EP4585121A1

EP4585121A1 - Cleaning apparatus for removing dirty liquid and dry dirt from a surface

Info

Publication number: EP4585121A1
Application number: EP24150842.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ben Kuiper
Original assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Current assignee: Versuni Holding BV
Priority date: 2024-01-09
Filing date: 2024-01-09
Publication date: 2025-07-16
Also published as: WO2025149228A1

Abstract

Provided is a cleaning apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface. The cleaning apparatus comprises a suction system (102) for generating an airflow for drawing dirty liquid or dry dirt from the surface into the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus comprises a dirty liquid collection assembly (112) adapted to collect the dirty liquid, and a dry dirt collection assembly (118) adapted to collect the dry dirt. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a valve assembly (122, 124) switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, a first flow path (126) for the airflow passes through the dirty liquid collection assembly to enable collection of the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid collection assembly. In the second configuration, a second flow path for the airflow passes through the dry dirt collection assembly to enable collection of the dry dirt in the dry dirt collection assembly, with the second flow path bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface, in particular a cleaning apparatus capable of removing dirty liquid and dry dirt from the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wet and dry cleaning apparatuses, e.g. wet and dry vacuum cleaners, are known that are capable of wet and dry cleaning of a surface, e.g. a surface of a floor.
Current cleaning apparatuses may employ a modular approach in which different attachments, e.g. tubes, are used to adapt the cleaning apparatus for wet cleaning or for dry cleaning/dirt pick-up.
For example, a conventional cleaning apparatus may include a tubular attachment for wet cleaning that is different to a tubular attachment for dry dirt pick-up. In such an example, provision of two separate tubular attachments may mean that the overall cleaning apparatus is relatively large and cumbersome, owing to including several large parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is defined by the claims.
According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface, the cleaning apparatus comprising: a suction system for generating an airflow for drawing dirty liquid or dry dirt from the surface into the cleaning apparatus; a dirty liquid collection assembly adapted to collect the dirty liquid; a dry dirt collection assembly adapted to collect the dry dirt; and a valve assembly switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration a first flow path for the airflow passes through the dirty liquid collection assembly to enable collection of the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid collection assembly, and in the second configuration a second flow path for the airflow passes through the dry dirt collection assembly to enable collection of the dry dirt, the second flow path bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly.
The cleaning apparatus has both wet cleaning and dry dirt pick-up functionalities. However, the physics of dry dirt collection may be markedly different from that of dirty liquid collection.
By the valve assembly being switchable to bypass the dirty liquid collection assembly in the second configuration, dry dirt collection by the dry dirt collection assembly may be enhanced, since the dry dirt collection assembly may operate with less or without interference by the dirty liquid collection assembly. Moreover, switching of the valve assembly may represent a relatively convenient way of configuring the cleaning apparatus for either wet cleaning of or dry dirt pick-up from the surface.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly is manually switchable by the user between the first configuration and the second configuration. Thus, the user may manually switch the valve assembly to adopt the first configuration when wet cleaning of the surface is intended, and/or manually switch the valve assembly to adopt the second configuration when dry dirt pick-up from the surface is intended.
In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus comprises a detachable wet cleaning head adapted for wet cleaning of the surface. In such embodiments, the valve assembly may be arranged to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the wet cleaning head. This may provide a particularly convenient way of configuring the valve assembly for wet cleaning.
It is noted that the wet cleaning head may not itself include the dirty liquid collection assembly.
Thus, the wet cleaning head can have a relatively small form factor, e.g. in comparison to the above-described tubular attachment for wet cleaning.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may include a detachable dry cleaning head adapted for removing the dry dirt from the surface. In such embodiments, the valve assembly may be arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to attachment of the dry cleaning head. This may provide a particularly convenient way of configuring the valve assembly for dry dirt pick-up from the surface.
It is noted that the dry cleaning head may not itself include the dry dirt collection assembly.
Thus, the dry cleaning head can have a relatively small form factor, e.g. in comparison to the above-described tubular attachment for dry dirt pick-up.
Alternatively or additionally, the dirty liquid collection assembly may be detachable, e.g. may be detachable from a handheld unit that includes at least the suction source and the dry dirt collection assembly. In such embodiments, the valve assembly may be arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to detachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly and/or to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly.
The valve assembly can be configured in any suitable manner provided that the valve assembly is capable of being switched between the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus comprises an inlet for admitting the dirty liquid entrained in the airflow into the dirty liquid collection assembly, and an outlet for allowing the airflow to exit the dirty liquid collection assembly.
In such embodiments, the valve assembly may comprise an upstream valve member moveable to open and close the inlet, and a downstream valve member moveable to open and close the outlet.
The cleaning apparatus may comprise a first dry dirt conduit and a second dry dirt conduit for passing the dry dirt to the dry dirt collection assembly. The first and second dry dirt conduits may, for example, be each included in a bypass around the dirty liquid collection assembly.
In such embodiments, the upstream valve member may be moveable to open the first dry dirt conduit while also closing the inlet, and the downstream valve member may be moveable to open the second dry dirt conduit while also closing the outlet. This may provide a relatively straightforwardly implementable way of bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly.
In at least some embodiments, the dirty liquid collection assembly comprises a dirty liquid collection container and a liquid separation system arranged to separate the dirty liquid from the airflow, with the dirty liquid collection container being arranged to receive the separated dirty liquid.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may include a cleaning liquid delivery system for delivering cleaning liquid to the surface being cleaned. Thus, the cleaning apparatus may be equipped to both supply cleaning liquid to, and remove dirty liquid from, the surface being cleaned.
In at least some embodiments, the dry dirt collection assembly includes a dry dirt collection container and a dry dirt separation system arranged to separate the dry dirt from the airflow, with the dry dirt collection container being arranged to receive the separated dry dirt.
In such embodiments, the dry dirt separation system may comprise a cyclonic separator. Such a cyclonic separator may provide particularly effective separation of the dry dirt from the airflow.
In some embodiments, the suction system and the dry dirt collection assembly are included in a handheld unit.
The suction system, e.g. a motor and fan, may also be included in the handheld unit. Alternatively or additionally, the handheld unit may include a hand grip graspable and manipulable by a user to move the cleaning apparatus over the surface being cleaned.
In some embodiments, the dirty liquid collection assembly is detachable from the handheld unit. Thus, the handheld unit can be detached/removed from the dirty liquid collection assembly, e.g. as well as from the cleaning liquid delivery system, for other cleaning jobs and/or to enable other accessories to be attached to the handheld unit.
The cleaning apparatus, and in particular the suction source, may be powered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus is a battery-operated cleaning apparatus. Such a battery-operated cleaning apparatus, which may be regarded as a cordless cleaning apparatus, may be straightforwardly maneuverable on the surface being cleaned.
It is generally noted that the cleaning apparatus can be of any suitable type. The cleaning apparatus may be a vacuum cleaner, e.g. a vacuum cleaner stick appliance, such as a wet vacuum cleaner stick appliance.
Particular mention is made of the cleaning apparatus being a 2 in 1 vacuum cleaner stick appliance, in other words a vacuum cleaner stick appliance having wet cleaning and dry dirt pick-up functionalities.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cleaning apparatus according to an example, with a valve assembly of the cleaning apparatus being in a first configuration for collecting dirty liquid from a surface; and
FIG. 2 schematically depicts the cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 1 but with the valve assembly being in a second configuration for collecting dry dirt from the surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.
Provided is a cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface. The cleaning apparatus comprises a suction system for generating an airflow for drawing dirty liquid or dry dirt from the surface into the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus comprises a dirty liquid collection assembly adapted to collect the dirty liquid, and a dry dirt collection assembly adapted to collect the dry dirt. The cleaning apparatus further comprises a valve assembly switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, a first flow path for the airflow passes through the dirty liquid collection assembly to enable collection of the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid collection assembly. In the second configuration, a second flow path for the airflow passes through the dry dirt collection assembly to enable collection of the dry dirt in the dry dirt collection assembly, with the second flow path bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly.
FIGs. 1 and 2 schematically depict a cleaning apparatus 100 according to an example. The cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a suction system 102 for generating an airflow for drawing dirty liquid or dry dirt from a surface being cleaned using the cleaning apparatus 100. The surface may, for example, be a surface of a floor, a surface of furniture/upholstery, and so on.
The suction system 102 may, for example, include a motor and a fan that is rotated by the motor in order to generate the airflow. Component(s) of the suction system 102, e.g. the motor, may be protected from the dirty liquid and the dry dirt by separator/collection elements upstream of the suction system 102, as described in more detail herein below.
The cleaning apparatus 100, and in particular the suction source 102, may be powered in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 is a battery-operated cleaning apparatus 100. Such a battery-operated cleaning apparatus 100, which may be regarded as a cordless cleaning apparatus 100, may be straightforwardly maneuverable on the surface being cleaned.
In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the suction system 102, e.g. the motor and fan, may be included in a handheld unit 104.
The handheld unit 104 may include a hand grip 106 graspable and manipulable by a user to move the cleaning apparatus 100 over the surface being cleaned.
Alternatively or additionally, the handheld unit 104 may hold one or more batteries for powering the cleaning apparatus 100 when the cleaning apparatus 100 is battery-operated.
The dirty liquid or the dry dirt may be drawn into the cleaning apparatus 100 via one or more dirt inlets 108 that can be positioned proximal to the surface being cleaned. The dirt inlet(s) 108 may, for example, be arranged in a cleaning head 110, in other words a cleaning nozzle, moveable over the surface being cleaned.
The cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a dirty liquid collection assembly 112 adapted to collect the dirty liquid. Inclusion of the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 may mean that the cleaning apparatus 100 can be used for wet cleaning of the surface.
In at least some embodiments, the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 comprises a dirty liquid collection container and a liquid separation system arranged to separate the dirty liquid from the airflow, with the dirty liquid collection container being arranged to receive the separated dirty liquid.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus 100 may include a cleaning liquid delivery system for delivering cleaning liquid to the surface being cleaned. Thus, the cleaning apparatus 100 may be equipped to both supply cleaning liquid to, and remove dirty liquid from, the surface being cleaned.
The cleaning liquid delivery system may, for example, be arranged to supply cleaning liquid to the surface via one or more cleaning liquid delivery outlets arranged in or proximal to the cleaning head 110.
The dirty liquid collection assembly 112 and/or the cleaning liquid delivery system may be included in a wet cleaning module 116.
In some embodiments, the handheld unit 104 is detachable from one or both of the wet cleaning module 116 and the cleaning head 110.
Thus, the handheld unit 104 can be detached/removed for other cleaning jobs and/or to enable other accessories to be attached to the handheld unit 104.
More generally, the cleaning apparatus 100 includes a dry dirt collection assembly 118 adapted to collect the dry dirt. Inclusion of the dry dirt collection assembly 118 may mean that the cleaning apparatus 100 can be used for dry vacuum cleaning of the surface.
In at least some embodiments, the dry dirt collection assembly 118 includes a dry dirt collection container and a dry dirt separation system arranged to separate the dry dirt from the airflow, with the dry dirt collection container being arranged to receive the separated dry dirt.
In such embodiments, and as shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, the dry dirt separation system may comprise a cyclonic separator 120. Inclusion of such a cyclonic separator for separating the dry dirt from the airflow may mean that the dry dirt separation system can be regarded as a dry cyclone system.
It is noted that the dry dirt collection assembly 118 may be included, together with the suction system 102 and optionally the one or more batteries, in the handheld unit 104.
In embodiments in which the handheld unit 104 is detachable from one or both of the wet cleaning module 116 and the cleaning head 110, the detached handheld unit 104 may be utilized for removing dry dirt using the dry dirt collection assembly 118 and the suction source 102 included in the handheld unit 104.
It is noted that the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 may be arranged proximal to the handheld unit 104, e.g. and distal with respect to the cleaning head 110.
Such positioning may assist to reduce bulk and complexity of the cleaning head 110, and thereby assist the cleaning head 110 to be moved into tighter spaces, e.g. under furniture. Alternatively or additionally, such positioning may facilitate retrieval of the dirty liquid collection container for emptying.
The dirty liquid collection assembly 112 and the dry dirt collection assembly 118 may, for example, comprise parallel pathways that each extend over a majority of a distance between the cleaning head 110 and the hand grip 106.
More generally, the cleaning apparatus 100 includes a valve assembly 122, 124 switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration of the valve assembly 122, which can be regarded as a wet cleaning configuration (see FIG. 1), a first flow path 126 for the airflow passes through the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 to enable collection of the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
In the second configuration of the valve assembly 122, 124, which can be regarded as a dry dirt collection configuration (see FIG. 2), a second flow path 128 for the airflow passes through the dry dirt collection assembly 118 to enable collection of the dry dirt in the dry dirt collection assembly 118, with the second flow path 128 bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
The physics of dry dirt collection may be markedly different from that of dirty liquid collection. By the valve assembly 122, 124 being switchable to bypass the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 in this way, dry dirt collection by the dry dirt collection assembly 118 may be enhanced, since the dry dirt collection assembly 118 may operate with less or without interference by the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
The dirty liquid collection assembly 112 and the dry dirt collection assembly 118 of the cleaning apparatus 100 may each have their own airflow system, which may operate without negative effect associated with the other of the two assemblies 112, 118.
The valve assembly 122, 124 can be configured in any suitable manner provided that the valve assembly 122, 124 is capable of being switched between the first and second configurations. In some embodiments, and referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises an inlet 130 for admitting the dirty liquid entrained in the airflow into the dirty liquid collection assembly 112, and an outlet 132 for allowing the airflow, e.g. the airflow from which the dirty liquid has been separated by the liquid separation system, to exit the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
In such embodiments, the valve assembly 122, 124 may comprise an upstream valve member 122 moveable to open and close the inlet 130, and a downstream valve member 124 moveable to open and close the outlet 132.
Referring to FIG. 2, the cleaning apparatus 100 may comprise a first dry dirt conduit 134 and a second dry dirt conduit 136 for passing the dry dirt to the dry dirt collection assembly 118. The first and second dry dirt conduits 134, 136 may, for example, be each included in a bypass around the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
In such embodiments, the upstream valve member 122 may be moveable to open the first dry dirt conduit 134 while also closing the inlet 130 (see the double-headed arrow 138 in FIGs. 1 and 2), and the downstream valve member 124 may be moveable to open the second dry dirt conduit 136 while also closing the outlet 132 (see the double-headed arrow 140 in FIGs. 1 and 2). This may provide a relatively straightforwardly implementable way of bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly 122, 124 is manually switchable by the user between the first configuration and the second configuration. Thus, the user may manually switch the valve assembly 122, 124 to adopt the first configuration when wet cleaning of the surface is intended, and/or manually switch the valve assembly 122, 124 to adopt the second configuration when dry dirt pick-up from the surface is intended.
In some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus 100 comprises a detachable wet cleaning head 110 adapted for wet cleaning of the surface. The wet cleaning head 110 may, for example, include one or more cloths, e.g. cloth(s) for applying and/or spreading cleaning liquid on the surface.
In such embodiments, the valve assembly 122, 124 may be arranged to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the wet cleaning head 110. This may provide a particularly convenient way of configuring the valve assembly 122, 124 for wet cleaning.
For example, a mechanical coupling between the wet cleaning head 110 and a cleaning head mounting portion of the cleaning apparatus 100 may be arranged to trigger the valve assembly 122, 124, e.g. mechanically or via an electronic switch, to adopt the first configuration when the wet cleaning head 110 is attached.
Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus 100 may include a detachable dry cleaning head 110 adapted for removing the dry dirt from the surface. The dry cleaning head 110 may, for example, include an agitator element, such as one or more brush rolls, for agitating dry dirt on the surface being cleaned.
In such embodiments, the valve assembly 122, 124 may be arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to attachment of the dry cleaning head 110. This may provide a particularly convenient way of configuring the valve assembly 122, 124 for dry dirt pick-up from the surface.
For example, a mechanical coupling between the dry cleaning head 110 and the cleaning head mounting portion may be arranged to trigger the valve assembly 122, 124, e.g. mechanically or via an electronic switch, to adopt the second configuration when the dry cleaning head 110 is attached.
In embodiments in which the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 is detachable, e.g. is detachable from the handheld unit 104, the valve assembly 122, 124 may be arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to detachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly 112 and/or to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly 112.
In summary, the present disclosure provides a wet and dry cleaning apparatus 100 that uses a valve assembly 122, 124 to direct the airflow, e.g. within a bottom portion of the cleaning apparatus 100, to adapt the usage of the cleaning apparatus 100 between wet and dry cleaning.
The wet and dry cleaning apparatus 100 may, for example, include/provide a single attachment 142, e.g. tube, that can be used for both wet and dry cleaning.
Two valves 122, 124 may be integrated in the air flow path and can arrange the flow 128 for the dry system and the flow 126 for the wet system. The valves 122, 124 can be activated manually and/or by changing cleaning heads 110, e.g. cleaning nozzles.
It is generally noted that the cleaning apparatus 100 can be of any suitable type. Particular mention is made of the cleaning apparatus 100 being a vacuum cleaner, e.g. a vacuum cleaner stick appliance, such as a wet vacuum cleaner stick appliance.
The cleaning apparatus 100 may be a 2 in 1 vacuum cleaner stick appliance, in other words a vacuum cleaner stick appliance having wet cleaning and dry dirt pick-up functionalities.
Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
If the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or description, it is noted the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to".
Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

A cleaning apparatus (100) for cleaning a surface, the cleaning apparatus comprising:
a suction system (102) for generating an airflow for drawing dirty liquid or dry dirt from the surface into the cleaning apparatus;

a dirty liquid collection assembly (112) adapted to collect the dirty liquid;

a dry dirt collection assembly (118) adapted to collect the dry dirt; and

a valve assembly (122, 124) switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration a first flow path (126) for the airflow passes through the dirty liquid collection assembly (112) to enable collection of the dirty liquid in the dirty liquid collection assembly (112), and in the second configuration a second flow path (128) for the airflow passes through the dry dirt collection assembly (118) to enable collection of the dry dirt in the dry dirt collection assembly (118), the second flow path bypassing the dirty liquid collection assembly (112).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the valve assembly (122, 124) is manually switchable by a user between the first configuration and the second configuration.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a detachable wet cleaning head (110) adapted for wet cleaning of the surface.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein the valve assembly (122, 124) is arranged to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the wet cleaning head (110).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a detachable dry cleaning head (110) adapted for removing the dry dirt from the surface.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 5, wherein the valve assembly (122, 124) is arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to attachment of the dry cleaning head (110).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising an inlet (130) for admitting the dirty liquid entrained in the airflow into the dirty liquid collection assembly (112), and an outlet (132) for allowing the airflow to exit the dirty liquid collection assembly, wherein the valve assembly (122, 124) comprises an upstream valve member (122) moveable to open and close the inlet (130), and a downstream valve member (124) moveable to open and close the outlet (132).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 7, comprising a first dry dirt conduit (134) and a second dry dirt conduit (136) for passing the dry dirt to the dry dirt collection assembly (118), wherein the upstream valve member (122) is moveable to open the first dry dirt conduit (134) while also closing the inlet (130), and the downstream valve member (124) is moveable to open the second dry dirt conduit (136) while also closing the outlet (132).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dirty liquid collection assembly (112) comprises a dirty liquid collection container and a liquid separation system arranged to separate the dirty liquid from the airflow (112), the dirty liquid collection container (112) being arranged to receive the separated dirty liquid.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the dry dirt collection assembly (118) comprises a dry dirt collection container and a dry dirt separation system arranged to separate the dry dirt from the airflow, the dry dirt collection container being arranged to receive the separated dry dirt.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 10, wherein the dry dirt separation system comprises a cyclonic separator (120).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the suction system (102) and the dry dirt collection assembly (118) are included in a handheld unit (104).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to claim 12, wherein the dirty liquid collection assembly (112) is detachable from the handheld unit (104); optionally wherein the valve assembly (122, 124) is arranged to adopt the second configuration in response to detachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly (112) and/or to adopt the first configuration in response to attachment of the dirty liquid collection assembly (112).
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a cleaning liquid delivery system for delivering cleaning liquid to the surface.
The cleaning apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cleaning apparatus (100) is a battery-operated cleaning apparatus.