Dust box assembly, cleaning device, and method for detecting if dust box is full of dust

Abstract

A dust box assembly, a cleaning device, and a method for detecting if a dust box is full of dust, relating to the technical field of cleaning machines. The cleaning device comprises a fan assembly and a dust box, the fan assembly being in communication with the dust box via a dust inlet (110), and the dust box being provided with a flip cover (200) that flips to open or close the dust inlet (110). The method for detecting if a dust box is full of dust comprises: a processor (300) acquires a target distance between a flip cover (200) and a dust inlet (110), and stores the target distance into a memory (400) (S100); a detection module (140) acquires an operating distance between the flip cover (200) and the dust inlet (110) (S200); and the processor (300) compares the target distance with the operating distance to determine whether a dust box is full of dust (S300).

Description

Dustbox assembly, cleaning equipment, and methods for detecting when the dustbox is full.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202410679787.2, filed on May 29, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of cleaning machine technology, and in particular to a dust box assembly, cleaning equipment, and a method for detecting when the dust box is full. Background Technology

[0003] Cleaning robots temporarily store the debris collected during the cleaning process in a dustbin. The dustbin has a dust inlet for sucking in debris. Cleaning robots usually have a detection mechanism to determine whether the dustbin is full, so as to remind the user to clean it. In related technologies, the dustbin is usually detected by measuring the pressure inside the dustbin and setting the cleaning time. However, these detection methods are easily affected by environmental factors, such as the influence of airflow on air pressure, and the mismatch between the cleaning time and the amount of debris in the working environment, which often leads to misjudgments and reduces the accuracy of dustbin full detection. Technical issues

[0004] The main objective of this application is to propose a dust box assembly, a cleaning device, and a method for detecting dust fullness in the cleaning device. By determining the closure status of the dust inlet flap, the method can determine whether the dust box is full, thereby improving the accuracy of dust box fullness detection. Technical solutions

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the dust box full detection method proposed in this application is applied to cleaning equipment, which includes a fan assembly and a dust box. The fan assembly is connected to the dust box through a dust inlet. The dust box is provided with a flip-top cover that can open and close the dust inlet. The detection method includes:

[0006] The processor obtains the target distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet, and stores the target distance in the memory;

[0007] The detection module obtains the running distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet;

[0008] The processor compares the target spacing with the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of the processor comparing the target spacing and the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full includes:

[0010] When the fan assembly is in operation, if the operating distance is less than the target distance, the processor determines that the dust box is full.

[0011] In one embodiment, within the range of the target spacing, the angle between the flip cover and the sidewall of the dust box where the dust inlet is located is between 0° and 30°.

[0012] In one embodiment, the step of the processor comparing the target spacing and the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full includes:

[0013] If the operating distance is greater than the target distance when the fan assembly stops operating, the processor determines that the dust box is full.

[0014] In one embodiment, the target spacing is zero.

[0015] This application also proposes a dustbin assembly applied to a cleaning device, the cleaning device further including a processor and a memory, the memory storing a control program that can run on the processor, the processor executing the control program to implement the steps of the aforementioned detection method, the dustbin assembly comprising:

[0016] The box body is provided with a dust inlet;

[0017] A flip-top, which is rotatably disposed inside the box, is used to open and close the dust inlet.

[0018] A detection module, electrically connected to the processor, is used to obtain the operating distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, the box body has an air inlet sidewall that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the air inlet sidewall has the dust inlet. The hinge of the flip cover is located on the air inlet sidewall and above the dust inlet. When the cleaning equipment stops operating, the flip cover is placed over the dust inlet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the housing further includes a top cover connected to the upper edge of the air inlet sidewall, and the detection module is disposed adjacent to the dust inlet and / or located on the top cover. In the rotation direction of the flip cover, the detection head of the detection module is opposite to the flip cover.

[0021] In one embodiment, the flip cover includes a cover plate and a part to be tested, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft. The cover plate is located in the box body and is used to open and close the dust inlet. The detection head of the detection module is arranged in the extension direction of the rotating shaft and is opposite to the part to be tested when the cover plate closes the dust inlet.

[0022] In one embodiment, the detection module includes a Hall sensor and a first magnetic element disposed on the flip cover.

[0023] In one embodiment, the detection module includes a magnetic angle sensor and a second magnetic element disposed on the flip cover;

[0024] In one embodiment, the detection module includes a photoelectric sensor.

[0025] This application also proposes a cleaning device, which includes a dust box assembly, a processor, and a memory. The dust box assembly is configured as described above, and the memory stores a control program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the control program, it implements the steps of the detection method described above.

[0026] This application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a control program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the aforementioned detection method. Beneficial effects

[0027] The technical solution of this application first tests the target distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet under various usage conditions when the dust box is full. For example, when the cleaning equipment is being used or in use, the target distance is determined by testing whether the flip cover can open the dust inlet or maintain its flipped position; or when the cleaning equipment is not in use or has just finished use, the target distance is determined by testing whether the flip cover can cover the dust inlet or maintain its flipped position. After determining the target distance, the detection module will detect the actual distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet under any condition. This actual distance is the operating distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet. Then, by comparing the operating distance with the target distance, if the operating distance is outside the target distance range, the dust box is determined to be full and needs to be emptied; if the operating distance is within the target distance range, the dust box is determined to be not full and can continue to be used. It is understood that the standard for whether the dust box is full is that the dust inlet can be used normally. The relationship between the flip cover and the dust inlet can reflect whether the dust inlet is in normal working condition, thus enabling a more accurate judgment on whether the dust box is full. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the dust box assembly provided in this application installed in the cleaning equipment mounting shell;

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the dust box assembly and mounting shell in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which the dust inlet of the dust box assembly in Figure 1 is in a closed state;

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which the dust inlet of the dust box assembly in Figure 1 is in the open state;

[0033] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the dust box assembly provided in this application with the dust inlet in a closed state;

[0034] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the dust box assembly provided in this application with the dust inlet in the open state;

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the dust box assembly provided in this application with the dust inlet in the closed state;

[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the dust box assembly provided in this application with the dust inlet in the open state;

[0037] Figure 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment of the dust box full detection method provided in this application;

[0038] Figure 10 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the dust box full detection method provided in this application;

[0039] Figure 11 is a system control logic diagram of an embodiment of the cleaning equipment provided in this application.

[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0041] 100. Box body; 110. Dust inlet; 120. Air inlet side wall; 130. Top cover; 140. Detection module; 141. Hall sensor; 142. First magnetic component; 143. Photoelectric sensor; 144. Second magnetic component; 145. Magnetic angle sensor; 150. Air outlet;

[0042] 200. Flip cover; 210. Cover plate; 220. Section to be inspected;

[0043] 300, Processor; 400, Memory; 500, Mounting Case.

[0044] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this application involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0047] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0048] In existing technologies, cleaning robots and other cleaning equipment continuously collect garbage and other debris in their internal dustbins during the cleaning process. Generally, the cleaning equipment removes the garbage through vacuum suction, and the dustbin has an inlet for the garbage to be sucked in. To facilitate user operation, a dust full detection device is usually installed inside the dustbin to determine whether the dustbin is full and thus remind the user to empty the dustbin. Existing dust full detection technologies include: optical detection, which places a through-beam photoelectric switch at the position in the dustbin where trash last accumulated. However, considering the uncertainty of trash shape, the uncertainty of trash obstructing the detection light, and the uncertainty of trash transmittance, this optical detection method is prone to false detections, resulting in a high false alarm rate; pressure detection, which determines whether the dustbin is full by detecting the negative pressure inside the dustbin. However, the looseness of the trash greatly affects the negative pressure inside the dustbin, and under the same suction power, the presence or absence of trash in the dustbin has a relatively small impact on the negative pressure. This method requires high precision to detect whether the dustbin is full; and time-set detection, which considers the dustbin full and needs to be emptied once a fixed time is set. However, due to the uncertainty of environmental dirtiness, the amount of trash collected in the same time period can vary significantly, leading to a high false alarm rate. Therefore, a solution that accurately detects whether the dustbin is full can provide users with a better user experience.

[0049] This application proposes a method for detecting when a dust box is full.

[0050] Please refer to Figures 3, 9, and 10. In one embodiment of this application, a dust box is used in a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes a fan assembly and a dust box. The fan assembly is connected to the dust box through a dust inlet 110. The dust box is provided with a flip-top cover 200 that can open and close the dust inlet 110. The method for detecting whether the dust box is full includes:

[0051] In step S100, the processor 300 obtains the target distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110, and stores the target distance in the memory 400.

[0052] Step S200: The detection module 140 obtains the running distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110;

[0053] In step S300, the processor 300 compares the target spacing and the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full.

[0054] It should be noted that the flip cover 200 opens and closes the dust inlet 110 by flipping inside the dust box. In other words, the flip cover 200 needs to occupy space inside the dust box during the opening and closing of the dust inlet 110. When the garbage in the dust box reaches a certain level, this garbage will obstruct the flipping of the flip cover 200. At this time, the amount of garbage is close to the state where it will overflow from the dust inlet 110, that is, the dust box is full.

[0055] Thus, the technical solution of this application first tests the target distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 under various usage conditions when the dust box is full. For example, when the cleaning equipment is being used or in use, can the flip cover 200 open the dust inlet 110 or maintain its flipped position? Or, when the cleaning equipment is not in use or has just finished use, can the flip cover 200 cover the dust inlet 110 or cover it in a reasonable position? The distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 under this standard condition is the target distance. After determining the target distance, the detection module 140 will detect the actual distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 under any condition. This actual distance is the operating distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110. Then, by comparing the operating distance with the target distance, if the operating distance is outside the range of the target distance, it is determined that the dust box is full and needs to be cleaned; if the operating distance is within the target distance, it is determined that the dust box is not full and can continue to be used. It is understood that the standard for whether the dust box is full is that the dust inlet 110 can be used normally. The relationship between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 can better reflect whether the dust inlet 110 is in normal working condition, thereby achieving a more accurate judgment on whether the dust box is full.

[0056] It's understandable that when the dustbin isn't full, the flip cover 200 has a standard state, such as when it's not running and the flip cover 200 covers the dust inlet 110. During operation, the flip cover 200 opens the dust inlet 110. Once the dustbin is full, the standard state of the flip cover 200 changes. Therefore, defining the target distance as the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 when it's outside the standard state and storing this value in the memory 400 allows the cleaning equipment at any stage of use to easily and accurately determine whether the dustbin is full and needs cleaning by comparing the target distance with the operating distance of the flip cover 200. In this solution, a full dustbin doesn't only refer to a dustbin filled with trash; it can also occur when the flip cover 200 deviates from the standard state due to other factors. In this case, the dustbin cannot be used normally, and a full dustbin notification reminds the user to clean and maintain it. It should be noted that the target spacing can be calculated by directly measuring the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 at the predetermined circumferential position, or by measuring the angle at which the flip cover 200 is flipped, to reflect the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 at the predetermined circumferential position.

[0057] Further, in this embodiment, referring to FIG10, step S300 includes:

[0058] Step S310: When the fan assembly is running, if the running distance is less than the target distance, the processor 300 determines that the dust box is full.

[0059] Before the fan assembly starts operating, if the dust box is not full, the flip cover 200 will remain closed at the dust inlet 110. When the cleaning equipment is used, the fan assembly will blow the flip cover 200 open the dust inlet 110. Due to the strong airflow of the fan assembly, it is necessary to ensure that the debris is sucked into the dust box. Therefore, during use, the flip cover 200 needs to open the dust inlet 110 as much as possible. In this case, the target distance is between zero and a preset value. When the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 is within this preset value, the dust box cannot be used normally. When the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 is outside this preset value, the dust box can be used normally. Thus, by comparing the operating distance and the target distance, if the operating distance is less than the target distance, it is determined that the dust box is full, and the user is notified to clean the dust box or stop the operation of the cleaning equipment. If the operating distance is greater than or equal to the target distance, it is determined that the dust box is not full, and the cleaning equipment can continue to operate.

[0060] Specifically, in this embodiment, within the target distance range, the angle between the sidewall of the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 is between 0° and 30°. It can be understood that the size of this angle reflects a limited opening of the dust inlet 110 by the flip cover 200, resulting in significant obstruction of the dust box by debris. At this point, the amount of debris in the dust box is substantial, affecting the normal operation of the cleaning equipment. Therefore, the target distance within this angle range is compared with the operating distance to determine if the dust box is full. Of course, in other embodiments, users can also set the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 as the target distance based on their usage habits, the type of debris, or environmental factors, such as the angle between the sidewall of the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 being between 0° and 45° or 15°.

[0061] In one embodiment, referring to FIG10, step S300 further includes:

[0062] Step S320: If the operating distance is greater than the target distance when the fan assembly stops running, the processor 300 determines that the dust box is full.

[0063] During the process of switching the fan assembly from the running state to the stopped state, if the dust box is not full, the flip cover 200 can automatically flip to close the dust inlet 110. At this time, the running distance of the flip cover 200 should ideally be zero. Considering that some large pieces of waste may get stuck in the dust inlet 110, the running distance of the flip cover 200 can also be appropriately greater than zero. This means that the flip cover 200 may not tightly close the dust inlet 110, which can also be defined as the situation where the dust box is not full. Thus, if the detection module 140 detects that the operating distance of the flip cover 200 is greater than the target distance, and the flip cover 200 is interfered with by environmental factors such as garbage, making it unable to effectively close the dust inlet 110 or to be in a position that effectively prevents garbage from falling out, then it can be determined that the dust box is full or cannot be used normally, and the user is notified to clean the dust box. If the detection module 140 detects that the operating distance of the flip cover 200 is less than or equal to the target distance, and the flip cover 200 can effectively close the dust inlet 110, thereby preventing garbage from falling out of the dust box, then it can be determined that the dust box is not full and the cleaning equipment can be used normally.

[0064] Specifically, in this embodiment, the target spacing is zero. In this case, the fan assembly is not running, and the only criterion for the dust box not being full is that the flap can tightly close to the dust inlet 110. If the detection module 140 determines that the operating distance of the flap 200 is greater than zero, it reminds the user to clean the dust box. This minimizes the risk of trash falling out of the dust box and ensures a good user experience. Of course, in other embodiments, the target spacing is set from zero to a preset value, the size of which depends on the user's habits, the type of trash, or environmental factors.

[0065] This application proposes a dust box assembly.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 11, in one embodiment of this application, the dustbin is applied to a cleaning device. The cleaning device further includes a processor 300 and a memory 400. The memory 400 stores a control program that can run on the processor 300. When the processor 300 executes the control program, it implements the steps of the detection method described above. The dustbin assembly includes:

[0067] The box body 100 has a dust inlet 110;

[0068] A flip cover 200 is provided inside the box 100 and is flipped to open and close the dust inlet 110.

[0069] The detection module 140 is electrically connected to the processor 300 and is used to obtain the running distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110.

[0070] Without loss of generality, the box 100 is also equipped with an air outlet 150. When the fan assembly is running, garbage enters the box 100 through the dust inlet 110 with the airflow, and then the airflow leaves the box 100 through the air outlet 150, ensuring the flow of gas and realizing garbage collection. It should be noted that during the garbage collection process, the flip cover 200 can rotate to open the dust inlet 110 under the pressure of the airflow. When the fan assembly stops running, the flip cover 200 can automatically rotate back to close the dust inlet 110. Thus, the detection module 140 detects the operating distance of the flip cover 200. When the operating distance of the flip cover 200 deviates from the target distance mentioned above, it can be concluded that the flip cover 200 cannot effectively control the dust inlet 110, and the garbage in the box 100 is likely to fall out of the box 100 through the dust inlet 110. This is equivalent to judging that the dust box is full and needs to be cleaned or inspected and maintained. The detection module 140 can detect the flip cover 200 whether the fan assembly is running or not, covering all operating states of the cleaning equipment. The effective control of the flip cover 200 over the dust inlet 110 directly reflects the function of the dust box. By detecting the relationship between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110, it can better reflect whether the dust inlet 110 is in normal use, thereby achieving a more accurate judgment on whether the dust box is full.

[0071] It should be noted that the automatic rotation of the flip cover 200 to close the dust inlet 110 can be achieved by gravity, or by using magnetic components that attract each other between the side wall of the dust inlet 110 and the flip cover 200, thus enabling the flip cover 200 to automatically close the dust inlet 110. This also ensures that the fan assembly can push against the flip cover 200 to rotate and open the dust inlet 110 during operation. Additionally, the cleaning equipment has a mounting housing 500, within which the dust box is detachably fitted. The detection module 140 can be mounted on the housing 100 and electrically connected to the processor 300 within the cleaning equipment via an electrical connection structure, ensuring a detachable connection between the dust box and the mounting housing 500. Alternatively, the detection module 140 can also be mounted on the mounting housing 500, or partially mounted on the housing 500, facilitating a detachable connection between the dust box and the housing 500 for easy cleaning of the debris inside the housing 100. The mounting housing 500 is provided with an adsorption channel (not shown in the figure) connected to the dust inlet 110. This adsorption channel is used to guide the garbage and other debris adsorbed by the cleaning equipment into the dust box. A suction port (not shown in the figure) is provided below the adsorption channel, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The shape of the suction port is determined according to the user's needs, the specifications of the cleaning equipment, and the distribution of the components inside the cleaning equipment. This solution does not make any requirements and is only for illustration purposes.

[0072] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 3 to 6, the box body 100 is provided with an air inlet sidewall 120 that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The air inlet sidewall 120 has a dust inlet 110. The pivot of the flip cover 200 is located on the air inlet sidewall 120 and is located above the dust inlet 110. When the cleaning equipment stops running, the flip cover 200 covers the dust inlet 110. The flip cover 200 is located on the upward-sloping side of the air inlet sidewall 120. When the fan assembly is not running, the flip cover 200 automatically flips over and covers the dust inlet 110. When the fan assembly is running, the airflow presses against the flip cover 200, and the flip cover 200 rotates around its axis, with its lower edge moving away from the dust inlet 110. The airflow carries debris into the box 100 through the dust inlet 110. When the fan assembly stops running, the flip cover 200 rotates in the opposite direction under the action of gravity until it covers the dust inlet 110, thus preventing debris from falling out of the box 100 from the dust inlet 110. It can be understood that the flip cover 200 cannot be flipped to a vertical position at most, so as to ensure that the flip cover 200 can be flipped back to its original position when the fan assembly stops running. Of course, the above description is based on the normal use of the dust box. Once the dust in the box 100 is full, it will affect the opening and closing of the dust inlet 110 of the flip cover 200. For example, when the fan assembly is running, the airflow cannot effectively push the flip cover 200 open; when the fan stops running, the flip cover 200 cannot effectively close the dust inlet 110, etc.

[0073] Further, in this embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the housing 100 also includes a top cover 130 connected to the upper edge of the air inlet sidewall 120. The detection module 140 is disposed near the dust inlet 110 or located on the top cover 130, or both the dust inlet 110 and the top cover 130 are equipped with the detection module 140. In the rotation direction of the flip cover 200, the detection head of the detection module 140 is opposite to the flip cover 200. It can be understood that the detection direction of the detection module 140 is parallel to the rotation direction of the flip cover 200. Thus, the detection module 140 can directly detect the running distance of the flip cover 200, ensuring the reliability of obtaining the running distance of the flip cover 200. When the detection module 140 is positioned adjacent to the air inlet sidewall 120, the distance between the detection module 140 and the flip cover 200 and the air inlet sidewall 120 is the operating distance. When the detection module 140 is positioned adjacent to the top cover 130, the operating distance is the difference between the distance between the top cover 130 and the air inlet sidewall 120 and the distance between the detection module 140 and the flip cover 200 and the air inlet sidewall 120, centered at the intersection of the top cover 130 and the air inlet sidewall 120, along the circumference of the detection module 140. Without loss of generality, the detection module 140 is positioned outside the housing 100. In this case, it can be installed on the mounting shell 500 or on the outer surface of the combined body 100 to avoid occupying space inside the housing 100 and to prevent contamination or interference from debris. In addition, the detection module 140 is located near the dust inlet 110, which can be near the lower edge, upper edge or side edge of the dust inlet 110. When the garbage in the box 100 blocks the detection module 140 and interferes with the detection module 140 in obtaining the running distance, it also means that the garbage in the box 100 is close to overflowing the dust inlet 110. At this time, the user can be reminded to clean the dust box.

[0074] Specifically, in this embodiment, referring to Figures 3 and 4, the detection module 140 includes a Hall sensor 141 and a first magnetic element 142 disposed on the flip cover 200. It should be noted that the Hall sensor 141 is less susceptible to interference from debris and has a lower cost. Using the Hall sensor 141 to detect the distance between the flip cover 200 and the air inlet sidewall 120 ensures the stability and reliability of obtaining the operating distance of the flip cover 200 and reduces the cost of the cleaning equipment. Specifically, two Hall sensors 141 can be provided, respectively disposed near the air inlet sidewall 120 and the top cover 130, to improve the accuracy of detecting the operating distance of the flip cover 200. More specifically, the Hall sensor 141 can be configured as a linear Hall sensor 141, which can detect the opening degree of the flip cover 200 by detecting the magnitude of the magnetic intensity. Of course, in other embodiments, the detection module 140 can also be configured as an infrared photoelectric sensor 143 to detect the running distance between the flip cover 200 and the air inlet sidewall 120 in the circumferential direction where the detection module 140 is located in the rotation direction of the flip cover 200.

[0075] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the flip cover 200 includes a cover plate 210 and a detection part 220 respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft. The cover plate 210 is located inside the housing 100 and is used to open and close the dust inlet 110. The detection head of the detection module 140 is arranged in the extension direction of the rotating shaft and is opposite to the detection part 220 when the cover plate 210 closes the dust inlet 110. It can be understood that the detection direction of the detection module 140 intersects with the rotation direction of the part to be detected 220, that is, the detection direction of the detection module 140 intersects with or is even perpendicular to the rotation direction of the flip cover 200. Thus, when the fan assembly is running, if the flip cover 200 rotates normally to open the dust inlet 110, the detection module 140 cannot detect the part to be detected 220, which means that the garbage in the dust box does not interfere with the rotation of the flip cover 200, the dust box is not full, and the cleaning equipment can be used normally. If the flip cover 200 cannot rotate normally to open the dust inlet 110 properly, the detection module 140 can detect the part to be detected 220, which means that there is garbage in the box 100. If the dustbin is full and the dust cover 200 is interfering with the rotation of the flip cover 200, the user needs to be reminded to empty the dustbin. If the flip cover 200 returns to its normal position to cover the dust inlet 110 when the fan assembly stops operating, the detection module 140 can detect the part to be detected 220. This indicates that the debris inside the box 100 has not yet interfered with the rotation of the flip cover 200, the dustbin is not full, and the cleaning equipment can be used normally. If the flip cover 200 cannot rotate normally to properly cover the dust inlet 110, the detection module 140 cannot detect the part to be detected 220. This indicates that the debris inside the box has interfered with the rotation of the flip cover 200, the dustbin is full, and the user needs to be reminded to empty the dustbin. It should be noted that the part to be detected 220 has a certain thickness in its rotation direction. The detection module 140 can determine the rotation range of the flip cover 200 by the degree of obstruction the detection module 140 provides to the detection module 140.

[0076] Specifically, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the detection module 140 includes a photoelectric sensor 143. The detection direction of the photoelectric sensor 143 is perpendicular to the rotation direction of the part to be detected 220. Thus, when the flip cover 200 closes the dust inlet 110, the photoelectric sensor 143 can detect the part to be detected 220. When the flip cover 200 opens the dust inlet 110, the photoelectric sensor 143 fails to detect the part to be detected 220. By utilizing the detection differences of the flip cover 200 at different positions by the photoelectric sensor 143, combined with the standard state of the flip cover 200, an abnormal situation of the rotation of the flip cover 200 can be determined, thereby concluding that the flip cover 200 cannot effectively control the garbage from falling out of the box 100, thus ensuring the detection accuracy and reliability of the dust box being full. Specifically, in this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 143 is disposed on the mounting shell 500, and the detection direction of its detection head is parallel to the extension direction of the rotating shaft. Of course, in other embodiments, the detection module 140 can also be configured as a Hall sensor 141 to detect abnormalities in the rotation of the flip cover 200 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation of the flip cover 200, thereby obtaining the running distance of the flip cover 200.

[0077] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 1, 2, 7, and 8, the detection module 140 includes a magnetic angle sensor 145 and a second magnetic element 144 disposed on the flip cover 200. Without loss of generality, the second magnetic element 144 is disposed on the vertical plane of the rotation axis of the flip cover 200. With the rotation axis of the flip cover 200 as the center, the magnetic angle sensor 145 detects the angle of rotation of the second magnetic element 144 with the rotation axis to determine the rotation angle of the flip cover 200. Combined with the standard state of the flip cover 200, an abnormal rotation of the flip cover 200 can be determined. Based on the rotation angle of the flip cover 200, the distance from the flip cover 200 to the dust inlet 110 at a predetermined circumferential position of the flip cover 200 can be calculated. This leads to the conclusion that the flip cover 200 cannot effectively control the garbage from falling out of the dustbin 100, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the dustbin fullness detection. Specifically, in this embodiment, the magnetic angle sensor 145 is disposed on the mounting housing 500. Of course, in other embodiments, at least two of the above-mentioned methods of detecting the distance between the flip cover 200 and the dust inlet 110 in parallel with the rotation direction of the flip cover 200, the detection method perpendicular to the rotation direction of the flip cover 200, and the method of detecting the rotation angle of the flip cover 200 can be integrated to ensure the reliability and accuracy of obtaining the operating distance of the flip cover 200 and improve the accuracy of dust box full detection.

[0078] This application also proposes a cleaning device, which includes a dustbin assembly. The specific structure of the dustbin assembly is as described in the above embodiments. Since this cleaning device adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated here. The cleaning device also includes a processor 300 and a memory 400. Referring to FIG11, the memory 400 stores a dustbin full detection control program that can run on the processor 300. When the processor 300 executes the dustbin full detection control program, it implements the steps of the detection method described above to ensure the accuracy of dustbin full detection. It should be noted that the cleaning device can be configured as a floor cleaning robot, a sweeping robot, or a carpet cleaning robot, etc. When the cleaning device is configured as a carpet cleaning robot, it has the ability to rinse and clean carpets.

[0079] This application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium. Referring to FIG11, the computer-readable storage medium stores a control program, which is a dustbin full detection control program. When executed by processor 300, the control program implements the steps of the detection method described above. As a computer-readable storage medium, any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be used. The computer-readable storage medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory 400 (RAM), read-only memory 400 (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory 400 (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory 400 (CDROM), optical storage 400, magnetic storage 400, or any suitable combination thereof. In this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0080] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this application and does not limit the patent scope of this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of this application and the contents of the specification and drawings of this application, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for detecting when a dust box is full, wherein, The method is applied to cleaning equipment, which includes a fan assembly and a dust box. The fan assembly is connected to the dust box through a dust inlet. The dust box has a flip-top cover that can open and close the dust inlet. The detection method includes: The processor obtains the target distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet, and stores the target distance in the memory; The detection module obtains the running distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet; The processor compares the target spacing with the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full.

2. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein, The step of the processor comparing the target spacing and the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full includes: When the fan assembly is in operation, if the operating distance is less than the target distance, the processor determines that the dust box is full.

3. The detection method as described in claim 2, wherein, Within the range of the target spacing, the angle between the flip cover and the side wall of the dust box where the dust inlet is located is between 0° and 30°.

4. The detection method as described in claim 1, wherein, The step of the processor comparing the target spacing and the running spacing to determine whether the dust box is full includes: If the operating distance is greater than the target distance when the fan assembly stops operating, the processor determines that the dust box is full.

5. The detection method as described in claim 4, wherein, The value of the target spacing is zero.

6. A dustbin assembly, wherein, Applied to a cleaning device, the cleaning device further comprising a processor and a memory, the memory storing a control program that can run on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the control program, it implements the steps of the detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, the dustbin assembly comprising: The box body is provided with a dust inlet; A flip-top, which is rotatably disposed inside the box, is used to open and close the dust inlet. A detection module, electrically connected to the processor, is used to obtain the operating distance between the flip cover and the dust inlet.

7. The dustbin assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The box body has an air inlet side wall that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane. The air inlet side wall has the dust inlet. The hinge of the flip cover is located on the air inlet side wall and above the dust inlet. When the cleaning equipment stops running, the flip cover is placed over the dust inlet.

8. The dustbin assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The housing also includes a top cover connected to the upper edge of the air inlet sidewall. The detection module is located adjacent to the dust inlet and / or on the top cover. In the rotation direction of the flip cover, the detection head of the detection module is opposite to the flip cover.

9. The dustbin assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The flip cover includes a cover plate and a part to be tested, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft. The cover plate is located in the box body and is used to open and close the dust inlet. The detection head of the detection module is arranged in the extension direction of the rotating shaft and is opposite to the part to be tested when the cover plate closes the dust inlet.

10. The dustbin assembly as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The detection module includes a Hall sensor and a first magnetic component disposed on the flip cover; And / or, the detection module includes a magnetic angle sensor and a second magnetic element disposed on the flip cover; And / or, the detection module includes a photoelectric sensor.

11. A cleaning device, wherein, The cleaning device includes a dustbin assembly, a processor, and a memory. The dustbin assembly is configured as described in any one of claims 6 to 10. The memory stores a control program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the control program, it implements the steps of the detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores a control program that, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the detection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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