Patent Description:
With the continuous increasing cleaning demands and the continuous improvement of the cleaning technology, various floor washers have been provided to clean hard surfaces such as floors, tiles, marbles, etc. Generally, the floor washer cleans the ground by rotating its roller brush located at the front end of its cleaning assembly, clean water may flow to the ground from the roller brush when the roller brush is rotated to clean the stains, oil stains, and impurities. Then, the dirt is suctioned and stored in the cleaning apparatus through a negative pressure device. Examples are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

However, when the floor washer is in use or when user maintains the floor washer, liquid in a sewage tank or a clean water tank of the floor washer may flow back or be suctioned into the negative pressure device as a main body of the floor washer is lying down, tilting, or shaking. The liquid entering the negative pressure device may affect the reliability of the floor washer; also, the liquid entering the negative pressure device may probably leak through a gap of the housing of the floor washer, causing secondary pollution. A solution for the problem in related art is to limit a lying angle of the main body of the floor washer, so as to reduce the risk of water entering the negative pressure device. However, this will limit the working angle of the floor washer.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus and a water tank thereof, which can suction external liquid into a first chamber through a first suction device, and then suction the liquid in the first chamber into a second chamber through a second suction device, so as to prevent the liquid in the first chamber from flowing back into the first suction device, especially when the cleaning apparatus is shaking, tilting, or when a main body of the cleaning apparatus is in a lying down state relative to a chassis of the cleaning apparatus.

A first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus including a chassis, a main body, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first suction device, and a second suction device. The main body is rotatably connected to the chassis, the first chamber is arranged on the main body, and the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber. The first suction device is communicated with the first chamber to provide power to drive an external liquid into the first chamber, and the second suction device is communicated with the second chamber to provide power to drive liquid in the first chamber entering the second chamber.

A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus including a chassis, a main body, a first chamber, a second chamber, and a first suction device. The main body is rotatably connected with the chassis, the first chamber is arranged on the main body, and the second chamber is communicated with the first chamber. The first suction device is communicated with the first chamber through a first suction channel, the first suction device provides power to drive external liquid into the first chamber; the first suction device is also communicated with the second chamber through a second suction channel, and the first suction device provides power to drive liquid in the first chamber entering the second chamber.

A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a water tank, the water tank is configured to be installed on the main body of the cleaning apparatus, and the main body is rotatably connected with the chassis of the cleaning apparatus. The water tank includes: a first chamber arranged on the main body and capable of communicating with the first suction device, and a second chamber communicated with the first chamber and capable of communicating with a second suction device. The first suction device provides power to drive external liquid into the first chamber, and the second suction device provides power to drive liquid in the first chamber entering the second chamber.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a water tank, the water tank is configured to be installed on the main body of the cleaning apparatus, and the main body is rotatably connected with the chassis of the cleaning apparatus. The water tank includes: a first chamber arranged on the main body, a second chamber communicated with the first chamber, and a first suction device. The first suction device is communicated with the first chamber through a first suction channel, the first suction device provides power to drive external liquid into the first chamber; the first suction device is also communicated with the second chamber through a second suction channel, the first suction device provides power to drive liquid in the first chamber entering the second chamber.

The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a cleaning apparatus and a water tank thereof. The cleaning apparatus includes a chassis, a main body, a first chamber, a second chamber, a first suction device, and a second suction device. The first chamber is arranged on the main body, the first suction device is capable of suctioning external liquid into the first chamber, and then the first suction device or a second suction device suctions the liquid in the first chamber into the second chamber, so as to prevent the liquid in the first chamber from flowing back into the first suction device which may affect the use reliability of the first suction device, especially when the cleaning apparatus is shaking, tilting, or when the main body of the cleaning apparatus is lying down relative to the chassis.

It should be understood that the above general description and the detailed description of the following are only exemplary and explanatory, which is not to limit the disclosure.

In order to explain the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, the following accompanying drawings are briefly described. Obviously, the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, for those skilled in the field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of the embodiments in combination with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor will fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Without conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> and a chassis <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is rotatably arranged on the chassis <NUM>, and includes a handle <NUM> for users to hold. During the cleaning apparatus <NUM> being used, user holds the handle <NUM> and uses the main body <NUM> to push the chassis <NUM>, so as to control the cleaning apparatus <NUM> to move forward, backward, or tum, so as to clean the surface to be cleaned through a cleaning member <NUM> on the chassis <NUM>. Generally, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a clean water tank and a sewage tank. The clean water tank supplies water to the cleaning member <NUM> or the ground to wet the surface to be cleaned, making the cleaning member <NUM> clean the ground better. During cleaning process, a first suction device <NUM> (such as a negative pressure source, e.g., a fan) may be used by the cleaning apparatus <NUM> to take back the dirt into the sewage tank. The first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the sewage tank. However, in case the sewage tank or part of the sewage tank is arranged on the main body <NUM> which may shake, tilt (compared with the horizontal plane), or get level (compared with the horizontal plane) during the cleaning process, water or water vapor in the sewage tank may enter the first suction device <NUM> and even cause damage to the first suction device <NUM>. In particular, the smaller the angle between the main body <NUM> and the horizontal plane, the greater the probability that water enters the first suction device <NUM>. In related art, in order to ensure that water does not enter the first suction device <NUM>, the angle of the main body <NUM> rotating with respect to the chassis <NUM> is commonly limited. As a result, the cleaning apparatus10 cannot clean the low areas such as the bed bottom and the sofa bottom. Based on this, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose solutions as follows.

Referring to <FIG>, a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus <NUM> including a chassis <NUM>, a main body <NUM>, a first chamber <NUM>, a second chamber <NUM>, a first suction device <NUM>, and a second suction device <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> is rotatably connected with the chassis <NUM>.

It should be noted that the main body <NUM> is rotatably connected with the chassis <NUM>, so that the main body <NUM> can switch among an up-straight state (as shown in <FIG>), a tilting state (as shown in <FIG>), and a lying-down state (as shown in <FIG>). When a length direction of the main body <NUM> (referring to the dotted line as shown in <FIG>) is approximately (such as ± <NUM>° to the vertical direction) in perpendicular to the chassis <NUM> (or the horizontal plane), the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the up-straight state, which is usually the placement posture of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>; when an angle between the length direction of the main body <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> (or the horizontal plane) is an acute angle, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the tilting state, which is usually the normal working posture of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>; when the length direction of the main body <NUM> is roughly parallel (for example, ± <NUM>° to the horizontal direction) to the chassis <NUM> (or the horizontal plane), the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the lying-down state, which is usually the extreme working posture of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> for cleaning low areas, such as bed bottom, sofa bottom, etc..

It should be noted that, the front side, the rear side, the left side, and the right side of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> are defined in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly indicate the orientation. As shown in <FIG>, the front side refers to the forward side of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> in non-turning situation; the rear side is the opposite side to the front side, that is, the side that deviates from the forward direction of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> in non-turning situation; the left side is the left-hand side when a user stands facing the front side; the right side is the right-hand side when a user stands facing the front side. As to the main body <NUM>, the front side refers to the side of the main body <NUM> pivoting forward, and the rear side refers to the side of the main body <NUM> pivoting backward. The main body <NUM> may change its pivoting angle, when the main body <NUM> is in the up-straight state (as shown in <FIG>), the front side of the main body <NUM> is the forward side of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> in non-turning situation; when the main body <NUM> is in the lying-down state (as shown in <FIG>), the front side of the main body <NUM> is the upper side of the main body <NUM>, and the rear side of the main body <NUM> is the lower side of the main body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the first chamber <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM>, and the second chamber <NUM> is arranged on the chassis <NUM>. In some other embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, both the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are arranged on the main body <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> and the second suction device <NUM> may be both arranged on the main body <NUM>; or the first suction device <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM> and the second suction device <NUM> is arranged on the chassis <NUM>; or the first suction device <NUM> and the second suction device <NUM> are arranged outside of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, which is not limited here.

With regard to how to form the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> may include a first housing 310a and a second housing 320a, the first housing 310a defines the above-mentioned first chamber <NUM>, the second housing 320a defines the above-mentioned second chamber <NUM>, and the first housing 310a is fixed to the outside of the second housing 320a by assembly (as shown in <FIG>); or, the first housing 310a is arranged on the main body <NUM>, and the second housing 320a is arranged on the chassis <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). Since the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> are independent of each other, they may be respectively assembled and fixed to the main body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and the assembly herein means to be installed and fixed together by means of clasps, fastening, etc. As shown in <FIG>, the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> may also be separated and arranged on the main body <NUM> and the chassis <NUM> respectively. Or, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a first housing 310a and a second housing 320a, at least part of the first housing 310a is nested into the second housing 320a. Typically, referring to <FIG>, a portion of the inner wall of the second housing 320a and a portion of the outer wall of the first housing 310a define the second chamber <NUM>; the first housing 310a defines the first chamber <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>); or, a portion of the inner wall of the first housing 310a and a portion of the inner wall of the second housing <NUM> define the first chamber <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

It should be noted that "external liquid" described in the embodiments of the present disclosure may be dirt (including solid-liquid mixture and sewage), or clean water. The first suction device <NUM> in the embodiments of the present disclosure is configured to mainly provide power to drive the external liquid entering the first chamber <NUM>. And, the "external" herein refers to the outside of the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>.

In case the liquid need to be suctioned is sewage or solid-liquid mixture, the water tank <NUM> may be a sewage tank, and the first suction device <NUM> can suction the dirt generated during the cleaning process of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> to the sewage tank, to facilitate a subsequent operation for users.

In case the liquid need to be suctioned is clean water, the first suction device <NUM> may suction the external clean water into the first chamber <NUM>. In case the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> define a sewage tank, the clean water can clean the first chamber <NUM> and/or the second chamber <NUM> to maintain the water tank.

External liquid being solid-liquid mixture or sewage will be described in detail as an example.

Referring to <FIG>, the first suction device <NUM> is configured to suction the external dirt (including solid-liquid dirt, sewage, etc.) during the cleaning process of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> into the first chamber <NUM>, to take back stains, oil stains, or impurities on the ground. Also, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is capable of suctioning a mixture of external solid dirt and sewage into the first chamber <NUM>, which is not limited here. The chassis <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is provided with a cleaning member <NUM> for cleaning surfaces which needs to be cleaned. The cleaning member <NUM> may be a roller brush. One end of the main body <NUM> is provided with a handle <NUM> for user to hold, user holds the handle <NUM> to drive the main body <NUM> to push the chassis <NUM> forward, backward, or turn. The first chamber <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM>, the second chamber <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>, and the first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>, so that the first suction device <NUM> is capable of providing power to drive external liquid entering into the first chamber <NUM>. Typically, the first suction device <NUM> is a high-flow negative pressure source capable of providing negative pressure, such as a fan or the like, which is able to suction external liquid into the first chamber <NUM>. The second chamber <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>, it may be understood that the second chamber <NUM> is indirectly communicated with the first suction device <NUM> through the first chamber <NUM>, in case the communication between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> is cut off, the first suction device <NUM> is merely communicated with the first chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a partitioning member is provided between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, so as to make the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> be independent with each other, and the partitioning member can further prevent the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> from flowing back to the first chamber <NUM>. The communication between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> herein means that there is a channel between the two chambers for liquid flowing through, wherein, the "channel" includes but is not limited to, a hole, a pipe, a gap, etc., the channel is configured to allow liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to enter the second chamber <NUM>.

The second suction device <NUM> is communicated with the second chamber <NUM>, and the second suction device <NUM> is capable of providing power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>, which may further prevent the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> from flowing back to the first chamber <NUM>.

The second suction device <NUM> introduced by the embodiments of the present disclosure can drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>, so liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can be reduced or removed, as such, the risk of liquid entering the first suction device <NUM> is reduced. It should be noted that the first suction device <NUM> is configured to drive external liquid into the first chamber <NUM>, it has a long suction path, requiring a larger flow rate; while the second suction device <NUM> is configured to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>, thus the required flow rate can be slight smaller. In case the second suction device <NUM> is a gas suction device, there is also a liquid intake risk for the second suction device <NUM>. However, it should be understood that when facing a same amount of liquid to be suctioned, the larger the flow rate, the greater the risk of liquid entering the suction device. Since a smaller flow rate is required to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>, the second suction device <NUM> can be a suction device with smaller flow rate, thus the risk of liquid entering the second suction device <NUM> is reduced. Since the flow rate required to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM> may be small, the wind resistance of the suction channel which is communicated with the second suction device <NUM> can be increased, for example, by adding some blocking structures which can prevent water and/or water vapor entering the second suction device <NUM>, to further reduce the risk of liquid intake of the second suction device <NUM>. In addition, the risk of liquid intake of the first suction device <NUM> can also be reduced by adding blocking structures. The blocking structures for the first suction device <NUM> may be simple to provide an appropriate wind resistance for the first suction device <NUM>, since it is necessary to ensure that the first suction device <NUM> can always provide a larger suction flow rate to ensure the external liquid being suctioned into the first chamber <NUM>, such that the risk of liquid intake is reduced and impact on the first suction device <NUM> to always provide a large suction flow rate is minimized.

In some embodiments, the second suction device <NUM> includes a gas suction device, the first chamber <NUM> is communicated to the second chamber <NUM> through a liquid leakage structure <NUM>, and a cross-sectional area of a suction port of the gas suction device <NUM> is similar to a cross-sectional area of the liquid leakage structure. "Similar" means that the area difference between the two is relatively small. For example, it could be less than <NUM> square millimeters. The cross-sectional areas of the two are arranged to be similar to each other, so that "suction force" of the second suction device <NUM> can effectively act on the liquid leakage structure <NUM> at a ratio close to <NUM>:<NUM>, so the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can smoothly enter the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, during the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is used, liquid in the first chamber <NUM> come from the outside is prone to enter the first suction device <NUM> since the first suction device <NUM> is directly communicated with the first chamber <NUM>, especially when the first chamber <NUM> is full filled with the liquid or the main body <NUM> is tilted or lying down. However, the provided second suction device <NUM> is communicated with the second chamber <NUM> and provides power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>, as such, there is always a relatively small amount of liquid in the first chamber <NUM>, thus minimizing the risk of the liquid entering the first suction device <NUM> even though the main body <NUM> is shaking, tilted, or lying down, which can cause secondary pollution and even damage to the first suction device <NUM>. In addition, the second suction device <NUM> can effectively prevent the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> flowing back to the first chamber <NUM>, which may cause failure of the first suction device <NUM>.

It should be noted that the first suction device <NUM> and the second suction device <NUM> are independent suction sources, and the suction power of both can be controlled independently.

Typically, suction power of the first suction device <NUM> may be adjusted based on environmental factors during the first suction device <NUM> provides power to drive the solid-liquid mixture, sewage, or clean water entering the first chamber <NUM>, while the second suction device <NUM> may maintain a greater power in any case to ensure that liquid is suctioned into the second chamber <NUM> from the first chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a water tank <NUM>, and the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are defined in the water tank <NUM>. If dirt is collected, the water tank <NUM> is served as a sewage tank. In case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the up-straight state, the first chamber <NUM> is located upon the second chamber <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> may be detachably mounted on the main body <NUM>, the first suction device <NUM> and the second suction device <NUM> are arranged on the main body <NUM>, allowing the first suction device <NUM> to suction external liquid into the first chamber <NUM> of the sewage tank <NUM>, and the second suction device <NUM> to suction the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> may further include a first detection assembly <NUM>, and the first detection assembly <NUM> is arranged in the first chamber <NUM> and configured to detect the information of content accommodated in the first chamber. Typically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a filter screen <NUM> is arranged in the first chamber <NUM> to allow the first chamber <NUM> defining separated solid and liquid chambers, in this case, the information of content accommodated in the first chamber may indicate the amount of solid waste that can be accommodated.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are communicated through the liquid leakage structure <NUM>, such that liquid within the first chamber <NUM> is capable of entering the second chamber <NUM>. The liquid leakage structure <NUM> may be a leakage hole, a leakage passage, or a leakage gap disposed between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, which is not limited here. It should be noted that the liquid leakage area formed by the liquid leakage structure <NUM> may be minimized, so that the rest of the bottom wall of the first housing 310a can isolate the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, and the second suction device <NUM> is allowed to concentrate its suction force on the small liquid leakage structure <NUM>, such that liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can be quickly suctioned into the second chamber <NUM>. As such, the possibility of liquid flowing back to the first chamber <NUM> from the second chamber <NUM>, or swaying liquid flowing back to the first chamber <NUM> when the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is shook will be reduced. That is, most of the liquid remains in the second chamber <NUM> and the amount of liquid retained in the first chamber <NUM> is less, which reduces the risk of liquid entering the first suction device <NUM>.

It should be noted that when the first chamber <NUM> is located above the second chamber <NUM>, both the gravity of the liquid and the suction force provided by the second suction device <NUM> may drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering the second chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> may be set at the rear side of the first chamber <NUM>. In this way, when the main body <NUM> is tilted backward or lying down, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> can be at the lowest point of the first chamber <NUM>, to facilitate flow of the liquid from the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM> when the main body <NUM> is tilted backward or lying down during use.

In some embodiments, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> may be arranged at a lower portion of the first chamber <NUM>. The lower portion of the first chamber <NUM> refers to the bottom wall of the first chamber <NUM> or a side wall 310c of the first chamber <NUM> which is closer to the chassis <NUM>. By positioning the liquid leakage structure <NUM> at the lower portion, when the main body <NUM> is tilted or up straight, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> is positioned at the lowest point of the first chamber <NUM>, so that all the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can flow into the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> is arranged at a lower rear portion of the first chamber <NUM>. In this case, regardless of whether the main body <NUM> is tilted, up straight, or lying down, it can ensure that the liquid leakage structure <NUM> is located at the lowest point of the first chamber <NUM> in its current state, so that all the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can flow into the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In one embodiment, referring to <FIG>, the maximum size of the liquid leakage structure <NUM> along the front-rear direction is smaller than the minimum size of the liquid leakage structure <NUM> along the left-right direction, such that the liquid leakage structure <NUM> can be closer to the rear side while ensuring efficient liquid flow. Typically, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> may have a flat shape.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the second suction device <NUM> may be a gas suction device such as a vacuum pump, a fan; or a liquid suction device such as a water pump, a peristaltic pump, which is not limited here, as long as it can provide power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering the second chamber <NUM>. The following is an example of the second suction device <NUM> as a gas suction device.

In some embodiments, the second suction device <NUM> includes a gas suction device <NUM>, and the gas suction device <NUM> is communicated with the second chamber <NUM>, so the gas suction device <NUM> can suction the gas in the second chamber <NUM> to allow a negative pressure generating in the second chamber <NUM>. In this case, in addition to the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> flowing into the second chamber <NUM> under the influence of gravity, the negative pressure generated by the gas suction device <NUM> can also provide a certain auxiliary force to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering the second chamber <NUM>. The gas suction device <NUM> may be a vacuum pump, an air pump, a fan or the like which is capable of suctioning gas.

Referring to <FIG>, the first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> through a first suction channel <NUM>, and the second suction device <NUM> is communicated with the second chamber <NUM> through a second suction channel <NUM>. The first chamber <NUM> may generate a negative pressure by virtue of the first suction device <NUM> to allow external liquid entering the first chamber <NUM> and then being suctioned into the second chamber <NUM> by virtue of the second suction device <NUM>. Illustratively, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second suction channel <NUM> is a suction interface; or, as shown in <FIG>, the second suction channel <NUM> is a gas channel.

It should be understood that, during the first suction device <NUM> and the gas suction device <NUM> are working, the negative pressure of the first chamber <NUM> at the connection between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> may be smaller than the negative pressure of the second chamber <NUM> at the connection between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>, so that the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can flow into the second chamber <NUM> smoothly; due to the negative pressure difference, the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> can easily enter the second chamber <NUM>, and since the liquid has fluidity, the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> would not return to the first chamber <NUM> in case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is tilted, lying down, or shaking, which effectively protects the first suction device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a filtering member may be provided in the first chamber <NUM> to filter the dirt, allowing the solid waste to retained in the first chamber <NUM> and the liquid in the dirt to enter the second chamber <NUM> under its own gravity and the negative pressure generated by the gas suction device. With regard how to design the filtering member in the first chamber <NUM> and the specific structures of the filtering member will be described in detail in subsequent embodiments.

Compared with the related art, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> in the embodiments of the present disclosure is additionally provided with the second suction device <NUM>. In case the second suction device <NUM> is a gas suction device <NUM>, similar to the first suction device <NUM>, the gas suction device <NUM> also faces the risk of damage caused by liquid intake. In order to further reduce the risk of liquid intake of the gas suction device <NUM> (the second suction device <NUM>), the embodiments of the present disclosure propose solutions as follows.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the second suction channel <NUM> includes a gas inlet 321b and a gas outlet 321a, the gas inlet 321b is communicated with the second chamber <NUM>, and the gas outlet 321a is communicated with the gas suction device <NUM> (the second suction device <NUM>). The shape of the second suction channel <NUM> is not limited herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the gas inlet 321b of the second suction channel <NUM> may be located at the front side of the second chamber <NUM>, in case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is lying down, the gas inlet 321b can be kept as far away from the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> as possible, so as to reduce the probability that the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> is suctioned into the gas inlet 321b. Further, when the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is lying down, the farther the gas inlet 321b is from the liquid level of the second chamber <NUM>, the larger the volume of the second chamber <NUM> can be utilized. For example, as the gas inlet 321b is arranged at the front side of the second chamber <NUM>, in case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is lying down, the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> may approach the front side of the second chamber <NUM>, while if the gas inlet 321b is arranged at the middle of the second chamber <NUM>, in order to reduce the liquid intake probability of the first suction device <NUM> from the gas inlet 321b, the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> should be controlled to be lower than the middle portion of the second chamber <NUM>. Therefore, the liquid level of the former is higher than that of the latter, namely, the liquid storage capacity of the second chamber <NUM> with the gas inlet 321b locating at the middle is not as good as that of when the gas inlet 321b being arranged at the front side of the second chamber <NUM>. Therefore, arranging the gas inlet 321b at the front side of the second chamber <NUM> may increase the effective utilization volume of the second chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the gas inlet 321b of the second suction channel <NUM> is located at the top of the second chamber <NUM>, the "top" herein means at the top of the whole second chamber <NUM>, such an arrangement allows the gas inlet 321b being away from the liquid level of the second chamber <NUM>, thus the probability of the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> being suctioned into the second suction channel <NUM> is reduced.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the maximum size of the gas inlet 321b along the front-rear direction of the main body <NUM> is smaller than the minimum size of the gas inlet 321b along the left-right direction of the main body <NUM>; typically, the gas inlet <NUM> may have a flat shape. In the case the position of the gas inlet 321b is fixed, in a lying down state, the flat shape of the gas inlet 321b makes the lowest point of the opening of the gas inlet 321b be as high as possible. In this way, at the same liquid level, the lower part of the gas inlet 321b can be further away from the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM>, thus the probability of the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> entering the second suction channel <NUM> is reduced. In the case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is lying down, the further the gas inlet 321b is from the liquid level of the second chamber <NUM>, the larger the effective volume of the second chamber <NUM> can be utilized. For example, as shown in <FIG>, in the case the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is lying down and the gas inlet 321b has a flat shape, the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> is allowed to be closer to the front side of the second chamber <NUM>; however, if the gas inlet 321b is not flat but is set to increase its thickness in the front-to-back direction, that is, in a lying down state, the opening of the gas inlet 321b is lowered in the height direction, in this case, the liquid level in the second chamber <NUM> need to be controlled to be lower than the opening to reduce the probability of liquid entering the second suction device <NUM> from the gas inlet 321b, correspondingly, the effective volume of the second chamber <NUM> is reduced. Therefore, the gas inlet 321b having a flat shape can also increase the effective volume of the second chamber <NUM>.

It should be noted that the whole second suction channel <NUM> may have a flat shape.

In addition, the gas inlet 321b and/or the second suction channel <NUM> being both located at the front side and/or top of the second chamber <NUM> can further reduce the probability of liquid entering the gas inlet 321b and increase the effective volume of the second chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the cross-sectional area of the second suction channel <NUM> can gradually decrease in the direction from the gas inlet 321b to the gas outlet 321a, such an arrangement allows the gas inlet 321b to be as large or wide as possible in a limited space, so as to reduce the probability of the gas inlet 321b being completely blocked by the liquid. In this way, even if the gas inlet 321b is partially blocked by liquid, the gas suction device can still perform suction through the part of the gas inlet 321b which is not blocked by the liquid, due to the greater flowability of gases compared to liquids. As such, the second suction device <NUM> can continue to work in such a situation, so the possibility of a failure of the second suction device <NUM> caused by partial water intake of the gas inlet 321b is reduced. Further, the cross-sectional area of the second suction channel <NUM> gradually decreases along a suction direction, even if there is liquid entering the second suction channel <NUM> through the gas inlet 321b, the liquid that is shaken into the second suction channel <NUM> is prone to hit the inner wall of the second suction channel <NUM>, thus being blocked by the inner wall from directly entering the gas suction device through the gas outlet 321a.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the second suction channel <NUM> includes at least one guiding wall <NUM> which is configured to guide airflow in the second suction channel <NUM> to flow from the gas inlet321b to the gas outlet 321a along a curved path. The guiding wall <NUM> assists to define a curved path in the second suction channel <NUM>, even if there is water vapor entering the second suction channel <NUM> through the gas inlet 321b, the water vapor needs to traverse the curved path to reach the gas outlet 321a, that is, it prolongs the path of the water vapor from the gas inlet 321b to the gas outlet 321a, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of the water vapor entering the second suction device <NUM> from the gas outlet 321a. In addition, during the water vapor passes along the guiding wall <NUM>, water vapor can be separated and blocked by the guiding wall <NUM>, so that the water vapor can be prevented from being directly drawn into the second suction device <NUM> through the second suction channel <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, the side wall of the second suction channel <NUM> is curved, forming the guiding wall <NUM>; or, the second suction channel <NUM> may be provided with one or more curved side walls, and the one or more curved side walls define the guiding wall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> may be provided with a third detection assembly <NUM> which is configured to detect whether there is water entering the second suction channel <NUM>, so as to reduce the failure risk of the gas suction device <NUM> caused by liquid intake. In case it is detected that water has entered the second suction channel <NUM>, the gas suction device may be controlled to be shut down or reduce the power, so as to prevent the liquid in the second suction channel <NUM> from entering the gas suction device. Optionally, the third detection assembly <NUM> may be an electrode type sensor or a photoelectric type sensor. Optionally, the third detection assembly <NUM> is arranged in the second suction channel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a second detection assembly <NUM> is arranged in the second chamber <NUM> to detect liquid level information in the second chamber <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second detection assembly <NUM> is a liquid level sensor, or a liquid presence sensor. The liquid level information includes the liquid level information in the second chamber <NUM>, and the information of whether there is liquid reaching to the second detection assembly <NUM> instantly under the situation of shaking and tilting.

Typically, the second detection assembly <NUM> may be installed below the gas inlet 321b of the second suction channel <NUM>, and/or behind the gas inlet 321b. The second detection assembly <NUM> may trigger a liquid presence signal when it detects the liquid or liquid level reaching the installation position of the second detection assembly <NUM>. As such, regardless of whether the second detection assembly <NUM> is in an up-straight state, a tilting state, or a lying down state, the second detection assembly <NUM> is closer to the liquid level than the gas inlet 321b, so that an alarm can be triggered before the liquid enters the gas inlet 321b, which reduces the liquid intake probability of the gas suction device.

The following is a detailed description of how to form the first chamber <NUM>, the second chamber <NUM>, and the second suction channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a first housing 310a and a second housing 320a, the first housing 310a defines the above-mentioned first chamber <NUM>, the second housing 320a defines the above-mentioned second chamber <NUM>. The first housing 310a is fixed to the outside of the second housing 320a (as shown in <FIG>) through assembling, and the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a may be assembled together by means of fasteners, buckles, clasps, and the like; or, the first housing 310a is arranged on the main body <NUM>, and the second housing 320a is arranged on the chassis <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), such an arrangement may reduce the weight of the main body <NUM>, which may facilitate the operations such as pushing or twisting of the main body <NUM> by users.

In this way, the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are independent of each other, and the gas outlet 321a of the second suction channel <NUM> is defined on the second housing <NUM> and located at the top of the second chamber <NUM> to communicate with the interface of the second suction device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a first housing 310a and a second housing 320a, at least part of the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing 320a. The second chamber <NUM> is defined by part of the inner wall of the second housing 320a and part of the first housing 310a (as shown in <FIG>). The first chamber <NUM> may be defined in two different ways, for example, the first chamber <NUM> is defined in the first housing 310a (as shown in <FIG>), or a partial inner wall of the first housing 310a and a partial inner wall of the second housing 320a co-enclose the first chamber <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>).

In this way, the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are both installed on the main body <NUM>, and defined by the nesting of the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a. The second suction channel <NUM> may be all defined in a wall surface of the first housing 310a (as shown in <FIG>) or a wall surface of the second housing <NUM>, namely, the second suction channel <NUM> is defined inside a solid structure. Or, part of the second suction channel <NUM> is defined in the wall surface of the first housing 310a and isolated from the first chamber <NUM>, and the other part of the second suction channel <NUM> is cooperatively defined by a portion of an outer wall of the first housing 310a and a portion of an inner wall of the second housing <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>), wherein the portion of the inner wall of the second housing <NUM> defining the first chamber <NUM> is different from the portion of the inner wall of the second housing <NUM> defining the second suction channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing 320a, and the outer wall of the first housing 310a is slotted and enclosed with the inner wall of the second housing 320a to form the second suction channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the gas outlet 321a of the second suction channel <NUM> is arranged on a wall surface of the second housing 320a.

Typically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing <NUM>, the first housing 310a defines the first chamber <NUM>, the bottom of the first housing 310a and a part of the inner wall of the second housing <NUM> define the second chamber <NUM>, the upper part of the first housing 310a is sealed with the upper part of the second housing <NUM>. The gas outlet 321a may be arranged at the top of the second chamber <NUM> and at the middle part of the second housing 320a, so as to allow the suction to be performed directly at the top of the second chamber <NUM>; or the gas outlet 321a may be provided at the upper part of the second housing 320a, allowing the suction to be performed at the top of the second chamber <NUM> through the second suction channel <NUM> formed by an outer wall of the first housing 310a and an inner wall of the second housing <NUM>, and the gas outlet 321a is configured to dock with the interface of the second suction device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the first housing 310a is partially nested in the second housing 320a, and the gas outlet 321a is arranged on a wall surface of the first housing 310a and located at a portion of the first housing 310a exposed from the second housing 320a.

Typically, as shown in <FIG>, compared with the <FIG>, the upper part of the first housing 310a is not completely nested in the second housing 320a, and the gas outlet 321a is defined on the upper part of the first housing 310a which is exposed from the second housing 320a. In this case, the second suction channel <NUM> is at least partially defined inside the solid structure of the first housing 310a, a communication port for the second suction channel <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> is defined at a lower portion of the first housing 310a, and the second suction channel <NUM> in the first housing 310a is isolated from the first chamber 310a. In this embodiment, there's no need to process the gas outlet 321a on the second housing 320a, which ensures the integrity of the second housing <NUM>. Since the second housing <NUM> is mostly configured to store liquid, the integrity of the side wall of the second housing <NUM> may reduce an occurrence of liquid leakage, thereby improving the stability of the second housing <NUM> in containing liquids.

In one embodiment, the first housing 310a or the second housing 320a is detachably connected with the main body <NUM>. When the first housing 310a or the second housing <NUM> is full of liquid or dirt, it is convenient for users to remove the first housing 310a and/or the second housing <NUM> to dispose the liquid or dirt. The gas outlet 321a is sealed and coupled with the suction port of the gas suction device <NUM> arranged on the main body <NUM>.

In some other embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second suction channel <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> and a channel <NUM>, the channel <NUM> is arranged in the wall of the first housing 310a, and the channel <NUM> is defined by the outer wall of the first housing 310a and the inner wall of the second housing 320a cooperatively.

Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cleaning apparatus10 may include a first sealing portion 340a for sealing the channel <NUM> defined by the outer wall of the first housing 310a and the inner wall of the second housing 320a as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Since the channel <NUM> is enclosed by the outer wall of the first housing 310a and the inner wall of the second housing 320a, there are gaps around the periphery of the channel <NUM>, liquid from the rear side of the second chamber <NUM> or liquid at the gap between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a is prone to enter the suction channel <NUM>. Therefore, the first sealing portion 340a is provided to concentrate the suction force of the second suction channel <NUM> at the gas inlet 321b, which facilitates the control of the liquid source, and further facilitates the arrangement of the position of the gas inlet 321b, so that there is less risk of liquid intake whatever the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is in the lying-down state, the up-straight state, or the tilting state.

When part of the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing <NUM>, in order to ensure that the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> are independent of each other (communicating with each other through only the liquid leakage structure) and are sealed, the following design is proposed.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, a first sealing member <NUM> is arranged between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a, the first sealing member <NUM> is squeezed between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a to provide circumferential sealing between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a. In this case, the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a is an integrated side wall, the first sealing member <NUM> is configured to seal the gap between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a, allowing the second chamber <NUM> to be defined between portion of the outer wall of the first housing 310a and portion of the inner wall of the second housing 320a, and the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> can be ensured to not flow out to cause a leakage. Simultaneously, the suction force of the gas suction device <NUM> is allowed to act on the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a is not an integrated side wall, that is, the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a defines a gas leakage section 310d. A second sealing member <NUM> is also provided between the first housing 310a and the second housing 320a, the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM> are spaced apart along a height direction of the first housing 310a, and the first sealing member <NUM> is located above the second sealing member <NUM>. The gas leakage section 310d is located between the first sealing member <NUM> and the second sealing member <NUM>. Due to the presence of the gas leakage section 310d defined on the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a, it is impossible to form an airtight first chamber <NUM>. Therefore, the sealing members are used to isolate the first chamber <NUM> and second chamber <NUM> from each other and the outside world to ensure that they can independently form airtight first chamber <NUM> and second chamber <NUM>, so as to ensure that a negative pressure can be formed in the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, an opening <NUM> of the first housing 310a defines the above-described gas leakage section 310d. It should be understood that the opening <NUM> of the first housing 310a facilitates pouring out of the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> when the first housing 310a is taken out from the second housing <NUM>, which improves the using experience.

In some other embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a is provided with filtering holes <NUM>, the filtering holes <NUM> define the above-mentioned gas leakage section 310d. Solid and liquid in the first chamber <NUM> can be separated through the filtering holes <NUM>, allowing the solid waste to remain in the first chamber <NUM> while the liquid to enter into the second chamber <NUM>. Compared with the opening <NUM>, the filtering holes <NUM> can prevent the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> from falling out when the first housing 310a is taken out from the second housing 320a.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the first housing 310a includes at least one movable member 310e, and the movable member 310e at least forms the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a. A gap is defined between the movable members 310e, or between the movable member 310e and the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a. The gap is located at the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a, and the gap defines the gas leakage section 310d. Since the movable member 310e forms the side surface of the first housing 310a, dirt is not prone to fall out during the first housing 310a is taken out from the second housing <NUM>. Further, in order to facilitate the processing of the dirt in the first chamber <NUM>, the side wall is set as the movable member 310e, so as to facilitate the user's operation when dirt needs to be poured out. In addition, filtering holes <NUM> can also be defined on the movable member 310e to further facilitate the solid-liquid separation.

Typically, the first housing 310a may include at least one movable member 310e that is movable with respect to the first housing 310a. The movable member 310e is slidably connected or rotatably connected (as shown in <FIG>). The gap between the movable members 310e defines the above-mentioned gas leakage section 310d.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the first housing 310a includes a first body 310f and a second body <NUM>. The first body 310f is movably assembled on an upper portion of the second body <NUM>, namely, the first body 310f is detachably mounted on the second body <NUM>. Generally, a HEPA for protecting the first suction device <NUM> is installed above the first body 310f. A third sealing member <NUM> is arranged between the first body 310f and the second body <NUM>, and the third sealing member <NUM> is configured to provide circumferential sealing between the first body 310f and the second body <NUM>. Alternatively, as shown in <FIG>, the first main body 310f and the second main body <NUM> are spaced apart in the second housing 320a to define the first chamber <NUM>, a fourth sealing member <NUM> is provided for circumferential sealing between the first body 310f and the second housing 320a, and a fifth sealing member <NUM> is provided for circumferential sealing between the second body <NUM> and the second housing 320a.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a portion of the outer wall of the first housing 310a and a portion of the inner wall of the second housing 320a cooperatively define at least a portion of the second suction channel <NUM>, namely, the channel <NUM>. The second sealing member <NUM> includes a first sealing portion 340a and a second sealing portion 340b, the first sealing portion 340a surrounds the outside of the second suction channel <NUM>, the second sealing portion 340b surrounds the first housing 310a along a circumferential direction of the first housing 310a, and the first sealing portion 340a and the second sealing portion 340b are connected with each other. The second sealing member <NUM> herein serves both to form the shape of the second suction channel <NUM> and to isolate the first chamber <NUM> from the second chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, a liquid leakage notch 312a is provided on the outside of the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a, and the liquid leakage notch 312a defines the above-mentioned liquid leakage structure <NUM> with the interior of the second housing 320a. The liquid leakage notch 312a may be arranged on the outside of the bottom wall of the first housing 310a, the second sealing member <NUM> is provided with a sealing strip notch, and the position of the sealing strip notch corresponds to the position of the liquid leakage notch 312a, so that when the main body <NUM> is tilted or lying down, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> is arranged at the rear side of the main body <NUM>, so the liquid leakage notch 312a can be closer to the rear side and located at a lower water level, as such, it is more convenient for the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to flow into the second chamber <NUM> to prevent a liquid accumulating in the first chamber <NUM> which may cause a safety hazard to the first suction device <NUM>; further, by such an arrangement, after the first housing 310a is removed from the second housing 320a, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> remains only the liquid leakage notch 312a, such that the cleaning of the liquid leakage notch 312a is facilitated.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the liquid leakage structure <NUM> is disposed on the bottom wall of the first housing 310a, and the second sealing member <NUM> surrounds the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In order to prevent users from accidentally pouring out the dirt inside the first housing 310a in the process of taking out the first housing 310a, the following design is proposed.

As shown in <FIG>, in the embodiment in which the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing 320a, in order to facilitate the taking out of the first housing 310a from the second housing 320a, the outer wall of the second housing 320a may be provided with a holder <NUM>, and the side wall 310c of the first housing 310a has the opening <NUM> which is arranged towards the holder <NUM>. The holder <NUM> is configured for users to hold the water tank <NUM>. The opening <NUM> toward the holder <NUM> is provided to facilitate that, after the sewage tank <NUM> is removed, the user holds the holder <NUM> of the second housing 320a with one hand (as shown in <FIG>, such as the right hand) and holds the first housing 310a with the other hand (as shown in <FIG>, the left hand) to take the first housing 310a out from the second housing 320a along a substantially horizontal direction. At this time, the opening of the first chamber <NUM> is roughly upward, the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> can be blocked by the non-opened side wall 310c of the first housing 310a, which effectively prevents the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> from falling out.

The second suction device <NUM> described in the above embodiments is a gas suction device, so there is a certain risk of water intake of the gas suction device. In order to solve the problem of water intake, the second suction channel 321a is designed as being capable of separating gas and liquid, for example, a partitioning member structure is provided. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the second suction device <NUM> may be a liquid suction device, the liquid suction device itself may allow liquid to pass through, so there is no need to solve the problem of water intake.

In some embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the second suction device <NUM> includes a liquid suction device <NUM> which is located in the second suction channel <NUM>. The second suction channel <NUM> includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid inlet is communicated with a liquid suction end of the liquid suction device, and the liquid outlet is communicated with a liquid outlet end of the liquid suction device. In this way, the second suction channel <NUM> and a channel of the liquid leakage structure <NUM> are the same channel, and the liquid suction device is configured to drive the sewage in the first chamber <NUM> entering into the second chamber <NUM>. By this arrangement, there is no need to worry about the damage to the liquid suction device caused by water intake. In order to make the liquid suction device work better, a filter screen <NUM> can be arranged in the first chamber <NUM> to separate the solid waste from the sewage in the first chamber <NUM>, such that only the separated sewage needs to be driven into the second chamber <NUM> by the liquid suction device. By this arrangement, it can effectively prevent the liquid in the second chamber <NUM> from flowing back to the first chamber <NUM>, regardless of whether the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is tilted, lying down, shaking, or up straight; it can also ensure that the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> is discharged in time to prevent water entering the first suction device <NUM>.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the dirt collected by the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is a solid-liquid mixture which is not easy for users to handle, for example, if the solid-liquid mixture is poured into the sewer, the sewer may be blocked; if the solid-liquid mixture is poured into a garbage can, the garbage bag may be damaged to cause a liquid leakage. So, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide the following solutions with regard the above-mentioned specific technical problems.

In one embodiment, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> further includes a sewage suction pipeline <NUM>, and an outlet 112c of the sewage suction pipeline is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in case the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> are independent of each other, the outlet 112c of the sewage suction pipeline is directly communicated with the first chamber <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and Fig. <NUM>, in case the first housing 310a is at least partially nested in the second housing <NUM>, the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> includes a sewage suction pipe 112a and a sewage inlet pipe 112b. The sewage suction pipe 112a is arranged on the chassis <NUM> and the main body <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, namely, the outside of the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>; while the sewage inlet pipe 112b is arranged inside the water tank, and the outlet of the sewage inlet pipe 112b is the outlet 112c of the sewage suction pipeline <NUM>, to drive the dirt outside entering the first chamber <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> is capable of sequentially suctioning gas from the first suction channel <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM>, and the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> to generate a negative pressure to suction external dirt into the first chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, typically, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a filter screen <NUM> is provided in the first chamber <NUM>, and the filter screen <NUM> is arranged between the liquid leakage structure <NUM> of the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> and the outlet 112c of the sewage suction pipeline. The first chamber <NUM> defines a solid waste chamber <NUM> located on a side of the outlet end for receiving the solid waste, such that when the first suction device <NUM> suctions external dirt into the first chamber <NUM> through the sewage suction pipeline <NUM>, the solid waste can be accumulated in the solid waste chamber <NUM>, and the liquid flows into the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM> or is suctioned into the second chamber <NUM> by the second suction device <NUM>, to achieve a solid-liquid separation.

The filter screen <NUM> is capable of separating solid waste and liquid, allowing the solid waste to be stored in the first chamber <NUM>, and the liquid to be stored in the second chamber <NUM>, which facilitates the dirt separation for users. As such, the probability of sewer blocking or liquid pouring to the ground may be reduced. Further, the separated liquid is driven to enter the second chamber <NUM> by the second suction device <NUM> (including the gas suction device and the liquid suction device), so the dryness in the first chamber <NUM> is improved, which reduces the probability that water or water vapor in the first chamber <NUM> enters the first suction device <NUM>. In addition, the dryness of the solid-liquid dirt can also be improved, when users handle the solid-liquid dirt, the probability of water dripping to the ground which may cause a bad experience may be reduced. In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the filter screen <NUM> is located at the bottom of the first chamber <NUM>, that is, the filter screen <NUM> is arranged above the bottom wall of the first housing 310a, the liquid leakage structure is arranged below the filter screen <NUM>, such that the solid waste and liquid in the dirt can also be separated by the filter screen <NUM> under the dirt's own gravity, allowing the solid waste to be accumulated in the solid waste chamber <NUM> which is defined above the filter screen <NUM>, and the liquid to flow to the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM> which is arranged below the filter screen <NUM>.

The first suction device <NUM> may be a device capable of generating negative pressure in the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, such as a fan. The first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> through the first suction channel <NUM>, and is configured to provide power to suction the dirt collected by the cleaning apparatus <NUM> to the first chamber <NUM>. However, the dirt commonly contains water or water vapor, and the water or water vapor is prone to enter the first suction device <NUM> through the first suction channel <NUM>, this in turn may cause a damage to the first suction device <NUM> or a liquid leakage. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose the following improvement.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the first housing 310a is provided with a gas suction port <NUM>, the gas suction port <NUM> is configured to communicate the first suction device <NUM> and the first chamber <NUM>, and the gas suction port <NUM> defines a passage which forms a part of the first suction channel <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> provides suction power to the first chamber <NUM> through the gas suction port <NUM> so that external dirt can be suctioned into the first chamber <NUM>.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, in case the first housing 310a is nested in the second housing <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> need to be independent of each other to ensure that the gas suction device can concentrate its suction force on the liquid leakage structure <NUM> as much as possible, so there need be the least gaps between the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> as much as possible. However, a gap is inevitably defined between the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> and the first housing 310a, since the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> which is configured to collect the dirt generated by the cleaning apparatus needs to pass through the second housing first and then communicate to the first chamber <NUM>, and the first housing 310a needs to be detachably arranged to facilitate the disposal of dirt. In order to reduce the influence of the gap, the embodiments of the present disclosure propose the following solutions.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> further includes a sewage inlet pipe 112b arranged in the second housing 320a and a sewage suction pipe 112a connected with the sewage inlet pipe 112b, the sewage suction pipe 112a is configured to suction the dirt and sewage on the ground into the sewage inlet pipe 112b, the sewage inlet pipe 112b is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>, and a sealing member is arranged at the joints of the sewage inlet pipe 112b and the first housing 310a, so the gap between the first housing 310a and the sewage inlet pipe 112b is filled to ensure that the second suction device <NUM> can apply and concentrate its suction force on the liquid leakage structure <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the first housing 310a is provided with a dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM>, and the sewage inlet pipe 112b passes through the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM>. In case the first housing 310a is removed, the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> can prevent the dirt in the first chamber <NUM> from falling out from the opening which is communicated with the sewage inlet pipe 112b. Further, a sixth sealing member <NUM> may be provided between the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> and the sewage inlet pipe 112b to isolate the sewage inlet pipe 112b from the second chamber <NUM>. The sixth sealing member <NUM> may be disposed at the top of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> or the upper part of the inner side wall of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM>, which can reduce the friction force between the sewage inlet pipe 112b and the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> brought by the sealing member during picking or placing the first housing 310a, allowing the picking and placing of the first housing 310a being smoother. The sixth sealing member <NUM> may also be arranged at the bottom of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM>, such that the sixth sealing member <NUM> can be installed from the opening of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> located at the bottom of the first housing 310a, which facilitates the assembly of the sixth sealing member <NUM>.

In one embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the inner wall of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> is provided with a convex edge 319a along the circumference of the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM>, the end surface of the sewage inlet pipe 112b is abutted with the convex edge 319a, and the sixth sealing member <NUM> is located between the end surface of the sewage inlet pipe 112b and the convex edge 319a. In case the sewage inlet pipe 112b is inserted into the dirt anti-leakage pipe <NUM> and is in place, the two will apply axial pressure to the sixth sealing member <NUM>. During loading and disassembly of the two, the sixth sealing member <NUM> is not in contact with the other, which eliminates the frictional resistance brought by the sealing member, allowing the loading or disassembly of the first housing 310a being smoother. Further, since the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> are interference fit, the relative position between the first housing 310a and the second housing <NUM> is stabilized, which may further ensure the sealing performance of the sealing member.

In one embodiment, the first housing 310a is provided with a sewage inlet pipe hole 310n, the sewage inlet pipe 112b is inserted into the sewage inlet pipe hole 310n, and the sixth sealing member <NUM> is arranged on an outside of the sewage inlet pipe 112b or on an inner wall of the sewage inlet pipe hole 310n. When the sewage inlet pipe 112b is inserted into the sewage inlet pipe hole 310n, the sewage inlet pipe 112b is sealed with the sewage inlet pipe hole 310n by way of the circumferential surfaces of the both. Compared with the end face sealing in which the sealing effect may be reduced brought by the sewage inlet pipe 112b not installing in place, there is less possibility of affecting to the sealing effect in this embodiment.

Illustratively, in the present disclosure, the first to the sixth sealing members may all be sealing rings.

As shown in <FIG>, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a cleaning apparatus <NUM> is provided. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a chassis <NUM>, a main body <NUM>, a first chamber <NUM>, a second chamber <NUM>, and a first suction device <NUM>. The main body <NUM> is rotatably connected with the chassis <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM>, the second chamber <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> through a first suction channel <NUM> to provide power to drive external liquid to enter the first chamber <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> is also communicated with the second chamber <NUM> through a second suction channel <NUM> to provide power to drive liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to enter the second chamber <NUM>. As such, a first suction device <NUM> is shared to provide power to drive the external liquid into the first chamber <NUM> and to provide power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> into the second chamber <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> performs suction to the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> through respective the independent first suction channel <NUM> and the second suction channel <NUM>. In case external liquid is suctioned into the first chamber <NUM>, gas in the first chamber <NUM> is pumped out through the first suction channel <NUM>, and the liquid is then pumped into the second chamber <NUM> through the liquid leakage structure <NUM> which is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM>. As such, liquid in the first chamber <NUM> is always less, so the first chamber <NUM> would not be full filled with liquid, and the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> would not enter the first suction device <NUM> when the cleaning apparatus <NUM> is shaking, tilting, or lying down. Further, the first suction device <NUM> can also perform suction to the liquid leakage structure <NUM>, so liquid in the second chamber <NUM> may be prevented from flowing back into the first chamber <NUM>. The whole structure is simple and utility. Compared with the solutions as shown in <FIG>, this exemplary embodiment uses only the first suction device <NUM> as a power source to realize suction and collecting of the external liquid, and the first suction device <NUM> simultaneously has a lower probability of water intake, which is cost saving.

In one embodiment, the cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a sewage suction pipeline <NUM>, the sewage suction pipeline <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> and the outside. The first suction channel <NUM> includes a gas suction port <NUM> arranged in the first chamber <NUM>, and the first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> through the gas suction port <NUM> to allow negative pressure being generated in the first chamber <NUM>, such that external liquid is suctioned to enter the first chamber <NUM> through the sewage suction pipeline <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the second suction channel <NUM> is provided wholly or partially on a side wall 310c of the first housing 310a, the first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the second chamber <NUM> through the second suction channel <NUM> to allow negative pressure be generated in the second chamber <NUM>. This can enable the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to not only enter the second chamber <NUM> under gravity, but also utilize the suction power of the first suction device <NUM> to assist the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> in accelerating its entry into the second chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first suction channel <NUM> is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second suction channel <NUM>, so that a negative pressure difference may be formed between the first chamber <NUM> and the second chamber <NUM> by way of only one suction device, which facilitates the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering the second chamber <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the negative pressure in the second chamber <NUM> is greater than the negative pressure in the first chamber <NUM>, which facilitates the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering the second chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a water tank <NUM> is provided. The water tank <NUM> is configured to be installed on the main body <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> is rotatably connected with the chassis <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> includes a first chamber <NUM> and a second chamber <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM> is capable of communicating with the first suction device <NUM>, and the first suction device <NUM> provides power to drive external liquid entering into the first chamber <NUM>. The second chamber <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> and is capable of communicating with the second suction device <NUM>, and the second suction device <NUM> provides power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> entering into the second chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a water tank <NUM> is provided. The water tank <NUM> is configured to be installed on the main body <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>, and the main body <NUM> is rotatably connected to the chassis <NUM> of the cleaning apparatus <NUM>. The water tank <NUM> includes a first chamber <NUM> and a second chamber <NUM>, the first chamber <NUM> is arranged on the main body <NUM>, and the second chamber <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM>. The cleaning apparatus <NUM> includes a first suction device <NUM>, the first suction device <NUM> is communicated with the first chamber <NUM> through the first suction channel <NUM>, and the first suction device <NUM> provides power to drive external liquid entering into the first chamber <NUM>. The first suction device <NUM> is also communicated with the second chamber <NUM> through the second suction channel <NUM>, and the first suction device <NUM> provides power to drive liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to enter into the second chamber <NUM>.

The embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the probability of water intake into the first suction device <NUM> in communication with the first chamber <NUM> by providing two independent first chamber <NUM> and second chamber <NUM> for the cleaning apparatus <NUM> or the water tank <NUM>, and by providing the second chamber <NUM> with an additional power to drive the liquid in the first chamber <NUM> to enter into the second chamber <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> which show a cleaning device. In an exemplary embodiment, the cleaning device may be a hand-held floor washer. The hand-held floor washer can wipe the ground, absorb the mixture of sewage and solid dirt and store it in the hand-held floor washer.

In some embodiments, the cleaning device includes a base <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a sewage chamber <NUM>, a suction assembly <NUM>, and a power member.

The base <NUM> is defined with a sewage suction port <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is rotatably arranged on the base <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> is provided with a solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> which is communicated with the sewage suction port <NUM>. The sewage chamber <NUM> is communicated with the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> is defined with a suction port (not shown) communicated with the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>. The suction assembly <NUM> is configured to provide power to drive sewage at the sewage suction port <NUM> to enter the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>. The power member is communicated with the sewage chamber to provide power to drive sewage in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> to enter the sewage chamber <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> is provided with the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>, and the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> is communicated with the sewage suction port <NUM>, therefore, the solid-liquid mixture can flow from the sewage suction port <NUM> to the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> of the handle <NUM> through a first pipe <NUM> and is temporarily stored in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> during the hand-held floor washer cleans floor.

It should be noted that the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> can be defined inside the handle <NUM>, and can also be a separable component installed on the handle <NUM>. For example, the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> is connected to a side wall of the handle <NUM>.

The suction assembly <NUM> defines a suction port which is communicated with the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>, the suction assembly <NUM> serves as a negative pressure source which may reduce the pressure in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> during a roller <NUM> performs cleaning work, so the solid-liquid mixture entered through the sewage suction port <NUM> can be guided to the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>. The solid-liquid mixture is separated into solid waste and sewage in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>.

It should be understood that the suction assembly <NUM> may be a fan. The fan rotates to allow gas in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> to be pumped out to the outside, causing the pressure in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> to be lower than the pressure in a roller accommodating chamber <NUM>. Under the pressure difference, the sewage, solid waste, or a mixture of the two at the sewage suction port <NUM> is driven to enter the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>.

The sewage chamber <NUM> may be a closed chamber and is configured to store the separated sewage, so as to reduce the liquid amount in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> which is directly communicated with the suction port. In turn, the probability that liquid in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> enters the suction assembly <NUM> through the suction port and flows back to the suction port will be reduced.

The power member is configured to suction the liquid in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> into the sewage chamber <NUM>. It should be understood that, the liquid in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> is driven to enter the sewage chamber <NUM> by an external force to not accumulate in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM>. The liquid in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> can be suctioned into the sewage chamber <NUM> by the power member, even if the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> is located lower than the sewage chamber <NUM>, it is difficult to overcome the power of the power member for driving the liquid. Further, due to the power member, the channel between the solid-liquid separation chamber and the sewage chamber defines a negative pressure channel, so that it is difficult for the sewage in the sewage chamber to flow back to the solid-liquid separation chamber.

By way of the power member communicating with the sewage chamber, the sewage separated from the dirt in the solid-liquid separation chamber is suctioned by the suction assembly to enter and store in the sewage chamber, such that the sewage would not retain in the solid-liquid separation chamber but enter and store in the sewage chamber in time, so the probability that water accumulates in the solid-liquid separation chamber and enter the suction assembly is reduced when the handle is lying down, and the probability that water flows back to the sewage suction port is also reduced when the handle is swinging. That is, the swing angle and swing range of the handle of the cleaning device are not limited. For example, in case the handle <NUM> is lying down or swings to a large angle, the power provided by the power member still overcomes the gravitational force of the accumulated sewage to keep it in the sewage chamber, thus improving the low possibility of the cleaning device, that is, the cleaning device is given the ability to pass through low areas.

Typically, the power member includes pneumatic member 60a and hydrodynamic member 60b.

In some embodiments, a suction end of the pneumatic member 60a is communicated with the sewage chamber <NUM>, and the pneumatic member 60a is configured to provide power to drive the sewage in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> to enter the sewage chamber <NUM>.

The working principle of the pneumatic member 60a is described in detail as follows.

Referring to <FIG>, the handle is provided with a gas outlet which is communicated with the waste chamber <NUM>. The suction end of the pneumatic member 60a is communicated with the gas outlet to allow the pneumatic member 60a to communicate with the sewage chamber <NUM>. The pneumatic member 60a suctions out the gas in the sewage chamber <NUM> to cause a negative pressure generating in the sewage chamber <NUM>, so the solid-liquid separation in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> can be more thoroughly by way of the pneumatic member 60a, and, the sewage in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> is facilitated to enter the sewage chamber <NUM>.

It should be understood that the pneumatic member 60a may be arranged in the handle <NUM> to allow the overall shape of the handle <NUM> being neater and the handle <NUM> being easily to be held.

The pneumatic member 60a may be a fan or a vacuum pump, a diaphragm pump or the like.

In some embodiments, a liquid suction end of the hydrodynamic member 60b is communicated to the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> and a liquid outlet end of the hydrodynamic member is communicated to the sewage chamber <NUM>, and the hydrodynamic member 60b is configured to provide power to drive the dirt in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> to enter the sewage chamber <NUM>.

The following is a detailed description of the working principle of the hydrodynamic member.

Referring to <FIG>, the hydrodynamic member 60b is arranged between the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> and the sewage chamber <NUM>, a suction port of the hydrodynamic member 60b is communicated with the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> and a liquid discharge port is communicated with the sewage chamber <NUM>. The solid-liquid separation in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> can be more thoroughly by way of the hydrodynamic member 60b, and the hydrodynamic member 60b can also facilitate the sewage in the solid-liquid separation chamber <NUM> entering the sewage chamber <NUM>.

The hydrodynamic member 60b can also be disposed in a liquid chamber <NUM>.

The hydrodynamic member 60b may be a liquid pump or the like.

Claim 1:
A cleaning apparatus comprising:
a chassis (<NUM>);
a main body (<NUM>) rotatably connected to the chassis (<NUM>);
a first chamber (<NUM>) arranged on the main body (<NUM>);
a second chamber (<NUM>) communicated with the first chamber (<NUM>);
a first suction device (<NUM>) communicated with the first chamber (<NUM>), the first suction device (<NUM>) being configured to provide power to drive external liquid into the first chamber (<NUM>); and
a second suction device (<NUM>) communicated with the second chamber (<NUM>), the second suction device (<NUM>) being configured to provide power to drive liquid in the first chamber (<NUM>) entering the second chamber (<NUM>);
characterized in that, the cleaning apparatus comprises a first housing (310a) and a second housing (320a), at least part of the first housing (310a) is nested in the second housing (320a); part of an inner wall of the second housing (320a) and part of an outer wall of the first housing (310a) define the second chamber (<NUM>);
the first housing (310a) defines the first chamber (<NUM>), or partial inner wall of the first housing (310a) and partial inner wall of the second housing (320a) cooperatively define the first chamber (<NUM>).