Hard surface cleaning device and nozzle assembly thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nozzle assembly 3 for a hard surface cleaning device 1000 for scraping and sucking liquid from a hard surface, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 including a suction flow path 200 for connecting to the nozzle assembly 3. The nozzle assembly 3 comprises: a lower housing 31 comprising a socket part 311 defining an internal suction channel 30, and the socket part 311 is detachably connectable to the hard surface cleaning device 1000 to be in fluid communication with the suction flow path 200; an upper housing 35 detachably connected to the lower housing 31; an upper scraping member 34 for performing a scraping operation; and an intermediate retainer 33 which is located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35, and the intermediate retainer 33 forms a suction space with the lower housing 31 which is in fluid communication with the internal suction passage 200, and the upper scraping member 34 is located between the intermediate retainer 33 and the upper housing 34. The invention also relates to a hard surface cleaning device 1000 comprising such a nozzle assembly 3.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0002] A hard surface cleaning device is a device configured to clean hard surfaces such as glass surfaces. The hard surface cleaning device can perform cleaning and automatically absorb waste water and dirt produced during the cleaning at the same time, ensuring that the hard surface is clean and traceless.

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

[0004] The scraper of the nozzle assembly is usually made of rubber or a similar material, for wiping off dirt, dust and water from the glass surface. Over time, the surface of the scraper may gradually wear down due to frequent use for a long time, so that the scraper cannot clean the glass effectively, which may lead to failure of the scraper. In addition, the scraper can age after contacting air and sunlight for a long time, and the elasticity and the toughness are lost, so that the cleaning effect is influenced. In addition, if the scraper contacts hard objects (such as sand and particle dust) on the glass during the cleaning process, scratches may occur on the surface of the scraper, which may affect the cleaning effect. If the surface of the scraper is heavily soiled, the cleaning ability of the scraper may be affected and the scraper may even carry the soil back onto the glass during cleaning. Therefore, in order to ensure the cleaning effect and prolong the service life of the hard surface cleaning device, it is necessary to regularly inspect and replace the nozzle assembly and its scraper, which helps to maintain the cleaning effect of the hard surface cleaning device, restore the optimum cleaning performance of the hard surface cleaning device, also help to protect the glass from scratches or abrasion during the cleaning process, and also help to prolong the overall service life of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0005] In some application situations, different types of nozzle assemblies or scrapers may be required to obtain better cleaning performance for different scenarios. It may be expensive or impractical to employ a plurality of different hard surface cleaning devices having different types of nozzle assemblies. Therefore, it is contemplated that the nozzle assemblies may be of modular design, allowing the nozzle assemblies to be attached and detached independently of the rest of the hard surface cleaning device. This design allows the nozzle assemblies to be self-contained modules which can be replaced or cleaned as desired by the user, and thus the costs are further reduced.

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved hard surface cleaning device and nozzle assembly thereof which facilitates a good cleaning effect, wherein the nozzle assembly of the hard surface cleaning device can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present application to provide a hard surface cleaning device and a nozzle assembly thereof, wherein the nozzle assembly can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, in one aspect of the present application, there is provided a nozzle assembly for a hard surface cleaning device for scraping and sucking liquid from a hard surface, and the hard surface cleaning device includes a suction flow path for connecting to the nozzle assembly, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: a lower housing comprising a socket part defining an internal suction channel, and the socket part is detachably connectable to the hard surface cleaning device to be in fluid communication with the suction flow path; an upper housing detachably connected to the lower housing; an upper scraping member for performing a scraping operation; and an intermediate retainer between the lower housing and the upper housing, and the intermediate retainer forms a suction space with the lower housing which is in fluid communication with the internal suction passage, and the upper scraping member is located between the intermediate retainer and the upper housing.

[0009] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, said nozzle assembly has a longitudinal central axis, and said nozzle assembly is symmetrically configured with respect to said longitudinal central axis.

[0010] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the nozzle assembly further comprises a lower scraping member which is connected to the lower housing or integrally formed with the lower housing.

[0011] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the upper scraping member is in the shape of a substantially planar body and comprises a widened clamping portion extending along the length thereof, and the upper housing and the intermediate retainer are provided with a recess, respectively, for form-fitting the clamping portion into the recesses.

[0012] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the socket part defines a circumferential groove on its peripheral surface in which a sealing element is seated, and the sealing element has a height in the radial direction greater than the depth of the circumferential groove.

[0013] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the circumferential groove comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves spaced from each other in the axial direction, and a corresponding number of sealing elements are seated in the respective circumferential grooves.

[0014] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the lower housing includes a downwardly extending protrusion, and the protrusion forms a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

[0015] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises flow guiding ribs, and the flow guiding ribs are located in the suction space, and the flow guiding ribs are configured to abut against the intermediate retainer and / or the lower housing.

[0016] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the flow guiding ribs comprise a V-shaped guiding rib which is centrally formed on the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer, and the V-shaped guiding rib is used for diverting fluid to both sides.

[0017] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the flow guiding ribs are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly, and the flow guiding ribs are arranged in a general fan shape.

[0018] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, each flow guiding rib comprises a radially extending section and an axially extending section, and the axially extending section is parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly; preferably, the lengths of the axially extending sections of the flow guiding ribs are substantially the same, or the lengths of the axially extending sections are increased for the axially extending sections which are disposed outwards than for the axially extending sections which are disposed more centrally.

[0019] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, one of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises a rim which form a side surface of the suction space.

[0020] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the other of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer includes a groove on an inner side thereof, and the rim can be inserted into the groove, preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the rim.

[0021] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the free end of the lower scraping member is arranged in a wave shape or as corrugations; preferably, the upper scraping member and / or the lower scraping member comprise a protrusion to separate the upper scraping member and the lower scraping member.

[0022] In another aspect of the present application, there is provided a hard surface cleaning device comprising: a nozzle assembly according to the one aspect of the invention; a suction assembly for creating a suction flow, and the suction assembly comprises a suction blade and an electric motor for driving the suction blade; a suction flow path between the nozzle assembly and the suction assembly; and a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid; wherein the nozzle assembly is in fluid communication with the suction assembly via the suction flow path.

[0023] In an embodiment of the another aspect of the invention, the shell of the hard surface cleaning device has an upwardly extending bump, and the bump is configured as a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

[0024] In the embodiments of the application, the hard surface cleaning device and the nozzle assembly thereof according to the application are so provided that, the nozzle assembly can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a cross-sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention, more clearly illustrating a nozzle assembly of the hard surface cleaning device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from above of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device taken along a central axis according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device taken along a central axis according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic front plan view of upper and lower scraping members of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention when the upper and lower scraping members engage with each other. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings; obviously, the described embodiments are some rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "arranged at" another element, it may be directly or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0028] It should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0029] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in this section may be combined in any suitable manner unless there is a contradiction. For example, different implementations may be formed by combining different specific technical features and / or embodiments and / or implementations. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features and / or embodiments and / or implementations in the present application will not be described separately.

[0030] Various embodiments of a hard surface cleaning device according to the present invention are schematically showed in the drawings, wherein the hard surface cleaning device is generally indicated by reference number 1000. In the shown embodiments, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is designed as a manually guided hard surface cleaning device with which liquid can be sucked up from a hard surface, for example, from window glass or from a table surface, or, for example, from a tiled wall or from a wall or glass of a shower room.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes a suction assembly for creating a suction flow, a nozzle assembly 3 in fluid communication with the suction assembly for sucking a liquid air mixture, a suction flow path between the nozzle assembly 3 and the suction assembly, a separating component 500 configured to separate liquid from the sucked liquid air mixture, and a liquid storage tank 2 for containing the separated liquid. In the embodiments of the present invention, the suction flow path includes a receiving chamber 200 between the nozzle assembly 3 and the separating component 500. The receiving chamber 200 is independent of a shell 1 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. The liquid storage tank 2 for containing the liquid separated from the separating component 500 is detachably held in the shell 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank 2 is made of a transparent material so that a user can observe how much liquid is stored in the liquid storage tank 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes the shell 1. The nozzle assembly 3 and the liquid storage tank 2 are detachably held on the shell 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 includes a left half-shell 11 and a right half-shell 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 is configured with a handle 5. A user can grip the handle 5 with one hand during operation, to guide the hard surface cleaning device 1000 along a surface to be cleaned. In an embodiment of the present invention, a switch 6 is provided at an upper portion of the handle 5, and the user can start the hard surface cleaning device 1000 by, for example, pressing the switch 6 with a thumb. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 may preferably receive at least one rechargeable battery 4, in particular lithium-ion battery. The suction assembly can be supplied with power by the battery 4. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 may further include a charging port (not shown) for charging the hard surface cleaning device 1000, so as to charge the rechargeable battery of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 as required. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 further includes a discharge opening 13 to facilitate the discharge of air or gas sucked by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 to the ambient environment. As shown in FIG. 1, the shell 1 further includes a textured portion 111 at the rear end of an electric motor 120 for indicating to the user that the electric motor 120 is located at this position.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a suction assembly is arranged above the handle 5 in the shell 1, and the suction assembly includes a suction turbine or blade 110, and an electric motor 120 for driving the suction turbine 110. The suction assembly can suck air so that the sucked air, liquid and even solid dirt can be sucked into the suction flow path (e.g., the receiving chamber 200) via the nozzle assembly 3, and air is separated by the separating component 500 and then discharged to the ambient environment by the suction turbine 110 via the discharge opening 13. In an embodiment of the present invention, the suction assembly further includes a suction shell 130. The suction shell 130 surrounds and supports the suction turbine 110 and the electric motor 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the suction shell 130 includes a throat portion 135, and an outer periphery of the throat portion 135 is sealingly connected to the receiving chamber 200.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a cross-sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, more clearly illustrating the nozzle assembly 3 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. The receiving chamber 200 comprises a receiving portion 210 for receiving the nozzle assembly 3. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 210 further includes a receiving pipe part 211, and the receiving pipe part 211 is to receive a socket part 311 of the nozzle 3 to receive the liquid air mixture sucked from the nozzle 3 into the receiving chamber 200, as will be described below.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from above of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from below of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] In FIG. 4, the nozzle assembly 3 is shown as having a longitudinal central axis X. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 is configured symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis X, as schematically shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, the nozzle assembly 3 includes a lower housing 31, an upper housing 35, and a scraper located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises a lower scraping member 32 and an upper scraping member 34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle assembly 3 further includes an intermediate retainer 33 which is located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31, the first scraping member 32 and the intermediate retainer 33 can be moulded as one piece, that is to say, they integrally forms as the lower housing 31. In one example, the lower housing 31 and the first scraping member 32 are configured as one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastic containing two different components, resulting in one piece including the lower housing 31 consisting of a relatively hard component and the lower scraping member 32 consisting of a relatively soft component. For example, the lower scraping member 32 is made of an elastomeric material.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 are detachably connected. For example, it may be provided that the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 can be locked to each other via threaded connection or can be locked in a releasable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 have grooves and protrusions, respectively, at the interface therebetween to realize a good seal at the interface. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper housing 35 includes a groove 354 at the interface, and the lower housing 31 includes a protrusion 314 at the interface. When the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35 are mounted together, for example, by means of fasteners such as screws 300, the protrusion 314 is inserted into the groove 354, thereby aligning the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35 with each other and achieving a good sealing at the interface, thereby preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the interface between the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35, and thus improving the sealing effect.

[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, the nozzle assembly 3 includes a socket part 311 defining an internal suction channel. The socket part 311 defines the internal suction channel 30 for conveying a liquid air mixture scraped off of a surface to be cleaned through the suction channel 30. In one embodiment, a circumferential groove 312 is defined on an outer circumferential surface of the socket part 311, and a sealing element 230 (see FIG. 3), such as an O-ring, is seated in the circumferential groove 312, and a height of the sealing element 230 in a radial direction is greater than a depth of the circumferential groove 312, so as to facilitate the sealing attachment and easy detachment of the nozzle assembly 3 to and from the suction assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, the socket part 311 is entirely formed in the lower housing 31. In one embodiment, the socket part 311 is formed in the shape of a flat pipe, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. Since the socket part 311 is integrally formed instead of being connected by two components (e.g., two half-socket parts), it can be easily manufactured in a modular manner. The socket part 311 has a stable shape, and can be easily inserted into the receiving portion 210 of the receiving chamber 200, particularly, into the receiving pipe part 211. In one embodiment of the present invention, an inner wall surface of the receiving pipe part 211 is smooth to facilitate easy insertion of the socket part 311. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the socket part 311 is inserted into the receiving portion 210, a distance between the socket part 311 and an inner wall surface of the receiving pipe part 211 is less than a height of the sealing element, so that the sealing element is pressed and deformed between the socket part 311 and the receiving pipe part 211. In one embodiment of the invention, the socket part 311 comprises a circumferential groove 312 near the free end thereof, and a sealing element 230, such as an O-ring, is seated on the circumferential groove 312. In other embodiments, the socket part 311 comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves 312 which are spaced apart, with a sealing element 230, such as an O-ring, being disposed in each respective circumferential groove 312. The provision of a plurality of circumferential grooves 312 and sealing elements 230 helps to further improve the sealing performance between the socket part 311 and the receiving portion 210.

[0040] With combined reference to FIG. 3, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises an abutment portion located on the outer circumference of the socket part 311. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the abutment portion includes a lower abutment portion 319 on the lower housing 31 and an upper abutment portion 359 on the upper housing 35. The lower and upper abutment portions 319 and 359 are formed in a saddle shape around the socket part 311 to facilitate secure insertion of the nozzle assembly 3 into the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In one embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 3, the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 has an upwardly extending bump 118. In one embodiment of the invention, the bump 118 is configured as a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly 3 from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device. In a preferred embodiment, the uppermost free end of the bump 118 is rounded.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 taken along central axis X according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 taken along central axis X according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lower housing 31 includes a downwardly extending protrusion 318. The protrusion 318 forms a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly 3 from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when the nozzle assembly 3 is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In a preferred embodiment, the lowermost free end of the protrusion 318 is rounded. Referring to FIGS. 7-8, when the nozzle assembly 3 is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device 1000, the socket part 311 of the nozzle assembly 3 is slidably inserted along the inner wall of the receiving portion 210 of the receiving chamber 200. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the upwardly extending bump 118 and the length of the downwardly extending protrusion 318 are such that, when the protrusion 318 passes the bump 118 in the insertion direction, the protrusion 318 contacts the bump 118 and the protrusion 318 and the bump 118 both deform slightly so that the protrusion 318 slides across the bump 118 until the abutment portion of the nozzle assembly 3 is in abutting contact with the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. At this time, the protrusion 318 slides across the bump 118, and the bump 118 forms as a stopper for the nozzle assembly 3, to prevent the nozzle assembly 3 from being accidentally disengaged or loosened from the hard surface cleaning device 1000. This further ensures that the nozzle assembly 3 is securely held on the hard surface cleaning device 1000 during use. In this embodiment, the bump 118 resembles a hook to retain the nozzle assembly 3 on the hard surface cleaning device 1000. Of course, other configurations are also contemplated for retaining the nozzle assembly 3 on the hard surface cleaning device 1000.

[0042] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, in order to scrape liquid from the hard surface to be cleaned, the nozzle assembly 3 has an upper scraping member 34 and a lower scraping member 32 in the region of the suction opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper scraping member 34 is a replaceable scraping member 34 and the lower scraping member 32 is a non-replaceable scraping member 32. The non-replaceable scraping member 32 includes a plurality of comb teeth 321 at its distal end to facilitate the flow of liquid therethrough. The non-replaceable scraping member 32 is formed on the lower housing 31 and, together with the lower housing 31, forms a co-injection molded part having two parts, namely, forms at the same time a hard part forming the lower housing 31 and an elastomeric part forming the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the invention, the replaceable scraping member 34 is symmetrical with respect to a central plane P substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 and has a clamping portion, as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping portion is wider than the substantially planar body of the scraping member 34. The clamping portion serves to help the scraping member 34 being clamped in place in the nozzle assembly 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping portion is formed by a protuberance 341 that is substantially circular in cross-section. The clamping portion 341 extends along the entire length of the replaceable scraping member 34 and forms the facing away end region for the replaceable scraping member. The front end region of the replaceable scraping member 34 is formed by a first scraping edge 342 and a second scraping edge 343, wherein the first scraping edge 342 and second scraping edge 343 extend along the end of the replaceable scraping member 34 facing away from the clamping portion 341.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in order to fix the replaceable scraping member 34, the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33 are provided with recesses 351 and 333, respectively, and a clamping portion 341 is configured to be locked by form-fit into the recesses 351 and 333 when assembling the nozzle assembly 3. Since the diameter of the clamping portion 341 is larger than the distance between the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33, the clamping portion 341 is clamped between the recesses 351 and 333 without being pulled out in the direction of the middle plane P.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are provided centrally on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib(s) 332 is / are configured to abut against the lower housing 31 and / or the lower scraping member 32 when the nozzle assembly 3 is assembled, thereby the flow guiding rib(s) can be used for both supporting and retaining, so as to render the nozzle assembly 3 more stable. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow guiding ribs 332 which are separate to each other are generally arranged in a fan shape, so that the flow guiding ribs 332 have a greater inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 in case that they are spaced from the longitudinal axis X with a longer distance. In FIG. 6, six flow guiding ribs 332 are shown, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or less flow guiding ribs 332 can be provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib 332 comprises a radially extending section and an axially extending section, the axially extending section being parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly. In a preferred example, the lengths of the axially extending sections of the flow guiding ribs are substantially the same, or the lengths of the axially extending sections are increased for the axially extending sections which are disposed outwards than for the axially extending sections which are disposed more centrally.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further comprises a suction inlet 335. When the nozzle 3 is assembled, the suction inlet 335 is close to the socket part 311 of the nozzle 3.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, a suction space is created between the intermediate retainer 33 and the lower housing 31 to facilitate the flowing of the liquid air mixture from the suction space into the suction channel 30.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises one or more flow guiding ribs 332, the one or more flow guiding ribs 332 being located in the suction space. The one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are configured to abut against the intermediate retainer 33 and / or the lower housing 31.

[0048] The flow guiding ribs 332 can help to support the intermediate retainer 33 and the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and also can help guiding the suction flow with very low flow losses, so that the mixture of liquid and suction air can flow with only little flow losses between the flow guiding ribs 332, pass through the suction inlet 335 and then flow into the suction channel 30.

[0049] During surface cleaning, the replaceable scraping member 34, for example, assumes a first position of use in which position the first scraping edge 342 faces the non-replaceable scraping member 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. When cleaning hard surfaces, first scraping edge 342 is guided along the hard surface to be cleaned in this first position of use. In particular, in case of a hard surface having roughness, or after a large number of uses, first scraping edge 342 may wear out. When the degree of wear reaches the maximum, the cleaning effect that can be achieved by means of first scraping edge 342 may be negatively impaired. The user can then withdraw the replaceable scraping member 34 in the transverse direction in the middle plane P, flip the scraping member 34 180 degrees and then insert the flipped scraping member 34 back between the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33 and fix the scraping member 34 in place. The replaceable scraping member 34 now assumes a second position of use, not shown, in which position the second scraping edge 343 faces the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and can be guided along the hard surface to be cleaned. Thereby, the service life of the replaceable scraping member 34 can be significantly increased, for example even almost doubled.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the replaceable scraping member is held reliably at the suction opening both in the first position of use and in the second position of use, and a very good cleaning effect can be achieved in both positions of use by means of the replaceable scraping member.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. With continued reference to FIGS. 4-9, on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the lower housing 31, a rim 331 extending towards the lower housing 31 is provided on the edge side, and the rim 331 is formed as a side surface of the suction space to assist in guiding the liquid air mixture into the suction channel 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower housing 31 includes a groove 313 on an inner side thereof. The groove 313 is complementary in shape to the rim 331, or in other words, the groove 313 and the rim 331 are in form-fit with each other, so that the rim 331 can be inserted into the groove 313 when the nozzle assembly 3 is mounted, so as to form a preferably arcuately curved side wall of a suction space for the liquid air mixture to pass through between the lower housing 31 and the intermediate retainer 33 and prevent the liquid air mixture from leaking from the rim 331. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 continuously extends from near the central axis X to the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further includes a side stopper 334 extending toward the lower housing 31 at a side thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim 331 is continuous with the side stopper 334 to prevent liquid from flowing out of the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 and the side stopper 334 can be formed as an integral rim and are integrally formed on the intermediate retainer 33.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, one of the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises a rim which is formed as a side surface of the suction space. The other of the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises a groove on its inner side into which the rim can be inserted, preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the rim.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-replaceable scraping member 32 comprises protrusions 322 on comb teeth 321 extending towards the replaceable scraping member 34 to separate the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and the replaceable scraping member 34 and create a suction space, to facilitate the flow of liquid air mixture from the suction space into the suction channel 30. This further contributes to achieving a good cleaning effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper scraping member 34 and / or the lower scraping member 32 comprise protrusions to separate the upper scraping member 34 and the lower scraping member 32.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of upper and lower scraping members 34, 32 of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention when the upper and lower scraping members engage with each other. In this alternative embodiment, the free end of the lower scraping member 32 is arranged in a wave shape or as corrugations. In use, when the upper surface of the lower scraping member 32 abuts the lower surface of the upper scraping member 34, the lower scraping member 32 engages with the upper scraping member 34, and a plurality of channels 320 are formed between the corrugations on the upper surface of the lower scraping member 32 and the lower surface of the upper scraping member 34, and the plurality of channels 320 open into the suction space, thereby facilitating the flow of the liquid air mixture from the surface to be cleaned into the suction channel 30 via the channels 320, which further facilitates a good cleaning effect.

[0055] The flow guiding ribs 332 may enable the present invention to more effectively suck the liquid air mixture and effectively suck the air bubbles. The flow guiding ribs 332 can effectively improve the sucking effect while reducing water marks or water streaks generated at the side surface during sucking. Side water marks or water streaks are typically caused by the fact that liquid is not effectively sucked away at the edges of the sides of the nozzle assembly. During suction, the edge region may have a lower suction force due to the greater distance from the suction inlet 335. By proper placement of the flow guiding ribs 332, suction can be more evenly distributed throughout the suction nozzle. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the provision of the flow guiding ribs 332 according to the present invention not only improves the suction efficiency of the nozzle assembly 3, resulting in a higher flow rate in the middle as well as in the edge area of the nozzle assembly, but also reduces the side water marks or water streaks due to the edge effect. In one embodiment, the outermost flow directing rib is closer to the suction inlet 335 than the other flow directing ribs. In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), from the flow guiding ribs which are located outwards to the flow guiding ribs which are located centrally, the flow guiding ribs have greater distances from the suction inlet.

[0056] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle assembly 3 includes a lower housing 31, an upper housing 35, and a scraper between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises a lower scraping member 32 and an upper scraping member 34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle assembly 3 further includes an intermediate retainer 33 which is located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31 and the first scraping member 32 are configured as one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastic containing two different components, resulting in one piece including the lower housing 31 consisting of a relatively hard component and the lower scraping member 32 consisting of a relatively soft component. For example, the lower scraping member 32 is made of an elastomeric material. The nozzle assembly 3 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 is substantially identical to the nozzle assembly 3 in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, except for the configuration of the intermediate retainer 33, as will be described below.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the lower housing 31, a rim 331 extending towards the lower housing 31 is provided on the edge side, and the rim 331 is formed as a side surface of the suction space to assist in guiding the liquid air mixture into the suction channel 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further includes a side stopper 334 extending toward the lower housing 31 at a side thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim 331 is continuous with the side stopper 334 to prevent liquid from flowing out of the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 and the side stopper 334 can be formed as an integral rim and are integrally formed on the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further comprises a suction inlet 335. When the nozzle 3 is assembled, the suction inlet 335 is close to the socket part 311 of the nozzle 3.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11, one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are provided centrally on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib(s) 332 is / are configured to abut against the lower housing 31 and / or the lower scraping member 32 when the nozzle assembly 3 is assembled, thereby the flow guiding rib(s) can be used for both supporting and retaining, so as to render the nozzle assembly 3 more stable. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow guiding ribs 332 which are separate to each other are generally arranged in a fan shape, so that the flow guiding ribs 332 have a greater inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 in case that they are spaced from the longitudinal axis X with a longer distance. In FIG. 11, two flow guiding ribs 332 are shown, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or less flow guiding ribs 332 can be provided.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, a V-shaped guiding rib 336 is formed centrally on the intermediate retainer 33 with respect to the longitudinal central axis X. The V-shaped guiding rib 336 is similar to a water diversion tip of a pier, for example, to divert a liquid air mixture towards two sides of the tip. By arranging the V-shaped guiding rib 336 in such a way, the liquid air mixture is effectively guided and dispersed to both sides after entering the middle of the nozzle 3, thereby avoiding the problem of suction force concentration in the middle area due to direct alignment with the suction opening or the socket part 311. The structural design including the V-shaped guiding ribs 336 significantly improves a uniform distribution of the suction forces of the nozzle 3, so that the suction forces tend to be uniform or more uniform throughout the entire cleaning width, thereby improving the cleaning performance and reducing stain residue caused by uneven suction forces. Further, the V-shaped guiding rib 336 may also have a rigid supporting function that supports the nozzle 3 together with the flow guiding rib 332, the side stoppers 334, and the rim 331 to ensure that the suction space between the intermediate retainer 33 and the lower housing 31 is not deformed or clogged. The angle between the two legs of the V-shaped guiding rib 336 may be between 15-70 degrees, or preferably between 15-50 degrees, or more preferably between 20-30 degrees. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the angle may be adjusted according to the distribution of suction forces without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Although the description herein is based on various embodiments, it is by no means the case that each embodiment includes only one independent technical solution. This manner of presentation is adopted herein purely for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification in its entirety; the technical solutions in the various embodiments may also be suitably combined to form other embodiments understandable to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims, rather than by the above description. Thus, it is intended that all modifications falling within the meaning and scope of equivalent elements of the claims shall be included in the present invention.

[0061] To those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in other specific forms without deviating from the spirit or basic features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered as exemplary and not restrictive.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings; obviously, the described embodiments are some rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027]It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "arranged at" another element, it may be directly or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0028]It should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. ...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

[0002] A hard surface cleaning device is a device configured to clean hard surfaces such as glass surfaces. The hard surface cleaning device can perform cleaning and automatically absorb waste water and dirt produced during the cleaning at the same time, ensuring that the hard surface is clean and traceless.

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

[0004] The scraper of the nozzle assembly is usually made of rubber or a similar material, for wiping off dirt, dust and water from the glass surface. Over time, the surface of the scraper may gradually wear down due to frequent use for a long time, so that the scraper cannot clean the glass effectively, which may lead to failure of the scraper. In addition, the scraper can age after contacting air and sunlight for a long time, and the elasticity and the toughness are lost, so that the cleaning effect is influenced. In addition, if the scraper contacts hard objects (such as sand and particle dust) on the glass during the cleaning process, scratches may occur on the surface of the scraper, which may affect the cleaning effect. If the surface of the scraper is heavily soiled, the cleaning ability of the scraper may be affected and the scraper may even carry the soil back onto the glass during cleaning. Therefore, in order to ensure the cleaning effect and prolong the service life of the hard surface cleaning device, it is necessary to regularly inspect and replace the nozzle assembly and its scraper, which helps to maintain the cleaning effect of the hard surface cleaning device, restore the optimum cleaning performance of the hard surface cleaning device, also help to protect the glass from scratches or abrasion during the cleaning process, and also help to prolong the overall service life of the hard surface cleaning device.

[0005] In some application situations, different types of nozzle assemblies or scrapers may be required to obtain better cleaning performance for different scenarios. It may be expensive or impractical to employ a plurality of different hard surface cleaning devices having different types of nozzle assemblies. Therefore, it is contemplated that the nozzle assemblies may be of modular design, allowing the nozzle assemblies to be attached and detached independently of the rest of the hard surface cleaning device. This design allows the nozzle assemblies to be self-contained modules which can be replaced or cleaned as desired by the user, and thus the costs are further reduced.

[0006] Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for an improved hard surface cleaning device and nozzle assembly thereof which facilitates a good cleaning effect, wherein the nozzle assembly of the hard surface cleaning device can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object of the present application to provide a hard surface cleaning device and a nozzle assembly thereof, wherein the nozzle assembly can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, in one aspect of the present application, there is provided a nozzle assembly for a hard surface cleaning device for scraping and sucking liquid from a hard surface, and the hard surface cleaning device includes a suction flow path for connecting to the nozzle assembly, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises: a lower housing comprising a socket part defining an internal suction channel, and the socket part is detachably connectable to the hard surface cleaning device to be in fluid communication with the suction flow path; an upper housing detachably connected to the lower housing; an upper scraping member for performing a scraping operation; and an intermediate retainer between the lower housing and the upper housing, and the intermediate retainer forms a suction space with the lower housing which is in fluid communication with the internal suction passage, and the upper scraping member is located between the intermediate retainer and the upper housing.

[0009] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, said nozzle assembly has a longitudinal central axis, and said nozzle assembly is symmetrically configured with respect to said longitudinal central axis.

[0010] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the nozzle assembly further comprises a lower scraping member which is connected to the lower housing or integrally formed with the lower housing.

[0011] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the upper scraping member is in the shape of a substantially planar body and comprises a widened clamping portion extending along the length thereof, and the upper housing and the intermediate retainer are provided with a recess, respectively, for form-fitting the clamping portion into the recesses.

[0012] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the socket part defines a circumferential groove on its peripheral surface in which a sealing element is seated, and the sealing element has a height in the radial direction greater than the depth of the circumferential groove.

[0013] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the circumferential groove comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves spaced from each other in the axial direction, and a corresponding number of sealing elements are seated in the respective circumferential grooves.

[0014] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the lower housing includes a downwardly extending protrusion, and the protrusion forms a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

[0015] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises flow guiding ribs, and the flow guiding ribs are located in the suction space, and the flow guiding ribs are configured to abut against the intermediate retainer and / or the lower housing.

[0016] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the flow guiding ribs comprise a V-shaped guiding rib which is centrally formed on the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer, and the V-shaped guiding rib is used for diverting fluid to both sides.

[0017] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the flow guiding ribs are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly, and the flow guiding ribs are arranged in a general fan shape.

[0018] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, each flow guiding rib comprises a radially extending section and an axially extending section, and the axially extending section is parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly; preferably, the lengths of the axially extending sections of the flow guiding ribs are substantially the same, or the lengths of the axially extending sections are increased for the axially extending sections which are disposed outwards than for the axially extending sections which are disposed more centrally.

[0019] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, one of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises a rim which form a side surface of the suction space.

[0020] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the other of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer includes a groove on an inner side thereof, and the rim can be inserted into the groove, preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the rim.

[0021] In an embodiment of an aspect of the invention, the free end of the lower scraping member is arranged in a wave shape or as corrugations; preferably, the upper scraping member and / or the lower scraping member comprise a protrusion to separate the upper scraping member and the lower scraping member.

[0022] In another aspect of the present application, there is provided a hard surface cleaning device comprising: a nozzle assembly according to the one aspect of the invention; a suction assembly for creating a suction flow, and the suction assembly comprises a suction blade and an electric motor for driving the suction blade; a suction flow path between the nozzle assembly and the suction assembly; and a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid; wherein the nozzle assembly is in fluid communication with the suction assembly via the suction flow path.

[0023] In an embodiment of the another aspect of the invention, the shell of the hard surface cleaning device has an upwardly extending bump, and the bump is configured as a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

[0024] In the embodiments of the application, the hard surface cleaning device and the nozzle assembly thereof according to the application are so provided that, the nozzle assembly can be easily removed and replaced, particularly replaced in a tool-less manner, and a good cleaning effect and a prolonged overall service life for the hard surface cleaning device are ensured.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the drawings are designed for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a cross-sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention, more clearly illustrating a nozzle assembly of the hard surface cleaning device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from above of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device taken along a central axis according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device taken along a central axis according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a schematic front plan view of upper and lower scraping members of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention when the upper and lower scraping members engage with each other. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings; obviously, the described embodiments are some rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "arranged at" another element, it may be directly or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0028] It should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0029] The various specific technical features and embodiments described in this section may be combined in any suitable manner unless there is a contradiction. For example, different implementations may be formed by combining different specific technical features and / or embodiments and / or implementations. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the various possible combinations of the specific technical features and / or embodiments and / or implementations in the present application will not be described separately.

[0030] Various embodiments of a hard surface cleaning device according to the present invention are schematically showed in the drawings, wherein the hard surface cleaning device is generally indicated by reference number 1000. In the shown embodiments, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 is designed as a manually guided hard surface cleaning device with which liquid can be sucked up from a hard surface, for example, from window glass or from a table surface, or, for example, from a tiled wall or from a wall or glass of a shower room.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes a suction assembly for creating a suction flow, a nozzle assembly 3 in fluid communication with the suction assembly for sucking a liquid air mixture, a suction flow path between the nozzle assembly 3 and the suction assembly, a separating component 500 configured to separate liquid from the sucked liquid air mixture, and a liquid storage tank 2 for containing the separated liquid. In the embodiments of the present invention, the suction flow path includes a receiving chamber 200 between the nozzle assembly 3 and the separating component 500. The receiving chamber 200 is independent of a shell 1 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. The liquid storage tank 2 for containing the liquid separated from the separating component 500 is detachably held in the shell 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid storage tank 2 is made of a transparent material so that a user can observe how much liquid is stored in the liquid storage tank 2.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the hard surface cleaning device 1000 includes the shell 1. The nozzle assembly 3 and the liquid storage tank 2 are detachably held on the shell 1. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 includes a left half-shell 11 and a right half-shell 12. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 is configured with a handle 5. A user can grip the handle 5 with one hand during operation, to guide the hard surface cleaning device 1000 along a surface to be cleaned. In an embodiment of the present invention, a switch 6 is provided at an upper portion of the handle 5, and the user can start the hard surface cleaning device 1000 by, for example, pressing the switch 6 with a thumb. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 may preferably receive at least one rechargeable battery 4, in particular lithium-ion battery. The suction assembly can be supplied with power by the battery 4. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 may further include a charging port (not shown) for charging the hard surface cleaning device 1000, so as to charge the rechargeable battery of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 as required. In an embodiment of the present invention, the shell 1 further includes a discharge opening 13 to facilitate the discharge of air or gas sucked by the hard surface cleaning device 1000 to the ambient environment. As shown in FIG. 1, the shell 1 further includes a textured portion 111 at the rear end of an electric motor 120 for indicating to the user that the electric motor 120 is located at this position.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a suction assembly is arranged above the handle 5 in the shell 1, and the suction assembly includes a suction turbine or blade 110, and an electric motor 120 for driving the suction turbine 110. The suction assembly can suck air so that the sucked air, liquid and even solid dirt can be sucked into the suction flow path (e.g., the receiving chamber 200) via the nozzle assembly 3, and air is separated by the separating component 500 and then discharged to the ambient environment by the suction turbine 110 via the discharge opening 13. In an embodiment of the present invention, the suction assembly further includes a suction shell 130. The suction shell 130 surrounds and supports the suction turbine 110 and the electric motor 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the suction shell 130 includes a throat portion 135, and an outer periphery of the throat portion 135 is sealingly connected to the receiving chamber 200.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a cross-sectional view of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, more clearly illustrating the nozzle assembly 3 of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. The receiving chamber 200 comprises a receiving portion 210 for receiving the nozzle assembly 3. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 210 further includes a receiving pipe part 211, and the receiving pipe part 211 is to receive a socket part 311 of the nozzle 3 to receive the liquid air mixture sucked from the nozzle 3 into the receiving chamber 200, as will be described below.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view from above of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view from below of the nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0036] In FIG. 4, the nozzle assembly 3 is shown as having a longitudinal central axis X. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 is configured symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis X, as schematically shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, the nozzle assembly 3 includes a lower housing 31, an upper housing 35, and a scraper located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises a lower scraping member 32 and an upper scraping member 34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle assembly 3 further includes an intermediate retainer 33 which is located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31, the first scraping member 32 and the intermediate retainer 33 can be moulded as one piece, that is to say, they integrally forms as the lower housing 31. In one example, the lower housing 31 and the first scraping member 32 are configured as one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastic containing two different components, resulting in one piece including the lower housing 31 consisting of a relatively hard component and the lower scraping member 32 consisting of a relatively soft component. For example, the lower scraping member 32 is made of an elastomeric material.

[0038] In the embodiment of the present invention, the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 are detachably connected. For example, it may be provided that the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 can be locked to each other via threaded connection or can be locked in a releasable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35 have grooves and protrusions, respectively, at the interface therebetween to realize a good seal at the interface. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper housing 35 includes a groove 354 at the interface, and the lower housing 31 includes a protrusion 314 at the interface. When the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35 are mounted together, for example, by means of fasteners such as screws 300, the protrusion 314 is inserted into the groove 354, thereby aligning the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35 with each other and achieving a good sealing at the interface, thereby preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the interface between the lower housing 31 and upper housing 35, and thus improving the sealing effect.

[0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, the nozzle assembly 3 includes a socket part 311 defining an internal suction channel. The socket part 311 defines the internal suction channel 30 for conveying a liquid air mixture scraped off of a surface to be cleaned through the suction channel 30. In one embodiment, a circumferential groove 312 is defined on an outer circumferential surface of the socket part 311, and a sealing element 230 (see FIG. 3), such as an O-ring, is seated in the circumferential groove 312, and a height of the sealing element 230 in a radial direction is greater than a depth of the circumferential groove 312, so as to facilitate the sealing attachment and easy detachment of the nozzle assembly 3 to and from the suction assembly. In one embodiment of the present invention, the socket part 311 is entirely formed in the lower housing 31. In one embodiment, the socket part 311 is formed in the shape of a flat pipe, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. Since the socket part 311 is integrally formed instead of being connected by two components (e.g., two half-socket parts), it can be easily manufactured in a modular manner. The socket part 311 has a stable shape, and can be easily inserted into the receiving portion 210 of the receiving chamber 200, particularly, into the receiving pipe part 211. In one embodiment of the present invention, an inner wall surface of the receiving pipe part 211 is smooth to facilitate easy insertion of the socket part 311. In one embodiment of the present invention, when the socket part 311 is inserted into the receiving portion 210, a distance between the socket part 311 and an inner wall surface of the receiving pipe part 211 is less than a height of the sealing element, so that the sealing element is pressed and deformed between the socket part 311 and the receiving pipe part 211. In one embodiment of the invention, the socket part 311 comprises a circumferential groove 312 near the free end thereof, and a sealing element 230, such as an O-ring, is seated on the circumferential groove 312. In other embodiments, the socket part 311 comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves 312 which are spaced apart, with a sealing element 230, such as an O-ring, being disposed in each respective circumferential groove 312. The provision of a plurality of circumferential grooves 312 and sealing elements 230 helps to further improve the sealing performance between the socket part 311 and the receiving portion 210.

[0040] With combined reference to FIG. 3, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises an abutment portion located on the outer circumference of the socket part 311. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the abutment portion includes a lower abutment portion 319 on the lower housing 31 and an upper abutment portion 359 on the upper housing 35. The lower and upper abutment portions 319 and 359 are formed in a saddle shape around the socket part 311 to facilitate secure insertion of the nozzle assembly 3 into the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In one embodiment of the invention, referring to FIG. 3, the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000 has an upwardly extending bump 118. In one embodiment of the invention, the bump 118 is configured as a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly 3 from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device. In a preferred embodiment, the uppermost free end of the bump 118 is rounded.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a perspective sectional view of nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 taken along central axis X according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 taken along central axis X according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lower housing 31 includes a downwardly extending protrusion 318. The protrusion 318 forms a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly 3 from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device 1000 when the nozzle assembly 3 is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device 1000. In a preferred embodiment, the lowermost free end of the protrusion 318 is rounded. Referring to FIGS. 7-8, when the nozzle assembly 3 is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device 1000, the socket part 311 of the nozzle assembly 3 is slidably inserted along the inner wall of the receiving portion 210 of the receiving chamber 200. In a preferred embodiment, the length of the upwardly extending bump 118 and the length of the downwardly extending protrusion 318 are such that, when the protrusion 318 passes the bump 118 in the insertion direction, the protrusion 318 contacts the bump 118 and the protrusion 318 and the bump 118 both deform slightly so that the protrusion 318 slides across the bump 118 until the abutment portion of the nozzle assembly 3 is in abutting contact with the shell of the hard surface cleaning device 1000. At this time, the protrusion 318 slides across the bump 118, and the bump 118 forms as a stopper for the nozzle assembly 3, to prevent the nozzle assembly 3 from being accidentally disengaged or loosened from the hard surface cleaning device 1000. This further ensures that the nozzle assembly 3 is securely held on the hard surface cleaning device 1000 during use. In this embodiment, the bump 118 resembles a hook to retain the nozzle assembly 3 on the hard surface cleaning device 1000. Of course, other configurations are also contemplated for retaining the nozzle assembly 3 on the hard surface cleaning device 1000.

[0042] With continued reference to FIGS. 4-6, in order to scrape liquid from the hard surface to be cleaned, the nozzle assembly 3 has an upper scraping member 34 and a lower scraping member 32 in the region of the suction opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper scraping member 34 is a replaceable scraping member 34 and the lower scraping member 32 is a non-replaceable scraping member 32. The non-replaceable scraping member 32 includes a plurality of comb teeth 321 at its distal end to facilitate the flow of liquid therethrough. The non-replaceable scraping member 32 is formed on the lower housing 31 and, together with the lower housing 31, forms a co-injection molded part having two parts, namely, forms at the same time a hard part forming the lower housing 31 and an elastomeric part forming the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the invention, the replaceable scraping member 34 is symmetrical with respect to a central plane P substantially parallel to the longitudinal central axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 and has a clamping portion, as shown in FIG. 8. In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping portion is wider than the substantially planar body of the scraping member 34. The clamping portion serves to help the scraping member 34 being clamped in place in the nozzle assembly 3. In one embodiment of the invention, the clamping portion is formed by a protuberance 341 that is substantially circular in cross-section. The clamping portion 341 extends along the entire length of the replaceable scraping member 34 and forms the facing away end region for the replaceable scraping member. The front end region of the replaceable scraping member 34 is formed by a first scraping edge 342 and a second scraping edge 343, wherein the first scraping edge 342 and second scraping edge 343 extend along the end of the replaceable scraping member 34 facing away from the clamping portion 341.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4-6, in order to fix the replaceable scraping member 34, the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33 are provided with recesses 351 and 333, respectively, and a clamping portion 341 is configured to be locked by form-fit into the recesses 351 and 333 when assembling the nozzle assembly 3. Since the diameter of the clamping portion 341 is larger than the distance between the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33, the clamping portion 341 is clamped between the recesses 351 and 333 without being pulled out in the direction of the middle plane P.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are provided centrally on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib(s) 332 is / are configured to abut against the lower housing 31 and / or the lower scraping member 32 when the nozzle assembly 3 is assembled, thereby the flow guiding rib(s) can be used for both supporting and retaining, so as to render the nozzle assembly 3 more stable. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow guiding ribs 332 which are separate to each other are generally arranged in a fan shape, so that the flow guiding ribs 332 have a greater inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 in case that they are spaced from the longitudinal axis X with a longer distance. In FIG. 6, six flow guiding ribs 332 are shown, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or less flow guiding ribs 332 can be provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib 332 comprises a radially extending section and an axially extending section, the axially extending section being parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly. In a preferred example, the lengths of the axially extending sections of the flow guiding ribs are substantially the same, or the lengths of the axially extending sections are increased for the axially extending sections which are disposed outwards than for the axially extending sections which are disposed more centrally.

[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further comprises a suction inlet 335. When the nozzle 3 is assembled, the suction inlet 335 is close to the socket part 311 of the nozzle 3.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, a suction space is created between the intermediate retainer 33 and the lower housing 31 to facilitate the flowing of the liquid air mixture from the suction space into the suction channel 30.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises one or more flow guiding ribs 332, the one or more flow guiding ribs 332 being located in the suction space. The one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are configured to abut against the intermediate retainer 33 and / or the lower housing 31.

[0048] The flow guiding ribs 332 can help to support the intermediate retainer 33 and the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and also can help guiding the suction flow with very low flow losses, so that the mixture of liquid and suction air can flow with only little flow losses between the flow guiding ribs 332, pass through the suction inlet 335 and then flow into the suction channel 30.

[0049] During surface cleaning, the replaceable scraping member 34, for example, assumes a first position of use in which position the first scraping edge 342 faces the non-replaceable scraping member 32, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. When cleaning hard surfaces, first scraping edge 342 is guided along the hard surface to be cleaned in this first position of use. In particular, in case of a hard surface having roughness, or after a large number of uses, first scraping edge 342 may wear out. When the degree of wear reaches the maximum, the cleaning effect that can be achieved by means of first scraping edge 342 may be negatively impaired. The user can then withdraw the replaceable scraping member 34 in the transverse direction in the middle plane P, flip the scraping member 34 180 degrees and then insert the flipped scraping member 34 back between the upper housing 35 and the intermediate retainer 33 and fix the scraping member 34 in place. The replaceable scraping member 34 now assumes a second position of use, not shown, in which position the second scraping edge 343 faces the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and can be guided along the hard surface to be cleaned. Thereby, the service life of the replaceable scraping member 34 can be significantly increased, for example even almost doubled.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the replaceable scraping member is held reliably at the suction opening both in the first position of use and in the second position of use, and a very good cleaning effect can be achieved in both positions of use by means of the replaceable scraping member.

[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 3 of hard surface cleaning device 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. With continued reference to FIGS. 4-9, on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the lower housing 31, a rim 331 extending towards the lower housing 31 is provided on the edge side, and the rim 331 is formed as a side surface of the suction space to assist in guiding the liquid air mixture into the suction channel 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9, the lower housing 31 includes a groove 313 on an inner side thereof. The groove 313 is complementary in shape to the rim 331, or in other words, the groove 313 and the rim 331 are in form-fit with each other, so that the rim 331 can be inserted into the groove 313 when the nozzle assembly 3 is mounted, so as to form a preferably arcuately curved side wall of a suction space for the liquid air mixture to pass through between the lower housing 31 and the intermediate retainer 33 and prevent the liquid air mixture from leaking from the rim 331. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 continuously extends from near the central axis X to the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further includes a side stopper 334 extending toward the lower housing 31 at a side thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim 331 is continuous with the side stopper 334 to prevent liquid from flowing out of the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 and the side stopper 334 can be formed as an integral rim and are integrally formed on the intermediate retainer 33.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, one of the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises a rim which is formed as a side surface of the suction space. The other of the lower housing 31 and / or the intermediate retainer 33 comprises a groove on its inner side into which the rim can be inserted, preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the rim.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-replaceable scraping member 32 comprises protrusions 322 on comb teeth 321 extending towards the replaceable scraping member 34 to separate the non-replaceable scraping member 32 and the replaceable scraping member 34 and create a suction space, to facilitate the flow of liquid air mixture from the suction space into the suction channel 30. This further contributes to achieving a good cleaning effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the upper scraping member 34 and / or the lower scraping member 32 comprise protrusions to separate the upper scraping member 34 and the lower scraping member 32.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of upper and lower scraping members 34, 32 of a nozzle assembly of a hard surface cleaning device according to one embodiment of the present invention when the upper and lower scraping members engage with each other. In this alternative embodiment, the free end of the lower scraping member 32 is arranged in a wave shape or as corrugations. In use, when the upper surface of the lower scraping member 32 abuts the lower surface of the upper scraping member 34, the lower scraping member 32 engages with the upper scraping member 34, and a plurality of channels 320 are formed between the corrugations on the upper surface of the lower scraping member 32 and the lower surface of the upper scraping member 34, and the plurality of channels 320 open into the suction space, thereby facilitating the flow of the liquid air mixture from the surface to be cleaned into the suction channel 30 via the channels 320, which further facilitates a good cleaning effect.

[0055] The flow guiding ribs 332 may enable the present invention to more effectively suck the liquid air mixture and effectively suck the air bubbles. The flow guiding ribs 332 can effectively improve the sucking effect while reducing water marks or water streaks generated at the side surface during sucking. Side water marks or water streaks are typically caused by the fact that liquid is not effectively sucked away at the edges of the sides of the nozzle assembly. During suction, the edge region may have a lower suction force due to the greater distance from the suction inlet 335. By proper placement of the flow guiding ribs 332, suction can be more evenly distributed throughout the suction nozzle. It has been experimentally demonstrated that the provision of the flow guiding ribs 332 according to the present invention not only improves the suction efficiency of the nozzle assembly 3, resulting in a higher flow rate in the middle as well as in the edge area of the nozzle assembly, but also reduces the side water marks or water streaks due to the edge effect. In one embodiment, the outermost flow directing rib is closer to the suction inlet 335 than the other flow directing ribs. In another embodiment (not shown in the figures), from the flow guiding ribs which are located outwards to the flow guiding ribs which are located centrally, the flow guiding ribs have greater distances from the suction inlet.

[0056] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view from below of a nozzle assembly 3 of a hard surface cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention. The nozzle assembly 3 includes a lower housing 31, an upper housing 35, and a scraper between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle assembly 3 comprises a lower scraping member 32 and an upper scraping member 34. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle assembly 3 further includes an intermediate retainer 33 which is located between the lower housing 31 and the upper housing 35. In one embodiment of the invention, the lower housing 31 and the first scraping member 32 are configured as one piece, for example by injection moulding a plastic containing two different components, resulting in one piece including the lower housing 31 consisting of a relatively hard component and the lower scraping member 32 consisting of a relatively soft component. For example, the lower scraping member 32 is made of an elastomeric material. The nozzle assembly 3 in the embodiment of FIG. 11 is substantially identical to the nozzle assembly 3 in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-6, except for the configuration of the intermediate retainer 33, as will be described below.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the lower housing 31, a rim 331 extending towards the lower housing 31 is provided on the edge side, and the rim 331 is formed as a side surface of the suction space to assist in guiding the liquid air mixture into the suction channel 30. In one embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further includes a side stopper 334 extending toward the lower housing 31 at a side thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the rim 331 is continuous with the side stopper 334 to prevent liquid from flowing out of the side of the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the present invention, the rim 331 and the side stopper 334 can be formed as an integral rim and are integrally formed on the intermediate retainer 33. In one embodiment of the invention, the intermediate retainer 33 further comprises a suction inlet 335. When the nozzle 3 is assembled, the suction inlet 335 is close to the socket part 311 of the nozzle 3.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 11, one or more flow guiding ribs 332 are provided centrally on the surface of the intermediate retainer 33 facing the non-replaceable scraping member 32. In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow guiding rib(s) 332 is / are configured to abut against the lower housing 31 and / or the lower scraping member 32 when the nozzle assembly 3 is assembled, thereby the flow guiding rib(s) can be used for both supporting and retaining, so as to render the nozzle assembly 3 more stable. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow guiding ribs 332 which are separate to each other are generally arranged in a fan shape, so that the flow guiding ribs 332 have a greater inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the nozzle assembly 3 in case that they are spaced from the longitudinal axis X with a longer distance. In FIG. 11, two flow guiding ribs 332 are shown, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or less flow guiding ribs 332 can be provided.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, a V-shaped guiding rib 336 is formed centrally on the intermediate retainer 33 with respect to the longitudinal central axis X. The V-shaped guiding rib 336 is similar to a water diversion tip of a pier, for example, to divert a liquid air mixture towards two sides of the tip. By arranging the V-shaped guiding rib 336 in such a way, the liquid air mixture is effectively guided and dispersed to both sides after entering the middle of the nozzle 3, thereby avoiding the problem of suction force concentration in the middle area due to direct alignment with the suction opening or the socket part 311. The structural design including the V-shaped guiding ribs 336 significantly improves a uniform distribution of the suction forces of the nozzle 3, so that the suction forces tend to be uniform or more uniform throughout the entire cleaning width, thereby improving the cleaning performance and reducing stain residue caused by uneven suction forces. Further, the V-shaped guiding rib 336 may also have a rigid supporting function that supports the nozzle 3 together with the flow guiding rib 332, the side stoppers 334, and the rim 331 to ensure that the suction space between the intermediate retainer 33 and the lower housing 31 is not deformed or clogged. The angle between the two legs of the V-shaped guiding rib 336 may be between 15-70 degrees, or preferably between 15-50 degrees, or more preferably between 20-30 degrees. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the angle may be adjusted according to the distribution of suction forces without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] Although the description herein is based on various embodiments, it is by no means the case that each embodiment includes only one independent technical solution. This manner of presentation is adopted herein purely for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification in its entirety; the technical solutions in the various embodiments may also be suitably combined to form other embodiments understandable to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is defined by the attached claims, rather than by the above description. Thus, it is intended that all modifications falling within the meaning and scope of equivalent elements of the claims shall be included in the present invention.

[0061] To those skilled in the art, the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in other specific forms without deviating from the spirit or basic features of the present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be considered as exemplary and not restrictive.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0026]The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings; obviously, the described embodiments are some rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments in the present invention without creative effort shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027]It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "arranged at" another element, it may be directly or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it may be directly or indirectly connected to the other element.

[0028]It should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. ...

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly for a hard surface cleaning device for scraping and sucking liquid from a hard surface, the hard surface cleaning device including a suction flow path for connecting to the nozzle assembly, the nozzle assembly comprising: a lower housing comprising a socket part defining an internal suction channel, and the socket part is detachably connectable to the hard surface cleaning device to be in fluid communication with the suction flow path; an upper housing detachably connected to the lower housing; an upper scraping member for performing a scraping operation; and an intermediate retainer between the lower housing and the upper housing, and the intermediate retainer forms a suction space with the lower housing which is in fluid communication with the internal suction passage, and the upper scraping member is located between the intermediate retainer and the upper housing.

2. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein said nozzle assembly has a longitudinal central axis, and said nozzle assembly is symmetrically configured with respect to said longitudinal central axis.

3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a lower scraping member which is connected to the lower housing or integrally formed with the lower housing.

4. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper scraping member is in the shape of a substantially planar body and comprises a widened clamping portion extending along the length thereof, and the upper housing and the intermediate retainer are provided with a recess, respectively, for form-fitting the clamping portion into the recesses.

5. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the socket part defines a circumferential groove on its peripheral surface in which a sealing element is seated, and the sealing element has a height in the radial direction greater than the depth of the circumferential groove.

6. The nozzle assembly according to claim 5, wherein the circumferential groove comprises a plurality of circumferential grooves spaced from each other in the axial direction, and a corresponding number of sealing elements are seated in the respective circumferential grooves, and / or wherein the lower housing includes a downwardly extending protrusion, and the protrusion forms a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

7. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises flow guiding ribs, and the flow guiding ribs are located in the suction space, and the flow guiding ribs are configured to abut against the intermediate retainer and / or the lower housing.

8. The nozzle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the flow guiding ribs comprise a V-shaped guiding rib which is centrally formed on the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer, and the V-shaped guiding rib is used for diverting fluid to both sides, and preferably the angle of the V-shaped guiding ribs is between 15-70 degrees.

9. The nozzle assembly according to either claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the flow guiding ribs are symmetrically arranged about a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly, and the flow guiding ribs are arranged in a general fan shape.

10. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein each flow guiding rib comprises a radially extending section and an axially extending section, and the axially extending section is parallel to a longitudinal central axis of the nozzle assembly; preferably, the lengths of the axially extending sections of the flow guiding ribs are substantially the same, or the lengths of the axially extending sections are increased for the axially extending sections which are disposed outwards than for the axially extending sections which are disposed more centrally.

11. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein an outermost flow guiding rib is closest to the suction inlet.

12. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein one of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer comprises a rim which form a side surface of the suction space, wherein preferably the other of the lower housing and / or the intermediate retainer includes a groove on an inner side thereof, and the rim can be inserted into the groove, preventing the liquid air mixture from leaking out of the rim.

13. The nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the free end of the lower scraping member is arranged in a wave shape or as corrugations; preferably, the upper scraping member and / or the lower scraping member comprise a protrusion to separate the upper scraping member and the lower scraping member.

14. A hard surface cleaning device comprising: a nozzle assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13; a suction assembly for creating a suction flow, and the suction assembly comprises a suction blade and an electric motor for driving the suction blade; a suction flow path between the nozzle assembly and the suction assembly; and a liquid storage tank for containing the separated liquid; wherein the nozzle assembly is in fluid communication with the suction assembly via the suction flow path.

15. The hard surface cleaning device according to claim 14, wherein the shell of the hard surface cleaning device has an upwardly extending bump, and the bump is configured as a stopper that prevents the nozzle assembly from disengaging from the hard surface cleaning device when the nozzle assembly is inserted onto the hard surface cleaning device.

Images