WO2023150938A1

WO2023150938A1 - Pool cleaning robot with charing assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2023150938A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/075673
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jie Tang
Original assignee: Beijing Smorobot Technology Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-09
Filing date: 2022-02-09
Publication date: 2023-08-17

Abstract

Provided is a pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly. The pool cleaning robot includes a cleaning body (10) and a charging assembly. The cleaning body (10) is configured to suck in contaminants in a pool and filter the contaminants. The cleaning body (10) includes a cleaning housing and a power supply battery, the power supply battery is arranged inside the cleaning housing, and the cleaning housing is provided with a mounting hole (14). The charging assembly includes a first part (40) that is mounted on the cleaning housing. The first part (40) has an accommodating recess (41) for connecting to an external power supply. The accommodating recess (41) of the first part (40) corresponds to the mounting hole (14). The first part (40) is electrically connected to the power supply battery. The accommodating recess (41) is configured to accommodate a second part (50) that is connected to the external power supply, and the first part (40) is configured to connect the power supply battery and the external power supply. The charging assembly of the pool cleaning robot of the present disclosure has higher safe reliability, which can improve the charging efficiency.

Description

POOL CLEANING ROBOT WITH CHARING ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of cleaning devices, and particularly to a pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly.

BACKGROUND

Pool cleaning robot is a cleaning robot produced for the needs of swimming pool cleaning, and is capable of repeatedly cleaning the bottom and the side wall of the pool and filtering the water in the pool. In order to power the pool cleaning robot and cause it to move, the pool cleaning robot may be powered by an external power supply or a built-in battery. However, both the external power supply and built-in battery need a cable for connection.

Taking the built-in battery as an example, in order to charge the battery, the pool cleaning robot should be provided with an interface, through which the battery is connected to the external power supply. However, the interface of the existing art has poor reliability, low charging efficiency, and is prone to accidents.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the above problem, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly to at least partially solve the above problem.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a pool cleaning robot is provided. The pool cleaning robot includes a cleaning body and a charging assembly. The cleaning body is configured to suck incontaminants in a pool and filter the contaminants. The cleaning body includes a cleaning housing and a power supply battery. The power supply battery is arranged inside the cleaning housing, and the cleaning housing is provided with a mounting hole. The charging assembly includes a first part. The first part is mounted on the cleaning housing, and has an accommodating recess for connecting to an external power supply. The accommodating recess of the first part corresponds to the mounting hole, the first part is electrically connected to the power supply battery, the accommodating recess is configured to accommodate a second part that is connected to the external power supply, and the first part is configured to connect the power supply battery and the external power supply.

In one or more embodiments, the first part includes an insulating body and aconductive wire. The insulating body is fixed inside the cleaning housing, and the accommodating recess is arranged on the insulating body. A first end of the conductive wireisconnected to the power supply battery, and a second end of the conductive wireis fixed to the insulating body.

In one or more embodiments, at least part of the conductive wireisexposedfrom the accommodating recess.

In one or more embodiments, the accommodating recess is a tapered groove, and a cross-sectional area of the accommodating recess gradually decreases along a direction towards an interior of the cleaning housing.

In one or more embodiments, a bottom of the accommodating recess is provided with a positioning groove, an end surface of the second end of the conductive wire is exposed from a bottom surfaceof the positioning groove.

In one or more embodiments, the charging assembly further includes a second part, the second part is configured to mate with the accommodating recess when the pool cleaning robot is out of water of the pool and cause the external power supply to be electrically connected to the conductive wire of the first part.

In one or more embodiments, the second part includesan insulating plug anda conductive probe. The insulating plug mates with the accommodating recess of the first part. The conductive probe is electrically connected to the conductive wire when the insulating plug is inserted into the accommodating recess.

In one or more embodiments, the second end of the conductive wire is provided with a conductive contactor for receiving the conductive probe.

In one or more embodiments, an elastic member is arranged between the conductive probe and the insulating plug, the elastic member is connected between the conductive probe and the insulating plug, and the elastic member applies a force towards the conductive cable to the conductive probe.

In one or more embodiments, the insulating plug includes: a main body and a limiting cover. The main body is provided with a stepped orifice, the elastic member and the conductive probe are arranged in the stepped orifice, and an outer periphery of the main body being provided with threaded segments. The limiting cover is threadedlyconnected to the threaded segments, the conductive probe is provided with a stop flange, and the stop flange is positioned between the stepped orifice and the limiting cove.

In one or more embodiments, the pool cleaning robot further includes a sealing plug, andthe sealing plug is arranged on the cleaning housing and is detachably connected to the first part. When the pool cleaning robot is in water of the pool, the sealing plug is connected to the first part, and the sealing plug issealedtothe cleaning housing.

In one or more embodiments, the first part is arranged at a bottom portion or a rear portion of the cleaning body, the first part is configured to connect to the second part on a workstation such that the first part is connected to the external power supply through the second part.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a pool cleaning robot is provided, and the pool cleaning robot is powered by its power supply battery such that the cleaning body can move in a pool. The first part of the charging assembly is arranged on the cleaning housing and used for connection to the external power supply so as to deliver electric energy to the power supply battery. In order to mount the first part, the cleaning housing is provided with anmounting hole, and the first part is provided with an accommodating recess, and the accommodating recess corresponds to the mounting hole, so as to facilitate connection to an external power supply. In this way, the second part of the charging assembly can be connected to the external power supply, and the circuit between the power supply battery and the external power supply can be activated through the connection between the second part and the first part, so as to realize the charging of the power supply battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are only intended to illustrate and explain the present disclosure, and should not be constructed to limit the scope of the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a partially expanded view of region A in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a partial sectional view of a first part of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of a first part of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a partial sectional view showing mating of a first part and a second part of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partially expanded view of region B in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a partial sectional view showing mating of a first part and a second part of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a sectional view of a second part of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

List of Reference Numerals:

10 cleaning body; 111 water inlet; 112 water outlet; 113 upper housing; 114 chassis; 115 movable cover; 12 filter structure; 13 sealed cavity; 14 mounting hole; 21 driving wheel; 211 internalouterring gear; 212 externalouterringgear; 22 driven wheel; 23 driving gear; 40 first part; 41 accommodating recess; 411 positioning groove; 42 insulating body; 43 conductive wire; 50 second part; 51 insulating plug; 511 main body; 512 limiting cover; 52conductive probe; 521stop flange; 53 elastic member; 60 rolling brush mechanism; 61 rolling brush gear; 62 steering gear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to more clearly understand technical characters, objectives, and effects of embodiments of the present disclosure, specific implementation of the present disclosure is illustrated with reference to accompanying drawings.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. " Any drawing or implementation described herein as "exemplary" should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

To make the drawings appear uncluttered, only those parts relevant to the present disclosure are shown schematically in the drawings, and they do not represent the actual structure thereof as a product. Furthermore, to make the drawings appear uncluttered for ease of understanding, in the case of components having the same structure or function in certain drawings, only one or more of these are drawn schematically, or only one or more are marked.

Before describing the structure of the pool cleaning robot according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the application scenarios of the pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly (hereinafter referred to as the pool cleaning robot) are briefly described with reference to the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, apool cleaning robot generally includes a cleaning body 10, a rolling brushmechanism 60 and a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is arranged on the cleaning body 10 and drives the cleaning body 10 to move along bottom wall and side walls of a pool. The rolling brushmechanism 60 is arranged on the cleaning body 10. Thedriving mechanism drives the rolling brushmechanism 60 to rotate when the driving mechanism drives the cleaning body 10 to move such that therolling brushmechanism 60 removes the contaminants adhering to the bottom wall and theside walls of the pool.

In order to remove the contaminants in the pool, the cleaning body 10 includes a cleaning housing, a filter structure 12, a sealed cavity 13, etc. The cleaning housing includes an upper housing 113 and a chassis 114. The upper housing 113 is detachably connected to the chassis 114. The chassis 114 is provided with a water inlet 111, and the upper housing 113 is provided with a water outlet 112. The upper housing 113 may further be provided with a reversible movable cover 115. The filter structure 12 is arranged between the water inlet 111 and the water outlet 112 to ensure that the water and/or contaminants entering from the water inlet 111 are filtered by the filter structure 12. The contaminants are left in the cleaning housing, the water and contaminants are separated, the filtered water is discharged from the water outlet 112.

Electrical components such as a water pump motor, a driving motor and a power supply battery are arranged in the sealed cavity 13. The water pump motor is connected to an impeller, so as to drive the water through the rotation of the impeller, so that the water flows inside from the water inlet 111 and is discharged from the water outlet 112. The drive motor provides power to the drive mechanism. In order to ensure the safety of the water pump motor, the driving motor and the power supply battery, the sealed cavity 13 is sealed against water to prevent water from entering the sealed cavity 13 and to protect the electrical components.

In order to charge the power supply battery so that the pool cleaning robot can be used repeatedly, the pool cleaning robot includes a charging assembly. The charging assembly includes a first part 40, the first part 40 is mounted on the cleaning housing, and the first part 40 has an accommodating recess41 for connecting to an external power supply. The accommodating recess 41 of the first part 40 corresponds to the mounting hole 14, and the first part 40 is electrically connected to the power supply battery. The accommodating recess 41 is used for accommodating a second part 50 that is connected to the external power supply, and the first part 40 is used for connecting the power supply battery and the external power supply.

The first part 40 of the charging assembly is arranged on the cleaning housing and is used for connecting to an external power supply, so as to supply power to the power supply battery. In order to amount the first part 40, the cleaning housing is provided with a mounting hole 14, the first part 40 is provided with an accommodating recess 41, and the accommodating recess 41 corresponds to the mounting hole 14, such that connection with an external power supply is facilitated. In this way, the second part 50 of the charging assembly can be connected to the external power supply, and the circuit between the power supply battery and the external power supply can be activated through the connection between the second part 50 and the first part 40, so as to realize the charging of the power supply battery.

In one or more embodiments, the first part 40 may be arranged at a bottom portion or a rear portion of the cleaning body 10, and the second part 50may be arrangedon a workstation. In this way, when the pool cleaning robotmoves to the workstation, the first part 40 of at the bottom or rear portion of the cleaning bodycan be automatically docked with the second part 50, thereby connecting the battery to the external power supply, so that the external power supply can charge the battery.

As shown in FIG. 3, in order to ensure safe use, the first part 40 includes an insulating body 42 and a conductive wire 43, the insulating body 42 is fixed inside the cleaning housing, and the accommodating recess 41 is provided on the insulating body 42. A first end of the conductive wire 43 is connected to the power supply battery, and a second end of the conductive wire 43 is fixed to the insulating body 42. The insulating body 42 is configured to protect the conductive wire 43 from being corroded and damaged by water, dust, etc., and also to avoid short circuit during the power delivery process caused by exposure to water.

The insulating body 42 may be insulating rubber. The insulating body 42 made of insulating rubber has good protection ability and high corrosion resistance, and can improve the service life. The insulating body 42 can be integrally formed with the cleaning housing, or can be separately produced and then mounted on the cleaning housing. The insulating body 42 may be completely located in the cleaning housing, or may be partially located in the cleaning housing, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, the accommodating recess 41 provided on the insulating body 42 may be a straight groove, and a cross-sectional area of the accommodating recess 41is consistent. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, in order to dock with the second part 50 more conveniently, theaccommodating recess 41 is a tapered groove, andcross-sectional area of the accommodating recess 41 gradually decreases in the direction towards the interior of the cleaning housing. In this way, the cross-sectional area of the opening of the accommodating recess 41 is larger, the second part 50 is easier to insert, and the cross-sectional area of the bottom of the accommodating recess 41is smaller, so that the second part 50 is easier to dock with theconductive wire 43.

For example, the second part 50 is configured tomate with the accommodating recess 41 of the first part 40 when thepool cleaning robot is outofwater of the pool, and to electrically connect the external power supply to the conductive wire 43 of the first part 40.

At least a part of the conductive wire 43 is embedded in the insulating body 42, and the second end of the conductive wire 43 is exposed from the insulating body 42, so that the conductive wire 43 can be fixed and protected by the insulating body 42, and it alsofacilitates the mating of the second part with the conductive wire 43 in the first part 40.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, an end surface of the second end of the conductive wire 43 is exposed from theinsulating body 42, that is, the end surface of the second end of the conductive wire 43 is located on the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 41 to facilitate docking with the second part 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, in another embodiment, at least a portion of the conductive wire 43 is exposed from the accommodating recess 41. That is, the conductive wireextendsout from the bottom surface of the accommodating recess 41, so that the conductive wire can contact the second part 50more easily.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a bottom of the accommodating recess 41is provided with a positioning groove 411, the end surface of the second end of the conductive wire 43 is exposed from a bottom surfaceof the positioning groove 411. By providing the positioning groove 411, the conductive probe 52 of the second part 50 can be positioned better, thereby ensuring more reliable connection between the conductive probe 52 and the conductive wire 43 and further ensuring charging efficiency and service life.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second part 50 includes an insulating plug 51 and a conductive probe 52. The insulating plug 51 mates with the accommodating recess 41 of the first part 40 in a plug-fit manner, thereby protecting the conductive probe 52. The conductive probe 52 is electrically connected to the conductive wire 43 when the insulating plug 51 is inserted into the accommodating recess 41.

In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, in order to be conveniently connectedto the conductive probe 52, the second end of the conductive wire 43 is provided with aconductive contactor for receiving the conductive probe 52. The contact area can be increased through the cooperation of the conductive contactor and the conductive probe 52, thereby improving charging efficiency and charging safety.

As shown in FIG. 8, in order to further improve the stability of the contact between the conductive probe 52 and the conductive wire 43, an elastic member 53 is provided between the conductive probe 52 and the insulating plug 51, and the elastic member 53 is connected between the conductive probe 52 and the insulating plug 51. Aforce towards the conductive wire 43 is applied to the conductive probe 52 by the elastic member 53. The elastic member 53 may be a spring. The elastic member 53 provides a force for the conductive probe 52 to make the contact between the conductive probe 52 and the conductive wire 43 more stable and reliable.

In one or more embodiments, the insulating plug 51 includesa main body 511 and alimiting cover 512. The main body 511 is provided with a stepped orifice, and the elastic member 53 and the conductive probe 52 are arranged in the stepped orifice. An outer periphery of the main body 511 is provided with threaded segments. The limiting cover 512 isthreadedlyconnected to the threaded segments. The conductive probe 52 is provided with a stop flange 521, and the stop flange 521 is positioned between the stepped orifice and the limiting cover 512. The limiting cover 512 is used for limiting the conductive probe 52 to prevent the conductive probe 52 from being separated from the main body 511.

When the conductive probe 52 is not in contact with the conductive wire 43, the elastic member 53 is in a compressed state, and the conductive probe 52 is pushedto the limiting cover 512 by the elastic member 53. After the insulating plug 51 is inserted into the insulating body 42, the conductive probe 52 is in contact with the conductive wire 43, and the elastic member 53 can provide a pressing force for it, thereby ensuring reliable contact between the conductive probe 52 and the conductive wire 43.

In one or more embodiments, the pool cleaning robot further includes a sealing plug. The sealing plug is arranged on the cleaning housing and is detachably connected to the first part 40. When the pool cleaning robot is under water of the pool, the sealing plug is connected to the first part 40, and the sealing plug issealedto the cleaning housing seal. With the sealing plug, it is ensured that the first part 40 is sealed when the first part 40 and the second part 50 are not in the mated state, so as to prevent water from entering the first part 40 and causing the short circuit of the conductive wire 43.

The power supply battery of the pool cleaning robot can be charged through the charging assembly of this structure. The power supply battery may be arechargeable battery. The power supply battery can be directly fixed in the sealed cavity 13, or can be detachably mounted in the sealed cavity 13 to supply power to the driving motor and the water pump motor, etc.

The driving mechanism can be driven to move by the driving motor, thereby driving the pool cleaning robot to move integrally. For example, in addition to the driving motor, the driving mechanism may include a driving wheel 21, a driven wheel 22, a track (not shown) and the like. The driving motor is arranged in the sealed cavity 13 to achieve waterproofing. An output shaft of the driving motor goes out of the sealed cavity 13 and the cleaning housing so as to cooperate with the driving wheel 21.

For example, the driving wheel 21 includes aninternalouterring gear 211 and anexternalouterring gear 212, theinternalouterringgear 211 and theexternalouterring gear 212 are coaxially arranged, and the externalouterring gear 212 is larger than the internalouterring gear 211. Theinternalouterring gear 211 and the externalouterring gear 212 are rigidly connected and rotate together. A driving gear 23 is connected to the output shaft of the driving motor, and the driving gear 23 meshes with the internalouterring gear 211 to realize transmission. The trackis engaged with the externalouterring gear 212 and the driven wheel 22. When the output shaft of the driving motor rotates, the driving gear 23 is driven to rotate, so that the internalouterring gear 211 meshes with the driving gear 23 rotates. The externalouterring gear 212 will rotate together, the track and the driven wheel 22 will rotate accordingly, so that the entire pool cleaning robot moves.

In order to further enhance the cleaning effect and effectively remove the contaminants adhering to the bottom wall or side wall of the pool, the cleaning body 10 is provided with a rolling brush mechanism 60. The rolling brush mechanism 60 is used for cleaning the surfaces of the bottom wall or the side wall during the movement of the pool cleaning robot.

For example, the rolling brush mechanism 60 includes a rolling brush. One end of the rolling brush is rotatably connected to the cleaning housing, and the other end of the rolling brush is engaged with the internalouterring gear 211 of the driving wheel 21 through a rolling brush gear 61 and a steering gear 62. In this way, when the driving wheel 21 rotates, the driving wheel 21 can naturally drive the rolling brush to rotate, and can clean the bottom wall or side wall and cause the contaminants to move towards the water inlet 111, thereby facilitating the pool cleaning robot to collect the contaminants.

When charging is required, the pool cleaning robot can be lifted out of the water in the pool, the sealing plug can be pulled out to expose the first part 40, the second part 50 can be inserted into the accommodating recess 41, and the conductive wire 43 and the conductive probe 52 can be brought into contact. Next, the power supply battery can be chargedby connecting the second part 50 with an external power supply. Since the first part 40 and the second part 50 are separated from the water, neither waterproof nor sealed is required at this time, as long as the conductive wire 43 and the conductive probe 52 can be connected.

After the charging is completed, the second part 50 can be pulled out and the sealing plug is inserted to protect the first part 40.

It should be understood that although the description herein is based on various embodiments, it is by no means the case that each embodiment contains just one independent technical solution. Such a method of presentation is adopted herein purely for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the description in its entirety. The technical solutions in the various embodiments could also be suitably combined to form other embodiments capable of being understood by those skilled in the art.

The detailed explanations set forth above are merely particular explanations of feasible embodiments of the present disclosure, which are not intended to limit the scope of protection thereof. All equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the artistic spirit of the present disclosure, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, shall be included in the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

A pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly, comprising:

a cleaning body (10) , the cleaning body (10) being configured to suck incontaminants in a pool and filter the contaminants, the cleaning body (10) comprising a cleaning housing and a power supply battery, the power supply battery being arranged inside the cleaning housing, and the cleaning housing being provided with a mounting hole (14) ; and

a charging assembly, the charging assembly comprising a first part (40) , the first part (40) being mounted on the cleaning housing, the first part (40) having an accommodating recess (41) for connecting to an external power supply, the accommodating recess (41) of the first part (40) corresponding to the mounting hole (14) , the first part (40) being electrically connected to the power supply battery, the accommodating recess (41) being configured to accommodate a second part (50) that is connected to the external power supply, and the first part (40) being configured to connect the power supply battery and the external power supply.
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first part (40) comprising:

an insulating body (42) , the insulating body (42) being fixed inside the cleaning housing, and the accommodating recess (41) being arranged on the insulating body (42) ; and

a conductive wire (43) , a first end of the conductive wire (43) being connected to the power supply battery, and a second end of the conductive wire (43) being fixed to the insulating body (42) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 2, wherein at least part of the conductive wire (43) isexposed from the accommodating recess (41) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 3, wherein the accommodating recess (41) is a tapered groove, and a cross-sectional area of the accommodating recess (41) gradually decreases along a direction towards an interior of the cleaning housing.
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 3, wherein a bottom of the accommodating recess (41) is provided with a positioning groove (411) , an end surface of the second end of the conductive wire (43) is exposed from a bottom surfaceof the positioning groove (411) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 3, wherein the charging assembly further comprises the second part (50) , the second part (50) is configured to mate with the accommodating recess (41) when the pool cleaning robot is out of water of the pool and cause the external power supply to be electrically connected to the conductive wire (43) of the first part (40) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 6, wherein the second part (50) comprises:

an insulating plug (51) , the insulating plug (51) mating with the accommodating recess (41) of the first part (40) ; and

a conductive probe (52) , the conductive probe (52) being electrically connected to the conductive wire (43) when the insulating plug (51) is inserted into the accommodating recess (41) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the conductive wire (43) is provided with a conductive contactor for receiving the conductive probe (52) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 7 or 8, wherein an elastic member (53) is arranged between the conductive probe (52) and the insulating plug (51) , the elastic member (53) is connected between the conductive probe (52) and the insulating plug (51) , and the elastic member (53) applies a force towards the conductive cable (43) to the conductive probe (52) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 9, wherein the insulating plug (51) comprises:

a main body, the main body being provided with a stepped orifice, the elastic member (53) and the conductive probe (52) being arranged in the stepped orifice, and an outer periphery of the main body being provided with threaded segments; and

a limiting cover (512) , the limiting cover (512) being threadedlyconnected to the threaded segments, the conductive probe (52) being provided with a stop flange (521) , and the stop flange (521) being positioned between the stepped orifice and the limiting cover (512) .
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to claim 9, wherein the pool cleaning robot further comprises a sealing plug, the sealing plug is arranged on the cleaning housing and is detachably connected to the first part (40) , wherein when the pool cleaning robot is in water of the pool, the sealing plug is connected to the first part (40) , and the sealing plug issealedtothe cleaning housing.
The pool cleaning robot with a charging assembly according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the first part (40) is arranged at a bottom portion or a rear portion of the cleaning body (10) , the first part (40) is configured to connect to the second part (50) on a workstation such that the first part (40) is connected to the external power supply through the second part (50) .