CLEANING APPARATUS AND CLEANING SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/CN2023/135493, filed on November 30, 2023, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202310890301.5, filed with China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 19, 2023, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of cleaning apparatus technologies, and more particularly, to a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning system.

BACKGROUND

A vacuum cleaner is a commonly used cleaning apparatus that can generate very strong suction to suck dust or foreign matter accumulated on floors, carpets, walls, or other object surfaces into a waste collection unit of the vacuum cleaner.

In the related art, the vacuum cleaner usually includes a handheld vacuum cleaner, a push bar vacuum cleaner, a horizontal vacuum cleaner, an upright vacuum cleaner, and the like. A base station is used to store the vacuum cleaner or to recycle the dust from the vacuum cleaner. When the vacuum cleaner is placed into the base station, a cover of the vacuum cleaner that is covered at the dust collection chamber is in a to-be-opened state. The cover is easy to be opened mistakenly when the vacuum cleaner is hit by an external force. Therefore, when the collection of the dust is not desired or when the base station is missing a dust collection bag, the dust in the dust collection chamber may fall into the base station, which results in a poorer user experience.

SUMMARY

In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaning system.

The cleaning system according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes a cleaning apparatus and a base station configured to dock with the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus includes a dust collection chamber, a cover, a first lock device, and a second lock device. The dust collection chamber has a dust discharge port. The cover is arranged at the dust discharge port. The first lock device is at least partially movably fastened at the cover to limit a position of the cover. The first lock device is configured to release the limitation on the cover prior to docking with the base station, or abut against the base station to release the limitation on the cover subsequent to docking with the base station. The second lock device is configured to lock the cover, and unlock the cover when the base station is in operation.

In the cleaning system according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dust collection chamber is configured to store the dust sucked by the cleaning apparatus during its operation, and the cover is configured to cover the dust collection chamber to avoid scattering of the dust stored in the dust collection chamber. By fastening the first lock device on the cover and by arranging the second lock device to lock the cover, the dust collection chamber will not be opened mistakenly due to an external impact during an operation of the vacuum cleaner. The cover can only be opened by the user at the end of the cleaning operation, avoiding the dust collection chamber being opened mistakenly and thus improving user experience.

Additional aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given at least in part in the following description, or become apparent at least in part from the following description, or can be learned from practicing of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent and more understandable from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a cleaning apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic structural view of a cleaning system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a second lock device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic structural view of a first lock device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is another schematic structural view of a first lock device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Description of main component symbols:

cleaning system 1000; cleaning apparatus 100; dust collection chamber 10; dust discharge port 11; cover 20; first lock device 30; second mounting base 31; lock fastener 32; connector 321; press member 322; hook 323; second lock device 40; magnetic member 41; magnet 411; snap-fit member 412; first mounting base 42; accommodation groove 421; opening 422; elastic return member 43; base station 200; dust collection bin 210; unlock device 220; suction motor 230.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to examples thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which same or similar elements, or elements having same or similar functions, are denoted by same or similar reference numerals. The embodiments described below with reference to the drawings are illustrative only, and are intended to explain, rather than limiting, the present disclosure.

In the description of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the orientation or position relationship indicated by the terms such as “center,” “longitudinal,” “transverse,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise,” etc., should be construed to refer to is based on the orientation or the position relationship as shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the pointed apparatus or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation to of the present disclosure. In addition, terms “first” and “second” are only used for descriptive purposes to describe objectives, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying a relative importance or implicitly specifying indicating a number, a particular order, or a primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features indicated. Therefore, the features associated with “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present disclosure, “plurality” means at least two, unless otherwise specifically defined.

In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, it should be noted that terms such as “install,” “connect,” “connect to” and the like should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection or a detachable connection or a connection as one piece; mechanical connection or electrical connection or communication with each other; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate; internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above-mentioned terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to specific circumstances.

In the present disclosure, unless expressly stipulated and defined otherwise, the first feature “on” or “under” the second feature may mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate. Moreover, the first feature “above” the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply mean that the level of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature “below” the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply mean that the level of the first feature is smaller than that of the second feature.

Various embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present disclosure are provided below. In order to simplify the description of the present disclosure, components and arrangements of specific examples are described herein. These specific examples are merely for the purpose of illustration, rather than limiting the present disclosure. Further, the same reference numerals and/or reference letters may appear in different examples of the present disclosure for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, instead of indicating a relationship between different embodiments and/or the discussed arrangements. In addition, the present disclosure provides examples of various specific processes and materials. However, implementations of other processes and/or the use of other materials are conceivable for those skilled in the art.

In the related art, after a handheld vacuum cleaner is docked with the base station, a dust cup cover may be opened by pressing a switch. However, when a dust collection bag is missed, dust in the dust cup would be dropped into a collection head of the base station, resulting in difficulty in cleaning the base station. In some vacuum cleaners, a one-way valve is opened only through a negative pressure, which is only suitable for small-capacity dust cups and cannot be applied to large-capacity dust cups. In other vacuum cleaners, after the handheld vacuum cleaner is placed in the base station, the dust cup cover is in a to-be-opened state. When the vacuum cleaner is impacted by an external force, the dust cup cover is easy to be opened mistakenly, resulting in dust scattering, which affects user experience.

In view of the above, referring to FIG. 1, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaning system 1000. The cleaning system 1000 includes a cleaning apparatus 100 and a base station 200. The cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dust collection chamber 10, a cover 20, a first lock device 30, and a second lock device 40.

The cleaning apparatus 100 may be an apparatus for cleaning dust, such as a handheld vacuum cleaner. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by taking the handheld vacuum cleaner as an example.

The dust collection chamber 10 may be a space for collecting dust. The dust collection chamber 10 has a dust discharge port 11. The dust discharge port 11 is configured to discharge dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10.

The cover 20 is rotatably arranged at the dust discharge port 11 to cover the dust discharge port 11. Further, the cover 20 is hinged with the dust collection chamber 10. The cover 20 is configured to cover or expose the dust collection chamber 10.

The first lock device 30 is mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10. The first lock device 30 is at least partially movably fastened at the cover 20 to limit a position of the cover 20. The first lock device 30 is configured to release the limitation on the cover 20 prior to docking with the base station 200, or abut against the base station 200 to release the limitation on the cover 20 subsequent to docking with the base station 200.

The second lock device 40 is mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10 and magnetically attracted to the cover 20. The second lock device 40 is configured to lock the cover 20 and unlock the cover 20 when the base station 200 is in operation.

Referring to FIG. 2, the base station 200 includes a dust collection bin 210. The dust collection bin 210 is configured to collect the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 when the base station 200 is docked with the cleaning apparatus 100. The base station 200 further includes an unlock device 220 and a suction motor 230. The unlock device 220 is configured to abut against the first lock device 30 after the base station 200 is docked with the cleaning apparatus 100. In this way, the first lock device 30 can be separated from the cover 20. The suction motor 230 is configured to be activated after the first lock device 30 is separated from the cover 20. In this way, the cover 20 can move away from the dust collection chamber 10. That is, the cover 20 is opened, and the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 can be sucked into the dust collection bin 210.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the cleaning apparatus 100 is in cleaning operation, the cleaning apparatus 100 may suck dust into the dust collection chamber 10. The cover 20 covers the dust discharge port 11 of the dust collection chamber 10, and the first lock device 30 is fastened at the cover 20. In addition, the second lock device 40 may be a magnet. The cover 20 is at least partially made of metal such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or the like. The second lock device 40 may also be at least partially made of metal such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or the like. The cover 20 is provided with a magnet close to the second lock device 40, which allows the second lock device 40 and the cover 20 to be magnetically attracted to each other. In this way, it can be avoided that the cover 20 is opened when the cleaning apparatus 100 is in operation, which would cause the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 to scatter.

When the cleaning apparatus 100 finishes the cleaning, the cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the base station 200, and the dust collection chamber 10 is docked with the dust collection bin 210. When the cleaning apparatus 100 is placed in the base station 200, the second lock device 40 partially abut against the base station 200 to move the second lock device 40 away from the cover 20. That is, a distance between the second lock device 40 and the cover 20 increases, and a magnetic attraction force decreases. After the cleaning apparatus 100 is placed in the base station 200, the unlock device 220 may be pressed by the user to abut against the unlock device 220 against the first lock device 30, and the first lock device 30 rotates due to such an abutment. That is, the first lock device 30 is separated from the cover 20. Since the second lock device 40 absorbs the cover 20 by the magnetic force, the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 would not drop. After a predetermined period, the suction motor 230 is activated. A negative pressure is generated in the dust collection bin 210 under an action of the suction motor 230. Under the negative pressure, the cover 20 is opened and the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 is sucked into the dust collection bin 210.

In some examples, before the cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the base station 200, the user may manually press the first lock device 30 to release the limitation on the cover 20, and manually overcome the magnetic attraction force of the second lock device 40 to open the cover 20. In this way, an interior of the dust collection chamber 10 can be inspected or cleaned, preventing the dust collection chamber 10 from being blocked or avoiding residual adhesion.

It should be noted that the first lock device 30 may be separated from the cover 20 by pressing, pushing, pulling the unlock device 220, and other operation manners.

In some examples, after the first lock device 30 is separated from the cover 20, the suction motor 230 may be automatically or manually activated every 2 or 3 seconds, for example, and the specific time period may be set as desired, which is not limited herein.

In the cleaning apparatus 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dust collection chamber 10 is configured to store the dust sucked during the operation of the cleaning apparatus 100. The cover 20 is configured to cover the dust collection chamber 10 to prevent the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 from scattering. The first lock device 30 is fastened at the cover 20, and the second lock device 40 is magnetically attracted to the cover 20. In this way, when the cleaning apparatus 100 is in operation, the dust collection chamber 10 will not be mistakenly opened due to an external impact. When the cleaning apparatus 100 finishes the cleaning, the cover 20 can be opened only by the user, which prevents the dust collection chamber 10 from being mistakenly opened to cause the dust to scatter. Therefore, the use experience can be enhanced.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the second lock device 40 includes a magnetic member 41.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the magnetic member 41 is magnetically attracted to the cover 20. The magnetic member 41 may be fixedly or slidably mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10. When the magnetic member 41 is fixedly mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10, the magnetic member 41 is magnetically attracted to the cover 20. When the first lock device 30 is unlocked, the magnetic member 41 attracts the cover 20 to prevent the cover 20 from being opened due to gravity. When cleaning the dust collection chamber 10, the suction motor 230 is activated by the user, and the suction motor 230 enables the dust collection bin 210 to generate the negative pressure. Under the action of the negative pressure, the cover 20 is opened. Meanwhile, the dust in the dust collection chamber 10 is sucked into the dust collection bin 210.

When the magnetic member 41 is slidably mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10, the magnetic member 41 may be slidably arranged in a first direction. The first direction is also referred to as an arrangement direction and may be a direction perpendicular to the cover 20. When the cleaning apparatus 100 is placed into the base station 200 in the first direction, the second lock device 40 partially abuts against the base station 200, and the second lock device 40 slides in the first direction. A distance between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20 may be controlled by sliding the magnetic member 41, i.e., controlling a magnitude of the magnetic suction force between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20. When the magnetic member 41 moves away from the cover 20, the suction motor 230 is activated, and the negative pressure is generated in the dust collection bin 210 by the suction motor 230. Since the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20 decreases, the cover 20 is opened under the action of the negative pressure, and the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 is sucked into the dust collection bin 210.

In some examples, the magnetic member 41 may be a permanent magnet, and a magnetic attraction force of which is relatively constant. The magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20 is adjusted by controlling the distance between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20, or controlling a specification size of the magnetic member 41. In this way, the magnetic attraction force can overcome the gravity of the cover 20, and the cover 20 can be opened under the negative pressure of the dust collection bin 210.

In other examples, the magnetic member 41 may be an electromagnet. The magnetic member 41 is fixedly mounted at the dust collection chamber 10. The magnetic attraction force of the magnetic member 41 is controlled by controlling energization and de-energization of the electromagnet, or the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic member 41 is controlled by controlling an energization current of the electromagnet. In this way, the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic member 41 can overcome the gravity of the cover 20, and enables the cover 20 to be opened under the negative pressure of the dust collection bin 210.

In other examples, the magnetic member 41 may be a magnetic metal. For example, the magnetic member 41 may be a material such as iron, cobalt, nickel, and alloys thereof. A part of the cover 20 corresponding to the magnetic member 41 is a permanent magnet. The cover 20 and the magnetic member 41 magnetically attract to each other. When the first lock device 30 is unlocked, a direct magnetic attraction force between the cover 20 and the magnetic member 41 overcomes the gravity of the cover 20. When the suction motor 230 is activated, the negative pressure is generated in the dust collection bin 210. The cover 20 is opened under the negative pressure, and the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 is sucked into the dust collection bin 210, thereby completing the cleaning of the dust collection chamber 10.

In this way, the second lock device 40 is magnetically attracted to the cover 20 by the magnetic member 41. Thus, the cover 20 is not opened when the first lock device 30 is separated from the cover 20, and the cover 20 can be opened when the negative pressure is generated in the dust collection bin 210 by the suction motor 230. In this way, the dust stored in the dust collection chamber 10 can fall into the dust collection bin 210.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the second lock device 40 further includes a first mounting base 42 and an elastic return member 43.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first mounting base 42 is mounted outside the dust collection chamber 10. The first mounting base 42 has an accommodation groove 421. The magnetic member 41 is movably arranged in the accommodation groove 421. That is, the magnetic member 41 is slidable in the accommodation groove 421 in the first direction. The elastic return member 43 is arranged in the accommodation groove 421. The elastic return member 43 has an end abutting against the first mounting base 42, and another end abutting against the magnetic member 41. The elastic return member 43 may be a member having an elastic potential energy such as a spring or rubber. The elastic return member 43 of the present disclosure is illustrated by a spring.

Further, the first mounting base 42 further has an opening 422 in communication with the accommodation groove 421. The magnetic member 41 includes a magnet 411 and a snap-fit member 412. The magnet 411 may be a permanent magnet or a soft magnet. The permanent magnet is also known as a long-term magnet, and the soft magnet may be an electromagnet or the like, which is not limited herein. The embodiments of the present disclosure are described taking the permanent magnet as an example. The snap-fit member 412 extends from the magnet 411 towards the opening 422 and extends at least partially out of the opening 422. When the cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the base station 200, the cleaning apparatus 100 moves towards the base station 200 in the first direction. The snap-fit member 412 abuts against the base station 200, allowing the magnetic member 41 to slide away from the cover 20 in the first direction. As a result, the elastic return member 43 is compressed, and the magnetic attraction force between the second lock device 40 and the cover 20 decreases. The first direction may be set as desired, and the first direction in the present disclosure is illustrated by a vertical direction, which is not specifically limited herein.

When the cleaning apparatus 100 is separated from the base station 200, the elastic return member 43 of the second lock device 40 pushes the magnetic member 41 to slide in the first direction under the elastic force. As a result, the magnetic member 41 is returned, and the magnetic attraction force between the second lock device 40 and the cover 20 increases.

Thus, by arranging the first mounting base 42 and the elastic return member 43, the magnetic member 41 can slide in the first direction, and the elastic return member 43 can return the magnetic member 41 when the cleaning apparatus 100 is separated from the base station 200, thereby increasing the magnetic attraction force between the magnetic member 41 and the cover 20.

Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the first lock device 30 includes a second mounting base 31 and a lock fastener 32.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second mounting base 31 is fixed outside the dust collection chamber 10. The lock fastener 32 is movably arranged at the second mounting base 31. The lock fastener 32 is configured to be fastened at the cover 20 in a locked state and separated from the cover 20 in an unlocked state. That is, when the cleaning apparatus 100 is in operation or before the unlock device 220 is pressed by the user, the first lock device 30 is in the locked state. As a result, the lock fastener 32 is fastened at the cover 20, and the cover 20 cannot be opened. When the cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the base station 200, after the unlock device 220 is pressed by the user, the first lock device 30 is in the unlocked state. As a result, the lock fastener 32 is separated from the cover 20, and the cover 20 is in a to-be-opened state.

Further, the lock fastener 32 includes a connector 321, a press member 322, and a hook 323. The connector 321 may be of a shape of a rectangle, circle, or other regular or irregular shape. The press member 322 and the hook 323 are connected by the connector 321. The connector 321 is rotatably mounted at the second mounting base 31. For example, the connector 321 may be mounted at the second mounting base 31 by a rotatable shaft pin, allowing the connector 321 to be rotatable. The press member 322 is located at an end of the connector 321 away from the cover 20. There is a variable gap between the press member 322 and the dust collection chamber 10. The second mounting base 31 may have a through hole (not shown) at a side of the second mounting base 31 away from the dust collection chamber 10, and the through hole is formed close to the press member 322. The unlock device 220 may be abutting against the press member 322 through the through hole, allowing the press member 322 to displace within the variable gap.

The hook 323 is located at an end of the connector 321 close to the cover 20. The hook 323 may be formed by extending from the connector 321 towards the cover 20 and bending towards the cover 20 after being flush with the cover 20. The connector 321, the press member 322, and the hook 323 are integrally formed. That is, the connector 321, the press member 322, and the hook 323 rotate synchronously. Referring to FIG. 4, when the first lock device 30 is in the locked state, the hook 323 partially abuts against the cover 20. The hook 323 can restrict the cover 20 from displacing. That is, the cover 20 is covered on the dust collection chamber 10 and cannot be opened. Referring to FIG. 5, the unlock device 220 is pressed by the user to be abutting against the press member 322, such that the connector 321 and the hook 323 rotate synchronously. When the hook 323 is separated from the cover 20, the first lock device 30 is in the unlocked state, and the cover 20 is in the to-be-opened state. When the negative pressure is generated in the dust collection bin 210 by the suction motor 230, the cover 20 is opened by the negative pressure.

In some examples, the unlock device 220 may be an electromagnet, and the hook 323 may be made of a magnetic metal such as iron, cobalt, nickel, or an alloy thereof. When the cleaning apparatus 100 is docked with the base station 200, the unlock device 220 generates the magnetic suction force by supplying power to the unlock device 220. As a result, the unlock device 220 is magnetically attracted to the hook 323, to separate the hook 323 from the cover 20. That is, the first lock device 30 is in the unlocked state, and the cover 20 is in the to-be-opened state.

In other examples, when the cleaning apparatus 100 is separated from the base station 200, the press member 322 may be manually press by the user, allowing the press member 322, the connector 321, and the hook 323 to rotate synchronously. The hook 323 is separated from the cover 20, and the cover 20 is in the to-be-opened state. The cover 20 is opened again, to allow the dust collection chamber 10 to be inspected or cleaned.

Thus, the first lock device 30 is provided with the second mounting base 31 and the lock fastener 32, the lock fastener 32 is movably arranged at the second mounting base 31. Further, the lock fastener 32 is provided with the connector 321, the press member 322 and the hook 323, and the hook 323 can restrict the cover 20 from generating displacement. In addition, the unlock device 220 can be pressed by the user to move the press member 322, and the press member 322, the connector 321, and the hook 323 rotate synchronously to separate the hook 323 from the cover 20, and the first lock device 30 is in the unlocked state. Therefore, the cover 20 can be opened by activating the suction motor 230.

In the description of this specification, descriptions with reference to the terms “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “certain embodiments,” “illustrative embodiments,” “examples,” “specific examples,” or “some examples” etc., mean that specific features, structure, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the described specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

The above embodiments illustrate merely some implementations of the present disclosure, which are described in detail but are not construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be pointed that, for those skilled in the art, without departing from the principle of the present disclosure, various changes and improvements may be made, which are covered by the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure is according to the appended claims.