Cyclone-type dust collection system, cleaning robot, and dust collection method

Abstract

This invention provides a cyclonic dust collection system and cleaning robot in which a separator forms a spiral airflow, utilizing centrifugal force to separate dust from the airflow and collect it in a dust collection box, thereby replacing a filter mesh assembly and reducing operating costs. [Solution] A cyclone-type dust collection system, a cleaning robot, and a dust collection method are disclosed. This dust collection system includes a dust collection port, a dust collection box 1, a separator 2, and a negative pressure generator 3. The separator 2 forms a spiral airflow and uses centrifugal force to separate dust from the airflow and collect it in the dust collection box 1, thereby replacing a filter mesh assembly and reducing operating costs. Furthermore, the acceleration guide surface can accelerate the flow velocity of the spiral airflow, generating greater centrifugal force from the dust, making its separation from the separation port faster and more complete, and further improving the dust separation effect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning robots, and particularly to a cyclone dust collection system, a cleaning robot, and a dust collection method.

Background Art

[0002] A cleaning robot includes a dust collection system. The dust collection system includes a dust collection port, a dust collection box, a filter net assembly, and a fan. The filter net assembly is provided between the dust collection box and the fan and is used to stop dust and leave the dust in the dust collection box without flowing to the fan. The filter net assembly is a consumable item. After being used for a certain period of time, dust adheres to the filter net assembly, increasing the resistance of the air flow, thereby affecting the suction force of the air flow. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly replace the filter net assembly, resulting in high usage costs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a cyclone dust collection system and a cleaning robot in which the separator forms a spiral air flow, utilizes centrifugal force to separate dust from the air flow, and collects the dust in the dust collection box, thereby being able to replace the filter net assembly and reducing the usage cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0006] A cyclone dust collection system, comprising A separator comprising an internal chamber, a spiral air passage, a separation port, an intake port, and an exhaust port, wherein a spiral air passage is provided at one end of the internal chamber, a separation port is provided at the other end of the internal chamber, the starting end of the spiral air passage communicates with the intake port, the end of the spiral air passage communicates with the internal chamber, and the exhaust port communicates with the internal chamber. A dust collection port connected to the air intake, A dust collection box connected to the separation port, It is characterized by including a negative pressure generator connected to the exhaust port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the separation port is provided in the circumferential wall of the other end of the internal chamber facing the spiral air passage, is elongated in shape, and extends along the circumferential direction of the circumferential wall of the internal chamber.

[0008] In some embodiments, the helical angle of the spiral airflow is 45 degrees or more, or 90 degrees or more, or 180 degrees or more, or 270 degrees or more, or the helical angle of the spiral airflow is 360 degrees or more.

[0009] In some embodiments, the separator further includes an accelerating guide surface, which is provided at the other end facing the helical air passage of the internal chamber. The acceleration guide surface is gradually extended inward in the direction away from the spiral airflow path, and the acceleration guide surface is gradually extended inward in an arc structure, or gradually extended inward in a diagonal structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the separator further includes an exhaust pipe located inside the internal chamber and coaxial with the internal chamber, the exhaust port located at the end of the internal chamber that approaches the spiral airflow path. One end of the exhaust pipe is provided close to the separation port, and a through-hole is provided at the end of the exhaust pipe that is close to the separation port. The other end of the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port.

[0011] In some embodiments, the through-hole is covered with a filter member.

[0012] A cleaning robot, including a dust collection system.

[0013] A dust collection method, The negative pressure generator operates to form a negative pressure airflow, and dust is drawn into the dust collection port and flows to the separator under the action of the negative pressure airflow. The separator's spiral airflow path causes the airflow to flow in a spiral pattern, forming a spiral airflow, and the airflow is directed along direction A towards the separation port within the internal chamber. The dust is separated from the separation port under the action of centrifugal force and enters the dust collection box, The airflow after separating the waste flows to the exhaust pipe, and then flows along direction B to the exhaust port, and finally flows to the outside, including the step of Direction A and direction B are opposite.

[0014] In some embodiments, the accelerating guide surface gradually reduces the spiral radius of the spiral airflow, gradually accelerating the flow velocity of the spiral airflow and directing it towards the separation port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The separator can form a spiral airflow and use centrifugal force to separate dust from the airflow and collect it in a dust collection box, thereby replacing a filter mesh assembly and reducing operating costs.

[0016] Furthermore, the accelerating guide surface can accelerate the flow velocity of the spiral airflow, generating greater centrifugal force from the debris, making its separation from the separation port faster and more complete, and further improving the debris separation effect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a structural diagram of a separator in the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 4]Exploded view of the separator of the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 5] Exploded view I of the separator of the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view II of the separator of the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view III of the separator of the first embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 8] Structural diagram of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 10] Structural diagram of the separator of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 11] Exploded view of the separator of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view I of the separator of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view II of the separator of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view III of the separator of the second embodiment of the dust collection system of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First Embodiment: Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cyclone dust collection system 100 includes a dust collection port 4, a dust collection box 1, a separator 2, and a negative pressure generator 3. The dust collection port 4 may be provided on the chassis 200, and a drum 210 may be selectively provided at the position of the dust collection port 4, that is, the drum 210 may be provided at the corresponding position of the dust collection port 4, or the drum 210 may not be provided.

[0019] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the separator 2 includes an internal chamber 20 and a spiral air passage 21. The starting end of the spiral air passage 21 communicates with the dust collection port 4, and the ending end of the spiral air passage 21 communicates with the internal chamber 20. The starting end is in the upstream direction of the airflow, and the ending end is in the downstream direction of the airflow. The internal chamber 20 is provided with a separation port 22 that communicates with the dust collection box 1. The internal chamber 20 is connected to a negative pressure generator 3, which may be a negative pressure motor or fan capable of forming a negative pressure airflow. Operating principle: Dust is drawn into the dust collection port 4 under the action of a negative pressure airflow, the spiral air passage 21 changes the airflow into a spiral airflow and directs it toward the separation port 22, and the dust separates from the separation port 22 under the action of centrifugal force and enters the dust collection box 1, and the air that has separated the dust flows through the negative pressure generator 3 and out to the outside.

[0020] In this way, the separator 2 forms a spiral airflow and uses centrifugal force to separate dust from the airflow and collect it in the dust collection box 1, thereby replacing the filter mesh assembly, saving on the installation of the filter mesh assembly and reducing operating costs.

[0021] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the separator 2 may be cylindrical, cup-shaped, or cylindrical in shape, and its internal chamber 20 naturally takes on a cylindrical, cup-shaped, or cylindrical form. The spiral air passage 21 may be provided inside the internal chamber 20. For example, the spiral air passage 21 may be provided at one end of the internal chamber 20, and the separation port 22 may be provided at the other end of the internal chamber 20. The spiral sheet 211 of the spiral air passage 21 may be in contact with the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20, making the spiral radius of the spiral air passage 21 approximately the same as the radius of the internal chamber 20, thereby reducing air resistance, making the flow smoother, and also being easier to manufacture.

[0022] The spiral air passage 21 is used to guide the spiral flow of the spiral airflow and may be set at angles from 0 to 360 degrees, or at angles greater than 360 degrees, such as 45 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, or 360 degrees. Any type of angle can be applied as long as it can form a spiral airflow.

[0023] The spiral airflow path 21 includes a spiral sheet 211 that constitutes the spiral airflow path 21 in order to guide the spiral flow of the airflow, and the spiral angle of the spiral sheet 211 is approximately equal to the spiral angle of the spiral airflow path 21.

[0024] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the separation port 22 is located at the end of the internal chamber 20 away from the spiral airflow 21. The spiral airflow moves or travels along direction A, and the debris eventually collects at the end of the internal chamber 20. The separation port 22, located at the end, facilitates better separation of the debris, which is then collected in the dust collection box 1.

[0025] The separation port 22 may be provided on the surrounding wall or end wall of the internal chamber 20 away from the spiral air passage 21. Preferably, the separation port 22 may be provided on the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20 away from the spiral air passage 21, so that the debris flows spirally in close contact with or along the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20 under the action of centrifugal force, and thus the separation port 22 is provided on the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20, allowing for easier and faster separation of the debris from the separation port 22.

[0026] Furthermore, the separation port 22 is elongated and extends along the circumferential direction of the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20. In this way, during the spiral or circumferential motion of the waste, there is more time and space for separation from the airflow, resulting in more thorough waste separation and improved rubber separation efficiency.

[0027] Referring to Figure 5, the separator 2 further includes an acceleration guide surface 25, which may be part of the surrounding wall of the internal chamber 20, provided at the other end of the internal chamber 20 facing the helical air passage 21.

[0028] The fact that the acceleration guide surface 25 gradually extends inward in the direction away from the helical airflow 21 may be understood as follows: Since the acceleration guide surface 25 gradually extends toward the central axis of the internal chamber 20 in the direction away from the helical airflow 21, the end space of the internal chamber 20 away from the helical airflow 21 is gradually narrowed, the helical radius of the helical airflow is gradually reduced, thereby gradually accelerating the flow velocity of the helical airflow, and further gradually increasing the centrifugal force obtained by the debris, allowing it to detach more quickly from the separation port 22. Even lightweight debris can obtain sufficient centrifugal force to detach from the separation port 22, improving the debris separation effect.

[0029] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5, the acceleration guide surface 25 is an arc structure that gradually extends inward, and the arc structure may be configured such that the curvature gradually changes or so that the curvature is fixed. The arc structure of the acceleration guide surface 25 can gradually reduce the helical radius of the helical airflow and accelerate the flow velocity of the helical airflow, which is also advantageous in reducing resistance in the flow process of the helical airflow toward the separation port 22.

[0030] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6, the acceleration guide surface 25 may be gradually extended inward in a diagonal structure. Of course, the acceleration guide surface 25 may also be configured to achieve other forms of airflow acceleration.

[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 7, the separator 2 may not have an accelerating guide surface 25, and the internal chamber 20 may be cylindrical. Of course, providing an accelerating guide surface 25 is advantageous for sufficient separation of debris.

[0032] Referring to Figure 3, the separator 2 further includes an intake port 2a connected to the starting end of the spiral air passage 21, which is advantageous in reducing air resistance and making the flow smoother. The intake port 2a may be located at the end of the internal chamber 20 adjacent to the spiral air passage 21, and may be connected to the dust collection port 4 via the first pipe 5, or may be connected directly to the dust collection port 4.

[0033] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the separator 2 further includes an exhaust pipe 23 and an exhaust port 2b, the exhaust pipe 23 is located inside the internal chamber 20, the exhaust pipe 23 and the internal chamber 20 are coaxially arranged, and the exhaust port 2b is located at the end of the internal chamber 20 adjacent to the spiral air passage 21. One end of the exhaust pipe 23 is provided close to the separation port 22, that is, it extends in a direction approaching the separation port 22, and a through hole 231 is provided in the surrounding wall or end wall of the end of the exhaust pipe 23 close to the separation port 22, the other end of the exhaust pipe 23 extends in a direction approaching the spiral air passage 21, the other end of the exhaust pipe 23 is connected to the exhaust port 2b, the exhaust port 2b is connected to the negative pressure generator 3, and the exhaust port 2b may also be connected to the negative pressure generator 3 via the second pipe 6. In this way, the airflow from which the dust has been separated flows from the exhaust pipe 23 to the exhaust port 2b and flows to the outside via the negative pressure generator 3.

[0034] Referring to Figure 5, the spiral airflow flows along direction A to the separation port 22 within the internal chamber 20, the separated airflow flows to the exhaust pipe 23, and then along direction B to the exhaust port 2b, and finally flows to the outside. Directions A and B are opposite. In this way, the dust moves close to the surrounding wall surface of the internal chamber 20 under the action of centrifugal force, there is not much dust in the airflow in the central region, the airflow in the central region flows to the exhaust pipe 23, ensuring that the dust is effectively separated to the dust collection box 1. Also, since the flow in direction A and direction B are opposite, it is quite difficult for the dust to move in direction B under the inertia of centrifugal force, so the dust is effectively left in the internal chamber 20 in spiral or circumferential motion and finally separated to the dust collection box 1, achieving sufficient separation of dust.

[0035] Furthermore, the exhaust pipe 23 and the internal chamber 20 are provided coaxially, and the other end of the exhaust pipe 23 extends in a direction approaching the spiral air passage 21. The spiral air passage 21 may be provided so as to surround the end of the exhaust pipe 23, resulting in a more compact structure.

[0036] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the through-hole 231 is covered by a filter member 24. The airflow must pass through the filter member 24 before flowing into the exhaust pipe 23. The filter member 24 may be annular in shape, may be made of stainless steel, and may cover or engage with the exhaust pipe 23. Because the size and weight of the dust particles differ, the resulting centrifugal force will differ, and small amounts of small or light dust particles may be distributed in the central region of the airflow. To further reduce or prevent dust from flowing out, a filter member 24 may be provided that stops the dust and leaves it in the internal chamber 20, allowing it to continue its spiral or circumferential motion.

[0037] Furthermore, since there is little or no debris in the central region of the spiral airflow, and the debris tends to move outward under the action of centrifugal force, the amount of debris adhering to the filter member 24 is small, and the filter member 24 can be used for a long period of time without needing to be replaced frequently.

[0038] Referring to Figure 4, the separator 2 may consist of a first housing 2c, a second housing 2d, and an exhaust pipe 23, etc. Both the first housing 2c and the second housing 2d are roughly cylindrical, cup-shaped, or cylindrical in shape, and the internal space formed by the first housing 2c and the second housing 2d is an internal chamber 20. The first housing 2c is provided with an intake port 2a and an exhaust port 2b, the intake port 2a may be provided on the surrounding wall of the first housing 2c, and the exhaust port 2b may be provided on the surrounding wall or end wall of the first housing 2c. The second housing 2d is provided with a separation port 22 and an acceleration guide surface 25, the acceleration guide surface 25 constitutes part of the surrounding wall of the second housing 2d, and the second housing 2d narrows or shrinks in the direction away from the first housing 2c. A spiral sheet 211 is provided at one end of the exhaust pipe 23, and a through hole 231 is provided at the other end of the exhaust pipe 23.

[0039] The first housing 2c and the second housing 2d may be assembled using a snap mechanism or fasteners, and the first housing 2c and the exhaust pipe 23 may be assembled using a snap mechanism, an insertion mechanism, fasteners, etc.

[0040] This separator 2 may be assembled inside the dust collection box 1, or it may be assembled inside the dust collection box 1 using an engaging structure or fasteners.

[0041] Second example: Referring to Figures 8 to 12, the structure and principle of the dust collection system 100 of the second embodiment are basically the same or similar to those of the first embodiment. The main difference is that the separator 2 is located outside the dust collection box 1, for example, the separator 2 is located outside the top of the dust collection box 1.

[0042] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, the structure of the separator 2 in this embodiment and the structure of the separator 2 in the first embodiment are basically the same or similar, with the main differences being that the positions of the intake port 2a and exhaust port 2b are slightly different, and the sizes of the first housing 2c and the second housing 2d are slightly different.

[0043] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 12, the accelerating guide surface 25 of the separator 2 is gradually extended inward in the direction away from the helical air passage 21 and is gradually extended inward in an arc structure.

[0044] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 13, the acceleration guide surface 25 of the separator 2 is gradually extended inward in the direction away from the helical air passage 21, and is gradually extended inward in a diagonal structure.

[0045] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 14, the separator 2 may not be provided with an accelerating guide surface 25 having a cylindrical internal chamber 20. Of course, providing an accelerating guide surface 25 is advantageous for sufficient separation of debris.

[0046] The connection method and positional relationship between the separator 2 and the dust collection box 1 in the two embodiments of the dust collection system 100 described above may be selectively set according to different operating conditions, for example, For small cleaning robots, since the design space of the main body is small and the amount of dust is small, the first embodiment may be adopted in which the separator 2 is provided inside the dust collection box 1.

[0047] For large cleaning robots, due to the large design space required for the main body and the large volume of waste, a second embodiment may be adopted in which the separator 2 is located outside the dust collection box 1.

[0048] Third example: A cleaning robot including the dust collection system 100 described above. The chassis 200 of the cleaning robot is provided with a travel mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The travel mechanism is provided with wheels that drive the cleaning robot to move, and the cleaning mechanism can clean surfaces to be cleaned, such as the ground.

[0049] Fourth embodiment: A cleaning method obtained based on the above dust collection system 100, The negative pressure generator 3 operates to form a negative pressure airflow, and dust is drawn into the dust collection port 4 under the action of the negative pressure airflow and flows to the separator 2. The spiral air passage 21 of the separator 2 causes the airflow to flow in a spiral shape, forming a spiral airflow that flows along direction A to the separation port 22 within the internal chamber 20. The dust is separated from the separation port 22 under the action of centrifugal force and enters the dust collection box 1. Steps that allow the airflow after waste separation to flow to the outside, Furthermore, the airflow after separating the waste flows to the exhaust pipe 23, then along direction B to the exhaust port 2b, and finally through the negative pressure generator 3 to the outside, with direction A and direction B being opposite.

[0050] Furthermore, the acceleration guide surface 25 gradually reduces the spiral radius of the spiral airflow, gradually accelerating the flow velocity of the spiral airflow and directing it towards the separation port 22.

[0051] As a result, the separator 2 can form a spiral airflow, using centrifugal force to separate the dust from the airflow and collect it in the dust collection box 1, thereby replacing the filter mesh assembly, saving on the installation of the filter mesh assembly and reducing operating costs. Furthermore, the accelerating guide surface 25 can accelerate the flow velocity of the spiral airflow, generating greater centrifugal force on the dust, making its detachment from the separation port 22 faster and more complete, and further improving the dust separation effect.

[0052] The above disclosures represent only a few embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the original concept of the invention, all of which fall within the scope of the invention's protection. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 100 Dust Collection System 1. Dust collection box 2 separator 2a Intake 2b Exhaust port 20 Internal Chamber 21 Spiral wind path 211 Helical Sheet 22 Separation port 23 Exhaust pipe 231 Through hole 24 Filter component 25 Acceleration guide surface 2c First enclosure 2D Second cabinet 3. Negative pressure generator 4 Dust collection port 5. First pipe 6. Second pipe 200 Chassis 210 drums

Claims

1. A cyclone-type dust collection system, A separator (2) comprising an internal chamber (20), a spiral air passage (21), a separation port (22), an intake port (2a), and an exhaust port (2b), wherein a spiral air passage (21) is provided at one end of the internal chamber (20), a separation port (22) is provided at the other end of the internal chamber (20), the starting end of the spiral air passage (21) is connected to the intake port (2a), the end of the spiral air passage (21) is connected to the internal chamber (20), and the exhaust port (2b) is connected to the internal chamber (20). The dust collection port (4) is connected to the air intake port (2a), A dust collection box (1) connected to the separation port (22), A cyclone-type dust collection system characterized by including a negative pressure generator (3) connected to the exhaust port (2b).

2. The cyclone dust collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the separation port (22) is provided on the surrounding wall of the other end of the internal chamber (20) facing the spiral air passage (21), has an elongated shape, and extends along the circumferential direction of the surrounding wall of the internal chamber (20).

3. The cyclone dust collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral angle of the spiral air passage (21) is 45 degrees or more.

4. The separator (2) further includes an accelerating guide surface (25), the accelerating guide surface (25) is provided at the other end of the internal chamber (20) facing the spiral air passage (21), The cyclone dust collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the acceleration guide surface (25) is gradually extended inward in a direction away from the spiral air passage (21).

5. The acceleration guide surface (25) has an arc structure and gradually extends inward. Alternatively, the cyclone dust collection system according to claim 4, characterized in that it is gradually extended inward in a diagonal structure.

6. The separator (2) further includes an exhaust pipe (23) provided coaxially with the internal chamber (20) and located inside the internal chamber (20), and the exhaust port (2b) is provided at the end of the internal chamber (20) that approaches the spiral air passage (21). The cyclone dust collection system according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the exhaust pipe (23) is provided close to the separation port (22), a through hole (231) is provided at the end of the exhaust pipe (23) that is close to the separation port (22), and the other end of the exhaust pipe (23) is connected to the exhaust port (2b).

7. The cyclone dust collection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the through hole (231) is covered with a filter member (24).

8. A cleaning robot characterized by including the dust collection system (100) described in claim 1.

9. A dust collection method, The negative pressure generator (3) operates to form a negative pressure airflow, and dust is drawn into the dust collection port (4) and flows to the separator (2) under the action of the negative pressure airflow. The spiral air passage (21) of the separator (2) causes the airflow to flow in a spiral shape, forming a spiral airflow, and the step of causing it to flow along direction A towards the separation port (22) within the internal chamber (20), The dust is separated from the separation port (22) under the action of centrifugal force and enters the dust collection box (1), The airflow after separating the waste flows to the exhaust pipe (23), and then flows along direction B to the exhaust port (2b), and finally flows to the outside, including the step of A dust collection method characterized in that direction A and direction B are opposite.

10. The dust collection method according to claim 9, characterized in that the accelerating guide surface (25) gradually reduces the spiral radius of the spiral airflow, gradually accelerates the flow velocity of the spiral airflow, and causes it to flow into the separation port (22).

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