Cleaning device

Abstract

The present application provides a cleaning device, comprising a drum, a drum lid and a liquid level detection module arranged on the drum lid. The drum is used for collecting liquid; the liquid level detection is provided with a sensing unit; when the drum lid is installed on the drum, the sensing unit extends into the drum, and when the cleaning device works, a liquid level detection signal of the liquid is detected by utilizing capacitance change between the sensing unit and the liquid. According to the present application, the liquid level detection module having the sensing unit is utilized to detect the liquid level; when the cleaning device works, the capacitance between the sensing unit and the liquid changes along with rising of the liquid level, and the liquid level detection signal of the liquid is detected; the sensing unit is not in direct contact with the liquid in the drum, reducing the oxidation possibility of the sensing unit for detecting the liquid level; and static electricity generated when the cleaning device works causes small interference on the sensing unit, and weak current generated by short circuit can be reduced, reducing the influence of the weak current and the static electricity on a detection result.

Description

cleaning equipment Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electric tools, and in particular to cleaning equipment. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the water-stopping devices for wet and dry vacuum cleaners on the market primarily use electronic water-stops. These use a metal probe to stop the water flow. The principle is that rising water levels in the tub contact the metal probe, causing it to short-circuit and generate a detection signal. This detects the change in water level, thus stopping water suction. However, these devices can be affected by oxidation, weak currents, and static electricity, resulting in poor detection results.

[0003] Based on this, it is necessary to provide a cleaning device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a cleaning device so that the cleaning device is not affected by oxidation, weak electricity, and static electricity when detecting liquid level.

[0005] The purpose of this application is achieved by the following technical solutions:

[0006] In the first aspect, the present application provides a cleaning device, comprising a barrel body, a barrel cover, and a liquid level detection module arranged on the barrel cover, wherein the barrel body is used to collect liquid, and the liquid level detection module has a sensing part. When the barrel cover is installed on the barrel body, the sensing part extends into the barrel body, and when the cleaning device is working, the capacitance change between the sensing part and the liquid is used to detect and obtain a liquid level detection signal.

[0007] In some embodiments, the barrel cover is provided with an installation cavity for accommodating the liquid level detection module, and the sensing portion abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the mounting cavity forms a closed space to isolate liquid.

[0009] In some embodiments, the liquid level detection module further includes a circuit board, one end of the sensing portion is connected to the circuit board, and the other end of the sensing portion is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensing portion is formed as a conductive elastic body, one end of the elastic body is connected to the circuit board, and the other end of the elastic body is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic body is a spring, and the spring is generally trumpet-shaped;

[0012] The trumpet-shaped expanded end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity, or the trumpet-shaped closed end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the mounting cavity is cylindrical or prismatic in shape.

[0014] In some embodiments, the circuit board and the spring are vertically placed in the mounting cavity in order from top to bottom.

[0015] In some embodiments, the circuit board and the spring are placed in the installation cavity in sequence along the length direction of the installation cavity, wherein the portion of the spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity is closest to the bottom wall of the barrel body in the length direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the installation cavity is provided with an annular protrusion protruding downward.

[0017] In some embodiments, the cleaning device is a vacuum cleaner.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner is a wet / dry vacuum cleaner.

[0019] In some embodiments, the wet and dry vacuum cleaner is an AC wet and dry vacuum cleaner.

[0020] The cleaning device provided in the present application utilizes a liquid level detection module with a sensing part to perform liquid level detection. When the cleaning device is working, the capacitance between the sensing part and the liquid changes as the liquid level rises, and a liquid level detection signal is detected. The sensing part does not directly contact the liquid in the barrel, thereby reducing the possibility of oxidation of the sensing part that detects the liquid level. The static electricity generated by the cleaning device during operation causes less interference to the sensing part, and can reduce the weak electricity generated by the short circuit, thereby reducing the impact of weak electricity and static electricity on the detection results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0022] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0023] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel cover and a liquid level detection module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0024] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level detection module provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG4 is a circuit diagram of a circuit board provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0026] In the figure: 100, barrel body; 101, suction port; 200, barrel cover; 201, installation cavity; 202, annular protrusion; 300, liquid level detection module; 301, sensing part; 302, circuit board; U1, motor control chip; R1, first resistor; R2, second resistor; C1, adjustable capacitor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following will be combined with the drawings in this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly indicate the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0029] This application provides cleaning equipment to improve related technologies. Cleaning equipment includes vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, sweepers, etc. The following description uses a vacuum cleaner as an example.

[0030] The water-stopping devices of wet and dry vacuum cleaners currently on the market include mechanical and electronic types.

[0031] Mechanical water stops use a water barrier to stop water. As the vacuum cleaner runs, the water level in the dust bucket rises, and the water barrier gradually rises due to buoyancy. When it reaches a certain height, it is sucked up by the suction of the suction port, thus stopping the water. However, mechanical water stops have some disadvantages. For example, when there is no sealing ring on the water barrier, the mating surface of the water barrier must be highly flat. Secondly, when there is a sealing ring on the water barrier, the sealing ring needs to be oiled. In addition, the traditional water barrier needs to be used with a dust filter bar and a cylindrical filter, which takes up a lot of space in the bucket. In addition, the mechanical water stop requires a water barrier action test. In addition, when the water barrier blocks the suction port (fully blocked), the motor is still running at a high speed, causing severe wear on the carbon brushes.

[0032] Electronic water stops stop water suction by using electronic components to detect changes in the water level within the bucket. These include contact-type electronic water stops. Contact-type electronic water stops require two conductors to come into direct contact with the water within the bucket. Consequently, the conductors used to detect the water level oxidize and become dirty over time, affecting detection effectiveness. Furthermore, vacuum cleaners generate significant static electricity during operation, which interferes with contact detection. Probe-type electronic water stops are a contact-type electronic water stop solution that utilizes two metal probes (positive and negative) to simultaneously contact the water, creating a short circuit. However, the short circuit between the positive and negative probes and the water generates weak electricity. Furthermore, probe-type electronic water stops are prone to generating static electricity, which can be transferred to the circuit board.

[0033] In order to improve the above problems, this application provides a non-contact electronic water-stopping solution. Some implementation methods of this application will be introduced below. It should be noted that although this application takes cleaning equipment as an example, this application can be applied to other electric equipment, and this application is not limited to this. In addition, although some embodiments of this application take AC wet and dry vacuum cleaners as an example, this application can be applied to other vacuum cleaners and non-vacuum cleaning equipment, and this application is not limited to this.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a barrel cover 200 and a liquid level detection module 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application, and Figure 3 is a structural schematic diagram of a liquid level detection module 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , an embodiment of the present application provides a cleaning device comprising a barrel 100, a barrel cover 200, and a liquid level detection module 300 disposed on the barrel cover 200. The barrel 100 is used to collect liquid. Referring to Figures 1 , 2 , and 3 , the liquid level detection module 300 comprises a sensing portion 301. When the barrel cover 200 is mounted on the barrel 100, the sensing portion 301 extends into the barrel 100. When the cleaning device is operating, the sensing portion 301 detects the change in capacitance between the sensing portion 301 and the liquid to obtain a liquid level detection signal.

[0036] In the embodiment of the present application, the cleaning device may be a vacuum cleaner, a cleaning machine, a sweeper, etc. The vacuum cleaner may be, for example, a wet / dry vacuum cleaner, a commercial vacuum cleaner, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the power supply mode of the wet / dry vacuum cleaner, which may be, for example, an AC wet / dry vacuum cleaner or a DC wet / dry vacuum cleaner.

[0037] The present embodiment of the present application does not limit the location of the liquid level detection module 300 within the lid 200; for example, it can be located near the front end (or water suction end) of the cleaning device. During normal operation of the cleaning device, liquid is drawn into the barrel body 100. The level of the liquid collected by the barrel body 100 rises, causing a change in the capacitance between the sensing portion 301 and the liquid. When the liquid level within the barrel body 100 rises to near the sensing portion 301, the liquid level detection module 300 detects a liquid level detection signal, triggering a water stop protection control to stop drawing liquid.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present application, the cleaning device may further include a motor. When the cleaning device operates normally, the motor operates normally and sucks the liquid into the barrel body 100; when the cleaning device triggers the water stop protection control, the motor stops running and stops sucking the liquid.

[0039] Compared with mechanical water-stop, the cleaning device uses the sensing part 301 to replace the water-isolating cup, which reduces the requirements for the flatness of the mating surface of the water-isolating cup when there is no sealing ring on the water-isolating cup, and also eliminates the step of oiling the sealing ring when there is a sealing ring on the water-isolating cup. Therefore, it is not only convenient to use, but also reduces the possibility of water spraying from the blowing port of the cleaning device due to poor sealing. Secondly, there is no need to use a water-isolating cup, which saves the space occupied by the water-isolating cup in the barrel body 100 and increases the dry and wet absorption capacity of the barrel body 100. In addition, the liquid level detection module 300 triggers the electronic water-stop protection control through the liquid level detection signal, so that the cleaning device is in a shutdown state, which can reduce the wear of the motor carbon brushes and extend the life of the motor and the whole machine. On the other hand, compared with the electronic water-stop of the related art, the sensing part 301 of the cleaning device does not directly contact the liquid in the barrel body 100, thereby reducing the possibility of oxidation of the sensing part 301 that detects the liquid level, and can reduce the impact of dirt on the surface of the sensing part 301 caused by the liquid on the detection effect. Furthermore, static electricity generated by the cleaning equipment during operation causes minimal interference with the sensing unit 301, and there is no need to create a short circuit to achieve electronic water stopping. This reduces the weak current generated by the short circuit, thereby reducing the impact of weak current and static electricity on the detection results. This non-contact electronic water stopping is less prone to static electricity generation, thereby reducing the amount of static electricity transmitted to other components of the liquid level detection module 300, such as the circuit board 302. By eliminating the need for conductive elements such as probes that come into direct contact with the liquid, product costs are further reduced.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the barrel cover 200 may be provided with an installation cavity 201 for accommodating the liquid level detection module 300 , and the sensing portion 301 abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 .

[0041] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the material of the installation cavity 201 , and it can be made of, for example, PP (polypropylene) board.

[0042] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the shape of the installation cavity 201. In some embodiments, the shape of the installation cavity 201 can be cylindrical or prismatic. As an example, the installation cavity 201 is prismatic, for example, it can have a shape similar to a cuboid.

[0043] The embodiment of the present application does not limit the sealing performance of the installation cavity 201. In some embodiments, the installation cavity 201 can form a closed space to isolate the liquid. In other words, the sides and bottom of the installation cavity 201 are both closed structures, isolated from the barrel body 100, preventing the sensor 301 from contacting the liquid and reducing the generation of static electricity and weak electricity.

[0044] A separate installation cavity 201 is provided in the barrel cover 200 to accommodate the liquid level detection module 300. The installation cavity 201 provides a dedicated location for accommodating the liquid level detection module 300, which helps protect the liquid level detection module 300 from the influence of the external environment, such as dust, water droplets, foreign matter, etc., and helps ensure the stability and long-term reliability of the liquid level detection module 300. Within the installation cavity 201, the sensing portion 301 of the liquid level detection module 300 is isolated from the external environment, thereby reducing the risk of electronic components being affected by factors such as humidity, corrosion, and vibration, helping to extend the life of the liquid level detection module 300 and improving the durability of the equipment. Installing the liquid level detection module 300 in a separate installation cavity 201 makes maintenance and repair more convenient. If the liquid level detection module 300 needs to be replaced or repaired, it can be directly located in the installation cavity 201.

[0045] 2 and 3 , in some embodiments, the liquid level detection module 300 may further include a circuit board 302 , one end of the sensing portion 301 is connected to the circuit board 302 , and the other end of the sensing portion 301 is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 .

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4 , FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of a circuit board 302 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments, the circuit board 302 may include a motor control chip U1, a first resistor R1, and a second resistor R2, with the second resistor R2 being left floating; the motor control chip U1 is connected to the sensing unit 301 via the first resistor R1 to detect a liquid level detection signal. When the barrel 100 absorbs too much liquid and the liquid floods the suction port 101 of the barrel 100, if the cleaning device is shut down, the liquid will flow out of the suction port 101. To improve the above situation, in some embodiments, the circuit board 302 may also include an adjustable capacitor C1, and the motor control chip U1 is further connected to the adjustable capacitor C1 to detect a comparison signal. By adjusting the capacitance value of the adjustable capacitor C1, the sensitivity of the liquid level detection can be adjusted. By adjusting the sensitivity of the liquid level detection, when the liquid surface is far away from the suction port 101, sufficient capacitance changes can be generated between the sensing unit 301 and the liquid, so that the liquid level detection module 300 can detect the liquid level detection signal and control the cleaning device to shut down in advance.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present application, the detection principle of the liquid level detection module 300 is similar to that of a capacitive touch screen. For example, the motor control chip U1 periodically generates a drive signal, which is received by the electrode (i.e., the sensing portion 301) to measure the charge. When the liquid level in the barrel 100 rises to near the sensing portion 301 (the liquid contacts the mounting cavity), a new capacitor is connected to the electrode, thereby changing the charge measured by the electrode and detecting a liquid level detection signal.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sensing portion 301 may be formed as a conductor to serve as a sensing end of the liquid level detection module 300 .

[0050] In some embodiments, the sensing portion 301 can be formed as a conductive elastomer, one end of the elastomer is connected to the circuit board 302, and the other end of the elastomer is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201. The barrel 100 and the installation cavity 201 in the cleaning device may have various shapes and sizes. The elastomer can better adapt to a variety of irregular shapes, ensuring that the contact between the liquid level detection module 300 and the installation cavity 201 always remains stable, which helps to improve the accuracy and reliability of liquid level detection. The elastomer is made of, for example, a durable material that can maintain its shape and elastic properties for a long time and is not easily affected by aging or deformation, thereby ensuring that the performance of the liquid level detection module 300 remains stable and reliable during long-term use.

[0051] In some embodiments, the elastic body may be a spring, and the spring is generally trumpet-shaped; the trumpet-flared end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 201, or the trumpet-retracted end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 201. The present embodiment of the application does not limit the material of the spring, which may be, for example, a metal material or an alloy material. The present embodiment of the application does not limit the connection method between the spring and the circuit board 302. As an example, welding is used between the spring and the circuit board 302, which serves both as a conductor and as a fixator. In this embodiment, since the mounting cavity 201 forms a closed space, the spring is not subject to external forces in the mounting cavity 201. The sensing portion 301 uses a spring to ensure that the end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 201. Compared with the sensing portion 301 using a metal sheet, the metal sheet is not convenient to extend into the narrow and long mounting cavity 201, and it cannot be guaranteed that the metal sheet completely abuts against the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 201.

[0052] The elastic body is, for example, a spring. The spring process is mature, has a wide range of applications, and is relatively low in cost. The spring is configured to be generally trumpet-shaped. For example, on a projection plane perpendicular to the length of the mounting cavity 201, the spring projection forms a circle-like shape, which is conducive to charge accumulation and better sensing of capacitance changes.

[0053] In some embodiments, the circuit board 302 and the spring can be placed vertically in the installation cavity 201 in a top-to-bottom order. In some embodiments, the circuit board 302 and the spring can be placed in the installation cavity 201 in sequence along the length direction of the installation cavity 201, wherein the portion of the spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 is closest to the bottom wall of the barrel 100 in the length direction. The portion of the spring that abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 is closest to the bottom wall of the barrel 100 in the length direction, which facilitates the liquid level detection module 300 to maximize the sensing of the capacitance change between the spring and the liquid due to the liquid level change through the spring as the sensing end, thereby improving the usability of the non-contact electronic water stop.

[0054] In other embodiments, the circuit board 302 and the spring may be placed side by side in the length direction of the installation cavity 201 and both may be placed vertically in the installation cavity 201 .

[0055] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 is provided with a downwardly protruding annular protrusion 202. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the cross-sectional shape of the annular protrusion 202, which may be, for example, a circular ring or a square ring.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4. In a specific application scenario, an embodiment of the present application also provides a cleaning device, including a barrel body 100, a barrel cover 200, and a liquid level detection module 300 arranged on the barrel cover 200. The barrel body 100 is used to collect liquid. The liquid level detection module 300 includes a sensing part 301 and a circuit board 302. The barrel cover 200 is provided with an installation cavity 201 for accommodating the liquid level detection module 300, and the installation cavity 201 forms a closed space to isolate the liquid. The shape of the installation cavity 201 is cylindrical or prismatic, and the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 is provided with an annular protrusion 202 protruding downward.

[0057] The circuit board 302 and the spring are placed in the installation cavity 201 in sequence along the length direction of the installation cavity 201. One end of the sensing part 301 is connected to the circuit board 302, and the other end of the sensing part 301 is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201. The portion of the spring against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201 is closest to the bottom wall of the barrel 100 in the length direction. The sensing part 301 is formed as a conductive elastomer, such as a spring, and the spring is generally trumpet-shaped. One end of the spring is connected to the circuit board 302, and the other end of the spring is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201. The trumpet-flared end of the spring is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201, or the trumpet-retracted end of the spring is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity 201.

[0058] When the barrel cover 200 is installed on the barrel body 100, the sensing part 301 extends into the barrel body 100, and when the cleaning device is working, the liquid level detection module 300 detects the change in capacitance between the sensing part 301 and the liquid to obtain a liquid level detection signal.

[0059] This embodiment saves the internal space of the barrel body 100 and increases the dry and wet absorption capacity of the barrel body 100. Compared with mechanical water-stopping methods, it reduces the possibility of abnormal movement of the water-blocking cup and improves the problem of water spraying from the air outlet due to the water-blocking cup not being tightly sealed. Compared with contact-type electronic water-stopping, this embodiment adopts non-contact electronic water-stopping. Since the circuit board 302 and the spring are separated from the liquid, the generation of weak electricity and static electricity is reduced, and the possibility of static electricity being transmitted to the circuit board 302 is reduced.

[0060] It should be understood that the specific embodiments in this specification are only intended to help those skilled in the art better understand the implementation methods of the present application, rather than to limit the scope of protection of the present application.

[0061] It can be understood that the various implementation methods described in this specification can be implemented individually or in combination, and this application is not limited to this.

[0062] Unless otherwise indicated, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field of this specification. The terms used in this specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this specification. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the relevant listed items. The singular forms "a", "above", and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described embodiments may refer to the corresponding processes in other embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0064] The above are only specific embodiments of this specification, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited to them. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this specification should be included in the scope of protection of this specification. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device comprising a barrel, a barrel cover and a liquid level detection module arranged on the barrel cover, wherein the barrel is used to collect liquid, and is characterized in that: The liquid level detection module has a sensing part. When the barrel cover is installed on the barrel body, the sensing part extends into the barrel body. When the cleaning device is working, the capacitance change between the sensing part and the liquid is used to detect and obtain a liquid level detection signal.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The barrel cover is provided with an installation cavity for accommodating the liquid level detection module, and the sensing part abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The installation cavity forms a closed space to isolate liquid.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The liquid level detection module further includes a circuit board, one end of the sensing portion is connected to the circuit board, and the other end of the sensing portion is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 4, characterized in that The sensing portion is formed as a conductive elastic body, one end of the elastic body is connected to the circuit board, and the other end of the elastic body is against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that The elastic body is a spring, and the spring is generally trumpet-shaped; The trumpet-shaped expanded end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity, or the trumpet-shaped closed end of the spring abuts against the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that The shape of the installation cavity is cylindrical or prismatic.

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that The circuit board and the spring are vertically placed in the installation cavity in order from top to bottom.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that The circuit board and the spring are sequentially placed in the installation cavity along the length direction of the installation cavity, wherein the portion of the spring abutting against the bottom wall of the installation cavity is closest to the bottom wall of the barrel body in the length direction.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The bottom wall of the installation cavity is provided with an annular protrusion protruding downward.

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