CN113243842A

CN113243842A - Surface cleaning device, base station, surface cleaning system and control method

Info

Publication number: CN113243842A
Application number: CN202110185419.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 唐成; 钟亮; 段飞
Original assignee: Beijing Shunzao Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Beijing Shunzao Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-10
Filing date: 2021-02-10
Publication date: 2021-08-13

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning liquid storage part for storing a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid having a temperature higher than a first temperature; a cleaning section for cleaning a surface of a cleaning object; and a cleaning liquid delivery conduit in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid storage to discharge cleaning liquid at a temperature above the first temperature to the cleaning section or adjacent thereto, wherein the cleaning liquid at a temperature above the first temperature is provided to the cleaning liquid storage from outside the surface cleaning apparatus. The disclosure also provides a base station for a surface cleaning device, a surface cleaning system and a control method of the surface cleaning system.

Description

Surface cleaning device, base station, surface cleaning system and control method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a surface cleaning apparatus, a base station for a surface cleaning apparatus, a surface cleaning system, and a control method of a surface cleaning system.

Background

Current surface cleaning devices can be used to wet scrub clean hard floors or short hair carpets in general. Such devices typically have one or more rolling brushes or cleaning discs made of a wool material. Stubborn soils on the floor can be scrubbed by the addition of water or a water/cleaner mixture. When the machine moves over the dirt, the dirt that has been wiped off by the roll brush and dissolved by the water or water/detergent mixture is sucked up by the cleaning heads arranged in the direction of movement of the roll brush, and in the technique of providing the cleaning tray, the cleaning head may not be provided and the dirt is directly adsorbed by the cleaning material on the cleaning tray.

However, the tough soil is generally difficult to clean, and after the soil is scattered on the floor surface, water is evaporated to form hard soil on the surface. Often, not all of this stubborn dirt is removed by the vacuuming operation during scrubbing, and some of this dirt remains on the floor, reducing the quality of the cleaning.

In order to improve the cleaning quality, cleaning is usually performed by mixing a cleaning agent and water, the cleaning agent and the water are mixed in a clean water tank of the surface cleaning device according to a certain proportion to form a cleaning fluid, and then the cleaning fluid is applied to a rolling brush or a cleaning disc to achieve a good cleaning effect on stubborn dirt. This means, however, that the proportion of cleaning agent is controlled, the cleaning process of the cleaning agent must also be carried out exclusively, and it is not necessary to apply such cleaning agent everywhere on the cleaning surface, which in this way leads to an increase in time and costs.

The other mode is to implement steam treatment, a hot steam generating device is arranged in the surface cleaning device, when specific stubborn dirt is cleaned, water in a clean water tank is subjected to steam treatment through input of a control signal and an atomization heating device of the surface cleaning device, and the steam treatment is sprayed to a rolling brush or a cleaning disc, particularly a cleaning surface, so as to soften the stubborn dirt and separate the stubborn dirt from the surface, and the purpose of cleaning is achieved. However, the steam of the surface cleaning apparatus is not easy to control, which often consumes the endurance of the surface cleaning apparatus to a great extent, and during the steam implementation, extra steam leakage, which is not desired by the user, often occurs, which results in poor user experience.

The existing surface cleaning device, whether an autonomous mobile cleaning device or a handheld cleaning device, has a limited volume of a clean water tank carried by the device due to natural limitations of the structure and the volume, needs to frequently replace clean water when cleaning a large area, particularly when the large area is stained, has short endurance, and brings about reduction in experience, so that a technology capable of solving the problems is needed.

Disclosure of Invention

In order to solve one of the above technical problems, the present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus, a base station for a surface cleaning apparatus, a surface cleaning system, and a control method of a surface cleaning system.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

a cleaning liquid storage part for storing a cleaning liquid having a temperature higher than a first temperature;

a cleaning section for cleaning a surface of a cleaning object;

a cleaning liquid delivery line in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid storage portion for discharging cleaning liquid above the first temperature to or near the cleaning portion; and

a first housing for accommodating the cleaning liquid storage portion and a second housing for accommodating the cleaning portion,

wherein cleaning liquid at a temperature higher than the first temperature is provided to the cleaning liquid storage from outside the surface cleaning apparatus.

A surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a nozzle disposed adjacent the cleaning portion and in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid delivery conduit for discharging the cleaning liquid through the nozzle to or adjacent the cleaning portion.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further comprises a recovery storage portion for containing at least the cleaning liquid after use.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a suction nozzle that is provided in the vicinity of the cleaning portion and that is used to suck at least used cleaning liquid, and the sucked cleaning liquid is recovered to the recovery storage portion.

The surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a recovery passage, the recovery passage communicating with the suction nozzle and the recovery storage portion, the cleaning liquid sucked by the suction nozzle entering the recovery storage portion via the recovery passage.

The surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a water temperature detection device provided on the cleaning liquid delivery pipe or in the vicinity of the cleaning liquid storage part, for detecting a temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing out of the cleaning liquid delivery pipe or a temperature of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage part.

The surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a filtering device for filtering the gas sucked to the recovery storage part through the recovery passage.

A surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes liquid amount detection means for detecting an amount of cleaning liquid of the cleaning liquid storage portion.

The surface cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a liquid feeding connection device connected to an external liquid feeding device to supply cleaning liquid from the external liquid feeding device to the cleaning liquid storage portion.

According to the surface cleaning device of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply connecting device is connected with an external power supply device so as to charge the rechargeable battery in the surface cleaning device through the external power supply device.

According to the surface cleaning equipment provided by at least one embodiment of the disclosure, whether the liquid adding connecting device is correctly connected with the external liquid supply device is judged through whether the power supply connecting device is correctly connected with the external power supply device.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning apparatus is an upright type cleaning apparatus, and the upright type cleaning apparatus includes a handle so that a user cleans a cleaning object through the upright type cleaning apparatus.

According to the surface cleaning apparatus of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the upright type cleaning apparatus is capable of suctioning used cleaning liquid and dirt into the surface cleaning apparatus after the cleaning liquid is discharged to or near the cleaning portion and the surface of the cleaning object is cleaned.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid is hot water.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a base station for a surface cleaning apparatus is provided for providing a cleaning liquid having a temperature higher than the first temperature to a surface cleaning apparatus as defined in any of the above.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, a base station includes:

a cleaning liquid supply for storing a cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid storage of the surface cleaning apparatus;

a base station water pump for pumping the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid supply part to the cleaning liquid storage part; and

a heating device disposed downstream of the base station water pump and configured to heat the cleaning liquid flowing out of the base station water pump to heat the cleaning liquid above the first temperature.

a first housing extending laterally and for accommodating at least the cleaning portion of the surface cleaning apparatus; and

a second casing extending longitudinally with respect to the first casing, the first casing being provided on a first side of the second casing and accommodating the base station water pump and the heating device, and the cleaning liquid supply part being provided on a second side of the second casing, the first side and the second side being opposite sides of the second casing in the longitudinal direction.

The base station according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a third casing disposed at the second side of the second casing and the cleaning liquid supply part is disposed in the third casing.

According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a first charging connection device and the base station is provided with a second charging connection device, the first charging connection device being connected with the second charging connection device in order to supply the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply to the cleaning liquid storage or from the cleaning liquid storage to the cleaning liquid supply.

According to a base station of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a first power supply connection and the base station is provided with a second power supply connection, the first power supply connection being connected to the power supply connection for supplying electrical energy from the base station to a rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus.

According to the base station of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, whether the first liquid adding connection device is correctly connected to the second liquid adding connection device is determined by whether the first power supply connection device is correctly connected to the second power supply connection device.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning system includes:

a surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; and

a base station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with cleaning liquid by the base station or the cleaning liquid in the surface cleaning apparatus is pumped back to the base station and/or at least the cleaning part of the surface cleaning apparatus is cleaned by the base station.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a surface cleaning system as described above, comprises:

determining whether the surface cleaning apparatus has docked to the base station;

if the surface cleaning apparatus has docked to the base station, determining whether an amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is less than or equal to a first capacity threshold, and if so, providing the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage via the base station.

The control method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: if the surface cleaning apparatus has docked to the base station, determining whether an amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is less than a second capacity threshold, if not, the base station does not provide the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage, and if less than or equal to the second capacity threshold and greater than the first capacity threshold, prompting a user whether to select to provide the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage.

According to the control method of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is greater than the first capacity threshold, the user is prompted to charge the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus through the base station or to automatically charge the rechargeable battery.

According to the control method of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is greater than the second capacity threshold, the user is prompted to charge the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus through the base station or to automatically charge the rechargeable battery.

According to the control method of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage portion is equal to or less than the first capacity threshold, the user is prompted to charge the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus through the base station or to automatically charge the rechargeable battery.

The control method according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage part, and pumping back the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning liquid storage part to the base station when the temperature of the cleaning liquid is less than a preset temperature threshold value.

According to the control method of at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, in the process of supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage portion through the base station, the supplied cleaning liquid is heated so that the temperature of the supplied cleaning liquid is higher than the first temperature.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a surface cleaning system control according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows a flowchart of a method of controlling a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 11 shows a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a method for dry sanitizing a surface cleaning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic diagram of a base station according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 15 shows a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 16-18 are schematic views of a surface cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. It should be further noted that, for the convenience of description, only the portions relevant to the present disclosure are shown in the drawings.

It should be noted that the embodiments and features of the embodiments in the present disclosure may be combined with each other without conflict. Technical solutions of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in conjunction with embodiments.

Unless otherwise indicated, the illustrated exemplary embodiments/examples are to be understood as providing exemplary features of various details of some ways in which the technical concepts of the present disclosure may be practiced. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, features of the various embodiments may be additionally combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the drawings is generally used to clarify the boundaries between adjacent components. As such, unless otherwise noted, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for a particular material, material property, size, proportion, commonality between the illustrated components and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of a component. Further, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. While example embodiments may be practiced differently, the specific process sequence may be performed in a different order than that described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or in reverse order to that described. In addition, like reference numerals denote like parts.

When an element is referred to as being "on" or "on," "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. However, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, there are no intervening elements present. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "connected" may refer to physically, electrically, etc., and may or may not have intermediate components.

For descriptive purposes, the present disclosure may use spatially relative terms such as "below … …," below … …, "" below … …, "" below, "" above … …, "" above, "" … …, "" higher, "and" side (e.g., as in "side wall") to describe one component's relationship to another (other) component as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below … …" can encompass both an orientation of "above" and "below". Further, the devices may be otherwise positioned (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, when the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" and variations thereof are used in this specification, the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof are stated but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and other similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as degree terms, and as such, are used to interpret inherent deviations in measured values, calculated values, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surface cleaning system is provided. Fig. 1 and 2 show a schematic view of a surface cleaning system according to this embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, surface cleaning system 10 may include a surface cleaning apparatus 100, and a base station 200. Where FIG. 1 illustrates the surface cleaning apparatus 100 in combination with the base station 200 (surface cleaning apparatus 100 docked to base station 200), and FIG. 2 illustrates the surface cleaning apparatus 100 separated from the base station 200. As shown in FIG. 1, after surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked to base station 200, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be charged via base station 200, and cleaning fluid may be provided to surface cleaning apparatus 100 or circulated with surface cleaning apparatus 100.

In the present disclosure, surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be an upright surface cleaning apparatus or a horizontal surface cleaning apparatus, may be an autonomous mobile surface cleaning apparatus or a handheld surface cleaning apparatus, may be a wired surface cleaning apparatus or a wireless surface cleaning apparatus. The type of surface cleaning apparatus is not limited in this disclosure, but will be illustrated in this disclosure by way of example as a cordless hand-held upright surface cleaning apparatus. While applicable to other types of surface cleaning apparatuses, those skilled in the art will appreciate that corresponding modifications can be made to the types of surface cleaning apparatuses specifically described in this disclosure and will not be described in detail herein.

Furthermore, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be used for cleaning floors or short-hair carpets, but also for cleaning other objects, such as glass, etc.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may include a cleaning portion 110 and a cleaning liquid storage portion 120. The cleaning part 110 may include a cleaning brush, and may also include a cleaning disk. When the cleaning brush is included, cleaning may be performed by rolling, and when the cleaning tray is included, cleaning may be performed by rotating. The cleaning liquid storage part 120 may be in the form of a water tank for storing the cleaning liquid, and may transfer the cleaning liquid to the cleaning part 110 or the vicinity of the cleaning part 110, for example, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 may be sprayed to the cleaning part 110 or the vicinity of the cleaning part 110 through the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121.

In the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid is preferably cleaning hot water having a temperature greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold. During the whole cleaning process of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the cleaning liquid can be sprayed to the cleaning part 110 or the vicinity of the cleaning part 110 through the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121, so that the cleaning effect by the cleaning liquid is achieved. Furthermore, when some stubborn dirt (for example, juice, milk stain, sauce, or other dirt adhered to the cleaning object) needs to be cleaned during the cleaning process by the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the cleaning liquid is sprayed to the cleaning portion 110 or the vicinity of the cleaning portion 110 through the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121, so that the cleaning effect by the cleaning liquid is achieved. For example, the spraying of the cleaning liquid may be initiated automatically or manually upon user instruction. In the case of automatic activation, the presence of dirt may be automatically detected, for example, a detection sensor may be provided on or near the cleaning portion 110, and when the presence of dirt is detected, the spraying of cleaning liquid is automatically activated. In the case of manual activation, when the user recognizes that the dirt needs to be cleaned, the user activates the spraying of the cleaning liquid so that the dirt is removed by the action of the cleaning liquid.

In addition, the water level detection device 123 and/or the water temperature detection device 122 may be provided inside or in the vicinity of the outside of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120. The water level detecting means 123 may also serve as an in-place detecting means for detecting whether the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is in place.

A water temperature detection device 122 may also be provided to the liquid delivery pipe 121. The water level detecting means may detect the volume amount of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage part 120, and may alert the user to fill the cleaning liquid in case the volume amount is less than a predetermined threshold value. The water temperature detecting means may be used to detect the temperature of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 so as to alert the user when the liquid temperature is less than a predetermined temperature.

Surface cleaning apparatus 100 may further include a fluid distribution device, which may include a nozzle, which may be disposed at or near cleaning portion 110 and connected to cleaning liquid delivery line 121, and a water pump 124, which may be disposed upstream of the nozzle and in fluid communication with cleaning liquid delivery line 121. This allows cleaning liquid to be sprayed through the nozzle to the cleaning portion 110 by the action of the water pump 124.

According to further embodiments of the present disclosure, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may further include a reclamation storage 130, which reclamation storage 130 may be in the form of a water tank and may be used to store reclaimed dirty water. After the cleaning liquid is sprayed to the cleaning part 110 and the dirt is washed by the cleaning liquid, the used cleaning liquid may be recovered to the recovery storage part 130. The recovery of the cleaning liquid may be accomplished, for example, through the recovery passage 131.

Specifically, the used cleaning liquid and dirt can be collected into the collection storage unit 130 by the collection system. The recovery system may include a suction power source and a suction nozzle (not shown in fig. 1 and 2). The suction power source, the suction nozzle, and the recovery path are in communication, wherein the suction nozzle may be disposed on or near the cleaning portion 110, and optionally may be disposed near the rear of the cleaning portion 110 (the right side of the cleaning portion 110 shown in fig. 1). Thus, when the liquid is recovered, the suction power source starts to operate, and the used cleaning liquid and dirt are sucked by the suction nozzle and conveyed to the recovery storage part 130 through the recovery passage.

The recovery storage 130 may include a bottom portion containing liquid and dirt and a top portion with a filter device 132 disposed at the top portion. When the used cleaning liquid and dirt are sucked by the suction power source, the gas is mixed, the filter device 132 is arranged on the top, the sucked gas can be filtered by the filter device 132, the filtered gas is discharged into the atmosphere, the gas-liquid separation is effectively realized, and the liquid and the dirt are left in the recovery storage part 130.

The surface cleaning apparatus 100 may further include a housing 140, wherein the housing 140 forms an accommodation space that accommodates the cleaning liquid storage part 120 and the recovery storage part 130. And the case 140 may be opened to take out the detachable recovery storage part 130. In this way, when it is necessary to clean the recovery storage part 130, it can be taken out and cleaned. Further, the cleaning liquid storage part 120 may be provided in a detachable form so that it can be taken out. In addition, the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 may be fixedly installed.

In the present disclosure, the surface cleaning apparatus is preferably an upright type cleaning apparatus, and the used cleaning liquid is sucked back into the recovery storage section by cleaning with the cleaning liquid by ejecting the cleaning liquid to or near the cleaning section in the upright type cleaning apparatus.

The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a first housing for accommodating at least the cleaning liquid storage portion and a second housing for accommodating the cleaning portion, and furthermore the recovery storage portion may be provided in the first housing. Although in the present disclosure, the terms of the first housing and the second housing are described, they may be integrally formed, and the terms of the first housing and the second housing are used herein only for distinguishing the arrangement positions.

The base station 200 will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 2. As shown, the base station 200 may include a cleaning liquid supply 210 and a base 220. The cleaning liquid supply 210 may be in the form of a tank and is used to store cleaning liquid and may provide the stored cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage 120 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, the base station 200 may include a base station water pump 230 and a water supply line 240. When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is mated with the base station 200, the water supply line 240 of the base station 200 is in fluid communication with the water supply line 150 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and a base station water pump 230 may be provided to the water supply line 240 to pump cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply 210 into the cleaning liquid storage 120 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. When the water supply line 240 of the base station 200 and the water supply line 150 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 need to be in fluid communication, communication can be made via a connection pipe therebetween (which can be provided to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or to the base station 200, shown in fig. 2 as being provided in the surface cleaning apparatus 100) and a corresponding connection interface (which can be provided to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or to the base station 200, shown in fig. 2 as being located in the base station 200).

In addition, a heating device 250 may be further provided on the water supply line 240, wherein the heating device 250 may be used to heat the cleaning liquid supplied to the cleaning liquid storage part 120 on the water supply line.

When surface cleaning apparatus 100 is mated with base station 200, base station 200 may also charge surface cleaning apparatus 100 via a charging device, e.g., base station 200 may be provided with charging port 260 and surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be provided with charging plug 160, by which surface cleaning apparatus 100 is charged. In addition, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may communicate with the base station 200 via the charging port 260 and the charging plug 160, for example, to enable data transmission. In addition, both the charging function and the communication function may be controlled, such as by control circuit 270 provided with base station 200 and control circuit 170 provided with surface cleaning apparatus 100. Wherein the control circuit 270 may be connected to the charging port 260 and the control circuit 170 may be connected to the charging plug 160. Although it is described above that the base station 200 is provided with the charging port 260 and the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is provided with the charging plug 160, it is also possible to provide the charging port to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and correspondingly provide the charging plug to the base station 200.

In addition, a rechargeable battery 180 may be provided in the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the rechargeable battery 180 being charged by a charging device. Although the rechargeable surface cleaning apparatus is described in the present disclosure by way of example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it may also be provided in a wired manner.

In the present disclosure, it is preferable that the cleaning is performed by hot water, for example, cleaning stubborn dirt. In the prior art, detergents are generally used to clean stubborn dirt, and there are also ways to treat stubborn dirt with steam. However, when the cleaning agent is used, the ratio of the cleaning agent needs to be controlled, and the cleaning process of the cleaning agent must be specially performed, which results in an increase in time and cost. With steam, rechargeable surface cleaning devices require a rechargeable battery carried by the surface cleaning device to provide energy during the generation of steam, which greatly reduces the amount of time the surface cleaning device is used after each charge. In addition, in other heating methods, the rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning device is required to provide energy, which increases the energy consumption of the surface cleaning device.

Thus, in the present disclosure, to reduce the energy loss of the surface cleaning apparatus itself, the energy loss may be transferred to a base station, taking into account the problems of cruising and water-holding of the surface cleaning apparatus. Therefore, in the present disclosure, the base station is provided with the above-described cleaning liquid supply part 210, and can supply heated water to the cleaning liquid storage part 120 of the surface cleaning apparatus by heating with the heating device 250, and the temperature of the water stored in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is a temperature suitable for cleaning stubborn dirt, and the temperature of the water stored in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 can be maintained.

After the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is returned to the base station 200, the water supply line 240 and the water supply line 150 are fluidly connected by the water supply connection interface, so that the water in the cleaning liquid supply part 210 can be supplied to the cleaning liquid storage part 120, and the supplied water can be heated by the heating device 250, thereby supplying the water at a predetermined temperature to the cleaning liquid storage part 120. In which each part of the base station 200 is connected to an external power source through a plug shown in the figure to supply power.

Automatic watering of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be achieved when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is connected to the base station 200. A schematic diagram of automatic watering is shown in fig. 3. The automatic water adding mode can be suitable for a vertical floor washing machine and a floor mopping robot. By the automatic water adding method of the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid supply part 210 of the base station 200 is connected to a tap water pipe or the like, and automatic water addition, heating, and heat preservation can be achieved by the method of the present disclosure.

The automatic water adding process of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to fig. 3.

The cleaning liquid supply part 210 receives water from an external water source such as a tap water pipe and stores the water. The cleaning liquid supply part 210 communicates with a water supply line 240 through a joint 213, and pumps water by the action of a base station water pump 230. Among them, a vent hole 211 may be opened at the top of the cleaning liquid supply part 210 (e.g., in the form of a water tank) to discharge air inside thereof, and a water amount sensor 212 may be further provided to measure the amount of water in the cleaning liquid supply part 210. For example, when the water amount is too small, the user can be informed to add water or the water can be automatically added from an external water source, and the water adding is stopped when the water amount reaches a preset value in the water adding process.

The water pumped by the base station water pump 230 passes through the water supply line 240 and is heated to a predetermined temperature by the heating device 250. In addition, a water temperature sensor 251 may be disposed downstream of the heating device 250, the temperature of the water heated by the heating device 250 may be detected by the water temperature sensor 251, and the heating device 250 may be feedback-controlled according to the detection value of the water temperature sensor 251, so as to adjust the heating amount of the heating device 250, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the water temperature.

The water supply line 240 is connected to the water supply line 150 by a connection interface 280. The water supply line 150 may communicate with the connection interface 280 through the water adding joint 151, and water in the water supply line 240 may flow into the water supply line 150.

The water in the water supply line 150 may be transferred to the cleaning liquid storage part 120 through the distribution means 152 (three-way joint). Wherein a water temperature detecting means 122 may be provided in or near the cleaning liquid storage 120 so as to detect the temperature of water in the cleaning liquid storage 120. The top of the cleaning liquid storage part 120 may also be provided with a waterproof breathable membrane 125.

When cleaning water is supplied to or near the cleaning part 110, water may be supplied from the cleaning liquid storage part 120 to the spray nozzle 190 by the pumping action of the water pump 124. The number of the nozzles 190 may be plural and may be provided according to the form of the cleaning part. For example, in figure 3, a plurality of side-by-side nozzles are shown, in which form the nozzles can be used for washing brushes.

The automatic water adding process will be described in detail with reference to fig. 4 to 7.

When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked to the base station 200, the water service coupling 151 is inserted into the connection interface 280 and the charging plug 160 is inserted into the charging port 260. In order to accurately determine whether the filler neck 151 is correctly inserted into the connection interface 280, in the present disclosure, the determination may be made by a state between the charging plug 160 and the charging port 260. For example, in the present disclosure, the water service coupling 151 is fixedly disposed relative to the charging plug 160, and the connection interface 280 is fixedly disposed relative to the charging port 260. By the relative fixed distance therebetween, the connection state of the water service coupling 151 and the charging plug 160 can be determined by the connection state of the connection interface 280 and the charging port 260. If it is determined that the plug has been properly inserted, the water adding switch (which may be located at the connection interface 280) is turned on or the base station pump 230 is turned on, so that the water adding operation will be performed. And if the correct connection is not judged, re-plugging is prompted until the correct plugging is realized.

The water temperature detecting means 122 detects the temperature of water in the cleaning liquid storage 120, and the presence detecting means detects whether the cleaning liquid storage 120 is in place. If it is in place and the water temperature detected by the water temperature detecting means 122 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold (e.g., 40 ℃), the base station water pump 230 is activated and the heating means 250 heats the water flowing therethrough to a predetermined water temperature, so that water can be supplied to the cleaning liquid storage 120.

Further, in an alternative embodiment, when the water temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, the water in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 may be drawn back into the cleaning liquid supply part 210 by the base station water pump 230, and then the water is added and simultaneously the heating is performed by the heating means 250.

Although the water temperature in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is detected by the water temperature detecting means 122 in the above description, the water adding operation is performed only when it is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold value. However, in the present disclosure, in the case of being less than the first temperature threshold, the water is not drawn back to the cleaning liquid supply part 210, but the water flowing therethrough is heated to a higher temperature by turning up the heating energy of the heating device 250, and the temperature of the water finally in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is made to be greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold.

Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a base station adding water to a surface cleaning apparatus. Wherein the arrows shown in fig. 5 indicate the water flow direction. The base station water pump 230 may pump out water in the cleaning liquid supply part 210 and supply the water to the heating device 250 through the water supply line 240, heat the water to a predetermined temperature, and supply the water to the water supply line 150 through the connection interface 280, and then may inject the water into the cleaning liquid storage part 120 through the distribution device 152.

Furthermore, to avoid spraying hot water through the nozzle 190 during the water addition, the cleaning liquid delivery line 121 may be shut off during the non-operational state of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The shut-off may be by providing a peristaltic pump on the cleaning liquid delivery line 121. A shut-off valve may also be provided on the cleaning liquid delivery conduit 121, which may be triggered to shut off the cleaning liquid delivery conduit 121 after the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked to the base station 200.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic diagram of stopping water supply when the cleaning liquid storage 120 is filled with water according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

After the water level detecting device 123 detects that the water amount of the water in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 reaches a predetermined value (for example, the water level is full), the control circuit 170 sends a signal for stopping the water adding to the control circuit 270 according to the detection signal of the water level detecting device 123, and after the control circuit 270 receives the signal, the control circuit controls the operation of the base station water pump 230 and the heating device 250, and can prompt that the water adding is completed. For example, the prompting mode may send a signal to the control circuit 170 through the control circuit 27, and the control circuit 170 controls the broadcasting device of the surface cleaning device 100 to broadcast or warn through the warning device.

As an alternative embodiment, after the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked at the base station 200, water is drawn from the cleaning liquid reservoir 120 back into the cleaning liquid supply 210 in its entirety by the base station water pump 230. After the pumping is completed, the water is added by the base station water pump 230, and whether the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is filled up or not can be judged according to the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage part 120, the flow rate of the water in the water supply line 240, and the water adding time, for example, the filling up operation of the cleaning liquid storage part 120 can be completed by controlling the water adding time in the case where the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage part 120 and the flow rate of the water in the water supply line 240 are known. When full, the base station pump 230 stops operating.

Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in fig. 7, the water of the cleaning liquid storage 120 may also be recovered. For example, after the water addition is completed, the user does not use the surface cleaning apparatus 100 for a predetermined time, and when the water temperature detecting device 122 detects that the water temperature in the cleaning liquid storage 120 is too low, the water in the cleaning liquid storage 120 may be drawn back into the cleaning liquid supply 210 by the base station water pump 230. Further, before the base station water pump 230 performs the pumping-back operation, the water pump 124 may first pump the water in the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121 back into the cleaning liquid storage part 120, and then the recovery operation of the base station water pump 230 may be performed. When a user needs to use the surface cleaning apparatus 100, water is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply section 210 to the cleaning liquid storage section 120 through the base station water pump 230 and heated by the heating device 250. So that the user can use hot water of a predetermined temperature while performing cleaning. Of course, the back-pumping operation may not be selected.

Further, the recycling operation of fig. 4 to 7 may be implemented according to an input instruction of a user.

Corresponding to fig. 4 to 6, the present disclosure also provides a water adding control method 800. Fig. 8 shows a flow chart of the method. The description with respect to fig. 4 to 6 applies equally to this control method, and some parts will not be described again.

In step 802, after the surface cleaning apparatus is docked to the base station, the water charging line is connected and the charging communication line is also connected, and in order to accurately determine whether the water charging line is correctly connected, in the present disclosure, the determination may be made by the connection state of the charging communication line. And if the correct plugging is judged, performing water adding operation. And if the correct connection is not judged, re-plugging is prompted until the correct plugging is realized.

Further, the temperature of water in the cleaning liquid storage 120 is detected, and whether the cleaning liquid storage 120 is in place is detected. If it is in place and the temperature of the water detected by the cleaning liquid storage 120 is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold (e.g., 40 ℃), the water adding operation is started and the added water is heated to a predetermined water temperature, so that water can be supplied to the cleaning liquid storage 120.

Further, in an alternative embodiment, when the water temperature is less than the first temperature threshold, the water in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 may be drawn back into the cleaning liquid supply part 210, and then the water addition is performed and the heating is performed at the same time.

In step 804, the base station adds water to the surface cleaning apparatus, and the base station may pump water from the cleaning liquid supply 210 and then supply the water again while heating, to a predetermined temperature, to the cleaning liquid storage 120.

In step 806, the addition of water is stopped. After detecting that the amount of water in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 reaches a predetermined value (e.g., has been topped up), the control base station stops the water addition, and may prompt that the water addition has been completed. As an alternative embodiment, after the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked at the base station 200, the water is pumped from the cleaning liquid store 120 all the way back to the cleaning liquid supply 210. After the pumping is completed, the water is added, and at this time, whether the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 is full or not can be determined based on the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120, the flow rate of the water, and the water adding time, and for example, the water adding time can be controlled to complete the filling operation of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 when the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 and the flow rate of the water are known. And after the water is filled, the base station stops adding water.

Corresponding to fig. 4 to 7, the present disclosure also provides a water adding control method 900. Fig. 9 shows a flow chart of the method. The description with respect to fig. 4 to 7 applies equally to this control method, and some parts will not be described again.

In step 902, after the surface cleaning apparatus is docked to the base station, the water charging line is connected and the charging communication line is also connected, and in order to accurately determine whether the water charging line is properly connected, in the present disclosure, the determination may be made by the connection state of the charging communication line. And if the correct plugging is judged, performing water adding operation. And if the correct connection is not judged, re-plugging is prompted until the correct plugging is realized.

In step 904, the water in the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 is recovered. For example, after the addition of water is complete, the user does not use the surface cleaning apparatus 100 for a predetermined time, and when the water temperature in the cleaning liquid storage 120 is too low, the water in the cleaning liquid storage 120 may be drawn back into the cleaning liquid supply 210. Further, before the pumping-back operation, the water in the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121 may be first pumped back into the cleaning liquid storage part 120, and then the recovery operation may be performed. When the user needs to use the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the cleaning liquid storage 120 is heated by supplying water from the cleaning liquid supply 210. So that the user can use hot water of a predetermined temperature while performing cleaning. Of course, the back-pumping operation may not be selected.

In step 906, the base station adds water to the surface cleaning apparatus, and the base station may pump water from the cleaning liquid supply 210 and then supply the water while heating to a predetermined temperature and then supply the water to the cleaning liquid storage 120.

In step 908, the addition of water is stopped. After detecting that the amount of water in the cleaning liquid storage part 120 reaches a predetermined value (e.g., has been topped up), the control base station stops the water addition, and may prompt that the water addition has been completed. As an alternative embodiment, after the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked at the base station 200, the water is pumped from the cleaning liquid store 120 all the way back to the cleaning liquid supply 210. After the pumping is completed, the water is added, and at this time, whether the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 is full or not can be determined based on the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120, the flow rate of the water, and the water adding time, and for example, the water adding time can be controlled to complete the filling operation of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 when the storage capacity of the cleaning liquid storage unit 120 and the flow rate of the water are known. And after the water is filled, the base station stops adding water.

In the above embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid storage portion 120 is provided in the surface cleaning apparatus 100, and when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is parked at the base station 200, the mode selection (charging mode, water adding mode, charging water adding mode) can be automatically performed. When the sensor of the base station 200 senses that the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is parked, the water level detection device 123 determines whether the water level of the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is greater than a first water level threshold, and if so, it indicates that water is not required to be added, and the charging mode is selected. If the water level of the cleaning liquid storage part 120 is less than or equal to the first water level threshold value and greater than the second water level threshold value, the mode selection is not determined at this time, and the user may be prompted to select the mode. If the water level is less than or equal to the second water level threshold value, the water adding mode is selected, and meanwhile, the charging mode can be started. Further, whether to perform the charging mode may also be decided by judging the power level of the battery of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the principle of which is the same as that described above.

A flow chart of a mode selection method 1000 is given in fig. 10. In step 1002, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 makes a determination that it is reliably connected to the base station 200, and if it is, mode selection (charging mode, water adding mode, charging water adding mode) may be automatically performed. In step 1004, it is determined whether the water level of the cleaning liquid storage 120 is greater than a first water level threshold, and if so, step 1006 is entered, indicating that no water needs to be added at this time, and the charging mode is selected. Otherwise, go to step 1008, if the water level is less than or equal to the first water level threshold and greater than the second water level threshold, go to step 1010, not determining the mode selection, the user may be prompted to select the mode. Otherwise, go to step 10012, if it is less than or equal to the second water level threshold, select the water adding mode, and at the same time, start the charging mode.

According to the embodiment of the disclosure, the effect of hot water cleaning is realized, stubborn dirt can be cleaned more effectively, energy consumption is reduced, an automatic water adding mode can be adopted, the use by a user is facilitated, the number of times of detaching the water tank is reduced, and the operation of the user is simplified.

Further, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the effect of removing the stubborn dirt is achieved by supplying hot water greater than a predetermined temperature, and thus in order to secure the temperature of the supplied hot water, in the present disclosure, an insulation layer may be provided.

A first heat insulating layer 1201 may be provided on the outer side of the cleaning liquid storage section 120, and the first heat insulating layer 1201 may wrap the outer side surface of the cleaning liquid storage section 120. A second insulation layer 1211 may be disposed outside the cleaning liquid transfer pipe 121, and the second insulation layer 1211 may wrap an outer surface of the cleaning liquid transfer pipe 121. The water supply pipeline 150 may also be provided with a third insulation layer 1501, and the third insulation layer 1501 may wrap the outer surface of the water supply pipeline 150.

The outer surfaces of the cleaning liquid storage part 120, the cleaning liquid delivery pipeline 121 and the water supply pipeline 150 are provided with the heat insulating layers, so that the water outlet efficiency of hot water can be remarkably improved, and a better cleaning effect and an energy-saving effect can be realized. Although the insulation layer is provided at the outside in the above description, the insulation layer may be provided to the cleaning liquid storage part 120, the cleaning liquid delivery pipe 121, and/or the water supply pipe 150 in a sandwich manner, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

The base station 200 of the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. The cleaning liquid supply part 210 may be connected to an external tap water pipe to supply water to the cleaning liquid supply part 210 through the external tap water pipe. And the base station water pump 230 may pump water from the cleaning liquid supply 210 to the heating device 250, and the heating device 250 heats the water in the water line 240 and provides the water to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 via the connection interface 280. So that the water in the cleaning liquid supply part 210 is supplied to the cleaning liquid storage part 120 through the pipe by the connection of the connection interface 280 and the water adding joint 151.

In the present disclosure, the heating device 250 may be an instantaneous heating assembly, and by instantaneously heating water flowing therethrough, it is possible to prevent a problem of energy waste due to a decrease in the temperature of water due to the long-term standing of water in the case of heating in the cleaning liquid supply part 210.

The heating device 250 can be provided with more than two heating modes, and the heating power of each mode is different, so that the water temperature can be increased to different temperatures through the heating device 250, and the requirements of different situations can be met. For example, in the case of general maintenance cleaning, the water temperature may be heated to a first temperature by the heating device 250, and in the case of deep cleaning, the water temperature may be heated to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is greater than the first temperature. Of course, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a variety of other temperatures may be provided to meet different needs.

Further, when there is no water in the cleaning liquid supply part 210, the heating device 250 is not activated. It is necessary to consider the activation of the heating device 250 after the water is added to the cleaning liquid supply part 210.

Further, while it is mentioned above that the water temperature is increased to different temperatures by the heating device 250, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it may also be controlled by the detection value of the water temperature sensor 251, for example, when the water temperature sensor 251 detects that the water supplied from the heating device 250 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the heating power of the heating device 250 is decreased, and conversely, if the water temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the heating power of the heating device 250 is increased.

The predetermined water temperature may also be obtained by cooperation of the water temperature sensor 251 and the base station water pump 230. For example, when the water temperature sensor 251 detects that the water supplied from the heating unit 250 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the flow rate of the base station water pump 230 is increased, whereas if the water temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the flow rate of the base station water pump 230 is decreased. In addition, according to the same principle, the water temperature can be adjusted by the cooperation of the water temperature sensor 251 with both the heating device 250 and the base station water pump 230. For example, when the water temperature sensor 251 detects that the water supplied from the heating device 250 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the flow rate of the base station water pump 230 is increased and/or the heating power of the heating device 250 is decreased, whereas if the water temperature is lower than the predetermined temperature, the flow rate of the base station water pump 230 is decreased and/or the heating power of the heating device 250 is increased.

The base station 200 may include a base station housing 290, and the base station housing 290 may include a first housing 291, a second housing 292, and a third housing 293. Wherein the first housing 291 may constitute a base 220 for accommodating the cleaning part 110 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the length of the first housing 291 may be greater than the height, and the base station 200 may be supported on the bottom surface by the first housing 291. The second housing 292 may be in the form of a side housing and may extend vertically with respect to the first housing 291, the first housing 291 being disposed at a first side of the second housing 292. The third housing 293 may be disposed on a second side of the second housing 292, wherein the first side and the second side are opposite sides. The third casing 293 supports the cleaning liquid supply part 210. Instead of the third casing 293, the cleaning liquid supply part 210 may be fixed to the second side of the second casing 292. Although the cleaning liquid supply part 210/third casing 293 is shown to be spaced apart from the floor surface, it may be disposed on the floor surface, that is, the bottom surface of the cleaning liquid supply part 210/third casing 293 is flush with the bottom surface of the first casing 291.

The first housing 291 and the second housing 292 may be in spatial communication and used to house components of the base station 200. For example, the water supply line 240, the base water pump 230, the heating device 250, the control circuit 270, the water temperature sensor 251, and the like may be accommodated in the second housing 292. An external power cord may pass through the base station housing 290 to an external power source to power the base station. Further, the first housing 291 may be used to support the surface cleaning apparatus 100 such that a groove 294 may be provided on the upper side of the first housing 291 that mates with the surface cleaning apparatus 100, such that the surface cleaning apparatus may be stably supported on the base 220, for example, when an upright surface cleaning apparatus is used. In addition, the second housing 292 is detachable with respect to the first housing 291, which may facilitate maintenance.

Further, the base station 200 may be provided with a drying and sterilizing device to dry and sterilize the cleaning part 110 such as a cleaning head.

As shown in fig. 12, the drying and sterilizing apparatus may include an air supply unit 221, a heating unit 222, and an air duct 223. Wherein the air duct 223 may be integrally formed with at least the first housing 291. The air duct 223 includes an air inlet and an air outlet, wherein the air inlet is disposed near the air supply assembly 221 such that air supplied from the air supply assembly 221 is received through the air inlet. The heating unit 222 is disposed at or near the air inlet, and heats the air supplied from the air supply unit 221 by the heating unit 222, and then flows into the air duct 223 and is discharged from the air outlet. The outlet may be positioned at or near the groove 294 for receiving the cleaning part 110, so that the heated air dries the cleaning part 110. A sterilizing unit 224 may be further provided, and the cleaning part 110 may be sterilized by the sterilizing unit 224. For example, the disinfecting member 224 may be an ozone generator, and the disinfecting member 224 may be provided in the air duct 223, and ozone is generated by the ozone generator and sent to the cleaning section 110 through the outlet of the air duct 223 to disinfect the same.

The number of air passages 223 is shown as one in fig. 12, but in the present application, the number of air passages is preferably two. Wherein the first air duct can provide a drying function, and the second air duct can provide a sterilizing function. And both air ducts provide a source of air from the air supply assembly 221. The heating assembly 222 may be disposed at or near the air inlet of the first air duct, the sanitizing assembly 224 may be disposed in the second air duct, and the air outlets of both air ducts may be disposed at or near the groove 294. In addition, the heating assembly 222 may be disposed at or near the air inlets of the first air duct and the second air duct at the same time, so as to provide hot air to the two air ducts.

When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked to the base station 200, a prompt may be sent by the surface cleaning apparatus 100 or the base station 200 to prompt the user whether to engage in the self-cleaning disinfection mode. The self-cleaning sterilization mode may also be automatically performed.

If the self-cleaning sterilization mode is performed, the cleaning part 110 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is subjected to cleaning sterilization.

When the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is docked to the base station 200, the groove 294 forms with the cleaning portion 110, such as a cleaning head, a space for water to flow along the cleaning portion 110 (e.g., the cleaning portion 110 is suspended in the groove 294) so that water can flow over the outside of the cleaning portion 110. The water flow may now be provided through the nozzle 190 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. The cleaning part 110 rotates while the water flow is provided, the cleaning of the cleaning part 110 by the water is achieved as the cleaning part 110 rotates, and the water in the groove 294 becomes more as time passes, so that the cleaning part 110 can be sufficiently contacted with the water in the groove 294, and thus the cleaning part 110 can be deeply washed.

After washing is complete, the waste water may be pumped into the recovery storage 130 by the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Then disinfection can be carried out, and hot air and ozone ions can be led out through the air channel. For example, in the case of two air ducts, the hot air may be guided out through the first air duct, and the low-concentration ozone ions may be guided out through the second air duct, so as to perform the drying and sterilizing operation of the cleaning part 110.

While the drying sterilization is performed, the used gas may be sucked into the recovery storage part 130, and the gas is filtered by the filtering device 132, and the filtered clean gas is discharged to the outside. This also achieves sterilization and disinfection of the recovery storage part 130 and its pipes, and disinfection of the upper surface of the base 220 at the same time.

Correspondingly, the disclosure also provides a cleaning, drying and disinfecting method 1300 of the surface cleaning equipment.

In step 1302, the cleaning portion is washed with water to remove dirt and the like adhering to the surface.

In step 1304, the clean-up water is drained. After washing is complete, the waste water may be pumped into the recovery storage 130 by the surface cleaning apparatus 100.

In step 1306, the cleaning portion is dried and sterilized. At the moment, hot air and ozone ions can be led out through the air duct. For example, in the case of two air ducts, the hot air may be guided out through the first air duct, and the low-concentration ozone ions may be guided out through the second air duct, so as to perform the drying and sterilizing operation of the cleaning part 110.

In step 1308, the drying and sterilizing gas is sucked, filtered, and discharged to the atmosphere. While the drying sterilization is performed, the used gas may be sucked into the recovery storage part 130, and the gas is filtered by the filtering device 132, and the filtered clean gas is discharged to the outside. This also achieves sterilization and disinfection of the recovery storage part 130 and its pipes, and disinfection of the upper surface of the base 220 at the same time.

In addition, in order to prevent the pipe line from being blocked by the scale generated from the heating device 250, a water softening device 241 may be provided between the cleaning liquid supply part 210 and the heating device 250. As shown in fig. 12, the water softening device 241 may be provided at the water outlet of the cleaning liquid supply part 210.

As a modification, the water softening device may be further provided between the water inlet of the cleaning liquid supply part 210 and the water supply pipe.

Further, a drain line for the cleaning liquid supply part 210 may be connected to a drain line of a washing machine, a drain line of a kitchen, or the like, so as to drain water of the cleaning liquid supply part 210.

In the previous figures, the charging port 260 is located at a position flush with the connection interface 280, but preferably, the connection interface 280 may be located at a stepped position, for example, the connection interface 280 may be located at a position lower than the charging port 260. This may allow the surface cleaning apparatus 100 to be securely supported by the base station 200. And also the length of the water supply line 240 can be shortened, which can reduce heat loss.

As for the water temperature sensor 251 and the water temperature detecting means 122, the water temperature sensor 251 is preferably disposed at a position close to the connection interface 280, and the water temperature detecting means 122 may be disposed at the bottom of the cleaning liquid storage part 120. This can improve the use effect better. Further, the functions of both the water temperature sensor 251 and the water temperature detection device 122 may be realized by providing only the water temperature detection device 122.

In the above embodiments, the heating device is provided on the base station 200. In this way, the power consumption of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be effectively reduced, and its cruising ability can be improved. However, in an alternative embodiment, the heating means may be incorporated into the surface cleaning apparatus 100. Preferably, a heating device 181 may be provided adjacent the nozzle of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. For example, may be provided between the nozzle and the water pump 124. By this arrangement, the user can use it conveniently and the heating efficiency can be provided. Since the heating means is provided in the surface cleaning apparatus 100, the heating means 250 provided in the base station 200 may be omitted.

Fig. 16 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is in the form of a flatbed mopping apparatus, as shown in figure 16. It may comprise various components of the surface cleaning apparatus described previously, for example in figure 16 showing the cleaning liquid storage portion 120, the water addition connection 151, the charging plug 160 and the cleaning portion 110, wherein the cleaning portion 110 is in the form of a mop plate. In addition, the flat type mopping device can be matched with the base station, and the base station can also adjust the shape and the like according to the actual situation.

Fig. 17 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is in the form of a double disc mopping apparatus, as shown in figure 17. It may comprise the various components of the surface cleaning apparatus described previously, for example in figure 17 showing the cleaning liquid reservoir 120, water addition connection 151, charging plug 160 and cleaning portion 110, wherein the cleaning portion 110 is in the form of a double disc mop plate. In addition, the double-disc type mopping device can be matched with the base station, and the base station can also adjust the shape and the like according to actual conditions.

Fig. 18 is a schematic view of a surface cleaning apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Wherein the surface cleaning apparatus is in the form of a cleaning robot, as shown in figure 18. It may comprise various components of the surface cleaning apparatus described previously, for example in figure 18 showing the cleaning liquid storage portion 120, the water addition connection 151, the charging plug 160 and the cleaning portion 110, wherein the cleaning portion 110 is in the form of a mopping module. Further, the cleaning robot may be adapted to the base station, and the base station may adjust its shape and the like according to actual conditions.

In the description herein, reference to the description of the terms "one embodiment/mode," "some embodiments/modes," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment/mode or example is included in at least one embodiment/mode or example of the application. In this specification, the schematic representations of the terms used above are not necessarily intended to be the same embodiment/mode or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments/modes or examples. Furthermore, the various embodiments/aspects or examples and features of the various embodiments/aspects or examples described in this specification can be combined and combined by one skilled in the art without conflicting therewith.

Furthermore, the terms "first", "second" and "first" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present application, "plurality" means at least two, e.g., two, three, etc., unless specifically limited otherwise.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing embodiments are merely for clarity of illustration of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other variations or modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, based on the foregoing disclosure, and are still within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning apparatus, comprising:

a cleaning section for cleaning a surface of a cleaning object;

2. A surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a nozzle disposed adjacent the cleaning portion and in fluid communication with the cleaning liquid delivery conduit for discharging the cleaning liquid through the nozzle to or adjacent the cleaning portion;

and/or, further comprising a recovery storage portion for containing at least the cleaning liquid after use;

and/or, further comprising a suction nozzle disposed in the vicinity of the cleaning part and adapted to suck at least the used washing liquid, and the sucked washing liquid is recovered to the recovery storage part;

and/or the cleaning device also comprises a recovery channel, the recovery channel is communicated with the suction nozzle and the recovery storage part, and the cleaning liquid sucked by the suction nozzle enters the recovery storage part through the recovery channel;

and/or, the cleaning liquid storage device is arranged on the cleaning liquid conveying pipeline or near the cleaning liquid storage part, and is used for detecting the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing out of the cleaning liquid conveying pipeline or the temperature of the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage part;

and/or, further comprising a filtration device for filtering the gas drawn through the recovery channel to the recovery storage;

and/or further comprising a liquid amount detection device for detecting the amount of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage part;

and/or, the cleaning liquid storage part also comprises a liquid feeding connecting device which is connected with an external liquid feeding device so as to supply the cleaning liquid from the external liquid feeding device to the cleaning liquid storage part;

and/or, further comprising a power supply connection means connected to an external power supply means for charging a rechargeable battery in the surface cleaning apparatus by the external power supply means;

and/or judging whether the liquid adding connecting device is correctly connected with the external liquid supply device or not through whether the power supply connecting device is correctly connected with the external power supply device or not;

and/or the surface cleaning device is an upright cleaning device, and the upright cleaning device comprises a handle, so that a user can clean a cleaning object through the upright cleaning device;

and/or the upright cleaning apparatus is capable of sucking used cleaning liquid and dirt into the surface cleaning apparatus after the cleaning liquid is discharged to or near the cleaning part and the surface of the cleaning object is cleaned;

and/or the cleaning liquid is hot water.

3. A base station for a surface cleaning apparatus, the base station being adapted to provide a cleaning liquid having a temperature higher than the first temperature to a surface cleaning apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 2.

4. The base station of claim 3, wherein the base station comprises:

heating means disposed downstream of the base station water pump for heating the cleaning liquid flowing out of the base station water pump to heat the cleaning liquid above the first temperature;

and/or, the base station comprises:

a second casing extending longitudinally with respect to the first casing, the first casing being provided on a first side of the second casing and accommodating the base station water pump and the heating device, and the cleaning liquid supply part being provided on a second side of the second casing, the first and second sides being opposite sides of the second casing in the longitudinal direction;

and/or the base station further comprises a third housing disposed at the second side of the second housing and in which the cleaning liquid supply is disposed;

and/or the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a first filling connection device and the base station is provided with a second filling connection device, the first filling connection device being connected with the second filling connection device in order to supply the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply to the cleaning liquid storage or from the cleaning liquid storage to the cleaning liquid supply;

and/or the surface cleaning apparatus is provided with a first power supply connection and the base station is provided with a second power supply connection, the first power supply connection being connected to the power supply connection so as to provide electrical energy from the base station to a rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus;

and/or judging whether the first liquid adding connecting device is correctly connected with the second liquid adding connecting device or not by judging whether the first power supply connecting device is correctly connected with the second power supply connecting device or not.

5. A surface cleaning system, comprising:

the surface cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 2; and

the base station of any one of claims 3 to 4,

6. A method of controlling a surface cleaning system according to claim 5, comprising:

7. The control method according to claim 6, further comprising: determining whether an amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is less than a second capacity threshold if the surface cleaning apparatus has docked to the base station, the base station not providing the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage if not, prompting a user whether to select to provide the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage if less than or equal to the second capacity threshold and greater than the first capacity threshold;

and/or if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is greater than a first capacity threshold, prompting a user to charge a rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus via a base station or automatically charging the rechargeable battery;

and/or if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is greater than a second capacity threshold, prompting a user to charge a rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus via a base station or automatically charging the rechargeable battery.

8. The control method of claim 7, wherein if the amount of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage is equal to or less than the first capacity threshold, the user is prompted to charge a rechargeable battery of the surface cleaning apparatus via a base station or to automatically charge the rechargeable battery.

9. The control method according to claim 7, further comprising: measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid storage part, and pumping back the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning liquid storage part to the base station when the temperature of the cleaning liquid is less than a preset temperature threshold value.

10. The control method according to claim 7, wherein in supplying the cleaning liquid to the cleaning liquid storage portion through the base station, the supplied cleaning liquid is heated so that the temperature of the supplied cleaning liquid is higher than the first temperature.