Surface cleaning device

Abstract

This application discloses a surface cleaning device, comprising: a cleaning main unit, including a housing, a liquid supply tank, and a waste liquid recovery tank; the housing provides an interface with a first connecting portion fluidly connected to the waste liquid recovery tank and a second connecting portion fluidly connected to the liquid supply tank; an external extension tube assembly, including a cleaning head with a suction nozzle and a liquid outlet, a connector with third and fourth connecting portions, and a hose; a bypass channel and a valve arranged in the bypass channel, one end of the bypass channel being fluidly connected to a fluid channel between the liquid supply tank and the liquid outlet, and the other end being fluidly connected to a suction channel from the suction nozzle to the waste liquid recovery tank; the valve has an open position for the bypass channel to be in a passable state and a closed position for the bypass channel to be in a cut-off state; the valve is configured to allow the user to operate the bypass channel to the open position. This application achieves the connection between the cleaning liquid passage and the suction passage by operating this valve, thereby removing foreign matter that prevents the cleaning liquid from being discharged normally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, and in particular to a surface cleaning device for cleaning surfaces such as floors. Background Technology

[0002] Surface cleaning devices, such as floor scrubbers and carpet cleaners, can perform wet cleaning of surfaces using cleaning liquids. The cleaning liquid is stored in a liquid supply container and continuously applied to the ground through a liquid output path during the cleaning process. The applied cleaning liquid, along with the cleaned dirt (which may include grime, dust, stains, mud, hair, and other debris), is transferred to a waste liquid collection container by a suction motor during the cleaning process.

[0003] Applying cleaning fluid to the ground is usually driven by a pump located in the liquid output path. Sometimes, due to insufficient pump power, or air mixed into the liquid output path or blockage by foreign objects, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid supply container cannot be supplied to the surface to be cleaned normally or continuously. This will cause the device to stop working and affect the user's use. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the problem of unstable sewage suction in existing technologies, the purpose of this application is to provide a surface cleaning device that effectively ensures that cleaning fluid can be successfully supplied to the surface to be cleaned.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following first technical solution: a surface cleaning device, including a cleaning host and an external extension tube assembly detachably attached to the host;

[0006] The cleaning unit includes a housing with an upright handle assembly and a base, a cleaning fluid supply assembly, and a wastewater recovery assembly. The cleaning fluid supply assembly includes a supply tank, a first outlet located on the base, and a first liquid channel located between the supply tank and the first outlet. The wastewater recovery assembly includes a first suction nozzle located on the base, a wastewater recovery tank, a first suction channel located between the wastewater recovery tank and the first suction nozzle, and a suction motor fluidly connected to the wastewater recovery tank. The housing provides an interface with a first docking portion fluidly connected to the wastewater recovery tank and a second docking portion fluidly connected to the supply tank. A third liquid channel is provided between the second docking portion and the supply tank. A mechanical pump assembly is arranged in the third liquid channel. The mechanical pump assembly includes a motor and a pump body, and the motor is drivenly connected to the pump shaft of the pump body.

[0007] The external extension tube assembly includes a cleaning head with a second suction nozzle and a second liquid outlet, a connector with a third and a fourth docking portion, a flexible tube located between the connector and the cleaning head, a second suction channel extending from the third docking portion to the second suction nozzle, and a second liquid channel extending from the fourth docking portion to the second liquid outlet; the connector is configured to achieve fluid communication between the first and third docking portions and between the second and fourth docking portions after engagement with the interface;

[0008] The cleaning unit and / or the external extension tube assembly are provided with a bypass channel and a first valve arranged in the bypass channel. One end of the bypass channel is fluidly connected to the second liquid channel or the third liquid channel, and the other end is fluidly connected to the first suction channel or the second suction channel. The first valve has an open position that allows the bypass channel to be in a passable state and a closed position that allows the bypass channel to be cut off. The first valve is configured to allow the user to operate the bypass channel to the open position.

[0009] In one specific embodiment, the interface is located at the base.

[0010] In one specific embodiment, the interface is configured to facilitate insertion of the connector from top to bottom.

[0011] In one specific embodiment, the base includes a cover configured to close and open the interface.

[0012] In one specific embodiment, the cleaning host includes a brush assembly, both the mechanical pump assembly and the brush assembly are arranged at the base, and the brush assembly is driven by the motor.

[0013] In one specific embodiment, both the liquid supply tank and the waste liquid recovery tank are located at the upright handle assembly.

[0014] In one specific embodiment, a second valve is arranged in the first liquid channel, the second valve being drivenly connected to a trigger and controlled by the trigger to open and close, the trigger being arranged at the upright handle assembly.

[0015] In one specific embodiment, the first valve is a mechanical valve and includes a movable valve core and an operating element for a user to actuate the valve core.

[0016] In one specific embodiment, the first valve is disposed at the connector.

[0017] In one specific embodiment, a third valve is provided at the second docking portion. The third valve has a first state that blocks the fluid in the supply tank from flowing out of the second docking portion and a second state that allows the fluid in the supply tank to flow out of the second docking portion. The third valve is configured to be actuated to switch from the first state to the second state when the connector is inserted into the interface.

[0018] Another aspect of this application adopts the following second technical solution: a surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0019] A cleaning fluid supply assembly includes a supply tank, a discharge port, and a liquid channel located between the supply tank and the discharge port;

[0020] The waste liquid recovery assembly includes a suction nozzle, a waste liquid recovery tank, a suction channel located between the waste liquid recovery tank and the suction nozzle, and a suction motor in fluid communication with the waste liquid recovery tank;

[0021] A bypass channel, one end of which is fluidly connected to the liquid channel and the other end of which is fluidly connected to the suction channel;

[0022] A valve is disposed in the bypass channel, the valve having an open position that allows the bypass channel to be in a passable state and a closed position that allows the bypass channel to be in a cut-off state, the valve being configured to allow a user to operate the bypass channel to the open position.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, the surface cleaning device further includes a mechanical pump assembly arranged in the liquid channel and comprising a motor and a pump body, wherein the motor is drively connected to the pump shaft of the pump body.

[0024] In one specific embodiment, the surface cleaning device further includes a brush assembly, which is driven by the motor.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the pump body has an inlet and an outlet, the liquid passage includes an upstream passage located between the supply tank and the inlet and a downstream passage located between the outlet and the outlet, and one end of the bypass passage is in fluid communication with the downstream passage.

[0026] In one specific embodiment, the surface cleaning device further includes: a first housing; and a second housing detachably attached to the first housing, wherein the suction motor, liquid supply tank, waste liquid recovery tank and mechanical pump assembly are arranged on the first housing, and the suction nozzle, liquid outlet and valve are arranged on the second housing.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, the valve is a mechanical valve and includes a movable valve core and an operating element for a user to actuate the valve core.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, this application achieves the following beneficial effects: By setting a bypass channel and arranging a valve in the bypass channel, and configuring the valve to allow the user to operate the bypass channel in the open position, the user can connect the cleaning fluid channel and the suction channel by operating this valve when the cleaning fluid channel cannot output cleaning fluid normally due to blockage by foreign objects (such as air, large particulate impurities, etc.). This allows the user to utilize the strong suction capacity of the suction channel to remove the foreign objects that prevent the cleaning fluid from outputting normally, thereby enabling the corresponding outlet to output liquid normally. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a surface cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The first schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device after removing the external extension tube assembly, part of the base, and part of the upright handle assembly;

[0031] Figure 3 To observe from another perspective Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device connected to the external extension tube assembly;

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the surface cleaning device connected to the external extension tube assembly;

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a connector provided in an embodiment of this application; wherein the valve is in the closed position;

[0035] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the connector in the valve when the valve is in the open position;

[0036] The components are as follows: 100, Cleaning unit; 200, External extension tube assembly; 11, Housing; 12, Base; 2, Cleaning fluid supply assembly; 13, Upright handle assembly; 21, Liquid supply tank; 22, Liquid outlet; 23, Liquid channel; 24, Valve; 14, Trigger; 15, Interface; 151, Connecting part; 152, Connecting part; 25, Liquid channel; 4, Mechanical pump assembly; 41, Motor; 42, Pump body; 421, Inlet; 422, Outlet; 251, Upstream channel; 252, Downstream channel. 3. Sewage recovery assembly; 31. Suction nozzle; 32. Sewage recovery tank; 33. Suction channel; 34. Suction motor; 331. Upper channel; 332. Lower channel; 5. Brush assembly; 6. Cleaning head; 61. Suction nozzle; 62. Liquid outlet; 7. Connector; 71. Connecting part; 72. Connecting part; 8. Hose; 81. Suction channel; 82. Liquid channel; 91. Bypass channel; 92. Valve; 921. Valve core; 922. Operating element; 923. Spring; 73. Inner cavity; 153. Valve. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To illustrate the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives, and effects of this application in detail, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. In the following description, for illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a detailed description of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of this application. However, various exemplary embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details or in one or more equivalent arrangements. Furthermore, the various exemplary embodiments may differ, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the technical concept of this application, the specific shape, structure, and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0038] like Figure 1-5 The surface cleaning device shown consists of a vertical cleaning unit 100 and an external extension tube assembly 200 detachably attached to the cleaning unit 100. When the external extension tube assembly 200 is not connected, the cleaning unit 100 can move independently on the ground (such as a carpet surface) to perform floor cleaning operations; when the external extension tube assembly 200 is connected, the cleaning unit 100 and the external extension tube assembly 200 work together to perform cleaning operations on surfaces such as sofas and furniture.

[0039] The cleaning unit 100 is a vertical cleaning device, including a housing 1. The housing 1 has an upright handle assembly 13 located at the top and having a handle 11, and a base 12 located at the bottom. The lower part of the upright handle assembly 13 is rotatably connected to the base 12. The user can move the entire cleaning unit 100 back and forth on the ground by manipulating the upright handle assembly 13.

[0040] The cleaning unit 100 includes a cleaning fluid supply assembly 2, which continuously supplies cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning fluid supply assembly 2 includes a supply tank 21 located at the upright handle assembly 13, a liquid outlet 22 located at the bottom of the base 12, and a liquid channel 23 located between the supply tank 21 and the liquid outlet 22. A valve 24 is arranged in the liquid channel 23, and the valve 24 is kinetically connected to a trigger 14 located at the handle 11. The user can control the opening and closing of the valve 24 by pulling the trigger 14, thereby controlling whether the cleaning fluid flows to the liquid outlet 22.

[0041] The upper part of the base 12 is provided with an interface 15, at which a docking part 151 and a docking part 152 are disposed. The interface 15 is also provided with a cover (not shown in the figure), which is configured to be able to close and open the interface 152.

[0042] The cleaning fluid supply assembly 2 also includes a liquid channel 25 located between the supply tank 21 and the docking part 151, along the path of which a mechanical pump assembly 4 is disposed. The mechanical pump assembly 4 includes a motor 41 and a pump body 42, with the motor 41 being drively connected to the pump shaft of the pump body 42. The pump body 42 has an inlet 421 and an outlet 422. The liquid channel 25 includes an upstream channel 251 located between the supply tank 21 and the inlet 421, and a downstream channel 252 located between the outlet 422 and the docking part 151.

[0043] The cleaning unit 100 includes a waste liquid recovery assembly 3, which is capable of sucking up dirt from the surface to be cleaned and recovering the cleaning liquid applied to the surface. The waste liquid recovery assembly 3 includes a suction nozzle 31 located on the base 12, a waste liquid recovery tank 32 located on the housing 11, a suction channel 33 located between the waste liquid recovery tank 32 and the suction nozzle 31, and a suction motor 34 in fluid communication with the waste liquid recovery tank 32. The docking part 152 is located in the path of the suction channel 33, which includes an upper channel 331 located between the docking part 152 and the waste liquid recovery tank 32 and a lower channel 332 located between the docking part 152 and the suction nozzle 31.

[0044] The cleaning unit 100 includes a brush assembly 5. Both the mechanical pump assembly 4 and the brush assembly 5 are located at the base 12. The brush assembly 5 is driven by the motor 41. In this example, the brush assembly 5 is located behind the suction nozzle 31, and the mechanical pump assembly 4 is located behind the brush assembly 5.

[0045] The external extension tube assembly 200 includes a cleaning head 6 with a suction nozzle 61 and a liquid outlet 62, a connector 7 with a docking portion 71 and a docking portion 72, a hose 8 located between the connector 7 and the cleaning head 6, a suction channel 81 extending from the docking portion 71 to the suction nozzle 61, and a liquid channel 82 extending from the docking portion 72 to the liquid outlet 62.

[0046] The connector 7 is configured to be inserted into the interface 15; in this embodiment, the interface 15 is configured to allow for insertion of the connector 7 from top to bottom. After the connector 7 is engaged with the interface 15, the mating portion 151 and the mating portion 72 are in fluid communication, and the mating portion 152 is in fluid communication with the mating portion 71; at this time, the lower channel 332 is blocked, the upper channel 331 of the suction channel 33 is in fluid communication with the suction channel 81, and the suction nozzle 61 of the cleaning head 6 is in fluid communication with the waste liquid recovery box 32.

[0047] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the external extension tube assembly 200 also includes a bypass passage 91 and a valve 92 disposed in the bypass passage 91. One end of the bypass passage 91 is fluidly connected to a liquid passage 82, and the other end is fluidly connected to a suction passage 81. The valve 92 has an open position that allows the bypass passage 91 to be in a passable state and a closed position that allows the bypass passage 91 to be cut off. The valve 92 is configured to allow the user to operate the bypass passage 91 to the open position.

[0048] Valve 92 is a mechanical valve and includes a movable valve core 921 and an operating element 922 for the user to actuate the valve core 921. With the actuation of the valve core 921, valve 92 can switch between an open position and a closed position, thereby placing the bypass passage 91 in an open or closed state. In other embodiments, valve 92 may be replaced by other types of valves, such as electronic valves.

[0049] In this example, valve 92 is located at connector 7, and valve core 921 is supported on the inner wall of bypass channel 91 by a spring 923. This inner cavity 73 forms part of liquid channel 82. The operating element 922 is a press-type element and is exposed. The user can push the valve core 921 to move by pressing down on the operating element 922, thereby switching valve 92 to the open position, and the suction channel 81 and liquid channel 82 are fluidly connected through the bypass channel 91. After the user releases the operating element 922, the valve core 921 will return to its original position under the action of spring 923, thereby switching valve 92 to the closed position, and the suction channel 81 and liquid channel 82 are no longer connected.

[0050] In other embodiments, the bypass channel and valve can also be arranged on the cleaning unit, such as at the base; its function is to facilitate the connection between the liquid channel and the suction channel when needed, so as to use the powerful suction force of the suction motor to directly suck air, foreign objects, etc. in the liquid channel from the liquid channel into the suction channel, thereby keeping the liquid channel unobstructed at all times.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, a valve 153 is provided at the docking portion 151. The valve 153 has a first state that blocks the flow of liquid from the supply tank 21 out of the docking portion 151, and a second state that allows the fluid in the supply tank 21 to flow out of the docking portion 151. The valve 153 is configured to be actuated to switch from the first state to the second state when the connector 15 is inserted into the interface 7. The valve 153 is preferably a one-way valve, which is also configured to automatically switch from the second state to the first state when the connector 15 is disengaged from the interface 7, for example, by providing a resilient reset element inside the valve 153.

[0052] Typically, a valve (not shown in the figure) for controlling whether liquid is discharged from the outlet 62 is also arranged at the cleaning head 6 of the external extension tube assembly 200. This valve is preferably a mechanical valve. When the user is performing cleaning operations using the external extension tube assembly 200, the user can use this valve to pause the output of liquid from the outlet 62.

[0053] When the cleaning unit 100 is not connected to the external extension tube assembly 200 and is working independently, the user holds the handle of the upright handle assembly 13 and pushes the base 12 to move on the ground; the power switch is turned on, the suction motor 34 and motor 41 start, the trigger 14 valve 24 is pulled to open, the cleaning liquid in the supply tank 21 will flow directly to the outlet 22 and be applied to the ground; at this time, the motor 41 drives the brush assembly 5 to rub and scrub on the ground, the suction nozzle 31 sucks up the dirt on the ground and the dirty cleaning liquid after scrubbing, and sends it into the waste liquid recovery tank 32 through the lower channel 332, the docking part 152 and the upper channel 331.

[0054] When the cleaning unit 100 is connected to the external extension tube assembly 200, the docking part 151 and docking part 72 are fluidly connected, and the docking part 152 and docking part 71 are fluidly connected. The valve 153 is opened, and the liquid channels 25 and 82 connecting the supply tank 21 and the outlet 62 are connected. The suction path from the suction nozzle 61 to the wastewater recovery tank 32 is connected. The suction channel 81, docking part 152, and upper channel 331 are fluidly connected in sequence, while the fluid channel between the lower channel 322 and the upper channel 331 is blocked. When the power switch is turned on, the suction motor 34 and motor 41 start, and the cleaning liquid in the supply tank 21 is usually delivered by the mechanical pump assembly 4. The liquid is introduced into the outlet 62 and applied to the surface to be cleaned. At this time, the suction nozzle 61 sucks up the dirt and used cleaning liquid from the surface to be cleaned and sends it into the waste liquid recovery tank 32 through the suction channel 81, the docking part 152 and the upper channel 331. During this cleaning process, if the user presses the operating component 932, the valve 92 is opened, and foreign objects or air inside the liquid channel 25, the liquid channel 82 and the pump body 42 will be directly sucked into the suction channel 81 and finally sent into the waste liquid recovery tank 32. If the user releases the operating component 932, the cleaning liquid in the supply tank 21 will be sent back to the outlet 62 under the action of the mechanical pump assembly 4.

[0055] In this application, the powerful suction force in the wastewater recovery path is used to directly remove foreign objects, air, and other substances that affect the output of the cleaning liquid to the outlet. Furthermore, since the valve connecting the two paths is user-controllable, the user can choose to operate it when the water flow from the outlet is obstructed.

[0056] The technical solution of this application can be applied not only to vertical cleaning devices, but also to horizontal, handheld, and other cleaning equipment.

[0057] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims, specification, and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A surface cleaning device, comprising a cleaning main unit and an external extension tube assembly detachably attached to the main unit; The cleaning unit includes a housing with an upright handle assembly and a base, a cleaning fluid supply assembly, and a wastewater recovery assembly. The cleaning fluid supply assembly includes a supply tank, a first outlet located on the base, and a first liquid channel located between the supply tank and the first outlet. The wastewater recovery assembly includes a first suction nozzle located on the base, a wastewater recovery tank, a first suction channel located between the wastewater recovery tank and the first suction nozzle, and a suction motor fluidly connected to the wastewater recovery tank. The housing provides an interface with a first docking portion fluidly connected to the wastewater recovery tank and a second docking portion fluidly connected to the supply tank. A third liquid channel is provided between the second docking portion and the supply tank. A mechanical pump assembly is arranged in the third liquid channel. The mechanical pump assembly includes a motor and a pump body, and the motor is drivenly connected to the pump shaft of the pump body. The external extension tube assembly includes a cleaning head with a second suction nozzle and a second liquid outlet, a connector with a third and a fourth docking portion, a flexible tube located between the connector and the cleaning head, a second suction channel extending from the third docking portion to the second suction nozzle, and a second liquid channel extending from the fourth docking portion to the second liquid outlet; the connector is configured to achieve fluid communication between the first and third docking portions and between the second and fourth docking portions after engagement with the interface; characterized in that... The cleaning unit and / or the external extension tube assembly are provided with a bypass channel and a first valve arranged in the bypass channel. One end of the bypass channel is fluidly connected to the second liquid channel or the third liquid channel, and the other end is fluidly connected to the first suction channel or the second suction channel. The first valve has an open position that allows the bypass channel to be in a passable state and a closed position that allows the bypass channel to be cut off. The first valve is configured to allow the user to operate the bypass channel to the open position.

2. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interface is located at the base.

3. The surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The interface is configured to allow for insertion of the connector from top to bottom.

4. The surface cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The base includes a cover that is configured to close and open the interface.

5. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning unit includes a brush assembly, and both the mechanical pump assembly and the brush assembly are arranged at the base. The brush assembly is driven by the motor.

6. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the liquid supply tank and the waste liquid recovery tank are located at the upright handle assembly.

7. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second valve is arranged in the first liquid channel. The second valve is drivenly connected to a trigger and is controlled to open and close by the trigger, which is located at the upright handle assembly.

8. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve is a mechanical valve and includes a movable valve core and an operating element for the user to actuate the valve core.

9. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve is located at the joint.

10. The surface cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third valve is provided at the second docking portion. The third valve has a first state that blocks the fluid in the supply tank from flowing out of the second docking portion and a second state that allows the fluid in the supply tank to flow out of the second docking portion. The third valve is configured to be actuated to switch from the first state to the second state when the connector is inserted into the interface.

11. A surface cleaning device, characterized in that, include: A cleaning fluid supply assembly includes a supply tank, a discharge port, and a liquid channel located between the supply tank and the discharge port; The waste liquid recovery assembly includes a suction nozzle, a waste liquid recovery tank, a suction channel located between the waste liquid recovery tank and the suction nozzle, and a suction motor in fluid communication with the waste liquid recovery tank; A bypass channel, one end of which is fluidly connected to the liquid channel and the other end of which is fluidly connected to the suction channel; A valve is disposed in the bypass channel, the valve having an open position that allows the bypass channel to be in a passable state and a closed position that allows the bypass channel to be in a cut-off state, the valve being configured to allow a user to operate the bypass channel to the open position.

12. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A mechanical pump assembly, arranged in the liquid passage, includes a motor and a pump body, wherein the motor is drive-connected to the pump shaft of the pump body.

13. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: The brush assembly is configured with the motor drive.

14. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that, The pump body has an inlet and an outlet, and the liquid passage includes an upstream passage located between the supply tank and the inlet and a downstream passage located between the outlet and the outlet, with one end of the bypass passage in fluid communication with the downstream passage.

15. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: First shell; A second housing is detachably attached to the first housing. The suction motor, liquid supply tank, waste liquid recovery tank and mechanical pump assembly are arranged on the first housing, and the suction nozzle, liquid outlet and valve are arranged on the second housing.

16. The surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The valve is a mechanical valve and includes a movable valve core and an operating element for the user to actuate the valve core.

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