Separating device and cleaning robot

Abstract

This application provides a separation device and a cleaning robot. The separation device includes a housing assembly, a filter screen, a filter assembly, and a cyclone separator. The housing assembly has a cavity for accommodating the filter screen, the filter assembly, and the cyclone separator, and has an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the cavity. The filter screen is disposed around the periphery of the cyclone separator, and the filter assembly is surrounded by filter holes, with the air outlet of the cyclone separator located within the filter holes. When the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, the airflow flowing into the air inlet passes through the filter screen into the cyclone separator, flows into the filter holes from the air outlet, passes through the filter assembly in a direction away from the filter holes, and flows towards the air outlet. This arrangement reduces the stacking height of the filter assembly and the cyclone separator along the filter hole axial direction, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the separation device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A separation device is a mechanical device used to separate air from impurities such as dust or garbage, and is commonly used in cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. However, most separation devices on the market are relatively large, causing them to occupy a lot of space in the cleaning equipment, which limits their application. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a separation device for a cleaning robot. The separation device includes a housing assembly, a filter screen, a filter assembly, and a cyclone separator. The housing assembly has a receiving cavity for accommodating the filter screen, the filter assembly, and the cyclone separator, and has an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the receiving cavity. The filter screen is disposed around the periphery of the cyclone separator, and the filter assembly is surrounded by filter holes. The air outlet of the cyclone separator is located within the filter holes. When the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, the airflow flowing into the air inlet passes through the filter screen and enters the cyclone separator, flows into the filter holes from the air outlet, passes through the filter assembly in a direction away from the filter holes, and flows to the air outlet.

[0004] This application also provides a cleaning robot, which includes a body and the above-mentioned separation device, wherein the separation device is detachably connected to the body.

[0005] The separation device provided in this application has a filter assembly with filter holes, and the outlet end of the cyclone separator is located inside the filter holes. This allows the outlet end of the cyclone separator to overlap with the filter assembly in the radial direction of the filter holes. This reduces the stacking height of the filter assembly and the cyclone separator in the axial direction of the filter holes, thereby helping to achieve a miniaturized design of the separation device. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the separation device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation device along section line V-V;

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation device along section line VI-VI;

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation device along section line VII-VII;

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the middle housing assembly;

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the middle fixed bracket;

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the connection structure between the fixed bracket and the filter screen;

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle;

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the fixed support, filter assembly, and cyclone separator.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning robot provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0019] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0020] Please see Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the separation device 10 provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation device 10 along section line V-V. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the separation device 10 along section line VI-VI.

[0021] This application provides a separation device 10 for use in a cleaning robot. This separation device 10 can be used to separate air from impurities, such as separating air from hair, food scraps, and other garbage, and separating air from dust or particulate matter. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the separation device 10 may include a housing assembly 100, a filter assembly 200, and a cyclone separator 300. The housing assembly 100 can accommodate the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300, and airflow can flow into the housing assembly 100, sequentially through the cyclone separator 300 and the filter assembly 200, and then flow out of the housing assembly 100. The filter assembly 200 can be connected to the cyclone separator 300 and can filter the airflow flowing out of the cyclone separator 300, while the cyclone separator 300 separates impurities carried in the airflow that can flow into the housing assembly 100.

[0022] The housing assembly 100 may have a receiving cavity 101 that accommodates the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300, and this receiving cavity 101 may also contain impurities separated in the airflow. For example... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing assembly 100 may include a bottom shell 110 and a top cover 120. The bottom shell 110 may be a hollow structure with an opening on one side, while the top cover 120 may be placed over the opening of the bottom shell 110 and cover the opening, thus forming the aforementioned receiving cavity 101 together with the bottom shell 110. In this embodiment, the bottom shell 110 and the top cover 120 are detachably connected, and the filter assembly 200 is detachably disposed within the receiving cavity 101 to facilitate user replacement of the filter assembly 200.

[0023] The housing assembly 100 has an air inlet 102 and an air outlet 103 connected to the receiving cavity 101. When the separation device 10 is performing cleaning operations, i.e., when the cleaning robot is in cleaning mode, airflow enters the receiving cavity 101 through the air inlet 102, flows sequentially through the cyclone separator 300 and the filter assembly 200, then flows to the air outlet 103 and exits the receiving cavity 101 from the air outlet 103. During this process, the cyclone separator 300 and the filter assembly 200 sequentially separate impurities carried in the airflow to prevent impurities from entering the fan connected to the air outlet 103 and affecting the normal operation of the fan.

[0024] The housing assembly 100 also has a dust collection port 104 communicating with the receiving cavity 101. When impurities contained within the receiving cavity 101 need to be discharged, which is also when the cleaning robot is in dust collection mode, airflow can enter the receiving cavity 101 from the air inlet 102 and the air outlet 103, flow through the space containing impurities in the receiving cavity 101, and then flow out of the receiving cavity 101 from the dust collection port 104. During this process, the impurities contained in the receiving cavity 101 can be discharged from the dust collection port 104 under the influence of the airflow.

[0025] The housing assembly 100 has an outer annular surface 111 facing away from the receiving cavity 101, and an inner annular surface 112 disposed opposite to the outer annular surface 111. For example... Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the top cover 120 has a top surface 121 facing the bottom shell 110, and the bottom shell 110 has a bottom surface 113 facing the top surface 121, and has the aforementioned outer annular surface 111 and inner annular surface 112. The outer annular surface 111 and the inner annular surface 112 are both arranged around the bottom surface 113.

[0026] The air inlet 102, air outlet 103, and dust collection port 104 are all disposed on the outer annular surface 111 and the inner annular surface 112, and the heights of the air inlet 102, air outlet 103, and dust collection port 104 in the reference direction Z may be inconsistent. Specifically, the height of the air inlet 102 in the reference direction Z may be higher than the height of the dust collection port 104, and the height of the air outlet 103 in the reference direction Z may be higher than the height of the air inlet 102. That is, in the reference direction Z, the air inlet 102 may be located between the air outlet 103 and the dust collection port 104. In this embodiment, the aforementioned reference direction Z can be the direction from the bottom surface 113 to the top surface 121, and may be perpendicular to both the bottom surface 113 and the top surface 121.

[0027] Understandably, the inconsistent heights of the air inlet 102, air outlet 103, and dust collection port 104 in the reference direction Z reduce the probability of mutual interference among them, allowing the airflow to flow in a predetermined direction within the receiving cavity 101. Simultaneously, it also allows impurities to be better separated from the airflow under the influence of gravity.

[0028] The receiving cavity 101 includes a dust collection space 1012 and an air outlet space 1013. The bottom surface 113 serves as the bottom wall of the dust collection space 1012, which collects impurities separated from the airflow. The air outlet space 1013 can be located on the side of the dust collection space 1012 opposite to the bottom surface 113. Simultaneously, the air outlet space 1012 connects the air outlet 103 and the filter assembly 200, allowing the airflow filtered by the filter assembly 200 to flow more smoothly from the air outlet space 1012 to the air outlet 103.

[0029] In some embodiments, the design of the air outlet space 1013 can be omitted, and the air outlet 103 can be directly connected to the filter assembly 200. For example, the air outlet side of the filter assembly 200 can cover the air outlet 103 on the inner annular surface 112, so that the air outlet 103 can be directly connected to the filter assembly 200. In this case, the airflow from the air outlet side of the filter assembly 200 can flow out directly through the air outlet 103, so the design of the air outlet space 1013 can be omitted.

[0030] In some embodiments, the cleaning robot may further include a suction component. The suction component may be disposed at and connected to the air outlet 103, and the suction component may perform suction, allowing airflow to flow from the air inlet 102 to the air outlet 103. Specifically, the suction component may be a structure with suction capabilities, such as the fan mentioned above.

[0031] In some embodiments, to prevent impurities from leaking from the dust collection port 104 into the dust collection space 1012, the housing assembly 100 may further include a movable element 105 that can open or close the dust collection port 104. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the movable component 105 can be movably connected to the housing assembly 100. Specifically, when the cleaning robot is in cleaning mode, the movable component 105 can close the dust collection port 104. When the cleaning robot is in dust collection mode, the movable component 105 can open the dust collection port 104.

[0032] For example, the movable component 105 can be rotatably connected to the base shell 110, and the movable component 105 can also be equipped with an elastic structure such as a torsion spring. When the cleaning robot is in cleaning mode, the movable component 105 can be pressed against the base shell 110 by the elastic force generated by the torsion spring, thereby closing the dust collection port 104. When the cleaning robot is in dust collection mode, that is, after the cleaning robot is docked with the base station, and the base station's fan is connected to the dust collection port 104 for suction, the airflow can overcome the elastic force generated by the torsion spring and push the movable component 105 open, thus opening the dust collection port 104.

[0033] In some embodiments, the movable part 105 itself may also be elastic. For example, the movable part 105 may be made of elastic materials such as rubber, soft plastic or silicone, so that the movable part 105 itself can generate elastic force to reset and close the dust collection port 104 after the fan stops sucking, thereby omitting the elastic structure such as torsion spring in the above embodiments.

[0034] In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the movable member 105 can also be controlled electrically, such as by driving the movable member 105 to rotate by a motor. Of course, in some embodiments, the movable member 105 can also adopt other movement methods besides rotation, such as the movable member 105 being slidably connected to the bottom shell 110.

[0035] Please combine Figure 3 See Figures 4 to 5 , Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the intermediate separation device 10 along section line VII-VII. Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Bottom view of the middle housing assembly 100.

[0036] To guide the airflow in a rotating manner within the dust collection space 1012, the housing assembly 100 may further include a fixed support 130 disposed within the receiving cavity 101. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the fixed bracket 130 has a first guide surface 1301 disposed adjacent to the air inlet 102, and a second guide surface 1302 disposed opposite to the first guide surface 1301 in the axial direction of the filter screen 400.

[0037] When airflow enters the dust collection space 1012 through the air inlet 102, the first guide surface 1301 can be used to guide the airflow entering the air inlet 102 towards the direction of the second guide surface 1302. Simultaneously, the inner annular surface 112 can guide the airflow to rotate and flow circumferentially along the inner annular surface 112, allowing the airflow within the dust collection space 1012 to form a vortex that throws impurities carried in the airflow onto the bottom surface 113. The first guide surface 1301 can be an inclined surface or an arc surface, while the inner annular surface 112 can be an arc surface.

[0038] When the airflow rotates and flows within the dust collection space 1012, the second guide surface 1302 can be located on the airflow path and can guide the airflow towards the bottom surface 113, allowing impurities carried in the airflow to be thrown onto the bottom surface 113. Simultaneously, the airflow can also cross the fixed support 130, passing the connecting surface 1303 between the first guide surface 1301 and the second guide surface 1302, to return to the side where the first guide surface 1301 is located, thus continuing to flow under the guidance of the first guide surface 1301. The second guide surface 1302 can also be an inclined surface or an arc surface.

[0039] It is easy to understand that in other embodiments, the first guide surface 1301 and the second guide surface 1302 can both be omitted.

[0040] like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, in order to reduce dead corners in the dust collection space 1012 so that the airflow can carry the impurities collected in the dust collection space 1012 out through the dust collection port 104, the air inlet 102 and the dust collection port 104 can be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the outer ring surface 111.

[0041] For example, the orthographic projection of the outer annular surface 111 on the reference direction Z includes: a first arc L1 corresponding to the air inlet 102, and a second arc L2 corresponding to the dust collection port 104. The central angle α corresponding to the third arc L3 connecting the endpoints of the first arc L1 and the second arc L2 that are furthest from each other can be less than or equal to 150°, such as 150°, 120°, 90°, 60°, or 30°. The first arc L1, the second arc L2, and the third arc L3 have the same curvature, and all three can lie within the same arc.

[0042] Depending on the central angle α, the first arc L1 and the second arc L2 can be either separated or at least partially overlapping. Specifically, when the first arc L1 and the second arc L2 are separated, the third arc L3 can be composed of the first arc L1, the second arc L2, and the arc connecting the first arc L1 and the second arc L2. When the first arc L1 and the second arc L2 at least partially overlap, the third arc L3 can be composed of both the first arc L1 and the second arc L2.

[0043] By setting the central angle α, the air inlet 102 and the dust collection port 104 are made as close as possible in the circumferential direction of the outer ring surface 111. When the separation device 10 performs suction at the dust collection port 104 through the suction assembly, the airflow entering from the air inlet 102 can first rotate and flow once or nearly once in the dust collection space 1012, and then flow out of the dust collection space 1012 from the dust collection port 104, so as to reduce the dead corners in the dust collection space 1012 that cannot be passed by the airflow, thereby improving the effect of the dust collection space 1012 in discharging impurities.

[0044] In some embodiments, the locations of the air inlet 102, air outlet 103, and dust collection port 104 can be selected as needed, and are not limited to being located on the outer annular surface 111. For example, the dust collection port 104 can also be located on other surfaces of the housing assembly 100 besides the annular surface 111, as long as the dust collection port 104 can communicate with the receiving cavity 101. Similarly, the air inlet 102 and air outlet 103 can also be located on other surfaces of the housing assembly 100 besides the annular surface 111, as long as both the air inlet 102 and air outlet 103 can communicate with the receiving cavity 101.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, both the air inlet 102 and the dust collection port 104 penetrate the outer annular surface 111 and the inner annular surface 112, that is, both the air inlet 102 and the dust collection port 104 are located on the side wall of the dust collection space 1012. In other embodiments, the dust collection port 104 may also be located on the bottom wall of the dust collection space 1012. Similarly, in this embodiment, the air outlet 103 is also located on the side wall of the dust collection space 1012. In other embodiments, the air outlet 103 may also be located on the top cover 120.

[0046] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 3 See Figures 6 to 7 , Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A structural diagram of the middle fixed bracket 130. Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the fixed bracket 130 and the filter screen 400.

[0047] In addition to forming the first guide surface 1301 and the second guide surface 1302, the fixed bracket 130 can also be used to install the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300, thereby fixing the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300 within the receiving cavity 101. Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixed bracket 130 is located in the receiving cavity 101, and the fixed bracket 130 can be detachably connected to the bottom shell 110 to facilitate the user to clean or replace the filter screen 400 and the cyclone separator 300.

[0048] Furthermore, the fixed bracket 130 encloses an installation space 1304. The cyclone separator 300 can be disposed within the installation space 1304, and the outlet end 301 of the cyclone separator 300 can pass through the fixed bracket 130 in the reference direction Z, and can protrude from the side of the fixed bracket 130 away from the dust collection space 1012 to connect with the filter assembly 200.

[0049] Furthermore, the installation space 1304 is connected to the dust collection space 1012, allowing airflow to enter the installation space 1304 from the dust collection space 1012 and then flow into the cyclone separator 300 through the installation space 1304.

[0050] Furthermore, since the separated impurities will be collected in the dust collection space 1012, that is, on the bottom surface 113, the fixing bracket 130 can also be spaced apart from the bottom surface 113 to reduce the probability of strip-shaped garbage such as hair getting tangled with the fixing bracket 130.

[0051] To filter the airflow entering the installation space 1304, the separation device 10 may further include a filter screen 400. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the filter 400 can be disposed on the outer side of the fixed bracket 130 away from the installation space 1304, and can be disposed around the periphery of the cyclone separator 300. The airflow entering the air inlet 102 can flow through the filter 400 to the cyclone separator 300, and the filter 400 can filter the airflow entering the installation space 1304 to separate impurities carried in the airflow. For example, the filter 400 can separate larger impurities in the airflow such as food residue, hair, and paper scraps.

[0052] To collect impurities separated by the cyclone separator 300, the mounting bracket 130 may also be provided with a dust collection hole 1306 for connecting the cyclone separator 300 and the dust collection space 1012. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, the dust collection hole 1306 can be arranged opposite to the air outlet 301 of the cyclone separator 300. When the airflow enters the cyclone separator 300, the cyclone separator 300 can guide the airflow to rotate and form a cyclone vortex, so as to throw the impurities carried in the airflow into the dust collection hole 1306.

[0053] Please combine Figure 2 and Figure 4 See Figures 8 to 9 , Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the diagram. Figure 9 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of a portion of point B in the middle.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to discharge impurities from the dust collection hole 1306 into the dust collection space 1012, the dust collection hole 1306 can be connected to the dust collection space 1012. Meanwhile, to prevent airflow from directly entering the cyclone separator 300 from the dust collection hole 1306, the housing assembly 100 may also include a barrier 150 movably connected to the fixed bracket 130, and the barrier 150 can close or open the dust collection hole 1306.

[0055] Specifically, the barrier 150 can close the dust collection hole 1306, and when the airflow flows towards the air outlet 103, that is, when the cleaning robot is in the cleaning state, the barrier 150 can press against the fixed bracket 130 to maintain the closed state of the dust collection hole 1306. When the airflow flows towards the dust collection port 104, that is, when the cleaning robot is in the dust collection state, at least a portion of the barrier 150 can move away from the dust collection hole 1306 to open the dust collection hole 1306, thereby allowing the impurities separated by the cyclone separator 300 to be discharged. In this way, the opening or closing of the dust collection hole 1306 can be controlled by the airflow. Compared with the solution of using a drive structure to control the opening or closing of the barrier 150 to open or close the dust collection hole 1306, the solution of this embodiment can simplify the structure of the separation device 10 and reduce the production cost of the separation device 10.

[0056] Furthermore, the barrier 150 can be an elastic cover made of an elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, or soft plastic, and the barrier 150 can be disposed within the dust collection hole 1306 and can seal the dust collection hole 1306. When the cleaning robot is in dust collection mode, the barrier 150 can undergo elastic deformation under the action of airflow, allowing a portion of the barrier 150 to move away from the dust collection hole 1306, thereby opening the dust collection hole 1306. After the cleaning robot has finished collecting dust, the barrier 150 can also return to the dust collection hole 1306 under its own elastic force, thereby closing the dust collection hole 1306.

[0057] like Figures 8 to 9 As shown, the barrier 150 can be connected to the fixing bracket 130 to be fixed within the dust collection hole 1306. For example, the fixing bracket 130 can have a fixing portion 134 located within the dust collection hole 1306, and a connecting post 135 is provided on the side of the fixing portion 134 facing the bottom surface 113. Simultaneously, the housing assembly 100 may also include a limiting plate 160 provided on the side of the fixing portion 134 facing the bottom surface 113. A portion of the barrier 150 can be clamped between the fixing portion 134 and the limiting plate 160, and the connecting post 135 can sequentially pass through the barrier 150 and the limiting plate 160, so that the barrier 150 and the limiting plate 160 can be fixed to the fixing portion 134.

[0058] In some embodiments, the connection between the barrier 150 and the fixed bracket 130 can be varied and is not limited to the solutions described in the above embodiments. For example, a portion of the barrier 150 can be directly embedded in the fixed bracket 130, as long as the barrier 150 can be connected to the fixed bracket 130 to maintain the closed state of the dust collection hole 1306.

[0059] In some embodiments, the barrier 150 may also be disposed on the opening side of the dust collection hole 1306 that connects to the dust collection space 1012, and is not limited to being disposed inside the dust collection hole 1306, as long as the barrier 150 can close the dust collection hole 1306.

[0060] In some embodiments, the barrier 150 can also be movably connected to the fixed bracket 130 via an elastic structure, similar to the movable member 105. For example, the barrier 150 and the fixed bracket 130 can be rotatably connected via a pivot, and a torsion spring connected to both the barrier 150 and the fixed bracket 130 can be fitted onto the pivot. The barrier 150 can maintain a closed dust collection hole 1306 under the constraint of the torsion spring. When the cleaning robot is in dust collection mode, the barrier 150 can rotate under the action of airflow, causing the torsion spring to undergo elastic deformation, thereby opening the dust collection hole 1306. After the cleaning robot has finished collecting dust, the barrier 150 can reset under the elastic force of the torsion spring, thereby closing the dust collection hole 1306.

[0061] In some embodiments, the barrier 150 can also remain open at the dust collection hole 1306 under the constraint of the torsion spring. When the airflow flows towards the air outlet 103, i.e., when the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, the barrier 150 can rotate towards the dust collection hole 1306 under the action of the airflow and press against the fixed bracket 130 to close the dust collection hole 1306. During this process, the torsion spring can undergo elastic deformation, and when the airflow stops flowing towards the air outlet 103, the barrier 150 can reset under the elastic force of the torsion spring to open the dust collection hole 1306. When the cleaning robot is in the dust collection state, the barrier 150 remains open at the dust collection hole 1306.

[0062] In some embodiments, elastic structures such as torsion springs may be omitted, and the barrier 150 may rotate only under the action of airflow to open or close the dust collection hole 1306. For example, when the airflow flows toward the air outlet 103, the barrier 150 may rotate toward the dust collection hole 1306 under the action of airflow and press against the fixed bracket 130 to close the dust collection hole 1306. When the airflow flows toward the dust collection port 104, at least a portion of the barrier 150 may move away from the dust collection hole 1306 under the action of airflow to open the dust collection hole 1306.

[0063] Of course, in other embodiments, the barrier 150 may also move under the drive of a motor or other drive structure.

[0064] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the dust collection hole 1306 and the barrier 150 can be omitted, and the dust and other impurities separated by the cyclone separator can be manually cleaned by the user.

[0065] To connect the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300, the mounting bracket 130 may include a support portion 131 and a sleeve portion 132. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the support part 131 can be connected to the bottom shell 110, and the filter screen 400 and the cyclone separator 300 are both installed on the sleeve part 132.

[0066] To form the aforementioned first guide surface 1301 and second guide surface 1302, the fixed bracket 130 may further include a guide portion 133. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the guide portion 133 can be connected to the side of the support portion 131 facing the dust collection space 1012, and can be provided on the periphery of the sleeve portion 132 away from the installation space 1304.

[0067] Furthermore, the guide section 133 can also abut against the inner annular surface 112, and a portion of the guide section 133 can also be arranged adjacent to the air inlet 102. Specifically, the side of the guide section 133 adjacent to the air inlet 102 can be the aforementioned first guide surface 1301, while the side of the guide section 133 opposite to the first guide surface 1301 in the circumferential direction of the filter 400 can be the aforementioned second guide surface 1302.

[0068] Please combine Figure 2 See Figure 10 , Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the fixed bracket 130, the filter assembly 200, and the cyclone separator 300.

[0069] The filter assembly 200 can be disposed within the receiving cavity 101 and can filter the airflow exiting the cyclone separator 300. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the filter assembly 200 can be disposed on the side of the support portion 131 away from the dust collection space 1012, and surrounds a filter hole 201 that communicates with the outlet end 301 of the cyclone separator 300. The outlet side of the filter assembly 200 away from the filter hole 201 can be exposed in the outlet space 1013. That is, an outlet space 1013 is provided between the side of the filter assembly 200 away from the filter hole 201 and the housing assembly 100. The airflow from the outlet end 301 of the cyclone separator 300 can flow into the filter hole 201 and pass through the filter assembly 200 in the direction away from the filter hole 201, so that it is filtered by the filter assembly 200 and flows into the outlet space 1013, and then flows to the outlet 103 through the outlet space 1013.

[0070] Further, the filter assembly 200 may include a filter element 210, which may be disposed on the side of the support portion 131 opposite to the sleeve portion 132, and may be arranged around the cyclone separator 300 protruding from the outlet end 301 of the support portion 131 to surround the filter hole 201 that communicates with the outlet end 301. The axial direction of the filter hole 201 may be parallel to or coincide with the reference direction Z, and the filter hole 201 may axially penetrate the filter element 210. The outlet end 301 may be inserted into the filter hole 201 from the opening near the support portion 131, while the opening of the filter hole 201 away from the support portion 131 may be covered by the top cover 120. Specifically, in this embodiment, the filter element 210 is a HEPA filter.

[0071] Furthermore, when the airflow from the cyclone separator 300 flows into the filter hole 201, the airflow can pass sequentially along the direction of the filter element 210 away from the filter hole 201, passing through the inner side of the filter element 210 towards the filter hole 201 and the outer side (outlet side) away from the filter hole 201, before flowing into the outlet space 1013. During this process, the filter element 210 can filter the airflow entering the outlet space 1013 to separate impurities carried in the airflow. For example, the filter element 210 can filter smaller impurities such as dust or particulate matter carried in the airflow.

[0072] In some embodiments, the filter hole 201 may be a through hole or a blind hole, and the filter hole 201 may only have an opening on the side of the filter element 210 near the support portion 131, so that the air outlet 301 can be inserted into the filter hole 201.

[0073] To facilitate the installation of the filter element 210, the filter assembly 200 may also include a support element 220. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, there can be two support members 220, and the two support members 220 can be respectively disposed on opposite sides of the filter member 210 near and away from the bearing portion 131, that is, the filter member 210 is located on opposite sides in the axial direction. The support member 220 can be annularly arranged and can have an annular groove to accommodate the filter member 210, with a portion of the filter member 210 disposed within the annular groove 221. In this way, the support member 220 can support and limit the filter member 210, thereby improving the ease of installation of the filter member 210.

[0074] In some embodiments, considering that gaps may exist between the support member 220 and the carrier portion 131, and between the support member 220 and the top cover 120 due to assembly tolerances, the filter assembly 200 may further include sealing rings. The number of sealing rings may also be two, located respectively between the support member 220 and the carrier portion 131, and between the support member 220 and the top cover 120, to seal the aforementioned gaps, thereby reducing the probability of airflow leaking directly from the gaps.

[0075] In some embodiments, in addition to the top cover 120 sealing the opening of the filter hole 201 away from the support portion 131, the support member 220 located on the side of the filter member 210 away from the support portion 131 can also seal the opening of the filter hole 201 away from the support portion 131.

[0076] In some embodiments, the design of the support member 220 may be omitted, and the aforementioned annular groove may be provided on the support portion 131 and the top cover 120, so that the support portion 131 and the top cover 120 can support and limit the filter element 210, thereby simplifying the structure of the filter assembly 200.

[0077] In some embodiments, to improve the installation stability of the filter assembly 200, the top cover 120 can also press the filter assembly 200 against the bottom shell 110. That is, the top cover 120 can press the filter assembly 200 against the support portion 131 of the fixing component 140, so that the filter assembly 200 can be clamped between the support portion 131 and the top cover 120, thereby improving the installation stability of the filter assembly 200.

[0078] All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0079] A first air inlet 302 can be formed on the side of the cyclone separator 300 that is perpendicular to the reference direction Z, and the airflow inside the cyclone separator 300 can flow into the filter hole 201 through the first air inlet 302. In this way, the position of the first air inlet 302 in the reference direction Z can be between the two opposite sides of the filter element 210 in the reference direction Z, which helps to reduce the stacking height of the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300 in the reference direction Z.

[0080] Furthermore, the cyclone separator 300 may also have a second air inlet 303 connected to the installation space 1304, and airflow may enter the cyclone separator 300 from the second air inlet 303.

[0081] Furthermore, the cyclone separator 300 can form a vortex channel 304 connecting the first air inlet 302 and the second air inlet 303. Airflow can enter the vortex channel 304 through the second air inlet 303, and then flow from the first air inlet 302 into the filter hole 201. Simultaneously, the airflow can form a cyclone vortex under the guidance of the vortex channel 304, utilizing the cyclone vortex to separate impurities carried in the airflow, such as smaller food scraps or paper scraps, and larger dust particles or particulate matter.

[0082] Furthermore, the cyclone separator 300 may also have a third air port 305 connecting the vortex channel 304 and the dust collection hole 1306. Impurities separated in the vortex channel 304 can fall into the dust collection hole 1306 through the third air port 305, and can fall into the dust collection space 1012 after the barrier 150 is opened, and then be discharged from the dust collection port 104.

[0083] Furthermore, the cyclone separator 300 can specifically be a multi-cone cyclone separator. The cyclone separator 300 can have multiple conical tubes 323, which can be arranged to form multiple vortex channels 304. The cyclone separator 300 can also have multiple first air ports 302, second air ports 303, and third air ports 305 that cooperate with the vortex channels 304, thereby enabling communication between the multiple vortex channels 304 and the filter holes 201, the dust collection space 1012, and the dust collection holes 1306.

[0084] Please see Figure 11 , Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning robot 20 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0085] The separation device 10 provided in this application embodiment can be applied to various cleaning devices, such as, but not limited to, vacuum cleaners and robotic vacuum cleaners. This application embodiment also provides a cleaning robot 20, which may be, for example, but not limited to, robotic vacuum cleaners and robotic mops. Figure 11As shown, the cleaning robot 20 may include a body 21 and a separation device 10, with the separation device 10 detachably connected to the body 21 for easy removal and cleaning by the user. The specific structure of the body 21 is already described in numerous existing technologies and will not be detailed here. The separation device 10 is placed vertically on the body 21, and the axes of the filter holes 201 can be parallel in the vertical direction. This vertical placement reduces the space occupied by the separation device 10 on the body 21 and fully utilizes the effects of centrifugal and gravity separation. The cleaning robot 20, using the aforementioned design of the separation device 10, can suck in debris and dust from surfaces such as floors and carpets along with the air, achieving separation of air from the debris and dust, and enabling simple and quick recycling of the debris and dust.

[0086] The separation device 10 provided in this application features a filter assembly 200 with filter holes 201, and the outlet end 301 of the cyclone separator 300 is located within the filter holes 201. This allows the outlet end 301 of the cyclone separator 300 to overlap with the filter assembly 200 radially within the filter holes 201. This reduces the axial stacking height of the filter assembly 200 and the cyclone separator 300 within the filter holes 201, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the separation device 10 and reducing the overall height of the cleaning robot. This facilitates the cleaning robot's access to low-lying areas such as under beds and sofas for cleaning. Furthermore, the separation device 10 employs a three-stage filtration technology—a filter screen 400, a cyclone separator 300, and a filter assembly 200—to ensure thorough separation of airflow and impurities, protecting the suction assembly.

[0087] The above description is only a partial embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural or procedural changes made based on the content of this application's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A separation device applied to a cleaning robot, characterized in that, The separation device includes: a housing assembly, a filter screen, a filtration assembly, and a cyclone separator; The housing assembly has a cavity for accommodating the filter screen, the filter assembly, and the cyclone separator, and has an air inlet and an air outlet communicating with the cavity; the filter screen is disposed around the periphery of the cyclone separator, the filter assembly is formed with filter holes, and the air outlet of the cyclone separator is located within the filter holes; wherein... When the cleaning robot is in cleaning mode, the airflow flowing into the air inlet passes through the filter screen and enters the cyclone separator, flows into the filter hole from the air outlet, and passes through the filter assembly in the direction away from the filter hole, and flows to the air outlet.

2. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly also has a dust collection port communicating with the receiving cavity; The separation device further includes a movable member movably connected to the housing assembly, the movable member being configured to close the dust collection port when the cleaning robot is in a cleaning state, and to open the dust collection port when the cleaning robot is in a dust collection state.

3. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes an outer ring surface, and both the air inlet and the dust collection port pass through the outer ring surface. The orthographic projection of the outer ring surface on the axial direction of the filter hole includes: a first arc corresponding to the air inlet and a second arc corresponding to the dust collection port. The central angle corresponding to the third arc connecting the endpoints of the first and second arcs that are furthest from each other is less than or equal to 150°.

4. The separation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air inlet is located between the air outlet and the dust collection port.

5. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly is arranged around the air outlet end, and an air outlet space is provided between the side of the filter assembly away from the filter hole and the housing assembly, and the air outlet space is connected to the air outlet. After passing through the filter assembly, the airflow enters the air outlet space and flows toward the air outlet.

6. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes a bottom shell and a top cover, the top cover being disposed over an opening in the bottom shell and pressing the filter assembly against the bottom shell; The top cover is detachably connected to the bottom shell, and the filter assembly is detachably disposed within the receiving cavity.

7. The separation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a fixed bracket, which is connected to the housing assembly and located within the receiving cavity, and the filter screen is mounted on the fixed bracket; The fixed bracket has a first guide surface disposed adjacent to the air inlet, and a second guide surface disposed opposite to the first guide surface in the circumferential direction of the filter screen; The first guide surface is used to guide the airflow entering the air inlet in the direction of the second guide surface.

8. The separation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The separation device further includes a fixed bracket and a barrier component movably connected to the fixed bracket. The fixed bracket is connected to the housing assembly and located within the receiving cavity. The filter screen is mounted on the fixed bracket. The fixed bracket is provided with a dust collection hole, which is arranged opposite to the air outlet. When the cleaning robot is in the cleaning state, the barrier closes the dust collection hole, and when the cleaning robot is in the dust collection state, the barrier opens the dust collection hole.

9. A cleaning robot, characterized in that, The cleaning robot includes: a body and a separation device as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the separation device is detachably connected to the body.

10. The cleaning robot according to claim 9, characterized in that, The separation device is placed vertically on the machine body, and the axis of the filter hole is parallel to the vertical direction.

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