows Figure 4A A side view of a partial structure of the mounting platform.

[0042] Figure 4D It shows Figure 4A The diagram shows a partial side view of the platform structure, illustrating the mating relationship between the anti-slip protrusions and the tread grooves of the drive wheels of the autonomous mobile device.

[0043] Figure 5A It shows that it can be applied to Figure 1AA three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base station's box assembly, showing the box body and cover in an assembled state.

[0044] Figure 5B It shows that it can be applied to Figure 1A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base station's box assembly, in which the box body and cover are in an unassembled state.

[0045] Figure 5C It shows Figure 5A An enlarged schematic diagram of a portion of the assembly of the box body and the retaining component of the hinge mechanism in the box assembly.

[0046] Figure 5D It shows Figure 5B A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a portion of the assembly, where section lines are omitted.

[0047] Figure 5E It shows Figure 5A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the positioning pins of the box component.

[0048] Figure 5F It shows Figure 5A A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the combination of the box lid and the hinge mechanism of the box assembly.

[0049] Figure 5G It shows Figure 5F An enlarged schematic diagram of the combined structure.

[0050] Figure 5H It shows Figure 5F A cross-sectional view of the assembly, in which section lines are omitted.

[0051] Figure 5I It shows Figure 5A The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the box assembly, where the opening of the box is closed by the lid, and the section lines are omitted in this cross-sectional view.

[0052] Figure 5J It shows Figure 5A A sectional view of a partial structure of the box assembly, wherein the opening of the box is open and the section lines are omitted in this sectional view.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 1—Shell assembly; 1s—Internal space;

[0055] 11—Shell body; 1o—Suction port; 1t—Suction pipeline;

[0056] 12—Platform; 121—Base; 121s—Upper surface; 121c—Recess; 1211—Anti-slip protrusion; 122—Sealing part; 123—Lifting mechanism; 1231—Motor; 1232—Swing rod; 1233—Driven ring;

[0057] 2-box assembly;

[0058] 21—Articulated mechanism;

[0059] 211—Hinge; 2111—Main body; 21111—Cam part; 21111c—Positioning groove; 211111—Base circle part; 211112—Protrusion; 2112—Shaft part;

[0060] 212—Retaining component; 2121—Locking pin; 21211—Pin head; 21212—Flange; 21213—Suction part; 2122—Elastic element;

[0061] 22—box body; 22o—opening; 22s—installation space;

[0062] 221—Side wall portion;

[0063] 222—Installation Department;

[0064] 23—Box lid;

[0065] 3—Suction assembly;

[0066] D1—Left and right direction; D2—Front and back direction; D3—Up and down direction Detailed Implementation

[0067] Embodiments of this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the elements shown in the drawings may include elements such as dimensions and scales that are expressed differently from actual dimensions and scales.

[0068] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and description shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in the description and claims of this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" indicate that the components or objects preceding "comprising" encompass the components or objects listed following "comprising" or "including" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other components or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections.

[0069] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," and "right" are all relative to the normal operating state of the base station according to this disclosure. "Upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower sides, respectively, in the direction perpendicular to the support surface, when the base station according to this disclosure is placed on a support surface such as a horizontal plane and is in normal operating state. "Front" and "rear" refer to the side facing the autonomous mobile device docked at the base station and the side facing away from the autonomous mobile device, respectively, in the front-rear direction of the base station in the normal operating state. "Left" and "right" refer to the left and right sides, respectively, when viewed from the front, when the base station according to this disclosure is in normal operating state.

[0070] In this disclosure, "approximately" means that the conditions described herein can be considered to be met within a reasonable margin of error recognized by a person skilled in the art, and the following description uses this expression to convey a similar meaning.

[0071] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a base station according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure. This base station can be a charging station for autonomous mobile devices, such as self-propelled cleaning equipment, to dock. The base station can not only have the function of charging itself, but also the function of supplying liquid to the autonomous mobile device and sucking up the dirt collected by the autonomous mobile device.

[0072] In non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figures 1A to 2C As shown, the base station may include a housing assembly 1, a box assembly 2 (e.g., a dust box) and a suction assembly 3, which may be installed on the housing assembly 1.

[0073] In non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figures 1A to 2C As shown, the housing assembly 1 can be an external support and protective structure for the base station. The housing assembly 1 can be configured to form an internal space 1s for mounting other components, including the box assembly 2 and the suction assembly 3, so that the other components can be installed in the housing assembly 1 and located within this internal space 1s. The housing assembly 1 can support other components, enabling them to operate stably. Furthermore, the housing assembly 1 can define an open docking space, the size of which can be adapted to an autonomous mobile device, allowing the autonomous mobile device to automatically navigate and dock in the docking space. Specifically, the housing assembly 1 can include a housing body 11 and a mounting platform 12 fixed to each other. The mounting platform 12 can be mounted to the lower part of the housing body 11 and positioned on the front side of the housing body 11, for example, by a snap-fit ​​fixing method, and the docking space defined by the housing assembly 1 can be located above the mounting platform 12.

[0074] In non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figures 1A to 2C As shown, the housing body 11 can adopt a split structure design. A removable cover can be provided on the top of the housing body 11 for easy disassembly and assembly of other components. The front panel of the housing body 11 can define a suction port 1o, which opens towards the outside (front) of the housing assembly 1. The suction port 1o is used to connect to the dust outlet of the autonomous mobile device when it is docked in place. The housing body 11 also defines a suction passage that extends from the suction port 1o through the box assembly 2 (dust box) and the suction assembly 3, and terminates in the internal space 1s. Specifically, as... Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the housing body 11 may include a suction tube 1t that defines a portion of the suction passage, extending from the suction port 1o to the interior of the box assembly 2. When the suction assembly 3 applies a suction force, airflow from the suction port 1o can enter the box assembly 2 via the suction tube 1t. Furthermore, the airflow entering the interior of the box assembly 2, after being filtered, can flow through the suction assembly 3, and the structure of the housing body 11 ensures that the airflow ultimately reaches the portion of the interior space 1s located below the suction assembly 3. Finally, the airflow will exit through the gaps between the various parts of the housing body 11. Therefore, the housing assembly 1 (housing body 11) does not require a dedicated outlet to discharge airflow.

[0075] It is understood that the above-described structure can reduce the noise generated by the base station during the process of drawing autonomous mobile devices through the suction path. Moreover, this disclosure does not limit the specific structure of the suction path, as long as the suction path can allow the airflow from outside the base station (i.e., the airflow from the autonomous mobile device) to flow sequentially through the box assembly 2 and the suction assembly 3 and reach other parts of the internal space 1s.

[0076] In non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the platform 12 can be used for autonomous mobile equipment to dock. Specifically, the platform 12 may include a base 121, a sealing part 122, and a lifting mechanism 123 assembled together.

[0077] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the upper surface 121s of the base portion 121 can be configured to be inclined relative to, for example, a horizontal support surface. The left and right sides of the upper surface 121s of the base portion 121 can form ramps for the autonomous mobile device to travel on. The surface of the ramps is formed with protrusions to improve the grip of the autonomous mobile device as it moves toward the docking space. Each protrusion can extend linearly along the left-right direction D1, and these protrusions are spaced apart in the front-back direction D2.

[0078] like Figures 3A to 3CAs shown, the sealing part 122 can be positioned on the platform 12 between two ramps, and the sealing part 122 can be rotatably connected to the base part 121. The lifting mechanism 123 can be mounted on the base part 121 and can be housed inside the base part 121. The lifting mechanism 123 is configured to allow the sealing part 122 to tilt upwards and downwards relative to the base part 121. The top of the sealing part 122 may include a sealing ring matching the shape of the suction port of the autonomous mobile device; the sealing ring can be made of flexible silicone or rubber. When the autonomous mobile device is docked and the sealing part 122 is tilted upwards (see...), the sealing part 122 is positioned correctly. Figure 3B The sealing ring of the sealing part 122 can seal the dust suction port, preventing airflow leakage. This allows the base station's suction assembly 3 to better suction dirt from the autonomous mobile device. When the autonomous mobile device is docked and the sealing part 122 is in a drooping position (see...), Figure 3C Autonomous mobile devices can successfully disconnect from base stations.

[0079] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the lifting mechanism 123 may include a motor 1231, a rocker arm 1232, and a driven ring 1233 assembled together. One end of the rocker arm 1232 may be drivenly connected to the motor 1231, so that the rocker arm 1232 can be driven by the motor 1231 to rotate relative to the base portion 121 (e.g., swing within a certain range). The driven ring 1233 may be fixed to the lower part of the sealing portion 122. Further, the rocker arm 1232 may be located inside the driven ring 1233, and the other end of the rocker arm 1232 may abut against the inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 1233, so that the rocker arm 1232 may abut against different parts of the driven ring 1233 during rotation. In this way, by utilizing the shape formed by the inner circumferential surface of the driven ring 1233, the sealing portion 122 can be tilted up and drooped relative to the base portion 121. By adopting the above structure, the lifting mechanism 123 realizes electric lifting and sealing, eliminating the need for manual docking and achieving a high degree of automation. Moreover, the sealing ring of the sealing part 122 provides a reliable seal, ensuring that the base station can collect dust from autonomous mobile devices without leakage. In addition, the transmission structure achieved by the swing arm 1232 and the driven ring 1233 of the lifting mechanism 123 is simple, stable in motion, and has a low failure rate.

[0080] It is understood that the specific structure of the lifting mechanism 123 is not limited in this disclosure, as long as the lifting mechanism 123 can make the sealing part 122 tilt up and down relative to the base part 121. In addition, when a transmission structure is implemented using a rocker arm 1232 and a driven ring 1233, the inner circumferential surface profile of the driven ring 1233 can be adjusted as needed, as long as the rocker arm 1232 can push the sealing part 122 to tilt up and down via the driven ring 1233.

[0081] In non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figures 4A to 4DAs shown, the platform 12 can be used for autonomous mobile devices to dock. As described above, the left and right sides of the upper surface 121s of the base 121 can be formed to form ramps for the autonomous mobile device to move through. On the ramps, in addition to protrusions that improve the grip of the autonomous mobile device as it moves toward the docking space, a plurality of anti-slip protrusions 1211 are also provided.

[0082] like Figures 4A to 4D As shown, a recess 121c can be formed on the portion of each ramp near the main body 11 of the housing. This recess 121c can partially accommodate the drive wheels of the autonomous mobile device after it has docked, making the docking state of the autonomous mobile device more stable. At the recess 121c of each ramp, the base portion 121 can form two anti-slip protrusions 1211 protruding relative to the upper surface 121s. Each anti-slip protrusion 1211 can extend linearly along the left-right direction D1, and the two anti-slip protrusions 1211 on each ramp can be staggered in the front-back direction D2 and also staggered in the left-right direction D1. Moreover, the tilt direction of each anti-slip protrusion 1211 can be opposite to the tilt direction of the protrusions that improve grip. Thus, as Figure 4D As shown, these anti-slip protrusions 1211 are configured to extend into the tread grooves of the drive wheels of the autonomous mobile device when it is docked, and the side of the anti-slip protrusion 1211 facing away from the internal space can be configured to abut against the drive wheels. Therefore, when the autonomous mobile device is docked, the anti-slip protrusions 1211 can further assist in better positioning of the autonomous mobile device; during the process of the autonomous mobile device detaching from the base station, the anti-slip protrusions 1211 can significantly reduce the probability of the autonomous mobile device slipping.

[0083] It is understood that in this disclosure, the number and specific structure of the anti-slip protrusions 1211 are not limited, as long as the anti-slip protrusions 1211 can reduce the probability of slippage when the autonomous mobile device is detached from the base station.

[0084] In a non-limiting embodiment according to this disclosure, the box assembly 2 can be used as a dust box for a base station. For example... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the box assembly 2 may include a hinge mechanism 21, a box body 22 as a first component, and a box cover 23 as a second component, the box cover 23 being rotatable relative to the box body 22.

[0085] like Figures 5C to 5JAs shown, the hinge mechanism 21 can be a split structure, and the hinge mechanism 21 can include a hinge 211 and a retaining assembly 212 that cooperate with each other. The hinge 211 can be configured to be mounted on the box body 22 and the box lid 23, such that the box lid 23 can rotate relative to the box body 22 via the hinge 211 between a first position (opening the opening 22o of the box lid 23) and a second position (closing the opening 22o of the box lid 23). The retaining assembly 212 can be configured to be mounted on the box body 22, and when the box lid 23 is rotated relative to the box body 22 to the first position, the retaining assembly 212 can hold the box lid 23 in the first position.

[0086] like Figures 5F to 5J As shown, hinge 211 may include a main body 2111 fixed to each other and two shaft portions 2112. The main body 2111 may be configured, for example, to be integrally formed and fixed to the lid 23, and the shaft portions 2112 may be configured to insert into the box body 22, allowing the lid 23 to rotate relative to the box body 22. The main body 2111 may include a cam portion 21111 located at its center. Figure 5G and Figure 5H As shown, the cam portion 21111 may include a base circle portion 211111 and a protrusion 211112 protruding relative to the base circle portion 211111. The central axis of the shaft portion 2112 may pass through the center of the corresponding circle of the base circle portion 211111. The protrusion 211112 may be formed with a positioning groove 21111c that mates with the positioning pin 2121 of the retaining assembly 212, and the positioning groove 21111c may be recessed relative to the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 211112. The connection between the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 211112 and the positioning groove 21111c is smoothly transitioned, thereby allowing the positioning pin 2121 to be smoothly inserted into the positioning groove 21111c. Furthermore, the positioning groove 21111c is constructed as an arc-shaped groove, which further facilitates the smooth sliding of the positioning pin 2121 into and out of the positioning groove 21111c. Each shaft portion 2112 can be formed as a cylindrical rotating shaft. Two shaft portions 2112 extend in a straight line from both ends of the main body portion 2111 in opposite directions. The two shaft portions 2112 are arranged coaxially and can be inserted into the shaft hole of the cover 23.

[0087] like Figures 5C to 5E as well as Figure 5I and Figure 5JAs shown, the retaining assembly 212 may include a locating pin 2121 and an elastic member 2122 assembled together. The elastic member 2122 is configured to apply an elastic force toward the hinge 211 to the locating pin 2121. When the lid 23 is rotated to the first position, the locating pin 2121 is inserted into the locating groove 21111c under the action of the elastic force, so that the retaining assembly 212 can hold the lid 23 in the first position. When the lid 23 is in a position other than the first position, the locating pin 2121 can abut against the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 211112, thereby returning the locating pin 2121 to the position before it was inserted into the locating groove 21111c.

[0088] like Figure 5E As shown, the locating pin 2121 may include, for example, a pin head 21211, a flange portion 21212, and a fitting portion 21213 that are integrally formed and fixed to each other. The pin head 21211 and the fitting portion 21213 are located on both sides of the flange portion 21212, with the flange portion 21212 protruding radially outward relative to the pin head 21211 and the fitting portion 21213. The profile shape of the top portion of the pin head 21211 matches the profile shape of the locating groove 21111c, thereby allowing the pin head 21211 to fit tightly with the locating groove 21111c to stably support the cover 23. The fitting portion 21213 is used for mounting an elastic element 2122, which is a coil spring, such that one end of the coil spring can press against the flange portion 21212. Figure 5D As shown, the elastic element 2122 can be constructed as a cylindrical helical spring, the inner diameter of which can be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fitting portion 21213 of the locating pin 2121. With the helical spring fitted onto the locating pin 2121 and the retaining assembly 212 in place, the helical spring can be configured such that one end presses against the flange portion 21212 of the locating pin 2121 and the other end presses against the housing 22. Thus, the helical spring can apply an elastic force to the locating pin 2121, causing it to press against the cam portion 21111 of the hinge 211.

[0089] It is understandable that multiple hinge mechanisms 21 can be provided between the lid 23 and the box body 22, which is beneficial to make the rotation of the lid 23 relative to the box body 22 more stable and smooth.

[0090] like Figures 5A to 5JAs shown, the box body 22 can be generally formed into a rectangular parallelepiped structure, and an opening 22o can be formed on the top of the box body 22. The lid 23 can be generally formed into a flat plate structure. For each hinge mechanism 21, the hinge 211 can be fixed to one edge of the lid 23, and the retaining component 212 can be installed at the side wall 221 of the box body 22. In this way, the lid 23 can be rotatably connected to the box body 22 via the hinge mechanism 21. When the lid 23 is in the first position, the opening 22o is in the open state; when the lid 23 is in the second position, the opening 22o is closed by the lid 23, thus being in the closed state. Furthermore, the housing 22 includes a side wall portion 221 and a mounting portion 222 that can be detachably assembled together. The side wall portion 221 and the mounting portion 222 cooperate to define a mounting space 22s. The fitting portion 21213 and flange portion 21212 of the retaining component 212, as well as the elastic element 2122, are housed in the mounting space 22s, and the pin head 21211 of the retaining pin 2121 is inserted through the mounting portion 222. In this way, the split housing 22 facilitates the assembly, maintenance, and replacement of the hinge mechanism 21. Moreover, the enclosed mounting space 22s prevents dust from entering the retaining component 212, avoids jamming of the elastic element 2122 and the retaining pin 2121, and improves reliability.

[0091] In this way, the positioning groove 21111c of the cam part 21111, in combination with the elastic positioning pin 2121, enables the lid 23 to be automatically held after opening, freeing the operator's hands. Moreover, the hinge mechanism 21 has a simple structure and no electronic components, thus achieving high reliability and low cost.

[0092] In some non-limiting embodiments according to this disclosure, such as Figure 2B and Figure 2C As shown, the suction assembly 3 can be arranged side by side with the box assembly 2 in the left-right direction D1, and the suction assembly 3 can be arranged overlapping with the box assembly 2 in the up-down direction D3. In addition, the suction assembly 3 may include a suction motor and other components (such as a fan and a filter) that cooperate with the suction motor, so that the suction assembly 3 can be configured to apply a suction force to the interior of the box assembly 2, which serves as a dust box.

[0093] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the above embodiments under the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The following supplementary descriptions are provided regarding the technical solutions of this disclosure.

[0094] i. In addition to the base station examples described in the specific embodiments above, the technical solutions of this disclosure can also be applied to devices in other fields with the same requirements. Of course, the structure of the liquid supply system for base stations disclosed in this disclosure can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to various application scenarios.

[0095] ii. It is understood that, in addition to serving as a dust box, other components of the base station may also adopt the structure of the box assembly 2 or a portion thereof (e.g., hinge mechanism 21) in other alternative solutions.

[0096] iii. The autonomous mobile device described in this disclosure is capable of autonomous movement according to a preset control scheme in its processing unit. The travel surface (e.g., the surface to be cleaned) on which the autonomous mobile device moves autonomously can be a plane or a curved surface with a large radius of curvature, typically such as the floor of each room in a building. The aforementioned autonomous mobile device generally refers to an intelligent mobile device that autonomously performs preset tasks, including two-dimensional planar mobile robots that use wheels or tracks as drive units.

[0097] In a non-limiting embodiment according to this disclosure, the main unit of the autonomous mobile device may be generally cylindrical (circular in top view). The shape of the main unit is not limited to this; alternatively, the main unit may have other shapes, such as square, elliptical, or D-shaped in top view. When the autonomous mobile device according to a non-limiting embodiment of this disclosure is in normal operation, the bottom surface of the main unit may be opposite to, for example, the travel surface to be cleaned, and the bottom surface of the main unit may be parallel to the travel surface. Here, "parallel" includes not only geometric parallelism between the bottom surface of the main unit and the travel surface, but also generally parallelism. Other components of the autonomous mobile device may be disposed within the main unit. To support and protect these components, most of the structure of the autonomous mobile device may be installed inside or on the surface of the main unit, or connected to the main unit. The main unit may also include a processing unit and sensing components. Thus, the processing unit can obtain environmental parameters through the sensing components, and based on the obtained environmental parameters, the processing unit can control the entire autonomous mobile device to move autonomously on the travel surface. Additionally, the main unit may also have a housing for mounting, supporting, and positioning other components.

[0098] To achieve autonomous movement of the autonomous mobile device, the device may include two drive wheels mounted on the host unit. In the forward-backward direction, the two drive wheels are located in the center of the host unit; in the left-right direction, the two drive wheels may be spaced apart on the left and right sides of the host unit. Furthermore, the two drive wheels may be mounted on the host unit and protrude from its bottom surface to roll in contact with the travel surface, thus driving the entire autonomous mobile device forward on the travel surface under the control of the processing unit. By rotating the two drive wheels at the same speed and in the same direction (e.g., simultaneously clockwise or simultaneously counterclockwise), the autonomous mobile device can be driven to move linearly in the forward direction; by rotating the two drive wheels at different speeds and / or in different directions (e.g., one wheel rotates clockwise while the other rotates counterclockwise), the autonomous mobile device can be driven to turn in a direction different from the forward direction. In this way, the two drive wheels not only drive the autonomous mobile device as needed but also effectively support it.

[0099] In a non-limiting embodiment according to this disclosure, the autonomous mobile device may further include a dry cleaning component and a wet cleaning component disposed on the host unit. The dry cleaning component may include a main brush and / or side brushes. The wet cleaning component may include a mop and / or a roller brush. Thus, during autonomous movement of the autonomous mobile device, cleaning operations are performed on the surface to be cleaned using the dry cleaning component and / or the wet cleaning component. In different operating modes, the cleaning operations include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.

[0100] The components of the different embodiments described can be combined to form other embodiments not previously described. Components can be omitted from the previously described system without adversely affecting its operation or the operation of the system as a whole. Furthermore, various individual components can be combined into one or more individual components to perform the functions described in this specification.

Claims

1. A hinge mechanism (21), characterized in that, include: A hinge (211) is configured to be mounted on the first component and the second component, such that the second component can rotate relative to the first component between a first position and a second position via the hinge (211); as well as A retaining component (212) is configured to be mounted on the first component, wherein the retaining component (212) is capable of holding the second component in the first position when the second component is rotated relative to the first component to the first position.

2. The hinge mechanism (21) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge (211) has a positioning groove (21111c), and the retaining assembly (212) includes a positioning pin (2121) and an elastic element (2122), the elastic element (2122) being configured to apply an elastic force toward the hinge (211) to the positioning pin (2121). When the second component is rotated to the first position, the positioning pin (2121) is inserted into the positioning groove (21111c) under the action of the elastic force, so that the retaining component (212) can hold the second component in the first position.

3. The hinge mechanism (21) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hinge (211) includes a cam portion (21111), the cam portion (21111) includes a base circle portion (211111) and a protrusion (211112) protruding relative to the base circle portion (211111), the positioning groove (21111c) is formed in the protrusion (211112) and is recessed relative to the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion (211112).

4. The hinge mechanism (21) according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the second component is in a position other than the first position, the locating pin (2121) abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion (211112).

5. The hinge mechanism (21) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The positioning groove (21111c) is constructed as an arc-shaped groove.

6. The hinge mechanism (21) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The elastic element (2122) is configured as a helical spring, which is fitted onto the locating pin (2121). The helical spring is configured such that one end presses against the locating pin (2121) and the other end presses against the first component.

7. The hinge mechanism (21) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The hinge (211) includes a main body (2111) and a shaft (2112) fixed to each other. The main body (2111) is configured to be fixed to the second component, and the shaft (2112) is configured to be inserted into the first component so that the second component can rotate relative to the first component.

8. A box assembly (2), characterized in that, Includes the hinge mechanism (21) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The box assembly (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The box assembly (2) includes a box body (22) as the first component and a box cover (23) as the second component. The box body (22) has an opening (22o). When the box cover (23) is in the first position, the opening (22o) is in the open state; when the box cover (23) is in the second position, the opening (22o) is closed by the box cover (23) to be in the closed state.

10. The box assembly (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing (22) includes a side wall portion (221) and a mounting portion (222) that can be detachably assembled together. The side wall portion (221) and the mounting portion (222) cooperate to define a mounting space (22s). A portion of the retaining component (212) is housed in the mounting space (22s) and the retaining component (212) is inserted through the mounting portion (222).

11. A base station, characterized in that, Includes the box assembly (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. The base station according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a housing assembly (1), a dust box and a suction assembly (3), the housing assembly (1) defining an internal space (1s), the dust box and the suction assembly (3) being mounted on the housing assembly (1) and located in the internal space (1s), the suction assembly (3) being configured to apply a suction force to the interior of the dust box.

13. The base station according to claim 12, characterized in that, The housing assembly (1) defines a suction port (1o) and a suction passage, the suction port (1o) opening toward the outside of the housing assembly (1), the suction passage extending from the suction port (1o) through the dust box and the suction assembly (3) and terminating in the interior space (1s).

14. The base station according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the suction force is applied, the airflow from outside the base station flows sequentially through the suction passage through the dust box and the suction assembly (3), and reaches the part of the internal space (1s) located below the suction assembly (3).

15. The base station according to claim 12, characterized in that, The box assembly (2) is configured as the dust box.

16. The base station according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that, The housing assembly (1) includes a housing body (1) fixed to each other and a platform (12) for autonomous mobile equipment to dock. The platform (12) includes a base (121) with an inclined upper surface (121s) and a plurality of anti-slip protrusions (1211) protruding relative to the upper surface (121s).

17. The base station according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the autonomous mobile device is docked, the plurality of anti-slip protrusions (1211) are configured to extend into the tread grooves of the drive wheel of the autonomous mobile device.

18. The base station according to claim 17, characterized in that, The side of the anti-slip protrusion (1211) facing away from the internal space (1s) is configured to abut against the drive wheel.

19. The base station according to claim 16, characterized in that, The platform (12) further includes a sealing part (122) and a lifting mechanism (123). The sealing part (122) is rotatably connected to the base part (121), and the lifting mechanism (123) is mounted on the base part (121). The lifting mechanism (123) is configured to allow the sealing part (122) to tilt up and droop down relative to the base part (121).

20. The base station according to claim 19, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (123) includes a motor (1231), a swing arm (1232), and a driven ring (1233) assembled together. The swing arm (1232) is connected to the motor (1231) for transmission, so that the swing arm (1232) can rotate relative to the base part (121). The driven ring (1233) is fixed together with the sealing part (122), and the rocker arm (1232) is located inside the driven ring (1233), such that the rocker arm (1232) abuts against different parts of the driven ring (1233) during rotation, so that the sealing part (122) tilts up and droops relative to the base part (121).

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