GB2604412A

GB2604412A - Cleaning system and cleaning robot

Info

Publication number: GB2604412A
Application number: GB2111977.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zhang Hepeng; Wang Dongbo; Zou Xiangyu
Original assignee: Zhejiang Ubp New Energy Tech Co Ltd
Current assignee: Zhejiang Ubp New Energy Tech Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-19
Filing date: 2020-10-09
Publication date: 2022-09-07
Also published as: GB202111977D0; DE112020001864T5

Abstract

A cleaning system (1000) and a cleaning robot (100). The cleaning robot (100) comprises a dust collection mechanism (10), a mopping mechanism (20), a water storage mechanism (30), a steam generation mechanism (80), and a switching mechanism (40). The dust collection mechanism (10) is used for collecting dust and garbage. The mopping mechanism (20) is provided on the rear side of the dust collection mechanism (10) in the heading direction of the cleaning robot (100). The mopping mechanism (20) is used for contacting with a floor to be cleaned. The water storage mechanism (30) is used for storing water. The steam generation mechanism (80) is in communication with the mopping mechanism (20). The steam generation mechanism (80) is used for heating and vaporizing water and conveying same to the mopping mechanism (20). The switching mechanism (40) has a first connection state and a second connection state. In the first connection state, the switching mechanism (40) is in communication with the water storage mechanism (30) and the steam generation mechanism (80). In the second connection state, the switching mechanism (40) is in communication with the water storage mechanism (30) and the mopping mechanism (20). The functional diversity and the intelligence of the cleaning system (1000) and the cleaning robot (100) are high.

Description

CLEANING SYSTEM AND CLEANING ROBOT

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims all benefits of the priority from China Patent Application No. 2020108374075, filed on August 19, 2020, titled "CLEANING SYSTEM AND CLEANING ROBOT" in the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a technical field of a cleaning device, and in particular, to a cleaning system and a cleaning robot.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In recent years, electronic intelligent technology has become more mature, intelligent furniture has been widely used in life. A cleaning robot, as a kind of electronic intelligent furniture, has gradually become a product for daily use. Traditional cleaning robots have functions of sucking dust, cleaning and mopping to meet basic needs of daily cleaning. However, as people's pursuit of quality of life is getting higher and higher, a functional diversity and intelligence of the cleaning robots are also further required.

[0004] A cleaning mode of the conventional cleaning robots is single and their cleaning intensity is insufficient.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning system and a cleaning robot are provided.

[0006] The cleaning robot includes a suction mechanism, a mopping mechanism, a water storage mechanism, a steam generating mechanism and a conversion mechanism. The suction mechanism is configured to suck dust and dirt. The mopping mechanism is arranged at a back side of the suction mechanism along a forward movement direction of the cleaning robot and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned. The water storage mechanism is configured to storage water. The steam generating mechanism is connected with the mopping mechanism and configured to heat the water and conduct vaporized water steam to the mopping mechanism, wherein the mopping mechanism is further configured to spray the water steam to the surface to be cleaned. The conversion mechanism has a first conducting state and a second conducting state and is connected with the steam generating mechanism and the water storage mechanism respectively. When the conversion mechanism is in the first conducting state, the conversion mechanism connects the water storage mechanism with the steam generating mechanism. When the conversion mechanism is in the second conducting state, the conversion mechanism connects the water storage mechanism with the mopping mechanism.

[0007] By adding a steam generating mechanism which is connected with the mopping mechanism, the cleaning robot has functions of dust sucking and steam mopping. The steam generating mechanism can produce water steam with high temperature, which can not only soften the dirt on the surface to be cleaned but also realize sterilization and disinfection, so as to improve the cleaning power of the cleaning robot for stubborn stains, and improve functional diversity of the cleaning robot. At the same time, the cleaning robot can switch different pipeline by the conversion mechanism, and the water in the water storage mechanism can enter the steam generating mechanism for heating and vaporization and then ejecting, or directly enter into the mopping mechanism, resulting in that the cleaning robot can switch between steam mopping or water mopping, which increases cleaning modes of the cleaning robot and further improves the functional diversity of the cleaning robot.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suction mechanism includes a dust suction fan, a collection chamber and a block member. The dust suction fan is configured to suck dust and dirt. The collection chamber is configured to collect dust and dirt sucked by the dust suction fan. The block member is arranged at a back side of the dust suction fan along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot and configured to block the dust and dirt. In this way, the block member can block the dust and dirt and prevent the dust from moving to the back of the dust suction fan, resulting in that the dust located on the back side of the dust suction fan cannot be sucked by the dust suction fan. The blocking part has an effect of gathering the dust to an air inlet of the dust suction fan.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning robot further includes a power supply mechanism which is electrically connected with the suction mechanism, the steam generating mechanism and the conversion mechanism respectively. In this way, the power supply mechanism can omit a wiring structure of an external power supply, so as to avoid electricity leakage. The cleaning robot can be free from a limit of a length of the wire and move freely. At the same time, the power supply mechanism can avoid the wire of the external power supply mopping on the surface and preventing secondary pollution of a cleaning area and the cleaning robot.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply mechanism includes a battery chamber and a battery module. The battery chamber is provided with an air inlet channel and an air outlet, the air inlet channel is connected with the collection chamber and is provided with a filter element therein. The battery module is disposed in the battery chamber and electrically connected with the suction mechanism, the steam generating mechanism and the conversion mechanism respectively. In this way, the dust suction fan can blow air to the battery chamber through the collection chamber and the air inlet channel, so as to cool the battery module.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mopping mechanism is provided with a steam outlet which is connected with the steam generating mechanism. The mopping mechanism further includes a mop, which is arranged at a back side of the steam outlet along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot. In this way, the dirt can be softened by the steam at high temperature, and then the surface can be mopped, which can strengthen cleaning effect. [0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the conversion mechanism includes a reversing valve which is provided with a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe. The water inlet pipe is connected with the water storage mechanism, the first water outlet pipe is connected with the steam generating mechanism, and the second water outlet pipe is connected with the mopping mechanism and faces the mop. When the conversion mechanism is in the first conducting state, the reversing valve can connect the water inlet pipe with the first water outlet pipe. When the conversion mechanism is in the second conducting state, the reversing valve can connect the water inlet pipe with the second water outlet pipe. In this way, application scenes can be expanded and a switching of two cleaning modes can be realized.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water storage mechanism includes a water tank, and the water tank is provided with a thermal insulation layer. In this way, the water in the water tank can be insulated.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermal insulation layer is made of a thermal insulation material or includes a vacuum interlayer, the water tank is provided with a water storage chamber, and the thermal insulation layer is arranged to surround the water storage chamber.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning robot further includes a walking mechanism configured to drive the cleaning robot to walk along a navigation route. In this way, the cleaning robot can walk automatically.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning robot is provided with a visual probe configured to obtain scene information. In this way, the cleaning robot can avoid obstacles while working.

[0017] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning system is further provided. The cleaning system includes a depot and the above cleaning robot. The depot is in communication with the cleaning robot and includes a water replenishing module and a charging module. The water replenishing module is configured to replenish water for the water storage mechanism of the cleaning robot, and the charging module is configured to charge the cleaning robot.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water replenishing module includes a water storage tank, a water level control element and a pump. The water storage tank is configured to store water and provided with a water replenishing pipe for replenishing water. The water level control element is disposed on the water storage tank and connected with the water replenishing pipe. When a water level of the water storage tank is lower than a preset threshold, the water level control element is operable to control the water replenishing pipe to open. When the water level of the water storage tank is higher than the preset threshold, the water level control element is operable to control the water replenishing pipe to close. The pump is connected with the water storage tank and provided with a water replenishing interface connected with the water storage mechanism of the cleaning robot.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning system further includes a heating module disposed in the water storage tank and configured to heat the water in the water storage tank. In this way, the water storage mechanism can be filled with warm water, resulting in reducing the time of vaporizing the water by the steam generating mechanism.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the depot further includes a cleaning module, and the cleaning module includes a docking platform and a cleaning pipe. The docking platform is configured to support the cleaning robot, and a first end of the cleaning pipe is connected with the pump, and a second end of the cleaning pipe is connected with the docking platform and facing the mopping mechanism of the cleaning robot. In this way, the depot can clean the mopping mechanism.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the docking platform is provided with a sewage collection groove, the sewage collection groove is covered with a filter screen configured to support the cleaning robot, and the sewage collection groove is connected with a sewage pipe configured for discharging sewage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The figures forming part of the present disclosure are used to provide further understanding of the present disclosure, and the schematic embodiments of the present disclosure and the descriptions are used to interpret the present disclosure and should not be construed as an undue qualification of the present disclosure.

[0023] In order to explain technical schemes in the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, a brief description of the figures required in the embodiments is given below. It is obvious that the figures described below are only embodiments of the present disclosure and other figures may be made available to those skilled in the art without any creative effort.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning robot in an embodiment of the present disclosure, [0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a water storage mechanism of a cleaning robot in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a side view of a cleaning robot in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0028] Fig. 5 is a bottom view of a cleaning robot in an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0029] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a depot of a cleaning system in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the figures, 1000 represents a cleaning system, 100 represents a cleaning robot, 101 represents a base, 10 represents a suction mechanism, 11 represents a dust suction fan, 12 represents a collection chamber, 121 represents a filter net, 13 represents a block member, 20 represents a mopping mechanism, 21 represents a steam outlet, 22 represents a mop, 30 represents a water storage mechanism, 31 represents a water tank, 3 11 represents a water storage chamber, 32 represents a thermal insulation layer, 321 represents a vacuum interlayer, 33 represents a relief valve, 40 represents a conversion mechanism, 41 represents a reversing valve, 42 represents a water inlet pipe, 43 represents a first water outlet pipe, 44 represents a second water outlet pipe, 50 represents a walking mechanism, 51 represents a driving motor, 52 represents a caterpillar, 60 represents a visual probe, 70 represents a depot, 701 represents a water replenishing module, 702 represents a cleaning module, 71 represents a water storage tank, 711 represents a water replenishing pipe, 72 represents a water level control element, 73 represents a heating module, 74 represents a pump, 741 represents a water replenishing interface, 75 represents a charging module, 76 represents a control panel, 77 represents a cleaning pipe, 78 represents a docking platform, 781 represents a sewage collection groove, 782 represents a filter screen, 783 represents a sewage pipe, 80 represents a steam generating mechanism, 81 represents a heating chamber, 90 represents a power supply mechanism, 91 represents a battery chamber, 911 represents an air inlet channel, 9111 represents a filter element 912 represents an air outlet, and 913 represents a battery module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the above purposes, characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and easy to understand, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are clearly and completely described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Many specific details are described in the description below in order to fully understand the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and similar improvements may be made by those skilled in the art without prejudice to the content of the present disclosure, and therefore the present disclosure is not subject to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cleaning robot in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Specifically, in an embodiment, a cleaning robot 100 includes a base 101, a suction mechanism 10, a mopping mechanism 20, a water storage mechanism 30, a steam generating mechanism 80 and a conversion mechanism 40. The suction mechanism is disposed on the base 101 and configured to suck dust and dirt. The mopping mechanism 20 is connected with the base 101 and arranged at a back side of the suction mechanism10 along a forward movement direction of the cleaning robot] 00. The mopping mechanism 20 is configured to contact a surface to be cleaned to mop the surface. The water storage mechanism 30 is fixed on the base 101 and configured to store water for use by the steam generating mechanism 80 or the mopping mechanism 20. The steam generating mechanism 80 is connected with the mopping mechanism 20, and the steam generating mechanism 80 is configured to heat the water and conduct vaporized water steam to the mopping mechanism 20. The mopping mechanism 20 is further configured to spray the water steam to the surface to be cleaned. The conversion mechanism 40 is connected with the steam generating mechanism 80 and the water storage mechanism 30 respectively, and the conversion mechanism 40 has a first conducting state and a second conducting state. When the conversion mechanism 40 is in the first conducting state, the conversion mechanism 40 connects the water storage mechanism30 with the steam generating mechanism80. When the conversion mechanism 40 is in the second conducting state, the conversion mechanism 40 connects the water storage mechanism30 with the mopping mechanism 20.

[0034] Specifically, the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot 100 is defined as a direction of a working path of the clean robot O. The mopping mechanism 20 is arranged at the back side of the suction mechanism 10, resulting in that the cleaning robot 100 can suck dust and dirt on the working path firstly when working and then clean the surface, so that the cleaning effect is improved.

[0035] Furthermore, the steam generating mechanism 80 is configured to heat and vaporize the water supplied by the water storage mechanism 30 to form water steam with high temperature and high pressure. Specifically, the steam generating mechanism 80 is provided with a heating chamber 81, and a heating module 73 is located in the heating chamber 81. The heating module 73 is configured to heat the water to vaporize. When the water in the water storage mechanism 30 enters the heating chamber 81, the heating module 73 can heat the water, so that the water can be vaporized into steam. Furthermore, the water storage mechanism 30 can store the water preheated to a preset temperature (such as 90 degrees centigrade). After the preheated high temperature water flows into the steam generating mechanism 80, the preheated high temperature water can shorten the time of heating and vaporizing the water by the steam generating mechanism 80, or the high-temperature water can realize mopping with the high-temperature water after the high-temperature water flows into the mopping mechanism 20, improving an effect of mopping.

[0036] Furthermore, the conversion mechanism 40 is configured to draw out the water in the water storage mechanism 30 and switch different pipelines to conduct the water to different mechanisms. Specifically, when the conversion mechanism 40 is in the first conducting state, the conversion mechanism 40 connects the water storage mechanism 30 with the steam generating mechanism 80, resulting in that the water in the water storage mechanism 30 can flow into the steam generating mechanism 80 firstly, the water is heated and vaporized by the steam generating mechanism 80 to form water steam with high temperature, and the vaporized water steam is sent to the mopping mechanism 20, so as to realize a steam mopping. When the conversion mechanism 20 is in the second conducting state, the conversion mechanism 40 connects the water storage mechanism 30 with the mopping mechanism 20, resulting in that the water in the water storage mechanism 30 can be directly conducted to the mopping mechanism 20 for use.

[0037] The above cleaning robot 100 adds a steam generating mechanism 80 on the basis of the suction mechanism 10, and the steam generating mechanism 80 is connected with the mopping mechanism 20, resulting in that the cleaning robot 100 can increase a function of steam mopping after dust sucking. The water steam with high temperature produced by the steam generating mechanism 80 can not only soften the dirt at high temperature but also achieve the effect of sterilization and disinfection, which improves the functional diversity of the cleaning robot 100. The above cleaning robot 100 can switch different pipelines by the conversion mechanism 40, and the water in the water storage mechanism 30 can be heated into steam by the steam generating mechanism 80 or directly flow into the mopping mechanism 20, resulting in that the cleaning robot 100 can switch two cleaning modes of steam mopping or wet water mopping, which increases working modes of the cleaning robot 100 and further improves the functional diversity of the cleaning robot 100.

[0038] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the suction mechanism 10 includes a dust suction fan 11, a collection chamber 12 and a block member 13. The dust suction fan 11 is configured to suck dust and dirt. The collection chamber 12 is connected with an air duct of the dust suction fan 11 and disposed on the base 101 to store dust and dirt, and the block member 13 is connected with the base 101 and configured to block dust.

[0039] Furthermore, the dust suction fan 11 has an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the dust suction fan 11 faces the surface, and the outlet end of the dust suction fan 11 faces the collection chamber 12. The collection chamber 12 is connected with the outlet end of the dust suction fan 11, resulting in that the collection chamber 12 can collect the dust and dirt sucked by the dust suction fan 11. Alternatively, the collection chamber 12 is provided with a filter net 121, so as to facilitate collection and removal of the dust absorbed by the dust suction fan 11. Furthermore, the block member 13 is arranged at the back side of the dust suction fan 11 along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot 100 and configured to block the dust and dirt, resulting in preventing the dust from moving to the back side of the dust suction fan 11, avoiding dust omission and improving a dust sucking effect of the suction mechanism 10. Alternatively, the block member 13 can be a baffle, a width of the baffle is consistent with an overall width of the cleaning robot 100, and a height of the baffle is better to set as the baffle being contact the surface.

[0040] Specifically, the cleaning robot 100 further includes a power supply mechanism 90. The power supply mechanism 90 is disposed on the base 101 and electrically connected with the suction mechanism 10, the steam generating mechanism 80 and the conversion mechanism 40 respectively. The power supply mechanism 90 can supply power to the dust collecting mechanism 10, the steam generating mechanism 80 and the conversion mechanism 40 directly, avoiding a wiring structure of an external power supply. In the use of the cleaning robot 100, a cleaning range of the cleaning robot 100 will not be limited by a length of the wire and be free to use. At the same time, the power supply mechanism 90 can avoid electricity leakage and other risks, and save the wire structure to avoid the wire mopping on the surface and preventing secondary pollution of a cleaning area and the cleaning robot 100.

[0041] Furthermore, the battery chamber 91 is provided with an air inlet channel 911 and an air outlet 912, the air inlet channel 911 is connected with the collection chamber 12 and is provided with a filter element 9111 therein. The battery module 913 is disposed in the battery chamber 91 and electrically connected with the suction mechanism 10, the steam generating mechanism 80 and the conversion mechanism 40 respectively. The battery chamber 91 is connected with the collection chamber 12 of the suction mechanism 10 by the air inlet channel 911, resulting in that wind generated by the dust suction fan 11 can enter into the battery chamber 91 by the air inlet channel 911 to cool the battery module 913. Furthermore, the filter element 9111 is disposed in the air inlet channel 911, resulting in avoiding the dust in the collection chamber 12 entering into the battery chamber 91 to pollute the battery module 913. Alternatively, the filter element 9111 can be a filtration membrane. Furthermore, the battery module 913 is connected with a charging interface which is configured to charge the battery module 913. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, specifically, the mopping mechanism 20 is provided with a steam outlet 21 which is connected with the steam generating mechanism 80. The mopping mechanism 20 includes a mop 22, which is arranged at a back side of the steam outlet 21 along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot 100. When the cleaning robot 100 is operated, the water steam with high temperature can be ejected from the steam outlet 21 to soften stubborn stains at high temperature, and then the softened stains are wiped by the mop 22 to improve the cleaning effect.

[0042] Furthermore, the conversion mechanism 40 includes a reversing valve 41 which is provided with a water inlet pipe 42, a first water outlet pipe 43 and a second water outlet pipe 44.The water inlet pipe 42 is connected with a water tank 31, the first water outlet pipe 43 is connected with the steam generating mechanism 80, and the second water outlet pipe 44 is connected with the mopping mechanism 20 and the opening of the second water outlet pipe 44 faces the mop 22. When the conversion mechanism 40 is in the first conducting state, the reversing valve 41 can reverse direction and connect the water inlet pipe 42 with the first water outlet pipe 43, the water in the storage mechanism 30 can enter into the steam generating mechanism 80 by the water inlet pipe 42 and the first outlet pipe 43, and after the water is heated and vaporized by the steam generating mechanism 80, the water steam with high temperature is formed and then leaded to the mopping mechanism 20, so as to realize the steam mopping. When the conversion mechanism 40 is in the second conducting state, the reversing valve 41 can reverse direction and connect the water inlet pipe 42 with the second water outlet pipe 44, the water in the storage mechanism 30 can be directly conducted to the mop 22 for use. Alternatively, a reversing operation of the reversing valve 41 can be controlled by a control panel, or remote monitored by mobile phones and other mobile terminals.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2 and Fig. 3, furthermore, the water storage mechanism includes a water tank 31, and the water tank is provided with a thermal insulation layer 32. Specifically, the water tank 31 can store the water preheated to a preset temperature (such as 90 degrees centigrade). After the preheated high temperature water flows into the steam generating mechanism 80, the preheated high temperature water can shorten the time of heating and vaporizing the water by the steam generating mechanism 80, or the high-temperature water can realize mopping with the high-temperature water after the high-temperature water flows into the mopping mechanism 20, improving an effect of mopping. The thermal insulation layer 32 is arranged in the water tank 31 to keep the high temperature water warm in the water tank 31 and to prevent the hot water tank 31 from damaging other components. Alternatively, the thermal insulation layer 32 can be made of asbestos or other thermal insulation materials. In another embodiment, the thermal insulation layer 32 may also be a vacuum interlayer 321, which is arranged in the water tank 31 and wraps the water storage chamber 311 configured for water storage in the water tank 31. Furthermore, a relief valve 33 can also be disposed on the water tank 31. When hot water is added to the water tank 31, pressure in the water tank 31 will increase. When the pressure in the water tank 31 rises to the preset pressure value, the relief valve 33 can automatically relieve the pressure of the water tank 31, so as to prevent the water tank 31 from bursting due to high pressure. Furthermore, the water tank 31 can be arranged upon the mop 22, resulting in that a friction between the mop 22 and the surface is enhanced through the pressure of the water tank 31, improving the cleaning effect of the mop 22.

[0044] Furthermore, referring to FIG.2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the cleaning robot 100 further includes a walking mechanism 50 configured to drive the cleaning robot 100 to move along a navigation route. Alternatively, the walking mechanism 50 includes a caterpillar 52 and a driving motor 51 configured to drive the caterpillar 52. The cleaning robot 100 can deal with a variety of surface under a heavy load state without slipping, stuck and other faults by the walking mechanism 50 with the caterpillar 52. It should be noted that the walking mechanism 50 can also be a mecanum wheel or a universal wheel.

[0045] Furthermore, the cleaning robot 100 is provided with a visual probe 60 configured to obtain scene information for generating the navigation route. Specifically, the visual probe 60 is configured to analyze abnormal scene information such as a distance between the cleaning robot 100 and obstacles, and gap width around the cleaning robot 100. Then the visual probe 60 can send this scene information to a control system or a navigation system, resulting in that the Ii control system or the navigation system can generate the navigation route and then conduct automatic navigation for the cleaning robot 100. In this embodiment, in order to detect the obstacles in the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot 100 more accurately, the vision probe 60 is disposed in the front of the base 101. An installation position of the vision probe 60 is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0046] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, a cleaning system 1000 is provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Specifically, the cleaning system 1000 includes a depot 70 and the cleaning robot 100 described in any one of the embodiments above. The depot 70 is in communication with the cleaning robot 100, resulting in that the depot 70 can monitor a working state, remaining amount of electricity and the remaining amount of water storage of the cleaning robot 100 in real time. [0048] Furthermore, the depot 70 includes a water replenishing module 701 and a charging module 75. The water replenishing module701 is configured to replenish water for the water storage mechanism 30 of the cleaning robot 100, and the charging module 75 is disposed on the water replenishing module 701 and configured to charge the cleaning robot 100. The charging module 75 can be a lithium battery, and the lithium battery has a high capacity and a large working current, so as to ensure power supply demand of the cleaning robot 100.

[0049] Furthermore, the water replenishing module 701 includes a water storage tank 71, a water level control element 72 and a pump 74. The water storage tank 71 is configured to store water and provided with a water replenishing pipe 711 for replenishing water. Alternatively, the water replenishing pipe 711 can be directly connected with a water source or a water supply line. The water level control element 72 is disposed on the water storage tank 71, connected with the water replenishing pipe 711, and configured to monitor water level in the water tank 31. Specifically, when a water level of the water storage tank 71 is lower than a preset threshold, the water level control element 72 is operable to control the water replenishing pipe 711 to open, resulting in that the water storage tank 71 can automatically refill water by the water replenishing pipe 711.When the water level of the water storage tank 71 is higher than the preset threshold, the water level control element 72 is operable to control the water replenishing pipe '711 to close, resulting in avoiding overflow of water in the water tank 31. The pump 74 is connected with the water storage tank 71 The pump 74 is configured to pump out the water in the water storage tank 71 and pressurize the water for discharge. Specifically, the pump 74 is also provided with a water replenishing interface 741 connected with the water storage mechanism 30 of the cleaning robot 100, resulting in that the water can be replenished to the water storage mechanism 30 of the cleaning robot 100 by the water replenishing interface 74L Alternatively, the pump 74 can be an electric water pump. It should be noted that the water level control element 72 can be a water level control valve, a level gauge or other water level control element.

[0050] Furthermore, the cleaning system 1000 further includes a heating module 73, which is configured to pre-heat the water in the water storage mechanism 30, thus shortening the required time of heating and vaporizing the water by the steam generating mechanism 80, and also facilitating mopping with hot water directly.

[0051] Furthermore, the cleaning system further includes a cleaning module 702, which is configured to clean the mopping mechanism 20. Specifically, the cleaning module 702 includes a docking platform 78 and a cleaning pipe 77. The docking station 78 is configured to support the cleaning robot 100. A first end of the cleaning pipe 77 is connected with the pump 74, a second end of the cleaning pipe 77 is connected with the docking platform 78, and an opening of the cleaning pipe 77 is facing the mopping mechanism 20 of the cleaning robot 100.When the cleaning robot 100 is parked on the docking platform 78, the cleaning pipe 77 can spray high-pressure water to the mopping mechanism 20 (specifically for the mop 22) of the cleaning robot, so as to clean the dirt of the mop 22. It should be noted that the depot 70 can also clean the mop 22 in other ways. Specifically, in another embodiment, high-pressure water can be injected into the water tank 31 of the cleaning robot 100 by the pump 74. The water inlet pipe 42 is connected with the second water outlet pipe 44 by the reversing valve 41. The high-pressure water in the water tank 31 of the cleaning robot 100 can be washed down from an inside of the mop 22 to clean the dirt in the mop 22.

[0052] Furthermore, the docking platform 78 is provided with a sewage collection groove 781, the sewage collection groove781 is covered with a filter screen 782 configured to support the cleaning robot 100, and the sewage generated after cleaning the mop 22 can enter the sewage collection groove 781 by the filter screen 782. Furthermore, the sewage collection groove781 is connected with a sewage pipe 783 configured for discharging sewage, and the sewage is discharged by the sewage pipe 783 to avoid contaminating a cleaned area.

[0053] Furthermore, the depot 70 is further provided with a control panel 76. The control panel 76 is configured to control the heating module 73, the charging module 75, the water replenishing module 701 and the cleaning module 702. The depot 70 is further connected with mobile devices such as mobile phones. Control software can be installed in the mobile devices, which can send control signals to the depot 70 by the control software, so as to realize operation of controlling the depot 70 to automatically supply water, charge and clean the cleaning robot 100.

[0054] The cleaning system 1000 adopts the above cleaning robot 100. In the cleaning robot 100, the steam generating mechanism 80 connected with the mopping mechanism 20 is added. Functions of steam mopping after dust sucking are added in the cleaning robot 100. The steam generating mechanism 80 can produce water steam with high temperature, which can not only soften the dust and dirt on the surface to be cleaned but also realize sterilization and disinfection, so as to improve functional diversity of the cleaning robot 100. At the same time, the cleaning robot 100 can switch different pipeline by the conversion mechanism 40, and the water in the water storage mechanism 30 can enter the steam generating mechanism 80 or the mopping mechanism 20 directly, resulting in that the cleaning robot 100 can switch between steam mopping or water mopping, which increases cleaning modes of the cleaning robot 100 and further improves the functional diversity of the cleaning robot 100.

[0055] The technical features of the above-described embodiments may be combined in any combination. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction between the combinations of these technical features, all should be considered as within the scope of this disclosure.

[0056] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several embodiments of the present disclosure, and the description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. It should be noted that a plurality of variations and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure should be determined by the appended claims, [0057] It should be understood that in the description of the present disclosure, an orientation or a position relationship indicated by location words such as "center, vertical, horizontal, length, width, thickness, up, down, front, back, left, right, perpendicular, level, top, bottom, inside and outside, clockwise and rotate" are based on an orientation or a position relationship shown in the attached figures, which is only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. These location words do not indicate and imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, so it cannot be understood as a restriction on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or to imply the number of technical features indicated. In this way, a feature that qualifies as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of these features. In the description of the present disclosure, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0059] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that unless otherwise expressly stated and qualified, the terms "disposed", "joined", -connected-and "fixed" are to be understood broadly. For example, the connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated connection. It can also be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. It can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediary. It can be a connection between two elements or an interaction between two elements unless otherwise expressly defined. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure may be understood on a case-by-case basis by the skilled in the art.

[0060] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly stated and qualified, the first feature "above" or "below" the second feature may be in direct contact with the first feature and the second feature, or in indirect contact with the first feature and the second feature by an intermediary. Moreover, the first feature is "above" the second feature, but the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the level of the first feature is higher than the second feature. The first feature "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature has a lower horizontal height than the second feature.

[0061] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed-or "set" on another element, it can be directly on another element or it can exist in a centering element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to another element or there may be a center element at the same time. The terms "vertical, horizontal, up, down, left, right" and similar expressions are used in the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be used exclusively.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cleaning robot, comprising: a suction mechanism configured to suck dust and dirt; a mopping mechanism arranged at a back side of the suction mechanism along a forward movement direction of the cleaning robot and configured to contact a surface to be cleaned; a water storage mechanism configured to storage water; a steam generating mechanism connected with the mopping mechanism and configured to heat the water and conduct vaporized water steam to the mopping mechanism, wherein the mopping mechanism is further configured to spray the water steam to the surface to be cleaned; and a conversion mechanism having a first conducting state and a second conducting state and connected with the steam generating mechanism and the water storage mechanism respectively, wherein: when in the first conducting state, the conversion mechanism connects the water storage mechanism with the steam generating mechanism; and when in the second conducting state, the conversion mechanism connects the water storage mechanism with the mopping mechanism.
2. The cleaning robot of claim 1, wherein the suction mechanism comprises: a dust suction fan configured to suck dust and dirt; a collection chamber configured to collect dust and dirt sucked by the dust suction fan; and a block member arranged at the back side of the suction mechanism along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot and configured to block the dust and dirt.
3. The cleaning robot of claim 2, further comprising a power supply mechanism which is electrically connected with the suction mechanism, the steam generating mechanism and the conversion mechanism respectively.
4. The cleaning robot of claim 3, wherein the power supply mechanism comprises: a battery chamber provided with an air inlet channel and an air outlet, the air inlet channel is connected with the collection chamber and is provided with a filter element therein; and a battery module disposed in the battery chamber and electrically connected with the suction mechanism, the steam generating mechanism and the conversion mechanism respectively.
5. The cleaning robot of claim 1, wherein: the mopping mechanism is provided with a steam outlet connected with the steam generating mechanism; and the mopping mechanism further comprises a mop, which is arranged at a back side of the steam outlet along the forward movement direction of the cleaning robot.
6. The cleaning robot of claim 5, wherein: the conversion mechanism comprises a reversing valve which is provided with a water inlet pipe, a first water outlet pipe and a second water outlet pipe; the water inlet pipe is connected with the water storage mechanism, the first water outlet pipe is connected with the steam generating mechanism, and the second water outlet pipe is connected with the mopping mechanism and faces the mop; when the conversion mechanism is in the first conducting state, the reversing valve is configured to connect the water inlet pipe with the first water outlet pipe, and when the conversion mechanism is in the second conducting state, the reversing valve is configured to connect the water inlet pipe with the second water outlet pipe.
7. The cleaning robot of claim 1, wherein the water storage mechanism comprises a water tank, and the water tank is provided with a thermal insulation layer.
8. The cleaning robot of claim 7, wherein the thermal insulation layer is made of a thermal insulation material or comprises a vacuum interlayer, the water tank is provided with a water storage chamber, and the thermal insulation layer is arranged to surround the water storage chamber.
9. The cleaning robot of claim 1, further comprising a walking mechanism configured to drive the cleaning robot to walk along a navigation route.
10. The cleaning robot of claim 9, further comprising a visual probe configured to obtain scene information,
11. A cleaning system, comprising a depot and a cleaning robot of any one of claims 1-10, wherein: the depot is in communication with the cleaning robot and comprises a water replenishing module and a charging module; and the water replenishing module is configured to replenish water for the water storage mechanism of the cleaning robot, and the charging module is configured to charge the cleaning robot
12. The cleaning system of claim 11, wherein the water replenishing module comprises: a water storage tank configured to store water and provided with a water replenishing pipe for replenishing water; a water level control element disposed on the water storage tank and connected with the water replenishing pipe, wherein when a water level of the water storage tank is lower than a preset threshold, the water level control element is operable to control the water replenishing pipe to open, and when the water level of the water storage tank is higher than the preset threshold, the water level control element is operable to control the water replenishing pipe to close; and a pump connected with the water storage tank and provided with a water replenishing interface connected with the water storage mechanism of the cleaning robot.
13. The cleaning system of claim 12, further comprising a heating module disposed in the water storage tank and configured to heat the water in the water storage tank.
14. The cleaning system of claim 12, wherein the depot further comprises a cleaning module, and the cleaning module comprises: a docking platform configured to support the cleaning robot; and a cleaning pipe, a first end of the cleaning pipe connected with the pump, and a second end of the cleaning pipe connected with the docking platform and facing the mopping mechanism of the cleaning robot.
15. The cleaning system of claim 14, wherein the docking platform is provided with a sewage collection groove, the sewage collection groove is covered with a filter screen configured to support the cleaning robot, and the sewage collection groove is connected with a sewage pipe configured for discharging sewage.