CN220327397U - Separation device and wet surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a separation device and a wet surface cleaning apparatus. The separation device (10) comprises: a lid assembly (130) including an air outlet channel; a solids collection basket (120) comprising a basket body defining a solids collection space and including an air inlet opening (122) and a plurality of air outlet holes (124); and a collection tub (110) configured to detachably receive the solids collection basket (120) and including an inlet channel (112) connected to the inlet opening (122) and a liquid collection space in communication with the outlet channel and the plurality of outlet holes (124), respectively; wherein the solids collection basket (120) is rotatably mounted to the lid assembly (130). Thus, the solids collected in the solids collection basket may be conveniently emptied by relative rotation of the solids collection basket (120) and the lid assembly (130).

Description

Separation device and wet surface cleaning apparatus

Technical Field

The disclosed technical solution relates generally to wet surface cleaning apparatuses and more particularly to a separation device for a wet surface cleaning apparatus.

Background

Wet surface cleaning apparatuses such as floor washers are widely used in daily life due to their excellent cleaning performance. When a wet surface cleaning apparatus is used to clean a floor, sewage and solid waste from the cleaning process are sucked into a sewage tank of the surface cleaning apparatus together. The sewage tank may be generally provided with a solid-liquid separator to separate solid dirt from sewage, so as to prevent a pasty solid-liquid mixture from occurring in the sewage tank.

Conventional surface cleaning apparatus, as disclosed in patent application publication CN113303731a, includes a sewage storage device that includes a separation structure. However, such a conventional separation structure has a technical problem in that it is inconvenient to clean solids collected therein, which causes great inconvenience to users. In addition, conventional surface cleaning apparatus have problems of leakage, affecting cleaning efficiency. There is a need for further improvements in surface cleaning apparatus, particularly in the separation configuration thereof.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a separation device and wet surface cleaning apparatus that aim to address one or more of the above problems, as well as other potential problems.

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a separation device is provided. The separation device comprises: a barrel cover assembly including an air outlet channel; a solids collection basket comprising a basket body defining a solids collection space and including an air inlet opening and a plurality of air outlet holes; and a collection tub configured to detachably receive the solids collection basket and including an inlet passage connected with the inlet opening and a liquid collection space in communication with the outlet passage and the plurality of outlet holes, respectively; wherein the solids collection basket is rotatably mounted to the lid assembly. According to the present disclosure, since the solids collection basket is rotatably mounted to the tub cover assembly, solids collected in the solids collection basket can be conveniently emptied by relative rotation of the solids collection basket and tub cover assembly.

In some embodiments, the solids collection basket may be pivotally mounted to the lid assembly by a shaft aperture fit. Thus, the relative rotation of the solids collection basket and the lid assembly can be conveniently achieved.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly may include a pair of mounting posts arranged laterally apart, the solids collection basket being pivotally mounted to the pair of mounting posts proximate a lower half area position of the solids collection basket. Thus, the relative rotational amplitude of the solids collection basket and lid assembly may be facilitated.

In some embodiments, the solids collection basket may be mounted eccentrically to the lid assembly. Thus, relative rotation of the solids collection basket and lid assembly may be actuable.

In some embodiments, the separation device may include a biasing device that applies a biasing force to the solids collection basket, the biasing device configured to apply a pre-biasing force to the solids collection basket in a state in which the solids collection basket is received in the collection basket. Thus, relative rotation of the solids collection basket and lid assembly may be actuable.

In some embodiments, the separation device may further comprise a lock configured to lock the solids collection basket in position with the lid assembly.

In some embodiments, the lock is movably disposed on the lid assembly and includes a second catch, the solids collection basket including a first catch extending protrusively from the solids collection basket, the lock being configured to be movable between a first position in which the first catch and the second catch engage one another to lock the solids collection basket and a second position in which the first catch and the second catch disengage one another to unlock the solids collection basket; wherein the lock extends partially to the liquid collection space of the collection tub and is positioned partially outside the liquid collection space. Thus, the locking and positioning of the solid collecting basket and the barrel cover assembly can be conveniently realized.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly may include: a housing adapted to cover the collection tub and including a first through hole through which the locking member passes; and a sealing device configured to hermetically seal an interface region between the locking member and the liquid collection space. Thereby, leakage of fluid can be prevented and cleaning efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

In some embodiments, the sealing means may comprise a resilient seal comprising protrusions and recesses arranged in a corrugated order along a predetermined direction to allow the resilient seal to deform accordingly when the locking member moves in the predetermined direction. Thereby, the movement resistance of the locking member can be reduced while ensuring the sealing performance.

In some embodiments, the sealing device may further comprise a support member disposed within the liquid collection space, the elastic sealing member including a second through hole through which the locking member passes, the elastic sealing member being held between the support member and the housing.

In some embodiments, the locking member may include a catch or flange, and the resilient seal is configured to engage the catch or flange when the locking member is disposed through the second through hole of the resilient seal. Thereby, the coupling of the locking member and the sealing member can be conveniently achieved.

In some embodiments, the support may include a guide wall defining a guide channel for sliding the lock in the predetermined direction. Thereby, structural support can be provided to the locking member and reliability of the locking member is improved.

In some embodiments, the housing may include a first end wall region in which the first through-hole is formed and a second end wall region including an opening as the inlet of the outlet channel, the second end wall region extending directly above the solids collection basket to cover a top side opening of the solids collection basket; wherein the support further comprises an extension at least partially engaging the second end wall region to cover an upper space of the solids collection basket while preventing fluid of the solids collection space from passing through the upper space directly into the outlet passage. Thereby, the housing and the corresponding seal can be conveniently realized.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wet surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The wet surface cleaning apparatus includes: the separation device according to any one of the first aspects; a body assembly; and a suction head assembly mounted to the body assembly and adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned; wherein the separation device is detachably mounted to the body assembly, and the tip assembly is in fluid communication with the separation device. The wet surface cleaning apparatus according to the present disclosure may achieve technical effects with the separation device of the first aspect described above, as embodied in the specific embodiments of the specification as further described.

Drawings

The above, as well as additional purposes, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation.

Fig. 1 shows an overall schematic view of a wet surface cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a wet surface cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the working principle of the wet surface cleaning apparatus is shown.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure about to be detached from a wet surface cleaning apparatus.

Fig. 4 shows an overall schematic of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a separation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 illustrates a first state diagram of a lid assembly and solids collection basket of a separation device separated from a collection tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates a second state diagram of a lid assembly and solids collection basket of a separation device separated from a collection tub according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an outer shell of a lid assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a seal ring according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Like or corresponding reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Detailed Description

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

The term "comprising" and variations thereof as used herein means open ended, i.e., "including but not limited to. The term "or" means "and/or" unless specifically stated otherwise. The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The terms "one example embodiment" and "one embodiment" mean "at least one example embodiment. The term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment". The terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," and the like, as used herein, refer to a place or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the drawings, and are merely for convenience in describing the principles of the present disclosure, and do not refer to or imply that the elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be configured or operated in a particular orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. A wet surface cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 and 2 show an overall schematic view of a wet surface cleaning apparatus and a partial cross-sectional view thereof, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 1, a wet surface cleaning apparatus 1 includes: a main body assembly 30, a suction head assembly 20 and a separating apparatus 10. The suction head assembly 20 is configured to contact a surface to be cleaned to clean the surface. The tip assembly 20 may be mounted to the body assembly 30. The separation apparatus 10 is detachably arranged in the body assembly and is in fluid communication with the suction head assembly 20. As shown in fig. 2, the separation apparatus 10 includes a drum cap assembly 130, a solids collection basket 120, and a collection drum 110. The separation apparatus 10 is configured to perform solid-liquid separation on solid-liquid dirt from the suction head assembly 20 and store the solid-liquid dirt. The gas after solid-liquid separation leaves the separation device 10 after filtration, enters the body assembly 30, and is discharged to the outside.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 1, the wet surface cleaning apparatus 1 may further include a handle 40, and the handle 40 may be integrally provided with the body assembly 30 or may be assembled to the body assembly 30. The user may effect movement of the wet surface cleaning apparatus 1 by operating the handle. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the wet surface cleaning apparatus is shown as being moved using a handle; it should be noted that this is only exemplary, and that the inventive concepts according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other types of wet surface cleaning apparatuses 1, such as autonomous mobile wet surface cleaning apparatuses.

Fig. 2 shows a dirt cleaning process of a wet surface cleaning apparatus. In fig. 2, the flow direction of the cleaning fluid is shown with arrows. As indicated by the flow direction of the arrows, when the wet surface cleaning apparatus 1 is in operation, dirt enters the separating apparatus 10 along the conduit under the influence of the suction head assembly 2 and the negative pressure.

The solids collection basket 120 includes a basket body. The basket defines a solids collection space and includes an air inlet opening 122. The air intake opening 122 may be in communication with an air intake conduit. The dirt enters the basket through the inlet opening 122 and then flows out through a plurality of outlet holes 124 (see also fig. 5) provided in the wall of the basket. In this process, solid waste may be caught in the basket. The airflow exiting via the air outlet 124 will enter the collector drum 110 and follow a predetermined path within the collector drum 110, then enter the channel defined by the lid assembly 130 and exit the separating apparatus 10. During this process, the liquid in the dirt also falls by gravity through the air outlet 124 and is collected in the collection tub 110.

In some embodiments, the lid assembly 130 may further include a filter 170 (see also FIG. 5) disposed on the airflow outlet passage. The gas stream may be filtered via filter 170 to further enhance the cleanliness of the exhausted gas.

In view of the fact that the main body assembly 30, the tip assembly 20, the filter 170, etc., are well known in the art, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and emphasis will be placed on the description of the features related to the inventive concepts of the present disclosure.

With the operation of the wet surface cleaning apparatus, the solids and/or liquids collected in the separation device 10 will continue to increase. The separation device 10 needs to be periodically separated from the body assembly 30 to empty the separation device 10.

Fig. 3 and 4 show state diagrams of a separation device being detached from a wet surface cleaning apparatus and having been detached from the wet surface cleaning apparatus, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in fig. 3 and 4, the separation device 10 may include a key 142. When the user presses the key 142 in the direction indicated by the arrow P, the separating apparatus 10 can be unlocked from the main body assembly 30. In the unlocked state, the user may pull the separating apparatus 10, for example, may pull the collecting basket 110 of the separating apparatus 10 outwardly, to detach the separating apparatus 10 from the main body assembly 30. In some embodiments, a handle 190 may be provided on the collection tub 110. In a state in which the separation apparatus 10 is unlocked from the body assembly 30, the user can easily detach the separation apparatus 10 from the body assembly 30 by operating the handle 190.

The construction of the separation device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to fig. 5 and 6. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the separation apparatus 10 includes a drum cap assembly 130, a solids collection basket 120, and a collection tub 110. The lid assembly 130 may include an air outlet channel through which the air flow may flow out of the separation device.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the tub cover assembly 130 may include a housing 134, an inner housing 160, and a filter 170. The inner housing 160 may be mounted to the housing 134. The inner housing 160 is configured to cover the collection tub. A filter 170 may be disposed within the inner housing 160 to effect further filtration of the gas flow path. The solids collection basket 120 may include a basket body. The basket may be, for example, cylindrical and include an open top end, and the cylindrical body may define a solids collection space adapted to contain solids.

In some embodiments, the separation device 10 may also include a lock. The lock is configured to lock the solids collection basket 120 in place with the lid assembly 130. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the solids collection basket 120 can include a first catch 126 extending protrusively from the basket body. The lock 144 is movably disposed on the lid assembly 130 and includes a second catch 1446. The second catch 1446 may mate with the first catch 126.

The lock 144 is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the first and second catches 126, 1446 engage one another, thereby locking the solids collection basket 120 and lid assembly 130 to one another. In the unlocked position, the first catch 126 and the second catch 1446 are separated from each other to unlock the solids collection basket 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second catches 126, 1446 may be formed as hooks. It should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary, and that first catch 126 and second catch 1446 may be implemented in any other shape suitable for locking.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 5 and 6, the locking operation between the solids collection basket 120 and the lid assembly 130 and the locking operation of the separating apparatus 10 and the body assembly 30 may be performed by operating the same key assembly. The key assembly may include keys 142. The keys 142 may be received in the openings 132 of the housing 134 (see fig. 9). The locking member 144 may be driven to move by pressing the key 142 to achieve the unlocking and locking operations. In particular, referring also to fig. 10, the locking member 144 may include an inclined surface 1444 and a protrusion 1442. The projections 1442 may engage corresponding portions (not shown) of the body assembly 30 to effect locking of the separation device 10 to the body assembly 30. When the key 142 is pressed, the key moves along the inclined surface 1444 to drive the locking piece 144 to move downward. Simultaneously with the downward movement of the locking member 144, the projection 1442 and the second catching part 1446 also move downward. Thus, downward movement of the locking member enables simultaneous unlocking of the separating apparatus 10 from the body assembly 30 and unlocking of the solids collection basket 120 and bung assembly 130.

Specifically, in a state in which the separating apparatus 10 is locked with the main body assembly 30, the user presses the key 142, and unlocking of the separating apparatus 10 from the main body assembly 30 (see the state shown in fig. 3) can be achieved, in which the user can remove the separating apparatus 10 from the main body assembly 30. In a state in which the separating apparatus 10 and the main body assembly 30 are separated (a state shown in fig. 7), the user presses the key 142, and thus unlocking of the solids collection basket 120 and the tub cover assembly 130 (a state shown in fig. 8) is achieved, and in the unlocked state, rotation of the collection basket 120 with respect to the tub cover assembly 130 is achieved.

The key assembly may further comprise a return spring. The return spring is configured to drive the locking member to move upward to return the locking member after the key is released. In the state that the locking member is reset, the locking of the separating apparatus 10 and the main body assembly 30, or the locking of the solid collecting basket 120 and the tub cover assembly 130 can be achieved.

In some embodiments, the lock 144 may be retained by a lock cover 146. Modular installation of the key assembly is accomplished by the lock cover 146. In other embodiments, the locking piece cover 146 may be omitted.

The solids collection basket 120 may include an inlet opening 122 and a plurality of outlet apertures 124, and the inlet opening 122 may be in communication with the inlet passage 112, whereby contaminants entering the separation device 10 via the inlet passage 112 may enter the basket body through the inlet opening 122. The circumferential wall of the basket may include an air outlet 124, and the air flow entering the basket may further exit the basket via the air outlet 124, with the liquid entering the basket also exiting the basket via the air outlet 124 and entering the collection tub 110. In the process, the solid garbage in the dirt can be captured through the basket body.

In some embodiments, the shape of the air inlet opening 122 may match the outlet of the inlet channel 112. In some embodiments, the walls of the access passage 112 may extend at least partially into the intake opening 122 to ensure reliable communication of the access passage 112 and the intake opening 122. The shape of the outlet aperture 124 may be circular or any other suitable shape. The size of the air outlet 124 may be appropriately set according to the size of the solid waste to be captured.

The basket is removably placed in the collection tub 110. The collection basket 110 is configured to removably receive a solids collection basket 120. The collection tub 110 may further include a liquid collection space configured to collect liquid. The air flow leaving the solids collection basket 120 enters the liquid collection space under air negative pressure and then leaves the liquid collection space to enter the air outlet passage of the lid assembly 130.

In some embodiments, the solids collection basket 120 is rotatably mounted to the lid assembly 130. Fig. 7 and 8 show a state diagram of the tub cover assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 of the separation device 10, respectively, after separation from the collection tub, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the state shown in fig. 7, the tub cover assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 do not rotate relative to each other. In the state of fig. 7, the user can unlock the tub cover assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 by pressing the key 142. In a state in which the lid assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 are unlocked from each other, the lid assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 may deflect to empty the solid waste collected in the solids collection basket 120. As shown in fig. 8, the lid assembly 130 and the solids collection basket 120 are rotated relative to each other, and in the state shown in fig. 8, the solids collection basket 120 is rotated approximately 120 degrees with respect to the lid assembly 130, as an example. It should be appreciated that the solids collection basket 120 may be deflected at any other suitable angle relative to the lid assembly 130.

The rotatable arrangement of the solids collection basket 120 relative to the bowl cover assembly 130 provides significant benefits for emptying the solids collection basket 120. This is because the tub cover assembly 130 needs to cover the space of the solids collection basket 120 in the state where the cleaning apparatus is operated to avoid leakage of air flow into the basket body of the solids collection basket 120. When it is desired to empty the solids collection basket 120, the top opening of the solids collection basket 120 cannot be exposed. Since the solids collection basket 120 is rotatable with respect to the bowl cover assembly 130, the top opening of the solids collection basket 120 may be separated from the bowl cover assembly 130 by a distance (as shown in fig. 8) via the rotation of the solids collection basket 120 in a state in which the solids collection basket 120, the bowl cover assembly 130, and the collection tub 110 are separated. In addition, the rotation of the solids collection basket 120 also facilitates the flip of the top opening of the solids collection basket 120, in which case the solid waste collected in the solids collection basket 120 can be easily discharged through the flip opening, avoiding to some extent contact of the user's hands with the waste collection device while emptying the waste.

In some embodiments, the solids collection basket 120 is pivotally mounted to the lid assembly 130 by a shaft aperture fit. Referring also to fig. 6, the lid assembly 130 may include mounting posts 121. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting posts 121 may be a pair and support the solids collection basket 120 from both sides of the solids collection basket 120. The mounting posts 121 may be fixedly mounted to the lid assembly 130 or integrally formed with the lid assembly 130. The mounting post 121 may include a mounting hole 1212. The solids collection basket 120 can include a shaft that fits into the mounting hole 1212. Thus, relative rotation of the solids collection basket 120 and the lid assembly 130 may be achieved by a shaft bore fit. In some embodiments, the solids collection basket 120 is pivotally mounted to a pair of mounting posts 121 near the bottom half of the solids collection basket 120. In this case, deflection of the solids collection basket 120 may be more facilitated. It should be understood that the illustrated shaft aperture fit is merely an exemplary embodiment of the rotation of the solids collection basket 120 and lid assembly 130 relative to one another. In other embodiments, the mounting post 121 may comprise a shaft and the solids collection basket 120 may comprise a bore, and relative rotation of the solids collection basket 120 and the lid assembly 130 may be similarly achieved. Further, while in the illustrated embodiment the manner in which the solids collection basket 120 rotates relative to the lid assembly 130 is implemented as a pivot, it should be understood that this is by way of example only and that the manner in which the solids collection basket 120 rotates relative to the lid assembly 130 may include any other suitable manner so long as relative rotation of the solids collection basket 120 and the lid assembly 130 is enabled.

In some embodiments, the separation device 10 may further include an automatic rotation or auxiliary rotation arrangement to facilitate rotation of the solids collection basket 120 relative to the lid assembly 130. In some embodiments, the solids collection basket 120 is mounted eccentrically (relative to its center of gravity) to the lid assembly 130. In this case, the solids collection basket 120 may be automatically deflected with respect to the center of gravity thereof in a state where the solids collection basket 120 is taken out of the collection tub 11. In other embodiments, the separation device 10 may include a biasing device that applies a biasing force to the solids collection basket 120, the biasing device configured to apply a pre-biasing force to the solids collection basket 120 in a state in which the solids collection basket 120 is received in the collection basket 110. When the solids collection basket 120 is removed from the collection tub 110, the solids collection basket 120 may deflect relative to the tub cover assembly 130 under the pre-biasing force. By way of example, the biasing means may comprise, for example, a torsion spring disposed between the solids collection basket 120 and the lid assembly 130. It should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary and that the biasing means may be implemented in any other suitable manner so long as it facilitates facilitating rotation of the solids collection basket 120 relative to the lid assembly 130.

When the user places the lid assembly in the collection tub 11 after dumping the garbage, the limiting action of the inner wall of the collection tub 11 and/or the air inlet pipe on the separating apparatus 10, combined with the downward gravity action of the lid assembly, can restore the separating apparatus 10 to a predetermined orientation (e.g., upright) state. At the same time, the locking member 144 may engage the solids collection basket 120 of the separating apparatus 10 to lock the solids collection basket 120 in a predetermined orientation. Thus, the user only needs to operate the clean barrel cover, aims at the inner wall of the collecting barrel 11 and/or the air inlet pipeline, can assemble the barrel cover assembly to the collecting barrel 110 under the action of gravity, avoids the user from contacting with the dirt collecting device, and improves the use experience of the user.

In some embodiments, the locking member 144 may extend partially to the liquid collection space of the collection tub 110 and be positioned partially outside the liquid collection space. This enables the locking member 144 to be manipulated outside the liquid collecting space to effect locking and unlocking operations of the locking device. In this case, since the locking member 144 is at least partially movably disposed in the liquid collecting space of the collecting tank 110, there is a risk of fluid leakage at the interface of the locking member and the liquid collecting space. This is undesirable because such leakage not only reduces the efficiency of the surface cleaning apparatus, but also affects the cleaning performance of the surface cleaning apparatus.

As shown in fig. 9, the housing 134 is configured to cover the collection tub 110 and includes a first through hole 137. The locking member 144 may pass through the first through hole 137 in a predetermined direction (in the illustrated embodiment, a vertical direction). Thus, the locking member 144 is movable within the first throughbore 137 to effect the unlocking and locking operations of the solids collection basket 120. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the lock 144 is shown as being driven to move in a vertical direction by depression of a key assembly; it should be appreciated that this is merely exemplary and that the locking member 144 may be moved in any other suitable direction.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 9, the housing 134 may include a first end wall region 139 and a second end wall region 133. A first through hole 137 is formed in the first end wall region 139. The first end wall region 139 may also be provided with a handling assembly, such as a push button assembly, and a sealing device for operating the locking member 144. The second end wall region 133 may include an opening 135 as an inlet to the outlet channel. The gas stream exiting the solids collection basket 120 may exit the separation device through opening 135. The second end wall region 133 extends directly above the solids collection basket 120 to cover the top side opening of the solids collection basket 120. The second end wall region 133 may include a protruding extended cover 1331 that may extend beyond the top end opening of the solids collection basket 120. The second end wall region 133 is configured to cover the solids collection basket 120 when the surface cleaning apparatus is in operation to prevent fluid within the solids collection space from directly entering the opening 135 through the gap between the second end wall region 133 and the solids collection basket 120.

The separation device may further comprise a sealing device. The sealing means is configured to hermetically seal the interface area between the locking member 144 and the liquid collecting space. The sealing means may comprise a resilient seal 149. The elastic seal is made of an elastic material such as silicone. A resilient seal 149 may be provided at an appropriate location between the lock 144 and the housing 134.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 11, the elastic sealing member 149 may include protrusions and recesses (also referring to fig. 5 and 6) sequentially arranged in a corrugated shape in a predetermined direction to allow the elastic sealing member to be deformed accordingly when the locking member 144 moves in the predetermined direction. The movement resistance of the locking member 144 when moved can be reduced by this deformation.

In some embodiments, the resilient seal 149 may include a second through hole 1492 through which the locking member 144 passes in a predetermined direction, the resilient seal 149 being retained between the support 148 and the housing 134. Such a sealing structure may provide additional benefits. For example, additional structural support strength may be provided to the locking member 144 by the support members 148, improving the reliability of the locking member 144.

In some embodiments, support 148 includes a guide wall 1484. The guide wall may extend in a predetermined direction to define a guide channel for sliding the locking member 144 in the predetermined direction. When the locking piece 144 moves, the locking piece 144 can move in the guide passage, whereby even if the locking piece 144 is formed as an elongated member, it is ensured that the locking piece 144 is not damaged.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 10, the locking member 144 may include a catch 1448 and the resilient seal 149 may be configured to engage the catch 1448 when the locking member 144 is disposed through the second throughbore 1492 of the resilient seal 149. Alternatively or additionally, the locking member 144 may include other types of positive features, such as flanges or the like, to provide positioning and support for the resilient seal 149.

In some embodiments, support 148 further includes an extension 1482 (see fig. 5), extension 1482 at least partially engaging second end wall region 133 (e.g., with cover 1331). The upper space of solids collection basket 120 may be better covered by extension 1482 to prevent fluid from the solids collection space from directly entering the outlet passage through the upper space. For example, extension 1482 may engage with a cover of second end wall region 133 to effect a cover of the space above solids collection basket 120. Thus, by providing the support 148, the performance of the separation device can be further improved.

According to a separating apparatus of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a solids collection basket is rotatably mounted to a bucket lid assembly. In a state where the lid assembly and the solid collecting basket are separated from the collecting tub, the top end opening of the solid collecting basket can be easily exposed by rotating the solid collecting basket with respect to the lid assembly, whereby the solid garbage collected in the solid collecting basket can be conveniently emptied.

Moreover, although operations are depicted in a particular order, this should be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are example forms of implementing the claims.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the various embodiments described. The terminology used herein was chosen in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, or the technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims (14)

1. A separation device (10), characterized by comprising

A lid assembly (130) including an air outlet channel;

a solids collection basket (120) comprising a basket body defining a solids collection space and including an air inlet opening (122) and a plurality of air outlet holes (124); and

a collection tub (110) configured to detachably receive the solids collection basket (120) and including an inlet channel (112) connected with the inlet opening (122) and a liquid collection space in communication with the outlet channel and the plurality of outlet holes (124), respectively;

wherein the solids collection basket (120) is rotatably mounted to the lid assembly (130).

2. The separation device (10) of claim 1, wherein the solids collection basket (120) is pivotably mounted to the lid assembly (130) by a shaft aperture fit.

3. The separating apparatus (10) of claim 2, wherein the lid assembly (130) includes a pair of mounting posts (121) disposed laterally apart, the solids collection basket (120) being pivotally mounted to the pair of mounting posts (121) proximate a lower half area position of the solids collection basket (120).

4. A separation device (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the solids collection basket (120) is eccentrically mounted to the lid assembly (130).

5. A separating device (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the separating device (10) comprises biasing means for applying a biasing force to the solids collection basket (120), the biasing means being configured to apply a pre-biasing force to the solids collection basket (120) in a state in which the solids collection basket (120) is received in the collection tub (110).

6. A separating apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the separating apparatus (10) further comprises a lock (144) configured to lock the solids collection basket (120) in position with the bung assembly (130).

7. The separating apparatus (10) of claim 6, wherein the locking member (144) is movably disposed on the lid assembly (130) and includes a second catch (1446), the solids collection basket (120) including a first catch (126) extending protrusively from the solids collection basket (120), the locking member (144) being configured to be movable between a first position in which the first catch (126) and the second catch (1446) engage one another to lock the solids collection basket (120) and a second position in which the first catch (126) and the second catch (1446) are separated from one another to unlock the solids collection basket (120);

wherein the locking member (144) extends partially to the liquid collection space of the collection tub (110) and is positioned partially outside the liquid collection space.

8. The separation device (10) of claim 6, wherein the lid assembly (130) comprises:

-a housing (134) adapted to cover the collecting vessel (110) and comprising a first through hole (137) for the passage of the locking member (144); and

sealing means configured to hermetically seal an interface region between the locking member (144) and the liquid collecting space.

9. The separation device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the sealing device comprises an elastic seal (149), the elastic seal (149) comprising protrusions and recesses arranged in a corrugated order along a predetermined direction to allow the elastic seal to deform accordingly when the locking member (144) moves along the predetermined direction.

10. The separation device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the sealing device further comprises a support (148) arranged within the liquid collecting space, the elastic seal (149) comprising a second through hole (1492) through which the locking member (144) passes, the elastic seal (149) being held between the support (148) and the housing (134).

11. The separation device (10) of claim 10, wherein the locking member (144) includes a catch or flange (1448), the resilient seal (149) being configured to engage with the catch or flange when the locking member (144) is disposed through the second aperture of the resilient seal (149).

12. The separation device (10) of claim 10, wherein the support (148) includes a guide wall (1484) defining a guide channel for sliding of the locking member (144) in the predetermined direction.

13. The separation device (10) of claim 12, wherein the housing (134) includes a first end wall region (139) and a second end wall region (133), the first through-hole (137) being formed in the first end wall region, the second end wall region (133) including an opening (135) as the inlet of the outlet channel, the second end wall region (133) extending directly above the solids collection basket (120) to cover a topside opening of the solids collection basket (120),

wherein the support (148) further comprises an extension (1482), the extension (1482) at least partially engaging the second end wall region (133) to cover an upper space of the solids collection basket (120) while preventing fluid of the solids collection space from directly entering the outlet passage through the upper space.

14. A wet surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

the separation device (10) according to any one of claims 1-13;

a body assembly (30); and

a suction head assembly (20) mounted to the body assembly and adapted to contact a surface to be cleaned;

wherein the separation device (10) is detachably mounted to the body assembly (30), the suction head assembly (20) being in fluid communication with the separation device (10).