Hard surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a hard surface cleaning device. The hard surface cleaning apparatus includes: a suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly including a suction unit and a motor driving the suction unit; a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly for drawing a liquid-air mixture from the hard surface; a cleaning flow path located between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly; a battery for supplying power to the motor; and a housing that accommodates the suction assembly and the cleaning flow path therein, and that is provided with an internal fluid path inside the housing that is independent of the cleaning flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of surface cleaning, and more specifically, to equipment for cleaning hard surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Hard surface cleaning equipment is a device used to clean hard surfaces such as glass. It automatically absorbs wastewater and dirt generated during the cleaning process, ensuring the hard surface is clean and streak-free.

[0003] This hard surface cleaning device can be used to clean surfaces such as floors or tabletops, tiled walls, or glass surfaces, especially window glass. The device can be guided along the surface to be cleaned and has a nozzle in fluid communication with a suction assembly for drawing in a liquid-air mixture. The suction assembly generates a suction airflow, which, under the action of the suction airflow, draws the liquid-air mixture, for example, from the surface to be cleaned or from a cleaning element on the contact surface of the hard surface cleaning device. A scraper can be used as the cleaning element, for example.

[0004] These hard surface cleaning devices inevitably come into contact with water during use or cleaning. Furthermore, since they are often used outdoors, they may be used during rain, or get wet from being temporarily placed outdoors, or even be inverted. If the hard surface cleaning device leaks, water can easily seep into its interior and come into contact with electrical components, potentially causing short circuits or electrical leaks, thus affecting the normal operation of the device.

[0005] Therefore, there is still a need in the art for a waterproof hard surface cleaning device that can isolate live parts from water and drain water from inside the hard surface cleaning device through an internal fluid path without the risk of short circuits or leakage caused by water flowing into the hard surface cleaning device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives of this application is to provide a waterproof hard surface cleaning device that can effectively isolate live parts from water, thereby helping to safely achieve the cleaning function even when water is present inside the hard surface cleaning device by allowing the water to drain along the internal fluid path, thus improving the safety and service life of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of this application provides a hard surface cleaning device, comprising:

[0008] A suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly including a suction unit and an electric motor for driving the suction unit;

[0009] A suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly is used to draw liquid-air mixtures from hard surfaces;

[0010] The cleaning flow path is located between the nozzle and the suction assembly;

[0011] A battery for supplying power to the electric motor; and

[0012] The housing houses the suction assembly and the cleaning flow path, and has an internal fluid path inside the housing that is independent of the cleaning flow path.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, a motor chamber for accommodating the motor and a sealed, spaced-apart suction unit chamber for accommodating the suction unit are formed inside the housing, the suction unit chamber being in communication with the internal fluid path.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, a fluid outlet is provided at the lower part of the housing, and the internal fluid path connects the suction unit chamber and the fluid outlet.

[0015] In one embodiment of this application, the housing includes a handle and a sidewall portion opposite to the handle, and the internal fluid path is disposed in the handle and / or the sidewall portion.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, a one-way valve is provided in the internal fluid path to prevent liquid entering the internal fluid path from flowing back into the suction unit chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment of this application, the internal fluid path is integrally formed by the housing.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the internal fluid path includes a connecting pipe that connects the suction unit chamber and the fluid outlet.

[0019] In one embodiment of this application, a sealing ring is fitted onto the connecting pipe, and a recess is provided on the side wall portion of the housing to receive the sealing ring, so as to fix the sealing ring in place in the vertical direction.

[0020] In one embodiment of this application, the fluid outlet is disposed away from the handle, preferably on the opposite side of the housing to the handle.

[0021] In one embodiment of this application, the housing has a battery mounting portion at its lower part, the battery is detachably mounted in the battery mounting portion, the battery mounting portion is waterproofly separated from the internal fluid path, preferably, the battery mounting portion is separated from the internal fluid path by a seal.

[0022] In one embodiment of this application, the housing includes a battery-receiving skirt located at the bottom, and preferably, the housing is provided with a flange at the fluid outlet, the flange extending beyond the battery-receiving skirt.

[0023] In one embodiment of this application, the battery-receiving skirt is integrally formed with the housing.

[0024] In one embodiment of this application, the battery receiving skirt is formed as a separate component and is attached to the housing.

[0025] In one embodiment of this application, the battery receiving skirt includes a flexible portion that enables the battery to be installed into and removed from the hard surface cleaning device by means of the flexible portion.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, the battery receiving skirt includes opposing soft portions located on both sides of the battery receiving skirt.

[0027] In one embodiment of this application, the battery includes a release button positioned corresponding to the position of the soft portion, which can be operated by pressing the soft portion.

[0028] In the embodiments of this application, due to the design of the internal fluid path, the hard surface cleaning device according to the present invention can effectively isolate the charged parts from water and drain the water inside the hard surface cleaning device through the internal fluid path, thereby safely achieving the cleaning function and improving the safety and service life of the hard surface cleaning device. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device to show the internal structure of the hard surface cleaning device more clearly.

[0033] Figure 4 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a part of a hard surface cleaning device.

[0034] Figure 5 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a part of a hard surface cleaning device.

[0035] Figure 6 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device, omitting the left half of the housing, the liquid reservoir, and the separation components to more clearly show the internal structure of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0036] Figure 7 It corresponds to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device, showing the internal fluid path of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic flow diagram of the cleaning process of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic flow diagram of the internal fluid path of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0041] It should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in the detailed implementation can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. For example, different implementation methods can be formed by combining different specific technical features / implementations / implementation methods. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the various specific technical features / implementations / implementation methods in this application will not be described separately.

[0043] Various embodiments of a hard surface cleaning device according to the invention are schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which are generally indicated by reference numeral 1000. In the illustrated embodiments, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is designed as a manually guided hard surface cleaning device, which can draw liquid from hard surfaces, such as window glass, table surfaces, or, for example, also from tiled walls or shower walls or glass.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, a hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes a suction assembly for forming a suction flow, a nozzle 3 in fluid communication with the suction assembly for drawing a liquid-air mixture, a cleaning flow path located between the nozzle 3 and the suction assembly, a separation component 500 for separating liquid from the drawn liquid-air mixture, and a storage tank 2 for containing the separated liquid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning flow path includes a receiving chamber 200 between the nozzle 3 and the separation component 500, the receiving chamber 200 being independent of the housing 1 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 and located inside the housing 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, an internal fluid path independent of the cleaning flow path is provided inside the housing of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal fluid path is integrally formed by the housing 1.

[0045] like Figure 1As shown, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes a housing 1. A suction nozzle 3 and a liquid reservoir 2 are detachably held on the housing 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 includes a left half-shell 11 and a right half-shell 12. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 is configured with a handle 5, which, during operation, allows a user to hold with one hand to guide the hard surface cleaning device 1000 along the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment of the invention, a switch 6 is provided at the upper part of the handle 5, which the user can activate by pressing the switch 6, for example, with their thumb. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 preferably also houses at least one rechargeable battery 4, particularly a lithium-ion battery, through which energy is supplied to the suction assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 includes a battery mounting portion 14 (see...). Figure 6 The battery 4 is installed in the battery mounting portion 14. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 may further include a charging port (not shown) for charging the hard surface cleaning device 1000, for charging the battery of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when needed. In one embodiment of the invention, the charging port is covered by a waterproof cover to prevent water from entering the charging port when not charging. In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 further includes a drain opening 13 to facilitate the discharge of air or gas drawn in by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 into the surrounding environment.

[0046] Figure 2This 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 invention, a suction assembly is arranged above the handle 5 in the housing 1. The suction assembly includes a suction turbine or blade 110 and an electric motor 120 that drives the suction turbine 110. The suction assembly is capable of suctioning air, such that the suctioned air, as well as liquids and even solid dirt, can be drawn into a cleaning flow path (e.g., receiving chamber 200) through the suction nozzle 3, separated from the separation component 500, and discharged into the surrounding environment through the suction turbine 110 via the discharge opening 13. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction assembly further includes a suction housing 130 that surrounds and supports the suction turbine 110 and the electric motor 120. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction housing 130 includes a throat 135 and a horn 131, the throat 135 being hermetically connected to the receiving chamber 200 on its outer periphery. The horn 131, together with the electric motor housing surrounding the electric motor 120, forms a suction chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction chamber includes an exhaust passage 132 located at the upper part. In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust passage 132 is located on both sides of the suction turbine 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust passage 132 opens to a position in the vertical direction above the axis of rotation of the suction turbine 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the exhaust passage 132 employs a circuitous path, such that liquids, for example water, cannot enter the suction chamber via the exhaust passage 132.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 includes a discharge opening 13 at a location corresponding to the exhaust passage 132 to facilitate the discharge of air or gas drawn by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 into the surrounding environment via the suction turbine 110. In another embodiment of the invention, the left half-shell 11 and the right half-shell 12 each include a discharge opening 13 corresponding to the exhaust passages 132 located on both sides of the suction turbine 110, thereby facilitating the discharge of air or gas drawn by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 into the surrounding environment via the suction turbine 110.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 1 also includes a textured portion 111 located at the rear end of the motor 120. In one embodiment of the invention, the left half-shell 11 and the right half-shell 12 each include the textured portion 111. In one embodiment of the invention, a motor chamber 330 is formed between the housing 1 and the motor housing for accommodating the motor 120 at a location substantially corresponding to the textured portion 111. Water should be prevented from entering the motor chamber 330, as will be described below.

[0049] Figure 3This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the hard surface cleaning device 1000, to show the internal structure of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 more clearly. Figure 4 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the hard surface cleaning equipment 1000. Figure 5 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the hard surface cleaning equipment 1000.

[0050] refer to Figures 3-5 And continue to refer to Figure 2 The hard surface cleaning device 1000 further includes a cleaning flow path configured to receive a liquid-air mixture from the nozzle 3 and separate the liquid and gas therein. In one embodiment of the invention, the cleaning flow path includes a receiving chamber 200 that receives the liquid-air mixture from the nozzle 3. The cleaning flow path also includes a separation component 500 located downstream of the receiving chamber 200, the separation component 500 being configured to separate the liquid and gas in the liquid-air mixture from each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving chamber 200 has a receiving interface 201 for hermetically connecting to a suction channel 30 of the nozzle 3. The receiving chamber 200 also has a separation interface 202 at its lower end for hermetically connecting to the separation component 500 to guide the liquid-air mixture received from the nozzle 3 to the separation component 500. In one embodiment of the invention, the receiving chamber 200 further includes an exhaust interface 203 connected to the suction assembly for suctioning and exhausting the separated gas or air into the surrounding environment. In one embodiment of the invention, a sealing element 240, such as an O-ring, is provided between the discharge port 203 and the throat 135 of the suction housing 130 of the suction assembly, thereby preventing the liquid-air mixture drawn into the receiving chamber 200 from overflowing or leaking from the discharge port 203.

[0051] A reservoir 2 for containing liquid separated in the separating component 500 is detachably held in the housing 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the reservoir 2 is made of a transparent material so that a user can observe how much liquid is stored in the reservoir 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element 7 includes a collar portion 73. The retaining element 7 is disposed between the reservoir 2 and the separating component 500 in a vertical axial direction via its collar portion 73, wherein the retaining element 7 is nested on the separating component 500 from below. In one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element further includes a downwardly extending arm portion 71, the arm portion 71 including a protrusion 72 projecting toward the reservoir 2. A corresponding drain outlet 21 is provided on the upper outer periphery of the wall portion 20 of the reservoir 2. The protrusion 72 can be inserted into the drain outlet 21 to close the reservoir 2, thereby allowing the retaining element 7 to be detachably connected to the upper portion of the reservoir 2 and to hold the reservoir 2 in the housing 1. When the protrusion 72 is removed from the drain outlet 21, the liquid in the storage tank 2 can be discharged through the drain outlet 21.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the separating component 500 can be inserted into the liquid storage tank 2 from above. The separating component 500 has a circumferential groove 515 on its upper outer periphery, such as an O-ring sealing element 250 (see...). Figure 5 The separator 500 can be placed in the circumferential groove 515. When the separator 500 is inserted into the reservoir 2, the sealing element 250 abuts against the inner wall of the neck of the reservoir 2 to seal the reservoir 2 relative to the separator 500. In an embodiment of the invention, the sealing element 250 also serves for a frictional engagement between the reservoir 2 and the separator 500 to facilitate the sealing installation of the reservoir 2 on the hard surface cleaning device 1000 and its easy removal from the hard surface cleaning device 1000.

[0053] like Figures 2-5As shown, after assembly, the molded seal 270 is located between the separation interface 202 of the receiving chamber 200 and the upper end of the separation component 500 to hermetically connect the receiving chamber 200 to the separation component 500, guiding the liquid-air mixture received from the nozzle 3 to the separation component 500. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, in the operating state, the liquid-air mixture flows from the receiving chamber 200 to the separation component 500 for separation. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a connector 260 connects the separation component 500 to the throat 135 of the suction housing 130. Of course, the connector 260 may also not be connected to the separation component 200 or the separation interface 202, but directly connect the separation component 500 to the suction housing 130. Preferably, as Figure 5 As shown, the connector 260 connects the central tube 555 of the separating component 500 to the throat 135 of the suction housing 130, so that the separated air or gas is drawn from the separating component 500 into the suction housing 130 and subsequently discharged into the surrounding environment. Additionally, through the connector 260, the liquid-air mixture in the receiving chamber 200 is isolated from the separated gas or air in the central tube 555 of the separating component 500 and the throat 135 of the suction housing 130, helping to prevent liquid from flowing into the suction housing 130 and causing contamination. In an optional embodiment of the invention, a filter element / adsorption element may be provided at the connector 260 and / or the central tube 555 to adsorb any air bubbles or residual water in the gas.

[0054] refer to Figure 5 The separating component 500 includes a mixture inlet 580 at the upper end, a liquid outlet 530 at the lower end, and a gas outlet 550 at a higher height relative to the liquid outlet 530. In one embodiment of the invention, the central tube 555 is hollow, that is, a gas discharge channel 590 is formed inside the central tube 555. In one embodiment of the invention, the gas outlet 550 is the lowermost end of the gas discharge channel 590. In one embodiment of the invention, the central tube 555 forms a gas outlet 550 at the lower part and a gas exit outlet 570 at the upper part. In an embodiment of the invention, in the installed state, the lowermost end of the separating component 500 does not contact the bottom of the liquid storage tank 2. Therefore, the liquid-air mixture first enters the storage tank 2 from the liquid outlet 530, and then the air or gas flows from the space inside the storage tank 2 into the gas outlet 550. Then, it flows through the gas discharge channel by suction to enter the suction assembly, especially into the suction housing 130 of the suction assembly, and then is discharged into the surrounding environment through the discharge opening 13 of the housing 1.

[0055] Figure 8 This is a schematic flow diagram of the cleaning process of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 In the diagram, different arrow types represent the flow paths of liquids, air, and liquid-air mixtures, respectively. Solid arrows represent liquids, while dashed arrows represent gases or air. For example... Figure 8 As indicated by the arrow, the liquid-air mixture enters the receiving chamber 200 via the suction nozzle assembly 3 and continues to flow downstream under gravity, entering the separation component 500. The liquid-air mixture is separated at the separation component 500, where the liquid is collected in the storage tank 2, while the gas or air is drawn away from the gas outlet 550 by the suction turbine 120 and enters the suction housing 130, and then discharged into the surrounding environment through the discharge opening 13 of the housing 1.

[0056] When the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is in operation, it is difficult to completely separate the gas and liquid. The gas drawn in by the suction turbine 120 usually contains residual liquid. That is, the liquid flows with the gas into the suction chamber and is discharged into the surrounding environment through the exhaust channel 132 and the discharge opening 13 of the housing 1. This may result in the liquid entrained in the gas remaining inside the hard surface cleaning device 1000, requiring the liquid, especially water, to be discharged from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 to avoid affecting its service life.

[0057] Figure 6 This is according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device 1000, omitting the left half of the housing 11, the liquid reservoir 2, and the separation component 500, to more clearly show the internal structure of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. Figure 6 As shown and in conjunction with reference Figure 7 The hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes an internal fluid path 300. In one embodiment of the invention, the internal fluid path 300 is independent of the cleaning flow path for drawing in a liquid-air mixture and separating the liquid and gas in the liquid-air mixture. Figure 7 It corresponds to Figure 6A cross-sectional view of a portion of a hard surface cleaning device 1000, showing more clearly the internal fluid path 300 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In one embodiment of the invention, a suction unit chamber 310 is formed between the housing 1 and the suction unit. The suction unit chamber 310 is in fluid communication with the internal fluid path. Liquids entering through the exhaust passage 132, discharge opening 13, etc. (e.g., water entrained in gas, rainwater flowing in from outdoors, etc.) are collected in the suction unit chamber 310. The housing 1 also includes a sidewall portion 16 opposite to the handle 5. The sidewall portion 16 is disposed below the suction unit chamber, and the upper end of the sidewall portion 16 is located at approximately the lowest position of the suction unit chamber 310.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the internal fluid path 300 further includes a connecting pipe 302 located in the side wall portion 16 to communicate the suction unit chamber 310 of the housing with the lower space 320. In one embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring 301 is sleeved on the connecting pipe 302, and a recess is provided on the side wall portion 16 of the housing 1 to receive the sealing ring 301, thereby fixing the sealing ring 301 in place vertically. The sealing ring 301 seals the space between the connecting pipe 302 and the inner wall of the housing 1 to prevent fluid from continuing to flow downward along the inner wall of the housing 1. The lower space 320 is located above the battery receiving portion 14. A fluid outlet 303 is also provided on the housing 1. The fluid outlet is located at the lowest position of the lower space 302 and at the front of the housing 1 to facilitate the discharge of fluid entering the suction unit chamber 310 and the lower space 320, thereby avoiding the danger of short circuits or leakage caused by water flowing into the hard surface cleaning device 1000. A flange 304 is also provided on the housing 1. The flange 304 is located below the fluid outlet 303 and is used to guide the fluid outward. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flange 304 extends beyond the battery receiving skirt 15 to prevent fluid or water from flowing into the battery 4 below, thereby further avoiding the risk of water entering the battery 4. In one embodiment of the present invention, a one-way valve is provided in the internal fluid path 300 to prevent liquid entering the internal fluid path 300 from flowing back into the suction unit chamber 310.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figures 6-7In one embodiment of the invention, a motor chamber 330 is formed between the housing 1 and the motor housing for accommodating the motor 120, and water should be prevented from entering the motor chamber 330. In one embodiment of the invention, the motor chamber 330 is sealingly separated from the suction unit chamber 310 accommodating the suction unit. In another embodiment of the invention, a seal 350 is provided on the outside of the motor housing, the seal 350 sealingly separating the motor chamber 330 from the suction unit chamber 310, thereby preventing fluid or water entering the suction unit chamber 310 from entering the motor chamber 330. In one embodiment of the invention, refer to... Figure 9 The motor chamber 330 is separated from other parts, for example, by a seal 360, such that the lower part of the motor chamber 330 and the housing 1 can form a portion of the internal fluid path. The lower part of the motor chamber 330 is fluidly connected to the rear space 340 inside the housing 1 via a connecting pipe 302. The rear space 340 is located above the battery receiving part 14. A rear fluid outlet 305 is also provided on the housing 1 at the rear, located on the rear side of the housing 1, to facilitate the discharge of fluid entering the lower part of the motor chamber 330 and the rear space 340, thereby avoiding the danger of short circuits or leakage caused by water flowing into the hard surface cleaning device 1000. A flange 306 is also provided on the housing 1. The flange 306 is located below the rear fluid outlet 305 and extends beyond the battery receiving skirt 15 to guide the fluid outward, thereby preventing fluid or water from flowing into the battery 4 below, and further avoiding the risk of water entering the battery 4.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a schematic flow path diagram of the internal fluid path 300 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 In the diagram, arrows represent the flow path of the fluid. Fluid entering the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is first collected in the suction unit chamber 310. A sealing ring 301 prevents the fluid from continuing to flow downwards along the inner wall of the housing 1. The fluid continues to flow downwards along the connecting pipe 302 into the lower space 302, and then is discharged from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 via the fluid outlet 303 located at the front.

[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, the internal fluid path 300 is located at the front of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. Since the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is typically angled relative to the vertical direction during operation to allow the nozzle 3 to better contact the surface to be cleaned, fluid remaining inside the hard surface cleaning device 1000 can be more easily discharged from the fluid outlet 303 through the internal fluid path 300. Furthermore, the fluid outlet 303 is relatively far from the user operating the hard surface cleaning device 1000, and is located at a relatively low or minimum position at the front of the housing 1. Therefore, the fluid discharged from the fluid outlet 303 leaves the hard surface cleaning device 1000 directly and does not flow onto the user. This further avoids the risk of fluid contamination of the hard surface cleaning device 1000, especially the battery 4, and also avoids the risk of fluid contamination of the user.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1 is constructed in a left-right split configuration, with the battery mounting portion 14 located on the left housing 11 and the right housing 12, respectively. In another embodiment, a sealing member 141 is provided on the battery mounting portion 14. The sealing member 141 waterproofly seals the battery mounting portion 14 relative to the internal fluid path 300, preventing fluid or water from entering or contacting the battery 14 within the battery mounting portion 14, thus reducing the risk of short circuits.

[0063] In one embodiment of the invention, the live parts of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 are waterproofly isolated and physically isolated from the internal fluid paths of the hard surface cleaning device 1000, and can be sealed relative to the hard surface cleaning device 1000 by means of a seal. Thus, the live parts are waterproofly sealed, thereby avoiding the risk of short circuits or leakage.

[0064] In one embodiment of the invention, the housing 1 includes a battery-receiving skirt 15 located at the bottom. In one embodiment, the battery-receiving skirt 15 is part of the housing 1. In another embodiment, the battery-receiving skirt 15 is a separate component separate from the housing 1. Figure 6In one embodiment, the battery receiving skirt 15 is transparent, revealing the battery therein. In one embodiment, the battery receiving skirt 15 includes flexible portions 151. The flexible portions 151 are preferably two flexible portions 151 disposed on both sides of the battery receiving skirt 15. In use, the user can insert the battery 4 into the battery receiving skirt 15 from the bottom, and the battery 4 is held in place by means of the flexible portions 151. When it is necessary to remove the battery 4, the user can release the battery 4 from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 by pressing the flexible portions 151. In one embodiment of the invention, the battery 4 has a release button (not shown) at a position corresponding to the flexible portions 151, which engages with the flexible portions 151 to lock the battery 4 in place when the battery 4 is installed in the battery receiving skirt 15. When the user presses the flexible portions 151, the pressure is transmitted to the release button, thereby releasing the battery 4. The battery-receiving skirt, which includes a soft section, allows for quick and tool-free installation and removal of the battery, improving the ease of use and user experience of hard surface cleaning devices.

[0065] The hard surface cleaning device according to the present invention, due to the design of the internal fluid path, can effectively isolate the live parts from water and drain the water inside the hard surface cleaning device through the internal fluid path, thereby safely achieving the cleaning function and improving the safety and service life of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0066] Although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this invention.

[0067] For those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered exemplary and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A hard surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a suction assembly for forming a suction flow, the suction assembly comprising a suction unit and a motor driving the suction unit; a suction nozzle in fluid communication with the suction assembly for drawing a liquid-air mixture from a hard surface; a cleaning flow path between the suction nozzle and the suction assembly; a battery for providing power to the motor; and a housing accommodating the suction assembly and cleaning flow path therein and provided with an internal fluid path inside the housing independent of the cleaning flow path. a motor chamber accommodating the motor and a separately sealed suction unit chamber accommodating the suction unit are formed inside the housing, the suction unit chamber being in communication with the internal fluid path.

2. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a fluid discharge port is provided at a lower portion of the housing, the internal fluid path communicating the suction unit chamber with the fluid discharge port.

3. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein, the housing comprises a handle and a side wall portion opposite the handle, the internal fluid path being provided in the handle and / or the side wall portion.

4. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein, a one-way valve is provided in the internal fluid path to prevent liquid entering the internal fluid path from flowing back to the suction unit chamber.

5. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5, wherein, the internal fluid path is integrally formed with the housing, wherein preferably the internal fluid path comprises a connecting pipe connecting the suction unit chamber and the fluid discharge port.

6. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4, wherein, a sealing ring is fitted on the connecting pipe, and a recess is provided on the side wall portion of the housing to receive the sealing ring to fix the sealing ring in place in a vertical direction.

7. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein, the fluid discharge port is provided away from the handle, preferably the fluid discharge port is located at the other side of the housing opposite the handle.

8. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the housing is provided with a battery mounting portion at a lower portion thereof, the battery is detachably mounted in the battery mounting portion, the battery mounting portion is water-tightly separated from the internal fluid path, preferably the battery mounting portion is separated from the internal fluid path by a sealing member.

9. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the housing comprises a battery accommodating skirt at a bottom portion, preferably the housing is provided with a flange at the fluid discharge port, the flange extending beyond the battery accommodating skirt.

10. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 3, wherein, the battery accommodating skirt is integrally formed with the housing.

11. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the battery accommodating skirt is formed as a separate component, the battery accommodating skirt is coupled to the housing.

12. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the battery accommodating skirt comprises a soft portion, the battery can be mounted into and removed from the hard surface cleaning apparatus by means of the soft portion.

13. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein, the battery accommodating skirt comprises opposite soft portions on both sides of the battery accommodating skirt.

14. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein, the battery comprises a release button, the release button is located corresponding to the location of the soft portion, the release button can be operated by pressing the soft portion.

15. The hard surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13, wherein, ​

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