KR20240016942A - Supply of liquid to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned - Google Patents

Abstract

In relation to vacuum cleaning, there is provided a suction head (101) comprising a housing (30) coupleable to an air suction source of a vacuum cleaner, and two brushes (20) in a substantially parallel arrangement within the housing (30), Here each of the brushes 20 is rotatable about a rotation axis 21 and is configured to interact with the surface 10 to be cleaned. The suction head 101 is further provided with a wetting arrangement 42 arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of the surface 10 to be cleaned, comprising at least one The liquid supply location of is within the area 24 between the brushes 20 and at the level of the rotation axes 21 of the brushes 20 or closer to the surface level.

Description

Supply of liquid to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned

The present invention relates to a suction head applied to a vacuum cleaner and configured to perform a cleaning action on a surface, the suction head comprising a housing comprising a coupling area configured to enable coupling of the housing to an air suction source of the vacuum cleaner, and It includes two brushes in a substantially parallel arrangement within the housing, where each of the brushes is rotatable about an axis of rotation and is configured to interact with the surface to be cleaned.

The invention also relates to a cordless vacuum cleaner comprising a suction head as mentioned.

Vacuum cleaners are known to remove dirt from the surface being cleaned. As used herein, the term "dirt" covers any contaminants that may be present on a surface and that may be removed under the influence of a vacuum cleaning action, possibly in combination with other cleaning actions such as mopping. It must be understood that Practical examples in this respect include dust and small particles of any kind, and also wet types of contaminants such as spilled drinks. A practical example of a surface to be cleaned is a floor, where the floor can be of any kind such as wood floor, carpet floor, tile floor, etc.

Typically, a vacuum cleaner has a vacuum cleaner head or suction head, which is the part of the vacuum cleaner where the actual process of picking up dirt from the surface to be cleaned takes place and must therefore be placed on or at least close to the surface. Additionally, a vacuum cleaner typically includes a body portion containing a dirt accumulation area and an arrangement configured to act on the suction head so that suction forces prevail within the suction head during operation of the vacuum cleaner. The suction force serves to facilitate the transport of dirt picked up from the surface during operation of the vacuum cleaner towards the dirt accumulation area, where the dirt is made to pass through an outlet opening in the housing of the suction head. The suction force may also have a function in the actual process of picking up dirt from the surface. On the other hand, the suction head includes at least one movable component for interacting with the surface to pick up dirt, for example, which may act as a dirt agitator and in particular assist in removing dirt from the surface and direct the dirt towards the outlet opening. At least one rotatable brush may be provided that may be configured to direct.

International Patent Publication WO 2011/083373 A1 discloses an atomizing means for atomizing droplets of a working fluid, a rotatable brush with flexible brush elements, an inlet for receiving dirty air, such as air containing particles, and a cleansing unit. Disclosed is a cleaning device for removing particles from a surface, comprising: The cleansing unit is suitable for separating at least a part of the droplets of the working fluid from the air. During operation, the rotatable brush is wetted by the working fluid. The brush is of such dimensions and rotated at such a rotational speed that the droplets of the working fluid are discharged as a mist of droplets from the flexible brush element into the coalescence space of the device. The dirty air received by the inlet is accommodated by the coalescing space, forming coalesced particles of the droplets discharged from the brush element and the particles in the dirty air, and the coalesced particles can be transferred from the coalescing space to the cleansing unit.

International Patent Publication WO 2012/107876 A1 discloses a cleaning device comprising a head having an open surface for facing the surface to be cleaned, and at least one brush rotatably arranged within the head for contacting the surface to be cleaned. . At least one brush is provided with a plurality of brush hairs, where it is possible for these brush hairs to be extremely soft and flexible. In such cases, the cleaning action of the surface is not performed by scrubbing the surface, but by alternately bringing the brush hairs into and out of contact with the surface during rotation of the brush. In particular, during one rotation of the brush, the brush hairs remove particles and/or droplets from the contaminated surface and bounce off the particles and/or droplets when the brush hairs reach a position where they have no contact with the surface and can be fully extended. . In the head of the cleaning device, where the brush is arranged, means are present for receiving particles and/or droplets and possibly for transporting the particles and/or droplets towards a space where they are collected. The cleaning device may be equipped with means for effecting a suction force at the head to direct the particles and/or droplets in a desired direction once they are released from the brush hair. It is also possible that the cleaning device is configured to supply cleaning liquid to the rotating brush in order to promote adhesion of the particles to the brush hairs and/or to realize an additional cleaning effect on the surface to be cleaned.

International Patent Publication WO 2017/071727 A1 discloses a vacuum cleaner head comprising a housing having a vacuum extraction zone and a first roller and a second roller configured to be positioned relative to the surface to be cleaned, wherein the first and second rollers Each is configured to pick up dirt from a surface and transport the dirt to a vacuum extraction zone within the housing of the vacuum cleaner head when rotated and moved over the surface during operation. A vacuum extraction zone is defined between the outlet opening and the first and second rollers. When the vacuum cleaner head is used in the vacuum cleaner and the vacuum cleaner is operated, an air flow is created through the vacuum extraction zone to the outlet opening. The vacuum cleaner head may further include a liquid distributor for dispensing liquid on the surface to be cleaned, and the vacuum cleaner head may further include a liquid distributor for distributing liquid on at least one of the first roller and the second roller. Additional information may be included. Accordingly, it is possible to wet the surface to be cleaned to facilitate removal of waste from the surface.

In general, the object of the present invention is to provide means aimed at achieving good cleaning results of vacuum cleaning operations carried out on surfaces. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide means aimed at preventing contamination of the suction head.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention is directed to a suction head adapted to a vacuum cleaner and configured to perform a cleaning action on a surface, the suction head having an engagement area configured to enable engagement of a housing to an air suction source of the vacuum cleaner. A housing comprising, two brushes in a substantially parallel arrangement within the housing, each of the brushes being rotatable about an axis of rotation and configured to interact with the surface to be cleaned, and a portion of the surface to be cleaned from at least one liquid supply location. a wetting arrangement arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid to at least one area, wherein the at least one liquid supply location is within the area between the brushes and at the level of the axes of rotation of the brushes or closer to the surface level. , provides a suction head.

From the above definition of the suction head according to the invention, the invention provides that the suction head is provided with a wetting arrangement arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned. wherein the at least one liquid supply location is selected to be within the area between the brushes and at the level of the rotational axes of the brushes or closer to the surface level. In this way, it is achieved that the surface to be cleaned is wetted in a controlled manner, wherein the brush is wetted in an indirect way through contact with the surface, making it unnecessary to have a direct supply of liquid to the brush, although this is in accordance with the present invention. is not excluded from the context of As the suction head is normally moved back and forth on the surface to be cleaned by the user, having a supply of liquid at a location between the brushes is sufficient and effective to achieve a wet state of both brushes. By having at least one liquid supply position at the level of the rotational axis of the brush or closer to the surface level, it is achieved that the lower surface of the suction head can be effectively cleaned by clean liquid. Practical if the direct supply of liquid to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned involves a continuous or intermittent flow of liquid, or a spray of liquid, directed towards the at least one area from at least one liquid supply location on the suction head. am. The wetting arrangement may be provided more or less as an add-on to the existing design of the suction head, but it is also possible for the wetting arrangement to be provided in a more integrated manner. A practical example of a liquid is water or a mixture of water and detergent.

In the context of the invention, it is possible for the at least one liquid supply location to be in a lower surface part of the suction head arranged and configured to face the surface to be cleaned at a distance of at least 2 mm and at most 6 mm relative to the surface. In that way, a cleaning effect on the lower surface portion can be obtained without the lower surface portion being exposed to the dirt 11 repelled by the brush 20 and with the possibility of the liquid bridging the distance by surface tension. there is. Keeping the lower surface area clean is a way of preventing contamination of the suction head, thereby helping to optimize the cleaning results of the surface to be cleaned, since the clean surface area of the suction head cannot cause contamination effects on the surface. This happens.

In a practical embodiment of the suction head according to the invention, the wetting arrangement is arranged and configured to enable a direct supply of liquid in the direction in which the rotation axes of the brushes extend from at least two liquid supply positions distributed over the suction head. As mentioned having a distribution of liquid supply locations is a factor in achieving sufficient wetting of the brush without any dry or nearly dry areas which would make the cleaning action less effective.

According to an advantageous option, the suction head comprises a long intermediate component positioned within the area between the brushes and optionally comprising two parts configured to cover parts of the brushes. It is practical if, in the position of its upper surface, the long intermediate component is suspended from part of the housing of the suction head. Covering as much of the brush as possible, preferably at very close range, is advantageous when it comes to effectively generating suction force at the suction head. The long intermediate component may be an integral part of the housing, or may be provided as a separate component that can be removably coupled to other components of the housing to allow repairs or cleaning, for example. On the one hand, the presence of a long intermediate component in the suction head does not make possible the known option of one brush wetting the other during operation, but on the other hand, the long intermediate component facilitates the liquid supply and also ensures the absorption of the suction head. It may have the function of preventing contamination of the internal surface. In particular, it is possible for the at least one liquid supply location to be in a lower surface portion of the long intermediate component, arranged and configured to face the surface to be cleaned. If these lower surface parts of the long intermediate component are arranged so that they are close to the surface to be cleaned, i.e. such that these lower surface parts are oriented towards the surface to be cleaned at a distance of at least 2 mm and at most 6 mm relative to the surface as previously suggested. When arranged and configured, the cleaning effect described above is realized in this lower surface portion.

It is practical if the wetting arrangement includes a conduit system configured to transport the liquid and discharge the liquid from at least one liquid supply location. If the suction head includes the elongated intermediate component described above, the conduit system may include at least one conduit extending through the elongated intermediate component. In particular, if the wetting arrangement is arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid from two or more liquid supply locations to two or more areas of the surface to be cleaned, the above-mentioned conduit system comprises at least one main conduit and at least one It may be advantageous to include at least one branch conduit coupled to the main conduit and extending from the at least one main conduit towards at least one liquid supply location. In such cases, the main conduit may act as a kind of buffer and/or distributor of the liquid. To control the flow of liquid from the at least one main conduit to the at least one branch conduit, it may be helpful if a restricted liquid passage exists at the interface of the at least one main conduit and the at least one branch conduit. Suction wherein the option of the suction head comprising a long intermediate component and at least one conduit of the conduit system extending through the elongated intermediate component is combined with the option of the conduit system comprising at least one main conduit and at least one branch conduit. In one embodiment of the head, typically there may be at least one branch conduit with at least one conduit extending through the elongated intermediate component.

In an advantageous embodiment, the suction head comprises a confinement element in fluid communication with the at least one main conduit and the at least one branch conduit, wherein the confinement element directs liquid from the at least one main conduit towards the at least one branch conduit. At least one confinement opening configured to allow passage is provided. In such embodiments, the restricting element or assembly of components comprising the restricting element can be arranged to be removably arranged within the suction head. This enables easy cleaning of the confinement element to avoid clogging of at least one confinement opening of the confinement element.

The wetting arrangement may be used for other purposes in addition to supplying liquid to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned. For example, assuming that the suction head includes at least one wheel rotatably arranged on the suction head and configured to contact the surface to be cleaned, the wetting arrangement is configured to enable direct supply of liquid to the at least one wheel. Additional arrangements and configurations are possible. A notable advantage of this option is that cleaning of at least one wheel can occur automatically without the need for any action on the part of the user and without the need for external cleaning tools or tools for disassembling the components of the suction head. . Thus, a very reliable way is provided to keep at least one wheel of the suction head clean, thereby avoiding situations in which the at least one wheel can influence the cleaning result. In particular, the wetting arrangement can be arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid to the at least one wheel from the outside of the at least one wheel, at the location of the tread of the at least one wheel. In such a case, the at least one wheel may simply be of conventional design and constructed of one or more conventional materials such as plastic and rubber, and the at least one wheel may be mounted within the suction head in any suitable known manner. You can. The rotational movement of the wheel can be used to advantage to spread the liquid over the entire tread of the wheel. A further means aimed at keeping the at least one wheel in a clean condition involves arranging the at least one wheel such that it is possible for a rotating brush to interact with the wheel during operation of the suction head. A further effect of these means may be that the part of the brush near the wheel is to some extent wetted by the wheel. In either case, at least one wheel can be positioned in the area between the brushes.

In the context of the present invention, the brushes can be of any type suitable for use in picking up dirt from the surface to be cleaned, where the brushes can be selected to be the same or different. Each brush may be specifically designed to act as an agitator, for example, to agitate dirt particles as they may be present on the surface. In a practical embodiment of the suction head according to the invention, at least one of the brushes comprises a core element and flexible microfiber elements arranged on the core element. In such brushes, a linear mass density of less than 150 g per 10 km may be applicable to the microfiber elements, or at least the tip portion thereof, so that the microfiber elements may be very flexible in practice. The linear mass density as stated may even be less than 10 g per 10 km, less than 5 g per 10 km, or less than 1 g per 10 km. Such microfiber elements can be arranged on the core element in a dense arrangement so that they interact very effectively with the surface to be cleaned during operation of the suction head. It may also be practical if such microfiber elements are arranged on the core elements in tufts.

This is practical if the working shape of both brushes is that of a cylinder with a generally circular periphery, that is, if the working shape of the brushes is that of a roller, which may be a generally long roller.

The invention further provides a suction device as defined and described above, comprising a wetting arrangement arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned. It relates to a vacuum cleaner including a head, especially a cordless vacuum cleaner. It is practical if such a vacuum cleaner includes a reservoir configured to receive a liquid, contain the liquid, and discharge the liquid into a wetting arrangement of the suction head. Advantageously, the reservoir is removably arranged on the vacuum cleaner, making it easy for the user to take the reservoir to a location where it can be filled with liquid.

The above-mentioned and other aspects of the invention include a housing and two brushes arranged within the housing, arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of the surface to be cleaned. Practical embodiments of a suction head further comprising a wetting arrangement will be apparent from, and will be described with reference to, the following detailed description.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, wherein identical or similar parts are indicated by like reference numerals.
Figure 1 schematically shows a part of the floor with the surface to be cleaned and the components of a wet vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 schematically shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a suction head according to one embodiment of the invention, taken at a position between two brushes comprised within the suction head.
Figure 3 shows enlarged details of Figure 2;
Figure 4 schematically shows a top perspective view of a part of the suction head.
Figures 5 and 6 schematically show cross-sectional views of the suction head, taken at different longitudinal positions on the suction head.
Figure 7 shows enlarged details of Figure 6;
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative set-up of the conduit system of a wetting arrangement included in the suction head.

1 illustrates the design of a wet vacuum cleaner 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The particular vacuum cleaner shown in Figure 1 and described below is just one example of the many types of vacuum cleaners feasible in the framework of the present invention. In this regard, it should be noted that the present invention does not only relate to wet vacuum cleaners, but also to other types of vacuum cleaners, such as wet/dry vacuum cleaners, which have a dry cleaning function in addition to the wet cleaning function.

The wet vacuum cleaner 100 is designed to be used for the purpose of subjecting a surface 10, such as a floor surface, to a wet cleaning action. 1 shows the vacuum cleaner 100 in normal operating orientation with respect to the surface 10 to be cleaned. The use of the term having an orientation aspect herein should be understood in relation to this normal operating orientation of the vacuum cleaner 100 with respect to the surface 10 to be cleaned, where the surface 10 is in a lower position and the vacuum cleaner ( 100) is assumed to be disposed on the surface 10.

On the side that is considered to face the surface 10 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 has two brushes 20 configured to interact with the surface 10 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 100. It includes a suction head 101 that accommodates. In the following, each of the brushes 20 is provided in the form of a roller rotatable about a rotation axis 21 defined by the central longitudinal axis of the roller, and each of the brushes 20 includes a core element 22 and a core element 22. ), and this does not change the fact that other embodiments of the brush 20 are also possible. The brushes 20 may be identical, but this is not essential in the context of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1 by the curved arrows shown at the positions of the brushes 20, the brushes 20 are arranged to be rotatable in opposite directions relative to each other about their respective rotation axes 21. The suction head 101 includes a housing 30 configured to partially cover the brush 20 . Housing 30 may be made of plastic material, for example.

In addition to the suction head 101 , the vacuum cleaner 100 includes a body portion 102 configured to be held by a user of the vacuum cleaner 100 . Preferably, the suction head 101 and body portion 102 are removably connectable to each other. Body portion 102 may be shaped in any suitable way. The outline of body portion 102 as shown in Figure 1 is of a schematic nature only. It would be practical if the body portion 102 included a handle that would allow a user to easily grasp the body portion 102 and move the vacuum cleaner 100 across the surface 10 to be cleaned as desired.

For the purpose of driving the brush 20 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 is equipped with a suitable electric drive mechanism (not shown). For the purpose of powering the drive mechanism and possibly also other components of the vacuum cleaner 100, the vacuum cleaner 100 may be connectable to a mains power source and/or may be equipped with a suitable battery arrangement. Preferably, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a cordless device comprising a rechargeable battery arrangement, in which case it is additionally practical if the vacuum cleaner 100 is part of a set that, in addition to the vacuum cleaner 100, includes a charging dock. It can be. Such a set may also include a flushing tray that can be used for the purpose of cleaning the brushes 20. If the vacuum cleaner 100 is not equipped with a battery, a simple dock without charging capability may be provided to receive and hold the vacuum cleaner 100 while the vacuum cleaner 100 is not in operation.

The body portion 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 has a liquid reservoir 40 that serves to contain a liquid such as water or a mixture of water and a detergent, and a suction head 101 that sucks the liquid during operation of the vacuum cleaner 100. It includes a liquid supply mechanism (41) that serves to supply to the wetting arrangement (42) of. The liquid supply mechanism 41 may comprise, for example, any suitable type of pump arrangement, or may be configured to enable displacement of liquid as desired under the influence of gravity. In the example shown, the wetting arrangement 42 of the suction head 101 is comprised of a direct supply of liquid to the area of the surface 10 to be cleaned and the two It is configured to enable both direct supply of liquid to the wheel 90 (see FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6). Additionally, in the example shown, the suction head 101 is located within the area 24 between the brushes 20 and has an elongated middle configuration comprising two concavely curved portions configured to cover a portion of the brushes 20. Comprising an element (25), the wetting arrangement (42) is partially arranged within the elongated intermediate component (25) and is configured to transport the liquid and discharge it to the area of the surface (10) and the two wheels (90). It includes a configured conduit system (43). In Figure 1, the wet arrangement 42 of liquid reservoir 40, liquid supply mechanism 41, and suction head 101 is indicated by dashed lines. When it is desired to move the liquid reservoir 40 to a location where the liquid reservoir 40 is to be filled with liquid, the liquid reservoir 40 is positioned in the body so that the user can separate the liquid reservoir 40 from the body portion 102. It is practical if it is removably coupled to portion 102.

The body portion 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100 has a dirt reservoir 50 that serves to receive and accumulate wet dirt 11 that is picked up from the surface 10 by the brush 20 during operation of the vacuum cleaner 100. ) is additionally included. The dirt reservoir 50 is typically used to accumulate wet dirt from the incoming dirt 11 picked up from the surface 10, for example in a cyclone arrangement or a tube-in-cup arrangement. It can be configured in as many ways as possible. The body portion 102 passes through an outlet opening 31 in the surface 32 of the housing 30 facing the brush 20 and a suction channel 51 extending from the outlet opening 31 to the dirt reservoir 50 . , a vacuum mechanism (60) configured to create an underpressure that serves to enable transport of dirt (11) from the area where the brush (20) is located in the dirt reservoir (50) within the body portion (102). Includes. As can be seen in the view of a portion of the suction head 101 in FIG. 4, the housing 30 includes a suction channel 51, a dirt reservoir 50 and a vacuum mechanism in the body portion 102 of the vacuum cleaner 100. and a coupling area 33 configured to enable coupling of the housing 30 to the assembly of 60 . The outlet opening 31 is in fluid communication with this joining area 33.

The basic aspects of how the wet vacuum cleaner 100 operates are as follows. During operation, the brush 20 is driven to rotate and the liquid supply mechanism 41 is activated to supply liquid to the wetting arrangement 42 of the suction head 101, so that the liquid is directed to the surface 10 to be cleaned and Allows discharge through two wheels (90). Any stains as may be present on the area of the surface 10 within the reach of the brush 20 will be separated under the influence of the liquid and agitation by the brush 20 and may be present on the area of the surface 10. Any dirt particles and dust that may be present are removed together with the liquid and are conveyed in the process through the outlet opening 31 and the suction channel 51 to the dirt reservoir 50. Dirt 11 is picked up from the surface 10 by the tip portion of the microfiber element 23 of the brush 20, and the brush 20 is rotated to a position such that the tip portion is moved out of contact with the surface 10. As it does so, it bounces off the tip.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the vacuum cleaner 100 may be provided with a user interface 70 , which may include, for example, an on/off button 71 . The vacuum cleaner 100 activates both the liquid supply mechanism 41 and the vacuum mechanism 60 to move the brush 20 and for that purpose in response to input received from the user via the user interface 70. It may further include a control system 80 including a microcontroller programmed to do so.

2-8 serve to illustrate aspects of the suction head 101, particularly aspects of the wetting arrangement 42 of the suction head 101, according to one embodiment of the invention. 2 and 4 , the conduit system 43 of the wetting arrangement 42 is shown in different halves of the suction head 101 when viewed in the longitudinal direction l , which is the direction in which the axis of rotation 21 of the brush 20 extends. It can be seen that it comprises two main conduits (44, 45) located in the field and coupleable to the liquid supply mechanism (41). Additionally, the conduit system 43 is comprised of four branch conduits 46, 47, 48, 49, i) a first conduit 44 of the main conduits 44, 45 when viewed from left to right in FIG. a branch conduit (46) coupled to and configured to discharge liquid to one of the wheels (90), the branch conduit (46) extending from the first conduit (44) of the main conduits (44, 45) to the wheel (90), ii) the wheel (90) ) and the outlet opening 31 is also coupled to the first conduit 44 of the main conduits 44, 45, and is configured to discharge the liquid into a first area of the surface 10 to be cleaned, , a branch conduit (47) extending from the first conduit (44) of the main conduits (44, 45) to the surface (10), iii) the main conduit at a more or less longitudinal position between the wheel (90) and the outlet opening (31). coupled to the second conduit (45) of the main conduits (44, 45) and configured to discharge liquid to a second region of the surface (10) to be cleaned, from the second conduit (45) of the main conduits (44, 45) to the surface. a branch conduit (48) extending to (10), and iv) also coupled to the second conduit (45) of the main conduit (44, 45) and configured to discharge the liquid to another wheel (90), the main conduit ( and a branch conduit 49 extending from the second conduit 45 of 44, 45 to the wheel 90.

Branch conduits (47, 48) configured to discharge liquid to the surface (10) to be cleaned are arranged to extend partially through the long intermediate component (25), the liquid supply positions allowing liquid to discharge to the surface (10) It is located on the lower face of the elongated intermediate component 25 , i.e. on the lower surface portion 26 of the elongated intermediate component 25 arranged and configured to face the surface 10 to be cleaned. In this regard, generally, in the context of the present invention, the liquid supply position, which causes the liquid to be discharged onto the surface 10 , is at the level of the rotation axis 21 of the brush 20 or closer to the surface level, i.e. the brush 20 Note that it is at the level of the rotation axis 21 or at a lower level.

Discharging the liquid onto the surface 10 from the liquid supply locations distributed along the brush 20 in the longitudinal direction l ensures that the brush 20 is free from any dry or nearly dry areas that could make the cleaning action less effective. This is a factor in achieving sufficient wetting. Discharging liquid into the wheel 90 during operation of the suction head 101 keeps the wheel 90 wet and clean, so that the surface ( 10 ) resulting from the fact that it is contacted by the wheel 90 ( Any negative influence on the results of the cleaning action of 10) is avoided. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the position at which the liquid is discharged to the wheel 90 is a position directly above the wheel such that the liquid can be received by the wheel 90 at the position of its tread 91.

Figure 5 shows another advantageous aspect of the design of the suction head 101 according to an embodiment of the invention, which allows each of the two wheels 90 to contact the brush 20, in particular the microfibers of the brush 20. It lies in the fact that it is arranged in contact with the element 23. Firstly, this contributes to keeping the wheel 90 clean. Secondly, this serves to realize that the brush 20 is wetted along its length, ie along its dimension in the longitudinal direction l.

6 shows a suction device arranged and configured such that at least one liquid supply position for discharging liquid onto the surface 10 to be cleaned is directed towards the surface 10 at a distance of at least 2 mm and at most 6 mm relative to the surface 10. An advantageous option is illustrated in the lower surface portion of the head 101. By having only a small space between the surface 10 and the lower surface portion of the suction head 101, it is achieved that the lower surface portion of the suction head 101 is kept effectively clean. As mentioned, the lower surface portion of the suction head 101 is arranged and configured to face the surface 10 at a relatively small distance relative to the surface 10, and the lower surface portion 26 of the long intermediate component 25 It is practical if included.

Based on the foregoing, an overview of advantageous aspects of the small space between the surface to be cleaned 10 and the lower surface portion of the suction head 101 is provided as follows:

- The liquid beneath the lower surface portion bridges with the surface 10 and cleans the lower surface portion by surface tension, capturing small dirt particles that may adhere to the lower surface portion.

- The flow of clean liquid from the different positions from which the liquid is discharged has a direct cleaning effect on the lower surface parts, especially on the lower face of the long intermediate component 25.

- The movement of the suction head 101 causes the area under the lower surface part to be in constant interaction with the brush 20.

It is also advantageous if the surface 32 of the housing 30 facing the brush 20 is arranged so as to cover the brush 20 only at a minimum distance, since in such case the suction force is effectively This is because the air velocity along the surface 32 can be relatively high as a result, which also contributes to keeping the surface 32 in a clean condition apart from the fact that there is virtually no space for dirt to build up. Be careful.

To promote equal distribution of liquid to each of the branch conduits 46, 47, 48, 49, as best seen in FIG. 7, a limited liquid passage 27 is formed in the main conduits 44, 45 and It is practical if present at the interface of each branch conduit (46, 47, 48, 49). In fact, the restricted liquid passage 27 serves to prevent drainage of the main conduits 44, 45 at the location of the branch conduits 47, 48 that appear first when viewed from the downstream direction, which in turn are connected to the other branch conduits 46, 49), which will interfere with the supply of fluid. Accordingly, based on the presence of a restricted liquid passageway 27, control of liquid from the main conduits 44, 45 at the location where the branch conduits 46, 47, 48, 49 are coupled to the main conduits 44, 45. The requested recovery is realized.

8 shows that the main conduit 44 is approximately dimensioned to act as a buffer for liquid 15, and that each branch conduit 46, 47 has a restraining element 28 at the position where it joins the main conduit 44. Illustrates the applicable options. In the example shown, the confinement element 28 comprises a strip provided with two confinement openings. The confinement opening is dimensioned to realize a confined liquid passageway 27 configured to produce a flow of droplets of liquid 15 rather than a continuous flow. Preferably, the restriction element 28 or an assembly of components comprising the restriction element 28 is positioned within the suction head 101 such that the restriction element 28 or the entire assembly can be removed by the user from time to time for cleaning purposes. Arranged to be removable. Regular cleaning of the confinement element 28 and possibly also the adjacent components is necessary, in particular, to prevent the confinement openings from becoming clogged and thereby impeding the supply of liquid 15 to the wheel 90 and the surface 10 to be cleaned. It can help you avoid this.

Both the option of supplying liquid 15 directly to at least one area of the surface 10 to be cleaned and the option of supplying liquid 15 directly to at least one wheel 90 are provided with the suction head 101 according to the present invention. ), it should be understood that the options may be applied independently. Additionally or alternatively to the option of supplying liquid 15 directly to at least one wheel 90, liquid may be placed at a location within the suction head 101, such as a location on one or both of the brushes 20. Note that the option of supplying (15) directly is feasible in the context of the present invention. Generally speaking, the wetting arrangement 42 can be realized in any suitable way. For example, it is possible to design the wetting arrangement 42 with the function of temporarily stopping the supply of liquid to at least one wheel 90 if so desired. This may be useful considering situations where the type of surface 10 to be cleaned requires more than an average amount of liquid, such as requiring the user to manually initiate the cleaning action of at least one wheel 90 from time to time, etc. allows you to do

If, as in the case of the illustrated embodiment of the suction head 101, the suction head 101 comprises an elongated intermediate element 25 covering a portion of the brush 20 from the lower surface of the suction head 101, the elongated It may be advantageous to use an intermediate element 25 to accommodate at least part of one or more conduits of the conduit system 43 of the wet arrangement 42, but this is not essential in the context of the present invention.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several modifications and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. It is intended that the invention be construed to include all such amendments and modifications as come within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative or illustrative only and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The drawings are schematic, in which details not required for understanding the invention may be omitted and may not necessarily be drawn to scale.

Modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, description, and appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other steps or elements, and the singular form (the indefinite article "a" or "an") does not exclude the plural. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Elements and aspects discussed for or in connection with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the mere fact that certain means are mentioned in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used to advantage.

As used herein, the terms “comprise” and “comprising” will be understood by those skilled in the art to encompass the terms “consisting of.” Accordingly, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” may mean “consisting of” in relation to one embodiment, but may mean “consisting of at least a defined species and optionally one or more other species” in another embodiment. It can mean “to do/have/have.”

Notable aspects of the invention are summarized as follows. In relation to vacuum cleaning, a type comprising a housing (30) coupleable to an air suction source (60) of a vacuum cleaner (100), and two brushes (20) in a substantially parallel arrangement within the housing (30). A suction head 101 is provided, where each of the brushes 20 is rotatable about a rotation axis 21 and is configured to interact with the surface 10 to be cleaned. The suction head (101) is further provided with a wetting arrangement (42) arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid (15) from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of the surface (10) to be cleaned, , where at least one liquid supply location is within the area 24 between the brushes 20 and at the level of the rotation axis 21 of the brushes 20 or closer to the surface level.

Claims (15)

A suction head (101) applied to a vacuum cleaner (100) and configured to perform a cleaning action on a surface (10), the suction head (101) comprising:
the housing (30) comprising a coupling area (33) configured to enable coupling of the housing (30) to an air intake source (60) of the vacuum cleaner (100);
Two brushes (20) in a substantially parallel arrangement within the housing (30), each of the brushes (20) rotatable about an axis of rotation (21) and adapted to interact with the surface (10) to be cleaned. configured -, and
a wetting arrangement (42) arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid (15) from at least one liquid supply location to at least one area of said surface (10) to be cleaned, said at least one liquid supply location; The position of the suction head 101 is within the area 24 between the brushes 20 and at the level of the axes of rotation 21 of the brushes 20 or closer to the surface level. The suction head (101) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one liquid supply position is arranged and configured to face the surface (10) to be cleaned at a distance of at least 2 mm and at most 6 mm relative to the surface (10). At the lower surface portion of the suction head 101. 3. The wetting arrangement (42) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotational axes (21) of the brushes (20) extend from at least two liquid supply positions distributed over the suction head (101). Suction head (101), arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid (15) in direction ( l ). 4. A long brush according to any one of the preceding claims, optionally comprising two parts positioned within the area (24) between the brushes (20) and configured to cover parts of the brushes (20). A suction head (101) comprising an intermediate component (25). 5. Suction head (101) according to claim 4, wherein the elongated intermediate component (25) is suspended from a part of the housing (30) at a position of its upper surface. 6. Suction according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one liquid supply location is in a lower surface portion (26) of the long intermediate component (25) arranged and configured to face the surface (10) to be cleaned. Head (101). 7. A conduit system (43) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wetting arrangement (42) is configured to transport liquid (15) and discharge the liquid (15) at said at least one liquid supply location. Including a suction head (101). Suction head (101) according to claim 7, referring to claim 6, wherein the conduit system (43) comprises at least one conduit (47, 48) extending through the elongated intermediate component (25). 9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the conduit system (43) is coupled to at least one main conduit (44, 45) and said at least one main conduit (44). , suction head (101), comprising at least one branch conduit (47, 48) extending from 45) towards said at least one liquid supply location. 10. The method of claim 9, comprising a confinement element (28) in fluid communication with said at least one main conduit (44, 45) and said at least one branch conduit (47, 48), said confinement element (28) containing a liquid. A confinement opening is provided configured to allow passage (15) in a direction from said at least one main conduit (44, 45) towards said at least one branch conduit (47, 48), said confinement element (28) or said conduit (47, 48) Suction head (101), wherein an assembly of components comprising element (28) is removably arranged within said suction head (101). 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one wheel (90) rotatably arranged on the suction head (101) and adapted to contact the surface (10) to be cleaned, The wetting arrangement (42) is further arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid (15) to said at least one wheel (90). 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the wetting arrangement (42) is applied to the at least one wheel (90) from the outside of the at least one wheel (90) at a location of the tread (91) of the at least one wheel (90). Suction head (101), arranged and configured to enable direct supply of liquid (15) to the suction head (101). 13. Suction according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one wheel (90) is arranged such that the rotating brushes (20) can interact with the wheel (90) during operation of the suction head (101). Head (101). 14. Suction head (101) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one wheel (90) is located within the area (24) between the brushes (20). A cordless vacuum cleaner (100) comprising a suction head (101) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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