Water tank and cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a water tank and a cleaning device, the water tank is provided with a water storage cavity and an air suction flow channel, and the air suction flow channel is provided with a flow channel air inlet communicating with the water storage cavity and a flow channel air outlet communicating with external atmosphere; the water tank comprises two long edges which are oppositely arranged, and a first area and a second area which are oppositely arranged and a middle area located between the first area and the second area are distributed on the top of the water tank in the direction of the long edges; the flow channel air inlet is located in the middle area. When sewage in the water storage cavity shakes due to actions such as rotation, obstacle crossing, sudden stop or collision of the cleaning device, the sewage can be effectively prevented from entering a flow channel air inlet in the middle area due to the fact that the top of the water tank is high, and the water level below the middle area is small in variation amplitude; therefore, the effect of preventing sewage from entering the air suction flow channel to damage the air pump is achieved, the failure rate of the cleaning device is effectively reduced, and the service life of the cleaning device is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and in particular to a water tank and cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] With social development and technological advancements, more and more intelligent devices are being applied to people's lives. Cleaning robots, as cleaning devices that can automatically navigate and sweep and vacuum floors, effectively free users' hands compared to traditional manual cleaning, significantly reducing household chores and bringing great convenience to people's lives.

[0003] Some existing cleaning robots are equipped with real-time cleaning functions. The robot has a built-in wastewater tank, and an air pump draws the wastewater generated during cleaning into the tank by applying negative pressure. However, when the cleaning robot rotates, overcomes obstacles, stops suddenly, or collides, the wastewater in the tank may surge and rise, posing a risk that wastewater may enter the air intake, contaminating electrical components and affecting the robot's wastewater extraction performance. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a water tank and cleaning device to address the high risk of sewage entering the air extraction port.

[0005] According to one aspect of this application, a water tank is provided, the water tank having a water storage cavity and an air extraction channel, the air extraction channel having an air inlet communicating with the water storage cavity and an air outlet communicating with the outside atmosphere.

[0006] The water tank includes two long sides arranged opposite each other. The top of the water tank has a first region and a second region arranged opposite each other, as well as an intermediate region located between the first region and the second region. The air inlet of the flow channel is located in the intermediate region.

[0007] In one embodiment, the water tank includes two short sides arranged opposite each other, and the middle region includes a first sub-region and a second sub-region adjacent to the two short sides, and a central region located between the first sub-region and the second sub-region; the air inlet of the flow channel is located in the central region.

[0008] In one embodiment, the water tank includes a tank body and a tank cover, the tank cover being closably fitted to one end of the tank body, the tank body and the tank cover together forming the water storage cavity, the tank cover being located at the top of the water tank, and the air extraction channel being formed on the side of the tank cover facing the water storage cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tank cover has a guide rib protruding on the side facing the water storage cavity, and the water tank also includes a guide member. The guide member covers the guide rib to form the air extraction channel together with the guide rib. One end of the guide rib has a notch to form the air inlet of the channel, and the air outlet of the channel is formed on the guide member.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing has a housing exhaust pipe, and a housing exhaust channel is formed inside the housing exhaust pipe. When the housing cover is closed on the housing, the housing exhaust channel connects the air outlet of the flow channel with the outside atmosphere.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water tank further includes a first sealing element, one end of which is sleeved on the tank body air extraction pipe, and the other end of which is interference-fitted against the flow guide and surrounds the air outlet of the flow channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water tank further includes a second seal, which is installed on one of the tank cover and the tank body and is interference-fitted with the other of the tank body and the tank cover.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing is further provided with a housing inlet pipe, and a housing inlet channel is formed inside the housing inlet pipe, which connects the water storage chamber with the outside atmosphere.

[0014] In one embodiment, the water tank further includes two detection elements, which are disposed on the top of the water tank and are staggered in both the long and short sides of the water tank.

[0015] According to another aspect of this application, a cleaning device is provided, including the aforementioned water tank. The cleaning device further includes a base, the water tank being mounted on the base, and the base having a base air extraction channel communicating with the air extraction channel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base air extraction channel has a filter section, and the filter section is provided with a filter element.

[0017] When the aforementioned cleaning device rotates, overcomes obstacles, stops suddenly, or collides, causing the sewage in the water storage chamber to slosh, the high position of the top of the water tank and the small fluctuation of the water level in the lower middle area effectively prevent sewage from entering the air inlet of the flow channel in the middle area. This prevents sewage from entering the air pump and causing damage, effectively reducing the failure rate of the cleaning device, extending its service life, and without significantly increasing the production cost of the cleaning device compared to setting up an additional drive mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the base and water tank in one direction according to an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water tank according to an embodiment of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a water tank according to an embodiment of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe connection between the water tank and the base according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pipe connection between the water tank and the base according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0026] 20. Water tank; 21. Tank body; 212. Tank body exhaust pipe; 212a. Tank body exhaust channel; 214. Tank body waste inlet pipe; 214a. Tank body waste inlet channel; 22. Tank cover; 221. Guide rib; 23. Guide component; 24. First seal; 25. Second seal; 26. Detection component; 20a. Water storage chamber; 20b. Exhaust channel; 20c. Channel air inlet; 20d. Channel air outlet; 40. Base; 40a. Base exhaust channel; 40b. Filter section; 40c. Base waste inlet channel; 41. Third seal; 43. Filter component; 45. Mounting cover. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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 this application.

[0029] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0032] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0033] See Figure 1 An embodiment of this application provides a cleaning device (not shown), including a base 40, a walking assembly, and a cleaning assembly. The walking assembly is mounted on the bottom of the base 40 and is used to move the cleaning device. The cleaning assembly is mounted on the base 40 and is used to clean the surface to be cleaned.

[0034] Furthermore, in order to achieve the self-cleaning function, the cleaning equipment also includes a water tank 20, and the base 40 is also equipped with a dirt collection tank and an air pump. The water tank 20 is connected between the dirt collection tank and the air pump. The wastewater generated by the self-cleaning of the cleaning component is first collected by the dirt collection tank, and then pumped into the water tank 20 for storage under the negative pressure of the air pump.

[0035] As described in the background art, when the cleaning device performs actions such as rotation, obstacle crossing, emergency stop or collision, the sewage in the water tank 20 will shake and enter the air pump.

[0036] To address the aforementioned issues, some existing cleaning devices incorporate a baffle in the water tank. When the air pump is operating, the water tank and air pump are interconnected, allowing air from the tank to smoothly enter the pump. When the air pump is off, the baffle blocks this connection, preventing wastewater from the tank from entering the pump. However, even with the tank and pump interconnected, the risk of wastewater entering the pump remains. Furthermore, opening and closing the baffle requires an additional drive mechanism, increasing the manufacturing cost of the cleaning device.

[0037] Based on the above issues, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the water tank 20 has a water storage chamber 20a and an air extraction channel 20b. The water storage chamber 20a is used to store sewage, and the air extraction channel 20b has an air inlet 20c that connects to the water storage chamber 20a and an air outlet 20d that connects to the outside atmosphere. The water tank 20 includes two long sides arranged opposite each other, and the top of the water tank 20 extends along the long side direction (i.e.,...). Figure 2 The flow channel (in the X direction) has a first region and a second region that are relatively set, as well as an intermediate region located between the first region and the second region, and the flow channel inlet 20c is located in the intermediate region.

[0038] Thus, when the sewage in the water storage chamber 20a sloshes due to the cleaning device's rotation, obstacle crossing, sudden stop, or collision, the high position of the top of the water tank 20 where the air inlet 20c is located, and the small fluctuation in water level in the lower middle area, effectively prevents sewage from entering the air inlet 20c in the middle area during sloshing. This prevents sewage from entering the air extraction channel 20b and damaging the air pump, effectively reducing the failure rate of the cleaning device and extending its service life. Moreover, compared to setting an additional drive mechanism, the installation of the air extraction channel 20b does not significantly increase the production cost of the cleaning device.

[0039] Furthermore, the water tank 20 includes two opposing short sides, and the middle region includes a first sub-region and a second sub-region adjacent to the two short sides, and a central region located between the first sub-region and the second sub-region. The air inlet 20c is located in the central region, thereby further preventing airflow in the short side direction (i.e., Figure 2 The swaying sewage in the Y direction enters the exhaust duct 20b.

[0040] It is understandable that the sizes of the first region, the second region, and the central region, as well as the sizes of the first sub-region, the second sub-region, and the central region, can be set as needed, so that the position setting of the flow channel inlet 20c can meet different requirements.

[0041] It should be noted that since the length of the water tank 20 in the long side direction (left-right dimension) is much greater than its width in the short side direction (front-back dimension), under the same kinetic energy, the mass of water that needs to be lifted when the water tank 20 shakes left and right is smaller, so the water rises higher when it shakes. Conversely, the mass of water that needs to be lifted when it shakes back and forth is larger, so the water rises lower when it shakes. In other words, the waves in the left-right direction are more violent than the waves in the front-back direction.

[0042] Therefore, in one embodiment, the air inlet 20c is located at the center of the wastewater tank 20 along its long side, and the distance between the air inlet 20c and the two long sides is equal. However, the air inlet 20c can be offset to one short side in the front-rear direction of the water tank 20 to meet other layout requirements. In other embodiments, the air inlet 20c can also be located at the center of the wastewater tank 20 in the front-rear direction, meaning the distance between the air inlet 20c and the two short sides is equal, thereby achieving a better water-proofing effect.

[0043] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments, the water tank 20 has a hollow shell structure, including a tank body 21 and a tank cover 22. The tank cover 22 is closably fitted to one end of the tank body 21. The tank body 21 and the tank cover 22 together form a water storage cavity 20a. The tank cover 22 is located at the top of the water tank 20. An air extraction channel 20b is formed on the side of the tank cover 22 facing the water storage cavity 20a and is located at the top of the water tank 20. A first region, a second region, and an intermediate region are formed on the side of the tank cover 22 facing the water storage cavity 20a.

[0044] Furthermore, a guide rib 221 protrudes from the side of the tank cover 22 facing the water storage chamber 20a. The guide rib 221 has a closed annular structure, and the height of the guide rib 221 protruding from the tank cover 22 is less than 3mm to keep it as far away from the water surface as possible. The water tank 20 also includes a guide component 23, which can be fixedly connected to the tank cover 22 by means of snap-fit ​​connection, screw connection or ultrasonic welding. The guide component 23 covers the guide rib 221 to form an air extraction channel 20b together with the guide rib 221. The guide rib 221 has two notches at one end in the first region. The two notches are arranged opposite each other in the short side direction of the water tank 20 to form two air inlets 20c. A through hole is opened at the end of the guide component 23 near the edge of the tank cover 22 to form an air outlet 20d.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the guide rib 221 extends linearly from the first region along the long side of the water tank 20 to one edge of the tank cover 22. The guide member 23 is elongated to match the shape of the guide rib 221, thereby forming an air extraction channel 20b extending from the middle region to the edge of the tank cover 22 along the long side of the water tank 20. It is understood that the shape of the air extraction channel 20b is not limited to this and can be configured as needed to meet different requirements.

[0046] Please see Figures 2 to 4 In some embodiments, the tank 21 has a tank exhaust pipe 212, and a tank exhaust channel 212a is formed inside the tank exhaust pipe 212. When the tank cover 22 is closed on the tank 21, the tank exhaust channel 212a connects the exhaust flow with the outside atmosphere, so the air in the sewage tank 20 can enter the air pump in sequence through the exhaust flow channel 20b and the tank exhaust channel 212a. Specifically, in one embodiment, since the exhaust flow channel 20b extends from the middle area of ​​the tank cover 22 along the long side of the tank 20 to the edge of the tank cover 22, the tank exhaust pipe 212 is also located at one end of the tank 21 in the long side direction to connect with the air outlet 20d of the exhaust flow channel 20b.

[0047] Furthermore, the water tank 20 also includes a first sealing element 24, which is a hollow cylindrical structure made of a material such as rubber that can undergo elastic deformation. One end of the first sealing element 24 is sleeved on one end of the tank body exhaust pipe 212, and the other end of the first sealing element 24 is press-fitted against the guide element 23 and surrounds the flow channel outlet 20d, thereby preventing gas from leaking from the connection between the flow channel outlet 20d and the tank body exhaust channel 212a.

[0048] In some embodiments, the water tank 20 further includes a second sealing member 25, which has an annular structure and is formed of a material such as rubber that can undergo elastic deformation. The second sealing member 25 is installed on the edge of one of the tank cover 22 and the tank body 21, and is interference-fitted with the edge of the other of the tank body 21 and the tank cover 22 to keep the water storage cavity 20a in a sealed state.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment, the interference fit between the housing 21 and the cover 22 is much greater than the interference fit between the first seal 24 and the guide 23, thereby preventing the cover 22 from being pushed open by the housing exhaust pipe 212 after it is closed on the housing 21, thus ensuring the sealing of the water storage chamber 20a.

[0050] In some embodiments, the tank 21 is further provided with a tank inlet pipe 214, which forms a tank inlet channel 214a. The tank inlet channel 214a connects the water storage chamber 20a with the external atmosphere. Therefore, the sludge collection tank can be connected to the water storage chamber 20a through the tank inlet channel 214a, and the sewage in the sludge collection tank can enter the water storage chamber 20a through the tank inlet channel 214a. Specifically, in one embodiment, the tank inlet pipe 214 is located on one side of the tank exhaust pipe 212 in the short side direction of the water tank 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, the water tank 20 further includes two detection elements 26, which are disposed on the top of the water tank 20 and are staggered in both the long and short directions of the water tank 20 for water full detection. When the water in the water storage chamber 20a simultaneously submerges both detection elements 26, it indicates that the water storage chamber 20a is full. Since the two detection elements 26 are staggered in both the long and short directions, false alarms can be prevented due to sewage simultaneously submerging both detection elements 26 during surge conditions. It is understood that the positional relationship of the detection elements 26 is not limited to this and can be configured as needed to meet different detection requirements.

[0052] Please continue reading. Figures 2 to 5The base 40 and the water tank 20 are fitted together on an inclined surface. A third sealing element 41 is provided between the contact surfaces of the base 40 and the water tank 20 to seal the gap between them. The base 40 has a base air extraction channel 40a and a base sludge inlet channel 40c. The air pump is connected to the tank body air extraction channel 212a through the base air extraction channel 40a, and the sludge collection tank is connected to the tank body sludge inlet channel 214a through the base sludge inlet channel 40c.

[0053] Thus, when the air pump is pumping out sludge, the airflow flows from the sludge collection tank through the base sludge inlet channel 40c, the box sludge inlet channel 214a, the water storage chamber 20a, the flow channel air inlet 20c, the flow channel air outlet 20d, the box air extraction channel 212a, and the base air extraction channel 40a before entering the air pump. The sludge in the sludge collection tank then flows through the base sludge inlet channel 40c and the box sludge inlet channel 214a before being stored in the water storage chamber 20a.

[0054] In some embodiments, the base air extraction channel 40a has a filter section 40b, within which a filter element 43 is provided. The filter element 43 is formed of a porous material with adsorption properties, such as filter cotton. Thus, when the user flips the cleaning device to an inverted state, wastewater entering the base air extraction channel 40a is absorbed by the filter element 43, further preventing wastewater from entering the air pump. It is understood that the inner diameter of the filter section 40b can be much larger than the inner diameter of other parts of the base air extraction channel 40a, thereby providing ample space for the filter element 43.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the base 40 is provided with a mounting cover 45, which is detachably mounted on the base 40 and communicates with the filter section 40b. Therefore, the filter element 43 can be replaced by removing the mounting cover 45, thereby ensuring a good filtration effect.

[0056] The aforementioned water tank 20 and the cleaning equipment equipped therein, by setting the air inlet 20c of the air extraction channel 20b in the middle area of ​​the top of the water tank 20 and away from the side wall of the water storage chamber 20a, can effectively prevent the sewage sloshing in the water storage chamber 20a from entering the air extraction channel 20b when the cleaning equipment is rotating, overcoming obstacles, stopping suddenly or colliding. Thus, without significantly increasing manufacturing costs, it can effectively prevent sewage from entering the air pump, thereby effectively extending the service life of the cleaning equipment.

[0057] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0058] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water tank, characterized in that, The water tank has a water storage chamber (20a) and an air extraction channel (20b). The air extraction channel (20b) has an air inlet (20c) that connects to the water storage chamber (20a) and an air outlet (20d) that connects to the outside atmosphere. The water tank includes two long sides arranged opposite to each other. The top of the water tank has a first region and a second region arranged opposite to each other, as well as an intermediate region located between the first region and the second region. The air inlet (20c) of the flow channel is located in the intermediate region.

2. The water tank according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank includes two short sides arranged opposite each other, and the middle area includes a first sub-area and a second sub-area adjacent to the two short sides respectively, and a central area located between the first sub-area and the second sub-area; the air inlet (20c) of the flow channel is located in the central area.

3. The water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water tank includes a tank body (21) and a tank cover (22). The tank cover (22) is detachably fitted to one end of the tank body (21). The tank body (21) and the tank cover (22) together form the water storage cavity (20a). The tank cover (22) is located at the top of the water tank. The air extraction channel (20b) is formed on the side of the tank cover (22) facing the water storage cavity (20a).

4. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The tank cover (22) has a guide rib (221) protruding on the side facing the water storage cavity (20a). The water tank also includes a guide member (23). The guide member (23) covers the guide rib (221) to form the air extraction channel (20b) together with the guide rib (221). One end of the guide rib (221) has a notch to form the air inlet (20c) of the channel. The air outlet (20d) of the channel is formed on the guide member (23).

5. The water tank according to claim 4, characterized in that, The box (21) has a box exhaust pipe (212), and a box exhaust channel (212a) is formed inside the box exhaust pipe (212). When the box cover (22) is closed on the box (21), the box exhaust channel (212a) is connected to the air outlet (20d) of the flow channel and the outside atmosphere.

6. The water tank according to claim 5, characterized in that, The water tank also includes a first sealing element (24), one end of which is sleeved on the tank body air extraction pipe (212), and the other end of which is press-fitted against the flow guide (23) and surrounds the flow channel air outlet (20d).

7. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water tank also includes a second seal (25), which is installed on one of the tank cover (22) and the tank body (21) and is interference-fitted with the other of the tank body (21) and the tank cover (22).

8. The water tank according to claim 3, characterized in that, The box (21) is also provided with a box inlet pipe (214), and a box inlet channel (214a) is formed inside the box inlet pipe (214). The box inlet channel (214a) connects the water storage chamber (20a) with the outside atmosphere.

9. The water tank according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water tank also includes two detection elements (26), which are located on the top of the water tank and are staggered in both the long and short sides of the water tank.

10. A cleaning device, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes a water tank as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and further includes a base (40), the water tank being mounted on the base (40), the base (40) having a base air extraction channel (40a) communicating with the air extraction channel (20b).

11. The cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The base air extraction channel (40a) has a filter section (40b), and a filter element (43) is provided in the filter section (40b).

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