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(11) | EP 4 799 539 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC |
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| (54) | CLEANING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD, CLEANING DEVICE AND CLEANING SYSTEM |
| (57) A cleaning device control method, a cleaning device (1), and a cleaning system. The
cleaning device control method comprises: when a cleaning device (1) docked with a
charging device and a docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction
event (101); and when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored,
the cleaning device (1) executing a self-cleaning task (102). Compared with the solution
of entering the charging state immediately after docking, it is possible to wait for
the interaction event of starting self-cleaning when the cleaning device (1) is not
in the charging state; if the event is monitored, the self-cleaning task is executed;
and the cleaning device (1) enters the charging state when the self-cleaning task
is completed, which can minimize interruptions to battery charging caused by a user
activating a self-cleaning function while the cleaning device (1) is in the charging
state, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery. |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application refers to Chinese Patent Application No. 202311685477.3, filed on December 10, 2023, entitled "Cleaning Device Control Method, Cleaning Device and Cleaning System", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to the field of cleaning technology and, in particular, to a cleaning device control method, a cleaning device and a cleaning system.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Cleaning devices have been widely used, such as handheld vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers, and cleaning robots. After a cleaning device has completed a cleaning task, there will be residual dirt on its roller brush, suction pipes and other components. To simplify maintenance of the device, the cleaning device is provided with a self-cleaning function. However, most users forget to command the cleaning device to self-clean when they place it on the matched charging base for recharging after use, which leads to mold growth on the roller brush and pipes due to prolonged storage, resulting in unpleasant odors.
SUMMARY
[0004] In view of the current state of the art, the present application provides a cleaning device control method, a cleaning device and a cleaning system to solve or improve the problems existing in the prior art.
[0005] In a first embodiment of the present application, a cleaning device control method is provided. The cleaning device may include a rechargeable battery, a fluid supply system, a dirt recovery system, and a cleaning unit; the cleaning device is dockable with a charging device to charge the rechargeable battery, and the cleaning device is docked with the charging device to form a charging loop; the cleaning device is also dockable with a docking base to execute a self-cleaning task, and the cleaning device performs self-cleaning to at least clean the cleaning unit; when the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the cleaning device is powered at least by the rechargeable battery. The control method includes: when the cleaning device docked with the charging device and the docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction event; and when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing the self-cleaning task.
[0006] In a second embodiment of the present application, a cleaning device control method is also provided. The control method includes: after the cleaning device is docked with a charging device and a docking base, controlling the cleaning device not to enter a charging state; monitoring an interaction event; and when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
[0007] In a third embodiment of the present application, a cleaning device control method is also provided. The control method includes: when an interaction event of self-cleaning is monitored, determining a state of a cleaning device docked with a charging device and a docking base; and if the cleaning device is not in a charging state, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
[0008] In a fourth embodiment of the present application, a cleaning device is provided, comprising: a device body, and a controller disposed on the device body and configured to implement steps in each of the cleaning device control methods provided above in the present application.
[0009] In a fifth embodiment of the present application, a cleaning device is also provided. The cleaning device includes: a handle; an upright body; a floor brush configured to move on a surface to be cleaned, the upright body rotatably connected with the floor brush, such that the upright body is switchable between an upright state and an inclined state; a fluid supply system comprising a clean water tank, a water pump, and a fluid distributor; a dirt recovery system comprising a dirty water tank, a recycling channel , a suction port, and a suction motor; a cleaning unit assembly comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device is in the inclined state and a drive motor configured to drive the cleaning unit to rotate; a rechargeable battery configured to power the water pump, the suction motor, and the drive motor; and a charging circuit; wherein the cleaning device is dockable with a charging base to charge the rechargeable battery of the cleaning device through the charging circuit and to enable the cleaning device to execute a self-cleaning task; when the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are selectively operatable to clean the cleaning unit and the recycling channel, and the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are powered at least by the rechargeable battery; and the cleaning device further comprises a controller configured to control the charging circuit to be disabled in response to the cleaning device being docked with the charging base, such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state.
[0010] In a sixth embodiment of the present application, a cleaning system is provided. The cleaning system includes a charging base and the cleaning device provided above in the fourth or fifth embodiment of the present application.
[0011] Compared with the solution of entering the charging state immediately after docking in the existing technology, in the technical solution provided in the present application, it is possible to wait for the interaction event of starting self-cleaning when the cleaning device is not in the charging state. If the event is monitored, the self-cleaning task is executed. The cleaning device enters the charging state when the self-cleaning task is completed, which can minimize interruptions to battery charging caused by a user activating a self-cleaning function while the cleaning device is in the charging state, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery.
[0012] Another technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is that after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device and the docking base, the cleaning device is controlled not to enter the charging state; instead, it waits for an interaction event. If an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task; and if an interaction event of starting charging is monitored, the cleaning device enters a charging state; so as to minimize interruptions to battery charging caused by a user activating a self-cleaning function while the cleaning device is in the charging state, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery.
[0013] Another technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application is that when an interaction event of self-cleaning is monitored, a state of a cleaning device docked with a charging device and a docking base is first determined, and then it is determined whether to start a self-cleaning task based on the state of the cleaning device. Specifically, if the cleaning device is not in a charging state, the self-cleaning task is executed. This can minimize interruptions to battery charging caused by a user activating a self-cleaning function while the cleaning device is in the charging state, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the existing technology, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the existing technology will be briefly introduced below. It is obvious that the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application, and for those skilled in the art, other drawings may be obtained based on these drawings without inventive effort.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a cleaning device as shown in an embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of a wired charging circuit formed after a cleaning device is docked with a charging base, as shown in an embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of a wireless charging circuit formed after a cleaning device is docked with a charging base, as shown in an embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning device control method as shown in an embodiment of the present application;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an application interface for a cleaning device as shown in an embodiment of the present application; and
FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic flowcharts of cleaning device control methods as shown in further two embodiments of the present application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Currently, most cleaning devices are provided with a self-cleaning function. After a cleaning device is docked with the charging base, a user may operate a corresponding control on the cleaning device (e.g., a self-cleaning control) or provide a voice command to activate the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device. In a self-cleaning process, the cleaning device may clean a roller brush, a roller brush chamber, a suction pipe, and other components on the device. The self-cleaning function may be realized by a combined operation of components such as a suction motor, a roller brush motor, a water pump, and a disinfection arrangement on the cleaning device.
[0016] In existing solutions, the cleaning device starts charging immediately after being placed on the charging base. Afterwards, if the user activates the self-cleaning function, the cleaning device stops charging to execute a self-cleaning task, and resumes charging after the self-cleaning task is completed. Over time, it may cause harm to the battery by repeated interruptions in charging the battery. For example, a cleaning device starts charging immediately after being placed on the charging base. After less than 10 seconds of charging, it is detected that the user has activated the self-cleaning function. At this point, charging needs to be stopped first, and then will resume after self-cleaning is completed. Because each time the battery of the cleaning device is connected for charging, a large current surge will impact the battery, which may have adverse effects, such as causing battery damage. Therefore, this intermittent charging will obviously cause battery damage and shorten the service life of the battery.
[0017] In addition, there is another problem with the existing technology, that is, after using the cleaning device, the user places it on the charging base and turns to do other things. Then, the user may not remember to activate the self-cleaning function until four or five hours or even longer later. If left unattended for a long time without timely self-cleaning, the roller brush and other similar items are prone to mold growth.
[0018] To address the aforementioned issues, embodiments of the present application provide a solution that minimizes interruptions to battery charging, and further provides a solution capable of guiding the user to promptly activate the self-cleaning function after using the cleaning device.
[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] In some processes described in the description, claims and accompanying drawings of the present application, there are multiple operations that appear in a specific sequence, but these operations may be performed in a sequence different from the sequence described herein or in parallel. Serial numbers of operations, such as 101, 102, and the like, are only used to distinguish different operations; the serial numbers themselves do not represent any execution sequence. In addition, these processes may include more or fewer operations, and these operations may be performed sequentially or in parallel. It should be noted that the terms "first" and "second" herein are used to distinguish different messages, devices, modules, etc., and do not represent a chronological sequence, nor do they limit "first" and "second" to different types. Furthermore, the following embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, but not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtainable by those skilled in the art without inventive effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present application.
[0021] The cleaning device referred to in the various embodiments of the present application may be a handheld cleaning device or a self-moving cleaning device. FIG. 1 shows a handheld floor scrubber. The self-moving cleaning device may be a cleaning robot, such as a mopping robot and a sweeping and mopping robot, and the present application does not make any limitations on it. A charging base is a structure used in conjunction with cleaning device. The specific implementation structure of the charging base is not shown in the accompanying drawings, and the present application does not impose a limitation thereon. The charging base can provide services such as docking, charging, replenishment (e.g., liquid replenishment), and discharge (e.g., dirty water discharge) for the cleaning device.
[0022] The cleaning device is provided with, including but not limited to, a rechargeable battery, a controller, a floor brush, a cleaning unit (including, e.g., a roller brush and roller brush motor), a fluid supply system (including, e.g., a clean water tank, a fluid distributor, a water pump, etc.), a dirt recovery system (including, e.g., a dirty water tank, a recycling channel, a suction port, a suction motor, etc.), various sensors (e.g., sensors for monitoring levels of the clean water tank and dirty water tank, sensors for monitoring the dirtiness of the roller brush, sensors for monitoring the dirtiness of the floor, etc.), interaction arrangements, charging interfaces, etc. The interaction arrangement includes: a display screen (which may be a touch screen), a control, a voice interaction arrangement, etc. The controller is configured to control operations of the cleaning device, such as charging and self-cleaning, which will be described in detail in the following method embodiments. The aforementioned floor brush includes a cleaning unit.
[0023] Each method embodiment provided in the present application is executed by the cleaning device, or more specifically, the controller on the cleaning device.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a cleaning device control method as shown in an embodiment of the present application. The cleaning device may include a rechargeable battery, a fluid supply system, a dirt recovery system, and a cleaning unit. The cleaning device is dockable with a charging device to charge the rechargeable battery, and the cleaning device is docked with the charging device to form a charging loop. The cleaning device is also dockable with a docking base to execute a self-cleaning task, and the cleaning device performs self-cleaning to at least clean the cleaning unit. When the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the cleaning device is powered at least by the rechargeable battery. For a description of the various systems/units included in the cleaning device given above, please refer to the context or existing relevant content, which will not be elaborated here. The charging loop is described in detail below, and will not be repeated here. Referring to FIG. 3, the cleaning device control method provided in the present embodiment includes the following steps:
step 101: when the cleaning device docked with the charging device and the docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction event; and
step 102: when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
[0025] In the aforementioned step 101, the charging device may be an adapter configured solely for charging. The adapter is connected to mains supply at one end and is directly electrically connected to the cleaning device at the other end, thus forming a corresponding charging loop to charge the cleaning device. Alternatively, the charging device may also be a charging base with a charging function. The charging base is connected to the mains power via an adapter. After being placed on the charging base, the cleaning device is docked with the charging base to form a corresponding charging loop, such that the charging base can charge the cleaning device through the charging loop. The docking base may be a base that is only used to provide a docking function for the cleaning device such that the cleaning device can perform self-cleaning, and does not have a charging function. In this case, after the cleaning device is placed on the docking base, the user may further connect the cleaning device to the adapter (which is a charging device) for charging. Of course, the docking base may also be provided with a charging function. In this case, the docking base is also a charging base, providing functions such as the docking function, the charging function, and the like, for the cleaning device.
[0026] Based on the above description, in a specific implementation, the charging device mentioned above is the docking base, which is a charging base provided with charging electrodes. The charging loop is a charging loop formed by electrically connecting charging electrodes on the cleaning device and the charging electrodes on the charging base.
[0027] Thus, the aforementioned docking of the cleaning device with the charging device and the docking base may refer to docking of the cleaning device with the charging base. The cleaning device is docked with the charging base, meaning that the cleaning device stops at and is docked on the charging base. Both the cleaning device and the charging base are provided with corresponding charging electrodes, and the charging electrodes on the cleaning device are compatible with the charging electrodes on the charging base. When the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, the charging electrodes on the cleaning device and the charging electrodes on the charging base will be adapted and electrically connected to form a corresponding charging loop. The charging loop may include a charging loop in the cleaning device and a charging circuit in the charging base. The charging base may charge the cleaning device via wired or wireless charging through the charging circuit; that is, the charging loop may be either a wired or wireless charging loop. Accordingly, the charging electrodes on the cleaning device and the charging base may be charging contacts for realizing a wired charging loop, or may be wireless power receiving and transmitting structures for realizing a wireless charging loop.
[0028] For example, referring to FIG. 2a, the charging electrodes on the cleaning device 1 and the charging base 2 are charging contacts for realizing the wired charging loop, and both include a positive charging electrode C+ and a negative charging electrode C-; wherein, the charging electrodes of the cleaning device 1 are disposed in a charging interface on the cleaning device, and the charging electrodes of the charging base 2 are disposed in an interface of the charging base corresponding to the position of the charging interface. After the charging electrodes of the cleaning device 1 come into contact with the charging electrodes on the charging base 2 to establish an electrical connection, the wired charging loop as shown by the bold black line " -" in FIG. 2a may be formed, and the charging base 2 can conduct wired charging for the cleaning device 10 through this wired charging loop. The wired charging loop includes a charging circuit formed by sequentially connecting the charging electrodes, the rechargeable battery, and the like in the cleaning device, and a charging circuit formed by sequentially connecting the charging electrodes, a power supply control arrangement, and the like in the charging base 2. The power supply control arrangement is configured to convert an AC power signal provided by an external power source into a constant current charging signal to be transmitted to the cleaning device 1. The charging base is also provided with a power interface for electrical connection to a power adapter (hereinafter referred to as the adapter) to connect to the external power source (mains power) via the power adapter.
[0029] For another example, referring to FIG. 2b, the cleaning device 1 is provided with a wireless power receiving structure, and correspondingly, the charging base 2 is provided with a corresponding wireless power transmitting structure. When the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, the wireless power receiving structure on the cleaning device will be docked with the wireless power transmitting structure on the charging base to form a wireless charging loop as shown by the bold black line "-". This wireless charging loop includes: a charging circuit (i.e., the circuit corresponding to the wireless power receiving structure) formed by sequentially connecting a wireless power receiving coil A1, the rechargeable battery, and the like in the cleaning device 1, and a charging circuit (i.e., the circuit corresponding to the wireless power transmitting structure) where a wireless power transmitting coil A2 is located in the charging base 2.
[0030] In the present embodiment, in response to docking of the cleaning device with the charging base, the cleaning device is controlled not to enter the charging state. In a specific implementation, when the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, the charging loop corresponding to the cleaning device may be controlled to be in an open state, so as to not enter the charging state after being docked with the charging base.
[0031] The phrase "when the cleaning device is docked with the charging base" may be understood as: when the cleaning device is in a docking position, or when the charging electrodes of the cleaning device are in contact with the charging electrodes of the charging base, or the like.
[0032] The charging loop in an open state may refer to that the charging circuit in the cleaning device included in the charging loop is disconnected, and/or the charging circuit in the charging base (located within the charging base) included in the charging circuit is disconnected.
[0033] Two examples are provided below for illustration. For ease of description, in the following example, the charging circuit on the side of the cleaning device will be referred to as a first charging circuit, and the charging circuit on the side of the charging base will be referred to as a second charging circuit. In the context of the present application, "disabling the charging circuit" refers to opening (disconnecting) the charging loop, and "enabling the charging circuit" refers to closing (connecting) the charging loop.
[0034] For example, generally, prior to docking of the cleaning device with the charging base, a switch of the charging circuit in the cleaning device is in an off state. When the charging electrodes of the cleaning device are interfaced with the charging electrodes on the charging base, the first charging circuit is connected to the second charging circuit in the charging base through the charging electrodes. Subsequently, when the temperature, voltage and other conditions are detected to be normal, the first charging circuit will be enabled, and the switch thereof will be turned on, thereby closing the charging loop and the charging base will start charging the rechargeable battery in the cleaning device. In the technical solution provided in the present embodiment, when the charging electrodes of the cleaning device are interfaced with the charging electrodes in the charging base, the first charging circuit is connected with the second charging circuit on the side of the charging base through the charging electrodes, and the first charging circuit is controlled to be disabled, such that the switch thereof remains temporarily in the off state, thereby opening the charging loop and the charging base cannot charge the rechargeable battery on the cleaning device temporarily.
[0035] For another example, after each charging session of the cleaning device, a switch element of the second charging circuit in the charging base may also be controlled to be off. When the charging electrodes of the cleaning device are interfaced with the charging electrodes of the charging base, the switch element in the second charging circuit continues to keep off and is controlled to be on only when the turn-on conditions are satisfied. The turn-on conditions to be satisfied may include: receiving a self-cleaning task completion message of the cleaning device, or receiving a charging start command sent by the cleaning device based on monitoring an interaction event of starting charging, or the like.
[0036] In the examples above, the switch element may be, but not limited to, a MOS transistor (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) or a single-pole switch, and is preferably a MOS transistor.
[0037] It should be further noted here that the cleaning device not entering the charging state after being docked with the charging base, as described in the context of the present application, is in contrast to the prior art in which "the cleaning device enters the charging state immediately after being docked with the charging base". This does not mean that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state at any time after docking, but rather that it does not enter the charging state at the moment of docking or for a short period of time (e.g., 3 minutes) after docking is completed.
[0038] Compared with entering the charging state immediately after docking in the existing technology, in the technical solution provided in the present application, it is possible to wait for the interaction event of starting self-cleaning when the cleaning device is not in the charging state. If the event is monitored, the self-cleaning task is executed; and the cleaning device enters the charging state when the self-cleaning task is completed, which can minimize interruptions to battery charging caused by a user activating a self-cleaning function while the cleaning device is in the charging state, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery.
[0039] The aforementioned interaction event may be, but not limited to, a voice interaction event between the user and the cleaning device (e.g., a voice control command issued by the user), an operation triggered by the user via a control on the cleaning device, a corresponding command sent by another terminal connected to the cleaning device based on a user operation, or the like. The control may be a physical control (i.e., a physical button) on the cleaning device, or an interface control (i.e., an interface button or a display button, which is a soft control) displayed on a screen of the cleaning device. Based on this, monitoring the interaction event mentioned in step 101 above may refer to one or more of the following:
- 1) Monitoring the interaction event may refer to monitoring whether a control on the cleaning device (e.g., a self-cleaning control or a power control) is pressed by the user. For example, monitoring the interaction event of starting self-cleaning may refer to monitoring the self-cleaning control on the cleaning device being pressed, and monitoring the interaction event of starting/stopping charging may refer to monitoring the power control on the cleaning device being pressed.
- 2) Monitoring the interaction event may refer to whether another terminal connected to the cleaning device has sent a command. Another terminal may be, but not limited to, a remote control, a mobile phone, a tablet, a smart wearable device used by the user, or the like. For example, monitoring the interaction event of starting self-cleaning may refer to monitoring the remote control sending a command of starting self-cleaning, wherein the command of starting self-cleaning may be sent to the cleaning device by the remote control when the remote control detects that the user has pressed the self-cleaning control thereon. Monitoring the interaction event of starting/stopping charging may refer to monitoring a command of starting/stopping charging sent by the remote control, wherein the command of starting/stopping charging is sent to the cleaning device by the remote control when the remote control detects that the user has pressed the power control thereon.
- 3) Monitoring the interaction event may refer to monitoring a voice uttered by the user through a voice arrangement on the cleaning device. For example, monitoring the interaction event of starting self-cleaning (or starting/stopping charging) may refer to monitoring a voice of starting self-cleaning (or starting/stopping charging) uttered by the user.
[0040] During a specific implementation, after the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, a subsequent action to be performed by the cleaning device may be controlled according to an interaction event monitored within a certain period of time. Based on this, in a feasible technical solution, the aforementioned step 101, i.e., "when the cleaning device docked with the charging device and the docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction event", may include:
step 1011: after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device and the docking base, starting timing and entering an interaction event monitoring state;
step 1012: if an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored before a timing length reaches a set duration, triggering the step of executing the self-cleaning task (i.e., the aforementioned step 102); and
step 1013: if no interaction event is monitored when the timing length reaches the set duration, closing the charging loop and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
[0041] The set duration may be between 15 and 30 minutes. The purpose of setting the duration is as follows: after the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, charging will not be performed if the user activates the self-cleaning function, to help the user develop the habit of activating the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device in a timely manner. This set duration may be set a little long, but not excessively long, as an excessively long set duration may cause the user to suspect that the cleaning device is malfunctioning. In the present embodiment, the set duration is preferably within 15 minutes, that is, the set duration is no more than 15 minutes. For example, the set duration may be 1 to 10 minutes, and more specifically, it may be 3 minutes.
[0042] If no interaction event is monitored when the timing length reaches the set duration, the cleaning device can control its internal charging circuit to be enabled to close the internal charging circuit, and/or also can send a command to the charging base to allow the charging base to control its own internal charging circuit to be enabled according to the command to close the internal charging circuit, thereby closing the entire charging loop, causing the cleaning device to enter the charging state.
[0043] Furthermore, there is a situation where the cleaning device does not need self-cleaning, and the cleaning device is placed on the charging base simply for charging. In this situation, after the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, the user may trigger an interaction event of starting charging. That is, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include the following steps:
step 1014: if an interaction event of starting charging is monitored before the timing length reaches the set duration, closing the charging circuit and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
[0044] Furthermore, in order to guide users to develop the habit of cleaning their devices in a timely manner, the solution of the embodiments of the present application may cause the cleaning device to play or display first prompt information after the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, so as to prompt the user to start self-cleaning. That is, the method provided in the present embodiment may further include:
step 1015: after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device and the docking base, starting timing, and entering the interaction event monitoring state, outputting first prompt information to prompt the user to start self-cleaning.
[0045] In practical applications, the first prompt information may be voice broadcast information and/or displayed text and image information. For example, a prompt voice is played via a voice interaction arrangement (e.g., a speaker) and/or prompt information is displayed on a screen, to prompt the user to activate the self-cleaning function. Accordingly, the user issues a voice command to activate the self-cleaning function or touch the self-cleaning control in response to the prompt voice and/or the prompt information.
[0046] The cleaning device may be provided with the self-cleaning control and/or the voice interaction arrangement. Accordingly, the method provided in the present embodiment also includes:
when an operation on the self-cleaning control is detected, the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored; and/or
when the voice interaction arrangement recognizes a user command of starting self-cleaning, the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored.
[0047] The self-cleaning control may be a physical control provided on the cleaning device (e.g., the self-cleaning control 11 shown in FIG. 1), a touch control, or an interface control on a touch screen, or the like. The voice interaction arrangement is an arrangement capable of collecting the user's audio information and performing voice recognition. For example, after the user docks the cleaning device on the charging base, the user utters a voice of "starting the self-cleaning function" within a set time. Once the voice is collected and recognized by the voice interaction arrangement of the cleaning device, it may be determined that the user has issued a voice command event of starting the self-cleaning function.
[0048] Alternatively, the aforementioned interaction event of starting self-cleaning may be command information sent by a user client. The user client is an application developed for the cleaning device. The user may trigger the client to send a command to the cleaning device to start self-cleaning by touching the self-cleaning control on an interface of the application. The user client may be installed on electronic devices such as smartphones, smart wearable devices, or tablets. For example, within a set duration, the user clicks the self-cleaning control 11' through the application interface corresponding to the cleaning device installed on their smartphone, as shown in the control interface in FIG. 4. In response to the click, the smartphone sends to the cleaning device command information of activating the self-cleaning function. After the cleaning device receives the command information of activating the self-cleaning function, the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is detected.
[0049] In the aforementioned step 102, when the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the self-cleaning task may be executed by controlling the actions of the system or device configured to achieve the self-cleaning function.
[0050] For example, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning device includes a handle 01, an upright body 02, and a floor brush 16 (including a roller brush). The floor brush 16 is rotatably connected to the upright body 02. The upright body 02 is provided with a dirty water tank 14, a clean water tank 15, and so on. In addition, the cleaning device may also include a recycling channel, a suction port, and a suction motor, and so on (not shown in the figure). During execution of the self-cleaning task, the clean water tank may be controlled to discharge water, delivering a specified amount of clean liquid to a receiving slot for receiving the floor brush 16 on the charging base to soak the floor brush. After soaking the floor brush for a certain period of time, the suction motor of the cleaning device may be started to pump water, such that the dirty water generated by soaking the floor brush enters the recycling channel through the suction port and is sucked back into the dirty water tank. This process cleans the floor brush and the recycling channel at the same time. After the above-mentioned water discharge and pumping operations are performed alternately multiple times to reach a preset threshold number of times, the self-cleaning of the floor brush is completed. Furthermore, an arrangement provided on the charging base for sterilization, drying and the like may also be controlled to start, so as to sterilize and heat-dry the floor brush, preventing bacteria and mold growth.
[0051] The above examples mainly describe the self-cleaning of the floor brush. Of course, self-cleaning may also be performed on other assemblies, such as the dirty water tank. For specific implementations of the self-cleaning task performed by the cleaning device, reference may be made to relevant existing content.
[0052] Furthermore, after the self-cleaning task is completed, the cleaning device will automatically enter the charging state without any user intervention. Therefore, the method provided in the present embodiment further includes the following steps:
step 103: after the self-cleaning task is completed, closing the charging loop, and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
[0053] For the foregoing content, it should be supplemented that the expression "the cleaning device docked with the charging base is not in a charging state" in step 101 of the embodiment of the present application may refer to: a state where the charging loop is already open before the cleaning device is docked, or a state where the charging loop is open immediately when the cleaning device is docked with the charging base. Because the charging loop is open before or during docking, the cleaning device will not enter the charging state after being docked with the charging base. In addition, there is another situation where the cleaning device is already in the charging state and the charging is manually interrupted. That is, before step 101 of the embodiment of the present application, i.e., "when the cleaning device docked with the charging device and the docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction event", the following steps may also be included:
step 104: when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if an interaction event of stopping charging is monitored, opening the charging loop, such that the cleaning device is not in the charging state.
[0054] The cleaning device may be provided with a power control and a function control. The function control is, but not limited to one or more of a direction control, a confirmation control, a mode control, or a return control. The mode control may be integrated with at least one of the following modes, including but not limited to: a self-cleaning mode, a leakage protection mode, and a cleaning mode. Similarly, each of the aforementioned controls may be a physical control, a touch control, or an interface control on a touch screen, which is not limited in the present embodiments. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the direction control and the confirmation control mentioned above may be physical controls provided on an interaction arrangement 12 of the cleaning device. The interaction arrangement 12 may include a plurality of (e.g., four) direction controls pointing to different directions and one confirmation control, wherein different direction controls represent different direction operation types, and the confirmation control is configured to confirm an operation. A power control 13 (also referred to as a switch button) may be provided on one end of the interaction arrangement 12 for turning on or turning off the cleaning device. During a specific implementation, the interaction event of stopping charging may be triggered by using the power control or the function control. That is, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include the following steps:
step 105: when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if an operation on the power control or the function control is detected, the interaction event of stopping charging is monitored;
step 106: when the cleaning device is not in the charging state, if an operation on the power control or the function control is detected, the interaction event of starting charging is monitored.
[0055] It should be supplemented here that the touch control mentioned herein may be a long press (e.g., a press or touch for a certain period of time) or a short press.
[0056] In addition to the above, the interaction event of starting charging and the interaction event of stopping charging may also be triggered by the user through the user client. For example, the user client has an application developed for the cleaning device, and a control element for starting and stopping charging is arranged on an interface of the application. When the user touches the control element, the user client immediately sends a corresponding control command to the cleaning device. Upon receipt of the control command, the cleaning device performs an action opposite to the current state. For example, if the cleaning device is currently in the charging state, charging is stopped; if the cleaning device is currently not in the charging state, charging is started. Except when the cleaning device is fully charged, the cleaning device remains not in the charging state after fully charged. It may be set that after fully charged, if the self-cleaning function is not activated, the battery enters a sleep state after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or another duration).
[0057] In existing technology, after a cleaning device is docked with a charging base, it automatically enters a charging state if the battery is not fully charged. While in the present application, a function for a user to control whether to charge is added, enabling user participation.
[0058] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present application further include the following step:
step 107: when the cleaning device is in the charging state and consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, executing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that the interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
[0059] The interval duration between the two aforementioned interaction events (stopping charging and starting self-cleaning) does not exceed a preset duration. The present embodiment does not impose a limitation on the preset duration, which may be a value no greater than 1 minute. The preset duration is less than the set duration mentioned above.
[0060] The embodiments of the present application may also include the following step:
step 108: if the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information;
wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt the user to trigger consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning.
[0061] After hearing and/or seeing the second prompt message, if the user intends to activate the self-cleaning function, the user will trigger the aforementioned consecutive interaction events, that is, pressing the power control first and then pressing the self-cleaning control. The interval between the two operations is relatively short. For example, 0.5 s, 1 s, or even shorter, etc. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present application, two events with an interval duration not exceeding a preset duration may be referred to as consecutive events. The preset duration may be 1s, 2s, 10s, etc. The present embodiment does not impose a limitation thereon, and the preset duration may be determined according to actual application scenarios.
[0062] After the cleaning device enters the charging state, if the user intends to activate the self-cleaning function, the user needs to first release the charging state of the cleaning device, such that the cleaning device is not in the charging state, and then activate the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device. In another feasible technical solution, the technical solution provided in the present embodiment may further include the following steps:
step S1: after entering the charging state, determining whether a condition for releasing the charging state is satisfied according to a detected trigger event; and
step S2: when satisfied, releasing the charging state of the cleaning device such that the cleaning device is not in the charging state.
[0063] The aforementioned step S1 may include:
when an interaction event of stopping charging is monitored, determining that the condition for releasing the charging state is satisfied; or
when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information to prompt releasing the charging state and then starting self-cleaning; and if an interaction event triggered by the user in response to the second prompt information is detected, determining that the condition for releasing the charging state is satisfied; or
when the electric quantity of the cleaning device is detected to reach a full charge, determining that the condition for releasing the charging state is satisfied.
[0064] For example, after the cleaning device enters the charging state, if the user directly performs a pressing operation on the power control of the cleaning device, the cleaning device controls its own charging circuit to open so as to release the charging state and stop charging in response to the pressing operation. Alternatively, after the cleaning device enters the charging state, if the user directly performs a pressing operation on the self-cleaning control of the cleaning device first, the cleaning device may play voice prompt information of "please release charging and then execute self-cleaning" through a voice interaction arrangement in response to the pressing operation; thereafter, if an interaction event triggered by the user in response to the second prompt information is monitored, the charging state is released and charging is stopped. Alternatively, after the cleaning device enters the charging state, if no user operation is monitored until the electric quantity of the cleaning device reaches a full charge, the charging state is released and charging is stopped.
[0065] In the above examples, stopping charging means that the cleaning device is not in the charging state. After stopping charging, if a manipulation of the self-cleaning control by the user is further detected, the cleaning device is controlled to execute the self-cleaning task.
[0066] It should be supplemented that according to the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application, the cleaning device does not enter the charging state after being docked with the charging base, but waits for an interaction event of starting self-cleaning. When the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task. A prerequisite therefor is that the remaining power of the cleaning device is sufficient to meet the power demand for self-cleaning. If the remaining power of the cleaning device is relatively low, the cleaning device shall enter the charging state first. Self-cleaning will be performed after charging is completed. That is, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present application may further include the following steps:
Step 109: after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device, determining whether remaining power of the cleaning device meets the power demand for self-cleaning;
step 110: if the power demand for self-cleaning is met, the charging circuit is in an open state (i.e., a disconnected state), such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state after being docked with the charging device; and
step 111: if the power demand for self-cleaning is not met, the charging circuit is closed, such that the cleaning device enters the charging state after being docked with the charging device.
[0067] In a specific implementation, after detecting docking, the remaining power of the cleaning device may be first acquired, so as to determine whether to control the charging circuit of the cleaning device to open according to the remaining power. The reason for such arrangement is to ensure that, after the user subsequently activates the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device, the cleaning device has sufficient power to enable the cleaning device to operate normally for self-cleaning. The power demand for self-cleaning of the cleaning device is related to the model of the cleaning device. Generally, self-cleaning of the cleaning device requires remaining power of more than 10%.
[0068] In addition to reducing interruptions to battery charging, the steps provided in the embodiments of the present application actually also serve to guide the user to activate the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device in a timely manner after use. If the user does not trigger the interaction event of starting self-cleaning in a timely manner after the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, the cleaning device will enter the charging state. Once the cleaning device has entered the charging state, if the user remembers to activate self-cleaning, many additional operations will be required, such as triggering consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning. After the user has used the cleaning device for a long time, the user will become aware of this during use, and will be encouraged to avoid inconvenience by triggering the interaction event of starting self-cleaning in a timely manner after placing the cleaning device on the charging base.
[0069] The above descriptions, being presented in a dispersed manner, do not make this aspect explicit. The aforementioned steps will be described in combination below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows a schematic flowchart of a cleaning device control method provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the cleaning device control method includes:
Step 201: docking a cleaning device with a charging device and a docking base, wherein the cleaning device is not in a charging state, the cleaning device outputs first prompt information to prompt the user to perform self-cleaning, starting timing, and entering an interaction event monitoring state.
[0070] In the present embodiment, description is made by taking a set time of 3 minutes as an example.
[0071] Step 202: if no interaction event is monitored when the timing length reaches 3 minutes, closing a charging circuit of the cleaning device, and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
[0072] Step 203: if an interaction event of starting charging is monitored within 3 minutes, closing the charging circuit of the cleaning device, and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
[0073] Step 204: when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information (e.g., "please release charging first and then perform self-cleaning").
[0074] Step 205: after outputting the second prompt information, if an interaction event of stopping charging (e.g., pressing a power control) and an interaction event of starting self-cleaning (e.g., pressing a self-cleaning control) are monitored, proceeding to step 208.
[0075] Step 206: when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if the interaction event of stopping charging (e.g., pressing the power control) is monitored and then the interaction event of starting self-cleaning (e.g., pressing the self-cleaning control) is monitored, proceeding to step 208.
[0076] Step 207: if the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored within 3 minutes, proceeding to step 208.
[0078] Step 209: the cleaning device entering the charging state after the self-cleaning task is completed.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 5, after the cleaning device is parked and docked with the charging base, the cleaning device may be controlled to execute the self-cleaning task through the following three operation procedures. Specifically:
[0080] The first operation procedure includes steps 201, 202, 204, 205, 208 and 209 described above, or steps 201, 202, 206, 208 and 209 described above.
[0081] The second operation procedure includes steps 201, 203, 206, 208 and 209 described above, or steps 201, 203, 204, 205, 208 and 209 described above.
[0083] Among the aforementioned three operation procedures, the third operation procedure is the most convenient for the user and requires the fewest operations, requiring only one operation by the user. If the cleaning device has already entered the charging state, the user needs to perform a plurality of operations according to the first or second operation procedure to cause the cleaning device to execute the self-cleaning task. After using the cleaning device multiple times, the user will be guided through the above three operation procedures to develop a good habit of causing the cleaning device to perform self-cleaning in a timely manner according to the first operation procedure. This can effectively prevent the user from forgetting to cause the cleaning device to perform self-cleaning, thereby reducing mold growth and odor generation on the roller brush, pipes and the like caused by the cleaning device left uncleaned for a long time.
[0084] FIG. 6 shows a schematic flowchart of a cleaning device control method provided in still another embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning device control method includes:
step 301: after the cleaning device is docked with a charging device and a docking base, controlling the cleaning device not to enter a charging state;
step 302: monitoring an interaction event; and
step 303: when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
[0085] Further, the method provided in the present embodiment further includes the following step:
step 304: when an interaction event of starting charging is monitored, controlling the cleaning device to enter the charging state.
[0086] Further, the solution of the embodiment of the present application also provides a solution of starting and executing self-cleaning when the cleaning device is in the charging state. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the method provided in the present embodiment further includes:
step 305: when the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information; wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt the user to trigger consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning; and
step 306: when the cleaning device is in the charging state and the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, performing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that the interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
[0087] Optionally, an interval duration between the sequential occurrence of the two interaction events described above does not exceed a preset duration.
[0088] For specific implementation of the contents of the aforementioned steps, reference may be made to relevant contents in other embodiments of the present application. In addition to the aforementioned steps, the method embodiments provided in the present application may further include other steps. For other steps that may be included and descriptions of specific implementation thereof, reference may be made to relevant contents in the other embodiments above, and detailed description thereof is omitted herein.
[0089] Another embodiment of the present application further provides a cleaning device control method. The cleaning device control method includes the following steps:
step 401: when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, determining a state of the cleaning device docked with a charging device and a docking base; and
step 402: if the cleaning device is not in the charging state, the cleaning device performs a self-cleaning task.
[0090] Further, the solution of the embodiment of the present application also provides a solution of starting and executing self-cleaning when the cleaning device is in the charging state. That is, the method provided in the present embodiment further includes:
step 403: when the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information; wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt the user to trigger consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning; and
step 404: if the cleaning device is in the charging state and the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, the cleaning device executing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that the interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
[0091] The state of the cleaning device determined as described above is a charging-related state. The cleaning device may be in a charging state or in a non-charging state.
[0092] For specific implementation of the contents of the aforementioned steps, reference may be made to relevant contents in other embodiments of the present application. In addition to the aforementioned steps, the method embodiments provided in the present application may further include other steps. For other steps that may be included and descriptions of specific implementation thereof, reference may be made to relevant contents in the other embodiments above, and detailed description thereof is omitted herein.
[0093] Yet another embodiment of the present application provides a cleaning device. The cleaning device includes: a device body and a controller; the controller is disposed on the device body and configured to implement steps in the cleaning device control methods provided in various embodiments of the present application.
[0094] Further, the above cleaning device may further include other components, such as a floor brush, a handle, an upright body, a fluid supply system, a dirt recovery system, a cleaning unit assembly, a rechargeable battery, a charging circuit, and the like. Based on this, in a specific implementation, the cleaning device provided in the present application includes:
a handle;
an upright body;
a floor brush configured to move on a surface to be cleaned; the upright body rotatably connected with the floor brush, such that the upright body is switchable between an upright state and an inclined state;
a fluid supply system comprising a clean water tank, a water pump, and a fluid distributor;
a dirt recovery system comprising a dirty water tank, a recycling channel, a suction port, and a suction motor;
a cleaning unit assembly comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device is in the inclined state and a drive motor configured to drive the cleaning unit to rotate;
a rechargeable battery configured to power the water pump, the suction motor, and the drive motor; and
a charging circuit;
wherein the cleaning device is dockable with a charging base to charge the rechargeable battery of the cleaning device through the charging circuit and to enable the cleaning device to execute a self-cleaning task.
[0095] When the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor is selectively operatable to clean the cleaning unit and the recycling channel, and the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor is powered at least by the rechargeable battery.
[0096] The cleaning device further comprises a controller configured to control the charging circuit to be disabled in response to the cleaning device being docked with the charging base, such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state.
[0097] In a specific implementation, the handle mentioned above may be detachably connected with the upright body, or may be fixedly connected therewith. The present embodiment imposes no limitation thereon, and a detachable connection is preferred. The clean water tank included in the fluid supply system, the dirty water tank included in the dirt recovery system, and the like may all be disposed on the upright body. The fluid supply system may further include a fluid delivery pipe, a fluid flow control device, and the like. The fluid delivery pipe may include a fluid distributor, which may be, but not limited to, a nozzle with multiple outlets, configured to spray cleaning medium (e.g., cleaning fluid) in the clean water tank onto the surface to be cleaned and/or the floor brush. The fluid flow control device is configured to control the flow of the cleaning medium from the clean water tank to the fluid distributor, and may include a water pump for pressurization. The water pump may be a centrifugal pump, or alternatively a solenoid pump with single-speed, dual-speed or variable speed. The dirt recovery system is configured to recover dirt, such as dirty water. For example, dirty water collected by the cleaning unit may enter the recycling channel via the dirt suction port under the suction force of the suction motor and be recovered into the dirty water tank. The cleaning unit includes a roller brush, a roller brush motor, and the like. The floor brush includes the cleaning unit.
[0098] In addition to the components listed above, the cleaning device may further include other components, such as various physical controls disposed on the handle (e.g., a self-cleaning control, a power control, etc.), a display screen disposed on the upright body, and the like. For detailed description of components that may be specifically included in the cleaning device and functions of the components, reference may be made to relevant content or existing content in other embodiments of the present application.
[0099] Yet another embodiment of the present application provides a cleaning system. The cleaning system may include a charging base and the cleaning device provided above in various embodiments of the present application. The cleaning device may perform steps in the cleaning device control methods provided in other embodiments of the present application to implement corresponding functions. For the structure of the cleaning device and steps and functions that may be performed thereby, reference may be made to the above description, and detailed description thereof is omitted herein.
[0100] In a specific implementation, the cleaning system provided in the present application includes:
a charging base including an adapter configured to be connected to mains supply; and
a cleaning device including a handle, an upright body, a floor brush, a fluid supply system, a dirt recovery system, a cleaning unit assembly, a rechargeable battery, and a controller;
wherein the aforementioned floor brush is configured to move on a surface to be cleaned, and the upright body is rotatably connected with the floor brush, such that the upright body is switchable between an upright state and an inclined state.
[0101] The aforementioned fluid supply system includes a clean water tank, a water pump, and a fluid distributor.
[0102] The aforementioned dirt recovery system includes a dirty water tank, a recycling channel , a suction port, and a suction motor.
[0103] The aforementioned cleaning unit assembly includes a cleaning unit configured to clean the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device is in the inclined state and a drive motor configured to drive the cleaning unit to rotate; the floor brush includes the cleaning unit; and cleaning medium in the clean water tank is sprayed onto the cleaning unit or the ground (i.e., the surface to be cleaned described above) via the fluid distributor under the action of the water pump. The cleaning unit rotates on the surface to be cleaned to collect dirt, and under the suction force of the suction motor, the dirt enters the recycling channel via the dirt suction port and is recovered into the dirty water tank.
[0104] The aforementioned rechargeable battery is configured to power the water pump, the suction motor, and the drive motor.
[0105] Moreover, the charging base is dockable with the cleaning device to charge the rechargeable battery of the cleaning device and to enable the cleaning device to execute a self-cleaning task; after being docked with the charging base, the cleaning device executes a self-cleaning task, the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are selectively operatable to clean the cleaning unit and the recycling channel, and the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are powered at least by the rechargeable battery.
[0106] The aforementioned controller is configured to: in response to the cleaning device being docked with the charging base, control the cleaning device not to enter a charging state (specifically, disable a charging circuit of the cleaning device, and disabling the charging circuit may place the charging circuit in an open state such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state); perform self-cleaning if a self-cleaning command is received within a set duration; control the cleaning device to enter the charging state if a charging command is received within the set duration; control the cleaning device to enter the charging state if no command is received within the set duration.
[0107] In addition to the components listed above, the cleaning device may further include other components, such as various physical controls disposed on the handle (e.g., a self-cleaning control, a power control, etc.), a display screen disposed on the upright body, and the like. For detailed description of components that may be specifically included in the cleaning device and functions of the components, reference may be made to relevant content or existing content in other embodiments of the present application.
[0108] It should be additionally noted that each control method provided in the present application is based on the prerequisite that the charging base is connected to mains supply via an adapter.
[0109] Finally, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are described with reference to specific application scenarios.
[0110] A user has a handheld floor cleaning machine (hereinafter referred to as a cleaning machine) at home, and the cleaning machine includes a cleaning device and a charging base. The user turns on a power switch arrangement of the cleaning device to clean the floor. After floor cleaning is completed, the user places the cleaning device on the charging base. At this time, the cleaning device is docked with the charging base, and the charging circuit of the cleaning device is open such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state. The cleaning device displays inquiry information via a display screen and plays inquiry voice via a speaker to ask the user whether to activate the self-cleaning function of the cleaning device. Thereafter, if the user presses the self-cleaning control (e.g., self-cleaning control 11 in FIG. 1) on the cleaning device within 3 minutes, the cleaning device starts self-cleaning and automatically enters the charging state after self-cleaning is completed. On the contrary, if the user presses the power button on the cleaning device within 3 minutes or no operation is performed on the cleaning device by the user after 3 minutes, the cleaning device enters the charging state.
[0111] After the cleaning device enters the charging state, if the user finds that the cleaning device has not been commanded to perform self-cleaning, the user may first press the power button on the cleaning device again to release the charging state, and then press the self-cleaning control on the cleaning device, such that the cleaning device starts self-cleaning. If, after the cleaning device enters the charging state, the user finds that the cleaning device has not been commanded to perform self-cleaning and directly presses the self-cleaning control on the cleaning device first, the cleaning device may display prompt information via the display screen and play prompt voice via the speaker to prompt releasing the charging state first. If the user presses the power button on the cleaning device after seeing the prompt information and hearing the prompt voice, the cleaning device releases the charging state to stop charging. Further, when the user presses the self-cleaning control again, the cleaning device starts self-cleaning.
[0112] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, not to make any limitations. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they may still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions to some of the technical features thereof; and these modifications or substitutions do not make the essence of the corresponding technical solutions depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.
a cleaning device comprises a rechargeable battery, a fluid supply system, a dirt recovery system, and a cleaning unit;
the cleaning device is dockable with a charging device to charge the rechargeable battery, and the cleaning device is docked with the charging device to form a charging loop;
the cleaning device is also dockable with a docking base to execute a self-cleaning task, and the cleaning device performs self-cleaning to at least clean the cleaning unit;
when the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the cleaning device is powered at least by the rechargeable battery;
wherein the control method comprises:
when the cleaning device docked with the charging device and the docking base is not in a charging state, monitoring an interaction event; and
when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing the self-cleaning task.
after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device and the docking base, starting timing and entering an interaction event monitoring state;
if the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored before a timing length reaches a set duration, triggering the step of executing the self-cleaning task; and
if no interaction event is monitored when the timing length reaches the set duration, closing the charging loop and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
if an interaction event of starting charging is monitored before the timing length reaches the set duration, closing the charging loop and the cleaning device entering the charging state.
after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device and the docking base, starting timing, and entering the interaction event monitoring state, outputting a first prompt information to prompt a user to start self-cleaning.
the method further comprises:
when an operation on the self-cleaning control is detected, the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored; and/or
when the voice interaction arrangement recognizes a user command of starting self-cleaning, the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored.
when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if an interaction event of stopping charging is monitored, opening the charging loop, such that the cleaning device is not in the charging state.
and the method further comprises:
when the cleaning device is in the charging state, if an operation on the power control or the function control is detected, the interaction event of stopping charging is monitored;
when the cleaning device is not in the charging state, if an operation on the power control or the function control is detected, an interaction event of starting charging is monitored.
when the cleaning device is in the charging state and consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, executing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that the interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
if the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information;
wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt a user to trigger the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning.
after the cleaning device is docked with the charging device, determining whether remaining power of the cleaning device meets power demand for self-cleaning;
if the power demand for self-cleaning is met, the charging loop being in an open state such that the cleaning device does not enter the charging state after being docked with the charging device; and
if the power demand for self-cleaning is not met, the charging loop being closed such that the cleaning device enters the charging state after being docked with the charging device.
after a cleaning device is docked with a charging device and a docking base, controlling the cleaning device not to enter a charging state;
monitoring an interaction event; and
when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
when the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information; wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt a user to trigger consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning;
when the cleaning device is in the charging state and the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, executing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that an interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
when an interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, determining a state of a cleaning device docked with a charging device and a docking base; and
if the cleaning device is not in a charging state, the cleaning device executing a self-cleaning task.
if the cleaning device is in the charging state and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning is monitored, outputting second prompt information; wherein the second prompt information is used to prompt a user to trigger consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning; and
if the cleaning device is in the charging state and the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are monitored, the cleaning device executing the self-cleaning task;
wherein the consecutive interaction events of stopping charging and starting self-cleaning are such that an interaction event of stopping charging and the interaction event of starting self-cleaning occur sequentially.
a device body;
a controller disposed on the device body and configured to implement steps in the cleaning device control method of any one of claims 1-12, or steps in the cleaning device control method of claim 13 or 14, or steps in the cleaning device control method of claim 15 or 16.
a handle;
an upright body;
a floor brush configured to move on a surface to be cleaned, the upright body rotatably connected with the floor brush such that the upright body is switchable between an upright state and an inclined state;
a fluid supply system comprising a clean water tank, a water pump, and a fluid distributor;
a dirt recovery system comprising a dirty water tank, a recycling channel , a suction port, and a suction motor;
a cleaning unit assembly comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean the surface to be cleaned when the cleaning device is in the inclined state and a drive motor configured to drive the cleaning unit to rotate;
a rechargeable battery configured to power the water pump, the suction motor, and the drive motor; and
a charging circuit;
wherein the cleaning device is dockable with a charging base to charge the rechargeable battery of the cleaning device through the charging circuit and to enable the cleaning device to execute a self-cleaning task;
when the cleaning device executes the self-cleaning task, the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are selectively operatable to clean the cleaning unit and the recycling channel, and the water pump, the suction motor and the drive motor are powered at least by the rechargeable battery; and
the cleaning device further comprises a controller configured to control the charging circuit to be disabled in response to the cleaning device being docked with the charging base, such that the cleaning device does not enter a charging state.
REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.
Patent documents cited in the description