Base station and cleaning system

Abstract

A base station, configured to dock with a cleaning device. The base station comprises a base station body, a charging module, and a power supply module. The charging module comprises an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly comprises a movable arm, an elastic member, and an electrode plate. The movable arm is movably connected to the base station body. The elastic member is configured to apply a force to the connected movable arm in a direction away from the base station body. The electrode plate comprises an elastic portion, and the elastic portion is configured to abut against a charging terminal of the cleaning device. The power supply module is disposed on the base station body, and is configured to supply power to the charging module.

Description

Base stations and cleaning systems Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to two applications filed on January 6, 2025, with application numbers 202510019022.0 and 202520025130.4, both filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, and more specifically, to a base station and a cleaning system. Background Technology

[0003] With the development of modern society, in order to save time and maintain household hygiene, more and more people are buying cleaning equipment to clean their homes promptly and conveniently. Cleaning equipment can automatically clean floors throughout the room.

[0004] The cleaning equipment in related technologies are mostly robotic vacuum cleaners and mops. After performing cleaning tasks, these robots usually need to return to the base station to recharge. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the cleaning equipment can stably connect to the base station's charging module while it is charging.

[0005] 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

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a base station and a cleaning system.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a base station is provided for interfacing with a cleaning device. The base station includes: a base station body; a charging module including an electrode assembly comprising a movable arm, an elastic element, and an electrode plate, the movable arm being movably connected to the base station body, the elastic element being configured to apply a force away from the base station body to the connected movable arm; the electrode plate including an elastic portion configured to abut against a charging terminal of the cleaning device; and a power supply module disposed on the base station body and configured to supply power to the electrode plate.

[0008] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the electrode sheet further includes a body portion disposed on the movable arm, and the elastic portion is connected to the body portion.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, at least a portion of the elastic portion extends relative to the body portion toward a side away from the base station body in the rotational direction of the movable arm.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, when the elastic portion is compressed and deformed toward the body portion under the action of an external force, the outermost portion of the elastic portion and the body portion toward the side away from the base station body in the direction of movement can be aligned.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the body portion is provided with at least one protrusion, the protrusion being located on the body portion along the direction of movement toward the side away from the base station body.

[0012] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic portion includes an elastic spring, which is connected to the body portion.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the distance between the free end of the elastic spring and the body portion is greatest in the direction away from the base station body.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic spring is U-shaped or sheet-like.

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the free end of the elastic spring is formed with a flange that folds toward the movable arm.

[0016] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic portion further includes a connecting structure connected to the body portion, and the elastic spring is connected to the connecting structure.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the connecting structure and the elastic spring are an integral structure.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic portion further includes a positioning structure connected to the connecting structure, the positioning structure being configured to cooperate with the movable arm to limit the elastic portion.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, in the direction of movement of the movable arm, the connecting structure is located on the side of the body portion facing the inner side of the base station body; wherein, the body portion is provided with a notch, and the elastic spring extends through the notch to the periphery of the base station body; or, the body portion is provided with a through hole, and the elastic spring extends through the through hole to the periphery of the base station body.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the body portion and the elastic portion are separate structures.

[0021] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the body portion engages with the movable arm.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the base station body is provided with a mounting frame, the movable arm is rotatably connected to the mounting frame, and the elastic element is connected between the movable arm and the mounting frame.

[0023] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the mounting bracket is provided with a limiting structure, which is configured to restrict the movement of the movable arm relative to the mounting bracket between a first position and a second position.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the elastic element is a torsion spring.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the movable arm is rotatably or retractably connected to the base station body.

[0026] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the charging module includes two sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the movable arm is rotatably connected to the base station body, and the movable arms of the two sets of electrode assemblies rotate in opposite directions.

[0028] In one exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the two sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities are distributed along the width direction of the base station, and one of the electrode assemblies is mirrored in the height direction of the base station and symmetrical to the other electrode assembly in the width direction.

[0029] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a cleaning system is provided, comprising: a cleaning device; and a base station as described above, the base station being configured to interface with the cleaning device.

[0030] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a base station provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the base station being turned on according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 4.

[0037] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a mounting bracket and electrode assembly provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0038] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of two sets of electrode assemblies provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet provided in one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure from another perspective.

[0042] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet from another perspective provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet provided in another embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of an electrode sheet provided in another embodiment of this disclosure from another perspective.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10, base station; 20, cleaning equipment; 110, base station body; 111, housing; 112, mounting bracket; 113, rotating shaft; 120, electrode assembly; 121, movable arm; 122, electrode plate; 123, elastic element; 1221, elastic part; 12211, elastic spring; 12212, connecting structure; 12213, positioning structure; 12214, flange; 1222, body part; 12221, conductive end; 12222, notch; 12223, through hole; 1223, protrusion; 130, parking area; 140, cleaning tank; 150, liquid supply nozzle; 160, air outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0050] Although relative terms such as "up" and "down" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of an icon to another, these terms are used only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples shown in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that if the device of the icon is flipped upside down, the component described as "up" will become the component described as "down." When a structure is "up" of another structure, it may mean that the structure is integrally formed on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" mounted on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" mounted on the other structure through another structure.

[0051] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” “the,” and “at least one” are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended inclusion and to mean that there may be other elements / components / etc. in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as markers and are not a limitation on the number of objects.

[0052] This disclosure provides a cleaning system, as shown in FIG1, comprising a base station 10 and a cleaning device 20. The cleaning device 20 may be, for example, a robotic vacuum cleaner, a robotic mop, or a robotic vacuum and mop combo; the cleaning device 20 may include a device body, a drive module, a sensing module, a control module, a cleaning module, an energy module, and a human-machine interaction module. The base station 10 is used to dock with the cleaning device 20, i.e., to park the cleaning device 20. The cleaning device 20 can perform functions such as charging, self-cleaning, docking, sewage discharge, and water replenishment on the base station 10.

[0053] In some embodiments, the device body is configured to automatically move along a target direction on a travel surface, which can be the surface to be cleaned by the cleaning device 20. If the cleaning device 20 is a sweeping and mopping robot, then the cleaning device 20 operates on the ground, which is the aforementioned operating surface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the drive module includes a drive wheel assembly. The drive module can control both the left and right wheels simultaneously. For more precise control of the machine's movement, the drive module preferably includes a left drive wheel assembly and a right drive wheel assembly, respectively. The left and right drive wheel assemblies are symmetrically arranged along a transverse axis defined by the device body.

[0055] In some embodiments, to enable the cleaning device 20 to move more stably or with greater mobility on the ground, the cleaning device 20 may include one or more steering wheels; wherein, the steering wheels may be driven wheels or driving wheels, and their structural forms include, but are not limited to, casters, and the steering wheels may be located in front of the driving wheel assembly. A drive motor provides power to the driving wheel assembly and / or the steering wheels.

[0056] In some embodiments, the sensing module includes a position determination device located above the device body, a buffer located in the forward portion of the device body, and a cliff sensor and ultrasonic sensor, infrared sensor, magnetometer, accelerometer, gyroscope, odometer, and other sensing devices located at the bottom of the device body, providing the control module with various position and motion state information of the device body. For example, the forward portion of the device body is provided with a buffer. During the cleaning process, when the drive wheel assembly propels the cleaning device 20 to move on the ground, the buffer detects one or more objects in the travel path of the cleaning device 20 via the sensor module, such as an infrared sensor. The cleaning device 20 can respond to the objects detected by the buffer, such as steps, obstacles, or walls, and the control drive structure can make the cleaning device 20 respond to the objects, such as stepping over steps.

[0057] In some embodiments, the control module can combine distance and speed information fed back from sensors such as buffers, cliff sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, magnetometers, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and odometers to comprehensively determine the current working state of the robot vacuum cleaner, such as climbing stairs, crossing thresholds, walking on carpets, being on a cliff, stuck above or below, having a full dustbin, or being picked up. It will also provide specific next action strategies for different situations, making the cleaning device 20 work more in line with the user's requirements and providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the control module can plan the most efficient and reasonable cleaning path and cleaning method based on real-time map information drawn using SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping), which can improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device 20.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cleaning module may include a dry cleaning module, or a dry and wet cleaning module. The dry cleaning module may include a roller brush assembly, side brushes, etc., while the wet cleaning module may include a cleaning head, a water tank, etc.

[0059] In some embodiments, the energy module includes a rechargeable battery, such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium battery. The rechargeable battery may be connected to a charging control circuit, a battery pack charging temperature detection circuit, and a battery undervoltage monitoring circuit. These circuits are then connected to a microcontroller control circuit. The device body is charged by connecting to a charging station via charging electrodes located on the side or bottom of the device.

[0060] In some embodiments, the human-machine interface module includes buttons on the device's main panel for users to select functions; it may also include a display screen and / or indicator lights and / or a speaker, which display the current machine status or function selection options to the user; and it may also include a mobile client application. For path navigation cleaning devices, the mobile client can display a map of the device's environment and its location to the user, providing richer and more user-friendly functions.

[0061] In related technologies, after completing the mopping and cleaning operation, the cleaning device 20 can autonomously move to the base station 10 for charging. However, since the cleaning device 20 moves to the base station 10 autonomously for charging, meaning that the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 automatically contacts the charging electrode on the base station 10 without human intervention to determine whether the connection is successful, poor contact between the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 and the charging electrode on the base station 10 can easily occur, leading to charging failure. This affects the continuous operation of the cleaning device 20 and consequently impacts the user experience.

[0062] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this disclosure provides a base station 10, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. The base station 10 includes: a base station body 110, a charging module, and a power supply module. The charging module includes an electrode assembly 120, which includes a movable arm 121, an elastic element 123, and an electrode sheet 122. The movable arm 121 is movably connected to the base station body 110, and the elastic element 123 is configured to apply a force away from the base station body 110 to the connected movable arm 121. The electrode sheet 122 includes an elastic portion 1221, which is configured to abut against the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20. The power supply module is disposed on the base station body 110 and is configured to supply power to the electrode sheet 122.

[0063] In the base station 10 provided in this disclosure, when the cleaning device 20 automatically moves to the base station 10 for charging, the charging terminal on the cleaning device 20 contacts the electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120 on the base station 10. Since the charging terminal abuts against the elastic portion 1221 of the electrode plate 122, the movement of the cleaning device 20 on the base station 10 causes the charging terminal to push the elastic portion 1221 of the electrode plate 122 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby achieving interference physical contact. At the same time, since the electrode plate 122 is mounted on the movable arm 121, the movable arm 121 overcomes the elastic element... The elastic force of 123 can move relative to the base station body 110. Therefore, when the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 pushes the elastic part 1221 of the electrode plate 122, it can further push the movable arm 121 to move relative to the base station body 110. This achieves two-stage buffering when the positive and negative charging terminals of the cleaning device 20 contact the elastic part 1221 of the electrode plate 122, further improving the stability of the contact between the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 and the elastic part 1221 of the electrode plate 122. This improves the reliability of the base station 10 charging the cleaning device 20 and enhances the user experience.

[0064] The charging module provided in this disclosure will now be described in detail.

[0065] In one embodiment, the charging module includes two sets of electrode assemblies 120 with opposite polarities. When the cleaning device 20 automatically moves to the base station 10 for charging, the positive and negative charging terminals on the cleaning device 20 contact the electrode plates 122 of the positive and negative electrode assemblies 120 on the base station 10 respectively to achieve charging connection. Since the positive and negative charging terminals abut against the elastic portions 1221 of the positive and negative electrode plates 122, the movement of the cleaning device 20 on the base station 10 causes the positive and negative charging terminals to push the elastic portions 1221 of the positive and negative electrode plates 122 to undergo elastic deformation, thereby achieving interference physical contact between the positive and negative electrodes. At the same time, since the electrode plates 122 are mounted on the movable arm 121, the movable arm 121 can move relative to the base station body 110 by overcoming the elastic force of the elastic member 123. Therefore, when the positive and negative charging terminals of the cleaning device 20 push the elastic portions 1221 of the positive and negative electrode plates 122, the movable arm 121 can be moved relative to the base station body 110, thereby achieving two-stage buffering when the positive and negative charging terminals of the cleaning device 20 abut against the elastic portions 1221 of the electrode plates 122. This further improves the reliability of the base station 10 charging the cleaning device 20, thereby further improving the user experience. Of course, one of the two sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities may use the electrode assembly 120 provided in this disclosure, while the other may use a conventional arrangement. The charging module may include three, four, or more sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities, and this disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0066] In one embodiment, the movable arm is rotatably or retractably connected to the base station body. When the movable arm is rotatably connected to the base station body, the movable arm and the base station body can be rotatably connected via a pivot; the movable arm can rotate relative to the base station body within a certain angle range under the push of the cleaning device. When the movable arm is retractably connected to the base station body, the movable arm can extend and retract relative to the base station body under the push of the cleaning device, adjusting the position extending out of the base station body. It can be seen that by rotatably or retractably connecting the movable arm to the base station body, the movable arm can move under the push of the cleaning device to achieve two-stage buffering when the positive and negative charging terminals of the cleaning device 20 abut against the elastic part 1221 of the electrode plate 122, thereby further improving the reliability of the base station 10 charging the cleaning device 20, and further improving the user experience. The following is an example description of the movable arm 121 being rotatably connected to the base station body 110.

[0067] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 4 to 6, a mounting frame 112 is provided on the base station body 110. The movable arms 121 of the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 are rotatably connected to the mounting frame 112. An elastic element 123 is connected between the movable arm 121 and the mounting frame 112 to apply a force away from the mounting frame 112 to the connected movable arm 121. That is, when the positive and negative charging terminals of the cleaning device 20 push the elastic part 1221 of the electrode plate 122 and thus push the movable arm 121 to rotate relative to the mounting frame 112, the elastic element 123 provides an elastic force to block the rotation of the movable arm 121. The movable arm 121 rotates by compressing the elastic element 123.

[0068] The mounting bracket 112 is fixed to the base station body 110. For example, the mounting bracket 112 is fixedly connected to the housing 111 of the base station body 110 to serve as the mounting structure for the charging module.

[0069] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the mounting bracket 112 may be provided with a pivot hole 113. One end of the movable arm 121 is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 112 through the pivot hole 113, which facilitates installation and ensures a stable rotating structure. Of course, the pivot 113 and the mounting bracket 112 or the movable arm 121 may be an integral structure, and this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0070] In one embodiment, the mounting bracket 112 is provided with a limiting structure, which is configured to restrict the rotation of the movable arm 121 relative to the mounting bracket 112 between a first position and a second position. By providing a limiting structure on the mounting bracket 112, when the movable arm 121 is not subjected to external force, the movable arm 121 is in the first position, which is most protruding relative to the mounting bracket 112, under the action of the elastic member 123 and in cooperation with the limiting structure; when the movable arm 121 is subjected to external force and rotates, the limiting structure restricts the rotation angle, allowing the movable arm 121 to rotate to the side of the rotating bracket at most to the second position, thereby forming a rotation limit on the movable arm 121.

[0071] The mounting bracket 112 can form a receiving space for assembling the movable arm 121, and the part of the movable arm 121 that is rotatably connected to the mounting bracket 112 can be located in the receiving space. At this time, the upper and lower side walls of the receiving space can form a limit on the movable arm 121 in its circumferential direction, and the side wall of the opening on the receiving space through which the movable arm 121 extends can form a limit on the rotation angle of the movable arm 121 relative to the mounting bracket 112.

[0072] Of course, mutually cooperating limiting structures can also be provided on the movable arm 121 and the mounting frame 112. For example, a limiting protrusion can be provided on the mounting frame 112 to limit the rotation angle of the movable arm 121; or, a limiting protrusion can be provided on the movable arm 121 and a limiting groove can be provided on the mounting frame 112 to cooperate with the limiting protrusion. The limitation of the sliding distance of the limiting protrusion in the limiting groove can limit the rotation angle of the movable arm 121 during installation; those skilled in the art can also provide other types of limiting structures, which are not limited in this disclosure.

[0073] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG6, the movable arms 121 of the two opposing sets of electrode assemblies 120 rotate in opposite directions. The cleaning device 20 is typically circular. By having the movable arms 121 of the two opposing sets of electrode assemblies 120 rotate in opposite directions, when they contact the charging terminals on the cleaning device 20, the rotational trajectories of the two rotations are substantially perpendicular to the tangent at the location of the charging terminals on the cleaning device 20. This prevents excessive lateral displacement of the elastic portion 1221 of the electrode plate 122 in the circumferential direction of the cleaning device 20 when the rotating arms are pushed to rotate, thus ensuring a stable contact between the elastic portion 1221 of the electrode plate 122 and the charging terminals. Simultaneously, this also facilitates the layout of the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 within the pile body, improving space utilization and allowing for a smaller overall size of the pile body. Of course, the movable arms 121 of the two opposing sets of electrode assemblies 120 can also rotate in the same direction; this disclosure does not impose any limitation on this.

[0074] When the movable arms 121 of the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 are subjected to the same thrust, the rotation angles of the two movable arms 121 are the same or substantially the same, so that the elastic portions 1221 of the two electrode plates 122 maintain a reliable contact with the charging terminals of the cleaning device 20.

[0075] In one embodiment, the elastic element 123 is a torsion spring. The torsion spring includes two torsion arms, one of which is fixedly connected to the movable arm 121, and the other is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket 112. The torsion spring can stably provide an elastic force, enabling the movable arm 121 to rotate from a second position to a first position and remain in the first position. It is understood that the elastic element 123 can also be an elastic component 1221 other than a torsion spring, spring, or tension spring, as long as it can provide an elastic force to switch the movable arm 121 from the second position to the first position and remain in the first position.

[0076] The torsion spring can be coaxially arranged with the rotating shaft 113, that is, the torsional part of the torsion spring can be sleeved on the rotating shaft 113 to provide a stable torsional force.

[0077] The movable arm 121 may be provided with a first slot, and the mounting bracket 112 may be provided with a second slot. The first torsion arm of the torsion spring is confined within the first slot, and the second torsion arm of the torsion spring is confined within the second slot. Thus, the torsion spring is installed through the first and second slots, and the movable arm 121 and the mounting bracket 112 are movably connected through the torsion spring. The structure is simple and the installation is convenient.

[0078] The first torsion arm of the torsion spring can be inserted into the first slot, locked in the first slot, or bonded to the first slot by an adhesive. The second torsion arm of the torsion spring can be inserted into the second slot, locked in the second slot, or bonded to the second slot by an adhesive.

[0079] During the switching process between the first and second positions of the movable arm 121, the angle between the first and second slots is smaller than the angle between the first and second torsion arms when the torsion spring is in its free state. That is, by appropriately setting the positions of the first and second slots, the first and second torsion arms of the torsion spring can be subjected to force, thereby allowing the movable arm 121 to switch from the second position to the first position without external force, and maintain itself in the first position.

[0080] Of course, the first and second torsion arms of the torsion spring can respectively abut against the opposing surfaces of the movable arm 121 and the mounting bracket 112 to provide elastic force to the movable arm 121 so that the movable arm 121 switches from the second position to the first position and remains in the first position.

[0081] In one embodiment, the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 with opposite polarities are identical. By making the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 with opposite polarities identical, it is not necessary to distinguish the positive and negative electrode installation positions during installation, which is convenient. At the same time, by manufacturing a single electrode assembly 120 that can be used as either a positive or negative electrode, the production cost is low and the maintenance is economical.

[0082] When the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 with opposite polarities are assembled on the mounting bracket 112, the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 can be distributed along the width direction of the base station 10. After one of the electrode assemblies 120 is mirrored in the height direction of the base station 10, it is symmetrical with the other electrode assembly 120 in the width direction. That is, during installation, the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 do not need to distinguish the positive and negative pole installation positions, and only need to be mirror symmetrical in the height direction of the base station 10.

[0083] Of course, the structures of the two sets of electrode assemblies 120 can also be the same, as long as the above-mentioned technical effects can be achieved, and this disclosure does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0084] In one embodiment, the electrode plate 122 includes a body portion 1222 and an elastic portion 1221. The body portion 1222 is disposed on the movable arm 121, and the elastic portion 1221 is connected to the body portion 1222. By including the body portion 1222 and the elastic portion 1221 in the electrode plate 122, the portion that abuts against the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 can be made of a material with a high elastic modulus as the elastic portion 1221, thereby enabling the electrode plate 122 to make interference contact with the charging terminal; the portion connected to the movable arm 121 can be made of a conductive material with good conductivity as the body portion 1222, thereby improving the conductivity of the electrode plate 122.

[0085] The main body 1222 and the elastic part 1221 are separate structures, which allows them to be manufactured using different materials. Both the main body 1222 and the elastic part 1221 can be formed of conductive metallic materials, and they can be fixedly connected by welding, a reliable and stable method. Alternatively, the main body 1222 and the elastic part 1221 can also be fixedly connected by bonding, threaded connections, snap-fitting, or other methods. It is understood that in some embodiments, the main body 1222 and the elastic part 1221 can be a single integrated structure, formed from a single metal sheet through processes such as stamping and cutting.

[0086] In one embodiment, the main body 1222 is engaged with the movable arm 121, that is, the electrode plate 122 is engaged with the movable arm 121, which facilitates the assembly of the electrode plate 122.

[0087] As shown in Figures 8, 11 and 14, the part connecting the movable arm 121 and the body part 1222 can be in the shape of a rectangular block, and the body part 1222 of the electrode sheet 122 can be U-shaped, that is, the body part 1222 is sleeved on the outer peripheral surface of the part connecting the movable arm 121 and the body part 1222, which is convenient for installation.

[0088] The electrode plate 122 can be provided with a snap-fit ​​structure on its body 1222 and movable arm 121. This allows the electrode plate 122 to be positioned and connected to the movable arm 121 after assembly, improving assembly accuracy and efficiency. In some embodiments, the snap-fit ​​structure can be a combination of a protrusion and a groove, with one protrusion and groove located on the body 1222 and the other on the movable arm 121. When the electrode plate 122 is installed in place on the movable arm 121, the protrusion is located in the groove for positioning. Preferably, a protrusion is provided on the electrode plate 122. Since the electrode plate 122 is made of metal, a tongue structure is easily provided as the protrusion. The movable arm 121 is made of insulating plastic material, facilitating the formation of the groove through injection molding.

[0089] In one embodiment, the end of the body portion 1222 away from the elastic portion 1221 is provided with a conductive end 12221 connected to the charging module, and the electrode sheet 122 is electrically connected to the charging module through the conductive end 12221.

[0090] The conductive terminal 12221 can be connected to the circuit of the charging module by soldering or by fasteners, such as threaded parts, and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0091] A through hole may be provided on the conductive end 12221. This through hole can serve as a connection structure 12212 with the circuit on the one hand, and as a stress relief area on the other hand.

[0092] In one embodiment, in the rotation direction of the movable arm 121, at least a portion of the elastic part 1221 extends toward the side away from the base station body 110 relative to the body part 1222, that is, the elastic part 1221 extends to the outer surface of the base station body 110, which facilitates contact with the charging terminal on the cleaning device 20.

[0093] In one embodiment, when the elastic part 1221 is compressed and deformed toward the body part 1222 under the action of an external force, the outermost part of the elastic part 1221 and the body part 1222 in the direction of movement toward the side away from the base station body 110 can be aligned. That is, during the process of the charging terminal of the cleaning device abutting against the elastic part 1221 and pushing the elastic part 1221 to compress and deform, it can also abut against the body part 1222, thereby achieving simultaneous contact with the body part 1222 and the elastic part 1221, and power is supplied simultaneously through the body part 1222 and the elastic part 1221.

[0094] When the main body 1222 experiences poor contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning equipment due to dirt / oil, the elastic part 1221 can still maintain electrical conductivity with the charging terminal of the cleaning equipment to provide power. Since the movable arm 121 is rotatably connected to the base station body 110, during the compression and deformation of the elastic part 1221 by the charging terminal of the cleaning equipment, the charging terminal and the elastic part 1221 slide relative to each other. This allows the elastic part 1221 to scrape the contact surface of the charging terminal, thereby removing dirt / oil adhering to the contact surface of the charging terminal during the cleaning process, ensuring conductivity after the charging terminal contacts the main body 1222.

[0095] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9, 12 and 15, the main body 1222 is provided with at least one protrusion 1223. The protrusion 1223 is located on the main body 1222 along the direction of movement toward the side away from the base station body 110. That is, during the process of the charging terminal of the cleaning device abutting against the elastic part 1221 and pushing the elastic part 1221 to compress and deform, the charging terminal of the cleaning device can contact the protrusion 1223 and supply power to the charging terminal through the protrusion 1223.

[0096] The main body 1222 may be provided with a plurality of protrusions 1223, which may be distributed in the height and width directions of the main body 1222, thereby increasing the contact area with the charging terminal and improving the conductivity.

[0097] The protrusion 1223 can be a protruding structure formed by stamping on the body 1222, that is, the protrusion 1223 can be an integrally formed structure of the body 1222, which can improve the structural strength of the electrode sheet 122. Of course, the protrusion 1223 and the body 1222 can also be connected together by welding, bonding, riveting, threaded connection, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0098] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 13, and 16, the elastic portion 1221 includes an elastic spring 12211, which is connected to the main body portion 1222. By providing the elastic spring 12211 as the elastic portion 1221, the elastic portion 1221 has better elastic properties and is easier to deform when in contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20, thereby improving the stable contact force.

[0099] In the direction away from the base station body 110, the distance between the free end of the elastic spring 12211 and the body 1222 is the largest, that is, the free end of the elastic spring 12211 extends the farthest relative to the base station body 110. This makes the free end of the elastic spring 12211 contact the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 first when it comes into contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20. This allows the elastic spring 12211 to provide a larger elastic force, thereby improving the reliability of contact with the charging terminal.

[0100] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 13, and 16, the free end of the elastic spring 12211 has a flange 12214 that folds towards the movable arm 121. By forming the flange 12214 folded towards the movable arm 121 at the free end of the elastic spring 12211, the structural strength of the free end of the elastic spring 12211 can be improved, preventing deformation under compression, which would affect the reliability of contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20. Simultaneously, making the free end of the elastic spring 12211 a curved arc surface prevents scratches on the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20 or other parts of the cleaning device 20 when in contact with it.

[0101] Among them, the flange 12214 can be a bending structure formed by sheet metal through the free end of the elastic spring 12211.

[0102] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 9, 10, 12 and 13, the elastic spring 12211 is sheet-shaped, that is, the elastic spring 12211 can be in the form of a spring arm structure. When in contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20, the sheet-shaped elastic spring 12211 can provide a reliable elastic force through deformation, and the trajectory of the free end of the elastic spring 12211 when moving can be substantially perpendicular to the tangent at the location where the charging terminal is set on the cleaning device 20, so that the contact position with the charging terminal remains substantially unchanged.

[0103] It is understood that, in another embodiment, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the elastic spring 12211 may be U-shaped. The U-shaped elastic spring 12211 is equivalent to having two elastic arms. When in contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20, both elastic arms can provide elastic force through deformation, so that the free end of the elastic spring 12211 is in stable contact with the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20.

[0104] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 13 and 16, the elastic part 1221 further includes a connecting structure 12212, which is connected to the body part 1222, and the elastic spring 12211 is connected to the connecting structure 12212.

[0105] The connecting structure 12212 and the elastic spring 12211 are an integral structure, that is, the connection between the elastic spring 12211 and the main body 1222 has high stability, thus providing a stable elastic force.

[0106] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 10, 13 and 16, the elastic part 1221 further includes a positioning structure 12213, which is connected to the connecting structure 12212. The positioning structure 12213 is configured to cooperate with the movable arm 121 to limit the elastic part 1221.

[0107] In this embodiment, the connecting structure 12212 is disposed opposite to one side of the movable arm 121, and the positioning structure 12213 is disposed opposite to the other side of the movable arm 121, for example, by abutting against each other to achieve assembly positioning. Both the connecting structure 12212 and the positioning structure 12213 can be sheet-like structures to fit snugly against the surface of the movable arm 121. In other embodiments, the positioning structure 12213 can also be a positioning protrusion or a positioning tongue, etc., and this disclosure does not limit this.

[0108] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 8-10, in the rotational direction of the movable arm 121, the connecting structure 12212 is located on the side of the main body 1222 facing the inner side of the base station body 110; wherein, the main body 1222 is provided with a notch 12222, and the elastic spring 12211 extends out to the periphery of the base station body 110 through the notch 12222. By providing the notch 12222 to extend the elastic spring 12211, the size of the main body 1222 can be set to be larger, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the main body 1222 and the movable arm 121, and thus improving the reliability of the contact between the elastic part 1221 and the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20.

[0109] The size of the notch 12222 is sufficient to allow the elastic spring 12211 to extend and the elastic spring 12211 to have room for deformation.

[0110] In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 11-16, in the rotational direction of the movable arm 121, the connecting structure 12212 is located on the side of the main body 1222 facing the inside of the base station body 110. The main body 1222 is provided with a through hole 12223, through which the elastic spring 12211 extends to the periphery of the base station body 110. By providing the through hole 12223 to extend the elastic spring 12211, the size of the main body 1222 can be set to be larger, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the main body 1222 and the movable arm 121, and further improving the reliability of the contact between the elastic part 1221 and the charging terminal of the cleaning device 20.

[0111] The size of the through hole 12223 is sufficient to allow the elastic spring 12211 to extend and the elastic spring 12211 to have room for deformation.

[0112] In one embodiment, the protrusions 1223 are distributed around the notch 12222 or the through hole 12223, and the protrusions 1223 can enhance the structural strength of the notch 12222 or the through hole 12223 on the body portion 1222.

[0113] In one embodiment, when the movable arm 121 is telescopically connected to the base station body 110, the elastic element 123 can be disposed between the movable arm 121 and the base station body 110. When the movable arm 121 is subjected to an external force and retracts toward the base station body 110, the elastic element 123 is compressed. When the external force is removed, the movable arm 121 extends out of the base station body 110 and moves under the action of the elastic restoring force of the elastic element 123.

[0114] A sliding guide structure can be provided between the base station body 110 and the movable arm 121 to guide the telescopic movement of the movable arm 121 relative to the base station body 110.

[0115] In one embodiment, a parking area 130 for cleaning equipment 20 is formed on the base station 10. The cleaning equipment 20 moves autonomously to the parking area 130 of the base station 10 to perform functions such as charging and self-cleaning.

[0116] In this configuration, the elastic portion 1221 of the electrode plate 122 of the charging module extends from the housing of the parking area 130, while the rest of the charging module is housed in the housing, forming a concealed assembly, thereby preventing sewage, dust, and other contaminants from affecting the reliability of the charging module.

[0117] Among them, the elastic portion 1221 on the electrode plate 122 of the two electrode assemblies 120 extends from the housing opposite to the inlet and outlet of the parking area 130, so that when the cleaning equipment moves to the parking area 130, it can directly contact the charging terminal on the side wall of the cleaning equipment 20.

[0118] In one embodiment, the power supply module is configured to convert the external power supply into a power input to the cleaning device and then conduct it to the electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120, i.e., the built-in charger on the base station 10; or, the power supply module is configured to directly conduct the power input to the cleaning device to the electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120, i.e., the base station 10 is connected to an external charger for power supply. In this case, the power supply module in the base station 10 can be a power line, which only serves a conductive function; or, the power supply module is configured to store the external power supply in the battery and be able to convert the electrical energy stored in the battery into a power input to the cleaning device, so as to conduct it to the electrode plate 122 of the electrode assembly 120, i.e., the built-in charger and battery on the base station 10. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0119] The power supply module can serve as a power distributor for base station 10, in order to transmit power to other electrical equipment on base station 10.

[0120] In one embodiment, the cleaning device 20 includes a cleaning head with a mop for mopping the floor; the base station 10 is provided with a cleaning trough 140, and after completing the mopping operation, the cleaning device 20 can be placed on the cleaning trough 140 of the base station 10 to self-clean the mop on the cleaning head through the cleaning components in the cleaning trough 140.

[0121] The cleaning device 20 can be equipped with multiple cleaning heads, each of which can be located in a corresponding cleaning tank 140. That is, the number of cleaning tanks 140 can be the same as the number of cleaning heads, so as to perform self-cleaning on multiple cleaning heads at the same time.

[0122] In one embodiment, the base station 10 further includes a liquid supply assembly. The liquid supply assembly includes a liquid supply nozzle 150 disposed on the base station 10, which is connected to a liquid injection hole on the cleaning device 20 to replenish the cleaning device 20 with cleaning fluid.

[0123] The liquid supply assembly, apart from the liquid supply nozzle 150, may consist only of a liquid supply pipe installed on the base station 10. Cleaning liquid is supplied to the liquid supply pipe via an external water source, and then supplied to the liquid supply nozzle 150 connected to the liquid supply pipe. Alternatively, the liquid supply assembly may include a liquid supply pipe and an electrically controlled valve connected to the liquid supply pipe. The cleaning liquid may be tap water, and the inlet of the electrically controlled valve may be connected to a tap water pipe. When liquid supply is required, the electrically controlled valve opens to supply tap water through the liquid supply nozzle 150 connected to the liquid supply pipe. By connecting to an external tap water source and utilizing water pressure, the number of components in the base station 10 is reduced, thus minimizing the size of the base station 10. Alternatively, the liquid supply assembly may include a liquid supply pipe, a liquid supply pump, and a liquid supply tank. The liquid supply tank is used to store the cleaning liquid, the inlet of the liquid supply pump is connected to the liquid supply tank, and the outlet of the liquid supply pump is connected to the liquid supply pipe. When liquid supply is required, the liquid supply pump is activated to pump the cleaning liquid out through the liquid supply pipe. By setting up the liquid supply nozzle 150, the liquid supply pipe, the liquid supply pump, and the liquid supply tank, the liquid supply assembly can be fully integrated into the base station 10 without the need to connect to an external water source, thus improving the integration and ease of use of the base station 10.

[0124] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, a drain tank may be provided at the bottom of the cleaning tank 140, and the drain tank is connected to the cleaning tank 140. A filter element is provided on the cleaning tank 140, and multiple filter holes are formed on the filter element. Wastewater in the cleaning tank 140 can enter the drain tank through the filter holes. By setting the filter element, debris rubbed off the mop by the cleaning components can be filtered out, preventing debris from entering the subsequent processing equipment and causing equipment blockage, thereby improving the reliability of the base station 10.

[0125] In one embodiment, the base station 10 may be equipped with a drying component, as shown in FIG2. The drying component can provide drying gas through the air outlet 160 to dry the mop in the cleaning tank 140.

[0126] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A base station for interfacing with cleaning equipment, wherein, The base station includes: Base station body; A charging module includes an electrode assembly, which includes a movable arm, an elastic element, and an electrode plate. The movable arm is movably connected to the base station body, and the elastic element is configured to apply a force away from the base station body to the connected movable arm. The electrode plate includes an elastic portion, which is configured to abut against the charging terminal of the cleaning device. A power supply module is disposed on the base station body and is configured to supply power to the electrode sheet.

2. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The electrode plate also includes a body portion, which is disposed on the movable arm, and the elastic portion is connected to the body portion.

3. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, In the direction of movement of the movable arm, at least a portion of the elastic part extends relative to the body part toward the side away from the base station body.

4. The base station according to claim 3, wherein, When the elastic part is compressed and deformed toward the body part under the action of an external force, the outermost part of the elastic part and the body part can be aligned in the direction of movement toward the side away from the base station body.

5. The base station according to claim 4, wherein, The main body is provided with at least one protrusion, which is located on the main body and faces away from the base station body along the direction of movement.

6. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, The elastic part includes an elastic spring, which is connected to the body part.

7. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The distance between the free end of the elastic spring and the main body is greatest in the direction away from the base station body.

8. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The elastic spring is U-shaped or sheet-like.

9. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The free end of the elastic spring has a flange that folds towards the movable arm.

10. The base station according to claim 6, wherein, The elastic part further includes a connecting structure, which is connected to the main body, and the elastic spring is connected to the connecting structure.

11. The base station according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting structure and the elastic spring are an integral structure.

12. The base station according to claim 10, wherein, The elastic part further includes a positioning structure, which is connected to the connecting structure and is configured to cooperate with the movable arm to limit the elastic part.

13. The base station according to claim 10, wherein, In the direction of movement of the movable arm, the connecting structure is located on the side of the main body facing the inside of the base station body; The main body has a notch, through which the elastic spring extends to the periphery of the base station body; or, the main body has a through hole, through which the elastic spring extends to the periphery of the base station body.

14. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, The main body and the elastic part are separate structures.

15. The base station according to claim 2, wherein, The main body is engaged with the movable arm.

16. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The base station body is provided with a mounting frame, the movable arm is movably connected to the mounting frame, and the elastic element is connected between the movable arm and the mounting frame.

17. The base station according to claim 16, wherein, The mounting frame is provided with a limiting structure, which is configured to restrict the movement of the movable arm relative to the mounting frame between a first position and a second position.

18. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic element is a torsion spring.

19. The base station according to claim 1, wherein, The movable arm is rotatably or retractably connected to the base station body.

20. The base station according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The charging module includes two sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities.

21. The base station according to claim 20, wherein, The movable arm is rotatably connected to the base station body, and the movable arms of the two sets of electrode assemblies rotate in opposite directions.

22. The base station according to claim 20, wherein, The two sets of electrode assemblies with opposite polarities are distributed along the width direction of the base station, and one of the electrode assemblies is mirrored in the height direction of the base station and symmetrical to the other electrode assembly in the width direction.

23. A cleaning system, wherein, include: Cleaning equipment; The base station according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the base station is used to interface with the cleaning equipment.

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