Automatic pool cleaning device and external charger

Abstract

The utility model provides a pool automatic cleaning device and an external charger, the pool automatic cleaning device comprises a host, the host comprises a control unit and a socket; the socket can be connected with an external charger and supplies power to the host, the socket comprises a signal pin, and under the condition that the socket is connected with the external charger, the control unit can read a connection signal through the signal pin and identify the type of the external charger through the connection signal. According to the utility model, the signal pin is arranged on the socket, and when the socket is connected with the external charger, the control unit identifies the type of the external charger through the connection signal read by the signal pin, so that the socket is convenient to use.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of cleaning devices, in particular to a pool automatic cleaning device and an external charger. BACKGROUND

[0002] The current pool automatic cleaning robot can only stop at the original place in standby mode for charging under different charging modes, and cannot enter different working modes under different charging modes. Therefore, how to effectively identify the charging mode of the pool automatic cleaning robot and make the pool automatic cleaning robot enter different working modes under different charging modes is a problem to be solved. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and to provide a pool automatic cleaning device, which can effectively identify the charging mode by setting a signal pin on the socket and identifying the type of the external charger through the connection signal read by the control unit.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present application, an external charger for powering the above-mentioned pool automatic cleaning device is provided.

[0005] In one aspect of the present application, a pool automatic cleaning device is provided, comprising: a host, wherein the host comprises a control unit and a socket; the socket can be connected with an external charger and power the host, wherein the socket comprises a signal pin, and when the socket is connected with the external charger, the control unit can read a connection signal through the signal pin and identify the type of the external charger through the connection signal.

[0006] Further, after identifying the type of the external charger, the control unit can control the pool automatic cleaning device to enter a corresponding working mode according to the type of the external charger.

[0007] Further, wherein the corresponding working mode comprises a cleaning operation mode and a standby mode, wherein if the control unit identifies that the type of the external charger is a solar charger, the control unit can control the pool automatic cleaning device to enter the cleaning operation mode; and if the control unit identifies that the type of the external charger is a power adapter, the control unit can control the pool automatic cleaning device to enter the standby mode.

[0008] Further, the socket further comprises at least one power supply pin.

[0009] Further, the socket supports at least two different types of external chargers.

[0010] Furthermore, the connection signal comes from one of the three pins in the external charger: the positive pin, the negative pin, and the unconnected pin.

[0011] Furthermore, the control unit includes a signal detection subunit, wherein the signal detection subunit is electrically connected to the signal pin, and the signal detection subunit is capable of preprocessing the connection signal from the signal pin.

[0012] Furthermore, after preprocessing the signal pins, the signal detection subunit identifies the type of the external charger by the different received connection signals.

[0013] This application also provides an external charger for powering the automatic pool cleaning device described in any embodiment of this application, wherein the external charger includes a plug for connecting to the socket of the automatic pool cleaning device, and the plug includes a positive pin, a negative pin, and an unconnected pin.

[0014] Furthermore, the unconnected pin is set to be unconnected and connected to either the positive pin or the negative pin.

[0015] The embodiments described in this application have the following beneficial effects:

[0016] The automatic pool cleaning device and external charger provided in this application, by setting a signal pin on the socket that can be connected to the external charger, the control unit identifies the type of the external charger by reading the connection signal through the signal pin, realizes effective identification of the charging mode, and adjusts the working mode of the automatic pool cleaning device according to the identified charging mode, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The accompanying drawings in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0018] Figure 1 The schematic diagram illustrates the component relationships of an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 2A This schematic diagram illustrates the connection relationship between an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present application and a solar charger in an external charger.

[0020] Figure 2B This diagram schematically illustrates the connection relationship between an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application and a power adapter in an external charger.

[0021] Figure 2CThis schematic diagram illustrates the connection relationship between an automatic pool cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application and other chargers in an external charger;

[0022] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the structure of an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application, in conjunction with a solar charger.

[0023] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0024] 1. Main unit; 11. Control unit; 111. Signal detection subunit; 12. Socket; 121. Signal pin; 122. Power supply pin; 2. External charger; 21. Solar charger; 22. Power adapter; 23. Plug; 231. Positive pin; 232. Negative pin; 233. Unconnected pin. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions in this application will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.

[0026] This application provides an automatic pool cleaning device and an external charger for powering the automatic pool cleaning device. The automatic pool cleaning device of this application is capable of cleaning a pool. The pool is, for example, a pool-shaped structure. The pool-shaped structure can be a swimming pool, a water storage tank, a spa pool, a water tank, a water storage trough, etc. The automatic pool cleaning device can be a device such as an automatic cleaning device or an automatic pool cleaning robot, capable of cleaning the pool-shaped structure. This application does not limit the specific presentation of the automatic pool cleaning device or the pool-shaped structure, as long as the principle of this application is achieved. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a robot will be used as an example of the automatic pool cleaning device, and a swimming pool will be used as an example of a pool or pool-shaped structure.

[0027] The automatic water tank cleaning device of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the component relationships of an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application, specifically illustrating the component relationships of the main unit, control unit, socket, external charger, etc. of the automatic water tank cleaning device. Figure 2A The diagram illustrates the connection relationship between the automatic pool cleaning device and the solar charger in the external charger according to an embodiment of this application.Figure 2B The diagram illustrates the connection relationship between the automatic pool cleaning device and the power adapter in the external charger according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2C The diagram illustrates the connection relationship between an automatic pool cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application and other chargers in an external charger, that is, it illustrates the connection relationship between the automatic pool cleaning device and the power adapter. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the structure of an automatic water tank cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application, in conjunction with a solar charger.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, this application provides an automatic pool cleaning device, including: a main unit 1, wherein the main unit 1 includes a control unit 11 and a socket 12; the socket 12 is capable of connecting to an external charger 2 and supplying power to the main unit 1, wherein the socket 12 includes a signal pin 121, and when the socket 12 is connected to the external charger 2, the control unit 11 is capable of reading a connection signal through the signal pin 121 and identifying the type of the external charger 2 through the connection signal.

[0030] The main unit 1 is the main component of the automatic water tank cleaning device, and may include components such as a housing, a handle, and a drain outlet. Those skilled in the art can select and configure the components constituting the main unit 1 according to the principles of this application, as long as the technical principles of this application are implemented.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the host 1 is equipped with a control unit 11 and a socket 12. The socket 12 includes a signal pin 121, which can be connected to an external charger 2 to supply power to the host 1. When the socket 12 is connected to the external charger 2, the signal pin 121 reads the connection signal of the external charger 2 and transmits it to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 identifies the type of the external charger 2 based on the connection signal of the signal pin 121.

[0032] After identifying the type of the external charger 2, the control unit 11 can control the automatic pool cleaning device to enter the corresponding working mode according to the type of the external charger 2. The corresponding working mode may include a cleaning operation mode and a standby mode. Specifically, if the control unit 11 identifies the type of the external charger 2 as a solar charger 21, the control unit 11 can control the automatic pool cleaning device to enter the cleaning operation mode; and if the control unit 11 identifies the type of the external charger 2 as a power adapter 22, the control unit 11 can control the automatic pool cleaning device to enter the standby mode.

[0033] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the solar charger 21 and power adapter 22 in the external charger 2 can both be used with the socket 12 on the host 1; when the external charger 2 is connected to the socket 12, the control unit 11 identifies the type of the external charger 2 and controls the automatic water tank cleaning device to enter the corresponding working mode according to the type of the external charger 2.

[0034] When the external charger 2 is a solar charger 21, the solar charger 21 is mainly based on the photovoltaic principle. Its surface is usually covered with solar panels made of semiconductor materials such as monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon, and thin films. These materials can absorb photons in sunlight. When sunlight shines on the solar panel, the photon energy is absorbed by the semiconductor materials and converted into electrical energy. Through the design of the solar charger 21 circuit, the generated current is supplied to the automatic water tank cleaning device for charging through its output terminal. Figure 3 As shown, the solar charger 21 may include a solar panel that can float on or near the water surface and charge the main unit 1 when there is sunlight. The solar charger 21 can be connected to the main unit 1 (e.g., via a cable or connecting rod), so the solar charger 21 can move with the main unit 1. Therefore, the robot can perform cleaning tasks while being charged by the solar charger 21. That is, if the control unit 11 recognizes that the external charger 2 is a solar charger 21, the control unit 11 can control the automatic pool cleaning device to enter the cleaning operation mode, charging and cleaning the pool simultaneously.

[0035] It should be understood that the solar charger 21 includes components such as a housing, control circuit, and plug. Those skilled in the art can select and configure the components constituting the solar charger 21 according to the principles of this application, as long as the technical principles of this application are implemented.

[0036] When the external charger 2 is a power adapter 22, the power adapter 22 first converts the incoming AC mains power into pulsed DC power, and then uses a filter capacitor to filter the pulsed DC power to reduce voltage fluctuations. Since the battery voltage of the automatic pool cleaning device is low, while the mains voltage is high, a transformer is needed to reduce the voltage before outputting stable DC power to charge the automatic pool cleaning device. The power adapter 22 primarily converts AC mains power, and because it is connected to the mains power supply circuit, its position is relatively fixed (e.g., fixed to the pool wall or bottom). When the robot's socket 12 is connected to the power adapter 22, the robot's movement space is limited; it can only move in place or within a small range. Even if the power adapter 22's cable has a certain length, the robot's range of movement is still limited by the cable's length. Therefore, the robot cannot clean while charging; that is, the robot can only standby in place during the charging time. Therefore, if the control unit 11 recognizes that the external charger 2 is a power adapter 22, the control unit 11 can control the automatic pool cleaning device to enter the standby mode.

[0037] It should be understood that, in order to improve efficiency and reduce size, the power adapter 22 will adopt switching power supply technology, that is, control the conversion of electrical energy by turning on and off a high-frequency switch. However, this application does not limit the power adapter 22. Those skilled in the art can configure the power adapter 22 according to the principle of this application, as long as the technical principle of this application can be realized.

[0038] In one embodiment, the socket 12 further includes at least one power supply pin 122.

[0039] Specifically, in addition to the quotation mark pin 121, the socket 12 also includes at least one power supply pin 122, which can be a positive pin and a negative pin, or a power supply pin used to transmit other signals.

[0040] It should be understood that the number of power supply pins varies depending on the model and type of the automatic water tank cleaning device, and this application does not limit it. As long as the technical principle of this application can be realized, it falls within the protection scope of this application.

[0041] In one embodiment, the connection signal comes from one of the three pins 231, 232, and 233 of the external charger 2.

[0042] The control unit 11 includes a signal detection subunit 111, which is electrically connected to the signal pin 121 and is capable of preprocessing the connection signal from the signal pin 121. After preprocessing the signal pin 121, the signal detection subunit 111 identifies the type of the external charger 2 based on the different received connection signals.

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the automatic water tank cleaning device includes a signal detection subunit 111, which is electrically connected to the signal pin 121. The socket 12 is connected to the external charger 2. The positive pin 231 and negative pin 232 of the external charger 2 correspond to the positive and negative pins of the power supply pin 122 in the socket 12, respectively. One of the three pins of the external charger 2—positive pin 231, negative pin 232, and unconnected pin 233—generates a connection signal. The signal pin 121 receives the connection signal. The signal detection subunit 111 preprocesses the connection signal from the signal pin 121 and identifies the type of the external charger 2 based on the different received connection signals.

[0044] In one embodiment, when the external charger 2 is connected to the socket 12, the positive pin 231 and negative pin 232 of the external charger 2 correspond to the positive and negative terminals of the power supply pin 122 in the socket 12, respectively. When the positive pin 231 of the external charger 2 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121, that is, the connection signal comes from the positive pin 231, i.e., a high-level connection signal, the signal detection subunit 111 can preprocess the connection signal, i.e., the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes the connection signal as a high-level signal and determines the type of the external charger 2 based on the signal. When the unconnected pin 233 of the external charger 2 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121, that is, the connection signal comes from the unconnected pin 233, i.e., an empty-level connection signal, the signal detection subunit 111 can preprocess the connection signal, i.e., the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes the connection signal as an empty-level signal and determines the type of the external charger 2 based on the signal. When the negative pin 232 of the external charger 2 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121, that is, the connection signal comes from the negative pin 232, which is a low-level connection signal, the signal detection subunit 111 can preprocess the connection signal, that is, the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes that the connection signal is a low-level signal and determines the type of the external charger 2 based on the signal.

[0045] For reference Figure 2A The following explanation uses the generation of a connection signal on the positive pin 231 as an example. Figure 2AAs shown, when the external charger 2 is a solar charger 21, the positive pin 231 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121. The connection signal of the signal pin 121 is a high-level connection signal. The signal detection subunit 111 preprocesses the connection signal from the signal pin 121. That is, the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes that the connection signal is a high-level signal and identifies the type of the external charger 2 as a solar charger 21 through the received connection signal.

[0046] like Figure 2B As shown, the explanation uses the generation of a connection signal on the negative pin 232 as an example. Figure 2B As shown, when the external charger 2 is a power adapter 22, the negative pin 232 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121. The connection signal of the signal pin 121 is a low-level connection signal. The signal detection subunit 111 preprocesses the connection signal from the signal pin 121. That is, the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes that the connection signal is a low-level signal and identifies the type of the external charger 2 as a power adapter 22 through the received connection signal.

[0047] like Figure 2C As shown, the example of generating a connection signal using an unconnected pin 233 will be used for illustration. Figure 2B As shown, when the external charger 2 is another external charger, the unconnected pin 233 is electrically connected to the signal pin 121. The connection signal of the signal pin 121 is an empty level connection signal. The signal detection subunit 111 preprocesses the connection signal from the signal pin 121. That is, the signal detection subunit 111 recognizes that the connection signal is an empty level signal and identifies the type of the external charger 2 as another external charger by the received connection signal.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the signal detection subunit 111 preprocesses the connection signal from the signal pin 121. This preprocessing can be achieved by the signal detection subunit 111 outputting different level signals to the signal pin 121 after the host is connected to the external charger 2, and then detecting the signals on the signal pin 121 to identify the type of the external charger. For example, the signal detection subunit 111 outputs a high-level signal and a low-level signal to the signal pin 121 sequentially. If the returned signal from the signal pin 121 is two low-level signals, it is identified that the unconnected pin 233 of the external charger 2 is connected to the negative pin 232; if the returned signal from the signal pin 121 is two high-level signals, it is identified that the unconnected pin 233 of the external charger 2 is connected to the positive pin 231; if the returned signal from the signal pin 121 is two low-level signals, it is identified that the unconnected pin 233 of the external charger 2 is set to unconnected. This process thus identifies different types of external chargers.

[0049] In one embodiment, the socket 12 supports at least two different types of external chargers 2.

[0050] As described above, the external charger 2 can be a solar charger 21 or a power adapter 22, and the robot can enter different working modes depending on the external charger 2 used. In practical use, the external charger 2 can also be other AC chargers, which are similar to the power adapter 22, typically using AC mains input and then outputting DC voltage and current suitable for the automatic pool cleaning device to charge it.

[0051] External charger 2 can also be an inductive charger, which mainly utilizes the principle of electromagnetic induction. The inductive charger has a transmitter, i.e., a charging board, and a receiver matched with the internal equipment of the automatic pool cleaning device. When the automatic pool cleaning device is close to the inductive charger, the coil in the inductive charger generates an alternating magnetic field. The coil inside the automatic pool cleaning device senses the change in the magnetic field, thereby generating a current. After rectification and voltage regulation, the current charges the battery.

[0052] It should be understood that the above-mentioned solar charger, power adapter, other AC charger and inductive charger are only examples of external charger 2 and are not intended to limit external charger 2. Those skilled in the art can extend external charger 2 based on the principles of this application, as long as the technical principles of this application can be realized.

[0053] This application also provides an external charger. The external charger 2 is used to power the automatic pool cleaning device described in any embodiment of this application, wherein the external charger 2 includes a plug 23 for connecting to the socket 12 of the automatic pool cleaning device, and the plug 23 includes a positive pin 231, a negative pin 232, and an unconnected pin 233.

[0054] The unconnected pin 233 is configured to be unconnected and is connected to either the positive pin 231 or the negative pin 232.

[0055] Specifically, the external charger 2 includes a plug 23, which can be connected to the socket 12 of the automatic sink cleaning device to supply power to the device. The plug 23 includes a positive pin 231, a negative pin 232, and a disconnected pin 233. The positive pin 231 can be connected to the positive pin of the power supply pin 122 in the socket 12, and the negative pin 232 can be connected to the negative pin of the power supply pin 122 in the socket 12. The disconnected pin 233 can be left unconnected or connected to either the positive pin 231 or the negative pin 232 (see references respectively).Figures 2A to 2C If the unconnected pin 233 is connected to the positive pin 231 and then electrically connected to the signal pin 121 in the socket 12, the connection signal of the signal pin 121 is a high-level connection signal; if the unconnected pin 233 is connected to the negative pin 232 and then electrically connected to the signal pin 121 in the socket 12, the connection signal of the signal pin 121 is a low-level connection signal; if the unconnected pin 233 is unconnected (neither connected to the positive pin 231 nor the negative pin 232) and electrically connected to the signal pin 121 in the socket 12, the connection signal of the signal pin 121 is an empty-level connection signal.

[0056] It should be understood that the external charger also includes components such as a housing and control circuitry. Those skilled in the art can select and configure the components constituting the external charger based on the principles of this application, as long as the technical principles of this application are implemented.

[0057] It should be noted that the order of the embodiments described above is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0058] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] In this application, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "up" and "down" are generally used in relation to the direction shown in the accompanying drawings, or in relation to the vertical, perpendicular, or gravitational direction; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "left" and "right" are generally used in relation to the left and right shown in the accompanying drawings; "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself, but the above directional terms are not intended to limit this application.

[0061] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope described in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An automatic pool cleaning device comprising: A host (1), wherein The host (1) comprises a control unit (11) and a socket (12); The socket (12) is connectable with an external charger (2) and supplies power to the host (1), wherein the socket (12) comprises a signal pin (121), and, In the case that the socket (12) is connected with the external charger (2), the control unit (11) is capable of reading a connection signal through the signal pin (121) and identifying the type of the external charger (2) through the connection signal.

2. The pool cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein, After identifying the type of the external charger (2), the control unit (11) is capable of controlling the pool automatic cleaning device to enter a corresponding working mode according to the type of the external charger (2).

3. The pool cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The corresponding working mode comprises a cleaning operation mode and a standby mode, wherein, If the control unit (11) identifies that the type of the external charger (2) is a solar charger (21), the control unit (11) is capable of controlling the pool automatic cleaning device to enter the cleaning operation mode; and If the control unit (11) identifies that the type of the external charger (2) is a power adapter (22), the control unit (11) is capable of controlling the pool automatic cleaning device to enter the standby mode.

4. The pool cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The socket (12) further comprises at least one power supply pin (122).

5. The pool cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The socket (12) supports at least two different types of external chargers (2).

6. The pool cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The connection signal is from one of the positive pin (231), the negative pin (232), and the empty pin (233) in the external charger.

7. The pool cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The control unit (11) comprises a signal detection subunit (111), wherein the signal detection subunit (111) is electrically connected with the signal pin (121), and the signal detection subunit (111) is capable of preprocessing the connection signal from the signal pin (121).

8. The pool cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein, The signal detection subunit (111) identifies the type of the external charger (2) through different received connection signals after preprocessing the signal pin (121).

9. An external charger for powering the pool automatic cleaning device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The external charger (2) comprises a plug (23) for connecting the socket (12) of the pool automatic cleaning device, and the plug (23) comprises a positive pin (231), a negative pin (232), and an empty pin (233).

10. The external charger of claim 9, wherein, The empty pin (233) is set to be empty, and is connected with any one of the positive pin (231) and the negative pin (232).

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