US20260137255
2026-05-21
Human necessities
A47L11/4091
The robot cleaner station is designed to automate the replacement and storage of mop pads. It consists of a base, a mop container, and a lift with a mop carrier. The mop container, located above the base, can hold multiple mop pads and features both a mop outlet and a mop insertion port. The lift moves vertically, allowing the mop carrier to retrieve and store mop pads efficiently. This system is particularly beneficial for robot cleaners with mopping capabilities, enhancing their functionality by automating the mop pad replacement process.
Robot cleaners have evolved significantly, with many now offering both vacuuming and mopping functions. Traditional robot cleaners require manual intervention to replace mop pads, which can be inconvenient for users. Some advanced models include a station that supplies fresh mop pads and collects used ones. This invention addresses the limitations of existing systems by providing a more efficient mechanism for managing mop pads, reducing the need for user intervention and improving cleaning performance.
The mop container features a separation plate that divides new and used mop pads. The lift, equipped with a mop carrier, moves vertically and horizontally to manage mop pads. The mop carrier can insert into the mop outlet to remove a mop pad and into the mop insertion port to store a used pad. The lift can position itself at various heights to facilitate these actions, guided by a vertical drive unit and supported by a vertical guide. The mop carrier's movement is controlled by a horizontal drive unit, ensuring precise positioning.
The robot cleaner system operates by coordinating the robot cleaner and the station. When a mop pad is needed, the lift positions the mop carrier to retrieve a fresh pad from the container. After mopping, the robot cleaner returns to the station, where the used pad is removed and stored. The system uses signals to synchronize these actions, with the processor controlling the lift and mop carrier movements. This seamless operation ensures the robot cleaner is always equipped with a fresh mop pad for its next cleaning cycle.
This system introduces several advancements over traditional robot cleaners. The use of a separation plate within the mop container ensures organized storage of mop pads. The automated retrieval and storage process reduces manual handling, enhancing user convenience. Additionally, the system's ability to handle multiple mop pads increases the robot cleaner's efficiency and operational time. These improvements make the system a significant step forward in the development of autonomous cleaning technology.