Cleaning system, cleaning system control method, and cleaning device

Abstract

A cleaning system, a cleaning system control method, and a cleaning device. The cleaning system comprises a base station (10) and a cleaning robot (20). The base station (10) comprises a base station main body (11), a first infrared device group (12), and a first navigator group, the first infrared device group (12) and the first navigator group being disposed on the base station main body (11). The cleaning robot (20) comprises a robot main body (21), a second infrared device group (22), and a second navigator group, the second infrared device group (22) and the second navigator group being disposed on the robot main body (21), and the second navigator group being configured to mutually transmit position information with the first navigator group. When the cleaning robot (20) is in a docked state within the base station (10), the first infrared device group (12) and the second infrared device group (22) can mutually transmit status information by means of infrared communication.

Description

A cleaning system, a control method for the cleaning system, and cleaning equipment.

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to two patent applications filed on November 11, 2024, with application number 202411603914.7 and title "A Cleaning System, Control Method for a Cleaning System and Cleaning Equipment", and another patent application filed on November 11, 2024, with application number 202422748968.4 and title "A Cleaning System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of cleaning technology, and in particular to a cleaning system, a control method for the cleaning system, and cleaning equipment. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of technology, service robots are becoming ubiquitous in all aspects of life. Regardless of the type of robot, they all involve the functional requirement of communicating with base stations.

[0005] However, in the cleaning systems of related technologies, the communication rate between the robot and the base station is low. As the communication content between the robot and the base station continues to increase, the communication rate of the cleaning systems in related technologies is becoming increasingly difficult to meet the needs of users.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the main objective of the embodiments of this application is to provide a cleaning system with high communication speed, a control method for the cleaning system, and a cleaning device.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0009] A first aspect of this application provides a cleaning system, comprising:

[0010] The base station includes a base station body, a first infrared receiver group, and a first navigator group, wherein the first infrared receiver group and the first navigator group are disposed on the base station body;

[0011] A cleaning robot, comprising a robot body, a second infrared sensor group, and a second navigator group, wherein the second infrared sensor group and the second navigator group are disposed on the robot body, and the second navigator group is used to transmit position information to the first navigator group.

[0012] When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group can transmit status information to each other via infrared communication.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first infrared receiver group includes a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second infrared receiver group includes a second transmitter and a second receiver, wherein the first transmitter and the second receiver correspond to each other, and the first receiver and the second transmitter correspond to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first transmitter is a first serial port transmitter, and the second transmitter is a second serial port transmitter, with at least one of them having a divergence angle between 20° and 180°; and / or,

[0015] The first receiver is a first serial port receiver, and the second receiver is a second serial port receiver, with at least one of them having a receiving angle between 20° and 180°.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one of the first serial port receiver and the second serial port receiver is a through-hole infrared receiver; and / or,

[0017] At least one of the first serial port receiver and the second serial port receiver is an infrared receiving transistor; and / or,

[0018] The response distance between the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group is greater than or equal to 5 centimeters.

[0019] In one embodiment, the status information includes at least one of the following: the battery level of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the water volume of the base station.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first infrared sensor group further includes a first driving unit, which is electrically connected to the first transmitter to adjust the response distance of the first transmitter by means of a driving current and a driving voltage provided by the first driving unit; and / or,

[0021] The second infrared receiver group further includes a second driving unit, which is electrically connected to the second transmitter to adjust the response distance of the second transmitter by means of a driving current and a driving voltage provided by the second driving unit; and / or,

[0022] The first infrared receiver group includes a first receiving unit, and the second infrared receiver group includes a second receiving unit. The first receiving unit is signal-connected to the first receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the first receiver into a digital signal; the second receiving unit is signal-connected to the second receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the second receiver into a digital signal.

[0023] A second aspect of this application provides a control method for a cleaning system, used in any of the cleaning systems described above, the control method comprising:

[0024] The system controls the transmission of location information between the first navigator group and the second navigator group, and controls the cleaning robot to move relative to the base station based on the location information.

[0025] When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, it controls the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group to conduct infrared communication to transmit status information to each other.

[0026] In one embodiment, the control method includes:

[0027] Based on the status information, control the base station and / or the cleaning robot to perform corresponding actions;

[0028] The status information includes at least one of the following: the battery level of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the water volume of the base station.

[0029] In one embodiment, the status information includes the water level of the base station, and the control method includes:

[0030] When the cleaning robot is in a docking state within the base station;

[0031] If the water level at the base station is lower than the first set water level, the cleaning robot's mop is raised by a set distance.

[0032] If the water level at the base station is higher than the first set water level, the base station is controlled to clean the mop; after the mop cleaning is completed, the base station is controlled to replenish water into the cleaning robot.

[0033] In one embodiment, the status information includes the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot and the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the control method includes:

[0034] When the cleaning robot is in a docking state within the base station;

[0035] If the dust storage capacity of the base station is lower than the first set dust storage capacity, the base station is controlled to collect dust from the dust box of the cleaning robot.

[0036] If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the first set dust storage capacity but lower than the second set dust storage capacity, then the base station is controlled to collect dust from a portion of the waste in the dust box.

[0037] If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the second set dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot is controlled to stop cleaning.

[0038] In one embodiment, the status information includes the battery level of the cleaning robot, and the control method includes:

[0039] When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, if the cleaning robot's battery level is lower than a set level, the base station is controlled to charge the cleaning robot.

[0040] In one embodiment, the status information includes the dust storage capacity of the base station and the water volume of the base station, and the control method includes:

[0041] If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the second set dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot will be controlled to stop cleaning, and the cleaning system will be controlled to provide voice prompts or APP prompts.

[0042] If the water level at the base station is lower than the first set water level, the cleaning robot is controlled to enter the sweeping mode, and the cleaning system is controlled to provide voice prompts or APP prompts.

[0043] A third aspect of the embodiments of this application provides a cleaning device, such as the cleaning system described in any of the preceding claims, the cleaning device further comprising: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor;

[0044] Wherein, when the processor is running a computer program, it executes the steps of any of the control methods described above.

[0045] This application provides a cleaning system, a control method for the cleaning system, and a cleaning device. The cleaning system includes a base station and a cleaning robot. The base station includes a base station body, a first infrared receiver group, and a first navigator group, which are mounted on the base station body. The cleaning robot includes a robot body, a second infrared receiver group, and a second navigator group, which are mounted on the robot body. The second navigator group is used to transmit position information to the first navigator group. When the cleaning robot is docked within the base station, the first and second infrared receiver groups can communicate with each other via infrared to transmit status information. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the base station structure in Figure 1;

[0048] Figure 3 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 2;

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cleaning robot in Figure 1;

[0050] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the cleaning robot in Figure 4 from another perspective;

[0051] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the cleaning robot from the bottom side view in Figure 4;

[0052] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a control method for a cleaning system in another embodiment of this application.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10. Base station; 11. Base station body; 11a. Base station charging interface; 11b. Base station water supply interface; 11c. Base station washing tank; 12. First infrared sensor group; 121. First serial port transmitter; 122. First serial port receiver; 123. First drive unit; 124. First receiving unit; 20. Cleaning robot; 21. Robot body; 21a. Robot charging interface; 21b. Robot water supply interface; 22. Second infrared sensor group; 221. Second serial port transmitter; 222. Second serial port receiver; 223. Second drive unit; 224. Second receiving unit; 23. Mop. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0056] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0057] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0058] In the description of the embodiments in this application, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0059] One embodiment of this application provides a cleaning system, as shown in Figure 1, which includes a base station 10 and a cleaning robot 20.

[0060] The base station 10 includes a base station body 11, a first infrared receiver group 12, and a first navigator group, with the first infrared receiver group 12 and the first navigator group mounted on the base station body 11.

[0061] The cleaning robot 20 includes a robot body 21, a second infrared sensor group 22, and a second navigator group. The second infrared sensor group 22 and the second navigator group are mounted on the robot body 21. The second navigator group is used to transmit position information with the first navigator group.

[0062] When the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state within the base station 10, the first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22 can communicate with each other via infrared to transmit status information.

[0063] Specifically, the first infrared receiver group 12 is used in conjunction with the second infrared receiver group 22 to enable status information communication between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 as needed.

[0064] The first navigator group is used in conjunction with the second navigator group to realize the transmission of location information between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 as needed.

[0065] The specific content of the status information transmitted between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 is not limited. For example, the status information may include at least one of the following: the cleaning robot 20's battery level, the cleaning robot 20's dust storage capacity, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot 20, the dust storage capacity of the base station 10, and the water level of the base station 10. In other words, the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 may transmit only one of the aforementioned status information, or a combination of multiple status information. This allows the base station 10 to easily provide various functions to the cleaning robot 20.

[0066] For example, when the cleaning robot 20 needs to be charged, the cleaning robot 20 transmits its power information to the base station 10 through the second infrared sensor group 22, so that the base station 10 can receive the information and charge the cleaning robot 20.

[0067] For example, after the cleaning robot 20 completes the cleaning, the cleaning robot 20 can report the cleaning status to the base station 10 through the second infrared sensor group 22 to confirm that the cleaning work has been completed.

[0068] For example, when the cleaning robot 20 needs to empty its dust box, the cleaning robot 20 transmits its dust storage information to the base station 10 via the second infrared sensor group 22, so that the base station 10 can collect dust from the dust box of the cleaning robot 20 after receiving the information. Of course, the base station 10 can also transmit its own dust storage information to determine whether to collect dust from the cleaning robot 20 based on its own dust storage level.

[0069] For example, when the cleaning robot 20 needs to clean the mop 23, the base station 10 can transmit the water volume of the base station 10 to the cleaning robot 20 through the first infrared unit 12, so as to determine whether to clean the mop 23 of the cleaning robot 20 based on the water volume of the base station 10.

[0070] Therefore, most of the status information communication between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 occurs when the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state within the base station 10, at which point the distance between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 is relatively short. Therefore, using the first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22 for status information transmission not only enables rapid information transmission between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10, but also offers lower costs and better economic efficiency compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmission.

[0071] During communication, the lights of the first infrared unit 12 and the second infrared unit 22 will flash continuously according to the communication protocol code. Therefore, the first infrared unit 12 and the second infrared unit 22 use infrared band invisible light communication, which can reduce light pollution and avoid affecting the user experience.

[0072] Depending on the actual situation, the wavelength of infrared light can be 940nm, 850nm or 1550nm.

[0073] In summary, in the cleaning system of this application embodiment, the second navigator group is used to transmit position information to the first navigator group. When the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state within the base station 10, the first infrared sensor group 12 and the second infrared sensor group 22 can transmit status information to each other via infrared communication. On one hand, the infrared communication between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 has a high communication rate and can achieve wireless communication within a short range. Furthermore, compared to WIFI and Bluetooth transmission, the infrared communication used in this application is less expensive, enabling low-cost, high-speed transmission of status information between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20. On the other hand, the cleaning system also includes a first navigator group and a second navigator group, through which position information can be transmitted. Moreover, the cleaning system of this application does not require the transmission of status information through the first and second navigator groups, allowing the transmission of status information and position information to be separated, thus further improving the transmission rate.

[0074] In one embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the first infrared receiver group 12 includes a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second infrared receiver group includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The first transmitter and the second receiver correspond to each other, and the first receiver and the second transmitter correspond to each other. This simplifies costs and the authentication process while ensuring communication speed, thereby enhancing the practical value and market competitiveness of the cleaning system.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first transmitter is a first serial port transmitter, and the second transmitter is a second serial port transmitter.

[0076] The first receiver is the first serial port receiver, and the second receiver is the second serial port receiver.

[0077] In some related technologies, a Wi-Fi module is installed on the main control board of the cleaning robot, and another Wi-Fi module is installed on the base station control board. The two Wi-Fi modules are paired before leaving the factory, and communication is achieved through Wi-Fi transmission after the cleaning robot returns to the base station. In other related technologies, a Bluetooth chip is installed on both the cleaning robot and the base station. They need to be paired one-to-one before leaving the factory, and communication is achieved through Bluetooth transmission after the cleaning robot returns to the base station. However, the cost of using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules in the above-mentioned related technologies is too high, and there are strict certification requirements, which is not conducive to achieving low-cost and efficient transmission.

[0078] The cleaning system in this embodiment uses independent electronic components such as serial port transmitting lights and serial port receiving lights, which can build a serial communication module. This can replace the WiFi module or Bluetooth module in related technologies, avoid unnecessary authentication processes, and enable low-cost and efficient short-range communication between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10. It can also realize a series of functions such as charging the cleaning robot 20, replenishing water, collecting dust, washing the mop 23, and upgrading the firmware of the base station 10.

[0079] The second serial port receiver 222 is used to receive infrared light signals emitted from the first serial port transmitter 121, while the first serial port receiver 122 is used to receive infrared light signals emitted from the second serial port transmitter 221. This enables the cleaning robot 20 to transmit status information to the base station 10, and the base station 10 can also transmit status information to the cleaning robot 20.

[0080] Depending on the actual situation, the number of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 is unlimited; there can be one or more.

[0081] It should be noted that the divergence angle of the serial port transmitting light affects the light field radiation range, which can be determined according to the actual sensing range required by the cleaning robot 20. However, both the divergence angle of the serial port transmitting light and the receiving angle of the serial port receiving light should not be too small, as this will lead to unstable signal transmission between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20. Within the set range, the larger the divergence angle of the serial port transmitting light and the receiving angle of the serial port receiving light, the easier it is for the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 to transmit signals. However, excessively large divergence and receiving angles are not conducive to the installation and setting of the serial port transmitting and receiving lights.

[0082] For example, the first transmitter is a first serial port transmitter 121, and the second transmitter is a second serial port transmitter 221, and the divergence angle of at least one of them is between 20° and 180°, such as 20°, 60°, 90°, 120° or 180°.

[0083] Specifically, the divergence angle of only the first serial port transmitter 121 can be between 20° and 180°, or only the divergence angle of only the second serial port transmitter 221 can be between 20° and 180°, or both the first serial port transmitter 121 and the second serial port transmitter 221 can have divergence angles between 20° and 180°. By controlling the divergence angle of the serial port transmitter within the above range, the cleaning robot 20 can quickly respond to signals and achieve wireless communication in most directions within the sensing distance. This improves the stability of signal transmission between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20, facilitates the installation and setting of the serial port transmitter and receiver, and prevents the problem of an excessively large divergence angle of the serial port transmitter, which would result in an excessively large front window of the serial port transmitter.

[0084] For example, the first receiver is a first serial port receiver 122, and the second receiver is a second serial port receiver 222, and at least one of them has a receiving angle between 20° and 180°, such as 20°, 60°, 90°, 120°, or 180°.

[0085] Specifically, the receiving angle of the first serial port receiver 122 can be between 20° and 180°, or the receiving angle of the second serial port receiver 222 can be between 20° and 180°, or both the first and second serial port receivers can have receiving angles between 20° and 180°. By controlling the receiving angle of the serial port receiver lamp within the above range, the stability of signal transmission between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 can be improved, while also facilitating the installation and setting of the serial port receiver lamp. This prevents the receiving angle of the serial port receiver lamp from being too large, which would result in an excessively large front window of the serial port receiver lamp.

[0086] The specific structure of the serial port receiving lamp is not limited.

[0087] For example, the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 respectively adopt surface-mount infrared receiver tubes.

[0088] For example, at least one of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 is a through-hole infrared receiver tube. This facilitates the structural design of the cleaning system and allows for easy installation of the serial port receiver lamp on the base station body 11 and the robot body 21.

[0089] Specifically, it can be that only the first serial port receiver 122 is a through-hole infrared receiver, or only the second serial port receiver 222 is a through-hole infrared receiver, or both the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 are through-hole infrared receivers. Using a through-hole configuration makes it easier to cut or twist the pins of the serial port receiver to match the structural design. Furthermore, compared to a surface-mount configuration, using through-hole infrared receivers eliminates the need for an additional PCB board, thus simplifying the structure and reducing costs.

[0090] For example, the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 are infrared receiving diodes (infrared PDs), which can greatly improve the response speed of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222.

[0091] For example, at least one of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 is an infrared receiving transistor (infrared PT).

[0092] Specifically, it's possible that only the first serial port receiver 122 is an infrared PT, only the second serial port receiver 222 is an infrared PT, or both the first and second serial port receivers 122 can be infrared PTs. Using an infrared PT simplifies the circuit design, resulting in a simpler structure. However, using an infrared PD requires additional processing circuitry to amplify the signal.

[0093] In one embodiment, the response distance of the first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22 is greater than or equal to 5 cm. For example, the response sensitivity of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 is greater than 5 cm.

[0094] Specifically, since the communication response distance between the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 is mostly within 5cm, setting the response distance of the first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22 to 5cm or more can meet the response requirements between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20.

[0095] In some embodiments, the response sensitivity of the first serial port receiver 122 and the second serial port receiver 222 is greater than 10cm. This is because there is a dustproof planar lens made of infrared injection molding material between the serial port transmitting light and the serial port receiving light, which attenuates the light intensity to a certain extent. Therefore, using a response sensitivity of 10cm or higher can further ensure the response stability between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20.

[0096] In one embodiment, the first infrared receiver group 12 further includes a first driving unit 123, which is electrically connected to the first transmitter to adjust the response distance of the first transmitter through the driving current and driving voltage provided by the first driving unit 123. Thus, the base station 10 can provide suitable driving voltage and driving current through the first driving unit 123 to enable the first transmitter to perform photoelectric conversion. The luminous intensity of the first transmitter is linearly related to the driving current; therefore, the response distance of the first transmitter and the second serial port receiver can be effectively controlled by controlling the driving current.

[0097] In one embodiment, the second infrared receiver assembly 22 further includes a second driving unit 223, which is electrically connected to the second transmitter to adjust the response distance of the second transmitter through the driving current and driving voltage provided by the second driving unit 223. Thus, the cleaning robot 20 can provide suitable driving voltage and driving current through the second driving unit 223 to enable the second transmitter to perform photoelectric conversion. The luminous intensity of the second transmitter is linearly related to the driving current; therefore, the response distance between the second transmitter and the first receiver can be effectively controlled by controlling the driving current.

[0098] In one embodiment, the first infrared receiver group 12 includes a first receiving unit 124, and the second infrared receiver group 22 includes a second receiving unit 224. The first receiving unit 124 is signal-connected to the first receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the first receiver into a digital signal. The second receiving unit 224 is signal-connected to the second receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the second receiver into a digital signal.

[0099] Specifically, the first receiving unit 124 is used to convert the photocurrent signal from the first receiver into a digital signal. The second receiving unit 224 is used to convert the photocurrent signal from the second receiver into a digital signal and send it to the MCU (microcontroller unit) of the cleaning robot 20 circuit for decoding. The first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22 have a pre-defined code pattern protocol.

[0100] Another embodiment of this application provides a control method for a cleaning system. Referring to Figure 7, this method is used in any embodiment of the cleaning system described in this application. The control method includes the following steps:

[0101] Step S1: Control the first navigator group and the second navigator group to transmit location information, and control the cleaning robot 20 to move relative to the base station 10 according to the location information.

[0102] Step S2: When the cleaning robot 20 is in the docking state within the base station 10, it controls the first infrared unit 12 and the second infrared unit 22 to conduct infrared communication to transmit status information to each other.

[0103] Specifically, there is no sequential order between steps S1 and S2. Through the first navigator group and the second navigator group, the cleaning robot 20 can transmit location information with the base station 10, and at the same time enable the cleaning robot 20 to move relative to the base station 10.

[0104] Simultaneously, through the first infrared receiver group 12 and the second infrared receiver group 22, the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 can transmit status information.

[0105] In one embodiment, the control method for the cleaning system further includes controlling the base station 10 and / or the cleaning robot 20 to perform corresponding actions based on status information. This satisfies the needs of various communication functions between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20.

[0106] The status information includes at least one of the following: the battery level of the cleaning robot 20, the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot 20, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot 20, the dust storage capacity of the base station 10, and the water volume of the base station 10.

[0107] It should be noted that, depending on the different status information transmitted between the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20, the base station 10 can be controlled to perform a corresponding action, the cleaning robot 20 can be controlled to perform a corresponding action, or the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 can be controlled to perform a corresponding action together.

[0108] The specific actions correspond to the status information.

[0109] For example, the status information includes the water volume of base station 10, and the control method further includes the following steps:

[0110] When the cleaning robot 20 is docked within the base station 10, if the water level in the base station 10 is lower than a first preset level, the cleaning robot 20's mop 23 is raised a preset distance. If the water level in the base station 10 is higher than the first preset level, the base station 10 is controlled to clean the mop 23. After cleaning the mop 23, the base station 10 is controlled to replenish water into the cleaning robot 20. Thus, the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 can selectively take corresponding actions based on the amount of water in the base station 10.

[0111] Specifically, when the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state, the base station 10 transmits its own water volume information to the cleaning robot 20 through infrared communication between the first infrared unit 12 and the second infrared unit 22.

[0112] When the water level at base station 10 is lower than the first set water level, it is determined that the water level at base station 10 is too low to meet the requirements for replenishing water and washing mop 23 for cleaning robot 20. At the same time, based on the acquired status information, cleaning robot 20 raises mop 23, thereby only sweeping and not mopping, thus avoiding the problem of the unwashed mop 23 continuing to mop and making the floor dirtier.

[0113] When the water level in base station 10 is higher than the first set water level, it is determined that base station 10 has a certain amount of water. At this time, the mop 23 is cleaned first, and the remaining water is used to replenish the cleaning robot 20.

[0114] Of course, in other embodiments, a second set water volume can also be set, which is greater than the first set water volume.

[0115] When the water level of base station 10 is higher than the first set water level but lower than the second set water level, the mop 23 is cleaned first, and then water is replenished after cleaning.

[0116] When the water level at base station 10 exceeds the second preset water level, it is determined that base station 10 has sufficient water, and water replenishment and mopping operations can be performed simultaneously. This reduces the overall cleaning time of the cleaning robot 20 and improves its cleaning efficiency.

[0117] In one embodiment, the status information includes the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot 20 and the dust storage capacity of the base station 10, and the control method further includes the following steps:

[0118] When the cleaning robot 20 is docked within the base station 10, if the dust storage capacity of the base station 10 is lower than a first preset dust storage capacity, the base station 10 is controlled to collect dust from the dustbin of the cleaning robot 20. If the dust storage capacity of the base station 10 is higher than the first preset dust storage capacity but lower than a second preset dust storage capacity, the base station 10 is controlled to collect some of the debris in the dustbin. If the dust storage capacity of the base station 10 is higher than the second preset dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot 20 is controlled to stop cleaning. Therefore, the cleaning robot 20 and the base station 10 can selectively take corresponding actions based on the amount of dust stored in the base station 10.

[0119] Specifically, the first set dust storage capacity is lower than the second set dust storage capacity.

[0120] When the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state, the base station 10 transmits its own dust storage information to the cleaning robot 20 through infrared communication between the first infrared sensor group 12 and the second infrared sensor group 22.

[0121] When the dust storage capacity of base station 10 is lower than the first set dust storage capacity, it is determined that there is not much garbage in base station 10 and base station 10 has sufficient dust collection space. Thus, the garbage in the dust box of cleaning robot 20 can be collected through base station 10.

[0122] When the dust storage capacity of base station 10 is higher than the first preset dust storage capacity but lower than the second preset dust storage capacity, it is determined that there is a certain amount of garbage inside base station 10, but there is still some space available for dust collection. Thus, some of the garbage in the dust box of cleaning robot 20 can be collected through base station 10.

[0123] If the dust storage capacity of base station 10 is higher than the second set dust storage capacity, it is determined that there is a lot of garbage in base station 10 and there is too little space available for dust collection, so the cleaning robot 20 cannot collect dust. At this time, the cleaning robot 20 will be suspended.

[0124] In one embodiment, the status information includes the battery level of the cleaning robot 20, and the control method further includes the following steps:

[0125] When the cleaning robot 20 is docked within the base station 10, if its battery level is lower than a set level, the base station 10 will charge the cleaning robot 20. Thus, the cleaning robot 20 can be adaptively charged based on its battery level information.

[0126] In one embodiment, the status information includes the dust storage capacity of base station 10 and the water volume of base station 10, and the control method further includes the following steps:

[0127] If the dust storage capacity of base station 10 exceeds the second preset dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot 20 will stop cleaning, and the cleaning system will issue voice prompts or app notifications. This makes it easier to remind users to replace the dust bag in a timely manner.

[0128] If the water level at base station 10 falls below a pre-set level, the cleaning robot 20 will enter sweeping mode, and the cleaning system will provide voice or app prompts. This allows users to easily remind themselves to replenish the water level at base station 10.

[0129] Another embodiment of this application also includes a cleaning device, such as the cleaning system described in any embodiment of this application. The cleaning device further includes a processor and a memory for storing a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor runs the computer program, it performs the steps of the control method described in any embodiment of this application.

[0130] In one specific embodiment, referring to Figures 2 to 6, the robot body 21 includes a robot charging interface 21a and a robot water replenishment interface 21b, and the base station body 11 includes a base station charging interface 11a, a base station water replenishment interface 11b, and a base station washing tank 11c. When the cleaning robot 20 is in a docked state within the base station 10, the robot charging interface 21a is docked with the base station charging interface 11a, the robot water replenishment interface 21b is correspondingly connected with the base station water replenishment interface 11b, and the mop 23 of the cleaning robot 20 is located in the base station washing tank 11c. This allows the base station 10 and the cleaning robot 20 to perform corresponding actions based on the status information transmitted via infrared communication.

[0131] On one hand, the base station and the cleaning robot use infrared communication, which offers high communication speed and enables wireless communication within a short range. Furthermore, compared to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth transmission, infrared communication is less expensive, allowing for low-cost, high-speed transmission of status information between the base station and the cleaning robot. On the other hand, the cleaning system also includes a first navigator group and a second navigator group, through which location information can be transmitted. Moreover, the cleaning system of this application does not require the transmission of status information through the first and second navigator groups, separating the transmission of status information from the transmission of location information, thus further improving the transmission rate.

[0132] In the description of this application, the references to terms such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in a specific embodiment," or "exemplary," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this application, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine the different embodiments or examples described in this application, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0133] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application are included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A cleaning system, characterized in that, include: The base station includes a base station body, a first infrared receiver group, and a first navigator group, wherein the first infrared receiver group and the first navigator group are disposed on the base station body; A cleaning robot, comprising a robot body, a second infrared sensor group, and a second navigator group, wherein the second infrared sensor group and the second navigator group are disposed on the robot body, and the second navigator group is used to transmit position information to the first navigator group. When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group can communicate with each other via infrared to transmit status information.

2. The cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first infrared receiver group includes a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second infrared receiver group includes a second transmitter and a second receiver. The first transmitter and the second receiver correspond to each other, and the first receiver and the second transmitter correspond to each other.

3. The cleaning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first transmitter is a first serial port transmitter, and the second transmitter is a second serial port transmitter, wherein at least one of them has a divergence angle between 20° and 180°; and / or, The first receiver is a first serial port receiver, and the second receiver is a second serial port receiver, with at least one of them having a receiving angle between 20° and 180°.

4. The cleaning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one of the first serial port receiver and the second serial port receiver is a through-hole infrared receiver; and / or, At least one of the first serial port receiver and the second serial port receiver is an infrared receiving transistor; and / or, The response distance between the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group is greater than or equal to 5 centimeters.

5. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The status information includes at least one of the following: the battery level of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the water volume of the base station.

6. The cleaning system according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The first infrared receiver group further includes a first driving unit, which is electrically connected to the first transmitter to adjust the response distance of the first transmitter by means of a driving current and a driving voltage provided by the first driving unit; and / or, The second infrared receiver group further includes a second driving unit, which is electrically connected to the second transmitter to adjust the response distance of the second transmitter by means of a driving current and a driving voltage provided by the second driving unit; and / or, The first infrared receiver group includes a first receiving unit, and the second infrared receiver group includes a second receiving unit. The first receiving unit is signal-connected to the first receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the first receiver into a digital signal; the second receiving unit is signal-connected to the second receiver to convert the photocurrent signal received by the second receiver into a digital signal.

7. A control method for a cleaning system, used in the cleaning system according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The control method includes: The system controls the transmission of location information between the first navigator group and the second navigator group, and controls the cleaning robot to move relative to the base station based on the location information. When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, it controls the first infrared sensor group and the second infrared sensor group to conduct infrared communication to transmit status information to each other.

8. The control method for the cleaning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control method includes: Based on the status information, control the base station and / or the cleaning robot to perform corresponding actions; The status information includes at least one of the following: the battery level of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot, the cleaning status of the cleaning robot, the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the water volume of the base station.

9. The control method for the cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The status information includes the water level of the base station, and the control method includes: When the cleaning robot is in a docking state within the base station; If the water level at the base station is lower than the first set water level, the cleaning robot's mop is raised by a set distance. If the water level at the base station is higher than the first set water level, the base station is controlled to clean the mop; after the mop cleaning is completed, the base station is controlled to replenish water into the cleaning robot.

10. The control method for the cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The status information includes the dust storage capacity of the cleaning robot and the dust storage capacity of the base station, and the control method includes: When the cleaning robot is in a docking state within the base station; If the dust storage capacity of the base station is lower than the first set dust storage capacity, the base station is controlled to collect dust from the dust box of the cleaning robot. If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the first set dust storage capacity but lower than the second set dust storage capacity, then the base station is controlled to collect dust from a portion of the waste in the dust box. If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the second set dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot is controlled to stop cleaning.

11. The control method for the cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The status information includes the battery level of the cleaning robot, and the control method includes: When the cleaning robot is in a docked state within the base station, if the cleaning robot's battery level is lower than a set level, the base station is controlled to charge the cleaning robot.

12. The control method for the cleaning system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The status information includes the dust storage capacity and water volume of the base station, and the control method includes: If the dust storage capacity of the base station is higher than the second set dust storage capacity, the cleaning robot will be controlled to stop cleaning, and the cleaning system will be controlled to provide voice prompts or APP prompts. If the water level at the base station is lower than the first set water level, the cleaning robot is controlled to enter the sweeping mode, and the cleaning system is controlled to provide voice prompts or APP prompts.

13. A cleaning device, characterized in that, The cleaning system according to any one of claims 1-6, the cleaning device further includes: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor; When the processor is used to run a computer program, it executes the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 7 to 12.

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