EP0780083A1 - Electric apparatus for steam cleaning of smooth surfaces such as window-panes - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaner has a plastic casing (10) around an instant steam generator (21) working at atmospheric pressure with a capillary porous water-storage body (34) and electric heating resistors (30). The steam is distributed through a range of frontal apertures (17). The casing has a forward projection (14) into which a scraper (15) is fitted to protrude in front of the appliance. To reduce thermal inertia the capillary body is compressed around the heating elements by two half-envelopes pierced to allow ingress of water and escape of steam.

Description

The subject of the present invention is an electrical appliance for cleaning with steam water smooth surfaces such as windows, comprising means for connection to a source of electrical energy, means for storing a reserve of water, electric means for heating said water reserve to produce water vapor and means for distributing the water vapor produced, towards the outside of the apparatus.

Among all household tasks, cleaning windows remains a tedious manual operation which, until recent years, was mainly carried out by using means such as water mixed with certain cleaning products and a mechanical action carried out by the user himself to remove the dirt and remove it using rags or chamois.

Cleaning product sprayers have also been developed and marketed to simplify or simplify this cleaning operation.

However, very often, the cleaning products used leave a greasy film on the windows, which accelerates the sticking of the dust on the cleaned windows and the need for a future cleaning.

In industrial window cleaning, the process is identical in principle, even if the use of large, perfectly handled squeegees saves appreciable time.

With the arrival of steam cleaners on the home market, a first solution for steam cleaning windows was introduced to homes.

The principle of steam cleaning consists of making steam in a heavy boiler, therefore remaining on the floor, and long to heat, sending it through a series of accessories and plastic tubes on a window squeegee, the to condense on the panes thus communicating a strong heat to the dust to detach it from the pane, to carry out by a squeegee the condensed water charged with dust and to eliminate it from the pane by wiping off the condensed drops.

Such a device makes it possible to avoid the use of cleaning product, does not leave a film of grease on the glass or smooth surface to be cleaned, and ensures a reduction in the mechanical action for detaching the dust.

The existing devices however have significant drawbacks. In particular, the systems for producing steam in a boiler lead to a relatively expensive, complex and bulky installation which, moreover, is not free from potential dangers taking into account the level of pressure prevailing in such a boiler. Such installations take a long time to implement, taking into account the time necessary for the formation of steam, and do not make it possible, for example, to reach the upper part of the panes which are far from the steam generating station which remains on the ground, moreover having a tendency to relax, cool and condense in the pipes connecting the boiler to the steam application accessory. Existing devices are in particular unsuitable for cleaning windows in inaccessible places, for example on isolated motor vehicles far from homes.

It has also been proposed, in particular by document US-A-2 832 086, to integrate into the body of a portable window cleaning device, a water tank superimposed on an electrical heating resistor, the tank d water being connected to a steam distributor by a conduit. In such a device, the thermal inertia of the body of water to be heated is high and the quantity of steam to be produced cannot be adjusted, since the entire contents of the tank must be brought to the boil immediately, and the steam path between the tank and the distributor remains too important.

In an attempt to remedy the drawbacks of the apparatus described in document US-A-2,832,086, it has also been proposed, in document US-A-3,082,467, to use a separate cold water tank electric heating means. In this case, it is then necessary to pass, using mechanical means, such as valves, and by using for example a piston and spring system, the cold water from the reservoir to a conduit d supply to a distributor in which an electrical resistance is placed to produce steam. Such a device is complex to manufacture, fragile, may have scaling problems and is not optimized from the point of view of space and operation.

Document FR-A-1 561 817 also describes a portable steam jet cleaning device, which comprises a pump connected to a water tank separate from the heating means.

The presence of a pump integrated in the device such as a piston pump actuated using an electromagnet and an oscillating armature, increases the cost, the fragility and the size of the device.

Document FR-A-2 218 867 also describes a gun for washing surfaces such as windows, the production of which is complex and does not optimize the process of producing steam due to the existence of a liquid reservoir cold separate from the vaporization chamber and from the use of a product transfer pump from the reservoir to the vaporization chamber, a regulating member and safety members in the form of valves.

The invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks and to allow cleaning of glass panes or other smooth surfaces with water vapor with all the advantages specific to this system while avoiding the use of bulky, complex, expensive devices. or dangerous.

• (a) un logement destiné à recevoir, d'une part, un générateur de vapeur comportant des moyens de stockage d'une réserve d'eau et des moyens électriques de chauffage de ladite réserve d'eau pour produire de la vapeur d'eau et, d'autre part, un distributeur de vapeur débouchant sur une série d'orifices frontaux et
• (b) un porte-raclette équipé d'un organe de raclage en saillie à l'avant de l'appareil pour racler, sur une surface lisse à nettoyer, les gouttes provoquées par la condensation de la vapeur diffusée à partir du distributeur à travers ladite série d'orifices frontaux, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un générateur de vapeur instantanée à faible inertie thermique travaillant à la pression atmosphérique et comprenant un corps capillaire de stockage, sous forme divisée, de la totalité de la réserve d'eau à évaporer, ledit corps capillaire étant comprimé autour des moyens électriques de chauffage pour obtenir une faible inertie thermique, en ce que les moyens électriques de chauffage comprennent un interrupteur et une cartouche comportant au moins une résistance céramique, et en ce que le générateur de vapeur instantanée comporte une première enceinte destinée à maintenir le corps capillaire comprimé autour de ladite cartouche, cette première enceinte présentant des perforations pour permettre à l'eau de pénétrer dans le corps capillaire et à la vapeur d'en sortir.

These goals are achieved by an electrical appliance for cleaning steam with smooth surfaces such as windows, constituting an autonomous portable assembly supplied with energy by means of connection to a source of electrical energy and comprising a housing made of plastic material defining

• (A) a housing intended to receive, on the one hand, a steam generator comprising means for storing a reserve of water and electrical means for heating said reserve of water to produce steam and, on the other hand, a steam distributor leading to a series of front orifices and
• (b) a squeegee holder fitted with a protruding scraper member at the front of the apparatus for scraping, on a smooth surface to be cleaned, the drops caused by the condensation of the vapor diffused from the distributor through said series of front orifices, characterized in that it comprises a steam generator instantaneous with low thermal inertia working at atmospheric pressure and comprising a capillary body for storing, in divided form, all of the water reserve to be evaporated, said capillary body being compressed around the electrical heating means to obtain low inertia thermal, in that the electrical heating means comprise a switch and a cartridge comprising at least one ceramic resistance, and in that the instantaneous steam generator comprises a first enclosure intended to keep the capillary body compressed around said cartridge, this first enclosure with perforations to allow water to enter the capillary body and steam to leave it.

The electric portable device according to the invention only requires the presence of an electric current supply, which can be a conventional source of alternating current power or, for applications for example in the cleaning of automobile windows, a low voltage DC power source.

The device according to the invention retains all the advantages of steam cleaning and in particular avoids the formation of a greasy film on the surfaces to be cleaned, as long as the cleaning is done without the addition of conventional maintenance means.

The device is harmless due to the absence of steam at high pressure or high temperature and can be made essentially of plastic, which helps to reduce mass and cost. Thanks to the incorporation of an instantaneous steam generator in the body of the device comprising the means of spraying-diffusing the steam and scraping the condensed steam containing the suspended dust and dirt, the device can be very quickly ready for use.

In an apparatus according to the invention, no expensive regulating member such as a pressure switch or a solenoid valve is used and steam can in any case be obtained almost instantaneously after the first heating.

The use of one or more ceramic resistors as heating elements allows automatic adaptation to heating of the amount of water present and avoids the addition of other safety devices such as additional means for determining the presence of water, thermostats or fuses.

The apparatus according to the invention lends itself to different embodiments having advantageous characteristics.

According to a preferred embodiment, the series of front orifices for diffusing the vapor and the scraper member are substantially parallel.

Advantageously, the instant steam generator is essentially parallel to the series of front orifices for diffusing the steam and to the scraper member.

However, other configurations are also possible when the steam generator can be very compact.

According to one of these other configurations, the instantaneous steam generator is essentially perpendicular to the series of front orifices for diffusing the vapor and to the scraper member.

According to yet another possible configuration, the instant steam generator forms an angle of between approximately 30 ° and 60 ° relative to the mean direction formed by the series of front orifices for diffusing the steam and by the scraper member.

Advantageously, the plastic casing further defines a handle located at the rear of the appliance on the side of said housing which is opposite the squeegee holder.

The handle in the shape of a handle facilitates the use while further moving the hand of the user away from the steam generator.

The first enclosure of the instant steam generator is equipped, at a first end, with a cover ensuring the geometric and sealed positioning of the cartridge.

The first enclosure comprises two perforated half-shells joined together by connecting means.

The instant steam generator comprises a second external enclosure forming with said cover a sealed envelope with the exception of a vapor withdrawal orifice, means for centering the second enclosure external with respect to the first enclosure being provided to reserve a free space between these enclosures.

It will be noted that the free space between the first and second enclosures makes it possible to receive the water which can be purged from the capillary body when the latter is heated and produces steam while allowing this water to return to the capillary body when the evaporation process is interrupted. Furthermore, this free space also makes it possible to collect excess water during filling with water, this water not contained in the porous body being able to be discharged before the apparatus is put into service.

The second enclosure comprises, at one end opposite the end of the first enclosure provided with a cover, a removable sealed closure means making it possible to selectively fill the water inside the steam generator, expurgation of excess water and hermetic closure of the second enclosure.

Advantageously, the vapor withdrawal orifice is formed in a projecting part of the second enclosure, this projecting part projecting inside the second enclosure towards the center of the steam generator in a re-entrant part complementary to the first enclosure, so as to prevent or reduce the penetration of any residual water drops into the steam distributor.

According to a particular embodiment, the steam distributor comprises a part defining an elongated cavity and attached to the second enclosure for collecting the steam coming from said vapor withdrawal orifice, this steam distributor comprising a series of nozzles introduced in leaktight manner in said series of front holes formed in the housing.

The plastic casing is advantageously made in two parts provided with means allowing their sealing to be closed, for example by a hot blade welding process.

The squeegee holder is constituted by plate-shaped extensions of the two parts of the housing above said series of front orifices, the scraper member being pinched between said plates.

The scraping member is advantageously made of flexible material.

In this case, advantageously, the scraper member comprises at its terminal part, in the vicinity of the two lateral ends, inclined ribs arranged essentially perpendicular to the main face of the scraper member and extending lateral cut sides of said terminal part.

The inclined ribs formed at the ends of the scraping member made of flexible material prevent, in a normal movement from top to bottom, that the vapor droplets escape through the ends of the squeegee, which prevents the creation of vertical traces possibly dirty on already cleaned parts.

Simple sides cut at an angle forming an angle a between 10 and 45 °, and preferably 30 °, relative to the horizontal in the vicinity of the two lateral ends of the terminal part of the scraping member, without additional ribs, also provide an almost similar result.

The squeegee holder may further include a strip of spongy tissue disposed parallel to the scraper member. This strip of spongy tissue can be placed above the scraping member. However, it is also advantageous to have a spongy tissue under the flexible part of the scraper member and partially in contact with it over its entire length, thus making it possible to accumulate in this spongy tissue the water laden with dirt and minimizing the horizontal traces of stopping the squeegee and the need to clean the squeegee regularly.

In certain cases, the scraping member made of flexible material can be replaced by a scraping member made of rigid material to allow the scraping of semi-solid materials such as ice, snow or frost partially melted by steam. .

As an option, the device can also include accessories allowing it to play additional functions, in particular for concentrating the steam with a view to obtaining a jet allowing additional further cleaning over a more localized area.

In this case, the apparatus further comprises a vapor collector intended to be positioned on said series of front orifices to collect the vapor in a cavity and apply this vapor in a concentrated manner through a tubular extension connected to an outlet orifice of said cavity and comprising at its free end a head for spraying localized vapor.

Advantageously, a waterproof and vapor permeable membrane is interposed between the cavity and the extender removably connected to the cavity.

This characteristic makes it possible to use the cleaning apparatus according to the invention as a breakdown service for certain other applications, in particular in the case of motorists (use of steam for example to heat the contents of a container inside. of a vehicle).

According to another optional feature of the invention, the apparatus further comprises means for adding an odorous additive to the vapor emitted by the series of front orifices.

According to yet another particular characteristic of the invention, making it possible to increase the autonomy of the device by having a larger reserve of water while retaining the function of creating steam as close as possible to use. , the apparatus further comprises a removable device for automatically filling the instant steam generator with water, this automatic filling device comprising a plug which can be positioned through the housing to supply water to the means for storing a reserve of water, via an injection rod mounted on the plug and take a signal for the need for water supply, by a drying detection probe also mounted on the plug, a flexible conduit comprising a connected pipe to the injection rod, as well as a storage battery or a socket for connection to an electrical supply network, an electric pump and means for controlling the p ompe connected by the cables connecting to the probe, the electric pump being activated when the probe detects a drying up of the storage means of a water reserve.

• la Figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un exemple d'appareil électro-portatif de nettoyage à la vapeur conforme à l'invention,
• la Figure 2 est une vue avant de l'appareil de la Figure 1,
• la Figure 3 est une vue de dessus de l'appareil de la Figure 1,
• la Figure 4 est une vue arrière de l'appareil de la Figure 1,
• la Figure 5 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne V-V de la Figure 3,
• la Figure 6 est une vue en coupe axiale d'un exemple de générateur de vapeur instantanée utilisable dans l'appareil de la Figure 1,
• la Figure 7 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VII-VII de la Figure 6,
• la Figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne VIII-VIII de la Figure 6,
• la Figure 9 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne IX-IX de la Figure 10,
• la Figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne X-X des Figures 6 et 9,
• la Figure 11 est une vue en perspective d'un organe de raclage souple utilisable dans un appareil selon l'invention,
• la Figure 12 est une vue en plan de l'organe de raclage de la Figure 11,
• la Figure 13 est une vue de détail en plan de l'organe de raclage de la Figure 11,
• la Figure 14 est une vue de détail de côté de l'organe de raclage de la Figure 11,
• la Figure 15 est une vue schématique d'un générateur de vapeur et d'un distributeur de vapeur présentant des positions relatives particulières selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention,
• la Figure 16 est une vue schématique d'un générateur de vapeur et d'un distributeur de vapeur présentant des positions relatives particulières selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention,
• la Figure 17 est une vue schématique d'un système d'alimentation en eau pouvant coopérer avec l'appareil selon l'invention,
• la Figure 18 est une vue en perspective de moyens de raccordement électrique de l'appareil selon l'invention sur une prise du type allume-cigare, et
• la Figure 19 est une vue en coupe d'un collecteur de vapeur pouvant être utilisé en combinaison avec l'appareil selon l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description of particular embodiments, given by way of examples with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• FIG. 1 is a side view of an example of an electric portable steam cleaning device according to the invention,
• Figure 2 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 1,
• Figure 3 is a top view of the apparatus of Figure 1,
• Figure 4 is a rear view of the apparatus of Figure 1,
• FIG. 5 is a sectional view along the line VV of FIG. 3,
• FIG. 6 is a view in axial section of an example of an instant steam generator usable in the apparatus of FIG. 1,
• FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 6,
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line IX-IX of FIG. 10,
• FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line XX of FIGS. 6 and 9,
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a flexible scraping member usable in an apparatus according to the invention,
• FIG. 12 is a plan view of the scraping member of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 13 is a detailed plan view of the scraping member of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 14 is a detail side view of the scraping member of FIG. 11,
• FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a steam generator and a steam distributor having particular relative positions according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a steam generator and a steam distributor having particular relative positions according to another alternative embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a water supply system able to cooperate with the apparatus according to the invention,
• FIG. 18 is a perspective view of means of electrical connection of the device according to the invention to a socket of the cigarette lighter type, and
• Figure 19 is a sectional view of a vapor collector which can be used in combination with the apparatus according to the invention.

If we consider Figures 1 to 5, we see an example of an electric portable cleaning device with steam of smooth surfaces 1 such as windows, this device essentially comprising a housing 10 made of rigid plastic formed a lower part 12 and an upper part 11 connected to each other in leaktight manner at the level of a separation line 10A, for example by a hot blade welding process. The housing 10 ends at its rear part with a handle 13 in the form of a handle which allows easy gripping of the device. A cable 7 for connection by a standardized socket to a traditional AC power supply network or, by a specific plug 5 (Figure 18), to a connection socket, for example of the cigarette lighter type or similar, to a low-voltage continuous power source, for example of the 12 V type, is introduced into the rear part of the handle 13 and connected to a switch 9 comprising an operating button 19 arranged for example on the handle 13 at the upper part of the housing 10. An electric heating element 30, disposed inside the housing 10 is supplied from the switch 9 when the latter is in the position in which the device is put into operation.

The housing 10 defines a housing 20 which extends transversely relative to the handle 13. The housing 20 can be defined by the lower part 12 of the housing 10, in the form of a cradle, being closed by the upper part 11 of the housing 10 , which can be of a more flat shape and constitutes a cover. A steam generator 21 of modular shape is placed in the housing 20, transversely with respect to the handle 13.

The steam generator 21 can be closed at one of its ends by a plug 18 which passes through an orifice formed in the side wall of the housing 10, for example in the lower part 12, and is connected directly in an opening 37 of filling with water and emptying an external envelope 22 of the steam generator. Seals 32 are interposed between the plug 18 and the opening 37 to prevent any escape of steam at this opening 37 (Figures 6 and 10).

The outer enclosure 22 of the steam generator 21 has at its other end, opposite the plug 18, a part 8 forming a cover, which is made securely attached to the outer enclosure 22 and ensures the positioning of the electrical heating means 30 within the steam generator 21 by providing a space for ensuring the connection between these electrical means 30 and the switch 9.

The outer enclosure 22 of the steam generator 21 is positioned in its housing 20 by ribs 3, 6 formed respectively on the internal faces of the lower 12 and upper housing parts 11. These ribs 3, 6 ensure correct positioning of the outer enclosure 22 while reducing the contact zones with the housing 10, which contributes to reducing the temperature thereof as much as possible.

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the upper 11 and lower 12 parts of the housing 10 extend forwardly beyond the housing 20 to form two flat surfaces 11a, 12a in the form of a clamp constituting a squeegee holder 14 into which can be inserted, removably or not, a squeegee 15. The squeegee 15 projects at the front and above a series of orifices 17 for spraying steam which are formed in the lower part 12 of the housing and are advantageously aligned in a direction parallel to that of the squeegee 15. FIG. 5 shows a smooth surface to be cleaned 1 on which vapor is projected by the orifices 17, this vapor forming by condensation droplets 2 which can then be removed by the squeegee 15.

As an option, as shown in FIG. 3, a strip of very spongy fabric 16 can be attached to a piece 16A of plastic material, itself fixed for example in a removable manner by clipping on the upper part of the squeegee holder. 14. The strip 16 makes it possible to mop up at the end of the scraping operation all of the water droplets 2 collected by the action of the scraper 15 on the lower part of the glass or other smooth surface 1 to be cleaned by turning over. the device. An equivalent result can be obtained by the use of a spongy tissue 16 'attached to the lower part of the squeegee holder 14, this spongy tissue 16' being in contact with the scraper member 15 over its entire length to minimize the horizontal traces of stopping the squeegee 15 (Figure 1).

The steam generator 21 will now be described more particularly with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

The steam generator 21 comprises a heating body 30 in the form of a cartridge comprising at least one PTC type ceramic electrical resistance. The cartridge 30 is fixed in leaktight manner to the cover 8 by means of a high temperature seal such as a viton seal 38 which also allows the outlet of the electrical wires to be connected to the switch 9 through the cover. 8.

A divided capillary or porous body 34 is held tight around the cartridge 30 by two half-envelopes 27, 28 pierced with openings 29 to allow water to enter the body 34 and steam to exit therefrom. The half-envelopes 27, 28 are fixed to each other by screwing or, as shown in the drawing, by clips 31. The two half-envelopes 27, 28 are made integral with the cover 8 and are positioned inside the outer enclosure 22 while leaving a free space thanks to ribs 26 formed on the inner wall of the enclosure 22 (Figure 7). The free space between the half-envelopes 27, 28 and the outer enclosure 22 constitutes a small reserve of vapor.

A vapor withdrawal orifice 23a is formed in a projecting part 23 of the enclosure 22. The projecting part 23 projects inside the enclosure 22 towards the center of the steam generator in a complementary reentrant part 27a, 28a formed by the capillary body 34 and the half-envelopes 27a, 28a (Figures 6 and 7). Whatever the position of the appliance, this arrangement makes it possible to prevent the droplets of excess water, not contained in the porous body 34 but gathered in the free space between the half-envelopes, from being drawn towards the steam distributor 24. 27, 28 and the enclosure 22. If we consider Figure 7 and if we take into account a device arranged in such a way that the distributor 24 is in the most unfavorable position, that is to say turned downward, the excess water collects on either side of the protruding part 23 and the orifice 23a, close to the axis of the steam generator 21 does not risk capturing water droplets with the steam .

The steam distributor 24 comprises a plastic part with thin walls (with a thickness for example less than 2 mm) and insulation thermally and electrically, like the half-envelopes 27, 28 and the enclosure 22. The steam distributor 24 defines an elongated cavity and is attached to the enclosure 22 to collect the steam coming from the orifice 23a for withdrawing steam. The steam distributor 24 comprises a series of nozzles or small hollow cylinders 35 which are positioned in the orifices 17 for the steam outlet formed in the housing 10. A seal 36 seals between the steam distributor 24 and the housing 10 and prevents any possible projection of water through the nozzles 35 from entering the interior of the housing 10 outside the enclosure 22 of the steam generator.

It will be noted that the use of very thin walls for the enclosures 27, 28, 22 and the distributor 24 and the use of electrically and thermally insulating materials avoids maximum contact of the vapor with cold parts on which it would condense and allows to properly separate the areas containing water or steam, areas containing components or electrical connection wires. Mechanically, cooperation between the different elements with different functions is naturally possible. Thus seen in Figure 5 a protective housing of the switch 9 which cooperates with a rib 33 of the enclosure 22 to better immobilize it.

The apparatus described above offers the following main advantages.

The device is mainly made of plastic and elastomers, with the exception of the ceramic resistance cartridge (plate, screws, ...) which makes it possible to obtain a device that is both light and inexpensive.

There is a complete separation, which can be achieved by welding, of the part comprising water or steam and the part comprising the electrical supply and control parts, which ensures all the safety of use. .

• d'obtenir un minimum d'inertie thermique de l'eau autour de la cartouche. Cette eau est divisée en gouttes dans le capillaire et permet donc à l'appareil d'être très rapidement prêt à fournir de la vapeur (moins de deux minutes) ;
• d'obtenir pour un petit générateur un poids minimum, donc de pouvoir être intégré dans un appareil portatif;
• d'être bien insensible au calcaire contenu dans l'eau, car ce calcaire ne se dépose pas seulement autour de la cartouche céramique mais aussi sur et dans le corps capillaire lui-même, car il n'y a pas seulement évaporation autour de la cartouche de résistances céramiques, mais aussi dans le volume du capillaire, ce qui permet un fonctionnement maximum en heures avec de l'eau du robinet, ce qui conduit à un faible coût d'utilisation.

The use of a cartridge 30 of ceramic resistances inserted into a capillary medium 34 allows

• to obtain a minimum thermal inertia of the water around the cartridge. This water is divided into drops in the capillary and therefore allows the appliance being very quickly ready to supply steam (less than two minutes);
• to obtain a minimum weight for a small generator, therefore to be able to be integrated in a portable device;
• to be very insensitive to lime contained in water, because this lime is not only deposited around the ceramic cartridge but also on and in the capillary body itself, because there is not only evaporation around the cartridge of ceramic resistors, but also in the volume of the capillary, which allows maximum operation in hours with tap water, which leads to a low cost of use.

The cartridge of ceramic resistors 30 also allows a rapid rise in temperature when everything is cold and its power decreases to correspond to the power necessary to produce the necessary vapor, hence an energy saving.

Since the ceramic cartridge 30 regulates itself as a function of the needs linked to the presence or absence of water to be evaporated, the latter will for example stop all alone from consuming power as soon as there is no longer any water in the appliance. This avoids any addition of steering and safety devices and thus produces a saving in weight and cost.

Water is never in contact with an active element under tension, which thus provides security during filling even in the case of incorrect operation: cord connected, switch in "on" position.

The design of the capillary generator itself, where the water to be evaporated is contained in the capillary body makes it possible to vaporize the water regardless of the orientation of the device for cleaning windows and smooth surfaces in space. The steam intake system also makes it possible, regardless of the orientation of the device for cleaning the windows in space, to take steam out of the water which may be in excess and therefore in contact with the walls of enclosure 22.

The steam generation system until the steam outlet from the device is completely sealed, the two parts of the housing 11, 12 being used as thermal insulators. This avoids wastage calories and the condensation of the steam before it leaves the appliance, therefore making optimum use of the steam produced.

The two parts of the housing 11, 12 being insulated from the steam generator 21, they are little heated and the handle 13 is always at an acceptable temperature. All the walls remain cold or at temperatures which do not interfere with gripping by hand.

The apparatus according to the invention also offers various other possible functions and is suitable for various improvements.

Thus, if we refer to Figures 11 to 14, we see an example of a squeegee 15 in flexible material which has on a rear edge a bead 151 allowing its positioning in the complementary grooves formed in the squeegee holder 14. A groove 155 formed in the body 150 of the squeegee 15 can also make it possible to better position the squeegee in its support. Above all, the squeegee shown in Figures 11 to 14 has at its active end portion 152, in the vicinity of its lateral ends, ribs 153, 154 which form cut sides and are oriented substantially perpendicular to the main face 150 of the squeegee 15 The ribs 153, 154, which can extend for example over a length d of the order of 20 mm, can be inclined at an angle a , for example of the order of 12 ° relative to the longitudinal direction. of the squeegee (FIG. 13) and each rib 153, 154 of triangular shape (FIG. 14) can for example form an angle b of the order of 30 ° relative to the plane of the main face 150 of the squeegee 15.

This particular form of squeegee 15 comprising ears 153, 154 at the lateral ends of its working edge 152 prevents the appearance of traces during scraping by successive passes.

It can be noted that the production of cut sections, with angles of the order of 10 to 40 ° relative to the horizontal, at the lateral ends of the active terminal part 152, without the addition of ribs, also makes it possible to strongly attenuate the residual vertical traces.

We have previously described a steam distributor 24 arranged parallel to the axis of the steam generator 21. Other arrangements are possible. Thus, Figure 15 schematically shows a steam distributor 24 arranged perpendicular to the enclosure 22 of the steam generator 21 and Figure 16 shows a steam distributor 24 forming, with the axis of the steam generator 21, an angle a that can be between about 30 ° and 60 °.

In the case of the embodiments of Figures 15 and 16, the scraper member, not shown, can remain parallel to the direction of the outlet orifices 17 of the steam. Insofar as the enclosure 22 of the steam generator can be of reduced section, the device can, if necessary, be used with an external housing without handle, which can be grasped directly at the level of the body containing the steam generator 21, as soon as the temperature levels remain low.

FIG. 19 shows a very simple accessory 100 which can be delivered with an appliance for cleaning the windows with steam, as described above, in particular an appliance intended to operate from a low voltage electric power source such as those available in motor or leisure vehicles or even boats. The accessory 100 constitutes a vapor collector which can be fixed very simply on the vapor diffuser 24 to collect in a chamber 101 the vapor emitted by the outlet orifices 17. A tubular extension 103 connected to an outlet orifice of the cavity 101 and comprising at its free end a head 104 of localized spraying of steam makes it possible to use the collected steam to inject it in a concentrated manner to carry out a more intense punctual localized cleaning or even to heat a liquid. A vapor permeable and waterproof membrane 102 can help ensure that only steam can be injected into the liquid to be heated. For hygienic reasons, the extension 103 can, if necessary, be detachable and disposable or sterilizable between successive uses.

Cleaning in general and glass in particular is generally accompanied by an odor from the detergent products used.

Since steam cleaning is not accompanied by scented detergents, the smell of "clean" is not communicated.

In the case of the device described in the context of the present application, it is easy to insert into the cap 18 of the steam generator 21 perfumed elements which will be in contact with the vapor so that the perfume can be transported outside the diffuser on cleaned surfaces.

Different caps can be offered for sale containing various perfumes that the consumer can purchase as an accessory.

According to a variant, perfumed particles can be mixed with the material constituting the molded envelopes 27, 28, 22 of the steam generator 21, these perfumed particles being able to be present for example at a rate of 5% to obtain a lasting perfumed vapor.

According to yet another variant, there is added, for example by clipping onto the external part of the diffuser 24, an additional conduit containing perfumed granules or the clipped conduit is produced in a plastic material containing additives giving it a fragrance of choice and which will be conveyed outside this conduit by steam passing in contact with the scented walls.

According to the invention, it is also possible to add to the portable window cleaning device a removable device 130 (FIG. 17) for automatic filling with water of the instant steam generator 21, this automatic filling device comprising a plug 118 which can be positioned through the housing 11, 12 for supplying water to the means 34 for storing a water reserve, by means of an injection pipe 117 mounted on the plug 118 and taking a signal for the need for supply in water, by a drying detection probe 119 also mounted on the plug 118, a flexible conduit 120 comprising a pipe connected to the injection rod 117, as well as a storage battery 132 or a connection socket to a power supply network, an electric pump 133 and means 134 for controlling the pump 133 connected by the cables connecting to the probe, the electric pump 133 being actuated when the probe 119 det ect a dewatering of the means 34 for storing a water reserve.

The portable box 135 can remain placed on the ground or be carried over the shoulder by the user.

The pump 133 can be automatically started when electronic or electromechanical means detect that the ceramic cartridge or cartridges 30 of the cleaning device consume zero current reflecting a drying of the porous body 34. The pump 133 can similarly be stopped automatically when the current consumption reaches a predetermined value.

Claims (27)

Electric apparatus for steam cleaning of smooth surfaces (1) such as windows, constituting an autonomous portable assembly supplied with energy by means (7) of connection to a source of electrical energy and comprising a housing (10 ) plastic defining (a) a housing (20) intended to receive, on the one hand, a steam generator (21) comprising means (34) for storing a reserve of water and electrical means (30) for heating the said reserve of water for producing steam and, on the other hand, a steam distributor (24) opening onto a series of front orifices (17) and (b) a squeegee holder (14) fitted with a scraper member (15) projecting from the front of the apparatus for scraping, on a smooth surface to be cleaned, the drops (2) caused by the condensation of the vapor diffused from the distributor (24) through said series of front orifices (17), characterized in that it comprises an instant steam generator (21) with low thermal inertia working at atmospheric pressure and comprising a body capillary (34) for storing, in divided form, all of the water reserve to be evaporated, said capillary body (34) being compressed around the electrical heating means (30) to obtain a low thermal inertia, in that the electrical heating means comprise a switch (9) and a cartridge (30) comprising at least one ceramic resistance, and in that the instant steam generator (21) comprises a first enclosure (27, 28) intended to hold the body capillary (34) compressed around said cartridge (30), this first enclosure (27, 28) having perforations (29) to allow water to enter the capillary body (34) and steam to leave it. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first enclosure (27, 28) is equipped, at a first end, with a cover (8) ensuring the geometric and sealed positioning of said cartridge (30). Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the instant steam generator (21) comprises a second external enclosure (22) forming with said cover (8) a sealed envelope with the exception of an orifice (23a) for withdrawing steam, centering means (26) of the second outer enclosure (22) relative to the first enclosure (27, 28) being provided to reserve a free space between these enclosures (22 and 27, 28). Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the second enclosure (22) comprises at an end opposite to the end of the first enclosure (27, 28) provided with a cover (8), a means (18) of removable watertight closure allowing selective filling of water inside the steam generator (21), expurgation of excess water and hermetic closure of the second enclosure (22). Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that the orifice (23a) for withdrawing steam is formed in a projecting part (23) of the second enclosure (22), this projecting part (23) projecting at the interior of the second enclosure (22) towards the center of the steam generator (21) in a re-entrant part (27a, 28a) complementary to the first enclosure (27, 28), so as to prevent or reduce the penetration of any residual water drops in the steam distributor (24). Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the steam distributor (24) comprises a part defining an elongated cavity and attached to the second enclosure (22) for collecting the steam from said orifice (23a) of steam sampling, this steam distributor comprising a series of nozzles (35) introduced in leaktight manner in said series of front orifices (17) formed in the housing (12). Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first and second enclosures (27, 28 and 22) of the instant steam generator (21) have thin walls made of electrically and thermally insulating materials. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the instant steam generator (21) is positioned in its housing (20) by means of ribs (3, 6) formed in the housing (10) of material plastic. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first enclosure comprises two perforated half-shells (27, 28) joined together by connecting means (31). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the plastic casing (10) comprises two parts (11, 12) provided with means allowing their sealing to be closed. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the squeegee holder (14) consists of plate-shaped extensions (11a, 12a) of the two parts (11,12) of the housing (10) above said series front holes (17), the scraper member (15) being pinched between said plates (11a, 12a). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the scraper member (15) is made of flexible material, such as an elastomeric material. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the scraper member (15) comprises at its end part, in the vicinity of the two lateral ends, sides cut at an angle forming an angle a between 10 and 45 ° with respect to the 'horizontal. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the scraper member (15) comprises at its end part, in the vicinity of the two lateral ends, inclined ribs (153, 154) disposed essentially perpendicular to the main face (150) of the scraping member (15) and extending side cut sides of said end portion (152). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the scraper member (15) is made of rigid material to allow scraping semi-solid materials such as ice, snow or frost partially melted by steam. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a cable (7) and a socket for connection to an AC power supply network, a main switch (9, 19) and resistors heating (30) adapted to the supply network supply voltage. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a cable (7) and a socket (5) for connection to a low-voltage direct current power source, a main switch (9, 19) and heating resistors (30) adapted to the DC supply voltage source. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises a vapor collector (100) intended to be positioned on said series of front orifices (17) to collect the vapor in a cavity (101) and apply this vapor in a concentrated manner through a tubular extension (103) connected to an outlet orifice of said cavity (101) and comprising at its free end a head (104) of localized projection of vapor. Apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that a waterproof and vapor permeable membrane (102) is interposed between the cavity (101) and the extension (103) detachably connected to the cavity (101) . Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the squeegee holder (14) further comprises a strip of spongy tissue (16) disposed parallel to the scraper member (15). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that said series of front orifices (17) for diffusing the vapor and the scraper member (15) are substantially parallel. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the instant steam generator (21) is essentially parallel to said series of front orifices (17) for diffusing the steam and to the scraper member (5). Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the instant steam generator (21) is essentially perpendicular to said series of front orifices (17) for diffusing the vapor and to the scraper member (15). Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the instant steam generator (21) forms an angle of between approximately 30 ° and 60 ° relative to the mean direction formed by said series of front orifices (17) for diffusing the steam and by the scraper member (15). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the plastic housing (10) further defines a handle (13) located at the rear of the apparatus on the side of said housing (20) which is opposite the squeegee holder (14). Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that it further comprises a removable device (130) for automatic filling with water of the instant steam generator (21), this automatic filling device comprising a plug ( 118) which can be positioned through the housing (10) to supply water to the means (34) for storing a reserve of water, by means of an injection pipe (117) mounted on the plug ( 118) and take a signal for the need for water supply, by a drying detection probe (119) also mounted on the plug (118), a flexible conduit (120) comprising a pipe connected to the injection rod (117), as well as a storage battery (132) or a socket for connection to an electrical supply network, an electric pump (133) and means (134) for controlling the pump (133) connected by the cables connecting to the probe (119), the electric pump (133) being activated when the probe (119) detects a drying up of the means (34) for storing a water reserve. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that it further comprises means for adding an odorous additive to the vapor emitted by the series of front orifices (17).

Images