Universal wheel lifting assembly of sweeper and sweeper

Abstract

The utility model provides a universal wheel lifting assembly of a sweeper and the sweeper, and relates to the technical field of electrical equipment. The universal wheel lifting assembly comprises a power mechanism and a universal wheel mechanism. The power mechanism is suitable for being installed in a machine shell of the sweeper, the power mechanism comprises a power pump and a power cylinder which are in driving connection, the power cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a piston located in the cylinder body, the universal wheel mechanism is connected with the piston, the power pump is used for driving the piston to move in the cylinder body, and the power pump is used for driving the piston to move in the cylinder body. Therefore, the universal wheel mechanism is driven to extend and retract relative to the machine shell. Through the arrangement, when the sweeper meets an obstacle, the universal wheel mechanism can be driven by the power mechanism to retract relative to the machine shell, the obstacle can be conveniently avoided, and the obstacle crossing function of the sweeper is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and in particular to a universal wheel lifting assembly for a sweeper and the sweeper itself. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, sweeping machines are being used in an increasingly wide range of fields, bringing great convenience to people's lives and work.

[0003] Sweeping machines generally have drive wheels and swivel wheels. The drive wheels are used to rotate under the drive of a motor or other power device, providing stable and sufficient power for the sweeping machine to move. The swivel wheels can rotate freely 360° and, together with the drive wheels, enable the sweeping machine to turn flexibly.

[0004] There may be some obstacles in the cleaning area. If the cleaning area is small, the obstacles may become difficult to overcome due to the obstruction of the omnidirectional wheels during the robot vacuum's movement. This may cause the robot vacuum to get stuck in a certain area and be unable to move forward, affecting the normal use of the robot vacuum. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, this application provides a swivel wheel lifting assembly for a sweeping machine and a sweeping machine, which can realize the lifting movement of the swivel wheel to meet the obstacle crossing requirements of the sweeping machine.

[0006] Specifically, the following technical solutions are included:

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a universal wheel lifting assembly for a sweeping machine, the universal wheel lifting assembly including a power mechanism and a universal wheel mechanism;

[0008] The power mechanism is adapted to be installed inside the casing of the sweeper. The power mechanism includes a power pump and a power cylinder connected by a drive. The power cylinder includes a cylinder body and a piston located inside the cylinder body. The universal wheel mechanism is connected to the piston. The power pump is used to drive the piston to move within the cylinder body, thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism to extend and retract relative to the casing.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the caster mechanism includes a caster body and a connecting shaft, with a first end of the connecting shaft connected to the caster body and a second end of the connecting shaft passing through the piston and extending into the cylinder.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the caster mechanism further includes a bushing, which is sleeved around the periphery of the connecting shaft, and the piston is connected to the bushing and surrounds the periphery of the bushing.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the piston and the bushing are connected by threads.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the caster mechanism further includes a buffer element located at the first end of the connecting shaft and mounted on the outer wall of the bushing.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the buffer is a flexible element.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the power cylinder further includes a seal that is fitted around the piston and contacts the inner wall of the cylinder body.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the power pump is an air pump, and the power cylinder is a pneumatic cylinder.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a sweeping machine, which includes a housing and a universal wheel lifting assembly provided in any embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the power mechanism of the universal wheel lifting assembly is installed inside the housing.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the sweeper further includes a controller, the controller being electrically connected to the power mechanism.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application embodiment include at least the following: since the power pump and the power cylinder are driven and connected, and the universal wheel mechanism is connected to the piston of the power cylinder, the power pump can drive the piston to move in the cylinder body along the first direction, thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism to extend and retract relative to the machine housing. When the sweeper encounters an obstacle, the universal wheel mechanism can retract relative to the machine housing, making it easier to avoid obstacles and realize the obstacle-crossing function of the sweeper. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, 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 this application. 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 structure of the universal wheel lifting assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the universal wheel lifting assembly provided in this application embodiment when the universal wheel mechanism is in working state;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the universal wheel lifting assembly provided in the embodiments of this application when the universal wheel mechanism is in the raised state.

[0023] The reference numerals in the figure indicate:

[0024] 1-Power mechanism; 11-Power cylinder; 111-Cylinder body; 1111-Connecting hole; 112-Piston; 113-Seal; 12-Power pump;

[0025] 2-Wheel mechanism; 21-Wheel body; 211-Wheel housing; 2111-Mounting part; 212-Roller component; 22-Connecting shaft; 23-Shaft sleeve; 24-Buffer component;

[0026] 100 - Housing; 101 - Chassis; 102 - Receiving slot.

[0027] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] The directional terms used in the embodiments of this application, such as "up," "down," and "side," are generally based on the relative relationships shown in the figures. These directional terms are used merely to more clearly describe the relationships between structures, not to describe absolute directions. When the product is placed in different orientations, the orientation may change; for example, "up" and "down" may be interchanged.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used in the embodiments of this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0031] Sweeping machines generally have drive wheels and swivel wheels. The drive wheels are used to rotate under the drive of a motor or other power device, providing stable and sufficient power for the sweeping machine to move. The swivel wheels can rotate freely 360° and, together with the drive wheels, enable the sweeping machine to turn flexibly.

[0032] There may be some obstacles in the cleaning area. If the cleaning area is small, the obstacles may become difficult to overcome due to the obstruction of the omnidirectional wheels during the robot vacuum's movement. This may cause the robot vacuum to get stuck in a certain area and be unable to move forward, affecting the normal use of the robot vacuum.

[0033] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a swivel wheel lifting assembly for a sweeper and a sweeper, which enables the swivel wheel to lift and lower, thus meeting the obstacle-crossing requirements of the sweeper.

[0034] To make the technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the figure, this application embodiment provides a universal wheel lifting assembly for a sweeping machine, which includes a power mechanism 1 and a universal wheel mechanism 2.

[0036] The power mechanism 1 is adapted to be installed inside the housing 100 of the sweeper. The power mechanism 1 includes a power pump 12 and a power cylinder 11 connected by a drive. The power cylinder 11 includes a cylinder body 111 and a piston 112 located inside the cylinder body 111. The universal wheel mechanism 2 is connected to the piston 112. The power pump 12 is used to drive the piston 112 to move in the first direction Z inside the cylinder body 111, thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism 2 to extend and retract relative to the housing 100.

[0037] The power pump 12 is used to supply fluid into the cylinder body 111 of the power cylinder 11, and to pressurize or depressurize the fluid inside the cylinder body 111. The fluid can be liquid or gas, and the power pump 12 can be an air pump or a hydraulic pump. The power cylinder 11 is used to convert hydraulic or pneumatic energy into mechanical energy, and the power cylinder 11 can be a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0038] In one specific embodiment, the power pump 12 is an air pump, and the power cylinder 11 is a pneumatic cylinder.

[0039] In this embodiment, the power mechanism 1 uses air as the working medium, which is environmentally friendly and has a fast air flow speed, thereby increasing the transmission speed between the power pump 12 and the power cylinder 11 and avoiding the risk of liquid leakage during hydraulic transmission.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the cylinder body 111 has a connection hole 1111, which is adapted to be connected to one end of a pipe. The other end of the pipe is connected to the output end of the power pump 12. The power pump 12 delivers fluid into the cylinder body 111 through the pipe and the connection hole 1111 to control the pressure of the fluid in the cylinder body 111.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the power cylinder 11 is located inside the housing 100 of the sweeper, specifically fixed on the chassis 101 of the housing 100. The chassis 101 is recessed with a receiving groove 102. The universal wheel mechanism 2 is located on the side of the housing 100 near the ground and is at least partially housed in the receiving groove 102. The universal wheel mechanism 2 can rotate relative to the housing 100, thereby achieving 360° rotation and flexibly adjusting the moving direction of the sweeper.

[0042] The first direction Z is Figure 1 In the vertical direction, the caster wheel mechanism 2 is connected to the piston 112 and moves synchronously. The caster wheel mechanism 2 has a working state and a lifting state. Driven by the power pump 12, the caster wheel mechanism 2 can generate linear motion along the first direction Z, thereby switching between the working state and the lifting state, and extending or retracting relative to the housing 100.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the caster wheel mechanism 2 is in operation, the distance between the caster wheel mechanism 2 and the chassis 101 is relatively large, and the caster wheel mechanism 2 extends outward relative to the housing 100, thus enabling it to contact the ground and rotate flexibly on the ground; as Figure 3 As shown, when the universal wheel mechanism 2 is in the raised state, the distance between the universal wheel mechanism 2 and the chassis 101 is small. The universal wheel mechanism 2 retracts inward into the receiving groove 102 relative to the housing 100 and does not contact the ground, thereby avoiding obstacles under the chassis 101 and realizing the obstacle avoidance function of the sweeper.

[0044] When the power pump 12 pressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, the universal wheel mechanism 2 can extend and remain in the first direction Z away from the chassis 101, thereby switching and maintaining the working state; when the power pump 12 depressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, the universal wheel mechanism 2 can retract in the first direction Z towards the side closer to the chassis 101, thereby switching to the lifting state, at which time the body of the sweeper can be supported by the drive wheels.

[0045] For example, the sweeper also includes a controller that is electrically connected to the power mechanism 1, specifically, the controller is electrically connected to the power pump 12.

[0046] Optionally, the controller includes a main control chip, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, etc., and is used to control various actions of the sweeping machine.

[0047] By setting the controller to be electrically connected to the power mechanism 1, the controller can control the power mechanism 1, and thus control the universal wheel mechanism 2 to switch between working state and lifting state.

[0048] The robotic vacuum cleaner also includes a recognition module, which is electrically connected to the controller. The recognition module may include detection devices such as LiDAR, cameras, and sensors, and is used to collect environmental information and identify obstacles.

[0049] When the recognition module detects an obstacle, it sends a first electrical signal to the controller. After receiving the first electrical signal, the controller sends a second electrical signal to the power mechanism 1. After receiving the second electrical signal, the power mechanism 1 depressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, causing the piston 112 and the universal wheel mechanism 2 to move along the first direction Z to the side away from the ground. The universal wheel mechanism 2 switches to the lifting state, leaves the ground, and avoids the obstacle.

[0050] When the identification module recognizes that the sweeper has left the obstacle, the identification module sends a third electrical signal to the controller. After receiving the third electrical signal, the controller sends a fourth electrical signal to the power mechanism 1. After receiving the fourth electrical signal, the power mechanism 1 pressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, causing the piston 112 and the universal wheel mechanism 2 to move along the first direction Z towards the side closer to the ground. The universal wheel mechanism 2 switches to the working state and contacts the ground.

[0051] The universal wheel lifting assembly provided in this application embodiment is driven by the power pump 12 and the power cylinder 11, and the universal wheel mechanism 2 is connected to the piston 112 of the power cylinder 11. Therefore, the power pump 12 can drive the piston 112 to move in the first direction Z in the cylinder body 111, thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism 2 to extend and retract relative to the housing 100. When the sweeper encounters an obstacle, the universal wheel mechanism 2 can retract relative to the housing 100 to facilitate obstacle avoidance and realize the obstacle-crossing function of the sweeper.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the universal wheel mechanism 2 includes a universal wheel body 21 and a connecting shaft 22. The first end of the connecting shaft 22 is connected to the universal wheel body 21, and the second end of the connecting shaft 22 passes through the piston 112 and extends into the cylinder 111.

[0053] Specifically, the connecting shaft 22 extends along the first direction Z. The universal wheel body 21 includes a universal wheel housing 211 and a roller component 212 connected together. A mounting part 2111 is provided inside the universal wheel housing 211. The first end of the connecting shaft 22 is fixed on the mounting part 2111, and the second end of the connecting shaft 22 is coaxially and fixedly connected to the piston 112. The connecting shaft 22 and the piston 112 can move synchronously, and can move linearly along the first direction Z in the cylinder 111, and can also rotate around the central axis relative to the housing 100.

[0054] Furthermore, the universal wheel mechanism 2 also includes a bushing 23, which is sleeved around the connecting shaft 22. The piston 112 is connected to the bushing 23 and surrounds the bushing 23.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the lower end of the bushing 23 is fixed on the mounting part 2111, and the upper end of the bushing 23 is located in the cylinder body 111. The bushing 23 is fixedly connected to the piston 112 and the connecting shaft 22 respectively.

[0056] Optionally, the connecting shaft 22 and the bushing 23 are interference-fitted.

[0057] By setting the bushing 23, the connecting shaft 22 can be protected, reducing wear and friction on the connecting shaft 22 and improving the durability and reliability of the universal wheel mechanism 2.

[0058] In one embodiment, the piston 112 is connected to the bushing 23 by a thread.

[0059] Specifically, the outer circumferential surface of the bushing 23 is provided with an external thread, and the piston 112 is provided with an internal thread. The external thread and the internal thread cooperate to realize the connection between the piston 112 and the bushing 23. The structure is simple, the connection is reliable, and it is convenient to disassemble and install, thus improving the efficiency of maintenance.

[0060] In one embodiment, the universal wheel mechanism 2 further includes a buffer 24, which is located at the first end of the connecting shaft 22 and mounted on the outer wall of the bushing 23.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the buffer 24 is disposed in the lower region of the connecting shaft 22. The buffer 24 is located outside the cylinder body 111 and inside the receiving groove 102.

[0062] For example, the buffer 24 is ring-shaped and sleeved around the periphery of the connector.

[0063] By setting the buffer 24, the buffer and shock absorption effect is achieved. When the universal wheel mechanism 2 switches from the working state to the lifting state, the buffer 24 can contact the chassis 101 of the housing 100. It not only plays a limiting role, stopping the universal wheel mechanism 2 from lifting, but also reduces the impact between the bushing 23 and the chassis 101, and protects the connecting shaft 22 and the universal wheel body 21.

[0064] Furthermore, the buffer 24 is a flexible component.

[0065] For example, the buffer 24 is made of a flexible or elastic material such as rubber, silicone, plastic, or foam.

[0066] By setting the buffer 24 as a flexible component, the buffering and shock absorption capacity of the buffer 24 is further improved, and it also helps to reduce the collision noise between the chassis 101 and the universal wheel mechanism 2.

[0067] In one embodiment, the power cylinder 11 further includes a seal 113, which is sleeved around the piston 112 and contacts the inner wall of the cylinder body 111.

[0068] For example, the seal 113 is a waterproof sealing ring. The seal 113 is tightly fitted around the piston 112 and presses against the inner wall of the cylinder 111, so that a sealed space is formed inside the cylinder 111, ensuring that the power pump 12 efficiently drives the piston 112 and the universal wheel mechanism 2 to move.

[0069] Optionally, there are multiple seals 113, which are arranged along the axial direction of the piston 112 to further improve the sealing effect.

[0070] This application also provides a sweeping machine, which includes a housing 100 and a universal wheel lifting assembly provided in any of the above embodiments. The power mechanism 1 of the universal wheel lifting assembly is installed inside the housing 100.

[0071] The side of the housing 100 closest to the ground forms a chassis 101, and the chassis 101 is recessed to form a receiving groove 102, in which the caster wheel mechanism 2 is at least partially housed.

[0072] The sweeper provided in this application embodiment is driven by the power pump 12 and the power cylinder 11, and the universal wheel mechanism 2 is connected to the piston 112 of the power cylinder 11. Therefore, the power pump 12 can drive the piston 112 to move in the first direction Z in the cylinder 111, thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism 2 to extend and retract relative to the housing 100. When the sweeper encounters an obstacle, the universal wheel mechanism 2 can retract relative to the housing 100 to facilitate obstacle avoidance and realize the obstacle-crossing function of the sweeper.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the sweeper also includes a controller electrically connected to the power mechanism 1, specifically, the controller is electrically connected to the power pump 12.

[0074] Optionally, the controller includes a main control chip, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, etc., and is used to control various actions of the sweeping machine.

[0075] By setting the controller to be electrically connected to the power mechanism 1, the controller can control the power mechanism 1 according to the working conditions of the sweeper, and then control the universal wheel mechanism 2 to switch between the working state and the lifting state.

[0076] Specifically, the robot vacuum cleaner also includes a recognition module, which is electrically connected to the controller. The recognition module may include detection devices such as LiDAR, cameras, and sensors, and is used to collect environmental information and identify obstacles.

[0077] When the recognition module detects an obstacle, it sends a first electrical signal to the controller. After receiving the first electrical signal, the controller sends a second electrical signal to the power mechanism 1. After receiving the second electrical signal, the power mechanism 1 depressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, causing the piston 112 and the universal wheel mechanism 2 to move along the first direction Z to the side away from the ground. The universal wheel mechanism 2 switches to the lifting state, leaves the ground, and avoids the obstacle.

[0078] When the identification module recognizes that the sweeper has left the obstacle, the identification module sends a third electrical signal to the controller. After receiving the third electrical signal, the controller sends a fourth electrical signal to the power mechanism 1. After receiving the fourth electrical signal, the power mechanism 1 pressurizes the fluid in the cylinder 111, causing the piston 112 and the universal wheel mechanism 2 to move along the first direction Z towards the side closer to the ground. The universal wheel mechanism 2 switches to the working state and contacts the ground.

[0079] In this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0080] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only.

[0081] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal wheel lifting assembly of a floor sweeping machine, characterized in that, The universal wheel lifting assembly includes a power mechanism (1) and a universal wheel mechanism (2); The power mechanism (1) is adapted to be installed in the housing (100) of the sweeper. The power mechanism (1) includes a power pump (12) and a power cylinder (11) connected by a drive. The power cylinder (11) includes a cylinder body (111) and a piston (112) located in the cylinder body (111). The universal wheel mechanism (2) is connected to the piston (112). The power pump (12) is used to drive the piston (112) to move in the cylinder body (111), thereby causing the universal wheel mechanism (2) to extend and retract relative to the housing (100).

2. The caster wheel lift assembly of claim 1, wherein, The universal wheel mechanism (2) includes a universal wheel body (21) and a connecting shaft (22). The first end of the connecting shaft (22) is connected to the universal wheel body (21), and the second end of the connecting shaft (22) passes through the piston (112) and extends into the cylinder (111).

3. The omni-wheel lift assembly of claim 2, wherein, The universal wheel mechanism (2) also includes a bushing (23), which is sleeved around the periphery of the connecting shaft (22). The piston (112) is connected to the bushing (23) and the piston (112) surrounds the periphery of the bushing (23).

4. The universal wheel lifting assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The piston (112) and the bushing (23) are connected by threads.

5. The omni-wheel lift assembly of claim 3, wherein, The universal wheel mechanism (2) also includes a buffer (24), which is located at the first end of the connecting shaft (22) and installed on the outer wall of the bushing (23).

6. The omni-wheel lift assembly of claim 5, wherein, The buffer (24) is a flexible component.

7. The castering wheel lift assembly of claim 1, wherein, The power cylinder (11) also includes a seal (113), which is sleeved around the piston (112) and contacts the inner wall of the cylinder body (111).

8. The castering wheel lift assembly of claim 1, wherein, The power pump (12) is an air pump, and the power cylinder (11) is a pneumatic cylinder.

9. A robot vacuum cleaner characterised in that, The sweeper includes a housing (100) and a universal wheel lifting assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the power mechanism (1) of the universal wheel lifting assembly is installed inside the housing (100).

10. The robot of claim 9, wherein, The sweeper also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the power mechanism (1).

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