Side brush module for a cleaning device and cleaning device

Abstract

This disclosure proposes a side brush module for a cleaning device and a cleaning device. The side brush module comprises a fixed arm (1) for mounting on the underside of a moving platform of the cleaning device; a swing arm (2), one end of which is rotationally connected to the fixed arm, and the other end of which is equipped with a rotating cleaning element; and a power assembly (3), which is connected to the fixed arm. The power assembly is configured to drive the swing arm (2) between a retracted and an extended position. The side brush module has a conventional cleaning mode in which the cleaning element (4) is in the retracted position, and a special cleaning mode in which the cleaning element (4) is in the extended position.The cleaning device comprises a mobile platform configured to move automatically over a work surface and a cleaning module located at the bottom of the mobile platform, configured to clean at least part of the work surface, the cleaning module comprising a brush module as described above. Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Side brush module for a cleaning device and Cleaning device technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of cleaning robots, and more specifically to a side brush module for a cleaning device. It also relates to a cleaning device. Previous art

[0002] Cleaning robots currently include sweeper robots, mopping robots, sweeper-mopping robots, scrubbers, etc. Sweeper-mopping robots can both sweep and clean the floor and are becoming increasingly common in home life.

[0003] With the development of all-in-one sweeping and mopping robots, their functions are becoming increasingly numerous. However, current sweeping and mopping robots are generally unable to sweep the corners of the room, resulting in incomplete sweeping and negatively impacting the user experience. Description of the invention

[0004] One object of the present disclosure is to provide a side brush module for a cleaning device and a cleaning apparatus, which can solve the technical problem that the corner area of ​​an interior cannot be swept.

[0005] According to specific embodiments, the present disclosure proposes a side brush module for a cleaning device, comprising:

[0006] a fixed arm configured to be mounted on the lower part of the mobile platform of the cleaning device;

[0007] a swing arm, one end of which is connected in rotation to said fixed arm and the other end of which is equipped with a cleaning element capable of rotating;

[0008] a power assembly, connected to said fixed arm, said power assembly being configured to be able to oscillate said oscillating arm in order to cause said cleaning element to move between a retracted position and a deployed position,

[0009] said side brush module having a conventional cleaning mode in which the cleaning element is in said retracted position, and a special cleaning mode in which the cleaning element is in said deployed position.

[0010] Optionally, said power assembly includes a transmission assembly capable of driving said swing arm to swing and / or driving said cleaning element to rotate under the drive of the drive element.

[0011] Optionally, said drive element includes a rotating output shaft, said rotating output shaft rotating in a first direction in said conventional cleaning mode, and rotating in a second direction in said special cleaning mode.

[0012] When the direction of rotation of the output rotating shaft changes from the first to the second direction of rotation, the side brush module changes from conventional cleaning mode to special cleaning mode.

[0013] When the direction of rotation of the output rotary shaft changes from the second to the first direction of rotation, the side brush module changes from special cleaning mode to conventional cleaning mode.

[0014] Optionally, said cleaning element rotates in the same direction in said special cleaning mode and in said conventional cleaning mode.

[0015] Optionally, the transmission assembly includes:

[0016] a connecting shaft, connected in rotation around its own central axis to said fixed arm and said oscillating arm, said drive element being connected to said connecting shaft so as to drive said connecting shaft in rotation;

[0017] a first transmission assembly whose input end is connected to the connecting shaft and whose output end is connected to the swing arm, so that when the connecting shaft is driven in rotation, the swing arm can be driven to oscillate by the first transmission assembly;

[0018] a second transmission set, the input end of which is connected to said first transmission set and the output end is connected to the cleaning element, so that, when the connecting shaft is driven in rotation, the cleaning element can be driven in rotation by the first transmission set and the second transmission set.

[0019] Optionally, the first transmission assembly comprises a first gear and a second gear, said first gear being fitted onto the connecting shaft and capable of rotating with said connecting shaft, the second gear being rotationally connected to the oscillating arm, said first gear and said second gear meshing together. When said first gear changes direction of rotation, the oscillating arm can be driven to change its direction of oscillation by means of the second gear, so that the side brush module switches between said conventional cleaning mode and said special cleaning mode.

[0020] Optionally, said second transmission assembly comprises a first rotary transmission assembly and a second rotary transmission assembly, the change in the direction of rotation of the first gear causing the selective engagement of the second gear at an input end of said first rotary transmission assembly or at an input end of said second rotary transmission assembly. The output end of said first rotary transmission assembly and the end output of said second rotary transmission assembly being connected to the cleaning element, respectively.

[0021] In the conventional cleaning mode, the second gear is connected to the input end of the first rotary transmission assembly. When the second gear rotates in a first direction of rotation, the cleaning element can be driven by the first rotary transmission assembly to rotate in a defined direction of rotation.

[0022] In the special cleaning mode, the second gear is connected to the input end of the second rotary transmission assembly. When the second gear rotates in the opposite direction, the cleaning element can be driven by the second rotary transmission assembly to rotate in the defined direction.

[0023] Optionally, the first rotary transmission assembly includes a third gear, a first intermediate transmission assembly and an output gear, said third gear and said output gear being respectively connected to an input end and an output end of said first intermediate transmission assembly.

[0024] The second rotary transmission assembly comprises a fourth gear, a second intermediate transmission assembly and said output gear, said fourth gear and said output gear being respectively connected to an input end and an output end of said second intermediate transmission assembly.

[0025] The output gear is rotationally connected to the swing arm. The cleaning element is coaxially connected to the output gear. Changing the direction of rotation of the first gear causes the second gear to be selectively coaxially connected to either the third or fourth gear. Optionally, the first intermediate transmission assembly comprises a plurality of first transmission gears engaged successively with one another, with the first of the first transmission gears in the transmission direction engaging with the third gear and the last of the first transmission gears in the transmission direction engaging with the output gear.

[0026] The second intermediate transmission assembly comprises a plurality of second transmission gears engaged successively with each other, a first of the second transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with said fourth gear and a last of the second transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with said output gear.

[0027] There is one more first transmission gear or one less first transmission gear than the number of second transmission gears.

[0028] Optionally, said first gear and said second gear are helical gears, said second gear is provided with teeth on both sides of said second gear and said second gear is arranged movably and coaxially along its axial direction between said third gear and said fourth gear, said third gear and said fourth gear being provided with teeth on their sides which face the second gear, changing the direction of rotation of the first gear causing the selective engagement of the teeth of the second gear with the teeth of the third gear or the teeth of the fourth gear.

[0029] Optionally, said first intermediate transmission assembly includes a set of synchronizing pulleys and a plurality of first transmission gears arranged successively along the direction of transmission, said set of synchronizing pulleys being connected so as to be able to be driven between a first of the first transmission gears and the third gear, or between two adjacent transmission gears among the first gears, or between the last of the first transmission gears and said output gear.

[0030] The second intermediate transmission set comprises a plurality of second transmission gears engaged successively, in which, along the direction of transmission, the first of the second transmission gears is engaged with the fourth gear and the last of the second transmission gears is engaged with the output gear.

[0031] The number of the first transmission gears is the same as that of the second transmission gears.

[0032] Optionally, said first transmission assembly comprises an oscillating pusher and a pusher transmission assembly, one end of said oscillating pusher being rotationally connected to said connecting shaft and the other end of said oscillating pusher being connected to said pusher transmission assembly. The connecting shaft is connected to said pusher transmission assembly. Changing the direction of rotation of the connecting shaft causes the oscillating pusher, driven by the pusher transmission assembly, to change the direction of oscillation in which it rotates around the connecting shaft via said shaft, in order to allow said side brush module to switch between said conventional cleaning mode and said special cleaning mode.

[0033] Optionally, the pushrod transmission assembly includes:

[0034] a first gear, fitted onto the connecting shaft and capable of rotating with the connecting shaft.

[0035] a first mounting shaft, connected to one end of the oscillating pusher opposite the connecting shaft;

[0036] a friction drive wheel, fitted onto the first mounting shaft and capable of rotating relative to the first mounting shaft, the first gear meshing with the friction drive wheel;

[0037] a friction wheel, fitted onto the first mounting shaft and capable of rotating relative to said first mounting shaft, said friction wheel being connected to said transmission wheel by friction, said friction wheel being able to roll along a wall surface of said fixed arm.

[0038] When the first gear, when it changes direction of rotation, can drive the friction wheel via the friction transmission wheel to change its direction of rolling, which allows the oscillating pusher to change direction of oscillation.

[0039] Optionally, the lateral surfaces of the friction drive wheel and the friction wheel are in contact,

[0040] said pusher transmission assembly further includes a pressurization assembly, said pressurization assembly applying a first pressure force on said friction transmission wheel in the direction of said friction wheel and / or applying a second pressure force on said friction wheel in the direction of said friction transmission wheel, so that the friction forces between said friction transmission wheel and said friction wheel are capable of causing said friction wheel to rotate in sync with said friction transmission wheel.

[0041] Optionally, said pressurization assembly comprises a first limiting element and a first elastic element, said first limiting element being connected to said first mounting shaft and being located on the side of said friction wheel opposite the friction drive wheel, said first elastic element being elastically compressed between said first limiting element and said friction wheel; and / or

[0042] said pressurization assembly includes a second limiting element and a second elastic element, said second limiting element being connected to said first mounting shaft and being located on the side of said friction drive wheel opposite said friction drive wheel, and said second elastic element being elastically compressed between said second limiting element and said friction drive wheel.

[0043] This disclosure also proposes a cleaning device comprising:

[0044] a mobile platform, configured to move automatically on a work surface;

[0045] a cleaning module, provided on the lower part of said mobile platform, configured to clean at least a part of said work surface, said cleaning module comprising a side brush module for a cleaning device as described above.

[0046] Compared to the prior art, the achievements of this disclosure have the following technical effects.

[0047] The side brush module for the cleaning device according to the embodiments of this disclosure is capable of driving an oscillating arm to swing via the power assembly, thereby causing the cleaning element to move between a retracted and an extended position. When cleaning a large, flat area, the side brush module switches to a conventional cleaning mode, with the cleaning element in a retracted position, capable of cleaning the work surface under the moving platform. When cleaning an area near a corner, the side brush module switches to a special cleaning mode, with the cleaning element in an extended position, capable of cleaning a wider area around the moving platform and reaching the corner to clean it thoroughly.Thus, the side brush module for a cleaning device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure is capable of cleaning in the areas of a room, expanding the cleaning range, and therefore improving the user experience.

[0048] The cleaning device according to the embodiments of this disclosure includes all the beneficial effects provided by the side brush module described above. Therefore, the cleaning device provided by the embodiments of this disclosure is capable of cleaning the corners of a room, extending the cleaning range, and thus improving the user experience. Brief description of the figures

[0049] The accompanying figures are incorporated into and form part of the description; they illustrate achievements consistent with this disclosure and are used in conjunction with the description to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is clear that the accompanying figures in the following description represent only some of the achievements of this disclosure. In the accompanying figures:

[0050] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cleaning apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a view of the structure of the lower part of a cleaning device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a side brush module for a cleaning device according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a side brush module for a cleaning device of certain embodiments of the present disclosure with the swing arm and part of the fixed arm omitted.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of a swing arm and a fixed arm of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a transmission assembly of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of part of the transmission assembly of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a structure inside a swing arm of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of part of the transmission assembly of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 10 shows a perspective diagram of part of a fixed arm of certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference signs:

[0061] Mobile platform 100, rear-facing section 110, forward-facing section 111, perception system 120, positioning device 121, shock absorber 122, drive system 140, drive wheel assembly 141, steering assembly 142, human-machine interaction system 170, cleaning module 1000, dry cleaning module 300, roller brush 310, side brush module 320, wet cleaning module 200, fixed arm 1, swing arm 2, power assembly 3, brush 4, drive element 31, transmission assembly 32, first gear 321, second gear 322, connecting shaft 323, first transmission gear of connecting shaft 3241, second transmission gear of connecting shaft 3242, third transmission gear connecting shaft 3243, fourth transmission gear connecting shaft 3244, second mounting shaft 325, third gear 3261, fourth gear 3262,output gear 3263, fifth gear 3264, sixth gear 3265, seventh gear 3266, eighth gear 3267, ninth gear 3268, oscillating pusher 33, pusher transmission assembly 34, first mounting shaft 341, friction drive wheel 342, friction wheel 343, first elastic element 344, second elastic element 345, first limiting element 347. Detailed description of the implementation methods

[0062] In order to make the objects, technical solutions and advantages of this disclosure clearer, it will be described in more detail below, in relation to the accompanying figures, and it is evident that the embodiments described represent only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them.

[0063] The terms used in the embodiments of this disclosure are used solely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit this disclosure. The singular articles "a" or "the" mean "at least one" or "at least the" unless otherwise indicated or contextually stated.

[0064] It should be understood that the term "and / or", as used here, is simply a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist, for example, A and / or B, which can be expressed as: A alone, both A and B, and B alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship.

[0065] It should be understood that while the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe the embodiments of this disclosure, they should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to establish a distinction. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure, the first may also be referred to as the second, and similarly, the second may also be referred to as the first.

[0066] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that articles or devices comprising a series of elements include not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed, or which are inherent in those goods or devices. The same applies to elements not expressly listed or which are inherent in those articles or devices. Without further limitation, the fact that an element is qualified by the phrase "includes one" does not preclude the existence of another element of the same type in the products or devices comprising that element.

[0067] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below, in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0068] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of the structure of a cleaning device according to an exemplary embodiment. The automatic cleaning device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 can be a vacuum cleaner robot, a washing / brushing robot, a window climbing robot, etc. The automatic cleaning device can include a mobile platform 100, a perception system 120, a control system, a drive system 140, a cleaning module, a power system, and a human-machine interaction system 170.

[0069] The mobile platform 100 can be configured to move automatically in a target direction on a work surface. This work surface can be a surface to be cleaned by the automatic cleaning device. In some embodiments, the automatic cleaning device can be a cleaning robot, the automatic cleaning device working on the floor, said floor being said work surface; the automatic cleaning device can also be a window cleaning robot, the automatic cleaning device working on the exterior surface of a building's window, said window being said work surface; the automatic cleaning device can also be a pipe cleaning robot, the automatic cleaning device working on the interior surface of a pipe, said interior surface of the pipe being said work surface.For purely illustrative purposes, the following description of this application is illustrated by a cleaning robot as an example.

[0070] In some embodiments, the mobile platform 100 can be an autonomous mobile platform or a non-autonomous mobile platform. An autonomous mobile platform means that the mobile platform 100 can itself make operational decisions automatically and adaptively in response to unforeseen environmental data. A non-autonomous mobile platform cannot itself make operational decisions adaptively in response to unforeseen environmental data, but can execute established procedures or operate according to a certain logic. Consequently, when the mobile platform 100 is an autonomous mobile platform, the target direction can be decided autonomously by the automatic cleaning device. When the mobile platform 100 is a non-autonomous mobile platform, the target direction can be defined systematically or manually.When the mobile platform 100 is an autonomous mobile platform, it includes a forward-facing part 111 and a rear-facing part 110.

[0071] The perception system 120 includes a positioning device 121 disposed above the mobile platform 100, a shock absorber 122 disposed on the forward-facing part 111 of the mobile platform 100, a peak sensor and sensing devices such as ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, odometers, etc., disposed at the bottom of the mobile platform, which provide the control system with a variety of information on the position and movement state of the machine.

[0072] To describe the behavior of the automatic cleaning device more clearly, the following orientation is defined: the automatic cleaning device can move on the floor by various combinations of movements relative to three mutually perpendicular axes defined by the mobile platform 100: a transverse axis x, a front and rear axis y, and a central vertical axis z. The direction of Forward transmission along the front and rear axes is labeled "front," and reverse transmission along the front and rear axes is labeled "rear." The transverse axis x extends substantially between the right and left wheels of the automatic cleaning device along an axis defined by the center point of the drive wheels. The automatic cleaning device can thus rotate about the x-axis. The automatic cleaning device is "tilted upwards" when the forward-facing part of the automatic cleaning device is tilted upwards and the rear-facing part is tilted downwards, and is "tilted downwards" when the forward-facing part of the automatic cleaning device is tilted downwards and the rear-facing part is tilted upwards. Furthermore, the automatic cleaning device can rotate about the z-axis.In the forward direction of the automatic cleaning device, when the automatic cleaning device is tilted to the right of the y-axis, it is a "right turn", and when the automatic cleaning device is tilted to the left of the y-axis, it is a "left turn".

[0073] As shown in [Fig. 2], edge sensors are provided on the underside of the mobile platform 100 and in front of and behind the drive wheel assembly. These edge sensors are used to prevent the automatic cleaning device from falling over while it is moving, thereby avoiding damage to the automatic cleaning device. The term "front" refers to a side in the same direction of travel as the automatic cleaning device, and the term "rear" refers to a side in the opposite direction of travel.

[0074] The positioning device 121 includes, but is not limited to, a camera, a laser distance measuring device (LDS).

[0075] The various components of the perception system 120 can operate independently or together to more precisely perform the intended function. The surface to be cleaned is identified by the peak sensor and the ultrasonic sensor in order to determine the physical characteristics of the surface to be cleaned, including the surface material, the degree of cleanliness, and so on. The determination can be more precise if it is combined with a camera, a laser rangefinder, etc.

[0076] The forward-facing portion 111 of the mobile platform 100 is equipped with a shock-absorbing bumper 122, and when the drive wheel assembly propels the automatic cleaning device to move across the floor during a cleaning process, the shock absorber 122 detects one or more events (or objects) in the movement path of the automatic cleaning device via a sensor system, such as an infrared sensor. The automatic cleaning device can control the drive wheel assembly based on the event (or object) such that an obstacle, a wall, detected by the damper 122, so that the cleaning device responds to this event (or object), for example by moving away from the obstacle.

[0077] The control system is provided on a circuit motherboard inside the mobile platform 100 and includes a computer processor, such as a central processing unit, an application processor in communication with non-transient memory, such as a hard disk drive, flash memory, RAM.The application processor is configured to receive environmental information captured by the plurality of sensors and transmitted by the perception system 120, to draw an instantaneous map of the environment of the automatic cleaning device on the basis of the obstacle information returned by the laser distance measuring device using a positioning algorithm, such as SLAM software (acronym for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), and to autonomously determine a movement trajectory on the basis of said environmental information and the environmental map, and then to command the drive system 140 to perform an operation such as forward, backward and / or change of direction on the basis of said autonomously determined movement trajectory.In addition, the control system can also decide whether or not to activate the cleaning module to perform a cleaning operation based on said environmental information and the environmental map.

[0078] In particular, the control system can combine distance and speed information returned by the shock absorber, the edge sensor and the ultrasonic sensor, the infrared sensor, the magnetometer, the accelerometer, the gyroscope, the odometer, and other sensing devices to fully determine the type of operating state in which the sweeping robot is currently located, such as crossing a threshold, moving onto a carpet, encountering an edge, the presence of an obstruction above or below, whether the dustbin is full, whether it is being emptied, etc. The following specific action strategy will also be provided for different situations, making the work of the automatic cleaning device more compliant with user requirements and improving the user experience.Furthermore, the control system can plan the most efficient and reasonable cleaning trajectory and method based on instant mapping information obtained by SLAM, which greatly improves the cleaning efficiency of the automatic cleaning device.

[0079] The drive system 140 can maneuver the automatic cleaning device to move across the floor by executing drive commands based on specific distance and angle information, such as the x, y, and theta components. The drive system 140 includes a set of drive wheels 141, The drive system 140 can control the left and right wheels simultaneously. For more precise control of the machine's movement, it is preferable for the drive system 140 to include a set of left drive wheels and a set of right drive wheels, respectively. The left and right drive wheel sets are arranged symmetrically along a transverse axis defined by the moving platform 100.In order for the automatic cleaning device to move more stably on the ground or to have better movement capability, the automatic cleaning device may include one or more steering change assemblies 142, the steering change assemblies 142 may be drive wheels or driven wheels, and may be constructed in the form of, but not limited to, universal wheels, and the steering change assemblies 142 may be arranged in front of the drive wheel assemblies 141.

[0080] The power system includes a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-hydrogen battery or a lithium battery. The rechargeable battery can be connected to a charge control circuit, a battery pack charging temperature detection circuit, and a battery undervoltage monitoring circuit. The battery pack charging temperature detection circuit and the battery undervoltage monitoring circuit are connected to a microcontroller control circuit. A host of the automatic cleaning device is connected to a charging battery via a charging electrode located on the side or under the body of the automatic cleaning device, for the purpose of charging it.If the exposed charging electrode is covered with dust, the plastic body surrounding the electrode will melt and deform under the cumulative effect of the electrical charge during the charging process, or may even cause the electrode itself to deform, so that normal charging cannot continue.

[0081] The human-machine interaction system 170 includes buttons on the host panel, which are available to the user for selecting functions; it may also include a display screen and / or an indicator light and / or a speaker, or a client program for a mobile phone. The display screen, indicator light, and speaker indicate to the user the current status of the machine or an optional function of the automatic cleaning device. In the case of a navigation-enabled cleaning device, the client mobile phone can show the user a map of the environment in which the device is located, as well as the machine's location, which can provide the user with richer and more user-friendly functional elements.

[0082] The cleaning module may include a dry cleaning module 300 and / or a wet cleaning module 200. As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the module of The wet cleaning module 200 is configured to clean at least part of the work surface in wet cleaning mode. The wet cleaning module 200 includes a cleaning head 210 for cleaning at least part of the work surface. A drive unit is used to move the cleaning head 210 back and forth along the target surface, which is a portion of the work surface. The cleaning head 210 moves back and forth along the surface to be cleaned. A cleaning cloth or pad is placed at the contact point between the cleaning head 210 and the surface to be cleaned. The back-and-forth motion generates high-frequency friction between the cloth or pad and the surface, thus removing stains from the surface.

[0083] The dry cleaning module 300 is configured to clean at least part of the work surface in dry cleaning mode. The dry cleaning module 300 includes a roller brush 310 or similar. The roller brush 310, which has some contact with the floor, sweeps up dirt from the floor and rolls it to the front of a dust extraction opening located between the roller brush 310 and the dust container. This dirt is then drawn into the dust container by the suction flow generated by a fan and passing through the dust container. The dry cleaning module 300 may also include a side brush module 320 to sweep up debris or dirt and bring it into the area of ​​the roller brush of the cleaning module.

[0084] According to one of the specific implementations of this disclosure, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the side brush module 320 for the cleaning device proposed in this disclosure comprises a fixed arm 1, a swing arm 2, and a power assembly 3. The fixed arm 1 is configured to be mounted on the bottom of the movable platform 100 of the cleaning device. One end of the swing arm 2 is rotationally connected to the fixed arm 1, and its other end is equipped with a rotating cleaning element, such as a brush 4. The power assembly 3 is connected to the fixed arm 1 and is configured to drive the swing arm 2 to oscillate, so that the brush 4 is driven to adopt a retracted position and a deployed position. The 320 side brush module has a conventional cleaning mode in which brush 4 is in a retracted position, and a special cleaning mode in which brush 4 is in a deployed position.

[0085] The side brush module 320 for a cleaning device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure is capable of causing the oscillating arm 2 to oscillate via the power assembly 3, thereby causing the brush 4 to move between the retracted and extended positions. When sweeping in a wide, flat area, the side brush module 320 switches to cleaning mode In conventional operation, the brush 4 is retracted, capable of sweeping the work surface under the mobile platform 100. When sweeping near a corner, the side brush module 320 switches to a special cleaning mode, with the brush 4 extended to sweep a larger area and reach the corner, thus cleaning it. Therefore, the side brush module 320 for a cleaning appliance, as described in these embodiments of this disclosure, is capable of cleaning the corner area of ​​the room, improving the comprehensiveness of the cleaning range and thus enhancing the user experience.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the motor assembly 3 comprises a drive element 31 and a transmission assembly 32, the drive element 31 being capable of driving the swing arm 2 to swing and the brush 4 to rotate via the transmission assembly 32.

[0087] The use of a single drive element 31 can drive both the oscillation of the swing arm 2 and the rotation of the brush 4, thereby reducing the consumption of the energy source and saving costs.

[0088] By way of example, the drive element 31 is a motor.

[0089] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the drive element 31 includes a rotating output shaft. In conventional cleaning mode, the rotating output shaft rotates in a first clockwise direction (M), and in special cleaning mode, the rotating output shaft rotates in a second counterclockwise direction (N). The side brush module 320 switches from conventional cleaning mode to special cleaning mode when the direction of rotation of the rotating output shaft changes from the first direction (M) to the second direction (N). The side brush module 320 switches from special cleaning mode to conventional cleaning mode when the direction of rotation changes from the second direction to the first direction.

[0090] The direction of rotation of the output shaft of the drive element 31 changes, thereby changing the cleaning mode. Once the cleaning mode has changed, the drive element 31 rotates in the modified direction to continuously advance the brush 4. Changing the cleaning mode is convenient and quick.

[0091] In one embodiment of this disclosure, one of the fixed arm 1 and the swing arm 2 is provided with a position-limiting protrusion, and the other of these arms is provided with a retraction-limiting block and a deployment-limiting block, which are spaced around the center of oscillation of the swing arm 2. The position-limiting protrusion is located between the retraction-limiting block and the deployment-limiting block. When the swing arm 2 rotates in the first direction M until the position-limiting protrusion abuts against the block deployment limitation: the deployment of brush 4 reaches its limit. When the swing arm 2 rotates in the second direction N until the position limitation protrusion butts against the retraction limitation block, the retraction of brush 4 reaches its limit.

[0092] In this way, the oscillation angle of the swing arm 2 is limited, the amplitude of the movement of the brush 4 is more precisely limited and the working precision of the side brush module 320 is improved.

[0093] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, one of the first and second directions of rotation M and N is clockwise, and the other is counterclockwise.

[0094] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the brush 4 rotates in the same direction in special cleaning mode and in conventional cleaning mode.

[0095] The direction of rotation of the brush 4 remains unchanged, which makes it possible to improve the cleanliness of the sweeping by preventing the change in the direction of rotation of the output of the drive element from causing a change in the direction of rotation of the brush 4.

[0096] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the transmission assembly 32 comprises a connecting shaft 323, a first transmission assembly, and a second transmission assembly. The connecting shaft 323 rotates about its own central axis, which is rotationally connected to the fixed arm 1 and the swing arm 2. The drive element 31 is connected to the connecting shaft 323 and is capable of driving the connecting shaft 323 in rotation. The input end of the first transmission assembly is connected to the connecting shaft 323, and its output end is connected to the swing arm 2. When the connecting shaft 323 rotates, the swing arm 2 can be driven to oscillate via the first transmission assembly. The input end of the second transmission assembly is connected to the first transmission assembly, and its output end is connected to the brush 4.When the connecting shaft 323 rotates, the brush 4 can be driven in rotation by the first transmission assembly and the second transmission assembly.

[0097] The rotation of the output shaft of the drive element 31 is transmitted to the oscillating arm 2 via the connecting shaft 323 and the first transmission assembly, which in turn causes the oscillating arm 2 to oscillate in order to change the cleaning mode. The rotation of the output shaft of the drive element 31 is transmitted to the brush 4 via, successively, the connecting shaft 323, the first transmission assembly, and the second transmission assembly, which rotates the brush 4 to sweep the working surface. In this way, a single drive element 31 can drive both the rotation of the brush 4 and the oscillation of the oscillating arm 2.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the rotating output shaft of the drive element 31 is coaxially connected to a first connecting shaft gear 3241. The first connecting shaft gear 3241, a second connecting shaft gear 3242, a third connecting shaft gear 3243, and a fourth connecting shaft gear 3244 mesh successively. The fourth connecting shaft gear 3244 is fitted onto the connecting shaft 323, and the connecting shaft 323 rotates in synchronism with the fourth connecting shaft gear 3244.

[0099] The rotating output shaft of the drive element 31 drives the rotation of the first connecting shaft transmission gear 3241. The rotation of the first connecting shaft transmission gear 3241 is transmitted to the fourth connecting shaft drive gear 3244 via, successively, the second connecting shaft drive gear 3242 and the third connecting shaft drive gear 3243, so that the fourth connecting shaft drive gear 3244 is driven into rotation, which in turn rotates the connecting shaft 323. In this way, the connecting shaft 323 is driven by the drive element 31.

[0100] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the first transmission assembly comprises a first gear 321 and a second gear 322. The first gear 321 is fitted onto the connecting shaft 323 and can rotate with the connecting shaft 323. The second gear 322 is rotationally coupled to the swing arm 2. The first gear 321 and the second gear 322 mesh with each other. When the first gear 321 changes its direction of rotation, the swing arm 2 can be driven by the second gear 322 to change its direction of oscillation, thereby enabling the switching of the side brush module 320 between conventional cleaning mode and special cleaning mode.

[0101] When the drive element 31 drives the connecting shaft 323 to change its direction of rotation, the first gear 321 changes its direction of rotation, thereby causing the swing arm 2 to change its direction of rotation via the second gear 322. Changing the direction of rotation of the swing arm 2 can thus be achieved by changing the direction of rotation of the output shaft of the drive element 31, thereby switching the cleaning mode. The switching operation is simple and quick, saving time and effort.

[0102] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 7, the second gear 322 is rotatably mounted on the swing arm 2 via the second mounting shaft 325. In In conventional cleaning mode, the brush 4 is in the retracted position, with the position-limiting protrusion abutting the retraction-limiting block, and the first gear 321 rotates in the second direction N, thus rotating the second gear 322 in the first direction M. The rotation of the second gear 322 is transmitted to the brush 4 via the second transmission assembly to rotate the brush 4. When it is necessary to switch to the special cleaning mode, the drive element 31 drives the first gear 321 so that it changes from the second direction N to the first direction M. When the first gear 321 rotates in the first direction M, a force is applied to a tooth of the second gear in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second mounting shaft 325.Part of the force rotates the second gear 322 in the second direction (N), and the other part of the force is transmitted to the second mounting shaft 325 and generates a rotational torque about the connecting shaft 323. This rotational torque causes the second mounting shaft 325 to rotate around the connecting shaft 323 in the first direction (M). The second mounting shaft 325 drives the swing arm 2 to rotate around the connecting shaft 323 in the first direction (M), so that the limiting protrusion moves away from the retraction limiting block until it abuts against the deployment limiting block. At this point, due to the limitation exerted by the deployment limiting block, the swing arm 2 stops rotating. Thus, the brush 4 is in its deployed position, completing the transition from conventional cleaning mode to special cleaning mode.In the special cleaning mode, the brush 4 is in its deployed position, the limiting protrusion butts against the deployment limiting block and the first gear rotates in the first direction M. When it is necessary to switch to the conventional cleaning mode, the direction of rotation of the drive element 31 is changed again, and so on, so that it is possible to switch quickly from one cleaning mode to another.

[0103] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second transmission assembly comprises a first rotary transmission assembly and a second rotary transmission assembly. The first gear 321 changes its direction of rotation, so that the second gear 322 can be selectively connected to the input end of the first rotary transmission assembly or to the input end of the second rotary transmission assembly. The output end of the first rotary transmission assembly and the output end of the second rotary transmission assembly are respectively connected to the brush 4. In the conventional cleaning mode, the second gear 322 is connected to the input end of the first rotary drive assembly. When the second gear 322 rotates in one direction, the brush 4 can be driven in rotation in a direction given by means of the first rotary transmission assembly. In the special cleaning mode, the second gear 322 is connected to the input end of the second rotary drive assembly. When the second gear 322 rotates in the opposite direction, the brush 4 can be driven in a given direction of rotation by means of the second rotary drive assembly.

[0104] The given clockwise direction may be the first direction M or the second direction N. There is no specific limitation in this document.

[0105] When the drive element 31 drives the connecting shaft 323 to change its direction of rotation, the first gear 321 changes its direction of rotation accordingly, so that the second gear 322 can be selectively connected to the input end of the first rotary drive assembly or to the input end of the second rotary drive assembly. Consequently, the second gear 322 switches the rotary drive assembly as a result of the change in the direction of rotation of the output shaft of the drive element 31. In this way, when the side brush module 320 changes its cleaning mode due to the change in the direction of rotation of the drive element 31, the direction of rotation of the brush 4 is not changed by the change in the output direction of the drive element 31.In other words, the direction of rotation of the brush 4 is not affected when the drive element 31 causes the swing arm 2 to extend or retract by changing the direction of rotation, so that the direction of rotation of the brush 4, whether in the retracted or extended position, remains unchanged, thus improving cleaning cleanliness.

[0106] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first rotary drive assembly comprises a third gear 3261, a first intermediate drive assembly, and an output gear 3263. The third gear 3261 and the output gear 3263 are connected to the input and output ends of the first intermediate drive assembly, respectively. The second rotary drive assembly comprises a fourth gear 3262, a second intermediate drive assembly, and an output gear 3263. The fourth gear 3262 and the output gear 3263 are connected to the input and output ends of the second intermediate drive assembly, respectively. The output gear 3263 is rotationally connected to the swing arm 2, and the brush 4 is coaxially connected to the output gear 3263.The first gear 321 changes direction of rotation to make the second gear 322 selectively connected coaxially to the third gear 3261 or the fourth gear 3262.

[0107] When the drive element 31 drives the connecting shaft 323 to change its direction of rotation, the first gear 321 changes its direction of rotation accordingly, This causes the second gear 322 to be selectively connected coaxially to either the third gear 3261 or the fourth gear 3262, and consequently transmits the motion to either the third gear 3261 or the fourth gear 3262. Thus, when the rotating output shaft of the drive element 31 changes its direction of rotation, the gear connected to the second gear 322 changes accordingly, altering the motion transmission path. Furthermore, when the side brush module 320 changes its cleaning mode due to a change in the direction of rotation of the drive element 31, the direction of rotation of the brush 4 remains unchanged. This means that when the drive element 31 extends or retracts the swing arm 2 by changing its direction of rotation, the direction of rotation of the brush 4 is not altered.In other words, when the drive element 31 extends or retracts the swing arm 2 by changing the direction of rotation, the direction of rotation of the brush 4 is not affected, so that the direction of rotation of the brush 4, whether in the retracted or deployed position, is the same direction of rotation, which improves the cleanliness of the cleaning.

[0108] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first gear 321 and the second gear 322 are helical gears, the second gear 322 has teeth on both sides of the second gear 322, the second gear 322 is movablely and coaxially arranged between the third gear 3261 and the fourth gear 3262 along its axial direction, and the teeth are provided on the sides of the third gear 3261 and the fourth gear 3262 facing the second gear 322. When the first gear 321 changes direction of rotation, the teeth of the second gear 322 engage selectively with the teeth of the third gear 3261 or with the teeth of the fourth gear 3262.

[0109] It will be appreciated that the first gear 321 and the second gear 322 are helical gears and that they mesh so that their directions of rotation are opposite. With reference to [Fig. 7], the first gear 321 has a left-hand rotation and the second gear 322 has a right-hand rotation. When the first gear 321 changes direction from the second direction N to the first direction M, the teeth of the wheel of the first gear 321 exert an upward oblique force on the teeth of the wheel of the second gear 322. The vertical component of the upward oblique force drives the second gear 322 vertically upward until its teeth engage with the teeth of the third gear 3261. The horizontal component of the upward oblique force causes the second gear 322 to rotate in the second direction N. Since at this moment the teeth of the second gear 322 mesh with the teeth of the third gear 3261, the The second gear 322 drives the third gear 3261 to rotate synchronously, and the rotational motion of the third gear 3261 is transmitted to the output gear 3263 through the first intermediate transmission assembly between the third gear 3261 and the output gear 3263, thus causing the brush 4 to rotate. When the first gear 321 changes direction of rotation from the first direction (M) to the second direction (N), the teeth of gear 321 exert a downward oblique force on the teeth of the second gear 322. The vertical component of the downward oblique force drives the second gear 322 vertically downward until its teeth engage with the teeth of the fourth gear 3262. The horizontal component of the downward oblique force causes the second gear 322 to rotate in the second direction.Since at this moment the teeth of the second gear 322 engage with the teeth of the fourth gear 3262, the second gear 322 causes the fourth gear 3262 to rotate synchronously, and the rotational movement of the fourth gear 3262 is transmitted to the output gear 3263 through the second intermediate transmission assembly between the fourth gear 3262 and the output gear 3263, thus causing the brush 4 to rotate.

[0110] In this way, the switching between the two transmission lines of the motion is achieved by the teeth of the second gear 322 which engage selectively in the teeth of the third gear 3261 or in the teeth of the fourth gear 3262, which in turn allows the cleaning mode of the side brush module 320 to be changed by modifying the output direction of the drive element 31 without affecting the direction of rotation of the brush 4 due to the change in the direction of rotation of the drive element 31.

[0111] In an exemplary manner, as shown in [Fig. 7], the second gear 322 can rotate about the second mounting shaft 325 and is axially movable along the second mounting shaft 325. The third gear 3261 and the fourth gear 3262 are simply fitted onto the second mounting shaft 325. In this way, the second gear 322 is able to rotate about the first gear 321 under the action of the first gear 321. Thus, the second gear 322 can rotate about the second mounting shaft 325 under the action of the first gear 321, ensuring the transmission of motion from the second gear 322 to the output gear 3263, thereby driving the rotation of the brush 4.Furthermore, the second gear 322 can approach the third gear 3261 or the fourth gear 3262 under the action of the first gear 321, thus achieving the commutation of the transmission line, thereby ensuring that the direction of rotation of the brush 4 remains unchanged.

[0112] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first intermediate drive assembly comprises a plurality of first drive gears meshing successively. Along the direction of transmission, a first of the first drive gears meshes with the third gear 3261 and a last of the first drive gears meshes with the output gear 3263. The second intermediate drive assembly comprises a plurality of second drive gears meshing successively. Along the direction of transmission, the first of the second drive gears meshes with the fourth gear, and the last of the second drive gears meshes with the output gear 3263. There is one more or fewer first drive gear compared to the number of second drive gears.

[0113] Since the two gears rotate in opposite directions during transmission, it is possible to rotate the outputs in the same direction when the inputs of the two gear sets rotate in opposite directions and the number of gears in the two gear sets differs by one unit, so that the two gear sets transmit the same direction of rotation to the output gears 3263, which in turn makes the direction of rotation of the brushes 4 unchanged.

[0114] By way of example, there are K first transmission gears and Kl second transmission gears, and the K first transmission gears do not share any common gear with the Kl second transmission gears. Thus, the difference of one in the number of gears between the two types allows the first intermediate transmission set and the second intermediate transmission set to transmit the same direction of rotation to the output gear 3263.

[0115] By way of example, there are K first transmission gears and Kl second transmission gears, of which K-2 first transmission gears and K-2 second transmission gears are common to the K first transmission gears and the Kl second transmission gears. Thus, the number of gears is reduced, simplifying the structure of the transmission assembly 32.

[0116] By way of example, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 8, there are four first transmission gears and three second transmission gears.

[0117] For example, two of the first transmission gears and two of the second transmission gears are common gears. For example, as shown in [Fig. 8], the first four transmission gears are the fifth gear 3264, the sixth gear 3265, the seventh gear 3266, and the eighth gear 3267, and the three second transmission gears are the ninth gear 3268, the seventh gear 3266, and the eighth gear 3267. respectively. Thus, the seventh gear 3266 and the eighth gear 3267 serve both as the first transmission gear and the second transmission gear.

[0118] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed arm 1 and the swing arm 2 are both hollow housings, the first drive gear of the connecting shaft 3241, the second transmission gear of the connecting shaft 3242, the third transmission gear of the connecting shaft 3243 and the fourth transmission gear of the connecting shaft 3244 are all rotationally coupled in the hollow cavity of the fixed arm 1. A portion of the connecting shaft 323 is rotatable and enters the hollow cavity of the fixed arm 1 and another portion of the connecting shaft 323 is rotatable and located in the hollow cavity of the swing arm 2.The first gear 321, the second gear 322, the third gear 3261, the fourth gear 3262, the fifth gear 3264, the sixth gear 3265, the seventh gear 3266, the eighth gear 3267, the ninth gear 3268 and the output gear 3263 are all arranged in a rotatable manner in the hollow cavity of the swing arm 2.

[0119] In this way, the mounting of the various gears is stable and the fixed arm 1 and the swing arm 2 provide protection to the various gears.

[0120] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first intermediate transmission assembly comprises a timing pulley assembly and a plurality of first transmission gears arranged successively along a transmission direction, the timing pulley assembly being motor-coupled between a first transmission gear and a third gear 3261, between two adjacent first transmission gears, or between the last of the first transmission gears and an output gear 3263. The second intermediate transmission assembly comprises a plurality of second transmission gears engaged successively. Along the transmission direction, the first of the second transmission gears meshes with the fourth gear 3262 and the last of the second transmission gears meshes with the output gear 3263.The number of first transmission gears and the number of second transmission gears are identical.

[0121] It is understood that the timing pulley assembly comprises two synchronous wheels and a synchronous belt passing around its ends around the two synchronous wheels. The two synchronous wheels are respectively connected coaxially to the two transmission gears. The two synchronous wheels rotate synchronously under the action of the synchronous belt, so that the two transmission gears connected to the two synchronous wheels have the same direction of rotation. These two transmission gears can be the first of the first gears of transmission and the third gear 3261, or the first two adjacent transmission gears, respectively, or the last of the first transmission gears and the output gear 3263, respectively. In this way, by adding a set of belt sprockets along a transmission path, a pair of adjacent transmission gears in a transmission path are brought to have the same direction of rotation, the remaining adjacent gears are brought to have opposite directions of rotation, and any pair of adjacent gears to have opposite directions of rotation. Therefore, when the input directions of rotation for the two transmission paths are opposite, the output directions of rotation can be the same, thus keeping the direction of rotation of brush 4 unchanged.

[0122] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in [Fig. 9], the first transmission assembly comprises an oscillating pusher 33 and a pusher transmission assembly 34. One end of the oscillating pusher 33 is rotationally connected to the connecting shaft 323, and the other end is connected to the pusher transmission assembly 34. The connecting shaft 323 is connected to the pusher transmission assembly 34. When the direction of rotation of the connecting shaft 323 changes, the oscillating pusher 33 can be driven by means of the pusher transmission assembly 34 to change its direction of oscillation around the connecting shaft 323. Thus, the oscillating arm 2 is driven to change its direction of oscillation, thereby switching the side brush module between the conventional cleaning mode and the special cleaning mode.

[0123] The drive element 31 can drive the connecting shaft 323 to change the direction of rotation by changing the direction of output, thereby driving the swing arm 2 to change the direction of oscillation via the transmission assembly of the pusher 34 and the swinging pusher 33, and thus the change of the direction of rotation of the swing arm 2 can be achieved by changing the direction of rotation of the rotary output shaft of the drive element 31 in order to achieve the change of cleaning mode.

[0124] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the pusher transmission assembly 34 comprises a first gear 321, a first mounting shaft 341, a friction drive wheel 342, and a friction wheel 343. The first gear 321 is mounted on the connecting shaft 323 and is capable of rotating with the connecting shaft 323. The first mounting shaft 341 is connected to the end of the oscillating pusher 33 that is away from the connecting shaft 323. The friction drive wheel 342 is fitted onto the first mounting shaft 341 and is capable of rotating relative to the first mounting shaft 341. The first gear 321 and the friction drive wheel 342 are engaged with each other. The friction wheel 343 is fitted onto the first mounting shaft 341 and can rotate by relative to the first mounting shaft 341. The friction wheel 343 is connected to the friction transmission wheel 342, and can roll along the wall of the fixed arm 1. When the direction of rotation of the first toothed wheel 321 changes, the friction wheel 343 can be driven in rotation by the friction transmission wheel 342 so that its direction of rolling changes, which causes the direction of oscillation of the oscillating pusher 33 to change, so as to switch the side brush module from conventional cleaning mode to special cleaning mode.

[0125] When the first gear 321 rotates, the friction drive wheel 342 is driven in rotation, and the friction drive wheel 342 drives the friction wheel 343 in rotation. The friction wheel 343 rolls along the surface of the wall of the fixed arm 1; that is, the friction wheel 343 moves relative to the surface of the wall of the fixed arm 1. In other words, the end of the oscillating pusher 33 connected to the first mounting shaft 341 moves with the friction wheel 343 and moves relative to the surface of the wall of the fixed arm 1, while the position of the end of the oscillating push rod 33 connected to the connecting shaft 323 relative to the surface of the wall of the fixed arm 1 remains almost unchanged. As a result, the position of the oscillating push rod 33 is changed.In particular, the oscillating push rod 33 oscillates around the connecting shaft 323, and the end of the oscillating push rod 33 that is away from the connecting shaft 323 pushes against the oscillating arm 2 to make it oscillate.

[0126] In this way, the transmission of motion from the pusher transmission assembly 34 to the oscillating pusher 33 is achieved, so that the change in the oscillation direction of the oscillating arm 2 can be achieved by changing the direction of rotation of the output rotary shaft by the drive element 31, and the convenient switching of the cleaning mode is achieved.

[0127] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the lateral surfaces of the friction drive wheel 342 and the friction wheel 343 are in contact, and said pusher drive assembly further includes an amplification assembly which applies a first pressure force from the friction drive wheel 342 to the friction wheel 343, and / or a second pressure force from the friction wheel 343 to the friction drive wheel 342 such that the friction force between the friction drive wheel 342 and the friction wheel 343 can cause the friction wheel 343 to rotate synchronously with the friction drive wheel 342.

[0128] In this way, it is possible to avoid damaging the friction wheel 343 and the fixed arm 1 in case of overload, unlike what would happen with a direct rigid connection of the friction drive wheel 342 and the friction wheel 343.

[0129] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the pressurization assembly includes a limiter 347 and a first elastic element 344. The first limiter 347 is connected to the first mounting shaft 341 and is located on the side of the friction wheel 343 that is away from the friction drive wheel 342. The first elastic element 344 is elastically compressed between the first limiter 347 and the friction wheel 343. Additionally or alternatively, the amplification assembly includes a second limiter and a second elastic element 345. The second limiter is coupled to the first mounting shaft 341 and is located on the side of the friction drive wheel 342 that is away from the friction wheel 343. The second elastic element 345 is elastically compressed between the second limiter and the friction drive wheel 342.

[0130] By way of example, part of the oscillating pusher 33 acts as a second limiter, bearing against the side of the second elastic element 345 which is away from the friction transmission wheel 342.

[0131] In this way, the first and second pressure forces are elastic pressures, which prevents damage to the friction wheel 343 and the fixing arm 1 in case of overload.

[0132] By way of example, as shown in Figures 6 and 10, the surface of the friction wheel 343 is a corrugated surface, and the surface of the fixed arm 1 in rolling contact with the friction wheel 343 is a corrugated surface adapted to the surface of the friction wheel 343 to increase the rolling friction between them. Thus, the friction wheel 343 is ensured to roll along the fixed arm 1 when subjected to a force, and the rolling of the friction wheel 343 is further ensured to cause the oscillating pusher to oscillate.

[0133] It should be noted that the swing arm 2 drive scheme in which the first transmission assembly comprises the first gear 321 and the second gear 322 is a first swing transmission scheme, and that the swing arm 2 drive scheme in which the first transmission assembly comprises the swing pusher 33 and the pusher transmission assembly 34 is a second swing transmission scheme. In some embodiments, the side brush module 320 may adopt only the first swing transmission scheme, or it may adopt both the first and second swing transmission schemes.

[0134] The following paragraphs describe the operating steps of the cleaning device proposed by certain embodiments of this application:

[0135] If, in the default state, the side brush module 320 is in conventional cleaning mode, the brush 4 is in the retracted position, the limiting projection is abutted against the retraction limiting block, the drive element 31 drives the first wheel 321 rotates in the second direction N, so that the second gear 322 is driven in rotation in the first direction M, the ratchet teeth of the second gear 322 mesh with the ratchet teeth of the fourth gear 3262, the second gear 322 drives the fourth gear 3262 in synchronized rotation, and the rotation of the fourth gear 3262 is transmitted to the output gear 3263 by, successively, the ninth gear 3268, the seventh gear 3266, and the eighth gear 3267, thus turning the brush 4 in the first direction M.

[0136] S2, when the mobile platform 100 moves to a corner position, the element The drive gear 31 changes its output direction of rotation, changing the rotation of the first gear 321 from the second direction (N) to the first direction (M). The first gear 321 drives the second gear 322, which changes its direction of rotation from the first direction (M) to the second direction (N). At this point, the second gear 322, under the action of the first gear 321, exerts a force on the second mounting shaft 325. This force causes the second mounting shaft 325 to rotate the swing arm 2 around the connecting shaft 323 in the first direction (M). This causes the brush 4 to move away from the moving platform 100, and the limiting protrusion to move away from the retraction limiting block and towards the deployment limiting block. When the swing arm 2 moves to the point where the limiting protrusion abuts against the deployment block, the swing arm 2 ceases to swing.At this point, brush 4 is in the deployed position, and the side brush module 320 switches from conventional cleaning mode to special cleaning mode.

[0137] Once the direction of rotation of the second gear 322 has changed from the first direction M to the second direction N, the teeth of the second gear 322 disengage from the teeth of the fourth gear 3262 and mesh with the teeth of the third gear 3261. Thus, the second gear 322 drives the third gear 3261 to rotate synchronously, and the rotation of the third gear 3261 is transmitted to the output gear 3263 in turn via, successively, the fifth gear 3264, the sixth gear 3265, the seventh gear 3266, and the eighth gear 3267, so that the brush 4 is driven to rotate in the first direction M and cleans the corner area.

[0138] S3, after cleaning the corner, the drive element 31 changes again from The direction of rotation of the output is such that the direction of rotation of the first gear 321 changes from the first direction (M) to the second direction (N), and the first gear 321 causes the second gear 322 to change its direction of rotation from the second direction (N) to the first direction (M). At this moment, the second gear 322 exerts a force on the second mounting shaft 325 under the action of the first gear 321. This force causes the second mounting shaft 325 to drive the swing arm 2 to rotate. around the connecting shaft 323 in the second direction N, so that the brush 4 moves closer to the moving platform 100, and the limiting protrusion moves away from the deployment limiting block and towards the retraction limiting block. When the swing arm 2 has moved sufficiently for the limiting protrusion to abut against the retraction limiting block, the swing arm 2 stops moving. At this moment, the brush 4 is in the retracted position, and the side brush module 320 switches from special cleaning mode to conventional cleaning mode.

[0139] Once the direction of rotation of the second gear 322 has changed from the second direction N to the first direction M, the pawl teeth of the second gear 322 disengage from the teeth of the third gear 3261 and engage with the teeth of the fourth gear 3262. Thus, the second gear 322 drives the fourth gear 3262 in synchronized rotation. The rotation of the fourth gear 3262 is transmitted to the output gear 3263 via, successively, the ninth gear 3268, the seventh gear 3266, and the eighth gear 3267, causing the brush 4 to rotate in the first direction M.

[0140] In this way, the actions of steps SI to S3 are repeated if a corner area is encountered again during the cleaning process.

[0141] In steps S1 to S3 above, the cleaning mode can be changed by altering the direction of rotation of the output of the drive element 31, which is simple and quick to implement. The brush 4 rotates in the first direction M in both cleaning modes, so the direction of rotation of the brush 4 will not be affected by changing the direction of the output of the drive element 31, thus improving the cleaning effect.

[0142] The above examples are used solely to illustrate the technical solutions of this disclosure and are in no way limiting.

Claims

Demands

1. Side brush module for a cleaning device, characterized in that it comprises: a fixed arm (1) configured to be mounted on the lower part of the moving platform (100) of the cleaning device; an oscillating arm (2) one end of which is rotationally connected to said fixed arm (1) and the other end of which is equipped with a rotating cleaning element (4); a power unit (3) connected to said fixed arm (1), said power unit (3) being configured to oscillate said oscillating arm (2) in order to drive said cleaning element (4) to move between a retracted position and a deployed position, said side brush module having a conventional cleaning mode in which the cleaning element (4) is in said retracted position, and a special cleaning mode in which the cleaning element (4) is in said deployed position.

2. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that said power assembly (3) comprises a transmission assembly (32), in which: the transmission assembly (32) is capable of driving said swing arm (2) to swing under the drive of the drive element (31), or the transmission assembly (32) is capable of driving said cleaning element (4) to rotate under the drive of the drive element (31), or the transmission assembly (32) is capable of driving said swing arm (2) to swing and driving said cleaning element (4) to rotate under the drive of the drive element (31).

3. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that said drive element (31) comprises a rotary output shaft, said rotary output shaft rotating in a first direction in said conventional cleaning mode, and said rotary output shaft rotating in a second clockwise direction in said special cleaning mode, in which, when the direction of rotation of the rotary output shaft changes from the first to the second direction of rotation, the side brush module changes from the conventional cleaning mode to the mode of

4.

5.

6. special cleaning, and when the direction of rotation of the output rotary shaft changes from the second to the first direction of rotation, the side brush module changes from special cleaning mode to conventional cleaning mode. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that said cleaning element (4) rotates in the same direction of rotation in said special cleaning mode and in said conventional cleaning mode. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the transmission assembly (32) comprises: a connecting shaft (323), connected in rotation about its own central axis to said fixed arm (1) and said oscillating arm (2), said drive element (31) being connected to said connecting shaft (323) so as to drive said connecting shaft (323) in rotation; a first transmission assembly whose input end is connected to the connecting shaft (323) and whose output end is connected to the swing arm (2), so that when the connecting shaft (323) is driven in rotation, the swing arm (2) can be driven to oscillate by the first transmission assembly; a second transmission set, the input end of which is connected to said first transmission set and the output end is connected to said cleaning element (4), so that when the connecting shaft (323) is driven in rotation, said cleaning element (4) can be driven in rotation by the first transmission set and said second transmission set. A side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that said first transmission assembly comprises a first gear (321) and a second gear (322), said first gear (321) being fitted onto the connecting shaft (323) and capable of rotating with said connecting shaft (323), said second gear (322) being rotationally connected to the oscillating arm (2), the first gear (321) and the second gear (322) meshing, wherein, when the first gear (321) changes its direction of rotation, said oscillating arm (2) can be driven so as to change its direction of oscillation by means of the second gear (322), such that the side brush module switches between said conventional cleaning method and said special cleaning method.

7. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that said second transmission assembly comprises a first rotary transmission assembly and a second rotary transmission assembly, the change in direction of rotation of the first gear (321) causing the selective engagement of the second gear (322) at an input end of said first rotary transmission assembly or at an input end of said second rotary transmission assembly, the output end of said first rotary transmission assembly and the output end of said second rotary transmission assembly being connected to the cleaning element (4), respectively, wherein, in the conventional cleaning mode, the second gear (322) is connected to the input end of the first rotary transmission assembly, and when the second gear (322) rotates in a first direction of rotation,The cleaning element (4) can be driven by the first rotary transmission assembly to rotate in a defined direction of rotation, and in the special cleaning mode, the second gear (322) is connected to the input end of the second rotary transmission assembly, and when the second gear (322) rotates in the other direction of rotation, the cleaning element (4) can be driven by the second rotary transmission assembly to rotate in the defined direction of rotation.

8. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that said first rotary transmission assembly comprises a third gear (3261), a first intermediate transmission assembly, and an output gear (3263), said third gear (3261) and said output gear (3263) being respectively connected to an input end and an output end of said first intermediate transmission assembly, respectively, the second rotary transmission assembly comprises a fourth gear (3262), a second intermediate transmission assembly, and said output gear (3263), said fourth gear (3262) and said output gear (3263) being respectively connected to an input end and an output end of said second intermediate transmission assembly, said output gear (3263) is rotationally connected to said swing arm (2), said cleaning element (4) is coaxially connected to said output gear (3263), and changing the direction of rotation of the first gear (321) causes the second gear (322) to be selectively coaxially connected to said third gear (3261) or said fourth gear (3262).

9. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that said first intermediate transmission assembly comprises a plurality of first transmission gears engaged successively with each other, a first of the first transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with the third gear (3261) and a last of the first transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with the output gear (3263); the second intermediate transmission assembly comprises a plurality of second transmission gears engaged successively with each other, a first of the second transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with said fourth gear (3262) and a last of the second transmission gears in the direction of transmission engaging with said output gear (3263);the number of first transmission gears is greater or less than the number of second transmission gears by one unit.

10. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that said first gear (321) and said second gear (322) are helical gears, said second gear (322) is provided with teeth on both sides of said second gear (322), and said second gear (322) is movablely and coaxially arranged along its axial direction between said third gear (3261) and said fourth gear (3262), said third gear (3261) and said fourth gear (3262) being provided with teeth on their sides facing the second gear (322), changing the direction of rotation of the first gear (321) causing engagement selectively meshes the teeth of the second gear (322) with the teeth of the third gear (3261) or the teeth of the fourth gear (3262).

11. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that said first intermediate transmission assembly comprises a set of synchronizing pulleys and a plurality of first transmission gears arranged successively along the direction of transmission, said set of synchronizing pulleys being connected so as to be able to be driven between a first of the first transmission gears and the third gear (3261), or between two adjacent transmission gears among the first gears, or between the last of the first transmission gears and the output gear (3263);the second intermediate transmission set comprises a plurality of second transmission gears engaged successively, in which, along the direction of transmission, the first of the second transmission gears is engaged with the fourth gear (3262) and the last of the second transmission gears is engaged with the output gear (3263); the number of first transmission gears being the same as that of second transmission gears.

12. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that said first transmission assembly comprises an oscillating pusher (33) and a pusher transmission assembly (34), one end of said oscillating pusher (33) being rotationally connected to said connecting shaft (323) and the other end of the oscillating pusher being connected to said pusher transmission assembly (34), the connecting shaft (323) being connected to said pusher transmission assembly (34), changing the direction of rotation of the connecting shaft (323) causing the oscillating pusher (33) driven by the pusher transmission assembly to change the direction of oscillation in which it rotates around said connecting shaft (323), in order to allow said side brush module to switch between said conventional cleaning mode and said special cleaning mode.

13. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pusher transmission assembly (34) comprises: a first gear (321), fitted onto the connecting shaft (323) and capable of rotating with the connecting shaft (323); a first mounting shaft (341), connected to one end of the oscillating pusher (33) opposite the connecting shaft (323); a friction drive wheel (342), fitted onto the first mounting shaft (341) and capable of rotating relative to the first mounting shaft (341), the first gear (321) meshing with the friction drive wheel (342);a friction wheel (343), fitted onto said first mounting shaft (341) and capable of rotating relative to said first mounting shaft (341), said friction wheel (343) being connected to said friction drive wheel (342), said friction wheel (343) being capable of rolling along a surface of the wall of said fixed arm (1); wherein, the first gear (321), when it changes direction of rotation, can drive the friction wheel (343) to change its direction of rolling via the friction drive wheel (342), which allows the oscillating pusher (33) to change direction of oscillation.

14. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the lateral surfaces of said friction drive wheel (342) and said friction wheel (343) are in contact, said pusher drive assembly (34) further comprises a pressurization assembly, said pressurization assembly applying a first pressure force on said friction drive wheel (342) in the direction of said friction wheel (343) and / or applying a second pressure force on said friction wheel (343) in the direction of said friction drive wheel (342) so that the friction forces between said friction drive wheel (342) and said friction wheel (343) are capable of causing said friction wheel (343) to rotate in sync with said friction drive wheel (342).

15. Side brush module for a cleaning device according to claim 14, characterized in that said assembly of pressurization comprises a first limiting element (347) and a first elastic element (344), said first limiting element (347) being connected to said first mounting shaft (341) and being located on the side of said friction wheel (343) opposite the friction drive wheel (342), said first elastic element (344) being elastically compressed between said first limiting element (347) and said friction wheel (343); and / or said pressurization assembly comprises a second limiting element and a second elastic element (345), said second limiting element being connected to said first mounting shaft (341) and being located on the side of said friction drive wheel (342) opposite said friction wheel (343), and said second elastic element (345) being elastically compressed between said second limiting element and said friction drive wheel (342).

16. Cleaning device characterized in that it comprises: a mobile platform (100), configured to move automatically on a work surface; a cleaning module, provided on the lower part of said mobile platform (100), configured to clean at least a part of said work surface, said cleaning module comprising a side brush module for a cleaning device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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