EP3197330A1

EP3197330A1 - Surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3197330A1
Application number: EP15774663.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Samuel William Bennett; Daragh Michael Manning; Matthew Donald WILD; Colin Noble; Jennifer Kathryn MARSDEN
Original assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-26
Filing date: 2015-09-24
Publication date: 2017-08-02
Also published as: AU2015323596A1; WO2016046554A1; GB2530568A; CN106687020A; GB201417079D0

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10) including: a water storage container (12); a steam generator including a heating element(s)(20); a pump (30) for feeding water (13) from the storage container (12) to the steam generator (20), wherein the pump (30) and the steam generator (20) are connected by a first fluid passage (34); a second fluid passage (42) for directing steam from the steam generator (20) to a cleaning head or exit aperture of the apparatus (50), wherein the apparatus (10) includes a first device (40) for blocking the second fluid passage (42) which first device (40) is moveable between blocking and unblocking positions, and wherein the apparatus (10) includes a second device (60) positioned in the first fluid passage (34), the second device (60) permitting the flow of water (13) only in a direction towards the steam generator (20).

Description

Title: Surface cleaning apparatus Description of Invention

This invention relates to a surface cleaning apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning a surface such as a floor or wall which utilises a source of steam.

The use of steam cleaners for cleaning floor and other surfaces is well known. For cleaning floor surfaces, a steam cleaner typically has a cleaning head comprising a body able to be moved, by a user, over the surface to be cleaned, the body being adapted to carry a cleaning element of or including a fabric/textile or other material of a steam permeable absorbent nature. Steam (or very hot water) is emitted from the body and passes through the cleaning element to contact the surface being cleaned, with the effect of loosening dirt from the surface. Dirty water from condensation of the steam on the surface is absorbed by the cleaning element. A cleaning head is not essential, however. Instead a aperture for steam can be provided for "spot" cleaning or the like, or for connection to a cleaning tool.

The cleaning head, to enable it to be manipulated over the surface being cleaned, may be attached to a wand and steam supplied thereto by way of a hose from a separate steam generator. Alternatively, the wand may itself be provided with a steam generator and supply of water, to form a self-contained steam cleaning device, sometimes referred to as a "stick" or "mop" type of steam cleaner. In the case of handheld steam cleaners, steam is generated within the unit and exits from a nozzle to which a wand and/or tools are connected. The steam generator for such devices typically includes a water storage container (e.g. a tank which a user fills with water), an electric pump (which is controlled by a user operable switch) and a heating element(s). Manual pumps could be utlilised as an alternative to electric. In use, water is fed from the tank to the heating element by the pump, where it is then heated. The resulting steam (or very hot water) then passes from the heating element towards the surface to be cleaned.

Typically, steam generators for such surface cleaning apparatus do not provide a pressurised source of steam. When a user no longer requires a source of steam (e.g. they have finished cleaning), the user presses or releases the appropriate switch on the apparatus so as to disconnect the power being supplied to the electric pump. However, water which has already been fed to the heating elements(s) from the storage tank continues to exit towards the cleaning head or exit aperture and is still heated, at least to some degree, by any residual heat in the heating element(s). This "lag" after the cessation of operation of the pump results in steam / very hot water exiting the apparatus at the cleaning head or exit aperture for a period of time thereafter.

According to a first aspect of the invention, we provide a surface cleaning apparatus including:

a water storage container;

a steam generator including a heating element(s);

a pump for feeding water from the storage container to the steam generator, wherein the pump and the steam generator are connected by a first fluid passage;

a second fluid passage for directing steam from the steam generator to a cleaning head or exit aperture of the apparatus,

wherein the apparatus includes a first device for blocking the second fluid passage which first device is moveable between blocking and unblocking positions, and wherein the apparatus includes a second device positioned in the first fluid passage, the second device permitting the flow of water only in a direction towards the steam generator.

According to a second aspect of the invention, we provide a surface cleaning apparatus including:

a water storage container;

a steam generator including a heating element(s);

a pump for feeding water from the storage container to the steam generator; and

a first fluid passage for directing steam from the steam generator to a cleaning head or exit aperture of the apparatus,

wherein the apparatus includes a device which is movable between first and second conditions, wherein in the first condition the device permits steam to flow from the steam generator to the cleaning head or exit aperture, and wherein in the second condition the device permits steam only to flow from the steam generator to the water storage container or to a further container/chamber.

Further features of both aspects of the invention are set out in the claims appended hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures, of which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of a first and second aspect of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an illustrative view of the internal components of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; and FIGURE 3 is an alternative illustrative view of the component parts of the apparatus of Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention.

Referring to the figures, these show a surface cleaning apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 10 has a floor cleaning head 50 which is pivotally connected to a user graspable handle 1 1 . Connected to the user graspable handle are a water storage container 12 and a housing 18 which houses a steam generator 20, a pump for feeding water from the storage container 12 to the steam generator 20 and a fluid passage 42 connecting a steam generator output to the cleaning head 50. Whilst figure 1 shows a surface cleaning apparatus 10 in which is embodied the present invention, it should be appreciated that the invention can be realised in other forms of surface cleaning apparatus. In particular, whilst the handle 1 1 is pivotally connected to the head 50, it need not be connected in that way (e.g. it could be rigidly connected). In addition, the water storage container 12 and the housing 18 housing may be supported directly on the floor cleaning head 19 rather than attached to the handle 1 1 . In addition, instead of a cleaning head, the apparatus may have an exit aperture through which steam exits from the device which may or may not be connectable to a cleaning tool or the like. Furthermore, the invention may be embodied in a handheld steam cleaning apparatus or an apparatus which has a modular construction permitting it to be utilised as either a handheld cleaning apparatus or an upright cleaning apparatus.

Referring to figure 2, this shows an illustrative view of the layout and connection of the internal components of an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. As mentioned previously, the apparatus 10 includes a water storage container 12 for storing a volume of water 13. Typically the water storage container 12 is removable so that it can be filled and/or emptied by a user. It should be appreciated, however, that the water storage container 12 need not necessarily be removable from the remainder of the apparatus 10. In the present embodiment the water storage container 12 is configured such that when a user completely fills the water storage container 12 (as much as they can do so) a volume 14 remains in an upper part of the container 12. The purpose of this volume 14 will be apparent later. The water storage container 12 is open to atmosphere, and includes a suitable aperture (not shown) in the container for that purpose. The aperture is covered by a hydrophobic filter in order to prevent water from escaping from the container 12 (when it is, for example, inverted) but whilst still allowing the container 12 to correctly vent.

The apparatus includes a pump 30 which is fluidly connected, via a water outlet passage tube 15 to the water storage container 12. An outlet 32 from the pump 30 is fluidly connected, via a first fluid passage 34, to a steam generator, which includes a heating element 20 (there may be more than one element) positioned within a housing. As is well known in the art, the pump 30 draws water from the water storage container 12 and feeds the water to the heating element 20. The heating element 20 heats the water to a temperature such that the water turns into steam. The hot water and/or steam exits the steam generator housing via an outlet 22 which is connected to a second fluid passage 42 for directing steam to the cleaning head 50. It will be noted that positioned in between the outlet 22 and the second fluid passage 42 is a first, blocking, device 40 for blocking the passage of fluid therebetween. The blocking device 40 is movable between blocking and unblocking positions, and in this particular embodiment is provided by a solenoid valve (although it could be a manually operated valve, e.g. a ball valve). The purpose of the blocking device 40 is to prevent the flow of hot water and/or steam through the second fluid passage 42 to the cleaning head 50. The apparatus also includes a further, second, device 60 positioned in the first fluid passage 34. The second device 60, which in this example is a one-way "check" valve, permits the flow of water 13 only in a direction towards the steam generator. The purpose of the one-way valve 60 is to prevent water flowing back from the steam generator 20 to the pump 30. The first fluid passage 34 includes a first portion 34a, between the pump 30 and the second device 60. The first portion 34a is releasably connected to the pump 30 and to the one-way valve 60. The releasable connection includes projecting formations (not shown) on the pump 30 and one-way valve 60 which are received in respective receiving formations (not shown) at either end of the first portion 34a of the first fluid passage 34. In this embodiment, the first portion 34a of the first fluid passage 34 is a flexible tube (but it could be a rigid tube, e.g. with deformable portions at each end) which pushes over a spigot projecting from the pump 30 and a spigot on the one-way valve 60 (i.e. push-fit connections). It should be appreciated that the first portion 34a may, in some embodiments, only have a releasable connection to one of the pump 30 or the one-way valve 60, rather than to both. Additionally, receiving formations could be on the pump 30 and on the one-way valve 60 which receives respective ends of the first portion (tube) 34a.

Operation of the apparatus 10 and its internal components is achieved by user operable switches 80, 81 which are shown illustratively in figure 2. The switch 81 provides a connection from a power supply (e.g. mains or battery) to the heating element 20. Once activated, the heating element 20 takes a period of time (a number of seconds) to get to operating temperature. The switch 80 provides a connection from a power supply (e.g. mains or battery) to the pump 30 and the solenoid valve 40, such that these components are operated at the same time or with a short time period therebetween. It should be appreciated, however, that separate user operable switches could be provided for controlling operation of the pump 30 and solenoid valve 40. Operation of the apparatus 10 is as follows. If a user wishes to use the apparatus 10 he/she presses/actuates the switch 80. This supplies electrical power to the heating element 20 which heats up to its operational temperature. The switch 80 also effects the supply of electrical power to the pump 30 (albeit in some cases after a period of time has passed to permit the heating element(s) 20 to get to operational temperature). The pump 30 feeds water 13 from the storage container 12 to the heating element 20 which heats the water until it is near boiling point and/or turns to steam. The hot water and/or steam exits the housing containing the heating element 20, and passes through the solenoid valve 40 to the cleaning head 50. The operation of the switch 80 is configured such that the solenoid valve 40 is moved to an open condition at least as early as the time at which electrical power is supplied to the pump 30. The user can then move the apparatus 10 over a surface to be cleaned.

When the user decides to finish using the apparatus 10 (or indeed if a power failure to the apparatus 10 is encountered) the switch 80 (or lack of electrical power to the apparatus 10) stops the pump 30 from working and removes the supply of electrical power to the heating element 20. In addition, a lack of electrical power to the solenoid valve 40 ensures that it moves automatically to its closed position which prevents hot water and/or steam from exiting the apparatus via the cleaning head 50.

However, the heating element 20 will take some time to lose its heat and thus any water contained in the housing for the heating element 20 will continue to be heated. In prior art apparatus this hot water and/or steam will continue to exit the cleaning head even when the user has decided to stop using the apparatus. However, advantageously, the configuration of the present invention (e.g. the provision of the solenoid valve 40) ensures that once the user turns the apparatus off at the switch 80, or electrical power supply is lost to the apparatus, no or very little hot water and/or steam exits the apparatus 10 through the cleaning head 50 as it is prevented from doing so by the solenoid valve 40.

Whilst in the present invention a solenoid valve is used as the solenoid valve 40 for blocking the outlet from the housing containing the heating element 20, it should be appreciated that other types of blocking device could be utilised. Preferably, in the event of a lack of electrical power supply to the valve, the valve moves to its closed (i.e. blocking) condition. Where the blocking device 40 is a manually operated valve, it is preferably connected, e.g. by a linkage mechanism, to a "dead man's" lever/handle so that the device 40 closes when the user releases the lever/handle.

When the apparatus 10 is turned off/power is lost, and the valve 40 closes, there is a build-up of pressure within the housing containing the heating element 20, by virtue of the water therein continuing to be heated (even though the heating element 20 does not have an electrical power supply). This results in a build-up of pressure in the portion of the first fluid passage 34 positioned between the valve 40 and the steam generator. Advantageously, however, the pump 30 and the tube 34a are protected from that increase pressure by the one way valve 60. This ensures that the connections between the tube 34a and the pump 30 do not become separated (which they might otherwise do if the check valve 60 was not present). This has the advantage that flexible tube and push-fit connections can still be used in the first portion 34a of the first fluid passage 34. Manufacturing costs and therefore be kept to a minimum as there is no requirement for strengthening the connection to the pump, meaning that off the shelf pumps / fittings / tubes can be utilised.

Referring to figure 3, this shows an illustrative view of the layout and connection of the internal components according to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention. Features this embodiment which are common/similar to those already described above have been given the same reference numeral but with the addition of a prime symbol.

A surfacing cleaning apparatus 10' has a floor cleaning head 50' which is pivotally connected to a user graspable handle 1 1 '. Connected to the user graspable handle are a water storage container 12' and a housing 18' which houses a steam generator 20', a pump for feeding water from the storage container 12' to the steam generator 20' and a fluid passage 42' connecting a steam generator output to the cleaning head 50'. As described above the water storage container 12' includes a volume 14' and an aperture (not shown) to prevent water from escaping from the container 12' but still allowing the container 12' to correctly vent.

The apparatus includes a pump 30' which is fluidly connected, via a water outlet passage tube 15' to the water storage container 12'. An outlet 32' from the pump 30' is fluidly connected, to a steam generator, which includes a heating element 20' (there may be more than one element) positioned within a housing. As described in relation to the first aspect of the invention, the pump 30' draws water from the water storage container 12' and feeds the water to the heating element 20'. The heating element 20' heats the water to at least close to boiling point, and preferably such that the water turns into steam. The hot water and/or steam exits the steam generator 20' housing via an outlet 22' which is connected to a first fluid passage 42' for directing steam to the cleaning head 50'. It will be noted that positioned in between the outlet 22' and the first fluid passage 42' is a first device 90', in the form of a two-way solenoid valve. However, it should be appreciated that a mechanical two-way valve could also be used (e.g. a ball valve). The two-way valve 90' is movable between first and second operational conditions or states. The first condition permits steam to flow from the steam generator to the cleaning head of the apparatus 50. The second condition only permits steam to flow, via a further second fluid passage 94', from the steam generator to the water storage container 12' or a further container/chamber 92'. The second fluid passage 94' in this example is a flexible tube (but it could be any type of tube / conduit, e.g. a rigid tube).

In some embodiments, the further container/chamber 92' may be connected to the water storage container 12' via a, further, third fluid passage 98', to permit water collected to return to the water storage container 12'.

The second fluid passage (tube) 94' connects to the water storage container 12' or the further container/chamber 92', where it extends a distance into the water storage container 12' / further container/chamber 92' (see figure 4). It will be seen from figures 3 and 4 that the second fluid passage 94' connecting the first device 90' to the water storage containers 12' / further container/chamber 92' terminates in the volume 14' of the water storage container 12' (or volume 96' of the further container/chamber 92') which does not, in normal use, contain water 13'. This is highly advantageous, because any fluid passing through the second fluid passage 94' is able to be taken up by the vacant space 14796' in the water storage container 12' / further container 92'. In order to ensure that the second fluid passage 94' terminates in a volume of air, irrespective of the orientation of the apparatus 10', a free end of the second fluid passage 94' is provided with a buoyancy member (not shown). The buoyancy member ensures that a free end of the second fluid passage 94' floats to the top of the water level in the water storage container 12' / further container/chamber 92' (whatever its orientation).

It should be appreciated that in the embodiments where the apparatus has a third fluid passage 98' between the further container/chamber 92' and the water storage container 12', an end of the third fluid passage 98' which enters the water storage container 12' may also have a buoyancy member (as described in relation to the second fluid passage 94' above). Operation of the apparatus 10' and its internal components is achieved by much the same method as that described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. However, when the user operates the switch 80', the two-way valve 90' is moved to its first condition from its second condition, and permits steam to flow to the cleaning head 50'.

When the user decides to finish using the apparatus 10' (or indeed if a power failure to the apparatus 10' is encountered) the switch 80' (or lack of electrical power to the apparatus 10') stops the pump 30' from working and removes the supply of electrical power to the heating element 20'. In addition, a lack of electrical power to the two-way valve 90' ensures that it moves automatically to its second condition which only permits hot water and/or steam to flow through the further passage 94' to the water storage container 12' or further container/chamber 92'.

As discussed above, the heating element 20' will take some time to lose its heat and thus any water contained in the housing for the heating element 20' will continue to be heated. Any excess hot water/steam will flow to the water storage container 12' or the further container/chamber 92' and not, as in prior art apparatus, through the cleaning head 50'. The invention is therefore highly advantageous over prior art apparatus because it ensures that little or no hot water and/or steam continues to be omitted from the cleaning head 50' once the switch 80' has been turned "off". In prior art apparatus hot water and/or steam typically continues to be omitted for a period of time after the apparatus has been turned "off" (typically at least 4 seconds) which can potentially result in injury to the user. Even if injury does not occur, water continues to be emitted from the prior art apparatus, which will be undesirable by the user.

It should be appreciated that an apparatus 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the second aspect of the invention. Conversely, it should also be appreciated that an apparatus 10' in accordance with the second aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of discussed in relation to the first aspect of the invention.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . A surface cleaning apparatus including:

a water storage container;

a steam generator including a heating element(s); a pump for feeding water from the storage container to the steam generator, wherein the pump and the steam generator are connected by a first fluid passage;

wherein the apparatus includes a first device for blocking the second fluid passage which first device is moveable between blocking and unblocking positions, and

wherein the apparatus includes a second device positioned in the first fluid passage, the second device permitting the flow of water only in a direction towards the steam generator.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first device is a valve.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first device is a mechanically actuated valve, preferably a ball valve.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first device is an electro-mechanically actuated valve, preferably a solenoid valve.

5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second device is a valve, preferably a one-way valve.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid passage has a first portion positioned between the pump and the second device, wherein the first portion is releasably connected to the pump and/or the second device.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the releasable connection includes projecting formation provided on the pump / second device which is receivable in a receiving formation on the first portion of the fluid passage.

8. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the releasable connection includes receiving formation provided on the pump / second device which receives a projecting formation / part of the first portion of the fluid passage.

9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the releasable connection is provided as a push-fit connection.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first portion of the first fluid passage is a tube.

1 1 . An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the tube is a flexible tube.

12. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the first device.

13. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the pump.

14. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the heating element(s).

15. An apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the first device automatically moves to its blocking position when there is no supply of electrical power supply to the apparatus.

16. A surface cleaning apparatus including:

a water storage container;

a steam generator including a heating element(s); a pump for feeding water from the storage container to the steam generator; and

17. An apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a second fluid passage connecting the device to the water storage container or to the further container/chamber terminates in an upper part of the water storage container / further container/chamber.

18. An apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the second fluid passage extends into the water storage container / further container/chamber and includes a buoyancy member connected thereto, preferably connected to a free end thereof.

19. An apparatus according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the second fluid passage connecting the device to the water storage container or to the further container/chamber terminates in a part of the water storage container which does not, in normal use, contain water.

20. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the device is a valve.

21 . An apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the device is a two-way valve.

22. An apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the device is a mechanically actuated valve, preferably a ball valve.

23. An apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the device is an electro-mechanically actuated valve, preferably a solenoid valve.

24. An apparatus according to wherein a further, third, fluid passage is provided for permitting water to flow from the further container/chamber to the water storage container.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 24, wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the device.

26. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the pump.

27. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein the apparatus includes a user operable switch for controlling operation of the heating element(s).

28. An apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the device automatically moves to its second condition when there is no supply of electrical power supply to the apparatus.

29. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15 having one or more or all of the features of the apparatus of claims 16 to 28.

30. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

31 . Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.