Drive mechanism, self-cleaning device and self-cleaning system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drive mechanism, a self-cleaning apparatus and a self-cleaning system, through the interaction between the first drive member and the second drive member, the lifting, lowering and rotation drive of a cleaning member is provided by a single drive component, so as to simplify the structure and control. The main technical solution of the present invention is as follows: drive mechanism that it comprises: main support body; first drive member, said first drive member comprising a first end and a second end, said second end being used for being connected to the cleaning member;second drive member, said first drive member and said second drive member being movably connected, said second drive member being movably connected to said main support body and there is a first friction force between said second drive member and said main support body; power assembly, said power assembly being connected to said first end by driving, said power assembly being used for driving said first drive member to rotate so as to make said first drive member interact with said second drive member, so as to drive said cleaning member up or down. The present invention is mainly used for driving the cleaning member. Figure for abstract: Fig. 2.;

Description

Title of the invention: Drive mechanism, self-cleaning apparatus and self-cleaning system Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of smart home and, in particular, to a drive mechanism, a self-cleaning apparatus and a self-cleaning system. Background technology

[0002] With the continuous development of smart home technology, sweeping robots are increasingly used for daily home cleaning. By utilizing the cleaning parts and their own rotation and the overall movement of the sweeping robot, sweeping robots realize the relative movement of the cleaning parts and the floor, thus cleaning. The cleaning parts can also be raised and lowered, so that the cleaning parts can be stored when they do not need to touch the floor, while avoiding obstacles when the sweeping robot encounters obstacles such as carpets and felts.

[0003] In existing sweeping robots, two separate drive mechanisms are provided for the lifting and lowering drive as well as the rotary drive of the cleaning element, and the structure and drive are complicated. Content of the invention

[0004] In view of the above, in order to solve at least one of the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a drive mechanism, a self-cleaning apparatus and a self-cleaning system.

[0005] On the one hand, the present invention provides a drive mechanism for a self-cleaning appliance, the drive mechanism comprises:

[0006] a main support body;

[0007] a first drive member which comprises a first end and a second end, said second end being configured to be connected to a cleaning member;

[0008] a second drive member, said first drive member and said second drive member being movably connected, said second drive member being movably connected to said main support body and a first friction force existing between said second drive member and said main support body;

[0009] a power assembly, said power assembly being connected to said first end with drive, said power assembly being configured to drive said first drive member to rotate so as to interact said first drive member with said second drive member, in order to drive said cleaning member upwards or downwards.

[0010] Optionally, the positions of said first drive element comprise a cleaning position.

[0011] Optionally, said first drive element and said second drive element are provided with a first acting portion and a second acting portion, respectively, and said first acting portion and said second acting portion are configured to interact with each other.

[0012] Optionally, at least one of said first acting portion and said second acting portion comprises an acting slope, and, when said first drive element rotates, said first acting portion and said second acting portion cooperate with each other by means of said acting slope, in order to drive the first drive element upwards or downwards.

[0013] Optionally, said first action portion and said second action portion both comprise said action slope, or, one of said first action portion and said second action portion comprises said action slope while the other of said first action portion and said second action portion comprises a rolling or sliding element, said rolling or sliding element being configured to roll or slide relative to said action slope.

[0014] Optionally, the number of said first action parts and said second action parts is identical and the number of said first action parts and said second action parts is at least equal to one.

[0015] Optionally, when the numbers of said first action parts and said second action parts are multiple, the plurality of said first action parts are distributed on the circumference around the axis of rotation of said first drive element and the plurality of said second action parts are distributed on the circumference around the axis of rotation of said second drive element.

[0016] Optionally, either one of said first action portion and said second action portion is threaded, or at least one of said first action portion and said second action portion is an action groove, while the other of said first action portion and said second action portion is configured to be embedded in said action groove.

[0017] Optionally, the second end comprises a first sleeve and the second drive member comprises a second sleeve;

[0018] said first sleeve is provided with a first acting part, said second sleeve is provided with a second acting part and said first sleeve is fitted into said second sleeve.

[0019] Optionally, one of said first acting portion and said second acting portion is engaged with an acting element, and when said first driving element is in the cleaning position, the other of said first acting portion and said second acting portion abuts against said acting element to cause said first driving element to drive said second driving element to rotate synchronously therewith.

[0020] Optionally, there is a second frictional force between said first drive element and said second drive element, the first frictional force being greater than the second frictional force.

[0021] Optionally, the power assembly comprises a power element and a third drive element; and

[0022] the power element is connected to the third drive element with drive, and the third drive element is slidably connected to the first drive element in an axial direction with a position limitation on the circumferential direction.

[0023] Optionally, the second end comprises a position limiting portion, said third drive element is fitted to the outer periphery of said position limiting portion, or, said position limiting portion is fitted to the outer periphery of said third drive element.

[0024] Optionally, the positions of the second drive element and the main support body are axially limited, and the second drive element and the main support body are connected to each other via circumferential damping.

[0025] Optionally, said drive mechanism further comprises a damping bearing,

[0026] the second drive element being connected to the main support body by means of the damping bearing.

[0027] Optionally, said drive mechanism further comprises: a friction assembly;

[0028] said second drive member comprises a cuff, said flange being connected to the second sleeve of said second drive member and projecting from the side wall of said second sleeve, said flange being connected to said friction assembly.

[0029] Optionally, said friction assembly comprises an upper friction element and a lower friction element, said upper friction element and said lower friction element abutting against said flange by both sides of said flange in the axial direction of said second driving element, respectively.

[0030] Optionally, said friction assembly further comprises an elastic element, said elastic element being connected to at least one of said upper and lower friction elements, said elastic element being used to apply an elastic force to said upper friction element and / or said lower friction element so that it / them move in proximity to said rim.

[0031] Optionally, said friction assembly comprises a lower friction element and at least one action wheel, said lower friction element and said action wheel respectively abutting against the rim by both sides of the rim in the axial direction of said second drive element.

[0032] Optionally, said lower friction element is closer to said cleaning element than said action wheel.

[0033] Optionally, the drive mechanism comprises a plurality of action wheels, the plurality of said action wheels (840) being uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction of said second drive member (300).

[0034] Optionally, the action wheel is rotatably connected to the main support body;

[0035] and / or, said action wheel comprises a wheel body and a rotation axis, said axis rotation being connected to said main support body and said wheel body being rotatably connected to said rotation axis;

[0036] and / or, at least one of the contact surfaces of said action wheel with said rim is provided with a wear-resistant layer;

[0037] and / or, said main support body is provided with a mounting cavity, the ends of said action wheels are connected to the two opposite side walls of said mounting cavity and said action wheels partially protrude out of said mounting cavity to abut against said rim.

[0038] Optionally, said friction assembly further comprises an elastic element, said elastic element being connected to said lower friction element, said elastic element being used to apply an elastic force to said lower friction element so that it moves near said rim.

[0039] Optionally, said first drive member comprises a third sleeve, said first sleeve of said first drive member having a first end opposite said cleaning member, said third sleeve being connected to said first end of said first sleeve, said third sleeve being spaced from said first sleeve, said second sleeve of said second drive member being embedded between said third sleeve and said first sleeve and having a gap with said third sleeve.

[0040] Optionally, when the first drive member is in the cleaning position, the end of the third sleeve remote from the cleaning member is further from the cleaning member than the first end of the first sleeve.

[0041] Optionally, said main support body comprises a fourth sleeve, said fourth sleeve being spaced from said second sleeve, said third sleeve being embedded between said fourth sleeve and said second sleeve and having a gap with said fourth sleeve.

[0042] Optionally, when the first drive member is in the cleaning position, the end of the third sleeve remote from the cleaning member is further from the cleaning member than the end of the fourth sleeve which is closer to the cleaning member.

[0043] Optionally, said drive mechanism further comprises an attraction magnetic element, said attraction magnetic element is connected to the first drive element, said attraction magnetic element being used to be magnetically connected to the magnetic element of the cleaning element;

[0044] or by said drive mechanism further comprising: a magnetic element, said magnetic element being connected to the first drive element, and said magnetic element is used to be magnetically connected to the magnetic element of the cleaning element.

[0045] Optionally, that said cleaning element comprises at least one of the following elements: a rotating brush, a side brush.

[0046] Optionally, said drive mechanism further comprises:

[0047] a first sensing member, the first sensing member generating a rise-in-place signal when the first drive member is raised to its highest position.

[0048] Optionally, the first detection member comprises a first photoemitter and a first light ray receiver, said first photoemitter and said first light ray receiver being opposite to each other, and when said first driving member rises to the highest position, said first driving member blocks the light between said first photoemitter and said first light ray receiver to cause said first light ray receiver to generate said rise signal in place.

[0049] Optionally, the first detection member comprises a first magnetic sensor, said drive mechanism further comprising a first magnetic element, said first magnetic element being disposed on said first drive element and / or said cleaning element, said first magnetic element being within the detection range of said first magnetic sensor when said first drive element is raised to its highest position, so that said first magnetic sensor generates said rise signal.

[0050] Optionally, the first detection member comprises a first microswitch, the first drive element triggers the first microswitch when the first drive element reaches the highest position, so that the first microswitch generates the rise signal.

[0051] Optionally, said drive mechanism further comprises:

[0052] a second sensing member, the second sensing member being used to generate a mount-in-place signal when the cleaning element is mounted on the first drive member.

[0053] Optionally, the second detection member comprises a second photoemitter and a second light ray receiver, said second photoemitter and said second light ray receiver being arranged opposite each other, said cleaning element shielding the light rays between said second photoemitter and said second light ray receiver when said cleaning element is mounted on said first driving element, so as to cause said second light ray receiver to generate said mounting-in-place signal.

[0054] Optionally, said second detection member comprises a second magnetic sensor, said drive mechanism further comprising a second magnetic element, said second magnetic element being disposed on said cleaning element, said second magnetic element entering the detection range of said second magnetic sensor when said cleaning element is mounted on said first drive element, so as to cause said second magnetic sensor to generate said mounted-in-place signal.

[0055] Optionally, the second sensing member comprises a second microswitch, wherein the cleaning element triggers the second microswitch when the cleaning element is mounted on the first drive element so that the second microswitch generates the mount-in-place signal.

[0056] On the other hand, the present invention provides a self-cleaning apparatus comprising the drive mechanism of one of the preceding descriptions and an apparatus body, the drive mechanism being disposed on the apparatus body.

[0057] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a self-cleaning system comprising the self-cleaning apparatus described above and a cleaning base station.

[0058] Due to the interaction between the first drive element and the second drive element and the frictional force between the second drive element and the main support body when the first driving member is driven into movement by the power member, the driving mechanism, self-cleaning apparatus and self-cleaning system provided by the present invention drive the first driving member and the second driving member to move relative to each other, and then raise or lower the first driving member, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering drive of the cleaning member.In addition, through the interaction between the first and second driving members, the first and second driving members are driven in a synchronous motion, thereby achieving a single power element for driving the lifting, lowering and moving of the cleaning member, reducing the number of driving parts, simplifying the structure of the self-cleaning apparatus, and reducing the production cost and the burden of the drive. DESCRIPTIONS OF THE APPENDIXED FIGURES

[0059] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] shows a schematic view of the structure of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0060] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] shows a schematic view of a first sectional structure of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0061] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] shows a structural exploded schematic sectional view of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0062] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] shows an exploded schematic view of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0063] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] shows a structural schematic view of a mechanism drive provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in a storage position;

[0064] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] shows a schematic structural sectional view of a mechanism drive provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the storage position;

[0065] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows a structural schematic view of a part of the structure of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the storage position;

[0066] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows a schematic view of a second structure in section of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0067] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows a structural schematic view of a portion of the structure of a drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention when the first drive member is in the cleaning position;

[0068] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows a schematic structural sectional view of another drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0069] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] shows an exploded structural schematic view of another drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0070] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] shows a schematic view of a portion of the structure of another drive mechanism provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Specific embodiment

[0071] In order to further develop the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the object intended by the invention, the following combines the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments to explain in detail the specific embodiments, structures, characteristics and effects of a drive mechanism proposed according to the present invention, as follows.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, embodiments of the present invention have a drive mechanism for a self-cleaning apparatus, and the self-cleaning apparatus may include, but is not limited to, a cleaning robot, a smart cleaner, an automatic washer, a mopping robot, a sweeping and mopping integrated machine and the like, having functions such as moving, sweeping, vacuuming waste and the like, and some of the self-cleaning apparatuses further include functions such as sweeping, terrain detection and sweeping the interior home area. For example, the cleaning robot may have several shapes, to take into account stability and applicability to a variety of scenarios, such as under the bed and other cleaning areas, cleaning robots generally have a flat profile.The housing of the cleaning robot mainly comprises a chassis and a cover connected to the chassis and surrounded by a containment chamber, and the containment chamber can be equipped with various components for the operation of the cleaning robot, such as a controller, a power supply device, a position detection component such as a camera, a scanner, a gyroscope, a scanning mechanism, and a walking mechanism. The controller can be used to control the cleaning system and the moving mechanism. A common moving mechanism mainly comprises a moving wheel and an auxiliary turning wheel. The moving wheel is driven by a drive motor located in the containment chamber of the housing, which rotates the moving wheel and drives the cleaning robot to walk. The auxiliary turning wheel can be . an omnidirectional wheel fixed under the chassis. Thanks to the rotation and stopping of the movable wheel, the auxiliary turning wheel allows the cleaning robot to turn.

[0073] The cleaning system may comprise a sweeping assembly and a mopping assembly. The sweeping assembly comprises a roller brush driving member, a roller brush, a dust bin, and an exhaust fan, the roller brush being connected to a machine body via the roller brush driving member, the machine body having a dust attraction port located behind the roller brush, and the dust bin being located on an air path between the exhaust fan and the dust attraction port. The roller brush has a certain interference with the ground, and the roller brush can sweep garbage on the ground during rotation and roll it below the dust absorption port, to be sucked into the dust bin by the gas generated by the exhaust fan discharging to the dust bin.The cleaning assembly may include a mop drive member, one or more mops that can be rotated to dry clean the floor, and in some embodiments, the cleaning system further includes a water tank that can refill the mops to wet clean the floor. Since the surface area of ​​the mop is large and the surface area of ​​the felt or sponge and other soft absorbent materials, the mop and the blanket and other floor coverings will have greater friction, furthermore, stains may remain on the mop after cleaning, and waste water may remain on the mop, especially after wet cleaning.In addition, it is necessary to provide the mop with a lifting function to prevent contact between the mop and floor coverings from affecting the proper operation of the robot, and to prevent repeated pollution of the floor due to contact between the mop on which the sewage remains and the floor. The existing mop driving element is divided into a rotating driving element and a mop lifting driving element, the rotating driving element of the mop is connected to the mop to drive the rotation of the mop, and the lifting driving element of the mop is connected to the assembly formed by the rotating driving element of the mop and the mop to drive the lifting of the assembly.As a result, the realization of the lifting and rotation of the broom requires two sets of separate drive elements, which is redundant in structure and heavy in weight, and the driving load of the lifting and lowering drive is large and the control process is cumbersome. To solve this problem, the present application proposes a drive mechanism that relies on only a single driving element and a structural configuration for controlling the lifting and rotation of a cleaning element.

[0074] More specifically, the drive mechanism comprises:

[0075] a main support body 100;

[0076] a first drive element 200, said first drive element 200 comprising a first end and a second end, said second end being used to be connected to the cleaning element 500;

[0077] a second drive member 300, said first drive member 200 and said second drive member 300 being movably connected, said second drive member 300 being movably connected to said main support body 100 and there is a first frictional force between said second drive member 300 and said main support body 100;

[0078] a power assembly 400, said power assembly 400 being connected to said first end by driving, said power assembly 400 being used to drive said first drive member 200 to move so as to interact said first drive member 200 with said second drive member 300, driving said first drive member 200 to drive said cleaning member 500 upwards or downwards.

[0079] The main support body 100 may be a separate support member of the drive mechanism, which is mounted and fixed to the housing of the main body of the self-cleaning appliance; alternatively, the main support body 100 may be part of the housing of the main body of the appliance, in order to achieve a closer and more stable structural connection. The structure of the main support body 100 may be defined according to the specific structures of the first drive member 200, the second drive member 300 and the power assembly 400, in order to be able to support the first drive member 200, the second drive member 300 and the power assembly 400, and to be able to cooperate with the movement of the first drive member 200.

[0080] For ease of illustration, the following descriptions are all in the direction in which the drive mechanism is actually used as an example. The first end is connected to the power assembly 400 by driving, so that the power assembly 400 can drive the first drive member 200 to move via the first end, and the first drive member 200 will interact with the second drive member 300. The movement tendency of the first drive member 200 will cause the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 to move relative to each other, which will cause the position of the first drive member 200 to change at least in the vertical direction.The second drive member 300 does not move relative to the main support body 100, while the first drive member 200 lifts or lowers by . relative to the main support body 100, thereby, for example, driving the first drive member 200 to lift or lower. The first drive member 200 is connected to the cleaning member 500 by the second end, which in turn drives the cleaning member 500 up and down. The cleaning member 500 may consist of a variety of parts that clean by rotating, such as a rotating mop, a side brush, etc., and the rotating mop may be round, square, triangular, etc. The cleaning position may be regarded as a limit position for the movement of the first drive member 200, and the limit position may be set as needed, for example, depending on the need for the lifting or lowering height of the cleaning member 500.The position of the first drive member 200 also includes a storage position, and in the storage position, the first drive member 200 drives the cleaning member 500 to the highest point.In some embodiments, the first drive member 200 includes a cleaning position, and the interaction between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 causes these two members to move relative to each other until the point where the first drive member 200 is located in the cleaning position, the action relationship between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 will change, and instead of moving relative to each other, the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 will move in synchronization, so that the cleaning member 500 stops lifting or lowering, but moves for cleaning.The cleaning position refers to a limit position in which the first drive member 200 is lowered to the lowest point, and when the first drive member 200 is in the cleaning position, the height of the cleaning member 500 connected to the first drive member 200 meets the requirements of interference with the surface to be cleaned and the force of the interference, or the pressing force, is capable of reaching the point at which the cleaning member 500 cleans the surface to be cleaned and does not excessively press the surface to be cleaned so as to affect the movement of the cleaning member 500.

[0081] The manner in which the power assembly 400 is used to drive the movement of the first drive element 200 may be varied: it may be to drive the first drive element 200 in rotation, to move it in a straight line, to move it in a curved line, etc.

[0082] During use, the first drive member 200 is controlled to move, and then the first drive member 200 is driven to lower the cleaning member 500 until the first drive member 200 reaches the cleaning position and the cleaning member 500 is located in the lowest position, and then, the first drive member 200 is driven to move, and the first drive member 200, the second drive member 300 and the cleaning member 500 move synchronously to perform cleaning. At the end of cleaning, when the cleaning member 500 is to be stored, the first drive member 200 is controlled to move in the reverse direction, the first drive member 200 is detached from the cleaning position, and the first drive member 200 drives the cleaning member 500 to rise to perform storage.

[0083] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the second drive member 300 may rotate in the forward direction relative to the main support body 100, or may rotate in the reverse direction relative to the main support body 100, the forward direction and the reverse direction being two opposite directions of rotation. When the first drive member 200 is driven in the forward direction and lowered into the cleaning position, and the first drive member 200 continues to be driven in the same direction, the first drive member 200 generates a rigid thrust between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300, which in turn drives the second drive member 300 to overcome the frictional force with the main support body 100 and follow the first drive member 200 to rotate forward relative to the main support body 100.When the first drive member 200 is driven in reverse to reach the uppermost position, and the first drive member 200 continues to be driven in the same direction, the first drive member 200 generates a rigid pushing force with the second drive member 300, which in turn drives the second drive member 300 to overcome the friction force with the main support body 100 and follow the first drive member 200 to rotate in reverse relative to the main support body 100.The second drive member 300 can rotate in both opposite directions relative to the main support body 100, thereby avoiding positioning errors of the first drive member 200 or failure to detect in time that the first drive member 200 has reached the highest position, which would damage the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 by excessive pressure, and avoiding overloading the power assembly 400.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in [Fig.7], the drive mechanism further comprises a first detection member, the first detection member is connected to the main support body 100, the first detection member is used to detect whether the first drive member 200 reaches the predetermined uppermost position or not, and the first detection member generates a signal lifting into place when the first drive member 200 reaches the predetermined highest position, and the lifting into place signal indicates that the first drive member 200 has been lifted. Subsequently, the movement of the first drive member 200 may be stopped immediately after receiving the lifting into place signal.The first sensing member may be a first microswitch, such as a combination of an elastic piece and a touch sensor, and when the first drive member 200 does not reach the predetermined height position, the elastic piece is detached from the touch sensor, and when the first drive member 200 continues to rise, the first drive member 200 compresses the elastic piece, causing the elastic piece to be close to the touch sensor until the first drive member 200 reaches the predetermined height position, and the elastic piece touches the touch sensor, which then generates a rise signal in place.Alternatively, the first sensing member may be a light blocking device, such as a combination of a first photoemitter 910 and a first light ray receiver 920, the first photoemitter 910 and the first light ray receiver 920 being arranged opposite each other, and the first light ray receiver 920 being used to receive the photoelectric signal from the first photoemitter 910, such as an infrared signal.When the first drive member 200 does not reach the predetermined height position, there is no obstruction between the first light emitter 910 and the first light ray receiver 920, and when the first drive member 200 continues to rise, the upper structure of the first drive member 200 approaches the first light emitter 910 until, when the first drive member 200 reaches the predetermined height position, the upper structure enters the position between the first light emitter 910 and the first light ray receiver 920, which then blocks the light ray from the first light emitter 910, and the first light ray receiver 920 then generates a rising signal in place.The upper structure may be an action member 212, as described in detail below; alternatively, the first sensing member may be a first magnetic sensor, such as a Hall sensor, and the first driving member 200 or the cleaning member 500 is provided with a first magnetic member that corresponds to the Hall sensor. The first magnetic member that corresponds to the Hall sensor is disposed on the first driving member 200 or the cleaning member 500, and after the first driving member 200 is moved into place, or after the first driving member 200 drives the cleaning member 500 into place, the first magnetic member will enter the sensing range of the Hall sensor, and the Hall sensor will detect magnetism and generate a rise signal. place. The first detection member may also have other forms aimed at detecting the position of the first drive element 200, at least when the first drive element 200 reaches a predetermined highest position, it will be sufficient to emit a rise signal in place.The arrangement of the first detection member, on the one hand, when the first drive member 200 has risen in place, the first drive member 200 will rotate synchronously with the second drive member 300, which will cause unnecessary idle rotation of the second drive member 300, and the addition of the first detection member can stop the continuous movement of the second drive member 300 in a timely manner after the first drive member 200 is placed in place, avoiding the energy consumption and mechanical loss of the movement of the second drive member 300, and avoiding the energy consumption and mechanical loss of the movement of the first drive member 300, and avoiding wasting time when raising and lowering the first drive member 200.On the other hand, failure of the first drive element 200 to rise due to, for example, a blockage or a mechanical failure can be detected in time, for example in the case where, after a certain period of time from the start of the rise, no signal is received for the rise in place, and an alarm can be triggered.

[0085] In other embodiments, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the drive mechanism further comprises a second detection member, which can be connected to the main support body 100, and can be mounted on the first drive member 200. The second detection member is used to detect whether the cleaning member 500 is mounted on the first drive member 200. When the cleaning member 500 is mounted, the second detection member generates a mounting-in-place signal, and the mounting-in-place signal indicates that the cleaning member 500 has been mounted, and the next action can be performed, for example, cleaning. This prevents the cleaning member 500 from being forgotten to be mounted or not being mounted successfully, and thus normal cleaning is not possible.The second sensing member may be a second microswitch, such as a combination of an elastic piece and a touch sensor, when the cleaning member 500 is not mounted on the first drive member 200, the elastic piece is detached from the touch sensor and when the cleaning member 500 has been mounted, the cleaning member 500 presses the elastic piece, causing the elastic piece to touch the touch sensor, and then generating a mounting signal in place; alternatively, the second sensing member may be a light blocking device. It may be a combination of a second photoemitter and a second light ray receiver, the second photoemitter and the second light ray receiver being arranged opposite each other. to the other, the second light ray receiver being used to receive a photoelectric signal emitting from the second photoemitter, which may be an infrared signal. When the cleaning member 500 is not mounted on the first driving member 200, there is no blockage between the second photoemitter and the second light ray receiver, and when the cleaning member 500 is mounted in place, a part of the structures of the cleaning member 500 penetrates between the second photoemitter and the second light ray receiver and then blocks the light rays from the second photoemitter, and the second light ray receiver then generates a mounting-in-place signal, and a part of the structures of the cleaning member 500 may be an area where the cleaning member 500 extends into the mounting cavity opened by the first driving member 200;or, the second sensing member may be a second magnetic sensor 930, such as a Hall sensor, on the cleaning member 500 is disposed a second magnetic member that corresponds to the Hall sensor, and after the cleaning member 500 is mounted in place, the second magnetic member will enter the sensing area of ​​the Hall sensor, and the Hall sensor will detect the magnetism and generate a mounting-in-place signal. The second sensing member may also take other forms, designed to detect whether the cleaning member 500 has been mounted or not, and it is sufficient to output a mounting-in-place signal when the cleaning member 500 has been mounted on the first driving member 200. The disposition of the second sensing member can avoid the cleaning member 500 not being installed and the self-cleaning apparatus not carrying the cleaning member 500 and cleaning ineffectively. ;

[0086] The drive mechanism, self-cleaning apparatus and self-cleaning system provided in the embodiment of the present invention, when the first drive member is rotated by the power member, through the interaction between the first drive member and the second drive member and the interaction between the second drive member and the main support body, the first drive member and the second drive member are driven to move relative to each other, which in turn drives the first drive member to rise or fall, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering drive of the cleaning member.When the relative position of the first drive member reaches the cleaning position, the interaction between the first drive member and the second drive member drives the first drive member and the second drive member to rotate in sync, thereby realizing the lifting, lowering and rotation of the cleaning member driven by a single power member in order to . reduce the number of drive elements, simplify the structure of the self-cleaning device, and reduce the production cost and drive burden.

[0087] In one embodiment, there is a second frictional force between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300, the first frictional force being greater than the second frictional force.

[0088] When controlling the rotation of the first drive member 200, due to the low friction force of the threaded connection between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 and the high friction force between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100, there will be no relative movement between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100, or the relative movement will be small, while the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 move circumferentially relative to each other more smoothly.

[0089] The first drive member 200 is used to rotate under the driving effect of the power assembly 400, and the first drive member 200 is used to interact with the second drive member 300, at the same time of moving in the circumferential direction, it applies a force in the vertical direction. This can be realized as follows: the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 are provided with a first action portion 211 and a second action portion 311, respectively, and the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 can have various shapes, aiming at the fact that the second drive member 300, when moving, can be able to drive the first drive member 200 to move up and down.

[0090] If at least one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 comprises an action slope, when the first drive member 200 rotates, the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 are used to cooperate with each other by means of the action slope, in order to raise or lower the first drive member 200.

[0091] The action slope is a slope that provides both a lifting force and a lowering force for the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 when the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 move in a circumferential direction relative to each other, or the action slope is interpreted as a slope that rotates up or down in the circumferential direction. It is possible for both the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 to include an action slope, but for the lengths of the action slopes to be different. Alternatively, one of the first and second action portions 211 comprises an action slope, and the other of the first and second action portions 311 comprises a rolling or sliding member, the rolling or sliding member being used for rolling or sliding relative to the action slope. The rolling member, which may be a roller or bearing, may further reduce the second friction force by rollingly connecting to the action slope; the sliding member may also be a prominence such as a block, column, or the like.

[0092] In one embodiment, the number of first action portions 211 and second action portions 311 may be one each.Or the number of the first action part 211 and the second action part 311 is the same, with a one-to-one matching configuration, and the first action part 211 and the second action part 311 are several, several first action parts 211 are distributed on the circumference around the rotation axis of the first drive member 200, and several second action parts 311 are distributed on the circumference around the rotation axis of the second drive member 300, thereby ensuring that the interaction between the first action part 211 and the second action part 311 makes the forces borne by the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 be balanced on the circumference to avoid being oblique.

[0093] In the more specific embodiments, one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is threaded, and the other of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 may be a ratchet head with an action slope, the ratchet head being embedded between the helical surfaces of the thread, or alternatively, the other of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 may be only a smaller ratchet head, without an action slope. The first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 are connected together by threads, and the first drive member 200 is used to rotate relative to the second drive member 300 to push the first drive member 200 up or down by the threads.

[0094] Due to the threads, the circumferential movement will produce a thrust effect in the vertical direction, which will cause the first drive element 200 to rise or fall by the thrust.

[0095] Alternatively, in another embodiment, at least one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is an action groove, the other of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is intended to be embedded in the action groove, and the action slope is a wall on one side of the action groove.

[0096] In one embodiment, the second end comprises a first sleeve 210, and the second drive member 300 comprises a second sleeve 310. The first sleeve 210 is provided with a first acting portion 211, the second sleeve 310 is provided with a second acting portion 311, and the first sleeve 210 is nested in the second sleeve 310.

[0097] In an embodiment where one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is threaded and the number of threads is multiple, and the other is a snap head, the snap head will be embedded in the threads of the thread after the first sleeve 210 is fitted with the second sleeve 310. The threads may be four in number, i.e., four threads are formed and the number of snap heads is four, each corresponding to a thread that it will fit, and by arranging the plurality of threads, the movement between the first sleeve 210 and the second sleeve 310 may be more stable and less subject to shaking. As in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and [Fig.6], the first sleeve 210 is provided with threads on the outer wall, and the snap head is provided on the inner wall of the second sleeve 310, or alternatively, the second sleeve 310 is provided with threads on the inner wall, and the first sleeve 210 is provided with a snap head on the outer wall.

[0098] In one embodiment, one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 connects the action member 212, such as in an embodiment in which one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is threaded, the end of the thread is provided with an action member 212, and the ratchet head abuts against the action member 212 when the first drive member 200 is in the cleaning position, so that the first drive member 200 drives the second drive member 300 to rotate synchronously. Or, in embodiments where at least one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is an action groove, the action element 212 can be considered an inner wall surface of the action groove that is opposite the action slope.

[0099] The actuating element 212 may be located only at the terminal end of one end of the threads and used only to act with the ratchet head, so as to cause the synchronized rotation of the first drive element 200 when it is in the cleaning position, or, in some embodiments, the actuating element 212 may be located at the terminal ends of both ends of the threads, one end being used to cause the synchronized rotation of the first drive element 200 with the second drive element 300 when the first drive element 200 is in the cleaning position, and the other end being used to limit the maximum height to which the first drive element 200 can rise.

[0100] More specifically, if in one embodiment the first action portion 211 is a thread of a screw thread, the second action portion 311 is a snap head, the first sleeve 210 is provided with threads on the outer wall, and the first sleeve 210 is used for lifting and lowering, according to FIGS. 2-4, and [Fig. 6], the action member 212 may be disposed only at the terminal end of the threads which is far from the cleaning member 500, i.e., the action member 212 is disposed at the uppermost terminal end of the threads 211, and then the action member 212 will move toward the snap head which is located above it during the descent of the first sleeve 210.Thus, when the first sleeve 210 descends, the action member 212 moves toward the ratchet head located above, and when the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 are in the cleaning position, the action member 212 contacts the ratchet head located above, and consequently, when the first sleeve 210 continues to rotate in the same direction, the first sleeve 210 does not descend, and the action member 212 drives the ratchet head into motion, causing the second sleeve 310 to rotate in a synchronized manner.In some embodiments, on the lowest terminal end of the thread may also be provided with the action member 212, and when the first sleeve 210 rises, the action member 212 moves toward the ratchet head located below, and when the first sleeve 210 moves to the highest position, the action member 212 located below contacts the ratchet head, thereby preventing the first sleeve 210 from rising excessively and playing a role in limiting the position.

[0101] In another embodiment in which the second action portion 311 is a thread of a screw thread and the first action portion 211 is a ratchet head, in which the second sleeve 310 is provided with threads on the inner wall and the first sleeve 210 is used for lifting and lowering, the action member 212 is located at the terminal end of the threads which is located near the cleaning member 500, i.e., the action member 212 is located at the lowest terminal end of the threads, and subsequently, during the descent of the first sleeve 210, the ratchet head moves toward the action member 212 located below, and when the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 located in the cleaning position, the ratchet head contacts the element action 212 located below, and consequently, while the first sleeve 210 continues to rotate in the same direction,the first sleeve 210 does not descend, and the snap head pushes the action element 212 located below into movement, , driving the second sleeve 310 to rotate synchronously. In some embodiments, the uppermost terminal end of the thread 211 may also be provided with the action member 212, and then, in the process of raising the first sleeve 210, the movement of the ratchet head toward the action member 212 located on the upper side, and when the first sleeve 210 is moved to the uppermost position, the ratchet head will contact the action member 212 located above, and the first sleeve 210 can be prevented from rising excessively, by the position limiting function.

[0102] It is readily understood that, in embodiments where the ratchet head 311 is four in number and the threads 211 may be four threads, each of the four threads is provided with an action member 212 at the end of the four threads. The action member 212 may be formed as a single piece with the first sleeve 210 or the second sleeve 310. Alternatively, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the drive mechanism further comprises a top cover 2121 to which the action member 212 is connected, and the top cover 2121 is connected to the first sleeve 210 such that the action member 212 is located at the ends of the threads to facilitate processing.

[0103] In the preceding embodiment, where the first detection member comprises the first photoemitter 910 and the first light ray receiver 920, the upper cover 2121 is snapped onto the upper edge of the first sleeve 210, which serves to prevent light from the first photoemitter 910 from reaching the first light ray receiver 920 once the height of the first drive member 200 is in place.

[0104] In use, the power assembly 400 drives the first drive member 200 by rotating it in a forward direction of rotation relative to the main support body 100, which is the direction of forward rotation of the motor of the power assembly 400.Due to the positional immobility of the second driving member 300 (which is caused by the frictional force between the second driving member 300 and the support body 100 being greater than the frictional force between the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311), the second action portion 311 will be displaced relative to the first action portion 211, as in the embodiment where one of the first action portion 211 and the second action portion 311 is a thread, and the ratchet head will be relatively movable relative to the thread and press the thread, which in turn will drive the first driving member 200 downward in the vertical direction relative to the main support body 100 to achieve the lowering of the cleaning member 500. When the cleaning member 500 descends to the lowest position, the first driving member 200 will be displaced relative to the first action portion 211. drive 200 reaches the position of . cleaning. Since the motor of the power assembly 400 always rotates in the forward direction, the first drive member 200 continues to rotate in the forward direction relative to the main support body 100, and the ratchet head interacts with the action member 212 at the terminal end located below the threads, which prevents the ratchet head and the threads from continuing to move relative to each other, and the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 produce a rigid pushing force that makes the second drive member 300 overcome the friction force between it and the main support body 100, and the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 finally rotate synchronously, and the cleaning member 500 cleans the floor.In other words, during the lowering and cleaning process, the rotation direction of the first drive member 200 does not change. Then, when the cleaning is completed, or a user command is received or an obstacle is detected, the cleaning member 500 must be moved upward to be stowed or to avoid the obstacle. At this time, the power assembly 400 drives the first drive member 200 to rotate relative to the main support body 100 in the reverse rotation direction of the forward rotation, which may correspond to the reverse rotation of the motor of the power assembly 400.Due to the positional immobility of the second drive member 300 (which is due to the friction force between the second drive member 300 and the support body 100 being greater than the friction force between the ratchet head and the threads), the ratchet head moves in the reverse direction to disengage from the action member 212, and the ratchet head moves relative to the threads and lifts the threads, which in turn causes the first drive member 200 to rise relative to the main support body 100 in the vertical direction, to realize the raising of the cleaning member 500. The cleaning member 500 is lifted.When the cleaning member 500 reaches the uppermost position, the ratchet head may interact with the action member 212 at the terminal end above the thread, which then prevents the ratchet head from further moving relative to the thread, and the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 generate a rigid pushing force, which causes the second drive member 300 to overcome the friction force between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100, and the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 move in synchronization. It will be appreciated that at this point, the cleaning element 500, which is in the storage position, or in the higher position, rotates until the programmed time is reached and the power assembly 400 ceases to drive the first drive element 200. Alternatively, in the mode of . The aforementioned embodiment comprising a first detection member comprising a first light emitter 910 and a first light ray receiver 920, when the first drive member 200 is mounted in place, the light rays between the first light emitter 910 and the first light ray receiver 920 will be blocked, and thus the rotation of the first drive member 200 can be stopped directly, which avoids inefficient power consumption as well as wear of the damping of the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100.

[0105] As in the embodiment where the first drive member 200 lifts or lowers, the second drive member 300 is only movably connected to the main support body 100 in the circumferential direction, while in the axial direction, or in the vertical direction, there is a position limitation, the second drive member 300 cannot be lifted and lowered, while the first drive member 200 must be movably connected to the power assembly 400 in the vertical direction, and since the power assembly 400 must drive the first drive member 200 to rotate, the positions of the first drive member 200 and the power assembly 400 must be limited in the circumferential direction. A more detailed description of several embodiments of lifting and lowering the first drive member 200 will be made below.

[0106] The first drive member 200 and the power assembly 400 have a driving relationship in the circumferential direction and move relative to each other in the axial, or vertical, direction, which can be achieved by the output shaft of the power assembly 400 extending in the vertical direction, the output shaft being provided with first gear teeth extending vertically, and the first drive member 200 being provided with second gear teeth, and the power assembly 400 being connected to the first drive member 200 by the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth, and the first drive member 200 can rotate when the output shaft rotates, and since the first gear teeth and the second gear teeth are both extended in the vertical direction,the first drive member 200 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the power assembly 400 to achieve lifting and lowering. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the power assembly 400 comprises a power member 410 and a third drive member 420, and the power member 410 is connected to the third drive member 420 by driving, for example, the power member 410 may be a motor, the output shaft of the motor extends horizontally, and the output shaft of the motor is directly connected with , the third drive element 420 by the gear toothing, or it can be connected to the third drive element 420 by indirect drive via an additional gear. The third drive element 420 is slidably connected to the first drive element 200 in the axial direction and the position is limited in the circumferential direction.

[0107] By providing the third drive member 420, the power member 410 can be horizontally extended to fully utilize the internal space of the self-cleaning appliance, and furthermore, the structure of the third drive member 420 can be flexibly adjusted to achieve a better driving effect. In one embodiment, the second end comprises a position limiting portion 220, the position limiting portion 220 is connected to the first sleeve 210, the position limiting portion 220 is fitted on the outer periphery of the third drive member 420, or the third drive member 420 is fitted on the outer periphery of the position limiting portion 220.For example, in the case where the third drive member 420 is fitted on the outer periphery of the position limiting portion 220, the third drive member 420 comprises a cartridge structure, on the inner wall of the third drive member 420 are distributed a plurality of first limiting surfaces 421 arranged in the circumferential direction, the first limiting surfaces 421 may be curved surfaces with an outer convexity, the outer profile of the position limiting portion 220 has the shape of a rod structure, on the outer wall of the position limiting portion 220 is disposed a plurality of second limiting surfaces distributed in the circumferential direction which correspond to the inner wall of the third drive member 420, the second limiting surfaces 221 may be concave curved surfaces.It will be appreciated that the shapes of the faces of the first limiting surface 421 and the second limiting surface 221 may also be interchangeable, or may have other shapes, such as toothed. The limiting portion 220 is inserted into the tube-shaped structure of the third drive member 420, with the first limiting surface 421 and the second limiting surface 221 slidably bearing against each other, thereby realizing position limitation in the circumferential direction, while being slidable relative to each other in the axial direction.The third drive member 420 is fitted to the periphery of the position limiting portion 220, so as to apply an external force in the circumferential direction of the position limiting portion 220 to rotate the position limiting portion 220, and to apply a more uniform force, and by making the position limiting portion 220 move only in the vertical direction, playing a . guiding role in lifting and lowering the position limiting portion 220 or the first drive member 200, so as to make the first drive member 200 less prone to shaking. The method of implementing the nesting of the position limiting portion 220 to the outer periphery of the third drive member 420 may be referred to as the nesting of the third drive member 420 to the outer periphery of the position limiting portion 220, and will not be discussed further.

[0108] The drive connection between the power element 410 and the third drive element 420 can be made in different ways, as shown in [Fig.9], the power assembly 400 further comprises an intermediate drive element 430, the intermediate drive element 430 can be one or more gears, which can be adjusted according to the distance and relative position between the power element 410 and the third drive element 420. The power element 410 and the third drive element 420 are driven by one or more gears between them, thereby achieving a drive connection.

[0109] In embodiments where the first drive member 200 is used for lifting and lowering relative to the main support body 100, the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100 are axially position-limited and connected to each other in a cushioned manner in the circumferential direction. The friction force between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100 is greater than the friction force between the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300, which means that the friction force in the circumferential direction between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100 is greater than the friction force between the snap head 311 and the thread 211 in the extension direction of the thread 211.The damping connection relationship between the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100 can be varied, and in one embodiment, the drive mechanism further comprises a damping bearing. The second drive member 300 is connected to the main support body 100 by a damping gear. The damping gear has a gear strength greater than the friction force between the ratchet head 311 and the threads 211. The damping gear is fixedly connected to the second drive member 300 and the main support body 100 in the axial direction. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS.2-4 and 6, the drive mechanism further comprises a friction assembly 800, the second drive element 300 comprising a flange 320 forming for example an annular rib, the flange 320 being connected to the second sleeve 310 of the second drive element 300 and projecting from a . side wall of the second sleeve 310, the flange 320 being connected to the friction assembly 800. The flange 320 extends in a horizontal direction in order to obtain an axial limitation of the position of the flange 320 by the cooperation between the friction assembly 800 and the flange 320 in order to avoid axial movement of the second sleeve 310.

[0110] In a more specific embodiment, the friction assembly 800 comprises an upper friction member 810 and a lower friction member 820, the upper friction member 810 and the lower friction member 820 respectively bear against the flange 320 by both sides of the flange 320 in the axial direction on the second drive member 300. An increase in friction can be achieved to prevent the second drive member 300 from following the rotation of the first drive member 200 when the first drive member 200 is raised and lowered.

[0111] In one embodiment, the friction assembly 800 further comprises a resilient member 830, the resilient member 830 being connected to at least one of the upper friction member 810 and the lower friction member 820, the resilient member 830 being used to apply a resilient force to the upper friction member 810 and / or the lower friction member 820 to move proximate the rim 320.The elastic member 830 may be a spring, such as a spring connected only between the lower friction member 820 and the main support body 100, the spring causing the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810 to press the flange 320 with moderate pressing pressure, so that when the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810 wear out, due to the arrangement of the spring, the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810 are ensured to continue to provide effective friction, and thus prevent the second drive member 300 from following the rotation when the first drive member 200 is raised and lowered.

[0112] In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the friction assembly 800 comprises a lower friction element 820 and at least one drive wheel 840, the lower friction element 820 and the drive wheel 840 bearing against the flanges 320 by both sides of the axial direction of the second drive element 300 of the flange 320, respectively.

[0113] The lower friction element 820 cooperates with the action wheel 840 to support the rim 320 by the sides of the rim 320, which in turn axially limits the position of the second drive element 300. The lower friction element 820 is used to provide damping in the circumferential direction to the rim 320 or the second drive element 300. When the second drive element 300 follows the movement of the first drive element 200, the action wheel 840 rolls along the rim 320, while the rim 320 slides with the lower friction element 820, compared to the model using the upper friction element 810, which uses rolling instead of sliding, which reduces wear on the side of the rim 320 compared to the action wheel 840.

[0114] In one embodiment, the lower friction element 820 is closer to the cleaning element 500 than the action wheel 840, i.e., the lower friction element 820 acts on the rim 320 through the lower surface of the rim 320, while the action wheel 840 is rollingly connected with the upper surface of the rim 320. During the cleaning process of the cleaning element 500, the cleaning element 500 interferes with the ground, and the ground exerts an upward reaction force on the cleaning element 500, which in turn exerts an upward thrust on the second drive element 300, so that the rim 320 is urged upward. Furthermore, in the embodiment where the lower friction element 820 is connected to the elastic element 830, the lower friction element 820 cooperates in compression with the rim 320, so that the rim 320 is biased upwards.If the upper friction member 810 is adopted, the flange 320 presses the upper friction member 810 upward, and this will increase the friction force to which the flange 320 is subjected, resulting in a large rotational load on the drive of the second drive member 300, increasing the drive load of the power member 410 and increasing the power consumption. Whereas by using the action wheel 840 instead of the upper friction member 810, between the action wheel 840 and the flange 320 are connected by rolling, and when the pressure between the flange 320 and the action wheel 840 increases, this does not result in an increase in the force on the second drive member 300, thus ensuring the service life of the power member 410.

[0115] In one embodiment, the number of action wheels 840 is a plurality, and the plurality of action wheels 840 are uniformly arranged along the circumferential direction of the second drive member 300.

[0116] If the action wheels 840 can be two in number, arranged on the opposite sides of the radial direction of the second drive member 300, or if the action wheels 840 are three, four or more in number, it can be ensured that the second drive member 300 is subjected to a uniform force in the circumferential direction, and it is not easy to skew or jam.

[0117] In one embodiment, the action wheel 840 is rotatably connected to the main support body 100. For example, the action wheel 840 may be a one-piece roller, the roller being rotatably connected directly to the main support body 100 or connected via a gear. Alternatively, the action wheel 840 includes a wheel body and a rotation shaft, the rotation shaft being connected to the main support body 100, which may be a fixed connection such as an insertion connection, the wheel body being rotatably connected to the rotation shaft, the wheel body being connectable to the rotation shaft via one or more bearings, or, the rotation shaft being a bare shaft, the wheel body being directly rotatably connected to the rotation shaft.

[0118] In one embodiment, a wear-resistant layer is provided on at least one of the contact surfaces of the action wheel 840 and the rim 320, and the wear-resistant layer may be a thin coating and have a degree of flexibility, which may then serve to dampen vibrations and resist wear between the action wheel 840 and the rim 320.

[0119] In one embodiment, the main support body 100 is provided with a mounting cavity 101, the ends of the action wheels 840 are connected to opposite sides of the side walls of the mounting cavity 101, and the action wheels 840 partially protrude out of the mounting cavity 101 to abut against the rim 320.

[0120] As shown in [Fig. 12], the main support body 100 is provided with a mounting cavity 101, and the mounting cavity 101 has at least one bottom opening. It is possible that each of the action wheels 840 corresponds to one of the mounting cavities 101 respectively, and the action wheels 840 are fixed by the inner wall of the mounting cavities 101, thereby ensuring that the action wheels 840 are supported on both sides in the axial direction, ensuring that the action wheels 840 are in a stable position and are not likely to vibrate. A part of the structure of the action wheel 840 extends from the bottom opening of the mounting cavity 101 and then acts with the flange 320.

[0121] In the embodiment where the lower friction element 820 cooperates with the action wheel 840, the lower friction element 820 can be connected to the elastic element 830, so that when the lower friction element 820 wears, due to the presence of the spring, it is possible to ensure that the lower friction element 820 continues to provide an effective friction force, thereby avoiding the second drive element 300 following the rotation when the first drive element 200 is raised and lowered.

[0122] In the preceding embodiment of the method of use, the power assembly 400 drives the first drive member 200 to rotate in a forward direction of rotation relative to the main support body 100, as the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810 clamp the flange 320, the second drive member 300 is stationary in position, and then the ratchet head interacts with the threads while driving the first drive member 200 to descend in a vertical direction relative to the body of main support 100. When the action member 212 acts by reaching the ratchet head and the terminal end located under the threads, the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 generate a rigid thrust, which causes the second drive member 300 to overcome the friction of the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810, causing the flange 320 to slide relative to the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810, and the first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 rotate in synchronization. The first drive member 200 and the second drive member 300 will rotate in synchronization.When the cleaning piece 500 needs to rise for storage or to avoid obstacles, the first driving member 200 rotates in the opposite direction relative to the main support body 100, and since the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810 compress the flange 320, the position of the second driving member 300 does not change, and the ratchet head moves relative to the threads and lifts the threads, and then drives the first driving member 200 relative to the main support body 100 in the vertical direction to realize the rising of the cleaning piece 500.When the cleaning member 500 reaches the uppermost position, if the first detection part is not provided, the snap head acts with the action member 212 at the upper terminal end of the net, the first driving member 200 and the second driving member 300 generate a rigid pushing force, and the pushing force causes the second driving member 300 to overcome the friction force of the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810, causing the flange 320 to slide relative to the lower friction member 820 and the upper friction member 810, and the first driving member 200 and the second driving member 300 then move in a synchronized manner.

[0123] In one embodiment, the first drive member 200 may comprise only a position limiting portion 220 and a first sleeve 210, interconnected, and the first sleeve 210 is in a straight tube structure. Alternatively, in other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, the first drive member 200 further comprises a third sleeve 230, the first end of the first sleeve 210 of the first drive member 200 is opposite the cleaning member 500, the third sleeve 230 is connected to the first end of the first sleeve 210, the third sleeve 230 is spaced from the first sleeve 210, and the second sleeve 310 of the second drive member 300 is embedded between the third sleeve 230 and the first sleeve 210 and has a gap with the third sleeve 230.

[0124] The third sleeve 230 is located and nested at the periphery of the second sleeve 310 and the first sleeve 210 near the cleaning member 500, and the end of the third sleeve 230 which is farther from the cleaning member 500 is farther from the distance between the first end of the first sleeve 210 and the cleaning member 500. In other words, when the first driving member 200 is in its lowest position, it is also ensured that the upper end of the third sleeve 230 is higher than the lower end of the first sleeve 210, so as to play a protective role in the space between the second sleeve 310 and the first sleeve 210, and to prevent dust, hair and the like from entering the space between the second sleeve 310 and the first sleeve 210, and to affect the relative movement between the second sleeve 310 and the first sleeve 210.

[0125] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1-6, the main support body 100 includes a fourth sleeve 110, the fourth sleeve 110 is spaced from the second sleeve 310, and the third sleeve 230 is embedded between the fourth sleeve 110 and the second sleeve 310 and has a gap with the fourth sleeve 110.

[0126] The fourth sleeve 110 is arranged around the periphery of the third sleeve 230, and the end of the third sleeve 230 away from the cleaning member 500 is farther from the cleaning member 500 than the end of the fourth sleeve 110 close to the cleaning member 500. In other words, when the first driving member 200 is in the lowest position, it is also ensured that the lower end of the fourth sleeve 110 is higher than the upper end of the third sleeve 230, thereby protecting the space between the third sleeve 230 and the second sleeve 310, and preventing dust, hair or the like from entering between the third sleeve 230 and the second sleeve 310, thereby affecting the relative movement between the second sleeve 310 and the third sleeve 230.

[0127] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism further comprises an attraction magnetic element 900, the attraction magnetic element 900 being connected to the first drive element 200, the attraction magnetic element 900 being used to magnetically connect to the magnetic element of the cleaning element 500. Alternatively, the drive mechanism further comprises: a magnetic element, the magnetic element being connected to the first drive element 200, the magnetic element being used to magnetically connect to the attraction magnetic element of the cleaning element 500.

[0128] The magnetic attraction element 900 may be a metal capable of being magnetically adsorbed, such as an iron object. The magnetic element may be a magnet.

[0129] For example, the cleaning element 500 comprises a connecting rod and a cleaning element body, one end of the connecting rod is connected to the cleaning element body, and the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a magnetic element. The magnetic attraction element 900 is disposed at the top of the first sleeve 210 of the first driving element 200, the connecting rod is inserted into the first sleeve 210, and the magnetic attraction element 900 is adsorbed and fixed to the magnetic element.

[0130] As in the embodiment where the first detection member comprises a Hall effect sensor, the cleaning element 500 is connected to a magnetic element, which makes it possible to determine whether the cleaning element 500 is connected or not and to prevent the dislodgement of the cleaning element 500 from being detected in time.

[0131] On the other hand, the present invention provides a self-cleaning apparatus comprising the drive mechanism of one of the preceding claims and an apparatus body, the drive mechanism being provided on the apparatus body.

[0132] The drive mechanism may be one or two, or more, as desired. The power assembly 400 may be used solely for lifting, lowering, and rotating the cleaning member 500, or in some embodiments, a more complex structure may be provided to realize the oscillation of the cleaning member 500 in the horizontal direction. The self-cleaning apparatus includes the drive mechanism of all of the above, and the advantages of including the drive mechanism of all of the above are not repeated herein.

[0133] In another aspect, the present invention provides a self-cleaning system comprising the aforementioned self-cleaning apparatus and a cleaning base station, the self-cleaning apparatus being used to dock optionally with the cleaning base station. In some embodiments, the cleaning base station comprises a docking space, and the self-cleaning apparatus can be moved in the docking space while performing operations such as cleaning and replacing cleaning parts 500, filling water tanks, charging, and so on. The self-cleaning system comprises the aforementioned self-cleaning apparatus, and the advantages of including the aforementioned self-cleaning apparatus are not repeated herein.

[0134] The above are only specific embodiments of the present invention, which are in no way limiting.

Claims

Claims

1. A drive mechanism for a self-cleaning appliance, characterized in that it comprises: a main support body (100); a first drive member (200) which comprises a first end and a second end, said second end being configured to be connected to a cleaning member (500); a second drive member (300), said first drive member (200) and said second drive member (300) being movably connected, said second drive member (300) being movably connected to said main support body (100) and a first friction force existing between said second drive member (300) and said main support body (100);a power assembly (400), said power assembly (400) being connected to said first end with driving, said power assembly (400) being configured to drive said first drive member (200) to rotate, so as to interact said first drive member (200) with said second drive member (300), in order to drive said cleaning member (500) upwards or downwards.;

2. A drive mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the positions of said first drive member (200) include a cleaning position; and in that, when said first drive member (200) is in said cleaning position, said first drive member (200) is used to drive said second drive member (300) to overcome said first frictional force and rotate synchronously therewith.

3. A drive mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first drive member (200) and said second drive member (300) are provided with a first action portion (211) and a second action portion (311), respectively, and said first action portion (211) and said second action portion (311) are configured to interact with each other.

4. A drive mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) comprises an acting slope, and in that, when said first drive member (200) rotates, said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) cooperate with each other by means of said acting slope, in order to drive the first drive member (200) upwards or downwards.

5. A drive mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that said first action portion (211) and said second action portion (311) both comprise said action slope, or, one of said first action portion (211) and said second action portion (311) comprises said action slope while the other of said first action portion (211) and said second action portion (311) comprises a rolling or sliding element, said rolling or sliding element being configured to roll or slide relative to said action slope.

6. A drive mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the number of said first acting parts (211) and said second acting parts (311) is the same and the number of said first acting parts (211) and said second acting parts (311) is at least one.

7. A drive mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that when the numbers of said first action portions (211) and said second action portions (311) are multiple, the plurality of said first action portions (211) are distributed circumferentially around the rotation axis of said first drive member (200) and the plurality of said second action portions (311) are distributed circumferentially around the rotation axis of said second drive member (300).

8. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that either one of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) is threaded, or at least one of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) is an acting groove, while the other of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) is configured to be embedded in said acting groove.

9. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second end comprises a first sleeve (210) and the second drive element (300) comprises a second sleeve (310); said first sleeve (210) is provided with a first acting portion (211), said second sleeve (310) is provided with a second acting portion (311) and said first sleeve (210) is fitted into said second sleeve (310).

10. A drive mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that one of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) is engaged with an acting member (212), and when said first driving member (200) is in the cleaning position, the other of said first acting portion (211) and said second acting portion (311) abuts against said acting member (212) to cause said first driving member (200) to drive said second driving member (300) to rotate synchronously therewith.

11. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that there is a second friction force between said first drive member (200) and said second drive member (300), the first friction force being greater than the second friction force.

12. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the power assembly (400) comprises a power element (410) and a third drive element (420); and in that the power element (410) is connected to the third drive element (420) with driving, and the third drive element (420) is slidably connected to the first drive element (200) in an axial direction with a position limitation on the circumferential direction.

13. A drive mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that the second end comprises a position limiting portion (220), said third drive element (420) is fitted to the outer periphery of said position limiting portion (220), or, said position limiting portion (220) is fitted onto the outer periphery of said third drive element (420).

14. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the positions of the second drive member (300) and the main support body (100) are axially limited, and the second drive member (300) and the main support body (100) are connected to each other via circumferential damping.

15. A drive mechanism according to claim 14, characterized in that said drive mechanism further comprises a damping bearing, the second drive element (300) being connected to the main support body (100) by means of the damping bearing.

16. A drive mechanism according to claim 9, taken in combination with claim 14 or 15, characterized in that said drive mechanism further comprises: a friction assembly (800); said second drive member (300) comprises a flange (320), said flange (320) being connected to the second sleeve (310) of said second drive member (300) and projecting from the side wall of said second sleeve (310), said flange (320) being connected to said friction assembly (800).

17. A drive mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that said friction assembly (800) comprises an upper friction member (810) and a lower friction member (820), said upper friction member (810) and said lower friction member (820) abutting against said flange (320) by both sides of said flange (320) in the axial direction of said second drive member (300), respectively.

18. A drive mechanism according to claim 17, characterized in that said friction assembly (800) further comprises an elastic element (830), said elastic element (830) being connected to at least one of said upper (810) and lower (820) friction elements, said elastic element (830) being used to apply an elastic force to said upper friction element (810) and / or said lower friction element (820) so that it / they move in proximity to said rim (320).

19. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that said friction assembly (800) comprises a lower friction element (820) and at least one action wheel (840), said lower friction element (820) and said action wheel (840) respectively abutting against the flange (320) by both sides of the flange (320) in the axial direction of said second drive element (300).

20. A drive mechanism according to claim 19, characterized in that said lower friction element (820) is closer to said cleaning element (500) than said action wheel (840).

21. A drive mechanism according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of action wheels (840), the plurality of said action wheels (840) being arranged uniformly in the circumferential direction of said second drive member (300).

22. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 19 to 21, characterized in that the action wheel (840) is rotatably connected to the main support body (100); and / or, said action wheel (840) comprises a wheel body and a rotation axis, said rotation axis being connected to said main support body (100) and said wheel body being rotatably connected to said rotation axis; and / or, at least one of the contact surfaces of said action wheel (840) with said rim (320) is provided with a wear-resistant layer; and / or, said main support body (100) is provided with a mounting cavity (101), the ends of said action wheels (840) are connected to the two opposite side walls of said mounting cavity (101) and said action wheels (840) partially protrude out of said mounting cavity (101) to abut against said rim (320).

23. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that said friction assembly (800) further comprises an elastic element (830), said elastic element (830) being connected to said lower friction element (820), said elastic element (830) being used to apply an elastic force to said lower friction element (820) so that it moves near said rim (320).

24. A drive mechanism according to claim 9 taken in combination with any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that said first drive member (200) comprises a third sleeve (230), said first sleeve (210) of said first drive member (200) having a first end opposite said cleaning member (500), said third sleeve (230) being connected to said first end of said first sleeve (210), said third sleeve (230) being spaced from said first sleeve (210), said second sleeve (310) of said second drive member (300) being embedded between said third sleeve (230) and said first sleeve (210) and having a gap with said third sleeve (230).

25. A drive mechanism according to claim 24, characterized in that when the first drive member (200) is in the cleaning position, the end of the third sleeve (230) remote from the cleaning member (500) is further from the cleaning member (500) than the first end of the first sleeve (210).

26. A drive mechanism according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that said main support body (100) comprises a fourth sleeve (110), said fourth sleeve (110) being spaced from said second sleeve (310), said third sleeve (230) being embedded between said fourth sleeve (110) and said second sleeve (310) and having a gap with said fourth sleeve (110).

27. ​​A drive mechanism according to claim 26, characterized in that when the first drive member (200) is in the cleaning position, the end of the third sleeve (230) remote from the cleaning member (500) is further from the cleaning member (500) than the end of the fourth sleeve (110) which is closer to the cleaning member (500).

28. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that said drive mechanism further comprises an attraction magnetic element (900), said attraction magnetic element (900) being connected to the first drive element (200), said attraction magnetic element (900) being used to be connected by magnetic connection to the magnetic element of the cleaning element (500); or by said drive mechanism further comprising: a magnetic element, said magnetic element being connected to the first drive element (200), and said magnetic element is used to be magnetically connected to the magnetic element of the cleaning element (500).

29. Drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that said cleaning element (500) comprises at least one of the following elements: a rotating broom, a side brush.

30. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that said drive mechanism further comprises: a first detection member, the first detection member generating a rise-in-place signal when the first drive member (200) is raised to its highest position.

31. A drive mechanism according to claim 30, characterized in that the first detecting member comprises a first photoemitter (910) and a first light ray receiver (920), said first photoemitter (910) and said first light ray receiver (920) being opposite to each other, and when said first drive member (200) rises to the highest position, said first drive member (200) blocks the light between said first photoemitter (910) and said first light ray receiver (920) to cause said first light ray receiver (920) to generate said rise signal in place.

32. A drive mechanism according to claim 30, characterized in that the first detection member comprises a first magnetic sensor, said drive mechanism further comprising a first magnetic element, said first magnetic element being disposed on said first drive element (200) and / or said cleaning element (500), said first magnetic element being within the detection range of said first magnetic sensor when said first drive element (200) is raised to its highest position, so that said first magnetic sensor generates said rise-in-place signal.

33. A drive mechanism according to claim 30, characterized in that the first detection member comprises a first microswitch, the first drive element (200) triggers the first microswitch when the first drive element (200) reaches the highest position, so that the first microswitch generates the rise signal.

34. A drive mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that said drive mechanism further comprises: a second sensing member, the second sensing member being used to generate a mount-in-place signal when the cleaning member (500) is mounted on the first drive member (200).

35. A drive mechanism according to claim 34, characterized in that the second detection member comprises a second photoemitter and a second light ray receiver, said second photoemitter and said second light ray receiver being arranged opposite each other, said cleaning member (500) shielding the light rays between said second photoemitter and said second light ray receiver when said cleaning member (500) is mounted on said first drive member (200), so as to cause said second light ray receiver to generate said mounting signal.

36. A drive mechanism according to claim 34, characterized in that said second sensing member comprises a second magnetic sensor (930), said drive mechanism further comprising a second magnetic element, said second magnetic element being disposed on said cleaning element (500), said second magnetic element entering the sensing range of said second magnetic sensor (930) when said cleaning element (500) is mounted on said first drive element (200), so as to cause said second magnetic sensor (930) to generate said mounted-in-place signal.

37. A drive mechanism according to claim 34, characterized in that the second detection member comprises a second microswitch, wherein the cleaning element (500) triggers the second microswitch when the element cleaning element (500) is mounted on the first drive element (200) so that the second microswitch generates the mounting signal in place.

38. A self-cleaning apparatus characterized in that it comprises a drive mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 37, and an apparatus body, said drive mechanism being disposed on said apparatus body.

39. Self-cleaning system characterized in that it comprises a self-cleaning apparatus according to claim 38 above and a cleaning base station.

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