Surface cleaning device

Abstract

Surface cleaning device, characterized in that it comprises: a cleaning base for contacting surfaces within an environment to be cleaned; a rechargeable battery to supply the surface cleaning device with operating energy; a vacuum source; a wastewater system that is fluidically connected to the vacuum source and includes a container for wastewater; a liquid detector positioned within the dirty water container, the liquid detector comprising an impeller assembly comprising a drive motor and an impeller rotated by the drive motor; and a control system connected to the impeller assembly for controlling the impeller assembly and for determining the fill level in the dirty water tank based on the current of the drive motor.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning device. background

[0002] A surface cleaning device refers to cleaning equipment suitable for cleaning various hard surfaces in residential or office environments.

[0003] Existing wet cleaning machines clean floors by applying a large amount of cleaning fluid, ensuring the entire floor surface is saturated. By wetting the hard floor, the cleaning head transfers dust from the floor into the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid is then removed from the floor and vacuumed into a collection container.

[0004] Existing wet cleaning machines detect the fill level using sensors that extend into the collection tank. During operation, the collected wastewater contains various contaminants. Over time, these sensors can develop problems with inaccurate readings or fail completely. Summary of the utility model

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning device.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning device is provided comprising: a cleaning base for contacting surfaces of an environment to be cleaned; a rechargeable battery for providing operating energy for the surface cleaning device; a vacuum source; a dirty water system fluidically connected to the vacuum source and comprising a dirty water container; a liquid detector positioned within the dirty water container, the liquid detector comprising an impeller assembly including a drive motor and an impeller rotated by the drive motor; and a controller connected to the impeller assembly to control the impeller assembly and to determine the fill level within the dirty water container based on the current of the drive motor.

[0007] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control is configured to determine the operating status of the liquid distributor based on the detected flow.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the current corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control is configured to control the interruption of the liquid supply, the interruption of the power supply to the wastewater system, or the output of an alarm based on a first current threshold and / or a second current threshold of the drive motor.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first current threshold corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller caused by droplets and the second current threshold corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller caused by foam.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the impeller assembly is arranged in such a way that it can be detachably engaged with the container for dirty water.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the impeller assembly is arranged within the main body of the surface cleaning device.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the impeller assembly is fluidically connected to the wastewater system.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the impeller assembly is arranged within the return channel of the wastewater system.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface cleaning device is a wet cleaning device or a surface cleaning apparatus for dry and wet cleaning. Description of the drawings

[0016] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the accompanying descriptions, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. These drawings are included to facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure and form part of this description. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 is an exploded view of a container for dirty water according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of a container for dirty water according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the control system of the surface cleaning device according to Fig. 2. Specific embodiments

[0017] The present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It is understood that the specific embodiments described here serve to illustrate the relevant content and not to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, only parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings.

[0018] It should be noted that, provided they are compatible, embodiments and features within the embodiments of this disclosure may be combined. The technical solutions of this disclosure are now described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with embodiments.

[0019] Unless otherwise stated, the exemplary embodiments / examples shown are to be understood as illustrations of exemplary features that provide various details of how the technical concept of the present disclosure can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features of different embodiments / examples can be additionally combined, separated, exchanged and / or rearranged without deviating from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0020] The use of hatching and / or shading in the drawings generally serves to more clearly emphasize the boundaries between adjacent components. Unless otherwise specified, the presence or absence of hatching or shading therefore does not imply any preference or requirement regarding the specific material, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between the components shown, and / or other characteristics, properties, etc., of the components. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and / or description, the dimensions and relative sizes of the components may be exaggerated in the drawings. If exemplary embodiments can be implemented differently, certain process sequences may be carried out in a different order than described.For example, two processes described sequentially can be carried out essentially simultaneously or in reverse order. Furthermore, identical reference symbols denote identical components.

[0021] When a component is described as being "on" or "above" another component, or as being "connected to" or "coupled with" another component, that component may be directly on top of, directly connected to, or directly coupled with the other component, or there may be intermediate components. However, when a component is described as being "directly on," "directly with," or "directly coupled with" another component, there are no intermediate components. For this purpose, the term "connection" can refer to a physical connection, an electrical connection, etc., with or without intermediate components.

[0022] For descriptive purposes, spatial relative terms such as "below," "under," "below," "above," "on," "over," "above," "higher," and "side" (e.g., as in "side wall") may be used in this disclosure to describe the relationship between one component and another (or other components), as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Beyond the orientations shown in the drawings, spatial relative terms are also intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if the device in the drawings were reversed, a component described as "below" or "under" another component or feature would subsequently be positioned "above" that other component or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both the "above" and "under" orientations.Furthermore, the device can be positioned alternatively (e.g. rotated by 90 degrees or arranged in other orientations), whereby the spatial relative descriptions used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] The terminology used herein serves to describe specific embodiments and is not to be understood as restrictive. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a (type, one)" and "the (named)" also include the plural forms. When the terms "comprehensive" and / or "inclusive" and their variants are used herein, they indicate the presence of the specified features, units, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, units, steps, operations, parts, components, and / or groups thereof. It should also be noted that the terms "essentially," "approximately," and other similar expressions as used herein are used as approximations rather than degrees of certainty.They are therefore used to account for inherent deviations in the stated measurements, calculations and / or values ​​that would be known to a person skilled in the art.

[0024] Existing wet cleaning machines typically include a collection tank for dirty liquid. This tank collects the dirty liquid picked up from the surface during the cleaning process. When the liquid in the tank reaches a predetermined level, a sensing device is generally required to directly monitor the liquid level and prevent overflow. Upon reaching the set level, the sensing device sends a signal to the controller. The controller then instructs the wet cleaning machine's wastewater system to stop suction, thus preventing the dirty water tank from overflowing.

[0025] Existing sensing devices typically include a probe. This probe is either attached inside the dirty water container or inserted into the container next to the lid. The container usually collects dirty water. Over time, the probe's surface tends to become contaminated by this liquid, leading to false level readings or level detection failures.

[0026] The present disclosure relates to an impeller assembly installed in a wastewater tank. During operation, the impeller assembly maintains the rotation of the impeller. By sensing the rotational state of the impeller, it determines the liquid state in the wastewater tank and thus maintains a safe fill level.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the present disclosure comprises a surface cleaning system comprising a surface cleaning device and a base station 900.

[0028] The surface cleaning device is configured to clean soiled surfaces. Preferably, the surface cleaning device is capable of wet cleaning the soiled surfaces and returning the liquid to the cleaning device. Unless otherwise specified herein, the soiled surfaces are horizontal surfaces.

[0029] The base station is used to dock the surface cleaning device. The base station can supply power to the surface cleaning device to recharge its rechargeable battery.

[0030] Although the surface cleaning device of the present disclosure is depicted in the form of a floor scrubber, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the term "surface cleaning device" can be used here to describe various types of household cleaning equipment. Such household cleaning equipment may include processing devices configured to provide semi-autonomous or autonomous functions. Examples of such household cleaning equipment include, but are not limited to: floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners with a mopping function, robotic vacuum cleaners with a scrubbing function, and window cleaning robots.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1. The surface cleaning system is designed to assist the surface cleaning device in cleaning and maintenance. In some examples, the surface cleaning device may be configured to perform semi-autonomous or autonomous dirt particle collection processes. For example, the surface cleaning device may include a wet cleaning unit. The surface cleaning device may include one or more 700 controllers connected to sensors. These sensors are positioned externally or internally within the housing of the surface cleaning device. The 700 controller is configured to acquire data from the sensors. In some examples, the surface cleaning device may use the sensors to determine the degree of soil contamination during a cleaning cycle. This determination may be based on the sensor information and the duration of the agitator's operation.

[0032] The controller 700 outputs control signals to controlled components of the surface cleaning device and executes cleaning cycles. Examples of controlled components include a vacuum source 701, a drive motor for the agitator 702, and the like.

[0033] Base Station 900 can be configured to perform self-cleaning and thermal drying cycles. Consequently, the corresponding cleaning and maintenance procedures begin when the surface cleaning unit is stored and supported in Base Station 900.

[0034] In some embodiments, various mechanisms can be used to determine the maintenance mode of the agitator 702 of the surface cleaning device and to adapt it to the current operating conditions. These conditions can be defined by the user or determined by the surface cleaning device based on environmental data, such as records of the degree of soiling of the floor to be cleaned. The automatic selection of the cleaning mode via these mechanisms reduces the power consumption of the surface cleaning device and thereby improves its operating efficiency.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the surface cleaning system may, in certain embodiments, further comprise an access point 1100, a server 1200, a remote control device 1300, a database 1400, and a wireless communication link 1500. The server may include a data server, a cloud server, a server connected to an automation service provider, a proxy server, a mail server, a web server, an application server, a database server, a communication server, a home server, a mobile server, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The surface cleaning device can upload data to an application on Server 1200. It can also publish data related to autonomous functions performed by the surface cleaning device. For example, a user can view data published by the surface cleaning device through an application running on the remote control to observe the functions performed by the surface cleaning device. The server can also transmit various information to the surface cleaning device. This information can include, for example, location data, motion control instructions, and other information, instructions, or commands related to the autonomous operation of the surface cleaning device.

[0037] The wireless communication link can store data. This data can include operational information such as location information, control instructions, information on consumables (e.g., information on the agitator 702, filter information), water level information, contamination information, battery information, and other information, instructions, or commands related to maintenance work on the surface cleaning device. Examples include the duration of the self-cleaning cycle, the duration of the thermal drying cycle, or the charge level provided by the base station during maintenance of the surface cleaning device. The surface cleaning device can retrieve stored data from the wireless communication link 1400 via the Access Point 1100.

[0038] In certain cases, the surface cleaning device can also communicate directly with another device, for example, using peer-to-peer (P2P) or device-to-device (D2D) protocols. The other device could be, for example, a smartphone, a Bluetooth device, a Wi-Fi device, a mobile station, a user station, or a mobile client.

[0039] The wireless communication link 1500 of the surface cleaning system can include an upward connection (UL) from the surface cleaning device to the Access Point 1100 or Server 1200 and / or a downward connection (DL) from the Access Point 1100 or Server 1200 to the surface cleaning device. The downward connection can also be referred to as a forward connection. The upward connection can also be referred to as a backward connection. The wireless communication link 1500 can transmit bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The wireless communication link 1500 can include one or more connections, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, peer-to-peer, LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN), Ethernet, fiber optic, and / or other connection types associated with wireless communication systems.

[0040] In some examples, the Environment 2000 can be part of a structure, such as a residential or commercial building. The Environment 2000 can be, for example, a household or a room. It comprises one or more different floor materials and objects distributed throughout the space. The surface cleaning device can be configured to perform cleaning functions within the boundaries of the household. For example, under manual user control, the surface cleaning device can perform semi-autonomous or autonomous collection processes for surface contaminants within the geographical boundaries of the household.

[0041] During operation, the agitator 702 rotates at high speed and becomes covered with significant amounts of dirt particles. To prevent secondary contamination, the agitator 702 requires real-time self-cleaning due to its structural design. Typically, the clean water tank separates and collects dirty water and liquid ejected by centrifugal force during the high-speed rotation of the agitator 702. Scrapers installed in the collection chamber continuously remove adhering dirt from the surface of the agitator 702, which is then suctioned away via suction nozzles.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of the surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the surface cleaning device is configured to perform wet cleaning of soiled surfaces. The soiled surface can be a floor, preferably a floor in a household. Furthermore, after wet cleaning of the floor by the surface cleaning device, the cleaned liquid (dirty water) can be returned to the surface cleaning device.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the surface cleaning device can comprise a handle assembly 100, a main body 200, a clean water container 300, a dirty water container 400, a connecting section 500 and a floor nozzle 600.

[0045] The handle assembly 100 is detachably attached to the main housing 200. The user can operate the surface cleaning device by actuating the handle assembly 100, which allows the main housing 200 to assume an upright position (non-operating state) or an inclined position (operating state). In the inclined position, the main body 200 can be positioned at an angle of approximately 180° relative to the soiled surface. At least part of the main body 200 and the floor nozzle 600 can move under furniture to enable continuous cleaning.

[0046] Preferably, the handle assembly can include a user interface 704. Users can activate this interface to control the surface cleaning device. This allows, for example, control of the device's start / stop functions, the liquid supply rate, and the suction power of the vacuum source 701. Furthermore, it can control the activation and deactivation of the voice interaction system, adjust the voice volume, etc., thereby improving the user experience.

[0047] In one embodiment, the main body 200 forms the main structure of the surface cleaning device. The main body 200 is pivotally connected to the floor nozzle 600 via the connecting section 500. The main body 200 and the floor nozzle 600 can also partially or completely accommodate the clean water tank 300 and the dirty water tank 400. The dirty water tank 400 is detachably attached to the rear of the main body 200, while the clean water tank 300 is detachably attached to the floor nozzle 600. With this arrangement, the dirty water tank 400 and the clean water tank 300 each form part of the outer surface of the floor nozzle 600 and part of the outer surface of the main body 200, respectively. This configuration can lower the overall center of gravity of the surface cleaning device, allowing users to control its movement more conveniently by hand.

[0048] In one example, the clean water container 300 is located behind the floor nozzle 600, with the overall thickness of the floor nozzle 600 being set to less than 120 mm ( ).

[0049] The 300 ml clean water reservoir has a flat shape to conform to the overall contour of the 600 floor nozzle. The reservoir features a cavity formed by multiple wall surfaces to hold the cleaning fluid. The capacity of the 300 ml clean water reservoir is adjustable up to 500 ml. The reservoir has a top surface. An inlet cover protrudes from this top surface and is configured to receive the cleaning fluid. The upper end surface of the inlet cover is level with or lower than the highest point of the top surface of the 300 ml clean water reservoir.

[0050] The 300-liter clean water reservoir is used to store acidic liquid ready for dispensing. The 300-liter clean water reservoir can be connected to a liquid (not shown in the illustration). Consequently, the cleaning fluid in the 300-liter clean water reservoir can be pressurized via the liquid and fed to the cleaning fluid outlet of the 600-liter floor nozzle or applied to the soiled surface near the 600-liter floor nozzle. This allows for wet cleaning of the soiled surface with the cleaning fluid.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid dispenser can include a pump 703. The pump 703 can draw the liquid from the clean water container, pressurize it, and supply it to the liquid outlet component. The pressurized liquid is then supplied via the liquid outlet component to the agitator 702 of the floor brush 600 or to the soiled surface near the agitator 702.

[0052] Within the scope of this disclosure, the cleaning fluid may comprise one or more suitable liquids. Such cleaning fluids include, but are not limited to, cleaning water, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, or mixtures thereof. The cleaning fluid may be at room temperature or elevated. The main body 200 is designed with a receiving chamber. The dirty water container 400 is detachably attached to the main body 200 and positioned within the receiving chamber. When a significant amount of liquid has accumulated in the dirty water container 400, the user can remove the dirty water container 400 to drain the dirty water and remove solid waste. At this point, a portion of the outer surface of the dirty water container forms part of the outer surface of the surface cleaning device.

[0053] To recover the purified liquid, the dirty water tank can be connected to the floor nozzle via a wastewater line (not shown). The mixture of dirty water and gas (solid-liquid mixture) can be returned to the dirty water tank via the wastewater line. In one example, the dirty water tank can be equipped with a solid-liquid separator. This separator separates solids from the recovered solid-liquid mixture. The separated solids are retained in the separator, while the separated liquid is stored in the dirty water tank.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the surface cleaning device further comprises a vacuum source 701. The vacuum source 701 may include a vacuum motor. The vacuum source 701 generates a vacuum (negative pressure). The vacuum source 701 is connected to the dirty water container 400. The vacuum source 701 supplies the dirty water container 400 with the negative pressure, thereby achieving a forced flow of gas and dirty water within the performance line. In the present disclosure, the gas ejected from the vacuum source 701 can flow to the outside of the surface cleaning device through gaps in a portion of the outer surface.

[0055] In one example, the connecting section 500 can include a universal joint. The universal joint allows the main body to rotate in two directions relative to the floor nozzle 600.

[0056] In another example, the connecting section 500 can include a multi-axis joint. The multi-axis joint can couple the main housing 200 to the floor nozzle 600 to allow rotation of the main housing 200 relative to the floor nozzle 600 in both a first direction and a second direction.

[0057] The main housing 200 can be pivoted into an upright position (also referred to as the storage position) via the connecting section 500. In the upright position, the angle between the main housing 200 and the surface of the floor brush 600 (or the floor) is 80° to 90°, preferably approximately 80°. In the upright position, the surface cleaning device assumes a self-supporting posture (also referred to as the upright posture). Supported by the floor nozzle and the main housing, the surface cleaning device maintains its upright posture without requiring any external support.

[0058] The wastewater tank 400 is detachably connected to the main body 200. The wastewater tank 400 can be connected to the wastewater hose outlet at connection section 500, thereby drawing the solid-liquid mixture from the cleaning base (floor nozzle 600) into the wastewater tank 400 and venting the gas from the wastewater tank 400 to the outside. Solids and liquids are separated and retained in the wastewater container. That is, the solid-liquid mixture consists of solid waste, wastewater, and drawn-in gases, forming a three-phase mixture.

[0059] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the dirty water tank can comprise a housing assembly 410 and a solid-liquid separator 430. The housing assembly 410 includes a return line 411. One end of the return line 411 is connected to the hose of the connecting section 500. The other end of the return line 411 terminates in the first chamber 412 of the dirty water tank 400. For example, the section of the return line 411 located in the first chamber 412 has a certain height, creating a predetermined gap between the other end of the return line 411 and the partition 4121 of the first chamber 412. The first chamber 412 forms a semi-sealed structure within the housing assembly 410, which retains solids from the recovered material in the first chamber 412, while liquid and gas can pass through the line 431 at the solid-liquid separator 430 into the second chamber 413.

[0060] The second chamber 413 is divided into two sections by a check valve 414. These sections are the first part 4131 and the second part 4132. When the dirty water container 400 is in an upright position, the first part 4131 is located below the second part 4132. Here, a vacuum draws the gas-liquid mixture from the first chamber 412 through the inlet 4311 into the line 431 and from the outlet 4312 into the second chamber 413. Under the combined action of gravity and vacuum, the gas-liquid mixture passes through the check valve 414 into the first part 4131 of the second chamber 413. This prevents liquid already present in the first part 4131 from flowing from the first part 4131 of the second chamber 413 through the check valve into the second part 4132 of the second chamber 413, thus conserving the liquid.

[0061] The first part 4131 of the second chamber 413 serves to store the liquid within the gas-liquid mixture. The first chamber 412 is intended for storing the solid component within the three-phase mixture. Naturally, the first chamber 412 can also contain a small amount of spent liquid. Typically, the second chamber 413 also contains a small amount of small-sized solid waste particles.

[0062] Typically, a sensor is positioned within the first part (4131) of the second chamber. The probe is used to detect the fill level in the first part of the second chamber. As mentioned above, due to the presence of a small amount of solid waste, sticky particles in the wastewater tend to accumulate over time and cover the probe's surface. This reduces the probe's sensitivity and can lead to false alarms or failures.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas-liquid separator 420 is provided within the second part 4132 of the second chamber. The gas-liquid separator 420 is positioned within the fluid channel between the cleaning base and the vacuum source 701. In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 420 may comprise a drive motor 421 and an impeller 422. When the dirty water container is mounted on the main housing, at least part of the impeller 422 is located inside the dirty water container 400. More precisely, the impeller 422 is located in the second part of the second chamber. This second part also forms the outlet of the dirty water container.

[0064] During operation, the majority of the liquid passes through the check valve into the first part 4131 of the second chamber for storage. However, a small amount of tiny water droplets can be carried by the airflow to the outlet of the dirty water container, where the gas-liquid separator 420 is also located. During operation, the gas-liquid separator 420 of this disclosure drives the impeller 422 via the rotation of the drive motor 421, thereby separating the gas and liquid at the outlet. Due to the impact and centrifugal action of the impeller blades 422, the tiny liquid droplets combine to form a fine liquid stream. Under the combined action of centrifugal force and gravity, this stream moves away from the outlet, flows towards the second chamber, and is stored there. The gas is discharged from the surface cleaning device after filtration.

[0065] A detailed description of the principles and operation of the gas-liquid separator can be found in the Chinese patent ZL202220168366.X, which will not be discussed in more detail here.

[0066] During operation of the surface cleaning device, when the liquid or foam in the second chamber of the housing assembly 410 reaches a predetermined level, excess liquid or foam may flow toward the gas-liquid separator 420. At this point, an interruption mechanism may be configured to stop the suction action of the surface cleaning device. The gas-liquid separator 420 may be arranged to determine when the interruption mechanism should be activated. The gas-liquid separator 420 may replace commercially available components such as probes. These components are positioned inside the dirty water container and detect at least the liquid or foam at the liquid level within the housing assembly 410.

[0067] During operation of the surface cleaning device, the drive motor rotates the impeller 422. Within the flow channels of the vacuum extraction system, an effect is generated that separates water droplets from the airflow. Specifically, during use, the impeller 422 is rotated such that gas within the surface treatment device is drawn into at least a portion of the receiving chamber within the impeller 422. Upon reaching the separating blades of the impeller, the liquid is subjected to the impact and centrifugal forces exerted by the separating blades, causing it to be flung outwards and expelled from the gas-liquid separator 420. In this way, the gas-liquid mixture can be separated within the gas-liquid separator 420.

[0068] At normal fill levels, the majority of water droplets in the dirty water container are prevented by the baffles and flow channels from overcoming gravity and obstacles and reaching the impeller 422. Consequently, the impeller 422 remains in contact with only a small portion of the escaping liquid until the fill level reaches a threshold. However, when the fill level in the dirty water container reaches or approaches its maximum, the baffles and flow channels can no longer effectively prevent further droplets from escaping towards the impeller 422. At this point, a relatively larger number of droplets flow towards the impeller 422.

[0069] When exposed to increased water droplet impact, the separating blades of the impeller 422 generate a torque on its shaft that exceeds the torque occurring at a normal fill level. This torque acts on the drive motor 421 and induces drive resistance. This drive resistance causes fluctuations in the current of the drive motor. By detecting such fluctuations, it is possible to indirectly determine whether the dirty water tank has reached its preset maximum fill level.

[0070] With reference to Fig.5. The drive motor 421 of the gas-liquid separator 420 can transmit a current signal to the controller 700 upon reaching a first current threshold. This current signal is processed in the controller 700 to generate a liquid response signal. The liquid response signal corresponds to the critical liquid level within the housing assembly 410. Upon reaching the critical liquid level, the cleaning / suction components of the surface cleaning device (e.g., suction motor and liquid supply system) should be deactivated to prevent liquid from entering the suction motor. Based on the liquid response signal, the controller 700 can deactivate components of the surface cleaning device. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 700 can output a visual or audible signal via the user interface based on the liquid response signal.This visual or audible signal can alert the user to an excessively high liquid level in the housing assembly 410 or to the deactivation of certain components of the surface cleaning device. In another configuration, the controller 700 can stop the operation of the vacuum motor in response to the liquid signal to prevent liquid from entering the vacuum motor.

[0071] The gas-liquid separator 420 includes a communication channel that is functionally connected to the controller 700. The communication channel can be established using any transmission medium for transporting signals or transmitting data.

[0072] The controller 700 can use one or more communication channels to establish a connection to the drive motor of the gas-liquid separator 420. The controller 700 can also be functionally connected to other components of the surface cleaning device, such as the vacuum source 701, the agitator 702, the pump 703, and / or the user interface 704.

[0073] During operation, the surface cleaning device is prepared for use by connecting it to a power source and filling the clean water reservoirs with the cleaning fluid. When the surface cleaning device is moved back and forth, the user activates the actuator. The fluid is selectively applied to the soiled surface via the fluid supply system. The agitator 702 (e.g., a roller brush) can simultaneously apply the cleaning fluid to the soiled surface. During operation of the dirty water system, the surface cleaning device draws in working air containing the fluid and dirt particles through the vacuum inlet that enters the housing assembly 410. Within the housing assembly 410, the fluid and dirt particles are essentially separated from the working air. The airflow then passes through the suction motor and is expelled from the surface cleaning device.The liquid and residues collected in housing assembly 410 can be emptied at regular intervals.

[0074] In one embodiment, the gas-liquid separator can also transmit a current signal to the controller 700 at a second current threshold that is lower than the first. The current transmitted from the drive motor to the controller is processed to generate a foam response signal. The foam response signal corresponds to a critical foam level within the housing assembly. If foam is present, the cleaning / suction components of the surface cleaning device should be deactivated to prevent foam from entering the suction motor. Based on the foam response signal, the controller 700 can deactivate components of the surface cleaning system. Components that can be deactivated include, but are not limited to, the suction motor and the liquid delivery system.Additionally or alternatively, the 700 controller can output a visual or audible signal via the user interface based on the foam reaction signal. This visual or audible signal can alert the user to excessive foam in the 410 housing assembly. In another configuration, the controller can also activate a shut-off valve in response to the foam reaction signal to prevent foam from entering the suction motor. It should be noted that while the inertia of foam is lower than that of water droplets, the inertia of a large amount of foam relative to a small amount of water droplets can still exert a torque on the separator blades that exceeds the torque under normal conditions, thereby causing a change in the current of the drive motor.If sufficiently dense soap foam forms around the impeller 422, the controller 700 can interpret this signal to stop operation before the excess foam is sucked into the suction motor.

[0075] The basic function of the control unit 700 is to determine whether one of the two conditions, "liquid overflow" or "foam," is met. The first condition occurs when the liquid level has risen to the point where it is about to come into contact with the impeller 422, or when a fine jet of water has already come into contact with the impeller 422. The second condition occurs when liquid foam has come into contact with the impeller 422. The control system can also take measures to switch off the vacuum source 701 (e.g., the suction motor), the pump 703, or the agitator 702 (e.g., the roller brush). Taking at least one of these measures, but preferably all of them, prevents additional water from being drawn into the housing assembly 410.

[0076] The following describes the logic for using the gas-liquid separator 420 to detect liquid or foam according to one aspect of this disclosure. First, the drive motor generates and transmits a current. Additionally or alternatively, the first current threshold and second current threshold are generated and transmitted by the drive motor. Subsequently, the first current threshold and / or the second current threshold are transmitted to the controller 700 via a communication channel. After transmission through the housing assembly 410, the first current threshold and / or the second current threshold are interpreted by the controller 700 as a response to liquid or foam, respectively. The controller 700 receives the liquid or foam response signal and controls the operation of other components, for example, switching off the vacuum motor and activating an alarm system.Visual or acoustic signals, such as light or sound, can alert the user to an abnormal fill level in the dirt collection container via the user interface.

[0077] In this description, references to terms such as "one embodiment / mode," "some embodiments / modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with that embodiment / mode or example are included in at least one embodiment / mode or example of the present application. In this description, the illustrative use of the aforementioned terms need not be directed to the same embodiment / mode or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or properties may be combined appropriately in one or more embodiments / modes or examples.Furthermore, provided that this does not contradict each other, experts may combine and integrate different embodiments / modes or examples described herein with features from different embodiments / modes or examples.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms “first” and “second” are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying any relative meaning or the number of technical features specified. Consequently, features designated as “first” or “second” may explicitly or implicitly comprise at least one such feature. Throughout the description of this application, “a plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless expressly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0079] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing embodiments serve only to clarify the present disclosure and not to limit its scope. Skilled in the art may make other variations or modifications based on the foregoing disclosure, which will likewise remain within the scope of the present disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202220168366

[0065]

Claims

[1] Surface cleaning device, characterized by that it includes: a cleaning base for contacting surfaces within an environment to be cleaned; a rechargeable battery to supply the surface cleaning device with operating energy; a vacuum source; a wastewater system that is fluidically connected to the vacuum source and includes a container for wastewater; a liquid detector positioned within the dirty water container, the liquid detector comprising an impeller assembly comprising a drive motor and an impeller rotated by the drive motor; and a control system connected to the impeller assembly for controlling the impeller assembly and for determining the fill level in the dirty water tank based on the current of the drive motor. [2] Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the control system is configured to determine the operating status of the liquid distributor based on the detected flow. [3] Surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized by that the current corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller. [4] Surface cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the control is configured to control the interruption of the liquid supply, the interruption of the power supply to the wastewater system, or the output of an alarm based on a first current threshold and / or a second current threshold of the drive motor. [5] Surface cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized by, that the first current threshold corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller caused by droplets and the second current threshold corresponds to the rotational resistance of the impeller caused by foam. [6] Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the impeller assembly is arranged in such a way that it can be detachably engaged with the container for dirty water. [7] Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by that the impeller assembly is located within the main body of the surface cleaning device. [8] Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by that the impeller assembly is fluidically connected to the wastewater system. [9] Surface cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized by that the impeller assembly is located within the return channel of the wastewater system. [10] Surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized by that the surface cleaning device is a wet cleaning device or a surface cleaning device for dry and wet cleaning.

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