Cleaner washing device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning apparatuses for mops are inefficient and labor-intensive, leading to user fatigue and ineffective cleaning, especially when dealing with mops equipped with rotatable units, as they often require manual operation and lack effective washing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A washing apparatus with a tray and a washing unit featuring spinning mop protrusions that contact and rotate with the mop unit, allowing for efficient washing and spin-drying without a separate driving device, and a control method that adjusts rotational speeds based on the presence and drainage of washing water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mopping operation is used, then the user can control the cleaning process, but the user suffers fatigue and cleaning efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus enables the mop unit to wash itself through automatic rotation and contact with washing protrusions, eliminating the need for manual washing operations and reducing user fatigue while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
2Extent of automation
If a robot cleaner with automatic washer is used, then automation is improved, but the washing mechanism is complex and may not effectively handle rotatable mop units
Solution Approach 1:
The washing function is extracted as a separate, dedicated apparatus rather than being integrated into the robot cleaner, simplifying the overall system while providing specialized washing capability for rotatable mop units through the tray and protrusion design
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable mop unit rotates automatically under its own power during washing, eliminating the need for a separate driving device in the washing apparatus, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining automation
3Productivity
If the mop unit is rotatable, then cleaning coverage is improved, but washing the mop unit becomes more difficult and ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The washing apparatus accommodates the dynamic rotation of the mop unit by designing the tray and washing protrusions to work with the rotating motion, allowing the mop to maintain its rotational capability while being effectively washed through contact with the protrusions during rotation
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable mop unit performs its own rotation during washing without external driving mechanisms, using its inherent rotational capability to work with the washing protrusions for effective cleaning of all surfaces
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively separates foreign substances from the mop unit with proper frictional force, improving washing performance and convenience by automating the washing and drying processes, reducing user effort and enhancing cleaning efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the washing unit contacts the mop unit at a proper pressure and frictional force is generated on a contact surface by such contact. Therefore, a structure to effectively separate foreign substances attached to the mop unit from the mop unit is provided
Data Source
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AI summary
A washing apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is configured to wash a cleaner having a mop unit formed at a lower portion thereof, and includes a tray configured to form a space to receive the cleaner and washing water; and a washing unit disposed at a lower portion of the inside of the tray so as to contact the mop unit, and the washing unit includes a left spinning mop protrusion line configured to protrude upwardly, an upper end of the left spinning mop protrusion line being inclined downwardly in a first direction. A washing apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is configured to wash a cleaner having at least one mop unit formed at a lower portion thereof to be rotated, and includes a tray configured to form a space to receive the cleaner and washing water; and a washing unit disposed at a lower portion of the inside of the tray so as to contact the at least one mop unit, the washing unit includes at least one protrusion line configured to protrude upwardly and extend while traversing a moving direction of a lower surface of the at least one mop unit when the at least one mop unit is rotated, the at least one mop unit includes a first mop unit, a lower surface of the first mop unit being inclined downwardly in a first direction, and the at least one protrusion line includes a left spinning mop protrusion line, a part of the left spinning mop protrusion line contacting the first mop unit being inclined downwardly in the first direction. A washing control apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a cleaner having at least one mop unit formed at a lower portion thereof to be rotated; a washing apparatus including a tray configured to form a space to receive the cleaner and washing water and a washing unit disposed at a lower portion of the inside of the tray so as to contact the at least one mop unit; and a controller configured to control the at least one mop unit to rotate the at least one mop unit under the condition that the cleaner and washing water are received in a tray and thereafter to rotate the at least one mop unit under the condition that the washing water in the tray is drained. A control method of the washing control apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes performing a washing operation configured to rotate the at least one mop unit under the condition that the cleaner and washing water are received in a tray; and performing a spin-drying operation configured to rotate the at least one mop unit at a higher rotational speed than a rotational speed of the at least one mop unit in the performing the washing operation under the condition that the washing water in the tray is drained.