CLEANING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cleaning device and a cleaning system. The cleaning device comprises a housing (10) having at least one first orifice (11) and at least one second orifice (12), a water reservoir (20) disposed in the housing, a first pipe (30) having one end in fluidic communication with the first orifice and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir, and a second pipe (40) having one end in fluidic communication with the second orifice and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir, wherein a length of the first pipe is greater than a length of the second pipe, and wherein the flow rates in the first and second pipes are equal. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Cleaning device and system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning devices, and in particular a cleaning device and a cleaning system. Technological background

[0002] With the advancement of technology and the development of society, cleaning devices have gradually become part of people's daily lives. The cleaning device includes a mop. During operation of the cleaning device, water is supplied to a sweeping element for sweeping, which can reduce people's workload and make their lives easier. Summary of the present invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning device is proposed. The cleaning device comprises: - a housing equipped with at least one first opening and at least one second opening; - a water reservoir located in the casing; - a first pipe having one end in fluidic communication with the first orifice and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir; and - a second pipe having one end in fluidic communication with the second orifice and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir, in which a length of the first pipe is greater than a length of the second pipe, and the flow rates in the first and second pipes are equal.

[0004] According to one variant, the diameter of the first orifice is greater than that of the second orifice.

[0005] According to one variant, the second orifice is closer to the water reservoir than the first.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the cleaning device further comprises a three-way conduit having a water inlet end, a first water outlet end, and a second water outlet end. The water inlet end is in fluidic communication with the water reservoir, the first water outlet end is in fluidic communication with the first pipe, and the second water outlet end is in fluidic communication with the second pipe.

[0007] According to one variant, the water inlet end is located in a main pipe of the three-way conduit, or the water inlet end is located in a secondary pipe of the three-way conduit.

[0008] According to one variant, the height of the first water outlet end is different from the height of the second water outlet end and, preferably, the height of the first water outlet end is less than the height of the second water outlet end.

[0009] According to one variant, the cleaning device further includes a communication pipe in fluidic communication with the water tank and the water inlet end.

[0010] According to one variant, the water tank is provided with a water inlet orifice and an overflow orifice, the overflow orifice being in fluidic communication with the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0011] According to one variant, the water inlet port and the overflow port are both located on the top of the water tank.

[0012] According to one variant, the cleaning device further comprises a cleaning element disposed in the housing, the cleaning element and the water reservoir being disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the housing, the cleaning element being opposite the first orifice and the second orifice.

[0013] According to one variant, the cleaning device further comprises two cleaning elements located at the bottom of the housing, and the two cleaning elements are opposite the first orifice and the second orifice, respectively.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a cleaning base station and the cleaning device according to the first aspect of the present invention. Brief description of the figures

[0015] For a clearer illustration of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the figures required for use in the description of the embodiments are briefly introduced below. It is evident that the figures in the description below relate to certain embodiments of the present invention, and for those skilled in the art, other figures can be derived from these figures without requiring creative effort.

[0016] [Fig.1] is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] [Fig.2] is an enlarged schematic view of part A of the cleaning device the [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.3] is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of a first orifice and a second orifice of the cleaning device of the [Fig.l];

[0019] [Fig.4] is a schematic diagram of a water circuit of the cleaning device the [Fig. 1]; and

[0020] [Fig.5] is a schematic structural diagram of a three-way duct of the cleaning device of the [Fig.4].

[0021] Numerical references: 10 - casing; 11 - first orifice; 12 - second orifice; 20 - water tank; 21 - water inlet orifice; 22 - overflow orifice; 30 - first pipe; 40 - second pipe; 50 - three-way pipe; 51 - water inlet end; 52 - first water outlet end; 53 - second water outlet end; 60 - communication pipe. Description of examples of achievements

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the figures of the embodiments of the present invention. It is evident that the embodiments described are only a part of the possible embodiments of the present invention and are therefore not exhaustive. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by persons skilled in the art without requiring creative effort fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, this document may repeat reference numbers and / or reference letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplifying and clarifying matters rather than indicating the relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements mentioned. In addition, the present invention provides examples of various specific processes and materials, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0024] To ensure a substantially uniform wetting effect of the washing element, the cleaning device is generally equipped with two spaced overflow ports, and the water from the reservoir is conveyed to the two overflow ports via two water pipes. However, in the prior art, the two water pipes are of different lengths, resulting in different amounts of water flowing from the two overflow ports or even water flowing from only one overflow port, which affects the user experience.

[0025] To solve the current technical problem, namely that the different lengths of the two water pipes result in different amounts of water flowing from the two overflow ports or even water flowing from only one overflow port, which affects the user experience, the present invention proposes a cleaning device and a cleaning system.

[0026] With reference to figures 1 to 3, an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning device which includes: - a housing 10, - a water reservoir 20, - a first pipe 30, and - a second pipe 40. The housing 10 is provided with at least one first port 11 and at least one second port 12. The water reservoir 20 is placed in the housing 10. The first pipe 30 has one end in fluidic communication with the first port 11 and another end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir 20. The second pipe 40 has one end in fluidic communication with the second port 12 and another end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir 20. The length of the first pipe 30 is greater than that of the second pipe 40, and the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are identical.

[0027] The cleaning device can be a sweeper, a mop or a sweeping robot.

[0028] The flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are equal, but not absolutely. In other words, the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are equal in cases where the flow rates are substantially equal, and a tolerance range for a difference between the flow rate in the first pipe 30 and the flow rate in the second pipe 40 may be less than 10%.

[0029] Since the housing 10 is provided with the first orifice 11 and the second orifice 12, and the water tank 20 is disposed in the housing 10, the water tank 20 is supported by the housing 10 to ensure the mounting stability of the water tank 20.

[0030] As one end of the first pipe 30 is in communication with the first orifice 11 and the other end is connected to the water tank 20, the first pipe 30 can convey water from the water tank 20 to the first orifice 11. Since one end of the second pipe 40 is in communication with the second orifice 12 and the other end is connected to the water tank 20, the second pipe 40 can convey water from the water tank 20 to the second orifice 12.

[0031] In fluid dynamics, a longer pipe generally results in greater resistance to fluid flow. Since the length of the first pipe 30 is greater than that of the second pipe 40, the flow of water in the first pipe 30 encounters greater resistance than the flow of water in the second pipe 40. However, since the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are identical, the quantity of water supplied by the first pipe 30 to the first orifice 11 is the same as the quantity of water supplied by the second pipe 40 to the second orifice 12, and the water outlet from the first orifice 11 is the same as the water outlet from the second orifice 12, so as to ensure a substantially uniform wetting effect of the cleaning element, thus improving the user experience.

[0032] The size of the orifice diameter directly affects the fluid flow rate, and a larger orifice diameter allows a greater quantity of fluid to pass through. In some embodiments, in order to ensure the same flow rate in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40, the diameter of the first orifice 11 is larger than the diameter of the second orifice 12, so that the first orifice 11 has a greater potential water flow rate than the second orifice 12.

[0033] As the first pipe 30 is longer, the water flow encounters greater resistance. To compensate for this resistance, the diameter of the first orifice 11 is larger than that of the second orifice 12, so as to increase the water flow rate of the first orifice 11. Consequently, despite the greater resistance of the first pipe 30, the first orifice 11 allows a regular water outlet from the first pipe 30, and the water outlet from the first orifice 11 can always correspond to the water outlet from the second orifice 12. This allows the flow rates of the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 to be identical, so as to guarantee a substantially uniform wetting effect of the cleaning element, thus improving the user experience.

[0034] With reference to Figures 1 and 3, in certain embodiments, in order to ensure that the water flow rate of the first orifice 11 can match the water flow rate of the second orifice 12, the second orifice 12 is closer to the water reservoir 20 than the first orifice 11. In terms of the position of the second orifice 12 relative to the first orifice 11, the second orifice 12 has a higher water pressure than the first orifice 11, so that the second orifice 12 has a greater flow potential than the first orifice 11. However, since the diameter of the first orifice 11 is larger than that of the second orifice 12, the water flow rate of the first orifice 11 can match the water flow rate of the second orifice 12.

[0035] In some embodiments, the number of first holes 11 is at least one; in other words, the number of first holes 11 may be one or a plurality. The number of first holes 11 may be chosen according to the surface area of ​​the wetting zone of the cleaning element.

[0036] The number of second orifices 12 is at least equal to one, that is to say that the number of second orifices 12 can be equal to one or correspond to a plurality. The number of second orifices (12) can be selected according to the surface area of ​​the wetting zone of the cleaning element.

[0037] With reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5, in certain embodiments, in order to convey water from the water tank 20 to the first orifice 11 and the second orifice 12, the cleaning device further comprises a three-way conduit 50. The three-way conduit 50 is provided with a water inlet end 51, a first water outlet end 52 and a second water outlet end 53. The water inlet end 51 is in fluidic communication with the water tank 20, the first water outlet end 52 is in fluidic communication with the first pipe 30, and the second water outlet end 53 is in fluidic communication with the second pipe 40.

[0038] Water from the water tank 20 enters the three-way conduit 20 through the water inlet end 51, then is conveyed to the first pipe 30 through the first water outlet end 52, and the first pipe 30 conveys the water to the first orifice 11. The water is conveyed to the second pipe 40 via the second water outlet end 53, and the second pipe 40 conveys the water to the second orifice 12. Thus, it is not necessary to form a plurality of water outlet holes in the water tank 20, which ensures the structural integrity of the water tank 20.

[0039] With reference to [Fig. 5], in certain embodiments, in order to allow the water from the water tank 20 to enter the three-way conduit 50 calmly, the water inlet end 51 is located in the main channel of the three-way conduit 50. The water from the water tank 20 can enter the main channel of the three-way conduit 50 calmly via the water inlet end 51, and is then distributed from the main channel of the three-way conduit 50 to the first water outlet end 52 and the second water outlet end 53.

[0040] Obviously, according to other embodiments, the water inlet end 51 is located in a branch of the three-way conduit 50, and the water in the water tank 20 can calmly enter a branch of the three-way conduit 50 via the water inlet end 51, and is routed from a branch of the main channel of the three-way conduit 50 to the main channel of the three-way conduit 50, and then distributed to the first water outlet end 52 and to the second water outlet end 53 via the main channel of the three-way conduit 50.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first water outlet end 52 is located in the main channel of the three-way conduit 50, so as to calmly convey the water in the main channel of the three-way conduit 50 to the first channel 30.

[0042] Of course, in other embodiments, the second water outlet end 53 is located in the main channel of the three-way conduit 50, so as to convey the water in the main channel of the three-way conduit 50 to the second channel 40.

[0043] In some embodiments, the water inlet end 51 and the first water outlet end 52 are located respectively at two ends of the main channel of the three-way conduit 50, and the second water outlet end 53 is located in a secondary channel of the three-way conduit 50 to form a T-shaped three-way configuration, thus allowing calm water inlet and outlet from the three-way conduit 50.

[0044] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, according to certain embodiments, in order to ensure that the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are identical, the height of the first water outlet end 52 is different from the height of the second water outlet end 53, and preferably, the height of the first water outlet end 52 is less than the height of the second water outlet end 53. According to the principle of hydrostatics, a natural pressure difference is formed between the first water outlet end 52 and the second water outlet end 53, and the pressure difference can be used to control the flow rate.Under the action of the pressure difference and gravity, the water flow from the second water outlet end 53 has a higher pressure than that from the first water outlet end 52, so that the flow rate of the water entering the first pipe 30 from the first water outlet end 52 meets the requirements, thus ensuring that the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are equal.

[0045] With reference to Figures 1 and 4, according to certain embodiments, in order to convey the water from the water tank 20 to the three-way conduit 50, the cleaning device further comprises a communication pipe 60. The communication pipe 60 is in fluidic communication with the water tank 20 and the water inlet end 51, and the communication pipe 60 conveys the water from the water tank 20 to the three-way conduit 50 via the water inlet end 51.

[0046] The communication conduit 60 can be a U-shaped pipe, which can adapt to various mounting environments and space constraints, so as to facilitate communication between the three-way conduit 50 and the water tank 20.

[0047] With reference to [Fig.1], according to certain embodiments, in order to convey the water from the water tank 20 to the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40, the water tank 20 is provided with a water inlet orifice 21 and an overflow orifice 22. The overflow orifice 22 is in fluidic communication with the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40.

[0048] When water needs to be supplied to the water tank 20, water from an external water source can enter the water tank 20 through the water inlet port 21, and the water in the water tank 20 can be supplied to the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 through the overflow port 22. The first pipe 30 carries the water to the first port 11, and the second pipe 40 carries the water to the second port 12.

[0049] When the cleaning device includes the three-way conduit 50, the overflow orifice 22 is in fluidic communication with the three-way conduit 50.

[0050] In certain embodiments, in order to ensure that the water can enter the water tank 20 calmly, the water inlet orifice 21 is located at the top of the water tank 20, which allows the water to flow out of the top of the water tank 20. Under the action of gravity, the water falls naturally into the tank 20 without being affected by the water pressure in the tank 20, thus ensuring a regular supply of water.

[0051] In addition, the water inlet port 21 is located at the top of the water tank 20, which allows water to flow out of the top of the water tank 20, which can ensure that the water tank 20 maintains a relatively uniform water level during filling, thus maximizing the use of the storage space of the water tank 20.

[0052] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, according to certain embodiments, in order to ensure that the water from the water tank 20 is supplied regularly to the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40, the overflow orifice 22 is located at the top of the water tank 20. After the water has entered the water tank 20 through the water inlet orifice 21, the water tank 20 gradually fills. When the water tank 20 is full, the water inlet port 21 continues to supply water into the water tank 20, resulting in excessive water pressure in the water tank 20. In this case, water from the water tank 20 is supplied to the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 via the overflow port 22, which balances the water pressure and ensures a stable supply to the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40.

[0053] In certain embodiments, in order to ensure the water supply to different regions of a cleaning element, the cleaning device further comprises a cleaning element. The cleaning element is disposed in the housing 10, and the cleaning element and the water reservoir 20 are disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the housing 10. The cleaning element is opposite the first port 11 and the second port 12. The cleaning element may be a mop.

[0054] The first orifice 11 supplies water to the region of the cleaning element corresponding to the first orifice 11, via the first conduit 30, and the second orifice 12 supplies water to the region of the cleaning element corresponding to the second orifice 12, via the second pipe 40. Since the length of the first pipe 30 is greater than that of the second pipe 40 and the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are identical, the quantity of water from the first orifice 11 can correspond to the quantity of water from the second orifice 12, so that the quantity of water supplied by the first orifice 11 and the second orifice 12 to the different regions of the cleaning element is equivalent, thus ensuring a substantially uniform wetting effect of the cleaning element and improving the user experience.

[0055] According to certain embodiments, in order to ensure the water supply to various cleaning elements, the cleaning device further includes a cleaning element. Two cleaning elements are provided and located at the bottom of the housing 10, and the two cleaning elements are opposite the first orifice 11 and the second orifice 12, respectively.

[0056] The first orifice 11 supplies water from the first pipe 30 to the cleaning element opposite the first orifice 11 in both cleaning elements, and the second orifice 12 supplies water from the second pipe 40 to the other cleaning element opposite the first orifice 11 in both cleaning elements. Since the length of the first pipe 30 is greater than that of the second pipe 40 and the flow rates in the first pipe 30 and the second pipe 40 are equal, the quantity of water exiting the first orifice 11 can correspond to the quantity of water exiting the second orifice 12, so that the quantity of water supplied by the first orifice 11 and the second orifice 12 to the two cleaning elements is equal, thus ensuring a similar wetting effect on both cleaning elements and improving the user experience.

[0057] An embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention provides a cleaning system, a cleaning base station and a cleaning device.

[0058] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly stated and defined, a first element being "on" or "under" a second element may include that the first and second elements are in direct contact, and that the first and second elements are not in direct contact but are in contact via an additional element between them. Furthermore, the fact that a first element is "on," "above," and "over" a second element means that the first element is directly above or obliquely above the second element, or simply means that the first element is in a higher horizontal position than the second element. A first element being "under," "below," and "Underneath" a second element includes the fact that the first element is directly below or obliquely below the second element, or simply means that the first element is in a horizontally lower position than the second element.

[0059] In the description of this document, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationships indicated by the terms "central," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" are those shown on the basis of the figures, and are intended simply to describe the present invention and simplify the description rather than to indicate or imply that the indicated apparatus or element must have a specific orientation and be configured and operated in accordance with that specific orientation. These relationships should not be interpreted as a limitation of the present invention.

[0060] It should be noted that all directional indicators in embodiments of the present invention are used only to explain the relative position relationship between components, the movement situation, etc. in a specific position, and that if the specific position changes, the directional indicators are modified accordingly.

[0061] In this document, unless otherwise clearly specified and agreed, the terms "connect," "fix," and others shall be interpreted broadly. In some embodiments, the term "fix" may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integration; a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediary; or internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention may be understood under specific conditions.

[0062] Furthermore, in this document, descriptions using the terms "first," "second," and others are used for descriptive purposes only and shall not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features specified. Therefore, the features defined by "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined, "a plurality of" refers to two or more.

[0063] In the description of the present invention, the terms "an embodiment," "certain embodiments," "an example," "a specific example," "certain examples," and others mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described with reference to the embodiments or examples are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In the present invention, the schematic description of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined appropriately in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, persons skilled in the art can assemble and combine the various embodiments or examples described in the specification.

[0064] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the embodiments may be combined, but such a combination must be based on the premise that it can be implemented by persons skilled in the art. Where a combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, this combination of technical solutions shall not be considered as existing and shall not fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, replacements and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principle and purpose of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Demands

1. Cleaning device comprising: - a housing (10) having at least one first orifice (11) and at least one second orifice (12); - a water reservoir (20) disposed in the housing (10); - a first pipe (30) having one end in fluidic communication with the first orifice (11) and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir (20); and - a second pipe (40) having one end in fluidic communication with the second orifice (12) and the other end in fluidic communication with the water reservoir (20), wherein the length of the first pipe (30) is greater than that of the second pipe (40), and the first pipe (30) and the second pipe (40) are configured to have equal flow rates.

2. Cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first orifice (11) is greater than a diameter of the second orifice (12).

3. Cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second orifice (12) is closer to the water reservoir (20) than the first orifice (11).

4. Cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning device further comprises: - a three-way conduit (50) having a water inlet end (51), a first water outlet end (52) and a second water outlet end (53), the water inlet end (51) being in fluidic communication with the water reservoir (20), the first water outlet end (52) being in fluidic communication with the first pipe (30), and the second water outlet end (53) being in fluidic communication with the second pipe (40).

5. A cleaning device according to claim 4, wherein the water inlet end (51) is located in a main channel of the three-way conduit (50); or the water inlet end (51) is located in a secondary channel of the three-way conduit (50); and / or the height of the first water outlet end (52) is different from the height of the second outlet end water (53), the height of the first water outlet end (52) being less than the height of the second water outlet end (53).

6. Cleaning device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the cleaning device further comprises: - a communication pipe (60) in fluidic communication with the water tank (20) and the water inlet end (51).

7. Cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water tank (20) is provided with a water inlet orifice (21) and an overflow orifice (22), wherein the overflow orifice (22) is in fluidic communication with the first pipe (30) and the second pipe (40), the water inlet orifice (21) and the overflow orifice (22) both being located at the top of the water tank (20).

8. Cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cleaning device further comprises a cleaning element disposed in the housing (10), the cleaning element and the water reservoir (20) being disposed respectively on two opposite sides of the housing (10), wherein the cleaning element is opposite the first orifice (11) and the second orifice (12).

9. Cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein two cleaning elements are provided and located at the bottom of the housing (10), the two cleaning elements being arranged opposite the first orifice (11) and the second orifice (12), respectively.

10. Cleaning system comprising a cleaning base station and the cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.