Wet cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model relates to wet type cleaning equipment which comprises a cleaning mechanism and a controller, wherein the cleaning mechanism is used for executing cleaning operation on a cleaning surface. The cleaning mechanism includes a storage container, a dispensing assembly, and a pump. A pump is connected to the dispensing assembly and is configured to drive the cleaning fluid to move along the dispensing path. And a controller configured to control operation of the cleaning mechanism, where the controller includes an H-bridge integrated circuit configured to control the pump to be operable in a first mode in which the pump drives the cleaning fluid in a first direction to dispense the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface and a second mode in which the pump drives the cleaning fluid in a second direction to dispense the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface. The pump drives the cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite the first direction to draw the cleaning fluid in the dispensing path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a wet cleaning device, in particular to a wet cleaning device used for cleaning surfaces such as floors. Background Art

[0002] In the field of cleaning, wet cleaning equipment has become increasingly popular due to its strong decontamination ability. Compared with traditional vacuum cleaners, the main advantage of wet cleaning equipment is that it can be wetted with a cleaning fluid (e.g., water or water including detergent), and a rotatable cleaning element (e.g., a brush or cloth) is used to repeatedly rotate on the surface to be cleaned (e.g., the ground) to remove stains. The removed stains can be sucked into a container by vacuum. With such wet cleaning equipment, stubborn stains that are tightly attached to the ground can be removed from the ground, greatly enhancing the decontamination ability and enabling deep cleaning.

[0003] There are generally two ways to wet the floor using a cleaning fluid: one is to deliver the cleaning fluid directly to the floor so that the floor is wetted directly; the other is to deliver the cleaning fluid to a cleaning element such as a brush or cloth so that the wetted cleaning element wets the floor indirectly. Compared to the direct wetting method, the indirect wetting method has a relatively weaker decontamination ability.

[0004] In this way of directly delivering the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface, there is a problem that when the user wishes to end the cleaning operation and shut down the cleaning device, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning device that has been extracted but not yet delivered to the cleaning surface may drip onto the cleaned surface. In particular, when the user moves the cleaning device, the cleaning fluid may drip onto the cleaned surface due to gravity. This will leave traces of the cleaning fluid on the cleaned ground, and will eventually dry and leave spots on the ground, thereby adversely affecting the cleaning efficiency and user experience. Moreover, the dripping cleaning fluid makes the ground slippery, causing danger to people and even causing people to slip.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a wet cleaning device that can solve or alleviate the above problems without significantly increasing its cost or volume. Utility Model Content

[0006] The object of the utility model is to provide an improved wet cleaning device in a cost-effective manner so that it can achieve a strong decontamination capability without causing the cleaning fluid to drip onto the ground when the cleaning operation is shut down.

[0007] According to one aspect of the utility model, a wet cleaning device is provided, including a cleaning mechanism, which is configured to perform a cleaning operation on a cleaning surface. The cleaning mechanism includes: a storage container, which is removably mounted inside the cleaning mechanism and is configured to store a cleaning fluid to be distributed to the cleaning surface; a distribution component, which is in fluid communication with the storage container, is configured to distribute the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface via an outlet, and defines a distribution path from the storage container to the outlet; a pump, which is connected to the distribution component and is configured to drive the cleaning fluid to move along the distribution path. The cleaning device also includes a controller, which is configured to control the operation of the cleaning mechanism. The controller includes an H-bridge integrated circuit, which is configured to control the pump to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the pump drives the cleaning fluid in a first direction to distribute the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface. In the second mode, the pump drives the cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction to suck the cleaning fluid in the distribution path.

[0008] With the help of such wet cleaning equipment, the amount of cleaning fluid that drips onto the ground after shutdown is significantly reduced, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and greatly improving the user experience. In addition, implementing the above functions in the form of an H-bridge integrated circuit can also reduce the number of control components in the cleaning equipment and improve control performance.

[0009] According to some examples of the utility model, in the second mode, when the pump drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked back into the storage container. In this way, it is also possible to save the cleaning fluid, thereby helping to make the user not need to frequently add the cleaning fluid.

[0010] According to some examples of the present invention, in the second mode, when the pump drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked into the dirt container.

[0011] According to some examples of the utility model, in the second mode, when the pump drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked to remain in the distribution path. In this way, in the next cleaning operation, the cleaning fluid can be quickly distributed to the ground, thereby improving the cleaning speed.

[0012] According to some examples of the present invention, the pump is a peristaltic pump.

[0013] According to some examples of the present invention, the H-bridge integrated circuit includes a first MOS tube, a second MOS tube, a third MOS tube and a fourth MOS tube. When the first MOS tube and the fourth MOS tube are turned on, the pump operates in a first mode. When the second MOS tube and the third MOS tube are turned on, the pump operates in a second mode.

[0014] According to some examples of the present invention, the H-bridge integrated circuit also includes: a first parasitic diode coupled to the first MOS tube; a second parasitic diode coupled to the second MOS tube; a third parasitic diode coupled to the third MOS tube; and a fourth parasitic diode coupled to the fourth MOS tube (Q4).

[0015] According to some examples of the present invention, the H-bridge integrated circuit further includes a current limiting resistor connected to ground.

[0016] According to some examples of the present invention, the controller is further configured to enable the pump to operate in a third mode, in which operation of the pump is suspended.

[0017] According to some examples of the utility model, the controller is further configured so that during normal cleaning operation of the cleaning device, the pump operates in the first mode. After the user stops the cleaning operation of the cleaning device, the pump starts to operate in the third mode; after the third mode lasts for a first time period, the pump starts to operate in the second mode; after the second mode lasts for a second time period, the pump is turned off.

[0018] According to some examples of the present invention, the first time period is 1 second. According to some examples, the second time period is 3 seconds.

[0019] According to some examples of the utility model, the cleaning mechanism further includes a dirt container, which is removably mounted inside the cleaning mechanism and is configured to hold dirt. The cleaning mechanism further includes a suction channel extending from the suction inlet to the dirt container. In addition, the cleaning mechanism may further include a suction source, which is configured to provide negative pressure to suck the dirt into the suction channel and into the dirt container via the suction inlet.

[0020] According to some examples of the present invention, the cleaning mechanism further includes at least one brush rotatable about a rotation axis and configured to interact with the cleaning surface.

[0021] According to some examples of the present invention, the cleaning device further includes a user interface for interacting with a user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order to better understand the present invention, and to more clearly show how the present invention may be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary wet cleaning apparatus according to the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a portion of an exemplary cleaning mechanism according to the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 An H-bridge integrated circuit according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein a pump operates in a first mode; and

[0026] Figure 4 An H-bridge integrated circuit according to the present disclosure is shown wherein the pump operates in a second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, although indicating exemplary embodiments of equipment, mechanisms, devices, etc., are intended only for illustrative purposes and not to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the equipment, mechanisms, and devices of the present invention will be better understood from the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals represent the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A portion of an exemplary wet cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The wet cleaning device 100 is configured to perform a cleaning operation on a cleaning surface 10 to remove dirt 11 on the cleaning surface 10. Figure 1 The wet cleaning apparatus 100 is shown in a normal operating orientation relative to the cleaning surface 10 .

[0030] In order to provide power during the operation of cleaning equipment 100, cleaning equipment 100 is equipped with a suitable drive mechanism (not shown). In order to power the drive mechanism and other components of cleaning equipment 100, cleaning equipment 100 can be connected to a power source and / or can be equipped with a suitable battery device. Preferably, cleaning equipment 100 is a cordless device comprising a rechargeable battery device. In the case of a cordless device, cleaning equipment 100 may also include a charging stand for charging. In other embodiments, cleaning equipment may also be a corded device. In the case where cleaning equipment 100 is not equipped with a battery, a simple base without charging capability may be provided, for accommodating and maintaining the cleaning equipment 100 when cleaning equipment 100 is not working.

[0031] In some embodiments, cleaning equipment can also include a handle for holding by a user. In some embodiments, cleaning equipment can also include a rinse tray as required to rinse after terminating the cleaning operation. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the configuration of cleaning equipment 100 is not limited to shown in the figures, but can have any suitable shape or configuration.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown in , the wet cleaning device 100 includes a cleaning mechanism 200 and a controller 300 for controlling the operation of the cleaning mechanism 200. The cleaning device may also be equipped with a user interface 400 for interacting with a user, which may include, for example, an on / off button (not shown) or a touch screen, etc. The controller 300 may receive input from the user through the user interface 400 to start or end the operation of the cleaning mechanism.

[0033] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates an exemplary cleaning mechanism 200 according to the present disclosure. The cleaning mechanism 200 may include a storage container 210, a dispensing assembly 220, and a pump 230. The storage container 210 is removably mounted inside the cleaning mechanism and is configured to store a cleaning fluid. For example, the cleaning fluid may be water, a detergent, a disinfectant, or a mixture thereof, etc. A user may easily remove the storage container 210 to add the cleaning fluid thereto.

[0034] Reference Figure 1 , the dispensing assembly 220 is in fluid communication with the storage container 210 and is configured to dispense the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface 10 via the outlet 221. The dispensing assembly 220 thus defines a dispensing path from the storage container 210 to the outlet 221. The pump 230 is connected to the dispensing assembly 220 and is configured to drive the cleaning fluid along the dispensing path. In some embodiments, the pump 230 is a peristaltic pump.

[0035] The cleaning mechanism 200 further includes a dirt container 240, which is removably mounted inside the cleaning mechanism 200 and is configured to contain dirt. The user can remove the dirt container 240 to remove the dirt 11 therein. The cleaning mechanism 200 further includes a suction channel 250 extending from the suction inlet to the dirt container 240. The cleaning mechanism 200 further includes a suction source 260, which is configured to provide negative pressure to suck the dirt 11 into the suction channel 250 and into the dirt container 240 via the suction inlet.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning mechanism 200 may further include at least one brush 270, which is rotatable about a rotation axis and is configured to interact with the cleaning surface 10 to perform a cleaning operation. In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning mechanism includes two parallel brushes, and the two brushes may be configured to rotate in opposite directions to effectively remove dirt. Figure 1 The various components are only schematically shown, and it is obvious that the positions of the various components or mechanisms are not limited to those shown in the figures.

[0037] In some embodiments, controller 300 includes an H-bridge integrated circuit. Figure 3-Figure 4An exemplary H-bridge integrated circuit 310 according to the present disclosure is shown. The H-bridge integrated circuit is configured to control the pump to be able to operate in a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid in a first direction to distribute the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface 10. In the second mode, the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction to suck the cleaning fluid in the distribution path. Figure 2 The arrows shown in illustrative figures indicate that the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction.

[0038] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the second mode, when the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked back to the storage container 210. Thus, in addition to preventing the cleaning fluid from dripping to the ground, the use of the cleaning fluid can also be saved.

[0039] According to some embodiments of the present invention, in the second mode, when the pump drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked into the dirt container 240 .

[0040] According to some embodiments of the utility model, in the second mode, when the pump drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked to remain in the distribution path. In such embodiments, after finishing the cleaning operation, the user can put the cleaning device back into the rinsing tray for holding the cleaning device, whereby the water in the distribution path can drip into the rinsing tray.

[0041] Figure 3-Figure 4 2 shows an H-bridge integrated circuit 310 according to the present disclosure. The H-bridge integrated circuit 310 includes an input voltage VM and a ground. Figure 3 As shown, the H-bridge integrated circuit 310 includes a first MOS transistor Q1, a second MOS transistor Q2, a third MOS transistor Q3, and a fourth MOS transistor Q4. In some embodiments, the H-bridge integrated circuit 310 may also include a first parasitic diode D1 coupled to the first MOS transistor Q1; a second parasitic diode D2 coupled to the second MOS transistor Q2; a third parasitic diode D3 coupled to the third MOS transistor Q3; and a fourth parasitic diode D4 coupled to the fourth MOS transistor Q4. In some embodiments, the H-bridge integrated circuit 310 also includes a current limiting resistor R connected to ground to limit the current in the circuit. With such an H-bridge integrated circuit, the operation of the pump in two opposite directions can be realized very simply and in a cost-effective manner without using other additional components.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, when the first MOS transistor Q1 and the fourth MOS transistor Q4 are turned on (ON), the second MOS transistor Q2 and the third MOS transistor are turned off (OFF), and the pump 230 operates in the first mode. Figure 3The direction indicated by the middle arrow passes through the first MOS transistor Q1 , the pump 230 and the fourth MOS transistor Q4 in sequence. At this time, the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid along the first direction so that the cleaning fluid is directly distributed to the cleaning surface 10 .

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, when the second MOS transistor Q2 and the third MOS transistor Q3 are turned on, the first MOS transistor Q1 and the fourth MOS transistor Q4 are turned off, and the pump 230 operates in the second mode. Figure 4 The direction indicated by the middle arrow passes through the third MOS transistor Q3, the pump 230 and the second MOS transistor Q2 in sequence. At this time, the pump 230 drives the cleaning fluid along the second direction to suck the cleaning fluid in the distribution path.

[0044] In some embodiments, in addition to the first mode and the second mode, the controller 300 is further configured to enable the pump 230 to operate in a third mode. In the third mode, the operation of the pump 230 is suspended. The third mode can also be implemented by an H-bridge integrated circuit.

[0045] The operation of controlling the pump by the controller is described below in an exemplary manner, but the utility model is not limited to this. The controller 300 may be configured so that during the normal cleaning operation of the cleaning device 100, the pump 230 operates in the first mode to directly wet the cleaning surface 10 with a cleaning fluid. In an exemplary manner, after stopping the cleaning operation of the cleaning device 100, for example, the cleaning device is shut down by the user, and the pump 230 starts to operate in the third mode. After the third mode lasts for a first time period, the pump 230 starts to operate in the second mode. In some embodiments, the first time period can be 1 second. Thereafter, after the second mode lasts for a second time period, the pump 230 is shut down. In some embodiments, the second time period is 3 seconds. The above steps can be automatically performed by the controller.

[0046] The applicant used water as the cleaning fluid and conducted a comparative experiment using the operating mode described above. In a wet cleaning device that does not have the H-bridge integrated circuit of the utility model, the amount of water droplets that may drip onto the ground after the cleaning operation is completed may even be as high as 20 drops (about 2g), and such amount of water droplets is visually obvious and may even cause a slippery and easy-to-fall ground. However, in a wet cleaning device (other conditions are the same) that incorporates an H-bridge integrated circuit to drive a pump according to the utility model, the amount of water droplets that may drip onto the ground is reduced to 5 drops (about 0.5g), and such amount of water droplets is small enough to be visually imperceptible and can evaporate quickly. Thus, the wet cleaning device of the utility model allows the amount of cleaning fluid that may drip onto the ground to be significantly reduced, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and user experience.

[0047] By studying the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations to the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed utility model. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0048] The concept of the utility model has been mainly described above with reference to several examples. However, as those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Within the scope of the utility model concept defined by the appended claims, other embodiments in addition to the embodiments disclosed above are also possible. The choice of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the various embodiments, practical applications or technical improvements in the market, or to enable other ordinary technicians in the field of the art to understand the various embodiments disclosed herein. As those skilled in the art will also appreciate, the order of the various process steps of the manufacturing method according to the present disclosure can be adjusted or modified, and such adjustments or modifications will also fall within the scope that the utility model is intended to protect.

Claims

1. A wet cleaning device (100), characterized in that: include: A cleaning mechanism (200), the cleaning mechanism (200) being configured to perform a cleaning operation on a cleaning surface (10), the cleaning mechanism comprising: a storage container (210) removably mounted within the cleaning mechanism and configured to store cleaning fluid to be dispensed to the cleaning surface (10); a dispensing assembly (220) in fluid communication with the storage container (210), configured to dispense the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface (10) via an outlet (221), and defining a dispensing path from the storage container (210) to the outlet (221); a pump (230) connected to the dispensing assembly (220) and configured to drive the cleaning fluid along the dispensing path; A controller (300) is configured to control the operation of the cleaning mechanism (200), wherein the controller (300) includes an H-bridge integrated circuit (310), and the H-bridge integrated circuit is configured to control the pump to operate in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the pump (230) drives the cleaning fluid in a first direction to distribute the cleaning fluid to the cleaning surface, and in the second mode, the pump (230) drives the cleaning fluid in a second direction opposite to the first direction to suck the cleaning fluid in the distribution path.

2. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the second mode, when the pump (230) drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked back into the storage container (210).

3. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the second mode, when the pump (230) drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is sucked into the dirt container (240).

4. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the second mode, when the pump (230) drives the cleaning fluid in the second direction, the cleaning fluid is drawn to remain in the dispensing path.

5. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pump (230) is a peristaltic pump.

6. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The H-bridge integrated circuit (310) comprises a first MOS transistor (Q1), a second MOS transistor (Q2), a third MOS transistor (Q3) and a fourth MOS transistor (Q4), wherein: When the first MOS transistor (Q1) and the fourth MOS transistor (Q4) are turned on, the pump operates in the first mode; and When the second MOS transistor (Q2) and the third MOS transistor (Q3) are turned on, the pump operates in the second mode.

7. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The H-bridge integrated circuit (310) further comprises: A first parasitic diode (D1) coupled to the first MOS transistor (Q1); A second parasitic diode (D2) coupled to the second MOS transistor (Q2); a third parasitic diode (D3) coupled to the third MOS tube (Q3); and A fourth parasitic diode (D4) coupled to the fourth MOS transistor (Q4).

8. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that The H-bridge integrated circuit (310) also includes a current limiting resistor (R) connected to ground.

9. The cleaning device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The controller (300) is also configured to enable the pump (230) to operate in a third mode in which operation of the pump (230) is suspended.

10. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that The controller (300) is also configured to: During normal cleaning operation of the cleaning device (100), the pump (230) operates in the first mode; After stopping the cleaning operation of the cleaning device (100), the pump (230) starts to operate in the third mode; After the third mode continues for a first time period, the pump (230) begins operating in the second mode; and After the second mode continues for a second time period, the pump (230) is turned off.

11. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that The first time period is 1 second; and / or the second time period is 3 seconds.

12. The cleaning device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The cleaning mechanism (200) further comprises: a dirt container (240) removably mounted within the cleaning mechanism and configured to contain dirt; a suction channel (250) extending from the suction inlet to the dirt container; A suction source (260) is configured to provide negative pressure to suck dirt into the suction channel (250) and into the dirt container (240) through the suction inlet.

13. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that The cleaning mechanism (200) further comprises at least one brush (270) rotatable about a rotation axis and configured to interact with the cleaning surface (10).

14. The cleaning device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that The cleaning device (100) also includes a user interface (400) for interacting with a user.

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