A sliding suction cup for cleaning robots

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of suction cup technology, and discloses a sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot, including a connecting base plate, an elastic pad, a support plate, an adsorption cover, and at least three circumferentially evenly distributed limiting sliding posts. The support plate is located below the connecting base plate, and the adsorption cover is located at the bottom of the support plate; the support plate has limiting holes, and the limiting sliding posts pass through the limiting holes, with their bottom ends extending into the internal space of the adsorption cover; the elastic pad is located between the connecting base plate and the support plate for cushioning; the connecting base plate and the support plate have air extraction ports. This utility model effectively prevents excessive deformation of the adsorption cover and ensures adsorption stability by placing the bottom ends of the limiting sliding posts between the upper and lower surfaces of the adsorption cover; the multi-point distributed limiting sliding post structure enhances the smoothness of movement; the ball bearing design at the bottom of the limiting sliding posts reduces friction and allows for disassembly and replacement, significantly improving service life and maintenance convenience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of suction cup technology, and more specifically, to a sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development of robotics technology, high-altitude robots have been gradually introduced into the field of building cleaning to improve the level of automation and reduce labor costs and safety risks. These robots typically use a suspension rope system to move and position themselves on vertical walls, and integrate a water spray system with a rotating brush or wiping device to clean and wipe the walls. To ensure reliable adhesion and movement of the robot on smooth curtain walls or glass surfaces, a sliding suction cup is a key component.

[0003] Currently, most common sliding suction cups employ an elastic cup structure, achieving adsorption through vacuuming. For example, Chinese patent CN206507901U discloses a sliding suction cup comprising a sealed sliding plate and an elastic cup. The sliding plate has a smooth surface, and the surface in contact with the adsorption plane has grooves and vent holes. The vent holes are connected to the elastic cup and the negative pressure is controlled by a vacuum generator. This structure allows the suction cup to slide directly on the adsorption plane and provides some adaptability to uneven surfaces.

[0004] However, such suction cups based on elastic cups still have significant drawbacks in practical use: because they rely on the deformation of the cup to maintain sealing and adsorption, when encountering large uneven or abrupt surfaces, they are prone to excessive adsorption, which can cause the cup to deform too deeply, leading to material fatigue, tearing or permanent deformation, seriously affecting the reliability of adsorption and the life of the component. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of the prior art and provide a sliding suction cup for cleaning robots.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0007] A sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot includes: a connecting base plate, an elastic pad, a support plate, an suction cover, and at least three limiting sliding posts;

[0008] The support plate is disposed below the connecting base plate, and the adsorption cover is disposed at the bottom of the support plate;

[0009] The support plate is provided with limiting holes that match the number of limiting sliding posts. The limiting sliding posts pass through the limiting holes and their bottom ends extend into the thickness range of the adsorption cover.

[0010] The elastic pad is disposed between the connecting base plate and the support plate, providing cushioning when the support plate slides relative to the connecting base plate;

[0011] The connecting base plate and the supporting plate are provided with an air extraction port for connecting a vacuum generator; the connection between the connecting base plate, the elastic pad, the supporting plate and the adsorption cover is an airtight connection, which together form an airtight suction cup structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the bottom of the connecting base plate is provided with a base plate groove, the upper end of the limiting sliding column is installed in the base plate groove, and the elastic pad is annular and arranged around the base plate groove.

[0013] Furthermore, the air extraction interface includes a first air extraction hole located at the center of the connecting base plate and a second air extraction hole located at the center of the support plate and communicating with the first air extraction hole.

[0014] Furthermore, the bottom end of the limiting sliding post is located at the center of the thickness of the adsorption cover.

[0015] Furthermore, the bottom end of the limiting sliding post is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the adsorption cover.

[0016] Furthermore, the limiting sliding post includes a connecting post and a ball bearing; the connecting post is disposed on the connecting base plate, and the ball bearing is rotatably disposed at the bottom end of the connecting post.

[0017] Furthermore, the bottom end of the connecting column is provided with a receiving cavity, and the ball portion is embedded in the receiving cavity.

[0018] Furthermore, the base plate groove is provided with multiple connecting holes, and the limiting sliding column is detachably connected to the connecting holes.

[0019] Furthermore, the number of the limiting sliding posts is three or more, and they are evenly distributed circumferentially.

[0020] Furthermore, the connecting base plate is provided with positioning posts, and the support plate is provided with positioning holes that mate with the positioning posts. The positioning posts and positioning holes fit together, enabling the connecting base plate and the support plate to achieve precise positioning and connection.

[0021] Preferably, the elastic pad is made of rubber or silicone material, and the adsorption cover is made of flexible sealing material.

[0022] Preferably, the elastic pad is made of EPDM rubber, natural rubber, or silicone material.

[0023] Preferably, the adsorption cover is made of EPDM rubber, natural rubber, and flexible sealing material.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model's technical solution are:

[0025] 1. This utility model places the bottom of the limiting sliding post between the upper and lower surfaces of the adsorption cover. When the suction cup is adsorbed onto the working surface, the adsorption cover will undergo compression deformation under negative pressure. The bottom of the sliding post provides an internal mechanical limiting support for this deformation, effectively preventing excessive and uncontrollable deformation of the adsorption cover, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the adsorption force. At the same time, this design retains the necessary flexible deformation capability of the adsorption cover, allowing it to fit well with uneven surfaces and significantly extending the service life of the adsorption cover.

[0026] 2. This utility model employs three or more circumferentially evenly distributed limiting sliding columns to form a stable, statically defined structure. This multi-point support scheme ensures that the support plate maintains smooth sliding under lateral forces in any direction, effectively preventing the suction cup from tilting, lifting, or experiencing localized sealing failure during movement, thus greatly improving the stability and safety of robot operation.

[0027] 3. The bottom end of the limiting sliding column adopts a ball bearing design, which converts some of the sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly extending the service life of the core moving parts. In addition, the limiting sliding column is detachably installed in the connection hole of the base plate, making the inspection and replacement of worn parts very convenient after long-term use, reducing later maintenance costs and time. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the sliding suction cup of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view of the sliding suction cup of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a half-sectional view of the sliding suction cup of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the connecting base plate of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the base plate and the limiting sliding column of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the limiting sliding column and the support plate of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the robot base plate of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the sliding suction cup of this utility model installed on a cleaning robot;

[0036] in:

[0037] 1. Connecting base plate; 101. Base plate groove; 102. First vent hole; 103. Connecting hole; 104. Positioning post;

[0038] 2. Elastic pad;

[0039] 3. Support plate; 301. Limiting hole; 302. Second air extraction hole; 303. Positioning hole;

[0040] 4. Adsorption cover;

[0041] 5. Limiting sliding post; 501. Connecting post; 502. Ball bearing;

[0042] 6. Robot base plate;

[0043] 7. Cleaning robot. Detailed Implementation

[0044] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] like Figure 1-8 The present embodiment discloses a sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot.

[0048] A sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot includes: a connecting base plate 1, an elastic pad 2, a support plate 3, an suction cover 4, and at least three limiting sliding posts 5;

[0049] The support plate 3 is located below the connecting base plate 1, and the adsorption cover 4 is located at the bottom of the support plate 3;

[0050] The support plate 3 is provided with limiting holes 301 that match the number of limiting sliding posts 5. The limiting sliding posts 5 pass through the limiting holes 301 and their bottom ends extend into the thickness range of the adsorption cover 4.

[0051] The elastic pad 2 is disposed between the connecting base plate 1 and the support plate 3 to provide cushioning when the support plate 3 slides relative to the connecting base plate 1;

[0052] The base plate 1 and the support plate 3 are provided with an air extraction port for connecting a vacuum generator.

[0053] The connection between the base plate 1, elastic pad 2, support plate 3 and adsorption cover 4 is an airtight connection, which together form an airtight suction cup structure.

[0054] The bottom of the connecting base plate 1 is provided with a base plate groove 101, the upper end of the limiting sliding column 5 is installed in the base plate groove 101, and the elastic pad 2 is annular and surrounds the base plate groove 101.

[0055] The air extraction interface includes a first air extraction hole 102 located at the center of the connecting base plate 1 and a second air extraction hole 302 located at the center of the support plate 3 and communicating with the first air extraction hole 102.

[0056] Specifically, the base plate 1 is provided with a connection interface, and the vacuum generator on the cleaning robot 7 is connected to the connection interface on the base plate 1 through a pipe.

[0057] When the cleaning robot 7 starts working, it starts the vacuum generator when it needs to adhere to the surface to be cleaned. The air inside the sliding suction cup is extracted through the air extraction interface composed of the first air extraction port 102 and the second air extraction port 302, so that a negative pressure is formed inside it.

[0058] Under the influence of external atmospheric pressure, the sliding suction cup is tightly pressed onto the working surface, thus providing reliable adsorption and holding force for the cleaning robot 7. During this process, the adsorption cover 4 will undergo compressive deformation under pressure, and the bottom end of the limiting sliding post 5 extends into the thickness range of the adsorption cover 4, forming a mechanical limiting support. While ensuring stable adsorption force, it effectively prevents excessive deformation of the adsorption cover 4 and maintains the airtightness of the sliding suction cup.

[0059] When the cleaning robot 7 needs to move, its drive system (such as wheel set or rope mechanism) generates driving force. Since the connecting base plate 1 is fixedly connected to the robot body, and the support plate 3 and the suction cover 4 are temporarily fixed to the working surface due to suction, the driving force acts on the connecting base plate 1 and transmits the force to the limiting sliding column 5. The ball bearing 502 at the bottom of the limiting sliding column 5 rolls, realizing the smooth movement of the robot in the suction state.

[0060] During the movement, the annular elastic pad 2, located between the connecting base plate 1 and the support plate 3, is subjected to compression and shearing, resulting in elastic deformation. In this process, the elastic pad 2 effectively absorbs and buffers the impact and vibration generated by sliding, while ensuring the sealing between the two layers, preventing vacuum leakage, and maintaining the stability of adsorption.

[0061] When the movement stops, the deformed elastic pad 2 releases its stored elastic potential energy, generating a restoring force that restores the entire sliding suction cup to its initial equilibrium state, preparing it for the next movement.

[0062] Throughout the entire workflow, the innovative design of the bottom end of the limiting sliding column 5 extending into the thickness range of the adsorption cover 4 can support the adsorption cover 4 from the inside of the sliding suction cup, effectively preventing it from undergoing excessive and ineffective deformation under negative pressure. This ensures the airtightness of the sliding suction cup, avoids fatigue damage to the adsorption cover 4, and extends its service life.

[0063] As one embodiment, the limiting sliding post 5 includes a connecting post 501 and a ball bearing 502; the connecting post 501 is disposed in the groove of the connecting base plate 1, and the ball bearing 502 is rotatably disposed at the bottom end of the connecting post 501.

[0064] The bottom end of the connecting column 501 is provided with a receiving cavity, and the ball bearing 502 is partially embedded in the receiving cavity.

[0065] Specifically, when the cleaning robot 7 needs to be adsorbed onto the surface to be cleaned, the vacuum generator is activated to create a negative pressure and cause the adsorption cover 4 to sink. At this time, the ball bearing 502 at the bottom of the connecting column 501 bears part of the vertical pressure, but its presence provides a mechanical limit for the adsorption cover 4.

[0066] In this embodiment, when the cleaning robot 7 needs to move, the rolling friction of the ball bearing 502 at the bottom of the connecting column 501 significantly reduces the motion resistance, making the robot's movement more effortless and smooth, and significantly reducing wear.

[0067] As one embodiment, the bottom plate groove 101 is provided with a plurality of connection holes 103, and the limiting sliding post 5 is detachably connected to the connection holes 103.

[0068] The number of limiting sliding posts 5 is three or more, and they are evenly distributed circumferentially.

[0069] Specifically, using three or more limiting sliding pillars 5 can define a unique plane. This design ensures that the support plate 3 remains stable under any working conditions, effectively preventing the suction cup from tilting, lifting, or twisting when subjected to uneven loads or lateral forces, and greatly enhancing the overall stability and reliability of the robot during operation.

[0070] Furthermore, the even distribution of multiple limiting sliding posts 5 means that the robot's weight, suction force, and various loads generated during movement can be evenly distributed to each limiting sliding post 5. This effectively avoids stress concentration and prevents individual limiting sliding posts 5 from being worn or damaged due to overload, thereby significantly extending the service life of core moving components such as the support plate 3 and the limiting sliding posts 5. It can also greatly reduce the later maintenance costs and time.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment provides a sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot, with a technical solution similar to that of Embodiment 1, except that:

[0073] As one embodiment, the connecting base plate 1 is provided with a positioning post 104, and the support plate 3 is provided with a positioning hole 303 that cooperates with the positioning post 104. The positioning post 104 and the positioning hole 303 are fitted together to achieve precise positioning and connection between the connecting base plate 1 and the support plate 3.

[0074] Specifically, the support plate 3 is provided with multiple positioning holes 303 that cooperate with multiple positioning posts 104.

[0075] Specifically, the positioning post 104 and the positioning hole 303 form a self-centering guide structure. During the assembly process, this structure can guide the support plate 3 and the connecting base plate 1 to quickly find the unique correct relative position without the need for repeated manual adjustments and calibrations. This greatly simplifies the assembly process, reduces the difficulty of operation and the dependence on worker skills, ensures that the assembly accuracy of each product is highly consistent, and effectively improves production efficiency and product quality stability.

[0076] During the operation of the suction cup, when it is susceptible to complex lateral forces or torques, the tight engagement of multiple positioning posts 104 and multiple positioning holes 303 effectively resists possible circumferential relative rotation between the connecting base plate 1 and the support plate 3. This post-hole combination anti-rotation design, along with the synergistic effect of the limiting sliding posts, forms a multi-dimensional constraint, eliminates unintended movement between components, and ensures the connection reliability of the overall structure under dynamic loads.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] like Figure 1-8As shown, this embodiment provides a sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot, with a technical solution similar to that of Embodiment 1, except that:

[0079] Specifically, the robot base plate 6 and the connecting base plate 1 of the sliding suction cup are fastened together by bolts through several connecting holes 103. This rigid connection method ensures that the sliding suction cup is stably set at the bottom of the robot base plate 6, reliably transmits the weight of the robot to the suction cup, and efficiently transmits various forces generated during movement between the two.

[0080] The vacuum generator is placed inside the cleaning robot 7, which makes full use of the structural space of the cleaning robot 7, avoids external suspension, and optimizes the overall center of gravity distribution and space utilization efficiency.

[0081] After the vacuum generator is activated, it establishes a connection with the air extraction ports (i.e., the first air extraction port 102 and the second air extraction port 302) on the sliding suction cup through vacuum pipes laid inside the robot or arranged along the base plate. This sealed connection channel allows the negative pressure generated by the vacuum generator to be efficiently transmitted to the interior of the sliding suction cup at the far end, thereby forming the suction force required for operation.

[0082] When the cleaning robot 7 is operating in a complex environment, the robot base plate 6 serves as a robust mounting platform. Its structural rigidity and reliable connection formed by bolts effectively resist vibrations and impacts generated during movement and operation, ensuring the stability of the vacuum generator and its pipeline connections above, while providing a stable operating foundation for the sliding suction cup below.

[0083] Obviously, the above embodiments of this utility model are merely examples for clearly illustrating this utility model, and are not intended to limit the implementation of this utility model. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot, characterized in that, include: Connecting the base plate (1), elastic pad (2), support plate (3), adsorption cover (4) and at least three limiting sliding columns (5); The support plate (3) is located below the connecting base plate (1), and the adsorption cover (4) is located at the bottom of the support plate (3); The support plate (3) is provided with limiting holes (301) matching the number of limiting sliding columns (5). The limiting sliding columns (5) are inserted into the limiting holes (301) and their bottom ends extend into the thickness range of the adsorption cover (4). The elastic pad (2) is disposed between the connecting base plate (1) and the support plate (3) to provide cushioning when the support plate (3) slides relative to the connecting base plate (1); The connecting base plate (1) and the supporting plate (3) are provided with an air extraction port for connecting a vacuum generator; The connection between the base plate, elastic pad, support plate and adsorption cover is an airtight connection, which together form an airtight suction cup structure.

2. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the connecting base plate (1) is provided with a base plate groove (101), the upper end of the limiting sliding column (5) is installed in the base plate groove (101), and the elastic pad (2) is annular and surrounds the base plate groove (101).

3. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air extraction interface includes a first air extraction hole (102) located at the center of the connecting base plate (1) and a second air extraction hole (302) located at the center of the support plate (3) and communicating with the first air extraction hole (102).

4. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the limiting sliding column (5) is located at the center of the thickness of the adsorption cover (4).

5. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom end of the limiting sliding column (5) is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the adsorption cover (4).

6. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting sliding column (5) includes a connecting column (501) and a ball bearing (502); the connecting column (501) is disposed on the connecting base plate (1), and the ball bearing (502) is rotatably disposed at the bottom end of the connecting column (501).

7. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 6, characterized in that, The bottom end of the connecting column (501) is provided with a receiving cavity, and the ball (502) is partially embedded in the receiving cavity.

8. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base plate groove (101) is provided with a plurality of connecting holes (103), and the limiting sliding post (5) is detachably connected to the connecting holes (103).

9. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the limiting sliding posts (5) is three or more, and they are evenly distributed circumferentially.

10. The sliding suction cup for a cleaning robot according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting base plate (1) is provided with a positioning post (104), and the support plate (3) is provided with a positioning hole (303) that cooperates with the positioning post (104). The positioning post (104) and the positioning hole (303) fit together, so that the connecting base plate (1) and the support plate (3) can achieve precise positioning and connection.

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