RU2834221C1 - Wet cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to devices for wet cleaning, in particular to vacuum cleaners for wet cleaning. Device (10) for wet cleaning comprises dirt inlet (11), motor (14) and fan (16) for suction in dirt inlet. Separator unit (18) separates water from air flow created by suction. Device additionally contains container (19) for collection of separated water. Container has top part (19A) and bottom part (19B). In the container there is air channel (22) for passage of air separated from water in the direction of the motor and fan. Air channel is spatially separated from the lower part of the container. Inner wall (19E) extends from the bottom towards the top of the container. Space (25) is formed between the container and the inner wall, and water collected in the lower part of the container can enter said space, when the container is oriented so that the collected water moves from the lower part to the upper part of the container. Inner wall is configured to prevent ingress of water entering the space into the air channel.

EFFECT: protection of engine against damage at ingress of water into air channel when device for wet cleaning is inclined for cleaning under furniture.

15 cl, 24 dwg

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

The present invention relates to wet cleaning devices, and in particular to wet cleaning vacuum cleaners.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Traditionally, cleaning hard floors involved initially vacuuming the floor and then washing it. Vacuuming removes fine dust and coarse dirt, while washing removes any very fine dust and stains.

There are now many commercially available household appliances on the market that offer vacuuming and mopping in one go, and this is what is called a "wet vacuum cleaner". Many of these appliances have a vacuum attachment to capture large dirt via an air stream and a (wet) cloth or brush to remove stains. These wet cloths or brushes may be pre-moistened or may be moistened by the user, but in some cases they may also be moistened by the appliance itself (via liquid, but also via steam).

In this case, the wet vacuum cleaner must be able to pick up wet dirt from the floor and transport it to a dirt container. This is achieved by using the flow created by the motor and fan assembly. Wet dirt and liquid in the form of droplets must be separated from the air flow. Wet dirt and liquid fall into the dirt container, while the rest of the air flow passes through the fan and any subsequent filtration devices and exits the device.

It is known that labyrinth, filter or cyclone type separators are used to separate liquid and wet dirt from the air flow.

Improving the separation efficiency of such separators remains a challenge, especially when the container of the wet vacuum cleaner is tilted during cleaning, for example to enable cleaning under furniture. Such tilting can result in the liquid collected in the container being re-entrained in the separated air stream, causing the liquid to flow further downstream towards the motor. This can damage the motor and thus compromise the reliability of the wet vacuum cleaner.

US6243912B1 discloses a container (40) for collecting particles collected by a suction vacuum cleaner, comprising a generally cylindrical body (45), into which an inlet pipe (46) extends upwards from its base (43). In order to adapt the container for collecting both liquids and solid particles captured by the air flow passing through the inlet pipe (46), two replaceable separator units (60, 70) are provided. The separator unit (60), intended for use in a wet mode, comprises a pipe (61), which forms an extension part of the suction pipe (46), with a deflector wall (64) above its open opening, and an inclined annular deflector plate (66) may additionally be provided near the junction between the two pipes (46, 61). The separator unit (70), intended for use in dry mode, comprises a mounting ring (72) carrying a tubular filter element (71), the lower end of which is closed by a reflective plate (73), which is located near the open end of the inlet pipe (46) at a distance relative to it.

DISCLOSURE OF THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.

A device for wet cleaning is proposed, comprising: an inlet for dirt; a motor and a fan for providing suction in the inlet for dirt; a separator unit for separating water from the air flow created by the suction; a container for collecting the separated water, wherein the container has an upper and a lower part; an air duct for passing air separated from the water in the direction of the motor and the fan, wherein the air duct is spatially separated from the lower part of the container; and an inner wall extending from the upper part to the lower part of the container, wherein a space is formed between the container and the inner wall, the water collected in the lower part of the container enters this space when the container is oriented so that the collected water moves from the lower part to the upper part of the container, wherein the inner wall is designed with the possibility of preventing water, which has entered the space, from entering the air duct.

The space between the container and the inner wall may provide a reservoir for the collected water when the container is oriented in such a way that the collected water moves from the bottom to the top of the container, for example when the container is tilted so that the wet cleaning device can be used to clean under furniture. The inner wall, however, prevents water that has entered the space from entering the air duct. This helps protect the motor from damage when water enters the air duct, in particular when the wet cleaning device is tilted to clean under furniture.

The wet cleaning device may comprise a cleaning attachment for cleaning a surface to be cleaned; wherein the dirt inlet is included in the cleaning attachment.

The wet cleaning device may also comprise a hinged assembly between the cleaning nozzle and the container; the hinged assembly is designed to angularly adjust the container relative to the surface to be cleaned, so that the water collected in the lower part of the container moves into the specified space, and subsequent angular adjustment of the container away from the surface to be cleaned would result in the movement of water in the direction of the lower part of the container.

The swivel joint allows the vacuum cleaner to be tilted for wet cleaning, for example to make cleaning under furniture easier.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a side portion between the upper and lower portions of the container; a handle for gripping the device by the user, wherein the handle, the cleaning nozzle and the container are arranged in such a way that when the user presses the handle, this causes at least the cleaning nozzle and the container to move forward, and when the user pulls the handle, this causes said at least the cleaning nozzle and the container to move backwards in the direction of the user, wherein water collected in the container is splashed onto the side portion of the container during said pressing action, and wherein the hinge assembly is configured to ensure tilting of the container in the direction of the handle held by the user, while the dirt inlet continues to provide suction on the surface to be cleaned; and a water directing element tightly adjacent to the side portion, wherein the water directing element projects in the opposite direction from said side portion to thereby prevent continued movement of said water splashed onto the side portion in the direction of the air channel.

When the container is moved forward with the cleaning nozzle, a wave may be created that moves towards the side of the container when the movement is complete. Such waves may generate water droplets that enter the air near the path of the separated air flow between the separator unit and the air duct. This may compromise the reliable operation of the wet cleaning device, since the water droplets thus formed may enter the air duct and further downstream towards the motor.

By means of a water guide member that is tightly attached to the side portion and projects into the container in the opposite direction from the side portion, the water guide member prevents the water splashing onto the side portion from continuing to move along the side portion in the direction of the air channel. The water guide member can help dissipate the energy of such waves and thus prevent the formed water droplets from coming into contact with the flow of separated air.

The longest lateral projection of the water guide element from the side portion, measured perpendicular to the side portion, may be at least 5 mm. It has been found that such a minimum lateral projection is sufficient to effectively prevent water from splashing onto the side portion in the direction of the air channel.

Preferably, the longest side projection is from 10 to 50 mm, such as about 20 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the longest side projection may be up to 75% of the internal width of the container. This provides a balance between the requirement to prevent water from moving along the side in the direction of the air channel, with the requirement to provide sufficient space inside the container for other components of the wet cleaning device. An upper limit of 50 mm and/or up to 75% of the internal width of the container may also help to minimize the possibility that the water guide element will impede the passage of separated water to the bottom of the container.

The water guiding member may comprise a peripheral locking region or a sealing portion for tightly fitting the water guiding member to the side portion.

The thickness of the water guide member may increase toward the portion of the side portion to which the peripheral locking region or the sealing portion is closely adjacent. This may help the peripheral locking region or the sealing portion to ensure that the water guide member is closely adjacent to the side portion of the container. This, in turn, may help the water guide member to prevent water splashed onto the side portion from moving toward the air passage.

The water guiding element may comprise a surface facing away from the air channel. This surface may come into contact with water splashing onto the side of the container.

For example, the water guiding element may comprise a curved surface that is curved from the surface in the direction of the peripheral locking region or the sealing portion. The curved surface may help guide the water on the water guiding element toward the side portion and the bottom portion of the container.

The sealing part may be made of an elastomer material. For example, the elastomer material may contain silicone rubber.

The water guiding element may comprise a first surface and/or a second surface for contacting water splashing onto the side portion.

In one embodiment, the first surface extends from the side portion and the second surface extends from the first surface.

The first surface may extend perpendicular to the side portion. Alternatively, the first surface may be inclined toward the top of the container.

The second surface may be inclined toward the bottom of the container in such a way as to direct the water on it away from the air duct.

Alternatively, when the first surface is inclined towards the top of the container, the second surface may extend in a direction that is perpendicular to the side.

In general, the deflecting second surface extending from the first surface can reduce the risk that water flowing from the water guide element impacts, for example, the pipe supplying the air flow to the separator unit. Thus, the deflecting second surface can reduce the risk of forming water droplets that can be re-captured in the separated air flow.

In one embodiment, the water guiding element comprises a first surface and a second surface, and the second surface is curved from the first surface in the direction of the bottom of the container and/or in the direction of the side portion. This can help the water guiding element to prevent water splashing onto the side portion from moving in the direction of the air channel.

The water guide element may be detachable from the side portion. This may facilitate cleaning of the container. Alternatively, the water guide element may be rigidly attached to the side portion.

The inner surface of the side portion may be arcuate such that the inner surface is curved outward in a straight direction. This arcuate inner surface may act as a wave absorber to help dissipate the energy of the water wave moving in the direction of the side portion during the advancement of the container and the cleaning nozzle in a straight direction.

The inner wall may be tightly adjacent to the container. The inner wall may be designed to be detachable from the container or the inner wall, and the container may be made as a single piece.

The inner wall may comprise a first locking region that is adjacent to the top of the container. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall comprises second locking regions, each second locking region being adjacent to a corresponding side portion of the container.

The locking areas can be made of the same material as the rest of the inner wall, for example an engineering thermoplastic such as polypropylene.

The locking regions facilitate a tight fit with the inner wall of the container. This, in turn, facilitates the inner wall preventing water that has entered the space from entering the air channel. In addition, the locking regions may, in some examples, facilitate the detachment of the inner wall from the container, for example, compared to an inner wall that is attached to the container via an elastomeric sealing portion.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the inner wall increases in the direction of one or more, such as each, of the first and second locking regions. This can facilitate a tight fit of the inner wall to the container and thus effectively block water from entering the space in the direction of the air channel.

The separator unit and the water guide element may be included in a removable unit. The removable unit may be designed to be detachable from the container. Detachable unit may facilitate cleaning inside the container.

The inner wall can also be included in the removable unit. Detaching the inner wall together with the separator unit and the water guide element can facilitate cleaning of the container, in particular in the space between the container and the inner wall.

The separator unit may comprise at least one selected from a labyrinth-type separator unit, a filter-type separator unit, and a cyclone-type separator unit.

The wet cleaning device may contain a pipe for supplying air flow to the separator unit.

In one embodiment, the pipe extends in the central region of the container in the direction of the cup. In this way, the pipe can separate the water moving in the direction of the side portion when the container is moved forward together with the cleaning nozzle away from the user who has grasped the handle. Separating the collected water in this manner helps to dissipate the energy of the water wave moving in the direction of the side portion during the forward movement.

This can be facilitated, for example, by the above-described arcuate inner surface of the side part. The separated flows can be directed towards each other around the arcuate inner surface and can collide with each other in the horizontal plane of the container. Such a horizontal collision of flows can help to minimize the vertical movement of water in the direction of the air channel.

Alternatively or additionally, the separator unit may comprise a cup in which the end of the pipe is placed. The cup causes a change in the direction of flow so that water entrained in the air sucked from the dirt inlet is thrown onto the inside surface of the cup and thereby separated from the air flow. This "pipe in cup" design may be considered an example of a labyrinth type separator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a device for wet cleaning in accordance with an example;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the movement of water in the container of a wet cleaning device when the container is tilted;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a container tilted similar to the wet cleaning device shown in Fig. 2, having an internal wall;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the movement of water in a container when the container is tilted away from the orientation shown in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 schematically shows the movement of water in a container of a wet cleaning device, containing a water directing element adjacent to the side of the container;

Fig. 6 shows views of the interior of an example of a wet cleaning device;

Fig. 7 shows a part of the device for wet cleaning according to the example;

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the container of the exemplary wet cleaning device, showing the movement of water in the container;

Fig. 9 is a top view of the container of another example wet cleaning device showing the movement of water in the container;

Fig. 10A-10E are schematic illustrations of various exemplary water directing elements;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a water directing element according to another example;

Fig. 12 shows a part of a device for wet cleaning, comprising a water directing element, shown in Fig. 11;

Fig. 13 shows a part of the device for wet cleaning according to the example;

Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of a portion of an exemplary wet cleaning device containing a separator unit;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the part shown in Fig. 14 assembled in a container of the wet cleaning device;

Fig. 16 shows a sectional view of a portion of another example of a wet cleaning device comprising a separator unit;

Fig. 17 schematically shows a device for wet cleaning in accordance with the example;

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a separator unit included in the wet cleaning device shown in Fig. 17, with an illustration that provides an enlarged view of the edge of a discharge member included in the separator unit;

Fig. 19 is a sectional view of a portion of a wet cleaning device comprising a separator unit according to one example; and

Fig. 20 shows a wet cleaning device according to one example.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

It should be understood that although the detailed description and specific examples present examples of embodiments of devices, systems and methods, they are intended solely for purposes of illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the devices, systems and methods according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are only schematic and are not drawn to scale. In addition, it should be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to refer to the same or similar parts.

A wet cleaning device is proposed, such as a wet cleaning vacuum cleaner. The wet cleaning device comprises an inlet for dirt and a motor and a fan for providing suction in the inlet for dirt. The separator unit separates water from the air flow created by the suction. In addition, the device comprises a container for collecting separated water. The container has an upper part and a lower part. An air channel is provided in the container for passing air separated from water in the direction of the motor and the fan. The air channel is spatially separated from the lower part of the container. The inner wall extends from the top to the bottom of the container. Thus, a space is formed between the container and the inner wall. Water collected in the lower part of the container can be placed in the space when the container is oriented, for example, tilted, so that the collected water moves from the lower part towards the upper part of the container. The inner wall is designed to prevent water entering the space from entering the air channel.

The space between the container and the inner wall may provide a reservoir for the collected water when the container is oriented in such a way that the collected water moves from the bottom to the top of the container, for example when the container is tilted so that the wet cleaning device can be used to clean under furniture. The inner wall, however, prevents water that has entered the space from entering the air duct. This helps protect the motor from damage when water enters the air duct, in particular when the wet cleaning device is tilted to clean under furniture.

Fig. 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning. The vacuum cleaner 10 has an inlet opening 11 for dirt, through which water and/or dirt particles, such as wet dirt particles and air, are sucked into the vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning. As shown in Fig. 1, the inlet opening 11 for dirt is provided in a cleaning nozzle 12.

The device 10 for wet cleaning shown in Fig. 1 is a vacuum cleaner with a rod, so that in use the nozzle 12 of the vacuum cleaner forms only one contact with the surface to be treated with the vacuum cleaner. Of course, it can be an upright vacuum cleaner or a container vacuum cleaner. The present disclosure concerns design features that can be applied to any device 10 for wet cleaning and to any vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, a hinged unit 13 is provided to enable the wet vacuum cleaner 10 to be tilted, with the dirt inlet 11 in the cleaning nozzle 12 remaining facing the surface to be cleaned. The hinged unit 13 enables the wet vacuum cleaner 10 to be tilted, for example to facilitate cleaning under furniture.

The tilt range provided by the hinge assembly may be up to 90°. A tilt of 0° may be considered as a vertical orientation, and a tilt of 90° may be considered as a horizontal, i.e., flat, orientation of the wet cleaning device 10. A tilt in the direction of the horizontal orientation or in the horizontal orientation may allow cleaning under furniture.

The vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning comprises a motor 14 and a fan 16 for providing suction in the inlet opening 11 for dirt. The motor 14 and the fan 16 can be described as a whole as an air flow generator. Any suitable fan 16, for example, an impeller, can be used to create suction in the inlet opening 11 for dirt.

The engine 14, for example, comprises a bypass engine 14. This type of engine 14 can tolerate water in the air flow, since the air flow drawn in is not used to cool the engine and is isolated from the engine parts. Instead, ambient air is drawn into the engine 14 for cooling.

The wet cleaning device 10 also comprises a separator unit 18 for separating water from the air flow created by the suction. In other words, the separator unit 18 is provided for separating liquid and particles from the flow created by the suction created by the motor 14 and the fan 16.

Any suitable design of the separator unit 18 may be considered, provided that the separator unit 18 is designed to separate water from the air flow. In one embodiment, the separator unit 18 comprises at least one selected from a labyrinth-type separator unit, a filter-type separator unit, and a cyclone-type separator unit.

The separator unit 18 can be considered as part of a dirt management system, which can contain additional filters. The dirt management system has a container 19 for collecting separated moisture and dirt. For example, as shown, an outlet filter 20 can be provided between the outlet flow of the separator unit 18 and the engine 14 and the fan 16.

In a more general sense, the maximum capacity of the container 19 for separated water may be at least 100 ml, so that the user may be allowed to perform wet cleaning with minimal interruptions associated with emptying the container 19. For example, the maximum capacity of the container 19 for separated water may be from 100 ml to 1 l, such as from 400 ml to 800 ml. The present disclosure relates to modifications that ensure reliable operation of the device 10 for wet cleaning, when such a volume of water is collected in the container 19.

The air channel 22 passes air separated from water and/or dirt particles in the direction of the motor 14 and the fan 16. As shown in Fig. 1, the opening in the container 19 can at least partially form the air channel 22.

The air duct 22 may be provided, for example, in the upper part 19A of the container 19.

The terms "top" and "bottom" in the context of the container 19 refer to the respective ends of the container 19 and are named with reference to the vertical orientation of the wet vacuum cleaner 10: the upper part 19A is located above the lower part 19B of the container 19 in such a vertical orientation.

The air duct 22 is spatially separated from the lower part 19B of the container 19. This should minimize the risk of separated water collected on the lower part 19B of the container passing through the air duct 22 to the motor 14 and the fan 16.

As an alternative to providing the air duct 22 in the upper portion 19A of the container 19, the air duct 22 may be provided, for example, in a side portion/part of the container 19, preferably in the region of the side portion/part that is closest to the upper portion 19A of the container 19.

In one embodiment, the air channel 22 is provided in that part of the container 19 that is above the highest water level 23 for water collected in the container 19. This highest water line 23 may correspond to the maximum capacity of the container 19 for separated water.

The uppermost water supply line 223 may, for example, be designated by a mark or sticker provided on the container 19 and/or be determined by the maximum water level determined by a water level sensor (not visible).

In a non-limiting example, the wet cleaning device 10 is configured to disconnect the power supply to the motor 14 when the maximum water level 23 is determined by the water level sensor to be reached. Any suitable water level sensor, such as a Hall sensor or a float level sensor, may be considered for this purpose.

The placement of the air duct 22 in the upper part 19A of the container 19 or in a side section/portion, but near the upper part 19A of the container, can minimize the risk that water collected in the lower part 19B of the container 19 will be re-mixed with the air and transferred further downstream in the direction of the motor 14 and the fan 16.

The user may need to supply cleaning water to the surface to be cleaned independently of the wet cleaning device 10. However, the wet cleaning device 10 may instead also include a clean water tank (not visible) for supplying clean water to the cleaning nozzle 12.

The cleaning nozzle 12 may have, for example, a rotating brush (not visible), to which water is supplied from the clean water tank, and may therefore also have an inlet for receiving water from the clean water tank. The cleaning nozzle 12 is specially designed to catch wet dirt and, if necessary, to moisten the floor.

At the end opposite the cleaning nozzle 12, there is a handle 24. The handle 24 can be held by the user of the wet cleaning device 10. The user pushing on the handle 24 makes at least the cleaning nozzle 12 and the container 19 move forward, and the user pulling on the handle 24 makes the cleaning nozzle 12 and the container 19 move backward in the direction of the user.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the hinge assembly 13 between the cleaning nozzle 12 and the container 19 allows the container 19 to be tilted in the direction of the user who has grasped the handle 24, while the dirt inlet 11 continues to provide suction to the surface to be cleaned.

Fig. 2 schematically shows the movement of collected water CW in container 19 of device 10 for wet cleaning when container 19 is tilted, for example, by means of hinge assembly 13.

The hinge assembly 13 can be configured to angularly adjust the container 19 relative to the surface to be cleaned so that the water collected in the lower part 19B of the container 19 moves to the upper part 19A of the container 19. The hinge assembly 13 is also configured so that the dirt inlet 11 continues to face the surface to be cleaned during the angular adjustment.

As shown in Fig. 2, the tilt may cause the collected water CW to move along the first side portion 19C of the container 19 toward the upper portion 19A of the container 19. In particular, the wave WV1 may grow toward the upper portion 19A of the container 19, and the wave WV1 may send water toward and through the air channel 22.

In addition, splashing of collected water CW onto the first side portion 19C, in particular when the wet cleaning device 10 is pulled back by the user pulling the handle 24, may cause a portion of the collected water CW to pass into the air channel 22.

One possibility for minimizing the risk of the collected water CW passing into the air duct in the manner shown in Fig. 2 is to increase the length of the container 19. In other words, the container 19 can be extended along the axis A1. However, this has the disadvantage of being an additional length, which compromises other aspects of user convenience, such as the handling of the wet cleaning device 10 during cleaning. Increasing the length of the container 19 may also not reduce the risk of water entering the air duct 22 sufficiently.

Fig. 3 schematically shows a container 19 of a device 10 for wet cleaning, inclined similarly to the device 10 for wet cleaning shown in Fig. 2, but having an inner wall 19E inside the container 19. In this example, the inner wall 19E extends from the upper part 19A in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19.

Between the container 19 and the inner wall 19E, a space 25 is formed. When the wet cleaning device 10 is in a vertical position, the collected water CW in the lower part 19B of the container 19 enters the space 25 if the container 19 is oriented so that the collected water CW moves from the lower part 19B to the upper part 19A of the container 19.

As shown in Fig. 3, the inner wall 19E is designed to prevent the collected water CW, which has entered the space 25, from passing into the air duct 22. Thus, the inner wall 19E helps protect the motor 14 from damage when water enters the air duct 22, in particular when the wet cleaning device 10 is tilted for cleaning under furniture.

In addition, the inner wall 19E can also serve to reduce the blowing of the air flow over the collected water CW, which also reduces the risk of water droplets entering the air duct 22.

The capacity of the space 25 can be increased by the inner wall 19E extending from the end 19A of the container 19, for example, in contrast to the scenario in which the inner wall 19E extends from the first side portion 19C.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 19E extends from the top 19A of the container 19 along an axis A1 passing between the top 19A and the bottom 19B of the container 19. This avoids a narrowing of the space in the direction of the top 19A of the container 19, which helps to maximize the capacity of the space 25. This can help the wet cleaning device 10 to operate in inclined orientations, such as the horizontal orientation shown in Fig. 3, for cleaning under furniture.

The axis A1 may, for example, extend substantially parallel to the first side portion 19C of the container 19. The term “substantially parallel” may, for example, extend to the inner wall 19E extending at an angle of ±5° relative to the parallel relationship with the direction of extension of the first side portion 19C between the upper portion 19A and the lower portion 19B of the container 19.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inner wall 19E may extend from the top 19A of the container 19 at an angle that is perpendicular to the end 19A of the container 19.

Although the inner wall 19E in the example shown in Fig. 3 extends from the upper part 19A of the container 19 along the axis A1, this is not intended to limit the inner wall 19E to extend entirely along the axis A1. The end portion of the inner wall 19E closest to the lower part 19B of the container 19 may, for example, deviate from the axis A1, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 7.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 19E is tightly adjacent to the upper part 19A of the container 19. This helps the inner wall 19E to prevent the collected water CW that has entered the space 25 from entering the air channel 22. An example of this will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 6.

As shown in Fig. 3, the wave WV2 is contained in the space 25 formed between the container 19 and the inner wall 19E. After tilting the container 19 back in the direction of the vertical orientation, the collected water CW moves in the direction of the hatched arrow. This movement of the collected water CW is shown in Fig. 4, which shows the orientation of the container 19 between the horizontal orientation shown in Figs. 2 and 3 and the vertical orientation.

In other words, the angular adjustment of the container 19 away from the surface to be cleaned, for example by means of the hinge assembly 13, causes the collected water CW to move back in the direction of the lower part 19B and the second side part 19D of the container 19. The first side part 19C is located opposite the second side part 19D across the container 19.

In this way, the inner wall 19E can facilitate the direction of the collected water CW back toward the lower portion 19B of the container 19 when tilted in the vertical orientation direction.

As shown in Fig. 4, such an angular adjustment in the direction of the vertical orientation may, however, result in the wave WV3 of the collected water CW increasing in the direction of the second side portion 19D.

In addition, the collected water CW can hit the second side portion 19D of the container 19 when the container 19 and the cleaning nozzle 12 are moved forward by the user moving the handle 24. As shown in Fig. 5, the wave WV4 can be generated by such movement of the container 19 and the cleaning nozzle 12.

In the example shown in Fig. 5, the water guide member 26 is closely adjacent to the second side portion 19D. The water guide member 26 projects rearward from the second side portion 19D. Thus, the water guide member 26 projects rearward from the second side portion 19D in the general direction when the user holds the handle and pushes/pulls the container 19 and the cleaning nozzle 12.

As shown in Fig. 5, such an arrangement of the water guiding element 26 prevents the collected water CW splashing onto the second side portion 19D from continuing to move along the second side portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22.

The water guiding element 26 projects from the second side portion 19D in the direction of the first side portion 19C.

Referring to Fig. 1 and 5, the second side portion 19D is farthest away from the user holding the handle 24, and the first side portion 19C, which is opposite the second side portion 19D, is closer to the user holding the handle 24.

At this stage, it is repeated that the collected water moves along the first side portion 19C of the container 19 to the upper portion 19A of the container 19, when, for example, the orientation of the container 19 is adjusted by means of the hinge assembly 13 in such a way that the first side portion 19C moves in the direction of the surface to be cleaned, while the dirt inlet 11 of the cleaning nozzle 12 continues to face the surface to be cleaned.

The water guiding element 26 can help to dissipate the remaining energy of the WV4 wave and help to prevent the formed water droplets from coming into contact with the separated air flow indicated by the arrows 32A and from being attracted in the direction of the air channel 22.

In Fig. 1, the dotted line 32 schematically depicts the air flow passing through the wet vacuum cleaner 10. The pipe 34 can transfer air from the dirt inlet 11 to the separator unit 18.

The separator unit 18 may comprise a flow path element 36 that changes the direction of the flow 32 through the wet vacuum cleaner 10. This change in the direction of the flow results in water and/or dirt particles captured by the air being thrown onto a portion of the inner surface of the flow path element 36. In this way, the water and/or dirt particles are separated from the air.

The fundamental difference between water and air is that water tends to adhere to many types of solid materials, as well as to itself, while most gases do not. This principle is conveniently applied, for example, to separating water from air. Simply passing a water-air mixture through a pipe 34 may result in the formation of drops and streams of liquid on the walls of the pipe 34. But when directing the mixture along a geometric shape that also forces it to change direction, such as at a bend or in a cyclone, liquids (and solids) will accumulate on the outside under the action of centrifugal forces. In this case, the liquid will stick and flow along the wall to which the liquid is directed, while dry air will flow into the main volume.

The flow path element 36 may be of any suitable design, provided that the change in flow direction results in water and/or dirt particles being separated from the air flow.

As shown in Fig. 1, the separated air flow path 32A is included in the air flow path 32 and is provided between the opening of the separator block 18 and the air channel 22. In this example, the separated water flow path 39 is directed away from the separated air flow path 32A and, thus, their intersection is substantially prevented, which helps to minimize or prevent the re-entrainment of water and/or dirt particles into the air flow.

In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 1, the separator block 18 further comprises an outlet element 38, which is adjacent to, for example directly connected to, the flow path element 36. The outlet element 38 extends from the flow path element 36 and ends in an opening defined by the edge 40 of the outlet element 38.

The separated water and/or dirt particles are directed by the outlet element 38 in the direction of the opening of the outlet element 38. The outlet element 38 can be designed in such a way that the air pressure and the force of gravity contribute to directing the water and/or dirt particles to the opening. In addition, the outlet element 38 is designed to direct the separated water and/or dirt particles from the opening in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19 along the flow path 39 of the separated water, when the device 10 is oriented for use. Thus, the outlet element 38 can be alternatively called a "liquid guiding structure".

Such direction and accumulation of separated water and/or dirt particles by the outlet element can be realized in any suitable way. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 1, the opening of the outlet element 38 is limited by an inclined edge 40. The inclined edge 40 is inclined so that the separated water and/or dirt particles flow along the inclined edge 40 into a region, for example, a point on the inclined edge 40, from which the flow path 39 of the separated water passes in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19. As shown in Fig. 1, the force of gravity together with the air pressure can promote the flow of the separated water and/or dirt particles along the flow path 39 of the separated water from the region, for example, a point, on the inclined edge 40.

The inclined edge 40 of the outlet element 38 can further help to direct the flow of separated air away from the flow path 39 of separated water. This is due to the fact that the resistance to the air flow can be higher on the side of the outlet element 38 to which the inclined edge 40 directs water and/or dirt particles.

Alternatively or additionally, the outlet element 38 may comprise a water guiding element (not visible). The water guiding element may be located on the surface of the outlet element 38 or in it and is configured to direct the separated water and/or dirt particles toward the opening and in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19 from the opening along the flow path 39 of the separated water.

For example, such a water guiding element may comprise at least one of a rib protruding from the inner surface of the outlet element 38 and a groove in the inner surface of the outlet element 38. Water and/or dirt particles may, for example, be guided by the rib(s) and/or the groove(s) into a region, such as a point, in the opening from which the flow path 39 of the separated water passes in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19.

In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 1, the pipe 34 carries air from the dirt inlet 11 to the separator unit 18, and the cup receives the end of the pipe 34. In this case, the first portion of the inner surface of the flow path element 36 is formed by the inner surface of the cup. The cup is located at a distance from the end of the pipe 34 to thereby allow air to pass between the end of the pipe 34 and the cup in the direction of the air channel 22.

The cup causes a change in the direction of the flow 32 in such a way that the water captured in the air sucked in from the dirt inlet 11 is thrown onto the inner surface of the cup and thereby separated from the air flow.

In this example, the outlet element 38 is formed by a part of the cup located further downstream. This part 38 located further downstream is adjacent, for example, directly connected to a part of the cup located earlier downstream, which implements a change in the direction of the flow. Thus, the flow path element 36 and the outlet element 38 can be, for example, made as one piece.

The separated water is directed by the discharge element 38 to the opening of the discharge element 38 due to the force of gravity and the air pressure. The arrangement of the discharge element 38 is also such that the separated water is directed from the opening to the lower part 19B of the container 19 along the flow path 39 of the separated water when the device 10 is oriented for use.

In the example shown in Fig. 1, the outlet element 38 has a first side 53A and a second side 53B, and the first side 53A is opposite the second side 53B. The outlet element 38 is arranged so that when the device 10 is oriented for use, the separated water and/or dirt particles are collected and directed to the first side 53A. The first side 53A ends at the lowest point of the outlet element 38, from which the flow path 39 of the separated water passes.

The above-described inner wall 19E in the container 19 in this example serves the additional purpose of providing an air flow barrier to limit the air flow from the first side 53A to the air channel 22. This arrangement can result in the separated air flow path 32A being directed from the first side 53A in the direction of the air channel 22. In this way, the separated air flow path 32A is directed from the separated water flow path 39 and their intersection is substantially prevented.

Fig. 6 shows views of the interior of an exemplary wet cleaning device 10. In particular, Fig. 6 shows the upper part 19A of the container 19, which in this example defines the air channel 22. The part of the separator block 18, also visible in Fig. 6, includes the cup described above with reference to Fig. 1.

The section 18A of the outer wall of the separator block 18 may be included in the inner wall 19E, as best shown in the plan view below the perspective view shown in Fig. 6. In other words, the space 25 is formed by the container 19, and the inner wall 19E comprises the section 18A of the outer wall of the separator block 18.

The inner wall 19E can be offset from the container 19 by any suitable distance so that the collected water CW can be placed in the space 25 when the container 19 is tilted in the direction of horizontal orientation.

However, it is desirable that the flow of collected water CW into the space 25 is minimized when the wet cleaning device 10 is in a vertical position and moves back and forth. Thus, between the inner wall 19E and the first side portion 19C, a width W of the space 25 can be provided that is from 0.1 to 0.8 mm. This width W can be sufficient for the collected water CW to flow out of the space 25 in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19, without impeding the passage of the collected water with dirt clogging the space 25.

The inner wall 19E is shown in Fig. 6 as extending from the upper part 19A of the container 19. The inner wall 19E extends perpendicularly to the upper part 19A of the container 19 and from the upper part 19A of the container 19 along the axis A1 described above. The inner wall 19E in this example also comprises an end part 19F which is curved inwardly towards the center of the container 19, as will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7.

In one embodiment, the inner wall 19E comprises a first locking region 19G that is adjacent to the top 19A of the container 19. This first locking region 19G is best shown in the top view above the perspective view shown in Fig. 6.

The thickness of the inner wall 19E preferably increases in the direction of the first locking region 19G adjacent to the upper part 19A of the container 19. Thus, the first locking region 19G promotes a tight fit of the inner wall 19E to the upper part 19A of the container 19. This, in turn, helps the inner wall 19E to prevent the collected water CW, which has entered the space 25, from entering the air channel 22, as described earlier.

A sealing portion, for example comprising a rubber seal, such as a silicone rubber seal, may be used as an alternative to the first locking region 19G, thereby allowing the inner wall 19E to fit tightly against the upper portion of the container 19A.

In one embodiment, which may be additional to or alternative to the above-described first locking region/sealing portion, the inner wall 19E comprises second locking regions 19H, each second locking region 19H adjacent to a corresponding side portion of the container 19; the side portions extend from the top portion 19A of the container 19.

The thickness of the inner wall 19E preferably increases in the direction of each of the second locking regions 19H. The second locking region 19H promotes a tight fit with the inner wall 19E of each of the side parts of the container 19. This, in turn, helps the inner wall 19E to prevent the collected water CW, which has entered the space 25, from entering the air channel 22.

In addition, the locking regions 19H may, in some examples, facilitate the detachment of the inner wall 19E from the container 19, for example, compared to a scenario in which the inner wall 19E is adjacent to the container 19 via a rubber seal.

The locking regions 19G, 19H may be made of the same material as the rest of the inner wall 19E, for example, of an engineering thermoplastic such as polypropylene.

Fig. 7 shows a part of the device 10 for wet cleaning, containing the above-described separator unit 18 of the pipe-in-cup type. The device 10 for wet cleaning contains an inner wall 19E, which extends from the upper part 19A of the container 19 along the axis A1, and contains an end part 19F, which is curved inwardly toward the center of the container 19.

In one embodiment, the pipe 34 extends in the central region of the container 19 in the direction of the separator unit 18. In the example shown in Fig. 7, the pipe 34 extends in the central region of the container 19 in the direction of the cup of the separator unit 18. The arrangement of the pipe 34 in this manner separates the water moving toward the second side portion 19D, in particular when the container 19 and the cleaning nozzle 12 are moved in a forward direction away from the user, as described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 9.

In the example shown in Fig. 7, the pipe 34 comprises a first section 34A which extends at an angle from the first side portion 19C in the direction of the opposite second side portion 19D. The pipe 34 also comprises a second section 34B which extends parallel to the first and second side portions 19C, 19D. The formation of the inclination of the first section 34A in this manner facilitates the placement of the protruding part of the element 26 directing water from the second side portion 19D to the center of the container 19, as shown.

In an embodiment, the separator unit 18 and the water guiding element 26 are included in a removable unit which is detachable from the container 19. This should facilitate cleaning of the container 19, since detachment of the separator unit 18 and the water guiding element 26 avoids access to the container 19, in particular, difficulty in accessing the lower part 19B of the container 19.

In an alternative embodiment, the removable unit comprises a separator unit 18 and an inner wall 19E. In another example, the removable unit comprises a separator unit 18, an inner wall 19E and a water directing element 26, as shown in Fig. 7.

In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 7, the water directing element 26 is attached to the separator block 18, in this case to the cup, by one or more fastening elements 27.

More generally, the water guiding element 26 can be configured to be detachable from the second side portion 19D of the container 19, for example, independently of the separator unit 18 and/or the inner wall 19E. The water guiding element 26, however, closely adheres to the side portion 19D while being attached thereto, as will be explained in more detail below.

Fig. 8 shows a top view of the container 19 of the exemplary wet cleaning device 10, which is substantially rectangular in plan; the term "substantially" in this context takes into account the rounded corners of the container 19. As the container 19 and the cleaning nozzle 12 advance in a forward direction, the wave WV5 advances in the direction of the second side portion 19D.

Fig. 9 shows a structure different from that shown in Fig. 8, in which the pipe 34, which supplies the air flow from the inlet 11 to the separator unit 18, passes through the central region of the container 19. Thus, the pipe 34 divides the water moving toward the second side portion 19D when the container 19 is moved together with the cleaning nozzle 12 in a forward direction from the user who has grasped the handle 24. Dividing the collected water CW in this way helps to dissipate the energy of the wave WV6 as the water moves toward the second side portion 19D.

In this example, the pipe 34 is preferably cylindrical, since this facilitates uniform division of the collected water CW.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the inner surface of the side portion 19D may be arcuate, so that the inner surface is curved outward in a straight direction. The arcuate inner surface shown in Fig. 9 may act as a wave damper to help dissipate the energy of the WV6 wave.

The arcuate inner surface of the second side portion 19D together with the pipe 34 located in the central portion of the container 19 in the example shown in Fig. 9 contributes to the creation of a flow pattern in which the vertical movement of the collected water CW in the direction of the air channel 22 can be minimized. The respective flows separated by the pipe 34 located in the center can be directed by the arcuate inner surface towards each other, so that the flows will collide in the horizontal plane of the container 19. Such a horizontal collision of the flows can contribute to the minimization of the vertical movement of water in the direction of the air channel 22.

In more general terms, the container 19 shown in Fig. 9 has third and fourth side portions 19I, 19J. The first and second side portions 19C, 19D are separated from each other by the third and fourth side portions 19I, 19J. In the case of an arcuate inner surface of the second side portion 19D, the inner surface, for example, together with the second side portion 19D as a whole, is made arcuate away from the first portion 19C. As shown in Fig. 9, the inner surface of the second side portion 19D is curved in an arc from the third side portion 19i around the fourth side portion 19J.

However, the container 19 may have any suitable shape, such as cubic, cuboidal, prismatic, etc. In the case of, for example, a prismatic container 19, the container 19 has a triangular shape in plan. The side of the triangle may, for example, correspond to the first side portion 19C, and the corner of the triangle opposite the first side portion 19C, together with portions of the remaining two sides of the triangle on both sides of the corner, may form the second side portion 19D. In this non-limiting example, the water directing element 26 may extend from the corner and portions of the remaining two sides of the triangle, which form the second side portion 19D.

Fig. 10A-10E show various exemplary water guide elements 26. In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 10A, the water guide element 26 comprises a first surface 26B for contacting water splashing onto the second side portion 19D. In this particular example, the first surface 26B extends perpendicular to the second side portion 19D.

The water guiding element 26 shown in Fig. 10B comprises a first surface 26B extending perpendicularly to the second side portion 19D and a second surface 26C which is deflected in the direction of the lower portion 19B of the container 19. In this example, the first surface 26B extends from the second side portion 19D and the second surface 26C extends from the first surface 26B. The deflecting second surface 26C in this example helps to direct water away from the air channel 22 and in the direction of the lower portion 19B of the container 19.

Fig. 10C shows a water guiding element 26 having a second surface 26C that is deflected toward the lower part 19B of the container 19. The deflecting second surface 26C in this example helps to direct water from the air channel 22 toward the lower part 19D of the container 19.

The water guiding member 26 shown in Fig. 10D is similar to that shown in Fig. 10B in that the water guiding member 26 comprises a first surface 26B which extends from the second side portion 19D and a second surface 26C which extends from the first surface 26B; the second surface 26B decreases in the direction of the lower portion 19B of the container 19. However, in the example shown in Fig. 10D, the first surface 26B is inclined toward the upper portion 19A of the container 19.

More generally, the deflecting second surface 26C extending from the first surface 26B may reduce the risk that water flowing from the water directing element 26 will impact the pipe 34 and create water droplets that may be re-entrained in the separated air stream 32A.

The water guiding element 26 shown in Fig. 10E comprises a first surface 26B which extends from the second side portion 19D and a second surface 26C which extends from the first surface 26B. In this case, the first surface 26B is inclined toward the upper portion 19A of the container 19, and the second surface 26C extends in a direction perpendicular to the second side portion 19D.

Although not shown in Fig. 10A-10E, the second surface 26C may curve from the first surface 26B in a direction toward the bottom 19B of the container 19 and/or toward the second side portion 19D. This may assist the water directing element 26 in directing water toward the second side portion 19D from the air channel 22.

In one embodiment, the longest lateral projection LE of the water-guiding element 26 from the second lateral portion 19D, measured perpendicularly to the second lateral portion 19D, is at least 5 mm. It has been found that such a minimum lateral projection LE is sufficient to effectively prevent the movement of water splashed onto the second lateral portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22.

Preferably, the longest lateral projection LE is from 10 to 50 mm, such as from 10 to 30 mm, such as about 20 mm.

In an alternative or additional embodiment, the longest side projection LE may be up to 75% of the internal width of the container 19. The internal width may be measured between opposite side portions 19C, 19D of the container 19.

This provides a balance between the requirement to prevent water from moving along the second side portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22, and the requirement to provide sufficient space inside the container 19 for other components of the wet cleaning device 10, such as the pipe 34 that carries the air flow from the dirt inlet 11 to the separator unit 18. An upper limit of 50 mm and/or up to 75% of the internal width of the container 19 may also help to minimize the possibility that the water directing element 26 prevents the passage of separated water to the bottom 19B of the container 19.

In one embodiment, the water guide element 26 comprises a peripheral locking region or sealing portion 26A for tightly adjoining the water guide element to the side portion 19D.

The sealing portion 26A may be made, for example, of an elastomer material, such as silicone rubber.

The shut-off region 26A may be made of the same material as the rest of the water guide element, for example an engineering thermoplastic such as polypropylene.

The thickness of the water guide element may, for example, increase in the direction of the region of the side portion to which the peripheral locking region or sealing portion 26A closely adjoins, as shown in Fig. 11. This may help the peripheral locking zone or sealing portion 26A to have a tight adjoining of the water guide element 26 to the second side portion 19D of the container 19. This, in turn, may help the water guide element 26 to prevent the movement of water splashed onto the second side portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22.

The water guiding element may be configured to be detachable from the second side portion 19D of the container 19, as described previously. Alternatively, the water guiding element 19D may be rigidly attached to the second side portion 19D. In particular, in the first case, the manufacturing tolerances may allow a gap of less than 2 mm between the water guiding element 26, for example the peripheral locking or sealing portion 26A, and the second side portion 19D. By ensuring that any gap is less than 2 mm, the movement of water droplets along the second side portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22 can be prevented.

In one embodiment, the water guiding element 26 comprises a surface 26B facing away from the air passage 22. The water guiding element 26 may comprise a curved surface that is curved from the surface 26B toward the peripheral locking region or sealing portion 26A. This helps to direct water on the surface 26B toward the second side portion 19D and away from the air passage 22.

The curved surface of the water guide element 26 shown in Fig. 11 can be considered as a “rounding” that directs water on the water guide element 26 back to the second side portion 19D and the bottom portion 19B of the container 19.

As shown in Fig. 11, the water guiding member 26 comprises a first surface 26B and a second surface 26C for contacting with water splashing onto the second side portion 19D. In this example, the first surface 26B as well as the second surface 26C decrease in the direction of the lower portion 19B of the container 19, wherein the second surface 26C decreases more steeply than the first surface 26B. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the first surface 26B extends from the locking or sealing portion 26A, and the second surface 26C extends from the first surface 26B.

The deflecting second surface 26C, extending from the first surface 26B, reduces the risk that water flowing from the water directing element 26 will impact the pipe 34 and create water droplets that can be re-entrained in the separated air stream 32A, as described previously.

Fig. 12 shows a part of the device 10 for wet cleaning, comprising the water guiding element 26 shown in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 12, the water guiding element 26 is located above the uppermost water level 23 for water collected in the container 19.

In the example shown in Fig. 12, the pipe 34 comprises a first section 34A which extends at an angle from the first side portion 19C in the direction of the opposite second side portion 19D. The pipe 34 also comprises a second section 34B which extends parallel to the first and second side portions 19C, 19D. The inclined first section 34A helps to position the protruding part of the water guiding element 26 from the second side portion 19D, similar to the example shown in Fig. 7.

A part of the wet cleaning device 10, containing the above-described separator unit 18 of the pipe-in-cup type, is shown in Fig. 13. In this example, the cup of the separator unit 18, the inner wall 19E and the element 26 directing the water are included in a removable unit, which is designed with the possibility of being detached from the container 19.

Fig. 13 shows a removable block, designed with the possibility of detaching from the container 19, as well as from the pipe 34, by lifting the removable block from the container 19 in the direction of the arrow.

In this particular example, the upper part 19A of the container 19 is also included in the removable unit, so that when the upper part 19A of the container is lifted, the cup, the inner wall 19E and the water guide element 26 are also removed. This facilitates cleaning of the container 19.

In addition, Fig. 13 shows fastening elements 27 by means of which the separator block 18, in this example the cup of the separator block 18, is attached to the element 26 directing the water.

Although Fig. 13 shows an example in which the inner wall 19E is detachable from the container 19, this is not intended to be limiting. In other examples, the inner wall 19E is formed integrally with the container 19.

As described above in connection with Fig. 1, due to the force of gravity and the air pressure, the separated water and/or dirt particles are directed by the outlet element 38 in the direction of the opening of the outlet element 38. The arrangement of the outlet element 38 is also such that the separated water and/or dirt particles are directed from the opening in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19 along the flow path 39 of the separated water when the device 10 is oriented for use, as described earlier.

In Fig. 14 another example of the above-described tube-in-cup separator unit 18 is shown. The cup has a cylindrical side wall 37A extending from a base 37B. The side wall 37A in this example extends perpendicular to the plane of the base 37B. This geometry results in a change in the direction of the flow 32 by 180°, which can contribute to the effective separation of water and/or dust particles from the air. However, it should be noted that any suitable angle of change in the direction of the flow can be considered, for example, due to the side wall 37A extending non-perpendicularly from the base 37B, provided that the change in the direction of the flow results in the necessary separation of water and/or dirt particles from the air. An example of this will be described below with reference to Fig. 16.

As shown in Fig. 14, the inclined edge 40 is provided with a cylindrical side wall 37A, truncated in a plane 50, located at an angle to the plane of the base 36B. However, alternative designs are possible. In Fig. 16, for example, a cup is shown having a side wall 37A, which runs at an angle to the plane of the base 37B, so that the flow region of the outlet element 38 expands in the direction of the opening. This can contribute to the separation of droplets 48 from the air flow, since the speed of the air through the outlet element 38 is correspondingly reduced.

In a non-limiting example, the side wall 37A extends perpendicularly from the plane of the base 37B, and the outlet element 38 may be formed by a diverging portion of the cup that adjoins the side wall 37A. Thus, the change in flow direction may be 180°, but the diverging portion may help to avoid re-entrapment of liquid/dirt.

The force of gravity, as well as the air pressure, can promote the flow of droplets 48 along the inclined edge 40 in the direction from the highest point 51 of the edge 40 to the lowest point 52 of the edge 40. In addition, the force of gravity can promote the flow of separated water and/or dirt particles along the water flow path 39 from the lowest point 52 to the bottom 19B of the container 19, as described earlier.

The outlet element 38 has an inner surface that extends from the section 36A of the inner surface of the flow path element 36. Although it is not visible in Fig. 14, the outlet element 38 may further comprise a first outer surface opposite the lower part 19B of the container 19, and a curving surface between the inner surface 38A and the first outer surface. The separated water and/or dirt particles are directed by the curving surface from the inner surface 38A to the first outer surface.

In addition, the outlet element 38 may further comprise a second outer surface, and the first outer surface meets the second outer surface at a certain edge or corner, thereby facilitating retention of droplets on the first outer surface, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 18.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the separator unit 18 shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 15, like Fig. 14, shows a portion of the inner wall 19E. In addition to facilitating reliable operation of the wet cleaning device 10 when tilted to a horizontal position, the inner wall 19E helps to form a separated air flow path 32A, as described previously.

Although the tube 34 is located centrally in the cup in the example shown in Fig. 14 and 15, this is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the tube 34 may, for example, be offset from the center relative to the cup, for example, as shown in Fig. 7.

The inclined edge 40 of the outlet element 38 can further contribute to directing the flow of separated air away from the first flow path 39, since the resistance to the air flow can be higher on the first side 53A of the outlet element 38, in the direction of which water and/or dirt particles are directed by the inclined edge 40. In other words, a region with a lower air flow speed is formed by the first side 53A, since the air must move further before reaching the opening.

This path 32A of the separated air flow can, for example, be further controlled by the location of the pipe 34 relative to the cup. Moving the pipe 34 further in the direction of the first side 53A can increase the resistance to the air flow, thereby increasing the ability of air to exit from the opening on the second side 53B of the cup.

Fig. 16 shows another exemplary separator unit 18. In this example, the inner wall 19E is partially formed by the wall of the cup of the separator unit 18. Thus, the inner wall 19E extends from the opening of the outlet element 38 to the upper part 19A of the container 19. In this case, one of the functions of the inner wall 19E is to block the air flow path from the first side 53A of the outlet element 38 (to which water and/or dirt particles are directed) to the air channel 22. The separated air flow path 32A is correspondingly formed between the second side 53B of the outlet element 38 and the air channel 22. Thus, the separated water flow path 39 from the first side 53A of the outlet element 38 to the lower part 19B of the container 19 is directed away from the separated air flow path 32A from the second side 53B of the outlet element 38 to the air channel 22 and their intersection is substantially prevented.

As shown in Fig. 16, the drops 48 are directed towards the lowest point 52 of the inclined edge 40. This is indicated in Fig. 16 by arrow 57.

The angle θ is defined between the direction of the air flow inside the outlet element 38 and the direction in which the separated water and/or dirt particles are transported to the lowest point 52 of the inclined edge 40. This angle θ is greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, for example from 20° to 75°, for example about 45°.

Fig. 17 shows a vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning according to another example. The vacuum cleaner 10 for wet cleaning comprises an inner wall 19E. This is necessary in order to minimize the risk of damage to the motor 14 when water enters the air duct 22, in particular when the wet cleaning device 10 is tilted for cleaning under furniture, as described earlier.

Similarly, in the examples shown in Fig. 1-16, the pipe 134 carries air from the dirt inlet 11 to the separator unit 118. But in this example, the flow path element 136 is formed by a curved section of pipe. The upstream end of the curved section 136 of the pipe is adjacent to, for example, directly connected to, the pipe 134.

The curved section 136 of the pipe has a U-shape in the example shown in Fig. 17, so that the section 136 of the pipe causes a change in the direction of the flow by 180°. This can contribute to the effective separation of water and/or dirt particles from the air, although any suitable change in the angle of the flow direction can be considered, provided that the change in the direction of the flow affects the necessary separation of water and/or dirt particles from the air. Thus, the curved pipe 136 causes a change in the direction of the flow 32 similar to the separator unit 18 described above with respect to Figs. 1-16.

Fig. 18 shows in more detail the flow path element 136 and the outlet element 138 of the separator unit 118 shown in Fig. 17. As shown in Fig. 18, water and/or dirt particles 44 entrained in the air flowing through the pipe 134 are directed to the inner surface section 136A of the flow path element 136 as a result of the change in the flow direction. This can cause the water and/or dirt particles to collect into larger droplets 46 on the inner surface section 136A, thereby facilitating separation from the air.

In the example shown in Fig. 18, the section 136A of the inner surface is formed by the outer surface of the curved tubular section 136. The change in direction caused by the curved tubular section 136 results in water and/or dirt particles being thrown by centrifugal forces onto the outer surface 136A of the curved tubular section 136. The additional section 136B of the inner surface is formed by the inner surface of the curved pipe section 136.

The separator block 118 further comprises an outlet element 138, which is adjacent to, for example directly connected to, the flow path element 136. The outlet element 138 extends from the flow path element 136 and ends in an opening limited by the edge 140 of the outlet element 38.

The outlet element 138 adjoins the flow path element 136 at a position 142. The outlet element 138 can be, for example, connected to the flow path element 136, for example using fasteners and/or a suitable adhesive. Alternatively, the outlet element 138 and the flow path element 136 can be formed in one piece. For example, the flow path element 136 and the outlet element 138 can be formed in one piece as a single molded element, for example molded under pressure.

More generally, due to the inability of air to follow a sharp change in direction, a flow restriction, such as a bend at which air is cleaned, can create a "turbulent wake" corresponding to a region of air flow with a lower speed. Such a bend can be provided, for example, in a position 142, in which an additional section 136B of the inner surface meets the inner surface 138A of the outlet element 138. The angle of such a bend can be, for example, greater than 7°. Such an angle can help to ensure effective cleaning of air from liquid and/or dirt particles.

As shown in Fig. 18, the inclined edge 140 causes further accumulation of water and/or dirt particles in the droplets 48 as they are directed along the inclined edge 140 in a direction from the first portion 151, in other words, the “highest point” 151 on the inclined edge 140 when the device 10 is oriented for use, in the direction of the second portion 152. The portion 152 may alternatively be referred to as the “lowest point” 152 on the inclined edge 140 when the device 10 is oriented for use.

Droplets 48 of separated water and/or dirt particles flow along the inclined edge 140 toward the lower part 19B of the container 19. Thus, the inclined edge 140 may have an inclination toward the lower part 19B of the container 19. The separated water and/or dirt particles flow along the inclined edge 140 toward the lowest point 152 on the inclined edge 140. The flow channel 39 of the separated water may extend toward the lower part 19B of the container 19 from the lowest point 152.

The force of gravity, as well as the air pressure, can promote the flow of droplets 48 along the inclined edge 140 to the lowest point 152 on the edge 140. In addition, the force of gravity can promote the flow of separated water and/or dirt particles along the flow path 39 of separated water from the lowest point 152 in the direction of the lower part 19B of the container 19.

The outlet element 138 has an inner surface 138A that extends from a section 136A of the inner surface of the flow path element 136. As best shown in the illustration of Fig. 18, the outlet element 138 further comprises a first outer surface 138B that is opposite the lower part 19B of the container 19, and a curving surface 138C between the inner surface 138A and the first outer surface 138B. The separated water and/or dirt particles are directed by the curving surface 138C from the inner surface 138A to the first outer surface 138B. In this way, the drops 48 can be directed to the first outer surface 138B, and in the case of the inclined edge 140 in this non-limiting example, the drops 48 can flow along the first outer surface 138B to the lowest point 152.

As also shown in the illustration of Fig. 18, the outlet element 138 further comprises a second outer surface 138D. The first outer surface 138B meets the second outer surface 138D at a formed edge or bend 138E. This edge 138E helps to retain the droplets 48 on the first outer surface 38B, partly due to their wetting properties, thereby helping the droplets 48 to pass along the first outer surface 38B to the lowest point 152 of the inclined edge 40.

Thus, in the opening, the liquid can accumulate on the first outer surface 138B. Again, under the action of air and gravity, the accumulated liquid follows the contour of the inclined edge 140 in the direction of one region or focal point, in other words, the lowest point 152. From here, the liquid, which was previously distributed on the section 136A of the inner surface of the flow path element 136 and the inner surface 138A of the outlet element 138, can now accumulate and can be directed to the lower part 19B of the container 19 along the flow path 39 of the separated water in a controlled manner.

In the example shown in Fig. 18, the flow area of the outlet element 138 increases in the direction toward the opening. In other words, the cross-sectional area of the interior of the outlet element 138 can increase in the direction toward the opening. This can facilitate the separation of the droplets 48 from the air flow, since the speed of the air through the outlet element 138 decreases accordingly. In other words, by increasing the cross-sectional area of the outlet element 138 in the direction toward the opening, the liquid can be exposed to the air flow at a lower speed and, thus, can be less likely to be re-entrained in the air flow.

In the non-limiting example shown in Fig. 17 and 18, the outlet element 138 comprises a conical part, for example an asymmetrical conical part. Thus, the flow section of the outlet element 138 expands in the direction of the opening. However, it should be noted that other cross-sectional shapes of the expanding outlet element 138 can also be provided, such as square, rectangular, triangular, etc. The conical part 138 is adjacent to, for example directly connected to, the end of the curved section 136 of the pipe located further downstream.

As shown in Fig. 18, the conical portion is cut off at the opening, which forms an inclined edge 140. The inclined edge 140 in combination with the expanding flow section of the outlet element 138 can provide a particularly suitable arrangement for directing the water droplets 48 to the opening and further along the flow path 39 of the separated water towards the lower part 19B of the container 19 with a reduced risk of re-entrainment in the air flow.

Fig. 19 shows a sectional view of the separator block 118 according to another example. The outlet element 138 in this case is formed by an asymmetrical conical part. The inclined edge 140 is formed by a section of the conical part by a plane.

The path 32A of the separated air flow from the opening of the outlet element 138 to the air channel 22 can be determined, for example, by the spatial arrangement of the outlet element 138 and, in particular, the opening relative to the air channel 22.

As shown in Fig. 19, the outlet element 138 has a first side 153A and a second side 153B. In this particular example, the first side 153A is opposite the second side 153B. When the device 10 is oriented for use, the outlet element 138 is positioned such that the separated water and/or dirt particles are collected and directed in the direction of the first side 153A. The first side 53A ends at the lowest point 152 of the outlet element 138, from which the flow path 39 of the separated water passes.

The air channel 22 is located near the second side 153B and away from the first side 153A. This geometry can result in the separated air flow path 32A being directed from the first side 153A in the direction of the air channel 22. Thus, the separated air flow path 32A is directed away from the separated water flow path 39 and their intersection is essentially prevented.

It should be emphasized that the path 32A of the separated air flow can be defined in any suitable way. In an embodiment, the inner wall 19E additionally serves to block the air flow from the first side 153A of the outlet element 138 (in the direction of which water and/or dirt particles are directed) into the air channel 22. In this case, the separated air channel 32A is provided between the second side 153B of the outlet element 138 and the air channel 22.

Fig. 20 shows a device 10 for wet cleaning, containing a separator unit 218 of the cyclone type. In this example, an air flow is drawn through a pipe 234 into a container 19. When entering the container 19, the air flow is directed around a hollow cylindrical element 236 of the flow path, as a result of which the water captured by the air flow is separated from it and collected in the lower part 19B of the container 19. The separated air passes into the hollow cylindrical element 236 of the flow path and through it in the direction of the motor 14 and the fan 16 through the air duct 22.

In this example, the wet cleaning device 10 additionally comprises the above-described inner wall 19E, so that the risk of damage to the motor 14 when water enters the air duct 22, in particular when the wet cleaning device 10 is tilted for cleaning under furniture, is minimized.

In the example shown in Fig. 20, the wet cleaning device 10 also comprises a water guiding element 26 to prevent the collected water CW splashing onto the second side portion 19D from continuing to move along the second side portion 19D in the direction of the air channel 22, as described previously.

Other variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention after reading the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are set forth in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. No reference signs in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims (27)

1. A device (10) for wet cleaning, comprising: inlet (11) for dirt; motor (14) and fan (16) to provide suction at the dirt inlet; separator block (18, 118, 218) for separating water from the air flow created by suction; a container (19) for collecting separated water, the container having an upper part (19A) and a lower part (19B); an air duct (22) for passing air separated from water to the engine and fan, the air duct being spatially separated from the lower part of the container; characterized in that the wet cleaning device comprises an inner wall (19E) extending from the upper part towards the lower part of the container, wherein a space is formed between the container and the inner wall and the possibility of water collected in the lower part of the container entering the said space is ensured when the container is oriented so that the collected water moves from the lower part to the upper part of the container, wherein the inner wall is designed with the possibility of preventing water entering the space from entering the air duct. 2. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to item 1, comprising: a cleaning nozzle (12) for cleaning the surface to be cleaned, wherein the dirt inlet (11) is included in the cleaning nozzle; and a hinge assembly (13) between the cleaning nozzle and the container (19), wherein the hinge assembly is designed to allow angular adjustment of the container in the direction of the surface to be cleaned, such that the water collected in the lower part (19B) of the container moves into the said space, and subsequent angular adjustment of the container away from the surface to be cleaned results in movement of water in the direction of the lower part of the container. 3. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to claim 2, in which the container (19) comprises a side part (19D) between the upper part (19A) and the lower part (19B) of the container; a handle (24) for gripping the device by the user, wherein the handle, the cleaning nozzle (12) and the container are arranged in such a way that when the user pushes the handle, this causes the cleaning nozzle and the container to move forward, and when the user pulls the handle, this causes said cleaning nozzle and the container to move backwards in the direction of the user, wherein water collected in the container splashes out onto the side of the container during said advancement, and wherein the hinge assembly (13) is configured to tilt the container in the direction of the user who has gripped the handle, while the inlet opening (11) for dirt continues to provide suction on the surface to be cleaned; and a water guiding element (26) closely adjacent to the side portion, wherein the water guiding element projects backwards from said side portion to thereby prevent said water splashing onto the side portion from continuing to move along the side portion in the direction of the air channel (22); wherein said water guiding element is designed to be detachable from the side portion. 4. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to claim 3, in which the longest lateral projection of the water directing element (26) from the side part (19D), measured perpendicularly to the side part, is at least 5 mm; wherein said longest lateral projection is preferably from 10 to 50 mm or up to 75% of the internal width of the container (19). 5. The wet cleaning device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, in which the water guiding element (26) comprises a peripheral locking region or sealing portion (26A) for adjoining the water guiding element to the side portion (19D); wherein the thickness of the water guiding element increases in the direction of the section of the side portion to which the peripheral locking region or sealing portion tightly adjoins. 6. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to claim 5, in which the water guiding element (26) comprises a surface facing away from the air channel (22), and in which the water guiding element comprises a curved surface which is curved from said surface in the direction of the peripheral locking region or sealing part (26A). 7. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to item 5 or 6, in which the sealing part (26A) is made of an elastomer material; wherein the elastomer material comprises silicone rubber. 8. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of paragraphs 3-7, in which the element (26) directing water comprises a first surface (26B) and/or a second surface (26C) for contact with water splashing onto the side part (19D). 9. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to item 8, in which the first surface (26B) extends perpendicular to the side part (19D) or is inclined towards the top part (19A) of the container (19); the second surface (26C) is inclined towards the lower part (19B) of the container so as to direct water on it away from the air channel (22), or, when the first surface is inclined towards the upper part (19A) of the container, the second surface extends perpendicular to the side part; wherein the first surface extends from the side part, and the second surface extends from the first surface. 10. The device (10) for wet cleaning according to claim 8 or 9, in which the water directing element (26) comprises a first surface (26B) and a second surface (26C), wherein the second surface is curved from the first surface in the direction of the lower part (19B) of the container and/or in the direction of the side part (19D). 11. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of paragraphs 3-10, in which the separator block (18, 118, 218), the element (26) directing the water, and the inner wall (19E) are included in a block, wherein said block is designed with the possibility of being detached from the container (19). 12. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of paragraphs 3-11, in which the inner surface of the side part (19D) is made arcuate in such a way that the inner surface is curved outward in a straight direction. 13. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of paragraphs. 1-12, in which the inner wall (19E) is tightly adjacent to the container (19); wherein the inner wall and the container are formed as one piece. 14. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of paragraphs 1-13, in which the separator block (18, 118, 218) comprises at least one selected from a labyrinth-type separator block, a filter-type separator block, and a cyclone-type separator block. 15. A device (10) for wet cleaning according to any one of claims 1-14, comprising a pipe (34) for supplying an air flow to a separator unit (18), wherein the separator unit comprises a cup that receives the end of the pipe; wherein the pipe extends in the central region of the container in the direction of the cup.