Hard surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a hard surface cleaning device. The hard surface cleaning apparatus comprises: a suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly comprising suction blades and a motor driving the suction blades; a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly for drawing a liquid-air mixture from the hard surface; a flow path located between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly; and the liquid storage tank is used for containing the separated liquid. The flow path passes through the liquid storage tank, the flow path comprises a separation component, the separation component is used for separating liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and the separation component extends into the liquid storage tank. The flow path also includes a receiving chamber between the suction nozzle and the separating member, the receiving chamber being independent of a housing of the hard surface cleaning apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of surface cleaning, and more particularly, to a hard surface cleaning device having a suction component for forming a suction flow, a suction nozzle for sucking a liquid-air mixture in fluid communication with the suction component, a separation component for separating liquid from the sucked liquid-air mixture, and a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid. Background Art

[0002] Hard surface cleaning equipment is a kind of equipment used to clean hard surfaces such as glass surfaces. Hard surface cleaning equipment can automatically absorb the sewage and dirt generated during the cleaning process while cleaning, ensuring that the hard surface is clean and free of traces.

[0003] With the aid of such a hard surface cleaning device, surfaces such as floor surfaces or table surfaces, tiled wall surfaces or, for example, glass surfaces, in particular window glass, can be cleaned. The hard surface cleaning device can be guided along the surface to be cleaned and has a suction nozzle for sucking up the liquid-air mixture, which is in fluid communication with a suction assembly. The suction assembly generates a suction air flow, under the action of which the liquid-air mixture can be sucked up, for example, from the surface to be cleaned or from a cleaning element of the hard surface cleaning device that contacts the surface. For example, a scraper element can be used as a cleaning element.

[0004] The suction assembly usually comprises a suction turbine and an electric motor driving the suction turbine. In order to prevent liquid (e.g. sewage) from reaching the suction assembly and being released from the suction assembly into the environment, a separation assembly is arranged in the flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly, which is designed to separate the sucked liquid from the liquid-air mixture. The separated liquid is collected in a liquid storage tank, which can be emptied if necessary.

[0005] Hard surface cleaning devices are usually in an upright position during operation, however, in actual use, the user may deflect the hard surface cleaning device from the upright position, for example, into a lying position or even into an inverted position. For example, patent document US6691369B1 describes a hard surface cleaning device, in which the dirty liquid tank is separated from the flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction unit by means of a float. As a result, the separation effect is not affected by the water level in the dirty liquid tank. However, there is a risk that, if the hard surface cleaning device is oriented obliquely relative to the vertical direction, the liquid in the dirty liquid tank comes out of the suction nozzle again. Therefore, especially when transporting the hard surface cleaning device after use, the user should carefully pay attention to keep the hard surface cleaning device in a predetermined position.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need in the art for an improved hard surface cleaning device that helps to achieve a good cleaning effect, wherein the hard surface cleaning device can be in different positions during operation while ensuring that the same suction air flow is formed without there being a risk that liquid located in the liquid storage tank or the dirty liquid tank will come out of the liquid storage tank or the dirty liquid tank again. Summary of the invention

[0007] One of the objects of the present application is to provide a hard surface cleaning device, which can effectively separate liquid and air and ensure that liquid does not flow out of the hard surface cleaning device, thereby helping to achieve a good cleaning effect.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, in one aspect of the present application, a hard surface cleaning device is provided, comprising:

[0009] A suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly comprising a suction blade and a motor for driving the suction blade;

[0010] a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly for sucking the liquid-air mixture from the hard surface;

[0011] a flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly; and

[0012] a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid;

[0013] The flow path passes through the liquid storage tank, the flow path includes a separation component, the separation component is used to separate liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and the separation component extends into the liquid storage tank, characterized in that:

[0014] The flow path further comprises a receiving chamber between the suction nozzle and the separating member, the receiving chamber being independent from the housing of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0015] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the separation component includes an outer peripheral wall and a central tube at the center of the outer peripheral wall, the gas exhaust channel leading to the suction assembly is formed inside the central tube, and a liquid-air mixture inlet channel is formed between the outer peripheral wall and the central tube.

[0016] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, when the hard surface cleaning apparatus is placed vertically, the lowermost end of the gas exhaust passage is located at a higher height than the lowermost end of the liquid-air mixture inlet passage.

[0017] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the outer peripheral wall is transversely penetrated by a through portion at a lower portion, so that the through portion and a gas discharge port located at a lower end of the central tube are in fluid communication with each other.

[0018] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the liquid-air mixture inlet passage is formed on both sides of the central tube, and the liquid-air mixture inlet passage is separated by a partition wall at the lower end.

[0019] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the suction assembly includes a suction housing, and the suction housing includes a throat sealedly connected to the receiving chamber.

[0020] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, guide ribs are provided inside the receiving chamber, so that a circuitous flow path is formed inside the receiving chamber.

[0021] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the guide rib is provided with a recess for accommodating the suction housing.

[0022] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the guide rib includes a plurality of partitions arranged in a staggered manner.

[0023] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the plurality of partitions include a first partition, which extends from left and right sides of the receiving chamber toward the center and forms a central groove.

[0024] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the plurality of partitions include a second partition, which extends from the center of the receiving chamber to the left and right sides and forms side grooves on the left and right sides.

[0025] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, free ends of the first partition plate and the second partition plate are inclined downward.

[0026] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the receiving chamber includes a receiving interface for sealingly connecting to the suction nozzle, a separation interface for sealingly connecting to the separation component, and a discharge interface for sealingly connecting to the suction assembly.

[0027] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the separation interface includes a separation interface body, an inner ring, and spokes connecting the inner ring and the separation interface body.

[0028] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the hard surface cleaning device further comprises a connector sealingly connecting the central tube of the separation component with the throat of the suction housing.

[0029] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the receiving chamber includes a receiving portion and a discharge portion, the receiving portion includes a rib portion, and the discharge portion includes a snap-on ear portion, and the receiving portion can be sealingly engaged with the discharge portion by snapping the rib portion with the snap-on ear portion, and a sealing element is sealed between the receiving portion and the discharge portion.

[0030] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the suction nozzle includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a scraper, and an intermediate retainer located between the lower shell and the upper shell.

[0031] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the scraper member includes a lower scraper member disposed on the lower shell.

[0032] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the scraper further includes an upper scraper, and the upper scraper is clamped by an upper shell and an intermediate retaining member.

[0033] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the upper scraper comprises a clamping portion extending along its length, and the upper shell and the intermediate retaining member are respectively provided with recessed portions for setting the clamping portion into the recessed portions in a shape-fitting manner.

[0034] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, one or more flow guiding ribs are provided on a surface of the intermediate retainer facing the lower shell.

[0035] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, a blocking strip is provided on a side surface of the intermediate retaining member that faces the lower housing.

[0036] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, a suction channel is formed between the intermediate retaining member and the lower shell.

[0037] In an embodiment of one aspect of the present application, the lower scraper includes an upwardly extending protrusion at a distal end.

[0038] In the embodiments of the present application, the hard surface cleaning device according to the present invention can effectively separate liquid and air and ensure that the liquid does not flow out of the hard surface cleaning device, thereby facilitating a good cleaning effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a hard surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device is provided to more clearly illustrate the internal structure of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0043] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning apparatus.

[0044] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning apparatus.

[0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a receiving chamber of a flow path of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving chamber comprising a receiving portion and a discharge portion.

[0046] Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of a receiving portion of a receiving chamber.

[0047] Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the discharge portion of a receiving chamber.

[0048] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of separate components of a flow path of a hard surface cleaning apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig.10 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of a separation component of a flow path.

[0050] Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view of a suction nozzle of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Fig.12 According to an embodiment of the present invention Fig.11 Cross-sectional view of a suction nozzle of a hard surface cleaning device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The technical solution of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0054] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0055] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the specific implementation methods can be combined in any suitable manner unless there is any contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / embodiments / implementations. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features / embodiments / implementations in this application will not be described separately.

[0056] In the drawings, various embodiments of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention are schematically shown, which is designated overall by reference numeral 1000. In the embodiment shown, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is designed as a manually guided hard surface cleaning device with which liquids can be sucked from hard surfaces, such as window glass or from table surfaces or, for example, also from tiled walls or shower walls or glass.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 comprises a suction assembly for forming a suction flow, a suction nozzle 3 for sucking a liquid-air mixture in fluid communication with the suction assembly, a flow path between the suction nozzle 3 and the suction assembly, a separation component 500 for separating liquid from the sucked liquid-air mixture, and a liquid storage tank 2 for containing the separated liquid. In an embodiment of the present invention, the flow path comprises a receiving chamber 200 between the suction nozzle 3 and the separation component 500, and the receiving chamber 200 is independent of the housing 1 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000.

[0058] like Figure 1As shown, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 comprises a housing 1. The suction nozzle 3 and the liquid storage tank 2 are detachably held on the housing 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 comprises a left half shell 11 and a right half shell 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 is configured with a handle 5, which a user can hold with one hand during operation to guide the hard surface cleaning device 1000 along the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment of the present invention, a switch 6 is provided at the upper part of the handle 5, and the user can start the hard surface cleaning device 1000 by, for example, pressing the switch 6 with a thumb. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 preferably also accommodates at least one rechargeable battery 4, in particular a lithium-ion battery, through which the suction assembly can be supplied with energy. In one embodiment of the present invention, a charging port (not shown) for charging the hard surface cleaning device 1000 may also be included on the housing 1, for charging the battery of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when necessary. In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 further comprises an exhaust opening 13 to help exhaust the air or gas sucked by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 into the surrounding environment.

[0059] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, a suction assembly is arranged in the housing 1 above the handle 5, and the suction assembly includes a suction turbine or blade 110 and a motor 120 driving the suction turbine 110. The suction assembly is capable of sucking air so that the sucked air and liquid or even solid dirt can be sucked into the flow path (e.g., the receiving chamber 200) via the suction nozzle 3, the air is separated from the separation component 500 and discharged to the surrounding environment through the suction turbine 110 via the discharge opening 13. In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction assembly also includes a suction housing 130, which surrounds and supports the suction turbine 110 and the motor 120. In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction housing 130 includes a throat 135, which is sealedly connected to the receiving chamber 200 on its periphery.

[0060] Combined with reference Figure 11-12, the suction nozzle 3 includes a lower shell 31, an upper shell 35 and a scraper located between the lower shell 31 and the upper shell 35. In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction nozzle 3 includes a lower scraper 32 and an upper scraper 34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction nozzle 3 also includes an intermediate retaining member 33 located between the lower shell 31 and the upper shell 35. In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower shell 31, the first scraper 32 and the intermediate retaining member 33 can be molded as a single piece, that is, together constitute the lower shell 31. The suction nozzle 3 includes a hollow plug-in portion 311, and the plug-in portion 311 defines a suction channel 30 for conveying the liquid-air mixture scraped from the surface to be cleaned through the suction channel 30. In one embodiment, a circumferential groove 312 is defined on the outer circumferential surface of the plug-in portion 311, such as a sealing element 230 of an O-ring (see Figure 2 ) is placed on the circumferential groove 312 to facilitate the sealing installation of the suction nozzle 3 to the suction assembly and easy removal from the suction assembly.

[0061] Continue to refer Figure 2 , the hard surface cleaning device 1000 also includes a flow path, which is configured to receive the liquid-air mixture from the suction nozzle 3 and separate the liquid and gas therein from each other. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow path includes a receiving chamber 200, which receives the liquid-air mixture from the suction nozzle 3. The flow path also includes a separation component 500 located downstream of the receiving chamber 200, and the separation component 500 is configured to separate the liquid and gas in the liquid-air mixture from each other, as will be described in detail below. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving chamber 200 has a receiving interface 201 for sealingly connecting to the suction channel 30 of the suction nozzle 3. The receiving chamber 200 also has a separation interface 202 for sealingly connecting to the separation component 500 to guide the liquid-air mixture received from the suction nozzle 3 to the separation component 500. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving chamber 200 also includes a discharge interface 203, which is connected to the suction assembly for sucking and discharging the separated gas or air into the surrounding environment. In one embodiment of the present invention, a sealing element 240 such as an O-ring is provided between the discharge interface 203 and the throat 135 of the suction housing 130 of the suction assembly to prevent the liquid-air mixture sucked into the receiving chamber 200 from overflowing or leaking from the discharge interface 203 .

[0062] The liquid storage tank 2 for containing the liquid separated in the separation component 500 is held in the housing 1 in a detachable manner. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank 2 is made of a transparent material so that the user can observe how much liquid is stored in the liquid storage tank 2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element 7 includes a collar portion 73. The retaining element 7 is arranged between the liquid storage tank 2 and the separation component 500 along the vertical axial direction through its collar portion 73, wherein the retaining element 7 is nested on the separation component 500 from below. In one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining element also includes an arm portion 71 extending downward, and the arm portion 71 includes a protrusion 72 protruding toward the liquid storage tank 2. On the upper periphery of the wall portion 20 of the liquid storage tank 2, a corresponding drain port 21 is provided. The protrusion 72 can be inserted into the drain port 21, whereby the retaining element 7 can be connected to the upper portion of the liquid storage tank 2 in a detachable manner and retain the liquid storage tank 2 in the housing 1. When the protrusion 72 is moved away from the drain port 21 , the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 can be discharged through the drain port 21 .

[0063] like Figure 2 As shown, the separation component 500 can be inserted into the liquid storage tank 2 from above. The separation component 500 has a circumferential groove 515 at the outer periphery of the upper part, and a sealing element 250 such as an O-ring can be placed in the circumferential groove 515. When the separation component 500 is inserted into the liquid storage tank 2, the sealing element 250 abuts against the inner wall of the neck of the liquid storage tank 2 to seal the liquid storage tank 2 relative to the separation component 500. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing element 250 is also used for friction fit between the liquid storage tank 2 and the separation component 500, so as to facilitate the sealing installation of the liquid storage tank 2 in place on the hard surface cleaning device 1000 and to easily remove it from the hard surface cleaning device 1000.

[0064] Figure 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning apparatus. Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning apparatus. Figure 5As shown, a peripheral concave portion 2023 is provided on the periphery of the separation interface 202 of the receiving chamber 200, and a molded seal 270 is provided on the peripheral concave portion 2023. After assembly, the molded seal 270 is located between the separation interface 202 and the upper end of the separation component 500, so as to seal the receiving chamber 200 to the separation component 500, so as to guide the liquid-air mixture received from the suction nozzle 3 to the separation component 500. In an optional embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 6 As shown, the separation interface 202 includes an inner ring 2021 and spokes 2022 connecting the inner ring 2021 to the separation interface body. In the operating state, the liquid-air mixture will flow through the space between the spokes 2022. On the inner ring 2021 of the separation interface 202, a connector 260 is occlusally arranged, and the connector 260 is preferably made of an elastomeric material to have a certain elasticity. The connector 260 connects the separation component 500 to the throat 135 of the suction shell 130. Of course, the connector 260 may also not be connected to the separation component 200 or the separation structure 202, but directly connect the separation component 500 to the suction shell 130. Preferably, the connector 260 connects the center tube 555 (reference Fig.10 ) is connected to the throat 135 of the suction housing 130, so that the separated air or gas is sucked from the separation component 500 into the suction housing 130 and then discharged into the surrounding environment. In addition, through the connector 260, the liquid-air mixture in the receiving chamber 200 and the separated gas or air in the central tube 555 of the separation component 500 and the throat 135 of the suction housing 130 are isolated from each other, which helps to prevent liquid from flowing into the suction housing 130 and causing contamination.

[0065] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a receiving chamber 200 of a flow path of a hard surface cleaning apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 6 2 is a perspective view of a receiving portion 210 of a receiving chamber 200. Figure 8 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 6 2. The receiving chamber 200 includes a receiving portion 210 and a discharge portion 220. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 210 includes a circumferential groove 214 for receiving a sealing element 280 such as an O-ring (see Figure 5). The receiving portion 210 further includes a rib 212, and the discharge portion 220 includes a snap-on ear portion 222. The receiving portion 210 is engaged with the discharge portion 220 by snapping the rib 212 with the snap-on ear portion 222, and the sealing element 280 is sealed between the receiving portion 210 and the discharge portion 220, thereby forming a good sealing engagement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 210 further includes a receiving tube portion 211, and the receiving tube portion 211 is used to receive the plug-in portion 311 of the suction nozzle 3, so as to receive the liquid-air mixture sucked from the suction nozzle 3 into the receiving chamber 200. In the interior of the receiving portion 210 facing the discharge portion 220, a guide rib 213 is provided, and the guide rib 213 is used to guide the flow of the liquid-air mixture, as will be described in more detail below.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge portion 220 is provided with guide ribs 221 inside. Figure 5 The throat 135 of the suction housing 130 is inserted into the interior of the receiving chamber 200 through the discharge interface 203, so that the throat 135 is surrounded by the guide ribs 213 and the guide ribs 221, thereby forming a circuitous flow path inside the receiving chamber 200 to help extend the flow path of the liquid-air mixture inside the receiving chamber 200. In addition, since foam may be formed in the extended flow path in the receiving chamber 200, this helps to reduce the formation of foam that may be formed in the liquid storage tank 2 and slow down the flow of foam into the liquid storage tank 2.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide rib is provided with a recess for accommodating the suction housing. Figure 8In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide rib 221 is provided with a notch 223 for receiving the throat 135. In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide rib 221 includes a plurality of partitions 2211 and 2212 arranged in a staggered manner, and the plurality of partitions help to form a circuitous flow path inside the receiving chamber 200. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of partitions include a first partition 2211, which extends from the left and right sides of the receiving chamber 220 to the center and forms a central groove 2210. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-air mixture flows through the central groove 2210 in the receiving chamber 220. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of partitions include a second partition 2212, which extends from the center of the receiving chamber 220 to the left and right sides and forms side grooves 2213 on the left and right sides. The liquid-air mixture flows through the side grooves 2213 in the receiving chamber 220. In an embodiment of the present invention not shown, the free ends of the first baffle 2211 and the second baffle 2212 are inclined downward to help promote the flow of the liquid-air mixture.

[0068] Figure 9-10 The perspective view and the cross-sectional view of the separation component 500 of the flow path are shown respectively. Figure 9-10 , the separation component 500 includes a mixture inlet 580 located at the upper end, a liquid outlet 530 located at the lower end, and a gas outlet 550 located at a higher height relative to the liquid outlet 530. In one embodiment of the present invention, the separation component 500 includes a collar interface portion 510, a peripheral wall 520 extending axially downward from the collar interface portion 510, and a center tube 555 located at the center of the peripheral wall 520. A liquid-air mixture inlet channel 525 is formed between the peripheral wall and the center tube. The collar interface portion 510 is used to connect to the receiving chamber 200, more specifically, the separation interface 202 of the receiving chamber 200, and to the liquid storage tank 2. As described above, the molded seal 270 is located between the separation interface 202 and the upper end of the separation component 500. More specifically, the molded seal 270 is radially located between the separation interface 202 and the collar interface portion 510 of the separation component 500 to ensure the seal between the separation component 500 and the receiving chamber 200. Similarly, a sealing element 250 is provided between the collar interface portion 510 and the inner wall of the neck of the liquid storage tank 2 to seal the liquid storage tank 2 relative to the separation component 500 to prevent the liquid in the liquid storage tank 2 from leaking out.

[0069] Continue to refer Figure 9-10, the central tube 555 is hollow, that is, a gas exhaust channel 590 is formed inside the central tube 555. In one embodiment of the present invention, the gas exhaust port 550 is the lowest end of the gas exhaust channel 590. In one embodiment of the present invention, the central tube 555 forms a gas exhaust port 550 at the lower part and forms a gas exit port 570 at the upper part. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid-air mixture inlet channel 525 is formed on one or both sides of the central tube 555 in the peripheral wall 520, and the liquid-air mixture inlet channel 525 extends downward beyond the gas exhaust port 550 and terminates at a liquid exhaust port 530. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid exhaust port 530 is the lowest end of the liquid-air mixture inlet channel 525. The mixture inlet channel 525 includes a mixture inlet 580 located inside the collar interface portion 510, and the mixture inlet 580 preferably extends circumferentially around the central tube 555 to facilitate the liquid-air mixture to enter the mixture inlet channel 525 more easily. In one embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall 520 is laterally penetrated by a through portion 560 at the lower portion, that is, the through portion 560 intersects with the central tube 555 at the gas outlet 550, so that the through portion 560 is in communication with the gas outlet 550. The mixture inlet channel 525 extends beyond the through portion 560 and reaches the liquid outlet 530, and the liquid outlets 530 located on both sides of the central tube 555 are separated by a partition wall 540 below the central tube 555. In the embodiment of the present invention, in the installed state, the lowermost end of the partition wall 540 does not contact the bottom of the liquid storage tank 2. Therefore, the liquid-air mixture first enters the liquid storage tank 2 from the liquid discharge port 530, and then the air or gas flows from the space inside the liquid storage tank 2 through the through-portion 560 and enters the gas discharge port 550, and then flows through the gas discharge channel 590 by suction to enter the suction component, especially into the suction shell 130 of the suction component, and then is discharged into the surrounding environment through the discharge opening 13 of the shell 1.

[0070] Continue to refer Figure 11-12In order to scrape liquid from the hard surface to be cleaned, the suction nozzle 3 has an upper scraper 34 and a lower scraper 32 in the area of ​​the suction opening. In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper scraper 34 is a replaceable scraper 34, and the lower scraper 32 is a non-replaceable scraper 32. The non-replaceable scraper 32 includes a plurality of comb teeth 321 at its end to facilitate the flow of liquid therethrough. The non-replaceable scraper 32 is formed on the lower shell 31 and forms a co-injection molded part with the lower shell 31 having two parts, which is also the hard part forming the lower shell 31 and the elastomeric part forming the non-replaceable scraper 32. The replaceable scraper 34 is designed symmetrically with respect to the transverse center plane of the suction nozzle 3 and has a clamping portion. In one embodiment of the present invention, the clamping portion is formed by a protrusion 341 that is substantially circular in cross section. The clamping portion 341 extends along the total length of the replaceable scraper 34 and forms the back end area of ​​the replaceable scraper. The front end region of the replaceable scraper element 34 is formed by a first scraper edge 342 and a second scraper edge 343 , which extend along the end of the replaceable scraper element 34 facing away from the clamping section 341 .

[0071] In order to fix the replaceable scraper 34, the upper shell 35 and the intermediate holder 33 are respectively provided with recesses 351 and 333, into which the clamping part 100 is locked in a form-fitting manner. On the surface of the intermediate holder 33 facing the non-replaceable scraper 32, one or more flow guide ribs 332 are centrally arranged, and the flow guide ribs 332 can help support the intermediate holder 33 and the non-replaceable scraper 32, and can also guide the suction flow with very low flow losses, so that the mixture composed of liquid and suction air can flow between the flow guide ribs 332 with only small flow losses.

[0072] During surface cleaning, the replaceable scraper element 34 assumes, for example, a first use position in which the first scraper edge 342 faces the non-replaceable scraper element 32 , for example Fig.12As shown. When cleaning a hard surface, the first scraping edge 342 is guided along the hard surface to be cleaned in this first use position. In particular, when the hard surface has roughness, or after being used many times, the first scraping edge 342 may wear. When the maximum degree of wear is reached, the cleaning effect that can be achieved with the help of the first scraping edge 342 may be affected. Then, the user can pull out the replaceable scraper 34 in the lateral direction, turn the scraper 34 180 degrees, and then insert the scraper 34 between the upper shell 35 and the intermediate retaining member 33 and fix it in place. At this time, the replaceable scraper 34 occupies a second use position not shown, in which the second scraping edge 343 faces the non-replaceable scraper 32 and can be guided along the hard surface to be cleaned. Therefore, the life of the replaceable scraper 34 can be significantly extended, for example, even extended by almost twice.

[0073] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the replaceable scraper element is securely held at the suction opening both in the first and in the second use position and a very good cleaning effect can be achieved by means of the replaceable scraper element in both use positions.

[0074] Continue to refer Figure 11-12 On the surface of the intermediate retainer facing the lower housing 31, a baffle 331 is provided on the side for guiding the liquid-air mixture into the suction channel 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-replaceable scraper 32 includes a protrusion 322 extending toward the replaceable scraper 34 on the comb teeth 321 to facilitate good contact between the non-replaceable scraper 32 and the replaceable scraper 34 during operation. This further helps to achieve a good cleaning effect.

[0075] Although this specification is described in accordance with the implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the above description, and therefore it is intended that all changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims are included in the present invention.

[0076] For those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive.

Claims

1. A hard surface cleaning device comprising: A suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly comprising a suction blade and a motor for driving the suction blade; a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly for sucking the liquid-air mixture from the hard surface; a flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly; as well as a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid; The flow path passes through the liquid storage tank, the flow path includes a separation component, the separation component is used to separate liquid from the liquid-air mixture, and the separation component extends into the liquid storage tank, characterized in that: The flow path further comprises a receiving chamber between the suction nozzle and the separating member, the receiving chamber being independent from the housing of the hard surface cleaning device.

2. A hard surface cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein: The separation component includes an outer peripheral wall and a central tube at the center of the outer peripheral wall, the gas exhaust passage leading to the suction assembly is formed inside the central tube, and a liquid-air mixture inlet passage is formed between the outer peripheral wall and the central tube.

3. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: When the hard surface cleaning apparatus is placed vertically, the lowermost end of the gas exhaust passage is located at a higher height than the lowermost end of the liquid-air mixture inlet passage.

4. The hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The outer peripheral wall is laterally penetrated by a through-portion at a lower portion, so that the through-portion and a gas discharge port located at a lower end of the central tube are in fluid communication with each other.

5. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The liquid-air mixture inlet passages are formed on both sides of the central tube, and the liquid-air mixture inlet passages are separated by a partition wall at the lower end.

6. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The suction assembly includes a suction housing including a throat portion sealingly connected to the receiving chamber.

7. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: Guide ribs are provided inside the receiving chamber, thereby forming a circuitous flow path inside the receiving chamber.

8. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The guide rib is provided with a recess for accommodating the suction housing.

9. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein: The guide rib includes a plurality of partitions arranged in a staggered manner.

10. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The plurality of partitions include a first partition extending from left and right sides of the receiving chamber toward the center and forming a central groove.

11. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The plurality of partitions include a second partition extending from the center of the receiving chamber to left and right sides and forming side grooves on the left and right sides.

12. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the free ends of the first baffle and the second baffle are inclined downwardly.

13. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 7, wherein: The receiving chamber comprises a receiving interface for sealingly connecting to the suction nozzle, a separation interface for sealingly connecting to the separation component, and a discharge interface for sealingly connecting to the suction assembly.

14. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein The hard surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a connector sealingly connecting the central tube of the separation component with the throat of the suction housing.

15. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The separation interface includes a separation interface body, an inner ring, and spokes connecting the inner ring with the separation interface body.

16. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The receiving chamber includes a receiving portion and a discharge portion, the receiving portion includes a rib portion, and the discharge portion includes a snap-on ear portion. The receiving portion can be sealingly engaged with the discharge portion by snapping the rib portion with the snap-on ear portion, and a sealing element is sealed between the receiving portion and the discharge portion.

17. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The suction nozzle includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a scraper, and an intermediate retainer located between the lower shell and the upper shell.

18. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 17, wherein The scraping member includes a lower scraping member arranged on the lower shell body.

19. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 18, wherein The scraper also includes an upper scraper, which is clamped by an upper shell and an intermediate retaining member.

20. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 18, wherein: The upper scraper comprises a clamping portion extending along the length thereof, and the upper shell and the intermediate retaining member are respectively provided with recessed portions for setting the clamping portion into the recessed portions in a form-fitting manner.

21. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: On a surface of the intermediate retainer facing the lower housing, one or more flow guiding ribs are provided.

22. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein: A stopper is provided on the side surface of the intermediate retaining member facing the lower housing.

23. A hard surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 22, wherein A suction passage is formed between the intermediate holder and the lower housing.

24. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19, wherein: The lower scraper includes an upwardly extending protrusion at a distal end.

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