DUST COLLECTION AND FILTRATION DEVICE AND CLEANING ROBOT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application is a continuation-application of International Application PCT/CN2024/078530, with an international filing date of Feb. 26, 2024, which claims foreign priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311862554.8, filed on Dec. 29, 2023, in the China National Intellectual Property Administration, the contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning robots, and in particular, relates to a dust collection and filtration device and a cleaning robot.

BACKGROUND

[0003]Many conventional cleaning robots typically use a single high-efficiency air filter (also known as a HEPA filter) to trap dust and purify the air, effectively separating them. Generally, the HEPA filter is installed inside a cavity designed to collect dust. As a result, the HEPA filter is prone to being clogged by dust or debris, which weakens the suction power of the cleaning robot. This can affect the cleaning performance during operation and impact the user's overall experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0004]Many aspects of the present embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, all the views are schematic, and like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0005]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cleaning robot according to one embodiment.

[0006]FIG. 2 is an isometric exploded view of the cleaning robot according to one embodiment.

[0007]FIG. 3 is another isometric exploded view of the cleaning robot viewed from a different perspective.

[0008]FIG. 4 is a planar cross-sectional view of a dust collection and filtration device according to one embodiment.

[0009]FIG. 5 is an isometric exploded view of the dust collection and filtration device.

[0010]FIG. 6 is another isometric exploded view of the dust collection and filtration device viewed from a different perspective.

[0011]FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a first filtration structure according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012]The disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate similar elements. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references can mean “at least one” embodiment.

[0013]Although the features and elements of the present disclosure are described as embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone or in other various combinations within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

[0014]Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, in one embodiment, a dust collection and filtration device 100 may include a housing 10, a hollow inner housing assembly 20 (see FIG. 6), a first filtration structure 30, a second filtration structure 40 and a third filtration structure 50. The housing 10 defines a cavity and includes a mounting port 12, an intake port 13, and an exhaust port 50. The inner housing assembly 20 is arranged within the cavity and has a bottom end abutting the bottom inner surface of the housing 10, thereby dividing the cavity into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The inner housing assembly 20 defines a first communication port 21 and a second communication port 22. The inner housing assembly 20 further define an inner chamber that is in communication with the first chamber 111 through the first communication port 21, and in communication with the second chamber 112 through the second communication port 22. The intake port 12 is in communication with the first chamber 111, and the mounting port 12 and the exhaust port 14 both are in communication with the second chamber 112.

[0015]The first filtration structure 30 is arranged within the inner chamber of the inner housing assembly 20. The first filtration structure 30 includes a first interface 31, a second interface 32, and a third interface 33. The first interface 31 is in communication with the first communication port 21, the second interface 32 extends toward a bottom end of the inner housing assembly 20, and the third interface 33 is in communication with the second communication port 22. Particulate waste carried by airflow passing through the first filtration structure 30 is filtered and falls into the inner chamber of the inner housing assembly 20.

[0016]The second filtration structure 40 is connected to the inner housing assembly 20. The second filtration structure 40 covers the first communication port 21, and is to filter the airflow flowing toward the first interface 31. The third filtration structure 50 is arranged at the mounting port 12. The third filtration structure 50 includes a fine filter mesh 51 that extends into the inner housing assembly 20 to isolate the second communication port 22 from the exhaust port 14.

[0017]When the cleaning robot 300 provided by the present disclosure is used to clean the floor by vacuuming, debris and dust are sucked into the dust collection and filtration device 100, where the debris, dust, and airflow are filtered and separated. The debris and dust are collected and settled within the dust collection and filtration device 100. In this filtration device 100, the airflow carrying the debris and dust sequentially passes through the second filtration structure 40, the first filtration structure 30, and the third filtration structure 50, undergoing multiple layers of filtration and separation. This ensures that the debris and dust sucked in with the airflow are more thoroughly trapped in the filtration device 100. Additionally, by passing through the second filtration structure 40, the first filtration structure 30, and the third filtration structure 50 in sequence, the debris and dust are collected and settled in layers, which reduces the likelihood of clogging in each filtration structure. This helps maintain the suction power of the cleaning robot over a long period and significantly improves the vacuum cleaning performance, enhancing the user experience.

[0018]In one embodiment, the second filtration structure 40 uses a filter with a larger mesh size (the larger mesh size is relative to the finer mesh filter 51 used in the third filtration structure 50, and is a relative concept), thereby trapping larger debris, which then falls to the bottom of the first chamber 111.

[0019]As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the first filtration structure 30 includes at least one cyclone tube 34, which is a conical tube with two opposite open ends. The small open end of the conical cyclone tube 34 is the second interface 32, and the large open end of the conical cyclone tube 34 is the third interface 33. The first interface 31 is defined in the lateral surface of the cyclone tube 34, and is located near the third interface 33. The large end of the cyclone tube 34 is configured to have a such a cross section that a passage 301 (see FIG. 7) is formed starting from the first interface 31 and the passage 301 extends in a direction tangential to the inner lateral surface of the cyclone tube 34. With such a configuration, the airflow entering the cyclone tube 34 from the first interface 31 will generate a rotating effect. The centrifugal force acting on the air, debris, and dust particles differs, with a portion of the airflow moving downward along the cyclone tube 34 toward the second interface 32, and another portion moving upward toward the third interface 33. Larger debris and dust particles carried by the airflow will settle downward along the cyclone tube 34 under the combined effects of centrifugal force and gravity, while smaller particles are carried upward with the airflow to the third filtration structure 50, where they are filtered and trapped. Therefore, the first filtration structure 30 utilizes the combined effects of gravity and centrifugal force to separate the particulate debris and dust from the air, causing the particulate debris and dust to collect and settle.

[0020]Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first filtration structure 30 includes multiple cyclone tubes 34, which are arranged side by side as a single unit. This design makes it easier to handle and move the entire component, as well as to assemble all the cyclone tubes 34 simultaneously. The multiple cyclone tubes 34 work together to filter and separate the particulate debris and dust in the airflow, greatly improving the filtration efficiency.

[0021]As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the inner housing assembly 20 includes a lower housing 23, a middle housing 24, and a cover 25. The bottom end of the lower housing 23 abuts the bottom of the housing 10. The middle housing 24 and the cover 25 are stacked sequentially on the lower housing 23. The multiple cyclone tubes 34 are installed within the inner housing assembly 20 through the middle housing 24 in a suspended manner. The cover 25 divides the cavity into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The first communication port 21 is provided on the middle housing 24, the second communication port 22 is provided on the cover 25, and the third interface 33 abuts the cover 25 and is in communication with the second communication port 22. This design greatly reduces the assembly difficulty of the dust collection and filtration device 100, thereby improving the efficiency of assembling and producing the filtration device 100.

[0022]As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the cover 25 includes a cover body 251 and a buffering cover 252. The cover body 251 is connected to the inner surface of the in housing 10 to divide the cavity into a first chamber 111 and a second chamber 112. The cover body 251 includes a cover plate 2511 and a main body 2512. The main body 2512 is a sleeve, with the cover plate 2511 connected to the bottom end of the main body 2512. The top end of the main body 2512 is connected to the inner surfaces of the housing 10 and aligned with the mounting port 12, thereby dividing the cavity into the first chamber 111 and the second chamber 112.

[0023]The second communication port 22 is located on the cover plate 2511 of the cover body 251. The buffering cover 252 is mounted on the side of the cover plate 2511 of the cover body 251, opposite to the first filtration structure 30, and covers the second communication port 22. The buffering cover 252 has an opening 2521. The buffering cover 252 is designed to buffer the airflow blown out from the second communication port 22 and converge it before directing it toward the third filtration structure 50. During the buffering process, the decrease in airflow speed causes some of the larger particles of debris and dust carried by the airflow to settle downward due to gravity. This reduces the chances of large particles of dust being blown into the third filtration structure 50 for filtration, thereby lowering the probability of clogging and protecting the third filtration structure 50. Additionally, the smooth, curved surface of the buffering cover 252 effectively reduces the impact force of the airflow on the surfaces, which helps to reduce airflow noise to some extent.

[0024]As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the external lateral surface of the lower housing 23 is provided with an annular member 231, which surrounds the lower housing 23 in the circumferential direction. The annular member 231 is inclined downward from top to bottom. Since the airflow continuously flows, it may stir up the debris and dust that have already settled. To reduce the amount of settled debris and dust from being stirred up, the annular member 231 is provided. The annular member 231 helps intercept most of the debris and dust that are lifted from the bottom, and the intercepted debris and dust will then fall along the external lateral surface of the lower housing 23.

[0025]As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the bottom of the housing 10 is provided with multiple spaced barrier plates 161 on its bottom, which surround the inner housing assembly 20. The side surfaces of the barrier plates 161 intersect with the external lateral surface of the lower housing 23. Since the airflow in the cavity continuously flows in a circulating rotational pattern, it also carries debris and dust along with the rotation, which can negatively affect the filtration and separation performance. To reduce the impact of rotating debris and dust on the filtration effect, multiple barrier plates 161 are used to block the rotating airflow, disrupting its rotation. This also prevents the debris and dust from being carried along by the airflow. As a result, the amount of debris and dust that can rotate is reduced, which helps improve the filtration and separation performance.

[0026]In one embodiment, the central axis of the inner housing assembly 20 lies within the plane where the side surface of each barrier plate 161 is located. In other words, when viewed from a top-down perspective, each barrier plate 161 appears as a line segment, and the central axis of the inner housing assembly 20 is represented by a point. The lines containing the segments passes through this point that represents the central axis. This design of the barrier plates 161 provides an effective blocking action, preventing the debris and dust from rotating along with the airflow.

[0027]As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the housing 10 includes a main body 15, a rotary cover 16, and a top cover 17. The bottom end of the main body 15 is an open end 151, and the top cover 17 is mounted at the top end 152 of the main body 15. The mounting port 12 is defined in the top cover 17. One side of the rotary cover 16 is rotatably connected to the main body 15, and the rotary cover 16 is to cover the open end 151. When the rotary cover 16 covers the open end 151, it serves as the bottom of the housing 10, and the bottom end of the lower housing 23 abuts the rotary cover 16.

[0028]When the rotary cover 16 covers the open end 151, the cavity of the housing 10 and the inner chamber of the inner housing assembly 20 each form a sealed chamber. During the vacuum cleaning process, the debris and dust that are filtered and separated by the first filtration structure 30, the second filtration structure 40, and the third filtration structure 50 are trapped inside the cavity of the housing 10 and the inner chamber of the inner housing assembly 20. When the rotary cover 16 rotates to an open position where the open end 151 is exposed, the trapped debris and dust inside the cavity of the housing 10 and the inner chamber of the inner housing assembly 20 can be easily cleaned out, making the cleaning process convenient, simple, and quick.

[0029]In one embodiment, when the rotary cover 16 closes the open end 151, it can be locked in place by a latch 18. When it is attempted to rotate the rotary cover 16 to an open position, the latch 18 needs to be unlocked first. The rotary cover 16 will then rotate by its own gravity, thereby exposing the open end 151.

[0030]As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the rotary cover 16 is provided with a first sealing member 61, which abuts the bottom end of the lower housing 23 when the rotary cover 16 covers the open end 151 of the main body, creating a seal between the bottom end of the lower housing 23 and the rotary cover 16. The first sealing member 61 serves as the bottom end of the inner housing assembly 20. The first sealing member 61 seals the gap between the bottom end of the lower housing 23 and the rotary cover 16, making the first chamber 111 and the inner chamber of the inner housing 20 two completely separate chambers. This prevents the dust that has settled in the inner housing assembly 20 from being carried back into the first chamber 111 due to airflow and re-entering the filtration process, ensuring that the filtration and separation of debris and dust is always performed efficiently.

[0031]Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a second sealing member 62 is mounted on the rotary cover 16, surrounding the first sealing member 61. When the rotary cover 16 covers the open end 151 of the main body 15, the second sealing member 62 abuts the edge of the open end 151 to seal it. By sealing the edge of the open end 151 with the second sealing member 62, the debris and dust that have settled in the first chamber 111 will not leak out.

[0032]In one embodiment, a cleaning robot 300 is provided, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Specifically, the cleaning robot 300 includes a body 310 and the dust collection and filtration device 100 described above. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the top of the body 310 is provided with a mounting space 311. The lateral surface of the mounting space 311 is provided with an air inlet 312 and an air outlet 313. The dust collection and filtration device 100 is detachably arranged within the mounting space 311, with the intake port 13 in communication with the air inlet 312 and the exhaust port 14 in communication with the air outlet 313.

[0033]The body 310 includes a fan and an air duct assembly. The inlet of the fan is in communication with the air outlet 313, and the outlet of the fan is in communication with the air duct assembly. When the fan is activated, it draws air, causing the airflow to pass through the dust collection and filtration device 100. At this point, the air pressure inside the dust collection and filtration device 100 is lower than the external atmospheric pressure, creating a negative pressure, or suction, which allows the debris and dust on the ground to be sucked up and flow with the air through the various filtration structures. This results in layered filtration and separation of the airflow carrying the debris and dust, ensuring that the debris and dust sucked in with the airflow are more thoroughly trapped in the dust collection and filtration device. The vacuum cleaning performance is enhanced, improving the user's experience.

[0034]The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.