GB2545724A

GB2545724A - A surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2545724A
Application number: GB1522787.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Manning Daragh
Original assignee: TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Current assignee: TTI Macao Commercial Offshore Ltd
Priority date: 2015-12-23
Filing date: 2015-12-23
Publication date: 2017-06-28
Also published as: GB201522787D0

Abstract

A surface cleaning apparatus (10, fig 1) comprises a cleaning head 12 including a support formation (40, fig 8), a main body (14, fig 1) including: a water storage container, a steam generator including a heating element, a steam outlet (35, fig 7), and a fluid flow path extending between the water storage container, the steam generator and the steam outlet (35, fig 7), and an elongate member 16, which is connectable at a first end to the cleaning head 12 and releasably connectable at a second end to the main body (14, fig 1), said elongate member 16 including a fluid passage which transports steam from the steam outlet (35, fig 7) to the cleaning head 12, wherein the main body (14, fig 1) is moveable to a storage condition in which it is supported by the support formation (40, fig 8) provided on the cleaning head 12. An auxiliary support member 53 is also provided.

Description

Title: A 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 uses 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 head 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.

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.

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). 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 cleaning head and thus the surface to be cleaned. A further provision known in such a steam cleaner is the ability to store a cleaning agent, e.g. a solution of a suitable detergent, to assist the cleaning operation.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, we provide a surface cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning head including a support formation; a main body including: a water storage container, a steam generator including a heating element, a steam outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the water storage container, the steam generator and the steam outlet, and an elongate member, which is connectable at a first end to the cleaning head and releasably connectable at a second end to the main body, said elongate member including a fluid passage which transports steam from the steam outlet to the cleaning head, wherein the main body is moveable to a storage condition in which it is supported by the support formation provided on the cleaning head.

Further features 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 view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6a is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a partial view of a main body of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with the invention;

Figure 8 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a view of a cleaning head of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 11 is a partial view of a surface cleaning apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the figures, these show an embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 10 has a cleaning head 12, a main body 14 and an elongate member 16 extending therebetween. The cleaning head 12, elongate member 16 and main body 14 are therefore connected to each other in this sequence, with the main body 14 being positioned farthest from a floor surface to be cleaned. Whilst not shown in the figures, the cleaning head 12 is adapted to carry a cleaning element of or including a fabric/textile or other material of a steam permeable absorbent nature, as is well known in the art.

The main body 14 supports, and in this example, houses a water storage container, a steam generator including one or more heating elements, and a pump for feeding water from the storage container to the steam generator (although a pump is not essential). These components parts are not shown in the figures, nor discussed in greater detail herein, as they are well known in the prior art. The main body 14 also includes a user-graspable handle formation 18 including a hand aperture 19 and one or more controls 20a, 20b for operation of the apparatus 10, e.g. for providing power (mains or battery, which could be supported or housed in the main body 14) to the pump and steam generator. Other controls could be used, and their location changed, if desired, without departing from the scope of the invention. The main body 14 has a steam outlet 35 which communicates with the steam generator.

The elongate member 16, which is substantially circular in cross-section, connects the cleaning head 12 to the main body 14, and includes a fluid passage (not shown) which communicates with the steam outlet 35 for transporting steam towards the cleaning head 12. Whilst in the present example the elongate member 16 is a single component (albeit made from a number of component parts), embodiments are envisaged where the elongate member includes two or more members connected in end-to-end configuration, preferably with the members being releasably connectable to each other. The connection of the elongate member 16 to the cleaning head 12 is by way of a universal-type joint 9, which permits 360° articulation therebetween. Other types of hinge are envisaged, e.g. those which permit less than 360° articulation. The universal-type joint 9 has a storage condition which holds the elongate member 16 generally upright, such that a centre of gravity of the apparatus 10 sits within a footprint of the cleaning head 12. Thus, the apparatus 10 is free-standing in this position, although it need not be configured this way.

The elongate member 16 has a steam outlet 37 (see figure 4) at a first end which is releasably connectable to a steam inlet 11 (see figure 2) of the cleaning head 12 by way of a first holding device 22. The first holding device 22 includes a first locking member 24 supported on the cleaning head 12 which is pivotally moveable at 25 between locking and unlocking positions. An end of the locking member 24 is engageable with a first formation on the elongate member 16 in the formation of a wedged-shaped projection 26. In use, a user applies downward pressure with their foot (or hand) to an extension part 28 of the locking member 24 to cause the member 24 to pivot out of engagement with the projection 26.

It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the first locking member could be supported on or by the elongate member 16, with the projection being provided on the cleaning member 12. In either configuration, the first locking member 24 may be engageable with a recess rather than a projection.

Advantageously, a steam inlet 17 (see figure 4) at a second end of the elongate member 16 is releasably connectable to the steam outlet 35 of the main body 14 by way of a second holding device 30, which is similar in function to the first holding device 22.

The second holding device 30 includes a second locking member 32 supported on the elongate member 16 which is pivotally moveable at 33 between locking and unlocking positions. An end of the locking member 32 is engageable with a second formation on the main body 14 in the formation of a wedge-shaped projection 34. In use, a user applies downward pressure with their hand to an extension part 36 of the locking member 32 to cause the member 32 to pivot out of engagement with the projection 34.

It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments the second locking member 32 could be supported on or by the main body 14, with the projection being provided on the elongate member 16. In either configuration, the second locking member 32 may be engageable with a recess rather than a projection.

Advantageously, the first and second locking members 24, 32 are biased to their locking positions by respective springs (not shown), although embodiments are envisaged where that is not necessary. Embodiments are envisaged where the locking members are, for example, slidably moveable, rather than pivotally moveable.

Alternatively, a connecting formation 46 and corresponding connecting formation 47 provide the same function as the second holding device 30 (see particularly figure 6 and 6a). The connecting formation 46 is supported at the second end of the elongate member 16 and is connectable to the corresponding connecting formation 47 via a protruding biased catch portion (not shown). The biased catch portion is moveable between locking and unlocking positions with the use of a button 48 which is moveable inwardly (i.e. moveable towards and away from the centre of the elongate member 16). Such locking mechanisms which use a biased catch portion which extends from one connecting part into a detent or aperture in another connecting part are well known, and are not discussed further here. In use, the user applies inward pressure to the button 48 to cause the catch portion to unlock from the main body 14.

An advantage of the releasable connections between the main body 14, elongate member 16 and cleaning head 12 is that they permit the apparatus 10 to be easily disassembled. In addition, it permits the apparatus 10 to be used in a number of configurations, each suitable for specific types / locations of steam cleaning. For example, it can be seen from figure 4 that with the cleaning head 12 disconnected the elongate member 16 and main body 14 can still be used for steam cleaning (e.g. spot cleaning of floors / walls or small, hard to reach, locations). In addition, with both the cleaning head 12 and elongate member 16 disconnected (see figure 5), the main body 14 can be used as a handheld surface cleaning apparatus. In the latter example, the cleaning head 12 can, if desired, be connected directly to the main body 14 (thus removing the need for the elongate member 16). In both of the configurations shown in figures 4 and 5 one of a selection of tools for cleaning may be connected to the steam outlet 35, 37 to assist in cleaning. For example, the tool may include a brush to assist in removing dirt from the surface being cleaned.

The cleaning head 12 is substantially triangular in shape and includes a support formation 40 at its front corner. When the main body 14 is disconnected from the elongate member 16, the main body 14 can be supported by the support formation 40 (see figure 8). As such, the main body 14 is supported in a generally upright orientation and substantially within the footprint of the cleaning head 12 which provides a compact configuration in which to store the surface cleaning apparatus 10, when not in use.

The support formation 40 includes a projection 42 which is received in a corresponding recess 44 on the main body 14. In plan view, the projection 42 forms a “C”-shape (see figure 9).

As discussed above, the elongate member 16 and the main body 14 are releasably connected by the connecting formation 46 on the second end of the elongate member 16 and the corresponding connecting formation 47 on the main body 14. The projection 42 of the support formation 40 cooperates with the corresponding connecting formation 47 on the main body 14. In other words, the shape of the projection 42 corresponds to the shape of the connecting formation 46 of the elongate member 16, so that the steam outlet 35 of the main body 14 fits in the projection 42. This allows the main body 14 to connect to and be supported by the support formation 40. It is not necessary that the support formation 40 provides a fluid tight connection with the steam outlet 35.

In this embodiment, the projection 42 mimics the shape of at least part of the connecting formation 46, so that it at least partially surrounds the steam outlet 35 (i.e. when in use, the “C”-shape of the projection 42 surrounds about half of the steam outlet 35). It should be appreciated, that the projection 42 could be other shapes (for example, it could be annular or square shaped) and still perform the same function of providing a support for the main body 14, when the cleaning apparatus 10 is stored. Additionally, the projection 42 does not necessarily have to correspond to the existing connection between the main body 14 and the elongate member 16.

The support formation 40 also includes a further projection 49 which is positioned behind the projection 42 (i.e. towards the centre of the cleaning head 12). The further projection 49 is generally square in plan view and is received in a further recess 50 on the main body 14. The further projection 49 and recess 50 combination prevent or at least inhibit the main body 14 from rotating, when supported on the projection 42, about an axis through the steam outlet 35. It should be appreciated, that the further projection 49 could be other shapes, for example, circular or triangular and still perform the same function. It should also be appreciated that the support formation 40 may not include a further projection 49 to inhibit rotation. Instead, the projection 42 may be shaped, so as to inhibit rotation of the main body 14 around the steam outlet 35.

The surface cleaning apparatus 10 also includes an auxiliary support device 52 for connecting the elongate member 16 to the main body 14 when the main body 14 is in its storage condition on the support formation 40. The auxiliary support device 52 includes a part provided on or as part of the elongate member 16 (for example, part of the auxiliary support device 52 may be formed in the same moulding operation as the elongate member 16). The part of the auxiliary support device 52 formed with / provided on the elongate member 16 is a resiliently deformable member 53, in the form of a deformable clip which has portions which engage either side of the user-graspable handle formation 18, when the main body 14 is supported by the support formation 40 of the cleaning head 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the member 53 is slidably mounted on the elongate member 16, although in other embodiments it may be fixed relative to the member 16. The member 53, at an opposite side of the elongate member 16, also includes a projection 56a in the form of a hook which forms a lower portion of a cable storage device 56. The cable storage device 56 includes a corresponding hook 56b provided at an upper part of the elongate member 16 such that a power cable may be wound around the hooks 56a, 56b. It should be appreciated that a cable storage device 56 need not be provided if desired.

Alternatively, the auxiliary support device 52 may include first and second engaging formations which are provided on the elongate member 16 and the main body 14, respectively. The first and second engaging formations could be formed as a recess and a projection which engage / connect with each other to hold the main body in position. In one example, the first and second engaging formations could be attracted by magnetism.

When connected to the elongate member 16 and the main body 14, the auxiliary support device 52 holds the elongate member 16 substantially upright. This is beneficial, as it ensures that the centre of gravity of the apparatus is positioned over the floor head, meaning that the apparatus is less likely to topple over.

Whilst not shown in the embodiment in the figures, embodiments are envisaged where the main body supports a detergent storage container. In such an embodiment the main body may include a detergent outlet which communicates with a separate detergent passage in the elongate member for directing detergent towards the cleaning head. The detergent passage and fluid passage in the elongate member may be positioned side-by-side, e.g. either side of an axis of the elongate member, with a cross-sectional area of the fluid passage being greater than a cross-sectional area of the detergent passage, although this need not be the case.

Embodiments are envisaged where the detergent is mixed with steam at or before the mixture exits the elongate member via its steam outlet to the cleaning head, such that entering the cleaning head is a detergent / steam mixture. In an alternative embodiment, detergent may be mixed with steam at or before the mixture exits the main body via its steam outlet to the fluid passage of the elongate member, such that there is no need for a separate detergent passage in the elongate member.

In a yet further envisaged embodiment, the cleaning head may support a detergent storage container (instead of being provided in the main body). In such an embodiment the detergent may be mixed with steam at or before the detergent / steam mixture exits the cleaning head and on to the floor surface.

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 comprising: a cleaning head including a support formation; a main body including: a water storage container, a steam generator including a heating element, a steam outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the water storage container, the steam generator and the steam outlet, and an elongate member, which is connectable at a first end to the cleaning head and releasably connectable at a second end to the main body, said elongate member including a fluid passage which transports steam from the steam outlet to the cleaning head, wherein the main body is moveable to a storage condition in which it is supported by the support formation provided on the cleaning head.

2. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the support formation on the cleaning head includes a projection which is received in a corresponding recess on the main body.

3. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the main body includes a connecting formation for connection with the second end of the elongate member, and wherein the connecting formation includes a recess which receives the support formation on the cleaning head.

4. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the recess at least partially surrounds the steam outlet and wherein the support formation at least partially surrounds the steam outlet when the main body is in the storage condition.

5. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the support formation is shaped so as to prevent or at least inhibit rotation of the main body when in the storage condition about an axis that extends through the steam outlet.

6. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the surface cleaning apparatus includes an auxiliary support device for connecting the elongate member and the main body to each other when the main body is in its storage condition.

7. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the auxiliary support device holds the elongate member upright.

8. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 wherein the auxiliary support device includes a part provided on or as part of the elongate member.

9. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the part of the auxiliary support device is a resiliently deformable member which engages with a handle portion of the main body.

10. A surface cleaning apparatus according to any of claims 6 to 9 wherein the auxiliary support device includes first and second engaging formations which are provided on the elongate member and the main body, respectively.

11. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the engaging formations are a recess and a projection, respectively.

12. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the engaging formations are attracted by magnetism.

13. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claims 6 to 12 wherein the auxiliary support device further includes at least a portion of a cable storage device.

14. A surface cleaning apparatus substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

15. Any novel feature or combination of novel features which are described herein and/or in combination with the accompanying drawings.