Floor brush structure and cleaning equipment

Abstract

Floor brush structure, characterized in that the floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a cleaning agent pump, a changeover valve and a mixer, wherein the roller brush is rotatably attached to the floor brush body, the nozzle is attached to the floor brush body, and the changeover valve includes a first pass, the opening and closing of which are controllable, wherein the inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned, wherein the nozzle comprises an upper conduit section and a lower conduit section which are interconnected, wherein the upper conduit section forms the inlet of the nozzle, the lower conduit section forms the outlet of the nozzle, and the inner diameter of the lower conduit section gradually increases in the direction of foam discharge.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present utility model relates to the field of cleaning technology, in particular a floor brush structure and a cleaning device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the development of science and technology, as well as the improvement in living standards, household cleaning appliances have become increasingly widespread, reducing the burden of human housework. These include, for example, robotic vacuum cleaners, floor mops, and combination devices with vacuuming and mopping functions.

[0003] In related technologies, such as floor cleaning machines, the cleaning process is achieved using a roller brush at the base of a floor brush structure. During the cleaning process, the roller brush is typically moistened, and the surface to be cleaned is wet-cleaned. Although wet cleaning can effectively improve the cleaning effect, some oil stains or stubborn stains remain difficult to remove due to the variety of dirt types. To address this issue, foam is sprayed onto the surface to enhance the cleaning action. Specifically, a foam pump is attached to the floor cleaning machine, generating the foam and delivering it to the surface. This foam pump integrates an air pump, a peristaltic pump, and a mixing chamber, resulting in a relatively large volume.Therefore, a larger installation space must be provided within the floor brush structure, resulting in lower space utilization efficiency. Furthermore, this foam-forming structure also suffers from issues such as limited flexibility and high costs, leading to an unsatisfactory user experience. CONTENTS OF THE PRESENT USE SAMPLE

[0004] In view of the problems mentioned above, the embodiments of the present application offer a floor brush structure and a cleaning device that can provide foam for a surface to be cleaned, thereby improving the cleaning effect.

[0005] Furthermore, the space in the floor brush structure can be fully utilized, with more flexible foam usage.

[0006] To achieve the aforementioned tasks, the embodiments of this application offer the following technical solutions: The embodiments described in a first aspect of the present application provide a floor brush structure comprising a roller brush, a floor brush body, an air pump, a cleaning agent pump, a changeover valve and a mixer; The roller brush is rotatably attached to the floor brush body; The changeover valve comprises a first passage and a second passage that open and close at different times; The inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, and the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, and the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned; The inlet of the second passage is connected at least to the cleaning agent pump, and the outlet of the second passage serves to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent.

[0007] The air pump is used to pump air, and the cleaning agent pump is used to pump cleaning agent or a cleaning agent-containing liquid. When the air pump and the cleaning agent pump are operating simultaneously, the fluid flowing through the diverter valve is an air-liquid mixture. The mixer serves to convert the air-liquid mixture into more stable and finer bubbles, so that these bubbles remain intact longer after being sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned. This improves the visual effect and the cleaning performance.

[0008] In contrast to the prior art, which uses an integrated foam pump with an air pump, peristaltic pump, and mixing chamber as a single unit, the embodiments of the present application employ the air pump, the detergent pump, the changeover valve, and the mixer to generate foam. These components are arranged independently of one another, allowing them to be positioned individually according to the spatial constraints of the floor brush structure. This eliminates the need for a separate, contiguous installation space, thus optimally utilizing the fragmented installation spaces within the floor brush structure, increasing the tolerance for errors in the arrangement of components inside the floor brush, and also contributing to cost reduction. Furthermore, this independent arrangement enables separate control of the individual components, making the structural arrangement and bubble usage more flexible and adaptable.

[0009] Optionally, the floor brush structure also includes a first transmission line, a second transmission line, and a third transmission line; The two ends of the first transmission line are connected to the air pump and one end of the third transmission line, respectively; The two ends of the second transmission line are connected to the cleaning agent pump or one end of the third transmission line; the other end of the third transmission line is connected to the inlet of the first pass, and the inlet of the first pass coincides with the inlet of the second pass.

[0010] Optionally, the second pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, and the second pass serves to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent in an air-liquid mixed state; or The second pass is connected to the cleaning agent pump, and the second pass serves to supply the roller brush with liquid cleaning agent.

[0011] Optionally, the floor brush structure also includes: a fresh water pump; a cleaning agent tank, which serves to store cleaning agents and is connected to the cleaning agent pump; a fresh water tank, which serves at least for the storage of fresh water and is connected to the fresh water pump; a homogenizer, wherein the inlet of the homogenizer is connected to the outlet of the second pass and to the fresh water pump to mix the cleaning agent and the fresh water evenly; and a water distributor that is connected to the homogenizer to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent.

[0012] Optionally, the homogenizer includes a T-piece, with two inlets of the T-piece being connected to the outlet of the second passage or to the fresh water pump, and one outlet of the T-piece being connected to the water distributor.

[0013] Optionally, the floor brush structure also includes a nozzle, with the nozzle attached to the floor brush body and connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0014] Optionally, the nozzle comprises an upper conduit section and a lower conduit section, wherein the upper conduit section forms the inlet of the nozzle, the lower conduit section forms the outlet of the nozzle, and the inner diameter of the lower conduit section gradually increases in the direction of foam discharge.

[0015] Optionally, the nozzle also includes a transition section, wherein the inner wall of the transition section forms a smooth transition with the inner wall of the upper pipe section and the inner wall of the lower pipe section, and the inner diameter of the transition section gradually decreases in the direction of foam exit.

[0016] Optionally, the inner wall of the transition section extends along an ellipsoidal path. The lower pipe section has a longitudinal section that is fan-shaped, with the longitudinal section being a cut running parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle.

[0017] Optionally, the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is less than or equal to the maximum inner diameter of the upper pipe section.

[0018] Optionally, the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is in the range of 1.8 to 2.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper pipe section is less than or equal to 2.0 mm.

[0019] Optionally, the mixer includes an interior, a filter screen in the interior, and a mixing liquid inlet and a foam outlet, both of which are connected to the interior, with the mixing liquid inlet being connected to the outlet of the first pass and the foam outlet being connected to the inlet of the nozzle.

[0020] Optionally, the mixing liquid inlet and the foam outlet are located on opposite sides of the interior, and the mixing liquid inlet and the foam outlet are arranged coaxially.

[0021] Optionally, the mixer is designed as a monolithic structure; or the mixer is designed as a split structure, comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber forming the interior by joining together, and the filter screen being clamped between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0022] The embodiments described in a second aspect of the present application provide a floor brush structure. The floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a cleaning agent pump, a changeover valve, and a mixer. The roller brush is rotatably attached to the floor brush body; The nozzle is attached to the floor brush body; The changeover valve includes a first passage, the opening and closing of which can be controlled; The inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned; The nozzle comprises an upper pipe section and a lower pipe section which are connected to each other, with one end of the upper pipe section being connected to the outlet of the mixer and the other end of the upper pipe section being connected to an end of the lower pipe section; The nozzle has a slot, the slot extending along the axial direction of the nozzle from the other end of the lower pipe section to the upper pipe section, and the slot passing through the side wall of the nozzle along the radial direction of the nozzle; The inner wall of the lower conduit section extends along a spherical or ellipsoidal path.

[0023] Optionally, the slot has a width of 0.15 to 0.25 mm, preferably 0.2 mm, the length by which the slot projects into the upper section of the conductor is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, preferably 2.2 mm, and the upper section of the conductor has an inner diameter of 2.3 to 2.7 mm, preferably 2.5 mm.

[0024] Optionally, the nozzle is movably attached to the floor brush body, and the angle between the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned changes synchronously with the movement of the nozzle.

[0025] The embodiments described in a third aspect of the present application provide a floor brush structure. The floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a cleaning agent pump, a changeover valve, and a mixer; The roller brush is rotatably attached to the floor brush body; The nozzle is attached to the floor brush body; The changeover valve includes a first passage, the opening and closing of which can be controlled; The inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned; The nozzle is movably attached to the floor brush body, and the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned changes synchronously with the movement of the nozzle.

[0026] Optionally, the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned can be in the range of 0 to 60°.

[0027] Optionally, the nozzle comprises an upper pipe section and a lower pipe section that are interconnected, with one end of the upper pipe section being connected to the outlet of the mixer, and the other end of the upper pipe section being connected to one end of the lower pipe section; The nozzle has a slot, the slot extending along the axial direction of the nozzle from the other end of the lower conduit section to the upper conduit section, and the slot passing through the side wall of the nozzle along the radial direction; the inner wall of the lower conduit section extends along a spherical or ellipsoidal path; The slot has a width of 0.15 to 0.25 mm, the length by which the slot protrudes into the upper section of the conductor is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, and the upper section of the conductor has an inner diameter of 2.3 to 2.7 mm.

[0028] The embodiments described in a fourth aspect of the present application provide a cleaning device comprising the following: a floor brush structure, a body assembly, a suction device and a control board, wherein the body assembly is connected to the floor brush structure, the suction device is attached to the body assembly and serves to suction dirt from the roller brush, and the control board is attached to the body assembly or the floor brush structure; The floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a cleaning agent pump, a changeover valve and a mixer; The roller brush is rotatably attached to the floor brush body; The nozzle is attached to the floor brush body; The changeover valve includes a first passage, the opening and closing of which can be controlled; The inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned; The control board is electrically connected to the air pump to control the air pump's power; the control board is electrically connected to the detergent pump to control the detergent pump's power; the control board is electrically connected to the changeover valve to control the opening and closing of the first passage.

[0029] Optionally, the changeover valve includes a second passage, the opening and closing of which can be controlled; The inlet of the second passage is connected at least to the cleaning agent pump, and the outlet of the second passage serves to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent; the control board can control the opening and closing of the second passage via the changeover valve.

[0030] Optionally, the cleaning device has a foam floor mopping mode in which the air pump and the detergent pump are operated synchronously; the foam floor mopping mode has at least two operating stages, the operating stages comprising a first stage and a second stage, wherein the operating power of the air pump and the detergent pump is higher in the first stage than in the second stage, so that the nozzle has a greater foam spray distance in the first stage than in the second stage.

[0031] Optionally, the body assembly is equipped with a step switching device, the step switching device being electrically connected to the control board and serving to switch between the first stage and the second stage.

[0032] The cleaning device optionally also includes: a dirt identification module, wherein the dirt identification module is electrically connected to the control board; The dirt identification module is configured to identify and locate dirt on the surface to be cleaned and to output a dirt localization signal to the control board; the control board is configured to output a channel assignment signal to the changeover valve upon triggering the dirt localization signal; the changeover valve is an electrically controlled switching valve that is configured to open the first passage upon triggering the channel assignment signal.

[0033] Optionally, the information in the dirt localization signal includes a dirt removal level, the control board stores pre-configured mapping information between the operating stages and the dirt removal levels, and the control board is set up to call up the corresponding operating stage according to different dirt removal levels, so that foam ejected from the nozzle reaches the position of the dirt.

[0034] The cleaning device optionally also includes: an obstacle detection module, wherein the obstacle detection module is electrically connected to the control board; The obstacle detection module is configured to send an avoidance signal to the control board when an obstacle is detected in front of the cleaning device; the control board is configured to send a stop signal to the changeover valve when the avoidance signal is triggered; the changeover valve is an electrically controlled switching valve that is configured to close the first passage when the stop signal is triggered.

[0035] Optionally, the nozzle is movably attached to the floor brush body, and the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned changes synchronously with the movement of the nozzle.

[0036] Optionally, the nozzle comprises an upper pipe section and a lower pipe section that are interconnected, with one end of the upper pipe section being connected to the outlet of the mixer, and the other end of the upper pipe section being connected to one end of the lower pipe section; The nozzle has a slot, the slot extending along the axial direction of the nozzle from the other end of the lower conduit section to the upper conduit section, and the slot passing through the side wall of the nozzle along the radial direction; the inner wall of the lower conduit section extends along a spherical or ellipsoidal path; The slot has a width of 0.15 to 0.25 mm, the length by which the slot protrudes into the upper section of the conductor is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, and the upper section of the conductor has an inner diameter of 2.3 to 2.7 mm.

[0037] In addition to the technical problems described above, which are solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features of the technical solutions and the resulting advantageous effects, further technical problems which can be solved by the floor brush structure and the cleaning device of the present application, further technical features contained in the technical solutions and the advantageous effects achieved by these technical features are explained in more detail in the detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] To better illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, a brief description of the drawings necessary for describing these embodiments or the prior art is given below. Of course, the drawings described below represent only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be prepared by a person skilled in the art based on these drawings without any creative effort. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement process of the water path of a floor brush structure in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement process of the water path of a floor brush structure in a cleaning device according to other embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a cleaning device in some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of a nozzle in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the nozzle in Fig. 4; Fig. Figure 6 shows another schematic representation of the structure of a nozzle in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section of the nozzle in Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 8 shows a further schematic representation of the structure at the outlet of a nozzle in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of the structure of a mixer in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application; Fig. Figure 10 shows a cross-section of the mixer in Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a filter screen of the mixer in Fig. 10; Fig. Figure 12 shows a section of a mixer in another structure in a cleaning device according to some embodiments of the present application. Reference symbol list:

[0039] 10, first transmission line; 20, second transmission line; 30, third transmission line; 40, nozzle; 401, nozzle inlet; 402, nozzle outlet; 403, slot; 41, upper line section; 42, lower line section; 43, transition section; 50, mixer; 501, first chamber; 502, second chamber; 51, mixing liquid inlet; 52, foam outlet; 53, mixer interior; 60, filter screen; 100, cleaning device; 110, floor brush structure; 111, roller brush; 112, roller brush cover; 113, base; 114, floor brush body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To clarify and make more understandable the technical solution and the advantageous effects of the present utility model, a detailed description is given below with reference to specific embodiments. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and local features may be enlarged or reduced to better illustrate their details; unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, the terms "vertical," "length," "width," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "below," "inside," etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. These terms serve solely to facilitate a simplified description of this utility model and are not intended to indicate that the devices or elements mentioned must necessarily have a particular orientation, be designed in a particular orientation, or be operated in a particular orientation. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as limitations of this utility model.

[0042] In this utility model, the terms "first," "second," and "third" serve only for clarity and are not to be understood as a relative importance of the specified features or as the number of specified technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly indicate that there is at least one such feature. In the description of this utility model, "several" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc.

[0043] In the present utility model, the terms "assembly," "connection," "connection," "connected," and "arrangement" are to be understood in their broadest sense, unless expressly defined otherwise. For example, "connection" may refer to a permanent connection, a detachable connection, or a one-piece structure; it may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium; and it may also refer to an internal connection between two elements or an interaction relationship between two elements. A person skilled in the art may, in certain cases, understand the specific meaning of the aforementioned terms in the present utility model.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the embodiments of the present application provide a floor brush structure, wherein the floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a detergent pump, a changeover valve and a mixer; the roller brush is rotatably mounted on the floor brush body; the nozzle is mounted on the floor brush body; the changeover valve comprises a first passage, the opening and closing of which is controllable; the inlet of the first passage is connected to the air pump and the detergent pump, the outlet of the first passage is connected to the mixer, the mixer can provide cleaning foam for a surface to be cleaned, and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0045] In some optional embodiments, the changeover valve also includes a second passage, the opening and closing of which can be controlled; the inlet of the second passage is connected at least to the cleaning agent pump, and the outlet of the second passage serves to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, the floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a detergent pump, a changeover valve, and a mixer; the roller brush is rotatably mounted on the floor brush body; the nozzle is mounted on the floor brush body; the changeover valve comprises a first passage and a second passage, the opening and closing of which are controllable; the inlet of the first passage is connected to the air pump and the detergent pump, the outlet of the first passage is connected to the mixer, and the mixer can supply cleaning foam to a surface to be cleaned; the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned;The inlet of the second passage is connected at least to the cleaning agent pump, and the outlet of the second passage serves to supply the roller brush with cleaning agent.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present application, the air pump serves to pump air, and the cleaning agent pump serves to pump cleaning agent or a cleaning agent-containing liquid. When the air pump and the cleaning agent pump operate simultaneously, the fluid flowing through the changeover valve is an air-liquid mixture. The mixer serves to convert the air-liquid mixture into more stable and finer bubbles, so that these bubbles remain intact for longer after being sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, thus improving the visual effect and the cleaning action.

[0048] In contrast to the prior art, where an integrated foam pump with an air pump, peristaltic pump, and mixing chamber is used as a unit, in the embodiments of the present application, the air pump, the detergent pump, the changeover valve, and the mixer work together to generate foam. These components are arranged independently of one another, so that they can be individually positioned according to the spatial conditions of the floor brush structure. This eliminates the need to provide a separate, contiguous installation space, which optimally utilizes the fragmented installation spaces in the floor brush structure and also contributes to cost reduction.

[0049] Furthermore, this independent arrangement allows for separate control of the individual components. For example, the performance of the cleaning agent pump can be individually adjusted so that the cleaning agent pump can deliver different flow rates of cleaning agent as needed. Alternatively, the air pump can be controlled separately to adjust the air intake volume. Or the opening width of the diverter valve can be adjusted so that the fluid flow rates of the first and second passes differ. Therefore, in the floor brush structure according to the embodiments of the present application, the structural arrangement and the use of the cleaning agents are more flexible and adaptable.

[0050] The changeover valve allows for two different operating modes. For clarity, these two modes are referred to as follows: a foam floor mopping mode, in which foam is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, and a roller brush spray mode, in which cleaning agent is sprayed onto the roller brush. The surface to be cleaned includes, but is not limited to, a floor, a carpet, or a wall. The floor is used as an example below to illustrate the surface to be cleaned. Spraying foam onto the floor softens dirt before it reaches the roller brush, thus improving the cleaning effect. The flow of cleaning agent from the changeover valve to the roller brush can occur either during floor cleaning with the roller brush or during the roller brush's self-cleaning cycle in the base station.This improves the cleaning effect of both the floor and the self-cleaning effect of the roller brush as the cleaning agent flows towards it.

[0051] In foam floor mopping mode, the first passage is open, the second passage is closed, the air pump and the cleaning agent pump are connected to the first passage, and the changeover valve can supply the air-liquid mixture to the mixer; in roller brush spraying mode, the first passage is closed, the second passage is open, and the fluid flowing from the changeover valve leads to the roller brush.

[0052] In roller brush spray mode, the changeover valve can supply the roller brush with cleaning agent in different states, depending on the connection status between the air pump and the second passage. In some optional embodiments, the second passage is connected to both the air pump and the cleaning agent pump, and the second passage supplies the roller brush with cleaning agent in an air-liquid mixture; or the second passage is connected to the cleaning agent pump but not to the air pump, and the second passage supplies the roller brush with liquid cleaning agent.

[0053] By controlling the on / off function of the air pump or the opening and closing of the valve in the flow path, the connection of the air pump to the second flow path can be controlled. For example, in roller brush spray mode, the air pump can be controlled so that it is closed and the detergent pump is open, preventing the fluid flowing through the changeover valve from mixing with air, and thus ensuring that the detergent supplied to the roller brush is liquid detergent. Alternatively, in roller brush spray mode, both the air pump and the detergent pump can be open, preventing the fluid flowing through the changeover valve from mixing with air, and thus ensuring that the detergent supplied to the roller brush is foam detergent.

[0054] Without restriction, a changeover valve can be a manually operated mechanical valve that opens the first or second passage at different times through manual control by the user. Alternatively, the changeover valve can be an electrically controlled valve (such as a solenoid valve) that can use electrical signals to achieve automatic control of the first and second passages.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in some optional embodiments the floor brush structure also includes a first transmission line 10, a second transmission line 20 and the third transmission line 30; both ends of the first transmission line 10 are connected to one end of the air pump and one end of the third transmission line 30, respectively; both ends of the second transmission line 20 are connected to one end of the cleaning agent pump and one end of the third transmission line 30, respectively; the other end of the third transmission line 30 is connected to an inlet of the first passage, and the inlet of the first passage coincides with the inlet of the second passage.

[0056] The first transmission line 10 carries the air pumped by the air pump, the second transmission line 20 carries the liquid pumped by the cleaning agent pump, and the air and liquid are mixed in the third transmission line 30 before leading to the changeover valve. This method, in which the air and liquid are premixed before being passed through the changeover valve, promotes a stable flow condition of the air-liquid mixture in the line and allows for better controllability.

[0057] The first, second, and third transmission lines can be hoses or pipes.

[0058] In other optional embodiments, the third transmission line can also be omitted, with the first transmission line and the second transmission line each being connected to the changeover valve.

[0059] In some optional embodiments, the floor brush structure includes, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a fresh water pump, a detergent tank, a fresh water tank, a homogenizer, and a water distributor; the detergent tank is used to store detergent and is connected to the detergent pump; the fresh water tank is used at least to store fresh water and is connected to the fresh water pump; the inlet of the homogenizer is connected to the outlet of the second pass and to the fresh water pump to mix the detergent and the fresh water evenly; the water distributor is connected to the homogenizer to supply the roller brush with detergent.

[0060] The changeover valve supplies the homogenizer with detergent via the second pass, while the fresh water pump supplies the homogenizer with fresh water. After the fresh water and detergent are evenly mixed in the homogenizer, the mixture is sprayed onto the roller brush via the water distributor. This method allows for more precise control of the detergent and fresh water flow rates, and the mixing of the detergent and fresh water is more uniform, thus reducing detergent waste and consequently extending its service life.

[0061] The water distributor is a water-distributing structure integrated into the brush body. One end of the distributor serves as the fluid inlet, while the other end houses multiple spray nozzles. These nozzles are evenly spaced along the axial direction of the roller brush to ensure more homogeneous and complete wetting.

[0062] In the existing structure, the water distributor has only a single fluid inlet. The homogenizer combines the two fluid streams, namely cleaning agent and fresh water, into a common stream, thereby achieving better interaction with the water distributor. It should be understood that in some other embodiments, the fluid inlet of the water distributor can also be changed to two, so that the water distributor is connected to the outlet of the second flow and the outlet of the fresh water pump. This allows the homogenizer to be removed, and the water distributor then performs both the mixing and water distribution functions, further saving space within the floor brush structure.

[0063] In some optional embodiments, the homogenizer comprises a T-piece, wherein two inlets of the T-piece are connected to the outlet of the second passage or to the fresh water pump, and one outlet of the T-piece is connected to the water distributor.

[0064] The cleaning agent and the fish water enter the interior of the T-piece through the two inlets, where the fluid flow inside the T-piece causes a collision between the two, resulting in a mixing of both.

[0065] In some optional embodiments, the floor brush structure includes, as shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. Figure 8 shows a nozzle 40, which is attached to the floor brush body and is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned. The nozzle 40 enables directed spraying of the foam.

[0066] In addition, the nozzle 40 can also perform a pressure boosting function, which is advantageous for increasing the ejection distance and the spray area of ​​bubbles.

[0067] The number of nozzles 40 can be one, two, three or more.

[0068] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the floor brush body 114 comprises a base 113, which is mainly formed by a housing, and a roller brush cover 112 mounted on the base 113. The roller brush 111, air pump, detergent pump, changeover valve, mixer, etc., are all mounted on the base 113. The roller brush cover 112 covers the roller brush 111 from above to prevent the roller brush 111 from flinging dirt onto the floor during the cleaning process. The nozzle 40 can be mounted on the roller brush cover 112, or the nozzle can be mounted on the base 113.

[0069] The nozzle outlet is directed forward in relation to the floor brush structure to spray foam onto the floor in front of the floor brush structure.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the nozzle comprises 40, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows an upper conduit section 41 and a lower conduit section 42 connected to each other, with the upper conduit section 41 forming the inlet 401 of the nozzle, the lower conduit section 42 forming the outlet 42 of the nozzle, and the inner diameter of the lower conduit section 42 gradually increasing in the direction of foam discharge. The gradually increasing outlet 402 of the nozzle can effectively increase the foam coverage area. For example, the nozzle 40 can discharge an approximately rectangular or oval foam coverage area, thereby increasing the coverage area for floor dirt and improving the visualization effect and the actual cleaning effect.

[0071] For example, the lower pipe section, which gradually increases in diameter towards the foam outlet, can have a longitudinal section that is fan-shaped, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows the longitudinal section being a section running parallel to the axial direction of the nozzle.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the nozzle comprises 40, as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a transition section 43, wherein the inner wall of the transition section 43 forms a smooth transition with the inner wall of the upper conduit section 41 and the inner wall of the lower conduit section 42, and the inner diameter of the transition section 43 gradually decreases in the direction of the foam outlet.

[0073] The smooth transitions can reduce fluid energy loss, minimize defoaming, and ensure a spray effect. Fig. Figure 5 shows that the inner diameter at the connection point between the transition section 43 and the lower pipe section 42 is small, creating a constriction. Below the constriction, the inner diameter of the lower pipe section gradually increases. Fluid flows from the upper pipe section 41 through the constriction into the lower pipe section 42. This change in inner diameter effectively increases the fluid flow velocity and thus ensures the foam spray effect.

[0074] For example, the inner wall of transition section 43 extends as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows the path along an ellipsoidal route. In other words, the inner wall of the transition section 43 has an essentially ellipsoidal shape, which can reduce fluid energy loss while simultaneously increasing the fluid flow velocity, thereby improving the foam spray effect and the quality of the ejected foam.

[0075] In some optional embodiments, the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is 42, as shown in Fig. 5 shown, less than or equal to the maximum inner diameter of the upper pipe section.

[0076] For example, the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is in the range of 1.8 to 2.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper pipe section is less than or equal to 2.0 mm. For instance, the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is 1.8 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper pipe section is 2.0 mm. Or the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is 1.9 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper pipe section is 2.0 mm. Or the maximum inner diameter of the lower pipe section is 2.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper pipe section is 2.0 mm. In the embodiments of this utility model, the upper pipe section has a cylindrical structure with a consistently uniform inner diameter. The inner diameter of the upper pipe section can also be 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, or 2.5 mm.

[0077] In Fig. Figures 6 to 8 also show another nozzle structure. As in Fig. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the nozzle 40 comprises, in some other optional embodiments also an upper conduit section 41 and a lower conduit section 42, wherein one end of the upper conduit section 41 is connected to the outlet of the mixer, and the other end of the upper conduit section 41 is connected to one end of the lower conduit section 42; the nozzle 40 has a slot 403, wherein the slot 403 extends in the axial direction of the nozzle 40 from the other end of the lower conduit section into the upper conduit section 41, and the slot 403 passes through the side wall of the nozzle 40 in the radial direction of the nozzle 40; the inner wall of the lower conduit section 42 extends along a spherical (as shown in Figure 6 to 8) Fig. 8 shown) or an ellipsoidal path (as in Fig. 7 shown).

[0078] The outlet of the nozzle formed by slot 403 can improve the foam spraying effect.

[0079] In some embodiments, the slot 403 has a width of 0.15 to 0.25 mm, the length by which the slot 403 projects into the upper conductor section is in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 mm, and the upper conductor section has an inner diameter of 2.3 to 2.7 mm. For example, the width of the slot 403 is 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.22 mm, or 0.25 mm; the length by which the slot 403 projects into the upper conductor section is 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.8 mm, or 3.0 mm; and the inner diameter of the upper conductor section is 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, or 2.7 mm.

[0080] In some embodiments, the width of the slot 403 is 0.2 mm, the length by which the slot 403 projects into the upper conduit section is 1.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and the inner diameter of the upper conduit section is 2.5 mm. The width of the slot influences the foam spray homogeneity and the foam coverage area. A nozzle that meets these conditions can achieve an atomization angle of over 20° and increase the foam coverage area to an approximately rectangular foam area with a length of at least 100 mm and a width of at least 50 mm. At the same time, the uniformity of the foam particle size improves by more than 30%, and the duration for which the foam remains fine and uniform can exceed 30 minutes, thereby improving the visualization effect and the actual cleaning effect.

[0081] In some optional embodiments, the mixer comprises 50, as shown in Fig. Figures 9 to 12 show an interior 53, a filter screen 60 in the interior 53, a mixing liquid inlet 51 and a foam outlet 52, both of which are connected to the interior 53, wherein the mixing liquid inlet 51 is connected to the outlet of the first pass, and the foam outlet 52 is connected to the inlet 401 of the nozzle 40.

[0082] As in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the filter screen 60 divides the interior 53 of the mixer 50 into two areas: one area connected to the mixing liquid inlet and another area connected to the foam outlet. The filter screen 60 divides the air-liquid mixture coming from the changeover valve, thereby producing a fine, stable foam that is sprayed onto the floor.

[0083] The mesh size of the filter screen can be selected according to the flow rate of the detergent pump and the air pump in order to achieve a uniform and fine foam formation.

[0084] Tests have confirmed that, according to the embodiments of the present application, the cleaning efficiency of the floor brush structure and the self-cleaning effect of the roller brush were significantly improved in various scenarios with stubborn dirt or heavy grease deposits.

[0085] In some optional embodiments, the mixing liquid inlet 51 and the foam outlet 52 are located as shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the mixing fluid inlet 51 and the foam outlet 52 are arranged coaxially on opposite sides of the interior 53. This structure enables an essentially straight fluid flow path inside, thereby reducing fluid energy loss.

[0086] Using the example of Fig. 10 and Fig. 12 means “coaxial” that the center line of the mixing liquid inlet 51 and the center line of the foam outlet 52 both coincide with the same straight line O. Furthermore, the interior 53 is arranged coaxially with the mixing liquid inlet 51 and the foam outlet 52.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, the mixer is designed as in Fig. The monolithic structure shown in Figure 10 is formed. Or the mixer is formed as in Fig. Figure 12 shows a split structure, wherein the mixer 50 comprises a first chamber 501 and a second chamber 502, the first chamber 501 and the second chamber 502 forming the interior 53 when joined together, and the filter screen 60 being clamped between the first chamber 501 and the second chamber 502. The mixer with the split structure is easier to manufacture and also easier to replace and to install the filter screen.

[0088] In some optional embodiments, the nozzle is movably attached to the floor brush body, and the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned changes synchronously with the movement of the nozzle.

[0089] Without restriction, the nozzle's maneuverability can include both rotational and linear movement. For example, the nozzle can rotate up and down. When the nozzle rotates up, the nozzle outlet is raised, allowing the ejected foam to travel a greater distance; when the nozzle rotates down, the nozzle outlet is in a lower position, causing the ejected foam to land closer to the leading edge of the floor brush structure. In foam mopping mode, the nozzle can be controlled to rotate while simultaneously spraying foam. This allows for a larger foam coverage area, and the foam can be directed at multiple dirt spots in different locations as needed.It is understood that raising the nozzle outlet can also be achieved by a linear upward movement of the nozzle, while lowering the nozzle outlet can be achieved by a linear downward movement of the nozzle.

[0090] For example, a separate rotary device may be provided on the floor brush body to enable rotation of the nozzle. Alternatively, a separate linear motion device may be provided on the floor brush body to enable movement of the nozzle. The rotary device comprises, but is not limited to, a rotary motor and a transmission assembly, wherein the transmission assembly is connected to an output shaft of the rotary motor and the nozzle, and the transmission assembly transmits the rotary drive force of the rotary motor to the nozzle to cause it to rotate. The linear motion device comprises a drive assembly and a traction element, wherein the traction element is connected to an output shaft of the drive assembly and the nozzle. By winding or unwinding the traction element, the output shaft of the drive assembly can cause a linear reciprocating motion of the nozzle. The drive assembly includes at least one motor.

[0091] For example, a separate rotating device is not required to enable nozzle movement. Instead, the existing movement mechanism of the floor brush assembly can be used to achieve nozzle movement. For instance, in some floor brush assemblies, the roller brush cover can move relative to the roller brush. When the roller brush cover moves until it makes contact with the roller brush, the rotation of the roller brush can clean dirt from the inner wall of the roller brush cover. In such an assembly, the roller brush cover can be connected to the nozzle, so that its movement drives the nozzle.

[0092] In some optional embodiments, the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned is in the range of 0 to 60°. For example, the angle between the central axis of the nozzle outlet and the surface to be cleaned is 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50° or 60°.

[0093] The embodiments of the present application also provide a cleaning device, wherein the cleaning device 100, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows a floor brush structure 110 according to one of the above embodiments, a body assembly 120 and a suction device, wherein the body assembly is connected to the floor brush structure 110 and the suction device is attached to the body assembly 120 for suctioning dirt from the roller brush.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning device comprises a floor brush structure, a body assembly, a suction device, and a control board, wherein the body assembly is connected to the floor brush structure, the suction device is attached to the body assembly for suctioning dirt from the roller brush, and the control board is attached to the body assembly or the floor brush structure; the floor brush structure comprises a roller brush, a nozzle, a floor brush body, an air pump, a detergent pump, a changeover valve, and a mixer; the roller brush is rotatably mounted on the floor brush body; the nozzle is mounted on the floor brush body; the changeover valve comprises a first passage, the opening and closing of which are controllable;The inlet of the first pass is connected to the air pump and the detergent pump; the outlet of the first pass is connected to the mixer, which can supply cleaning foam to a surface to be cleaned; and the nozzle is connected to the mixer to spray the cleaning foam onto the surface to be cleaned; the control board is electrically connected to the air pump to control the air pump's output; the control board is electrically connected to the detergent pump to control the detergent pump's output; the control board is electrically connected to the changeover valve to control the opening and closing of the first pass.

[0095] In the embodiments described in the present application, the cleaning device includes, but is not limited to, a floor cleaning machine or an electric mop, etc.

[0096] The suction device includes a vacuum pump that provides suction power to vacuum dirt from the floor.

[0097] For example, the floor cleaning machine has a wastewater tank attached to the body assembly, in which the dirt sucked up by the suction device is collected. The body assembly is also equipped with a handle for ease of use.

[0098] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning device also includes a control board, wherein the control board is attached to the body assembly or the floor brush structure; the control board is electrically connected to the air pump to control the switching on and off of the air pump; the control board is electrically connected to the detergent pump to control the switching on and off of the detergent pump; the control board is electrically connected to the changeover valve to control the opening and closing of the first and second passages.

[0099] Because the control board is electrically connected to the air pump, the cleaning agent pump and the changeover valve, flexible control of individual components is enabled to meet the requirements of different application scenarios.For example, if the user needs to spot clean floor stains, they can select the foam floor mopping mode by pressing a button; in this case, the control board activates the cleaning agent pump, the diverter valve opens and switches to a water path for spot spraying, delivering the cleaning fluid to the floor via the cleaning agent pump, diverter valve, mixer, and nozzle. If the user wants to clean the entire house with cleaning fluid, they can select the roller brush spraying mode by pressing a button; in this case, the control board activates the cleaning agent pump, the diverter valve opens and switches to a water path for spraying the roller brush, delivering the cleaning fluid to the roller brush via the cleaning agent pump, diverter valve, homogenizer (T-piece), and water distributor.

[0100] The control board executes the corresponding control operations according to received commands. These commands can be received not only via the buttons on the unit itself, but also via electronic devices such as mobile phones or computers that can communicate with the cleaning device. For example, the user enters a command via the application software (app) on their mobile phone, and the phone sends the corresponding command to the cleaning device.

[0101] Using the air pump control as an example, once the control board switches the air pump on, the pump can supply air to either the first or the second passage of the diverter valve. When the control board switches the air pump off (or stops it), the currently activated passage is closed, thus interrupting the air supply to the diverter valve. The control board manages the activation and deactivation of the detergent pump and the opening and closing of the diverter valve in a similar manner and will therefore not be discussed further.

[0102] In some embodiments, the control board can also control at least one of the following elements: operating parameters of the air pump, operating parameters of the detergent pump, and an opening degree of the changeover valve.

[0103] The operating parameters include, but are not limited to, the power output of the pump, the motor speed of the pump, etc. By controlling these parameters, different fluid flow rates can be achieved. The fluid outflow rate of the diverter valve can be adjusted by controlling its opening degree.

[0104] The control board can either be the main control board of the cleaning device or another circuit-related control board other than the main control board.

[0105] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning device has a foam floor mopping mode in which the air pump and the detergent pump are operated synchronously; the foam floor mopping mode has at least two operating stages, the operating stages comprising a first stage and a second stage, wherein the operating power of the air pump and the detergent pump is higher in the first stage than in the second stage, so that the nozzle has a greater foam spray distance in the first stage than in the second stage.

[0106] Therefore, depending on the distance of the dirt from the cleaning device, a suitable spray level can be selected to apply foam more precisely to the dirt. Alternatively, at a specific position, the first and second spray levels can be controlled separately to spray the foam at different distances from the cleaning device, thus increasing the foam spray area.

[0107] For example, the foam spray distance in the first stage can be 20 to 50cm, for example 20cm, 25cm, 30cm, 40cm or 50cm.

[0108] For example, foam spray distance can refer to the straight-line distance between the point furthest from the point of foam sprayed onto the floor (in the direction of movement) and the leading edge of the floor brush structure. The definition of foam spray distance can vary depending on the different structures of the cleaning equipment or different requirements and is not limited to these.

[0109] In some optional embodiments, the body assembly is provided with a step-switching device, wherein the step-switching device is electrically connected to the control board and serves to switch between the first stage and the second stage.

[0110] The step switch is used to receive user commands and send step information to the control board accordingly. Based on this step information, the control board regulates the power of the air pump and the detergent pump to achieve different foam spray distances.

[0111] For example, the step switching device can be a physical setting button on the body assembly, such as a knob, a rotary control, or a toggle switch, etc. The step switching device can also be a virtual button on the body assembly that allows step setting by clicking, swiping, or similar operations.

[0112] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning device also includes a dirt identification module, wherein the dirt identification module is electrically connected to the control board; the dirt identification module is configured to identify and locate dirt on the surface to be cleaned and to output a dirt localization signal to the control board; the control board is configured to output a channel assignment signal to the changeover valve upon triggering the dirt localization signal; the changeover valve is an electrically controlled switching valve configured to open the first passage upon triggering the channel assignment signal.

[0113] Without restriction, if the dirt identification module detects no dirt, the control board controls the changeover valve to open the second pass. In other words, if the floor is relatively clean, no foam is sprayed, which helps save cleaning agent and energy consumption, and extends the service life of the cleaning agent and the energy storage module (e.g., the battery) of the cleaning device.

[0114] In some application scenarios, the detection of dirt using the dirt identification module can automatically trigger the spraying of foam, making the cleaning device smarter and improving the cleaning effect and user experience.

[0115] In some other application scenarios, the dirt identification module can detect dirt on the floor in the area to be cleaned in a timely manner. Early detection of dirt and the spraying of foam allow for timely and effective softening of the dirt, so that the roller brush can clean the dirt more effectively during subsequent cleaning of that area.

[0116] The dirt identification module includes, but is not limited to, a visual sensor or an infrared sensor.

[0117] In some optional embodiments, the information in the dirt localization signal includes a dirt removal grade, the control board stores preconfigured mapping information between the operating stages and the dirt removal grades, and the control board is configured to call up the corresponding operating stage according to different dirt removal grades, so that foam ejected from the nozzle reaches the location of the dirt.

[0118] The following explanation uses the first stage as an example. If the dirt removal level is the first level and the first level corresponds to the first stage in the pre-configured mapping information, the control board activates the first stage, and the nozzle sprays foam at the distance corresponding to the first stage. The electrical connection between the control board and the dirt identification module allows the control board to precisely control the foam's ejection distance based on the dirt removal level, thus achieving precise spraying onto the dirt. This electrical connection expands the cleaning device's application possibilities and improves the user experience.

[0119] In some optional embodiments, the cleaning device includes an obstacle detection module, wherein the obstacle detection module is electrically connected to the control board; the obstacle detection module is configured to output an avoidance signal to the control board when an obstacle is detected in front of the cleaning device; the control board is configured to output a stop signal to the changeover valve upon triggering the avoidance signal; the changeover valve is an electrically controlled switching valve configured to close the first passage upon triggering the stop signal.

[0120] The obstacle detection module can include a visual sensor, but also distance sensors such as infrared sensors or lidar sensors, although it is not limited to these.

[0121] The obstacle includes, but is not limited to, a door, a table, a chair, a sofa, etc. The electrical connection of the obstacle detection module to the control board helps to avoid spraying foam onto the obstacle and soiling it, while also reducing the waste of cleaning agents.

[0122] In some application scenarios, the nozzle will stop if the obstacle detection module detects an obstacle and the nozzle is currently spraying foam.

[0123] In other application scenarios, the avoidance signal includes a distance to the obstacle. If the distance to the obstacle is less than or equal to a preset threshold, the first pass closes; if the distance is greater than the threshold, the first pass remains open, but the foam spray distance of the nozzle is reduced so that it is less than the obstacle distance to avoid spraying onto the obstacle. As soon as the obstacle detection module again detects an obstacle distance above the threshold (meaning the cleaning device has moved away from the obstacle), the original foam spray distance of the nozzle is restored. In this way, foam can effectively be prevented from soiling the obstacle, while at the same time allowing foam to be sprayed onto dirt as close to the obstacle as possible (where more dirt is typically found), thus improving the cleaning effect.

[0124] For example, the obstacle distance refers to the distance between the obstacle and the front edge of the cleaning device, or the distance between the obstacle and a specific component such as the nozzle or the obstacle detection module. However, this is not limited to these possibilities.

[0125] For example, the preset threshold could define the shortest spray distance the cleaning device can emit. This could be any value such as 5 cm, 10 cm, or 20 cm, or any range between two values.

[0126] The various embodiments and configurations in this description are presented progressively. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. Identical or similar parts of the different embodiments may refer to one another.

[0127] In this description, the terms “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “schematic embodiments”, “example”, “specific example”, or “some examples”, etc., refer to the fact that specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this description, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the described specific features, structures, materials, or properties may be combined appropriately in any or more embodiments or examples.

[0128] Finally, it should be noted that the foregoing embodiments serve only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and not to limit them; although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it should be obvious to a person skilled in the art that he may further modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some or all of their technical features with equivalent features; such modifications or replacements do not cause the essential character of the corresponding technical solution to leave the scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present application.

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