Cleaner head member and method of manufacturing the same

Abstract

A cleaner head component (100) for a cleaner head (102) of a wet cleaning appliance is provided, as is a method of manufacturing such a cleaner head component. The cleaner head component comprises a support substrate (114), for example a mouldable support substrate, including a bottom face (114A) which, in use, faces a surface (105) to be cleaned. A cleaning fluid outlet structure (115) for receiving an aqueous cleaning fluid is provided at the bottom face. The cleaner head component further comprises a cover component (116) arranged at least over the cleaning fluid outlet structure. The cover component is perforated to provide a plurality of openings (117) extending through the cover component through which the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered from the cleaning fluid outlet structure towards the surface to be cleaned. A cleaner head assembly (104) comprising the cleaner head component and the cleaner head is also provided. A wet cleaning appliance comprising the cleaner head component or cleaner head assembly and a cleaning fluid supply is further provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cleaner head component for a wet cleaning device and a method of manufacturing the cleaner head component. The invention also relates to a cleaner head assembly comprising a cleaner head component and a cleaner head, the cleaner head component being attachable to and / or detachable from the cleaner head. The invention further relates to a wet cleaning device comprising a cleaner head component or a cleaner head assembly.

[0002] Cleaner head components and wet cleaning equipment can be used for cleaning, for example, floors, interior surfaces, or windows. Background Technology

[0003] Wet cleaning devices, such as wet mopping devices, are known to remove moisture from surfaces to be cleaned. These wet cleaning devices can also apply a cleaning solution (e.g., water) to the surface and then remove the liquid, for example, with a suitable cloth.

[0004] Some wet cleaning equipment has a cleaning solution delivery function to deliver cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned. There may be a risk of poor control over the delivery of cleaning solution, such as inconsistent or uneven delivery of cleaning solution to the surface to be cleaned, insufficient cleaning solution supplied to the surface to be cleaned, and / or the environment being soaked with excessive cleaning solution.

[0005] Some wet cleaning devices may include an electrically powered pickup function for removing water from the surface to be cleaned. For example, a wet vacuum cleaner can pick up liquid by generating sufficient air velocity (e.g., at least 10 m / s) and / or brush force to apply sufficient shear force to the droplets, thus bringing them into the device. Typical power consumption values ​​for such wet vacuum cleaners are relatively high, for example, in the order of hundreds of watts.

[0006] Further challenges may arise when wet cleaning equipment is configured to both deliver cleaning fluid and use suction to pick up the liquid. In at least some designs, providing both functions may result in the risk of the cleaning fluid not being optimally delivered to the surface being cleaned and / or inefficient use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention is defined by the claims.

[0008] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, a cleaner head component for a wet cleaning device is provided, the cleaner head component comprising: a support base plate having a bottom surface wherein a cleaning liquid outlet structure for receiving an aqueous cleaning liquid is provided on the bottom surface; and a cover component disposed at least above the cleaning liquid outlet structure, the cover component being perforated to provide a plurality of openings extending through the cover component, the openings being fluidly connected to the cleaning liquid outlet structure such that the aqueous cleaning liquid can be delivered from the cleaning liquid outlet structure toward the surface to be cleaned through the openings.

[0009] The opening can be aligned with the cleaning fluid outlet structure.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid outlet structure may be recessed into the bottom surface of the support substrate and / or embossed on the bottom surface of the support substrate.

[0011] The opening allows the water-based cleaning fluid to flow out through the space defined between the cleaning fluid outlet structure and the cover component.

[0012] The combination of the opening in the cover member with the cleaning fluid outlet structure that is recessed and / or protruded on the bottom surface of the support substrate can provide a relatively easy-to-manufacture and cost-effective way to control the delivery of aqueous cleaning fluid toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0013] Each opening may extend through the thickness of the cover member and open on the opposite side of the cover member, with the linear central axis of each opening extending through the thickness and passing through the midpoint surrounded by the wall of the corresponding opening; the wall is arranged around the linear central axis.

[0014] Therefore, the opening can be considered as a through hole, each extending axially through the thickness of the cover member.

[0015] A perforated cover component can mean that the cover component has been punctured or punched to provide an opening.

[0016] This puncture or perforation can be achieved by any suitable means, such as using a needle (like a heated needle) or a laser beam.

[0017] In an embodiment where the cleaning fluid outlet structure is recessed into the bottom surface of the support substrate, the cleaning fluid outlet structure may include a groove defined on at least a portion of the bottom surface and extending across at least a portion of the bottom surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cover member includes a porous layer disposed above the bottom surface. The pores of the porous layer can receive contaminants from the surface being cleaned. For example, a negative pressure generator included in a wet cleaning device can draw contaminants into the pores of the porous layer.

[0019] In some embodiments, the porous layer includes one or more of woven fabrics, microfiber woven fabrics, meshes, and perforated membranes.

[0020] In some embodiments, the cover member includes a waterproof area disposed above the cleaning fluid outlet structure, and an opening is defined within the waterproof area. Because the waterproof area covers the cleaning fluid outlet structure, the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered through the cover member only through the opening.

[0021] Therefore, the uniformity of the distribution of the aqueous cleaning solution may be unaffected by the permeability of the cover member (e.g., its porous layer) or may be affected at least to a minimum by the permeability of the cover member (e.g., its porous layer).

[0022] In some embodiments, the porous layer is provided with an impermeable material, which at least partially defines an impermeable area.

[0023] In some embodiments, one or more openings in the opening are defined by a heat-exposed portion of the cover member. Such a heat-exposed portion may, for example, be a portion of the cover member that has solidified after melting.

[0024] The heated portion helps to reinforce the opening. For example, the heated portion can define a ring-shaped reinforcement around the opening.

[0025] This helps reduce the risk of the opening closing itself after the cover component is perforated (e.g., punctured), which can be particularly problematic when the opening is relatively small and the cover component is made of a relatively flexible material (such as textiles / fabrics).

[0026] In some embodiments, the number of openings ranges from 2 to 18, preferably 3 to 10, most preferably 4 to 10, such as 6. This number of openings helps ensure that an appropriate amount of aqueous cleaning solution is delivered to the surface to be cleaned.

[0027] Preferably, the number of the multiple openings is even. More preferably, the number of openings is at least 4.

[0028] When the number of openings is odd, the higher local pressure at the central opening may adversely lead to a more unstable cleaning fluid distribution system.

[0029] The size of each opening can be set such that when the cleaning fluid outlet structure is being filled with aqueous cleaning fluid, the surface tension and rheological properties of the aqueous cleaning fluid (e.g., water) restrict the passage of the cleaning fluid through the opening; however, once the cleaning fluid outlet structure is filled with aqueous cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is allowed to pass through all openings simultaneously. This allows for relatively uniform delivery of cleaning fluid above the cleaning fluid outlet structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the opening has a diameter ranging from 300 micrometers to 700 micrometers.

[0031] This diameter helps control the delivery of water-based cleaning fluid through the opening toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0032] By making each opening small enough (e.g., no more than 700 micrometers) and having the same or substantially the same diameter, the wettability across the cleaning fluid outlet structure (e.g., along its length) can be relatively uniform and less sensitive to cleaning agents included in, for example, water-based cleaning fluids, noting that such cleaning agents can alter the surface energy and rheological properties of water-based cleaning fluids.

[0033] In the context of aperture diameter, the term "substantially the same" may mean that the aperture diameter tolerance is preferably at most ±100 micrometers.

[0034] It should also be noted that the diameter can be considered as the hydraulic diameter.

[0035] Hydraulic diameter = (4 × cross-sectional area of ​​the opening through which the cleaning fluid flows) / wetted perimeter of the cross-sectional area.

[0036] Since the diameter is the hydraulic diameter, the opening can have any suitable shape when viewed from a plan view of the cover member, such as a square, hexagon, circle, etc.

[0037] The hydraulic diameter determines the transport resistance, which in turn determines the pressure drop at the opening.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cleaner head member is elongated, and the cleaning fluid outlet structure is also elongated, with its length spanning at least a majority of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated cleaner head member. Therefore, the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered across the length of the cleaner head member, thereby providing advantageous wetting of the surface to be cleaned.

[0039] In embodiments where the cleaning fluid outlet structure is elongated and its length extends across (at least) a large portion of the longitudinal dimension of the cleaner head member, the impermeable area can be an elongated impermeable area whose length at least spans a large portion of the length of the elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure. This can facilitate the advantageous distribution of aqueous cleaning fluid along the length of the cleaner head member to the surface being cleaned.

[0040] In some embodiments, the opening is arranged across the cover member.

[0041] This may help distribute the water-based cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned.

[0042] For example, the opening may extend across the longitudinal dimension of an elongated cleaner head component.

[0043] In at least some embodiments, the support substrate is a pliable support substrate. Such a pliable support substrate can help the cleaner head assembly conform to the contours of the surface being cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, the flexibility of the pliable support substrate can facilitate cleaning the cleaner head assembly after use, such as involving wringing out liquid from the cleaner head assembly and / or washing the cleaner head assembly in a user's washing machine.

[0044] This cleaning of the cleaner head components, such as when it is removed from the cleaner head of a wet cleaning device, can help remove dirt particles that may have accumulated inside and clogged the cleaner head components during use.

[0045] In embodiments where the support substrate is a malleable support substrate, the support substrate can be formed from any suitable malleable material. In some embodiments, the malleable material forming the malleable support substrate includes polymeric materials and / or elastomeric materials.

[0046] Specifically, silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate, in other words, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, are mentioned in connection with this ductile material.

[0047] In embodiments where the malleable support substrate is formed of ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene may, for example, account for 60 to 90 percent by weight of the copolymer.

[0048] Other polymers and / or elastomers, such as polydiene (e.g., polybutadiene), thermoplastic elastomers, etc., can also be envisioned as being used as this shaped material.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the malleable material may have a Shore A hardness of less than 50, preferably less than 20, and most preferably less than 10.

[0050] In a non-limiting example, the malleable material is silicone rubber with a Shore A hardness of 4.

[0051] In some embodiments, the malleable support substrate is formed of a closed-cell foam material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate closed-cell foam.

[0052] This closed-cell foam material can facilitate an efficient (and inexpensive) production / assembly process for manufacturing cleaner head components.

[0053] In some embodiments, the dirt inlet structure is defined in the bottom surface of the support substrate and / or disposed on the bottom surface of the support substrate, and the cleaning fluid outlet structure is separated from the dirt inlet structure through a region of the support substrate.

[0054] By separating the dirt inlet structure from the cleaning fluid outlet structure in the area of ​​the supporting substrate, the risk of cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid outlet structure being directly drawn into the dirt inlet structure can be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, the cleaning fluid is more likely to reach the surface being cleaned, allowing for more efficient use of the cleaning fluid.

[0055] In embodiments where the support substrate is formed of closed-cell foam material, the inherent properties of the closed-cell foam material prevent the transport of cleaning liquid and contaminant within the support substrate itself, thereby creating a clear separation between the cleaning liquid to be delivered to the surface to be cleaned and the contaminant picked up from the surface to be cleaned.

[0056] In embodiments where the dirt inlet structure is defined in and / or disposed on the surface of the support substrate, a cover member (e.g., its porous layer) may be disposed above the dirt inlet structure.

[0057] According to another aspect, a method of manufacturing a cleaner head member according to any embodiment described herein is provided, the method comprising: arranging a cover member at least on a cleaning liquid outlet structure of a support substrate; and perforating the cover member to provide a plurality of openings extending through the cover member.

[0058] In some embodiments, perforation is performed after the cap member is positioned at least above the cleaning fluid outlet structure. This sequence helps ensure that the opening is correctly positioned above the cleaning fluid outlet structure, especially in embodiments where the cap member is malleable (because the malleability of the cap member can make aligning the opening already formed in the cap member with the cleaning fluid outlet structure more challenging).

[0059] Perforation can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, perforation includes exposing the cover member to a heat source. Such a heat source may result in an opening defined by the heated portion of the cover member.

[0060] It should be reiterated that the heated portion can define an annular reinforcement around the opening. Alternatively or additionally, using such a heat source to perforate the cover member can help reduce the risk of fiber blockage of the opening in the cover member.

[0061] The heat source may include at least one selected from laser beams and hot needles.

[0062] In an embodiment where a laser beam is used to pierce the cover member, the precise diameter of the opening can be achieved by controlling the diameter of the laser beam at the expected location on the cover member where the corresponding opening is to be made.

[0063] According to another aspect, a cleaner head assembly is provided, comprising: a cleaner head member according to any embodiment described herein; and a cleaner head, wherein the cleaner head member is attachable to and / or detachable from the cleaner head.

[0064] The cleaner head component can be attached to the cleaner head, for example, to replace a previously used cleaner head component.

[0065] The ability to detach the cleaner head assembly from the cleaner head facilitates cleaning of the cleaner head assembly and / or one or both of the cleaner heads. Alternatively or additionally, detachment of the cleaner head assembly allows for replacement of the cleaner head assembly, for example, when the cleaner head assembly becomes excessively worn.

[0066] According to yet another aspect, a wet cleaning apparatus is provided, comprising: a cleaner head member or cleaner head assembly according to any embodiment described herein; and a cleaning fluid supplier for supplying cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid being delivered toward the surface to be cleaned through a cleaning fluid outlet structure and a plurality of openings.

[0067] The cleaning fluid supply may include, for example, a cleaning fluid reservoir and a delivery device, such as a delivery device including a pump, for delivering the aqueous cleaning fluid toward the surface to be cleaned through a cleaning fluid outlet structure and multiple openings.

[0068] When the delivery device includes a pump, the cleaning fluid can be actively supplied to the cleaning fluid outlet structure. In other embodiments, the delivery device may not include a pump, allowing the cleaning fluid to be passively supplied to the cleaning fluid outlet structure.

[0069] In some embodiments, the wet cleaning device includes a negative pressure generator, such as a pump, for providing suction to the cleaner head components (e.g., to its dirt inlet structure).

[0070] This suction can help remove dirt, such as liquid, from the surface being cleaned using wet cleaning equipment.

[0071] In such embodiments, the wet cleaning equipment may be able to supply cleaning fluid to the surface to be cleaned and remove dirt, such as sludge, from the surface to be cleaned.

[0072] Wet cleaning equipment can be, for example, a wet mopping device, a window cleaner, a sweeper, or a wet vacuum cleaner, such as a can, stick, or upright wet vacuum cleaner. In some examples, the wet cleaning device can be a robotic wet vacuum cleaner or a robotic wet mopping device, which is configured to autonomously move the cleaner head component on the surface to be cleaned, such as a floor surface.

[0073] It should be noted that the wet cleaning equipment is a wet mopping device.

[0074] Wet cleaning equipment can be battery-powered (or battery-powerable) wet cleaning equipment, such as a battery-powered (or battery-powerable) wet mopping device, wherein the cleaning fluid supply and / or negative pressure generator (e.g., a pump) is powered (or battery-powerable) by a battery electrically connected (or electrically connected) to it.

[0075] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0076] To better understand the invention and to more clearly show how it is practiced, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, wherein:

[0077] Figure 1 An exploded view of the cleaner head assembly based on the example is provided;

[0078] Figure 2A An exploded view of the cleaner head components based on the example is provided;

[0079] Figure 2B Provided Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the cleaner head component shown;

[0080] Figure 3 Micrographs of the opening defined in the cover member of the cleaner head component according to the example are provided;

[0081] Figure 4 A support base plate for a cleaner head component according to an example is shown;

[0082] Figure 5 An exploded view of the cleaner head component based on another example is provided;

[0083] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a cleaner head component based on an example is provided; and

[0084] Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts the use of a laser beam to pierce the cover member of a cleaner head component according to an example. Detailed Implementation

[0085] The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] It should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples point to exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote the same or similar parts.

[0087] A cleaner head component for a wet cleaning device and a method of manufacturing the cleaner head component are provided. The cleaner head component includes a support base plate having a bottom surface for facing the surface to be cleaned during use. A cleaning fluid outlet structure is provided at the bottom surface for receiving an aqueous cleaning fluid. The cleaner head component also includes a cover component disposed at least above the cleaning fluid outlet structure. The cover component is perforated to provide a plurality of openings extending through the cover component through which the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered from the cleaning fluid outlet structure toward the surface to be cleaned.

[0088] Additionally, a cleaner head assembly is provided, which includes a cleaner head component and a cleaner head.

[0089] A further provision provides a wet cleaning device, which includes a cleaner head component or cleaner head assembly and a cleaning fluid supply.

[0090] Figure 1 Exploded views of cleaner head component 100 and cleaner head 102 according to examples are provided. In some embodiments, cleaner head component 100 may be attached to and / or detached from cleaner head 102.

[0091] The cleaner head component 100 can be attached to the cleaner head 102, for example, to replace a previously used cleaner head component 100.

[0092] The ability to detach the cleaner head component 100 from the cleaner head 102 facilitates cleaning of one or both of the cleaner head component 100 and the cleaner head 102. Alternatively or additionally, the removal of the cleaner head component 100 may enable replacement of the cleaner head component 100, for example, when the cleaner head component 100 is excessively worn.

[0093] The cleaner head component 100 may be provided to the user separately from the cleaner head 102 or the wet cleaning device, for example, when the cleaner head 102 / wet cleaning device is already owned by the user, or when the cleaner head 102 / wet cleaning device is obtained separately from the cleaner head component 100.

[0094] In some embodiments, cleaner head component 100 and cleaner head 102 are included in cleaner head assembly 104. In such embodiments, cleaner head 102 and cleaner head component 100 of cleaner head assembly 104 can be readily supplied to the user, for example, cleaner head component 100 is already attached to cleaner head 102, or the user needs to assemble cleaner head assembly 104 by attaching cleaner head component 100 to cleaner head 102.

[0095] The cleaner head component 100 or cleaner head assembly 104 may be included in a wet cleaning device, which also includes a cleaning fluid supply for supplying an aqueous cleaning fluid to the cleaner head component 100.

[0096] Such a cleaning fluid supply may include, for example, a cleaning fluid reservoir and a delivery device, such as a delivery device including a pump, for delivering the aqueous cleaning fluid toward the surface 105 being cleaned.

[0097] In some embodiments, the wet cleaning device includes a negative pressure generator, such as a pump, for providing suction to the cleaner head assembly 100.

[0098] This suction can help remove dirt, such as liquid, from the surface being cleaned 105 using wet cleaning equipment, as will be described in more detail below.

[0099] In some embodiments, the wet cleaning device, together with the cleaner head component 100 or cleaner head assembly 104, includes a cleaning fluid supply and a negative pressure generator.

[0100] Therefore, wet cleaning equipment may be able to supply water-based cleaning solution to the surface 105 being cleaned and remove dirt, such as sludge, from the surface 105 being cleaned.

[0101] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid supply is configured to continuously deliver an aqueous cleaning fluid toward the surface 105 to be cleaned. This continuous delivery may be provided, for example, while a negative pressure generator supplies suction to the cleaner head assembly 100.

[0102] For example, the cleaning fluid supply and the negative pressure generator can be configured such that the flow rate of the cleaning fluid being delivered is equal to or less than the flow rate provided by the negative pressure generator.

[0103] This may help ensure that the surface 105 to be cleaned is not overly wetted by the cleaning solution.

[0104] For example, the flow rate of the aqueous cleaning fluid can be in the range of 20 cubic centimeters per minute to 100 cubic centimeters per minute, while the flow rate provided by the negative pressure generator can be in the range of 40 cubic centimeters per minute to 2000 cubic centimeters per minute, more preferably 80 cubic centimeters per minute to 750 cubic centimeters per minute, even more preferably 100 cubic centimeters per minute to 300 cubic centimeters per minute, and most preferably 150 cubic centimeters per minute to 300 cubic centimeters per minute.

[0105] The cleaner head component 100 can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cleaner head component 100 is an elongated cleaner head component 100. This elongated cleaner head component 100 can be considered as having an elongated shape, with its longitudinal dimension being greater than its width, for example, such that the footprint of the cleaner head component 100 on the surface 105 being cleaned is rectangular, or at least substantially rectangular.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaner head component 100 may be regarded as a flat mop, such as a flat mop that can be attached to and / or detached from a cleaner head 102 in the form of a nozzle.

[0107] This cleaner head 102, such as a nozzle, can be a wet cleaning device or appliance that generates negative pressure for suction and delivers an aqueous cleaning solution, such as water, to the surface 105 to be cleaned, such as a floor.

[0108] The wet cleaning equipment can be, for example, a wet mopping device, a window cleaner, a sweeper, or a wet vacuum cleaner, such as a can, stick, or upright wet vacuum cleaner. In some examples, the wet cleaning equipment can be a robotic wet vacuum cleaner or a robotic wet mopping device, which is configured to autonomously move the cleaner head assembly 100 on the surface 105 to be cleaned (e.g., a floor surface). Specifically, the wet cleaning equipment is a wet mopping device.

[0109] Wet cleaning equipment can be battery-powered (or battery-powerable) wet cleaning equipment, such as a battery-powered (or battery-powerable) wet mopping device, wherein the cleaning fluid supply and / or negative pressure generator (e.g., a pump) is powered (or battery-powerable) by a battery electrically connected (or can be connected to).

[0110] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cleaner head 102 includes a support element 106, such as a rigid support element 106, for supporting the cleaner head member 100 thereon when the cleaner head member 100 is attached to the cleaner head 102.

[0111] The support element 106 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the support element 106 is formed of a plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material.

[0112] The support element 106 can be manufactured in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the support element 106 (e.g., a support element 106 formed of a plastic material) is manufactured by a molding process, such as injection molding.

[0113] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cleaner head component 100 includes a connector 108 (in other words, an interface component) which can be connected to the complementary connector 110 of the cleaner head 102, in other words, can be mated with the complementary connector 110.

[0114] When the cleaner head assembly 100 is attached to the cleaner head 102, a cleaning fluid conduit can be provided between the cleaner head assembly 100 and the cleaner head 102 via the connection between the connector 108 and the complementary connector 110.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, the negative pressure generator can be fluidly connected to the cleaner head assembly 100 via connector 108 and complementary connector 110.

[0116] For example, when cleaner head assembly 100 is attached to cleaner head 102, the connection between connector 108 and complementary connector 110 can provide a sealed dirt conduit between cleaner head assembly 100 and cleaner head 102.

[0117] Sealed conduits can help minimize or avoid negative pressure leakage at the connection between cleaner head 102 and cleaner head assembly 100, defined by connector 108 and complementary connector 110.

[0118] The complementary connector 110 can be mounted in the cleaner head 102 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the complementary connector 110 is mounted in a recess or hole 112 defined by the support element 106.

[0119] The attachment of the cleaner head component 100 to the cleaner head 102 may be defined, for example, by the connection of the connector 108 and the complementary connector 110 to each other. In some embodiments, the cleaner head component 100 and / or the cleaner head 102 may include, in addition to the connector 108 and the complementary connector 110, one or more fasteners for attaching the cleaner head component 100 to the cleaner head 102.

[0120] More generally, now refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2BThe cleaner head component 100 includes a support base plate 114, which includes a bottom surface 114A for facing the surface 105 to be cleaned during use. A cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 for receiving aqueous cleaning fluid is provided at the bottom surface 114A of the support base plate 114. For example, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is recessed into the bottom surface 114A of the support base plate 114 and / or protrudes from the bottom surface 114A of the support base plate 114.

[0121] In an embodiment where the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is recessed in the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 may include a groove defined in at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A and extending across at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A, for example defined by the groove. Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 4 An example of this groove-shaped cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is shown in the figure.

[0122] The width of the groove can be, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm, such as about 2 mm.

[0123] In embodiments where the cleaner head member 100 is elongated (e.g., rectangular), the length of the groove may at least span a large portion of the longitudinal dimension of the cleaner head member 100.

[0124] More generally, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 may be an elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure 115, the length of which at least spans most of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated cleaner head component 100.

[0125] In an embodiment where the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 protrudes from the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 may include an arrangement of protruding elements that protrude from the bottom surface 114A and extend across at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A, for example, defined by the arrangement of the protruding elements, and the cleaning fluid path is defined between the protruding elements arranged in the protruding element arrangement.

[0126] It is worth noting that the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can be provided in any suitable manner, such as by pressing a mold (e.g., a heated mold) into the material constituting the support substrate 114 (e.g., a closed-cell foam material), and / or by one or more of laser cutting and milling of the material constituting the support substrate 114. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can be provided by molding (e.g., injection molding) the support substrate 114.

[0127] For example, reaction injection molding can be used to manufacture the support substrate 114, especially when the support substrate 114 is formed from a closed-cell foam material.

[0128] More generally, the support substrate 114 can be malleable, in other words, a flexible support substrate 114.

[0129] This malleable support substrate 114 can help the cleaner head component 100 conform to the contours on the surface 105 being cleaned. Alternatively or additionally, the malleability of the malleable support substrate 114 can help clean the cleaner head component 100 after use, for example involving wringing out liquid from the cleaner head component 100 and / or washing the cleaner head component 100 in the user's washing machine.

[0130] This cleaning of the cleaner head assembly 100 (e.g., when it is removed from the cleaner head 102) can help remove dirt particles that may have accumulated inside and clogged the cleaner head assembly 100 during use.

[0131] In embodiments where the support substrate 114 is a malleable support substrate 114, the support substrate 114 can be formed from any suitable malleable material. In some embodiments, the malleable material forming the malleable support substrate 114 is a polymer material and / or an elastomer material.

[0132] Specifically mentioned are silicone rubber and ethylene-vinyl acetate, in other words, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, used in this ductile material.

[0133] In embodiments where the malleable support substrate 114 is formed of ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene may, for example, comprise 60 to 90 percent by weight of the copolymer.

[0134] Other polymers and / or elastomers, such as polydienes (e.g., polybutadiene), thermoplastic elastomers, etc., can also be considered as shaped materials.

[0135] Alternatively or additionally, the malleable material may have a Shore A hardness of less than 50, preferably less than 20, and most preferably less than 10.

[0136] In a non-limiting example, the malleable material is silicone rubber with a Shore A hardness of 4.

[0137] In some embodiments, the malleable support substrate 114 is formed of a closed-cell foam material, such as ethylene-vinyl acetate closed-cell foam.

[0138] This closed-cell foam material can help enable an efficient (and inexpensive) production / assembly process for manufacturing cleaner head components 100.

[0139] Connector 108 (in other words, interface component) can be mounted onto support substrate 114. In at least some embodiments, connector 108 is permanently fixed to support substrate 114.

[0140] This mounting and / or permanent fixation of the connector 108 to the support substrate 114 can be achieved in any suitable manner, for example, by clamping at least a portion of the connector 108 between the layers of the cleaner head member 100, and / or by adhering the connector 108 to the support substrate 114, for example, using adhesives and / or tape.

[0141] In some embodiments, the connector 108 is an integral part of the support substrate 114. In other words, the connector 108 may be formed from the support substrate 114.

[0142] This can be achieved, for example, when injection molding is used to manufacture the support substrate 114.

[0143] More generally, the cleaner head component 100 includes a cover component 116, which is disposed at least on the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 of the support base plate 114. Thus, the combination of the cover component 116 and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can define a space for receiving aqueous cleaning fluid.

[0144] The support substrate 114 and the cover member 116 can be regarded, for example, as a stacked layer of the cleaner head member 100.

[0145] The cover member 116 is perforated to provide a plurality of openings 117 extending through the cover member 116. The openings 117 can be aligned with the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 so that the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered from the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 toward the surface to be cleaned 105 through the aligned openings 117.

[0146] Therefore, opening 117 allows the aqueous cleaning fluid to flow out of the space defined by the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 and the cover member 116.

[0147] Since the opening extends through the cover member 116, the opening 117 can be considered as a through hole.

[0148] In some embodiments, the number of openings in the plurality of openings 117 ranges from 2 to 18, preferably 3 to 10, most preferably 4 to 10, for example 6 (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 2A (As shown). The number of such openings 117 can be combined, for example, with a uniform spacing between adjacent openings 117 along the cleaning fluid support structure 115. This can help ensure that an appropriate amount of aqueous cleaning fluid is delivered evenly to the surface 105 being cleaned.

[0149] Preferably, the number of openings in the plurality of openings 117 is even. Preferably, the number of openings in the plurality of openings 117 is at least 4.

[0150] When the number of openings 117 is odd, the higher local pressure at the central opening 117 may adversely lead to a less stable cleaning fluid distribution system.

[0151] The size of each opening in opening 117 can be set such that when the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is being filled with aqueous cleaning fluid, the surface tension and rheological properties of the aqueous cleaning fluid restrict the passage of the aqueous cleaning fluid through opening 117; however, once the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is filled with aqueous cleaning fluid, the aqueous cleaning fluid is allowed to pass through all openings simultaneously. This allows for relatively uniform delivery of cleaning fluid on the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115.

[0152] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 3 Each of the openings 117 has a diameter 118 ranging from 300 micrometers to 700 micrometers, for example, about 400 micrometers. Such a diameter 118 helps the opening 117 control the delivery of the aqueous cleaning liquid through it toward the surface 105 to be cleaned.

[0153] A diameter of 118 can be considered a hydraulic diameter.

[0154] Hydraulic diameter = (4 × cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 117 through which the cleaning fluid flows) / wetting perimeter of the cross-sectional area.

[0155] By making each opening 117 sufficiently small (e.g., no more than 700 micrometers) and having the same or substantially the same diameter 118, the wettability across the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 (e.g., along its length) can be relatively uniform and less sensitive to detergents included in, for example, aqueous cleaning fluids, noting that such detergents can alter the surface energy and rheological properties of aqueous cleaning fluids.

[0156] In the context of diameter 118, the term "substantially identical" may mean that the tolerance of opening 117 diameter 118 is preferably at most ±100 micrometers.

[0157] Since the diameter is the hydraulic diameter, when viewing the cover member 116 from the plan view, the opening 117 can have any suitable shape, such as square, hexagonal, or circular (e.g., ...). Figure 3 (as shown in the image) etc.

[0158] The diameter 118 of each opening 117 can be determined by microscopic analysis of the cover member 116. Analysis can be performed as follows: Figure 3 A micrograph of the cover member 116 of the type shown, to determine the diameter 118 of each opening 117.

[0159] In a non-limiting example, there are 6 openings 117, each with a diameter 118 of 400 micrometers.

[0160] In this illustrative example, the flow rate of the aqueous cleaning fluid through opening 117 is, for example, 4 cubic centimeters per minute per opening 117.

[0161] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 3 One or more of the openings 117 are defined by the heated portion 119 of the cover member 116. Such heated portion 119 may be, for example, the solidified portion of the cover member 116 after melting.

[0162] The heated portion 119 can help reinforce the opening 117. In other words, the heated portion 119 can define an annular reinforcement around the opening 117. This can help reduce the risk that the opening 117 will close on its own after the cover member 116 is perforated (e.g., punctured), which can be particularly problematic when the opening 117 is relatively small and the cover member 116 is made of a relatively flexible material (such as textiles / fabrics).

[0163] It should be noted that the heated portion 119 can be provided by perforating the cover member 116 to provide an opening 117, for example by laser ablation and / or hot needle perforation.

[0164] The method of manufacturing the cleaner head component 100 will be described in more detail below, including perforating the cover component 116.

[0165] In embodiments where the heated portion 119 is the solidified portion of the cover member 116 after melting, the cover member 116 implicitly includes a fusible material, such as a thermoplastic material like polyester.

[0166] It is generally important to note that the cover member 116 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the cover member 116 comprises a plastic material, such as the thermoplastic material described above.

[0167] In some embodiments, the cover member 116 comprises at least one selected from polyester and polyamide. Alternatively or additionally, see reference to Figure 2B The cover member 116 may include a porous layer 120 disposed above the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114. The pores of the porous layer 120 can receive contaminants from the surface 105 being cleaned. For example, a negative pressure generator included in a wet cleaning device can draw contaminants into the pores of the porous layer 120.

[0168] In some embodiments, the porous layer 120 includes one or more of a woven fabric (e.g., a microfiber woven fabric), a mesh, and a perforated membrane.

[0169] Such meshes (e.g., monofilament meshes) and / or perforated membranes may represent a relatively simple way to provide pores with well-defined geometries, which may be advantageous for the following reasons.

[0170] In the case of a mesh (e.g., a monofilament mesh), the pores may be defined by the weaving and / or welding of the mesh's threads (e.g., polymer threads). In such embodiments, the pores may have, for example, a square cross-sectional shape.

[0171] For example, the porous layer 120 may include a plain weave mesh or a twill weave mesh, for example, defined by a plain weave mesh or a twill weave mesh.

[0172] In embodiments where the porous layer 120 includes a woven fabric (e.g., a microfiber woven fabric), such as one defined by a woven fabric (e.g., a microfiber woven fabric), the woven fabric may include, for example, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, and combinations of polyester and polyamide fibers.

[0173] It should be noted that the term "microfiber woven fabric" used in this article can refer to a fabric formed from synthetic fibers, which is made of yarn with a fineness of less than 1 dtex.

[0174] It is generally important to note that the diameter 118 of the opening 117 can be larger than the pore diameter of the porous layer 120.

[0175] In at least some embodiments, the cover member 116 is a malleable cover member 116.

[0176] This malleable cover member 116 can help the cleaner head member 100 follow the contour of the surface 105 being cleaned, and / or can help clean the cleaner head member 100 after use, for example by twisting the cleaner head member 100 and / or washing the cleaner head member 100 in the user's washing machine.

[0177] In embodiments where the support substrate 114 is a malleable support substrate 114, the malleable cover member 116 may be included together with the malleable support substrate 114 in the cleaner head member 100.

[0178] The cover member 116 can be attached to the support substrate 114 in any suitable manner. In at least some embodiments, the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) is permanently fixed to the support substrate 114 to at least cover the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115.

[0179] Attaching the cover member 116 to the support substrate 114 may include attaching the cover layer 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) to the support substrate 114 in a watertight manner.

[0180] This watertight attachment helps ensure that water-based cleaning fluid is delivered through opening 117, rather than leaking at the interface between capping 116 and support substrate 114.

[0181] The cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) can be permanently and / or watertightly attached to the support substrate 114 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) can be welded to the support substrate 114, for example, in a melting process involving one or both of the support substrate 114 and the cover member 116.

[0182] For example, ultrasonic welding can be used to permanently attach the support substrate 114 to the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120). Alternatively or additionally, and referring to… Figure 2B The support substrate 114 can be fixed (e.g., permanently fixed) to the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) using adhesive 121 and / or tape.

[0183] While liquid permeability of at least a portion of the support substrate 114 (e.g., its porous layer 120) can facilitate the pickup of contaminants from the surface being cleaned 105 (as explained in more detail below), such liquid permeability may jeopardize the robustness of uniform distribution of the aqueous cleaning fluid and / or other performance requirements of the cleaner head component 100.

[0184] Therefore, in some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cover member 116 includes an impermeable area 122 arranged above the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115, and the opening 117 is defined in the impermeable area 122.

[0185] Because the impermeable area 122 covers the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115, the water-based cleaning fluid can be delivered through the cover member 116 only through the opening 117.

[0186] Therefore, the uniformity of the distribution of the aqueous cleaning solution may not be affected by the permeability of the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120), or may be affected at least to a minimum by the permeability of the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120).

[0187] For example, this may enable the use of a wider range of cleaning fluids with different (e.g., lower) surface energy properties, and / or may enable the inclusion of a wider range of materials, such as fabrics, meshes, etc., in the cover member 116. For example, these materials may be selected based on considerations related to liquid pickup rather than requirements related to the delivery of aqueous cleaning fluids (note that it is the opening 117, rather than the inherent or intrinsic characteristics / structure of the cover member 116, that ensures that the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered through the cover member 116 toward the surface 105 to be cleaned in the desired manner).

[0188] Furthermore, since the aqueous cleaning fluid is delivered only through opening 117, it may not be necessary to limit the size (e.g., width) of the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 (e.g., its recess) to minimize the delivery of the aqueous cleaning fluid through the permeable structure of the cover member 116. This, in turn, can facilitate the manufacture of the support substrate 114 and the assembly of the cleaner head member 100.

[0189] Furthermore, including the impermeable area 122 can mean that the size (e.g., diameter) of the opening 117 can be less critical and can be made smaller, for example, because the increased delivery pressure above the opening 117 may no longer result in more water being delivered through the material of the cover member 116 itself. This can provide a more stable supply of aqueous cleaning fluid toward the surface 105 to be cleaned.

[0190] In the case where the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is an elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 and its length extends across (at least) most of the longitudinal dimension of the cleaner head member 100, the impermeable area 122 may be an elongated impermeable area 122 and its length extends at least across most of the length of the elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 (e.g., a groove).

[0191] This can help to provide favorable distribution of aqueous cleaning fluid to the surface 105 being cleaned across the length of the cleaner head component 100.

[0192] It should be noted that in embodiments where the cover member 116 includes a porous layer 120, the porous layer 120 may be provided with a waterproof material. In such embodiments, the waterproof material may at least partially define an impermeable region 122.

[0193] Impermeable areas 122 (e.g., their impermeable material) can be provided in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the impermeable material is in the form of a layer applied directly to the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120).

[0194] Alternatively, the impermeable area 122 can be provided by heat-pressing the cap member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120). In other embodiments, the impermeable material is applied to the cap member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) in the form of tape.

[0195] Impermeable material can be placed between the support substrate 114 and the cover member 116, for example, between the support substrate 114 and the porous layer 120. For example, the side of the cover member 116 where the impermeable material is disposed can be directly adjacent to (e.g., adhered to) the support substrate 114.

[0196] This arrangement helps minimize the lateral transport of water-based cleaning fluid around the impermeable material, thereby helping to prevent the water-based cleaning fluid from bypassing the opening 117.

[0197] It should be noted that the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can supply aqueous cleaning fluid in any suitable manner, such as through a cleaning fluid supply device in a wet cleaning apparatus. In some embodiments, and referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support substrate 114 defines one or more cleaning fluid outlet channels 123, which fluidly connect the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 to a corresponding hole 124 defined in the connector 108.

[0198] Such a hole 124 can, for example, define the contribution of connector 108 to the cleaning fluid conduit, providing the cleaning fluid conduit when connector 108 and complementary connector 110 are connected to each other.

[0199] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B are defined in and / or disposed on the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114, and the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B extend across at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A.

[0200] The dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B can receive liquids received by the cover member 116, for example, in the pores of the porous layer 120.

[0201] In such embodiments, the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B can, for example, transport liquid to a sealed dirt conduit provided by a connector 108 of the cleaner head assembly 100, which is connected to a complementary connector 110 of the cleaner head 102.

[0202] like Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 5 As best shown in the exploded view, the cover member 116 can be arranged on the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114 to cover the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B.

[0203] In at least some embodiments, the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120) is permanently fixed to the support substrate 114 to cover the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115.

[0204] Therefore, the cover member 116 can also help retain liquid within the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B, which are defined in and / or arranged on the bottom surface 114A of the support substrate 114.

[0205] In some embodiments, the cover member 116 is sealed to the support substrate 114 around the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B. This sealed attachment helps maintain negative pressure in the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B, regardless of whether a negative pressure generator included in the wet cleaning device applies flow.

[0206] The sealing attachment can be achieved in any suitable manner, such as by gluing and / or welding the cap member 116 around the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B, for example in Figure 2A and 2B The porous layer 120 in the illustrated embodiment.

[0207] In some embodiments, and referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B include at least one dirt inlet recess, for example defined by at least one dirt inlet recess, which is defined in at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A and extends across at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A.

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B may include an arrangement of protruding elements that project from and extend across at least a portion of the bottom surface 114A, for example defined by the arrangement of the protruding elements, with the dirt path defined between the protruding elements of the arrangement.

[0209] The dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B can be provided in any suitable manner, such as by pressing a mold (e.g., a heated mold) into the material constituting the support substrate 114 (e.g., a closed-cell foam material) and / or by laser cutting and milling the material of the support substrate 114. Alternatively or additionally, the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B can be provided by molding the support substrate 114, such as by injection molding, like reaction injection molding.

[0210] In some embodiments, and referring to Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The support substrate 114 defines one or more dirt inlet channels 127A, 127B, which fluidly connect dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B to corresponding (further) holes 128A, 128B defined in the connector 108.

[0211] It should be noted that these (further) holes 128A, 128B can limit the contribution of connector 108 to sealing the dirt conduit, providing the sealing dirt conduit when connector 108 and complementary connector 110 are connected to each other.

[0212] The main body of the support substrate 114 can provide a liquid flow barrier, so that the liquid from the surface to be cleaned 105 and the cleaning fluid delivered toward the surface to be cleaned 105 follow the flow paths defined by the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115, respectively.

[0213] In some embodiments, and as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in the best embodiment, the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 is separated from the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B by regions 129A and 129B of the support substrate 114.

[0214] By separating the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B from the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 through regions 129A and 129B of the support substrate 114, the risk of cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 being directly drawn into the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B can be reduced or eliminated. Therefore, the cleaning fluid is more likely to reach the surface 105 being cleaned. This allows the cleaning fluid to be utilized more effectively.

[0215] The dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can be adjusted to achieve uniform fluid distribution in / on the support substrate 114 which is connected to the connector 108 (e.g., directly).

[0216] The distribution of cleaning fluid and contaminant can be adjusted by balancing the resistance of the covering member 116 (e.g., porous layer 120), for example, by selecting the material and its surface area. Alternatively or additionally, different shapes and patterns of the contaminant inlet structures 125A, 125B (e.g., grooves) and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 (e.g., grooves) can be employed.

[0217] In some embodiments, when the cleaner head component 100 is attached to the cleaner head 102, the cleaning fluid conduit and the seal dirt conduit between the cleaner head component 100 and the cleaner head 102 are provided through a connection between the connector 108 and the complementary connector 110.

[0218] Therefore, connector 108 can provide an integrated connector 108 for connecting the negative pressure generator and cleaning fluid supply of the wet cleaning equipment to the dirt inlet structure 125A, 125B and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 of the cleaner head component 100, respectively.

[0219] In some embodiments, and as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown in the best embodiment, the dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B include a first dirt inlet structure 125A and a second dirt inlet structure 125B, which are arranged to receive liquid from different portions of the cover member 116 (e.g., its porous layer 120).

[0220] In such embodiments, the first dirt inlet structure 125A may extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the cleaner head member 100, and the second dirt inlet structure 125B may also extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal dimension of the cleaner head member 100, but the first dirt inlet structure 125A and the second dirt inlet structure 125B are separated in the width direction of the support substrate 114.

[0221] In an embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the dirt inlet structures 125A and 125B include a first dirt inlet structure 125A and a second dirt inlet structure 125B, and the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 can be arranged between the first dirt inlet structure 125A and the second dirt inlet structure 125B.

[0222] This arrangement allows for efficient delivery of cleaning fluid to the surface 105 being cleaned and efficient pickup of the fluid from the surface 105 being cleaned.

[0223] Now refer to Figure 6 The provided flowchart also discloses a method 140 for manufacturing a cleaner head component 100 according to any embodiment described herein. The method 140 includes arranging a cover component 116 at least 142 on a cleaning fluid outlet structure 115 of a support substrate 114, and perforating the cover component 116 144 to provide a plurality of openings 117 in the cover component 116.

[0224] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6As shown, the perforation 144 is implemented after the cover member 116 is arranged at least on the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115. This sequence helps ensure that the opening 117 is correctly positioned on the cleaning fluid support structure 115, especially in embodiments where the cover member 116 is malleable (because the malleability of the cover member 116 may make aligning the opening 117 already formed in the cover member 116 with the cleaning fluid support structure 115 more challenging).

[0225] In such Figure 2B and Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaner head component 100 further includes a surface interaction layer 150 for contacting the surface 105 to be cleaned, perforating the porous layer 120 144 to provide openings 117 in the porous layer 120, arranging the perforated porous layer 120 on the surface interaction layer 150, and then arranging the perforated porous layer-surface interaction layer assembly 120, 150 on the support substrate 114, which may be challenging.

[0226] Therefore, when the cover member 116 includes a porous layer 120 and a surface interaction layer 150, the perforation 144 can be made by perforating the porous layer 120 and the surface interaction layer 150 when both the porous layer 120 and the surface interaction layer 150 are arranged on the support substrate 114. Figure 7 The image depicts a non-restrictive example of the latter.

[0227] It should be noted that in embodiments where the cleaner head component 100 includes a surface interaction layer 150 and a porous layer 120, the surface interaction layer 150 can be arranged on the porous layer 120 in any suitable manner. For example, the surface interaction layer 150 can be attached to the porous layer 120 by sewing and / or using an adhesive.

[0228] Once attached to each other (e.g., by sewing and / or adhesive), the porous layer-surface interaction layer assemblies 120, 150 can be arranged (e.g., fixed to) the support substrate 114, for example by adhesive 121 between the porous layer 120 and the support substrate 114.

[0229] The perforation 144 can be implemented in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the perforation 144 includes exposing the cover member 116 to a heat source. This heat source may cause the opening 117 to be defined by the heated portion 119 of the cover member 116.

[0230] It should be reiterated that the heated portion 119 may define an annular reinforcement around the opening 117. Alternatively or additionally, perforating the cover member 116 with such a heat source may help reduce the risk of fibers from the cover member 116 clogging the opening 117.

[0231] The heat source may include a laser beam 152 (e.g., Figure 7 (as shown) and at least one of the hot needles.

[0232] In the embodiment where a laser beam 152 is used to perforate the cover member 116 144, the precise diameter of the opening 117 can be achieved by controlling the diameter of the laser beam at the expected position where the corresponding opening 117 is to be made on the cover member 116.

[0233] For this purpose, the first laser beam 152A can be focused by an optical device 154 (e.g., a lens) to provide a second focused laser beam 152B, the diameter of which controls the diameter of the opening 117.

[0234] The beam focus or beam waist of the focused laser beam 152B refers to the minimum diameter of the focused laser beam 152B at its focus.

[0235] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the perforation 144 includes a defining opening 117, the diameter of which is larger than the waist of the focused laser beam 152B.

[0236] If the focal depth of the focused laser beam 152B is relatively short, the focal point can be positioned in front of the cover member 116 or the porous layer 120 (in Figure 7 (The view provided is shown above).

[0237] This may result in lower laser intensity in the cover member 116 near the support substrate 114, for example, the laser intensity in the porous layer 120 (where an opening 117 may be needed) is lower than the laser intensity in the surface interaction layer 150.

[0238] When pulsed laser is used, the focused laser beam 152B can penetrate the surface interaction layer 150 relatively easily, and the opening 127 can be precisely shaped according to the diameter of the focused beam 152B at the level of the porous layer 120.

[0239] Since the beam 152B may diverge at the level of the support substrate 114, damage to the surface of the support substrate 114, which is provided with the cleaning fluid outlet structure 115, can be minimized.

[0240] To facilitate the formation of the heated portion 119 (e.g., the solidified portion 119 after melting), the laser power can be selected to be relatively low (e.g., resulting in a longer pulse duration). Therefore, evaporation of the cover member 116 around the opening 117 can be minimized.

[0241] The fixtures included in the laser ablation / drilling equipment can be used to align the preformed cover components-support substrate assemblies 116, 114 relative to the laser beam 152.

[0242] It should be noted that in embodiments where the cleaner head component 100 includes a surface interaction layer 150 and a porous layer 120, the surface interaction layer 150 may be more permeable than the porous layer 120.

[0243] Regarding the porous layer 120 that may be included in the cover member 116, it should be noted that the porous layer 120 may help maintain negative pressure in the cleaner head member 100, regardless of whether a negative pressure generator included in the wet cleaning device applies flow.

[0244] When the porous layer 120 is dry, it can be considered to be in an "air-carrying state," where air is transported through each dry pore of the porous layer 120. A "liquid-carrying state" corresponds to the transport of liquid (e.g., water) through the (wet) pores of the porous layer 120. When no more liquid is supplied to the pores, a "fluid-blocking state" can be adopted. A "fluid-blocking state" corresponds to the state where the surface tension of the (residual) liquid retained in the wet pores of the porous layer 120 prevents fluid from being transported through the pores. In the latter state, a surface or barrier is formed at the boundary between the air and the liquid (e.g., water). This barrier helps maintain a negative pressure between the porous layer 120 and the negative pressure generator. The pressure required to "break" this barrier can be called the "rupture pressure."

[0245] In some embodiments, the pores of the porous layer 120 extend through the thickness of the porous layer 120 and open on opposite sides of the porous layer 120. The linear central axis of each pore extends through the thickness and passes through a midpoint surrounded by the pore walls of the corresponding pore; the pore walls are arranged around the linear central axis. In such embodiments, each pore can be considered as a through-hole extending axially through the thickness of the porous layer 120.

[0246] The path of least resistance for fluid flow through the porous layer 120 can be defined as the linear central axis along the pores.

[0247] The pores of the porous layer 120 (whose linear central axis extends through the thickness of the porous layer 120 and through the midpoint surrounded by the pore walls of the respective pores) are considered to be more defined than the pores defined between fibers in, for example, woven fabrics.

[0248] Specifically, the pores of the porous layer 120 may have a pore size distribution that can be selected to be separate from, or in other words, not overlap with, the pore size distribution of another porous layer (e.g., surface interaction layer 150) disposed on the porous layer 120. In particular, the pore size distribution of the porous layer 120 may be converted to a pore size larger than that of the other porous layer.

[0249] This could mean that when porous layer 120 and another porous layer are subjected to negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generator of a wet cleaning device, dirt particles small enough to initially pass through the other porous layer will also pass through porous layer 120. This makes porous layer 120 less prone to clogging by such dirt particles during use.

[0250] Such pores can be defined in any suitable manner, such as by laser ablation of polymer films or by woven structures of meshes (e.g., monofilament meshes).

[0251] In some embodiments, each pore of the porous layer 120 has a polygonal (e.g., square) or circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the linear central axis. This polygonal (e.g., square) or circular cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the linear central axis may mean that the pore walls provide a consistent surface, particularly with relatively defined edges between the pore wall surfaces and the outer surfaces of one or both sides of the porous layer 120. This helps to increase the burst pressure.

[0252] The edge between the pore wall surface and the outer surface of the porous layer 120 can, for example, have a radius of curvature of 0.1 micrometers to 3 micrometers.

[0253] This radius of curvature, which may be significantly smaller than the pore radius, helps prevent the size of the liquid-gas interface / surface from increasing when pressure is applied. This prevents the forces acting on the surface (force equals pressure multiplied by area) from increasing, thus preventing the surface edges from overloading more quickly and preventing the surface from collapsing / "bursting".

[0254] It is noteworthy that the well-defined pores of the porous layer 120 contrast with the pores defined between woven fabric fibers, which effectively provide a series of contact angles around the surface defining a given pore. The shapes of the upstream and downstream openings of these woven fabric pores are also not as well-defined as the upstream and downstream edges of the porous layer. This means that, in the case of woven fabric pores, there may always be a point within the pore where the contact angle reaches its limit, making it impossible for the liquid barrier to maintain its position. The resulting barrier movement may increase the surface area affected by pressure; the increased total force acting on the barrier makes it more difficult for the rest of the barrier to maintain its position, leading to further movement, and so on. According to embodiments of this disclosure, this problem can be addressed by the well-defined pore geometry of each pore in the porous layer 120.

[0255] In summary, the contact angle between the liquid and the surface of the porous layer 120 may always exist; an increase in pressure may cause the edge of the barrier to move to a new equilibrium position; if this transfer occurs when the barrier remains relatively small, a higher rupture pressure may be obtained; if the transfer occurs when the barrier surface area increases significantly, the rupture pressure may be lower.

[0256] In some embodiments, the thickness of the porous layer is less than 200 micrometers, preferably less than 100 micrometers. This maximum thickness helps to minimize flow resistance through the porous layer 120.

[0257] The thickness of the porous layer 120 can be determined using a precision force gauge and two ground metal plates (the upper plate, which applies normal pressure, measures 70 mm × 30 mm, and the lower plate, which supports the porous layer 120 sample, has a larger surface area than the 70 mm × 30 mm upper plate for easier alignment) for receiving the porous layer 120 therebetween. The apparatus is configured to apply 864.2 N / m perpendicular to the porous layer 120 sample (70 mm × 30 mm). 2 The pressure. Relevant measurement parameters are shown in Table 1: Table 1

[0258] In some embodiments, the cover member 116 includes another porous layer for contacting the surface 105 to be cleaned, such as a surface interaction layer 150, and the porous layer 120 is disposed between the other porous layer and the support substrate 114.

[0259] Liquid received from the cleaned surface 105 can be transported through the pores of another porous layer to the pores of the porous layer 120.

[0260] Another porous layer may be arranged on porous layer 120 in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the other porous layer may be detached from porous layer 120, for example, to facilitate cleaning of porous layer 120 and one or both of the other porous layer. Alternatively or additionally, the removal of the other porous layer may allow the other porous layer to be replaced without simultaneously replacing porous layer 120.

[0261] In some embodiments, another porous layer (e.g., surface interaction layer 150) is in the form of a disposable (e.g., single-use) wipe or cleaning cloth.

[0262] Another porous layer (e.g., surface interaction layer 150) can be formed from any suitable material, such as viscose fiber, polyester, or polyvinyl alcohol.

[0263] Preferably, the material forming another porous layer (e.g., surface interaction layer 150) is biodegradable and / or sustainable.

[0264] Another porous material (such as the cloth or wipe described above) can be secured to the cleaner head component 100, cleaner head 102 and / or support base plate 114 in any suitable manner, such as by hook and loop fasteners and / or by flexible clamps.

[0265] In embodiments employing flexible clamps, such flexible clamps may, for example, be integrated into the malleable material of the support substrate 114.

[0266] In other embodiments, porous layer 120 and another porous layer are permanently fixed to each other, for example by sewing, welding (such as ultrasonic welding) and / or by adhesive.

[0267] This permanent attachment between porous layer 120 and another porous layer makes the manufacture of cleaner head component 100 simpler and cheaper.

[0268] In some embodiments, another porous layer includes one or more woven fabric layers, such as one or more microfiber fabric layers.

[0269] The woven fabric layer may include, for example, polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, and combinations of polyester and polyamide fibers.

[0270] More generally, the other porous layer can be formed of polyester and / or polyamide.

[0271] In some embodiments, the pore size distribution of the porous layer 120 spans a pore size range in which the minimum pore size is greater than the maximum pore size of the pore size range spanned by another porous layer.

[0272] This could mean that when porous layer 120 and another porous layer are subjected to negative pressure generated by the negative pressure generator of a wet cleaning device, dirt particles that have passed through the other porous layer can also pass through porous layer 120.

[0273] This makes the porous layer 120 less likely to be clogged by such dirt particles during use, because the dirt particles are small enough to initially pass through another porous layer, and also to pass through the porous layer 120.

[0274] In some embodiments, the pores of the porous layer 120 are arranged only in the region of the porous layer 120 that is in contact with another porous layer.

[0275] Maintaining contact between another porous layer and porous layer 120 may mean that any “broken” pores in porous layer 120 can be “repaired” by being supplied with liquid from the other porous layer. This helps maintain negative pressure between the negative pressure generator and porous layer 120.

[0276] Alternatively or additionally, another porous layer may have a porous structure configured to enable both lateral fluid transport within the other porous layer in a first direction and fluid transport through the thickness of the other porous layer toward the porous layer 120 in a second direction. For example, such a porous structure may be provided by another porous layer comprising one or more woven fabric layers (e.g., defined by one or more woven fabric layers).

[0277] The lateral fluid transport provided in another porous layer helps to keep the porous layer 120 supplied with liquid, thereby helping to repair the broken pores of the porous layer 120.

[0278] ASTM F316 – 03 (2019) Test A provides a bubble point pressure measurement. Although this standard method was developed for non-fibrous membrane filters, the procedure can be replicated for porous layer 120, or for another porous layer (where present).

[0279] In general, the bubble point test used to determine the limiting pore size (in other words, the maximum pore size) is performed by pre-wetting the porous layer 120 sample, increasing the gas pressure upstream of the porous layer 120 at a predetermined rate, and observing whether bubbles appear downstream to indicate the passage of gas through the pores of the porous layer 120 (e.g., the pores with the maximum diameter).

[0280] Similar to the membrane filter described in ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the porous layer 120 may (at least to a degree of approximation depending on the pore structure / porous layer 120 type) have discrete pores extending from one side of the porous layer 120 to the other, similar to a capillary. The bubble point test is based on the principle that the wetting liquid is held within the capillary pores by capillary attraction and surface tension, and the minimum pressure required to force the liquid out of these pores is a function of the pore size. The pressure at which a stable flow of bubbles occurs in this test is called the “bubble point pressure.”

[0281] It should be noted that ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A is based on approximating the pore as a capillary pore with a circular cross-section, so the limiting pore diameter should only be regarded as an empirical estimate of the maximum pore diameter based on this premise.

[0282] The test apparatus specified in ASTM F316 – 03 (2019) Test A is reproduced as in this test procedure.

[0283] 1. Hold the porous layer 120 sample (2 inches in diameter, or 50.8 mm) in a circular holder, ensuring the diameter of its open / effective area is 47 mm, and fully wet it by floating it on a liquid pool (note that a vacuum chamber may be used to assist in wetting the sample if necessary). For water-wettable samples, place the sample in water and allow it to fully immerse.

[0284] 2. Place the wetted porous layer 120 sample in the filter holder of the test equipment.

[0285] 3. Place a fine mesh (100 mesh × 100 mesh) on the porous layer 120 sample; this fine mesh is the first part of the standard-specified double-layer structure.

[0286] 4. Place the second part of the double-layer structure (in the form of a perforated metal component to increase rigidity) on the fine mesh.

[0287] 5. Place the support ring onto the stack and secure it in place with bolts. At this point, a slight gas pressure can be applied to eliminate any possible liquid backflow.

[0288] 6. Cover the perforated metal part with 2 mm to 3 mm of test liquid (use type IV water as specified in the standard when the sample can be wetted by water).

[0289] 7. Then increase the gas pressure and record the lowest pressure at which a steady stream of bubbles appears from the central region of the reservoir (see ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A). Figure 5 Note: When determining the bubble point, ignore the bubbles observed at the edge of the reservoir.

[0290] First, increase the pressure relatively quickly (e.g., about 200 Pa / s) to roughly determine the bubble point, which is appropriate. Then, release the pressure on the sample to allow water to flow back into the sample. Then, increase the pressure to about 80% of the expected pressure value and hold at 80% for about 15 seconds (to ensure all “free” water is forced out of the sample), and then increase it again at a lower rate (≤50 Pa / s) until a constant flow of bubbles is observed.

[0291] Then, using Formula 1 of Test A in ASTM F316 – 03 (2019), the limiting pore size d was determined based on the recorded bubble point pressure p: d = Cγ / p, where γ is the surface tension in mM / m (72.75 for distilled water at 20°C), and C is 2860 when p is Pascal (Pa).

[0292] In some embodiments, such as when measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the porous layer 120 has a limiting pore size of less than or equal to 105 micrometers. The upper limit of the limiting pore size of 105 micrometers, which corresponds to a minimum bubble point pressure of 2000 Pa, helps to ensure that the porous layer 120 maintains sufficient negative pressure.

[0293] Alternatively or additionally, as measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the porous layer 120 has a limiting pore size greater than or equal to 6 micrometers. Experience has shown that a limiting pore size of 6 micrometers or greater may help maintain a relatively large negative pressure while ensuring that the pores can still efficiently transport liquids through them. The latter can also be aided by minimizing the thickness of the porous layer 120.

[0294] In some embodiments, such as when measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the porous layer 120 has a limiting pore size of 8 micrometers or more, most preferably 11 micrometers or more.

[0295] In some embodiments, such as when measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the porous layer 120 has a limiting pore size of 11 micrometers to 15 micrometers.

[0296] It has been observed that when the limiting pore size of the porous layer 120 is 11 to 15 micrometers, the "self-healing" of the "broken" pores of the porous layer 120 (e.g., when the porous layer 120 is used in conjunction with another porous layer, such as another porous layer made of woven fabric) may be enhanced.

[0297] In some embodiments, such as when measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, another porous layer has a limiting pore size of 105 micrometers or less and / or 15 micrometers or greater.

[0298] Experience has shown that having a limiting pore size of 15 micrometers or greater in another porous layer may help maintain a relatively large negative pressure while ensuring that the pores are large enough to efficiently transport liquids through the other porous layer.

[0299] Equivalently, if measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the bubble point pressure of another porous layer can be equal to or less than 13,500 Pa.

[0300] In some embodiments, such as when measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the limiting pore size of the other porous layer is equal to or less than 105 micrometers. This upper limit of the limiting pore size helps ensure that the other porous layer can maintain sufficient negative pressure.

[0301] Equivalently, if measured using ASTM F316-03 (2019) Test A, the bubble point pressure of the other porous layer may be equal to or greater than 2000 Pa. Preferably, the bubble point pressure of the other porous layer is between 7000 Pa and 9000 Pa.

[0302] More generally, the negative pressure generator of the wet cleaning equipment can subject the porous layer 120 to negative pressure, preferably by being configured to generate a flow rate through the porous layer 120, which is up to 2000 cubic centimeters per minute.

[0303] In some embodiments, the negative pressure generator is configured to provide the suction by providing a flow rate through the porous layer 120 in the range of 15 cubic centimeters per minute to 2000 cubic centimeters per minute, more preferably 80 cubic centimeters per minute to 750 cubic centimeters per minute, even more preferably 100 cubic centimeters per minute to 300 cubic centimeters per minute, and most preferably 150 cubic centimeters per minute to 300 cubic centimeters per minute.

[0304] This flow rate can be maintained by utilizing the negative pressure of the porous layer 120, and can ensure sufficient liquid pickup while limiting energy consumption.

[0305] The negative pressure generator can be configured to provide a pressure difference between the interior of the wet cleaning equipment and atmospheric pressure for drawing fluid through the porous layer 120, the pressure difference being in the range of 2000 Pa to 15000 Pa, preferably 2000 Pa to 13500 Pa.

[0306] This pressure difference can be directly and actively verified in a given wet cleaning device, for example, by drilling a hole in the piping of the wet cleaning device that fluidly connects the negative pressure generator and the pores of the porous layer 120, and using this hole to connect to a pneumatic pressure sensor, which itself has a pipe with one end covered by a membrane; the sensor is thus connected using an airtight connection. The sensor can be arranged to avoid interfering with the flow, so those skilled in the art will arrange the sensor to avoid, for example, the generation of bypass flow. There must be no flow toward or from the sensor: only pressure is transmitted. In this way, the flow of the device is never affected (therefore, it remains at the set level despite the installation of the sensor).

[0307] The pressure sensor is connected between the porous layer 120 and the negative pressure generator, and is placed as close as possible to the porous layer 120 to minimize the influence of other factors (such as flow resistance) on the sensed pressure difference.

[0308] The sensing element / membrane of the pressure sensor / gauge is ideally arranged / positioned in the pressure sensor, so that the sensing element can be placed directly (without connecting tubes) in the tubing or in the cavity behind the porous layer 120.

[0309] As those skilled in the art will understand, measurement errors can be minimized by positioning the diaphragm of the pressure sensor (in other words, the diaphragm gauge) so that the diaphragm is located at the tube wall, or in other words, flush with the tube wall (or exposed in the cavity).

[0310] It is important to note that air bubbles within narrow conduits can create resistance (capillary / surface tension effect), potentially affecting the measurement. Therefore, those skilled in the art will further understand that care must be taken to prevent air bubbles (water-air interface) from unduly influencing differential pressure measurements.

[0311] It should also be noted that the water column between the pressure sensor and the porous layer 120 (if such a water column exists during the measurement) should be subtracted from the measurement results to compensate for the static pressure generated by the water column.

[0312] Once the pressure sensor is arranged as described above, it can be determined that the maintenance of the negative pressure is due to the porous layer 120 and another porous layer (if present), rather than other components such as valves. Any such component that affects the negative pressure applied to the porous layer 120 should be rendered inoperable during measurement.

[0313] When differential pressure measurement is performed, the component dispensing the cleaning fluid (if the wet cleaning equipment is configured to deliver the cleaning fluid) is disconnected.

[0314] Turn on the wet cleaning equipment (at the desired settings) to activate the pickup system, which includes a negative pressure generator. Begin recording data from the pressure sensor.

[0315] The pickup area of ​​the cleaner head component 100 is suspended in a layer of water with a maximum depth of 5 mm.

[0316] The pickup area is then lifted from the water without tilting it in any way (keeping the cleaner head assembly 100 in the cleaning position, as it is positioned to clean the floor), so that water no longer contacts the porous layer 120 or another porous layer (if present). At this point, "free water" is removed from the porous layer 120 (and another porous layer, if present), all pores enter their "blocked state," and the rupture pressure can be determined. Equilibrium is established in the final operating condition, where the applied flow rate creates a negative pressure that no longer causes further fluid blockage and rupture.

[0317] In the final operating condition, the burst pressure obtained from this measurement result is defined as "the pressure difference between the inside of the wet cleaning equipment and atmospheric pressure used to draw fluid through the porous layer 120". The measurement results are used to verify whether the range of 2000 Pa to 15000 Pa, or preferably 2000 Pa to 13500 Pa, is met.

[0318] Negative pressure generators may include, for example, positive displacement pumps, such as peristaltic pumps.

[0319] This positive displacement pump can help maintain negative pressure after the negative pressure generator is deactivated (e.g., shut down) because the pump's design inherently limits backflow from the pump outlet. This, in turn, can mitigate problematic liquid release from the porous layer 120, such as after cleaning the surface 105 to be cleaned and / or during storage in the storage area after using the wet cleaning equipment.

[0320] Wet cleaning equipment may include a waste collection tank. In such embodiments, a negative pressure generator may be arranged to draw liquid through the porous layer 120 and to the waste collection tank, for example, through dirt inlet structures 125A, 125B.

[0321] When practicing the claimed invention, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the accompanying drawings, this disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.

[0322] The mere fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0323] If the term “suitable” is used in the claims or specification, it should be noted that the term “suitable” is intended to be equivalent to the term “configured as”.

[0324] Any reference marks in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A cleaner head component (100) for a wet cleaning device, the cleaner head component comprising: A support substrate (114) includes a bottom surface (114A) wherein a cleaning liquid outlet structure (115) for receiving aqueous cleaning liquid is provided on the bottom surface; and A cover member (116) is disposed at least above the cleaning fluid outlet structure, the cover member being perforated to provide a plurality of openings (117) extending through the cover member, the openings being fluidly connected to the cleaning fluid outlet structure so that the aqueous cleaning fluid can be delivered from the cleaning fluid outlet structure through the openings toward the surface to be cleaned.

2. The cleaner head component (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cover member (116) includes an impermeable area (122) arranged above the cleaning fluid outlet structure (115), and the opening (117) is defined in the impermeable area.

3. The cleaner head component (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cover member (116) includes a porous layer (120) disposed above the bottom surface (114A); optionally, the porous layer includes one or more of woven fabric, mesh and perforated membrane.

4. The cleaner head component (100) according to claim 3, wherein, when claim 3 refers to claim 2, The porous layer (120) is provided with a water-impermeable material, which at least partially defines the water-impermeable region (122).

5. The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, One or more of the openings (117) are defined by the heated portion (119) of the cover member (116).

6. The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The opening (117) extends across the cover member arrangement.

7. The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The size of each of the plurality of openings (117) is set such that: when the cleaning fluid outlet structure (115) is being filled with the aqueous cleaning fluid, the aqueous cleaning fluid is restricted from passing through the opening, but once the cleaning fluid outlet structure has been filled with the aqueous cleaning fluid, the aqueous cleaning fluid is allowed to pass through all the openings simultaneously.

8. The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The cleaner head component is an elongated cleaner head component, and the cleaning fluid outlet structure (115) is an elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure, the length of which spans at least a majority of the longitudinal dimension of the elongated cleaner head component.

9. The cleaner head component (100) according to claim 8, wherein, when claim 8 is dependent on claim 2 or 4, The impermeable area (122) is an elongated impermeable area, the length of which at least spans a large portion of the length of the elongated cleaning fluid outlet structure (115).

10. The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The support substrate (114) is a malleable support substrate; optionally, the support substrate is formed of closed-cell foam material.

11. A method (140) for manufacturing a cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: The cover member (116) is arranged (142) at least above the cleaning fluid outlet structure (115) of the support base plate (114); as well as The cover member is perforated (144) to provide a plurality of openings (117) extending through the cover member; optionally, the perforation is performed after the cover member is positioned at least above the cleaning fluid outlet structure.

12. The method (140) according to claim 11, wherein, The perforation (144) includes exposing the cover member (116) to a heat source.

13. The method (140) according to claim 12, wherein, The heat source includes at least one selected from a laser beam (152) and a hot needle.

14. A cleaner head assembly (104), comprising: Cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as Cleaner head (102), the cleaner head component being attachable to and / or detachable from the cleaner head.

15. A wet cleaning device, comprising: The cleaner head component (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 or the cleaner head assembly (104) according to claim 14. as well as A cleaning fluid supply device for supplying cleaning fluid, which is delivered toward the surface to be cleaned through the cleaning fluid outlet structure (115) and the plurality of openings (117).

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