JP2009545387A - Steam mop - Google Patents

Abstract

A steam mop (10) having a main body (16) with a boiler (46), a water container (14), a mechanical water pump (29) between the boiler and container and a boiler steam outlet (17) connected to a fabric steam pocket frame (21). The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pocket frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles (58) to distribute steam disposed substantially perpendicular to a steam channel having openings to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pocket (24) fits snugly over the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to a steam mop, and more particularly to a water driven by a user's movement to pump water from a reservoir to a boiler to generate steam for supply to a steam nozzle connected to the boiler. The invention relates to a steam mop comprising a pump and a pad for application to a surface to be cleaned.

  Conventional mops are widely used for floor cleaning. However, conventional mops are not effective in cleaning small cracks and floor gaps. Also, a mop can practically clean only a small surface area at a time, so conventional mops need to be frequently lifted.

  Steam devices used to apply steam to household items are known. This device can be used for a variety of purposes, such as steaming a drape or other fabric to remove wrinkles, or steaming the article to assist in cleaning the article.

  A typical steam device has a reservoir for storing water, which is connected to an electric water pump with an on / off switch. An outlet from the electric water pump is connected to a steam boiler having a heating element for heating water. The heated water becomes steam, which can be directed towards the target object through a nozzle that controls the application of the steam. By changing the shape and size of the nozzle, the generated steam can be suitably supplied to the article to be cleaned. The nozzles may be removable from the steam generator so that different nozzles can be used depending on the object to be steamed. The nozzle may be closely connected to the steam generator or may be spaced from the steam generator, in which case piping or other steam transport for interconnecting the steam generator and the discharge nozzle A structure is needed. In general, it is advantageous to provide a suitable connector between the steam generator and the nozzle so that the nozzle can be connected to the steam generator or a transport tube or hose can be inserted between the steam generator and the nozzle.

  In general, nozzles used with steam cleaners do not have a large surface area and do not have a cloth to absorb the condensation of steam. In this case, the fabric pad is fixed to the nozzle by strips of hook-and-loop fasteners (Velcro) on a plurality of cleats at the bottom of the nozzle. In another embodiment, a flat piece of cloth is wrapped around a flat brush or nozzle to increase the surface area for cleaning. A folded fabric over the brush or nozzle is secured with a clip over the piece of fabric. In many cases, the steam is jetted through the back of the cloth and passes through the cloth at the point where the bristles hit the cloth. Thereby, there exists a tendency for cloth to get wet and to reduce the cleaning effect of steam. Moreover, it is necessary to attach the cloth cover carefully so as not to cover the front or back of the brush attachment.

  Although a variety of steam generators are available, there is a need to provide an efficient, small, and easy-to-use steam mop that effectively improves the effective steam cleaning surface area of the steam cleaner. In cleaning flooring, furniture and other household items, it is desirable to provide this apparatus with the ability for a user to easily clean large surface areas without worrying about wiping away vapor condensation.

  In general, according to the present invention, there is provided a steam mop comprising a water pump for selectively introducing water from a reservoir to a boiler in accordance with the movement of the mop. The mop has a housing with an electric boiler and a water pump, and the user's back-and-forth movement of the mop pumps water into the boiler to supply steam to the steam pad frame attachment for cleaning. To provide an improved cleaning surface, a fabric vapor pad is attached to the vapor pad frame.

  The steam cleaner according to the present invention has an elongated housing connected to a steam pad frame by a hinge. The steam pad frame is operably connected to the boiler. In one embodiment, the water is stored in a water tank formed as part of the elongated housing. Water is pumped into the boiler only when the user pushes the handle to generate steam to supply the steam pad frame.

  In one embodiment, the steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid configuration and extends outward from the steam outlet toward the four sides of the steam pad frame and toward the cleaning surface. The steam pad frame has a central steam outlet and the square grid configuration of the baffles guides the steam into the space between the baffles and to the surface of the fabric steam pad attached to the frame. A fabric vapor pad is a substantially rectangular pad with fasteners or strips of hook-and-loop fasteners on top of the pad for secure attachment to the frame for easy attachment. The steam pad frame is operably connected to the elongated housing. When steam is introduced into the pad, the entire surface area of the fabric can be used to steam clean the surface. The fabric steam pocket is attached to a steam pocket frame to provide an improved cleaning surface, and the steam pocket frame is connected to the boiler by at least one pivotally attached side arm. Thus, the frame can be inverted to provide another cleaning surface. In another embodiment, two side arms are provided that allow the frame to be flipped. This allows the mop to be used backwards or forwards, allowing both right-handed and left-handed users to use it easily.

  In another embodiment, water can be stored in a water tank formed as part of the handle. Water is pumped into the boiler only when the user pushes the handle to generate steam to feed the steam pocket frame through the side arm.

  The steam pocket frame is substantially rectangular and has a plurality of baffles on both its upper and lower surfaces that extend substantially perpendicular to the cleaning surface. The steam pocket frame has a central passage extending perpendicular to the baffles, the central passage having an opening between the baffles to guide steam into the space between the baffles and to the surface of the fabric steam pocket attached to the frame. Have.

  The fabric vapor pocket can be a two-layer fabric with three sides joined and zippered to the frame at the open edge, or in front of the frame for easy mounting on the frame Alternatively, it may be a one-layer fabric wound around a frame and a hook-and-loop fastener provided on the rear (or left or right) long side. The steam pocket frame is operably connected to the outlet pipe of the steam cleaner. When steam is introduced into the pocket, the entire surface area of the fabric is used to steam clean the surface.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved steam mop and steam pad frame attachment.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a steam mop and steam pocket frame attachment that provides a large steam cleaning surface area.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a steam mop having a mechanical pump that is driven by the movement of the user to push the mop forward and backward for cleaning and does not require a high pressure steam pressurization system. Is to provide.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric steam pad that is easily attached to a steam pad frame.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a steam pad frame attachment having a fabric pad that prevents steam from escaping at the point of contact with the bristles.

  Yet another object of the present invention is a fabric vapor pocket that can be used on both sides for cleaning.

  Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be in part apparent and in part will be apparent from the specification.

  For this reason, the present invention includes products that have the characteristics, characteristics, and relationships between the components, which are exemplified in the products described below, and the scope of the present invention is described in the claims. .

  For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

1 is a perspective view of a steam mop with a steam pad frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pad constructed and arranged in accordance with the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the housing, showing the reservoir, pump and boiler of the steam mop of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the component of FIG. 2. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bellows pump suitable for use with the steam mop of FIGS. 2 is a bottom view of a steam pad frame for use with the steam mop of FIG. FIG. 2 is a top view of a fabric steam pad suitable for use with the steam pad frame attachment of FIG. 1. 2 is a perspective view of the mop of FIG. 1 with a fabric vapor pad attached to the attachment frame. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a piston pump suitable for use with the steam mop of FIGS. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a steam mop with a single side arm with a steam pocket frame attachment for receiving a fabric steam pocket constructed and arranged in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a front view of a housing and assembly for use with the steam mop of Figure 9; FIG. 10 is a plan view of a water container suitable for use with the steam mop and handle shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a handle suitable for use with the steam mop of FIG. 9. Figure 10 is a top view of a steam pocket frame for use with the steam mop of Figure 9; It is a top view of the cross section of the vapor | steam pocket frame of FIG. 13A. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fabric steam pocket suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mop of FIG. 9 with a fabric vapor pocket attached to the attachment frame. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows how to assemble the steam mop of the type shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a steam mop with two side arms constructed and arranged in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the fabric vapor | steam pocket attached to the vapor | steam pocket frame of FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows how to assemble the steam mop of FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a two-way valve suitable for use with the steam mop of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the pump with which the two-way valve of FIG. 20 is connected with the boiler with the steam pad frame and fabric steam pad of the steam mop of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam mop 10 constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mop 10 includes a housing or body 16 connected to the steam pad frame 21 at one end of the pipe 20 and a handle 11 at the other end of the pipe 20. The housing 16 comprises a water container or tank 14 which is shown in FIG. 2 as part of the upper portion of the housing 16, while being connected to the boiler 46 by a pump 29 having an outlet valve 45. Any type of mechanical pump or any other means of transporting water to the boiler can be used with the steam mop 10. Preferably, the pump 29 is a mechanical pump such as a bellows pump or a piston pump and is driven by the movement of the mop 10 by a user pushing and pulling the handle 11 at the end of the pipe 20. An upper cord hanger 17 is attached to the handle 11, and a lower cord hanger 18 for easily accommodating the electric cord 47 is attached to the pipe 20.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the steam pad frame 21 has a substantially rectangular shape and includes a central steam opening 23. The steam produced by the steam boiler 46 shown in FIG. 2 supplies steam to the frame 21 and to the central steam opening 23 of the frame 21. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, by attaching a set of hook and loop fastener strips 66 and 67 to the plurality of cleats 68, 69, 71 and 72, a substantially rectangular fabric vapor pad 24 is attached to the frame 21. It is attached.

  2 and 3 are a front view and a cross-sectional view of the components in the housing 16 of the steam mop 10, respectively. This includes a water container or tank 14, a one-way pump 29 and a boiler 46. A water supply hose 40 is connected to the water inlet 41 of the pump. The water outlet 39 of the pump is connected to the boiler 46. The water container 14 has an opening 15 that can be easily opened and closed by the user so that the user can put water into the water container 14.

  The water supply hose or water pump 40 includes a pump body 41 including a pump cavity 42. A piston 43 connected to a push rod 44 is disposed in the cavity 42. When the user pulls the mop handle 11, a negative pressure is generated in the cavity 42 by the push rod 44 and the piston 43. Thus, water is drawn from the tank 14 into the water supply hose 14a and into the water inlet 38 of the pump. The water is then drawn through one-way inlet valve 48. When the handle 11 is pushed during use, the water in the cavity 42 is drained through the one-way outlet valve 45 and the pump outlet 39. The pumped water then passes through the boiler inlet 46 a of the boiler 46. The water in the boiler 46 is heated by the heating element 49 in the boiler cavity 50, and the generated steam is supplied to the steam chamber 52 through the steam valve 51. The heating element 49 is connected to electrical connectors 49a and 49b. The steam is then discharged through the steam outlet 53 to the steam hose 54 and to the frame connector 55.

  The one inlet valve 48 and the one outlet valve 45 are made of a flexible elastomer material such as rubber. When the handle 11 is pulled, the valve is conical so that water is drawn through the inlet valve 48 while the outlet valve 45 remains closed. Similarly, when the handle 11 is pushed, water is pushed out through the outlet valve 45, the inlet valve 48 remains closed, and water is supplied to the boiler 46.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary pump that can be used with a steam mop. Here, the mechanical bellows pump 29 is shown in FIG. 4 as being suitable for use with the steam mop 10. The bellows pump 29 has a pump inlet 29a and a pump outlet 29b. A lower portion 14b of the water container 14 is attached to the pump inlet 29a via a conduit 31. Arrow A indicates the direction of water flow. The pump outlet 29 b is connected to the duckbill inlet valve 32. The pump inlet 29 a and the pump outlet 29 b are connected by a cylindrical flexible tubular bladder 33 having a plurality of folds 34. Water can only flow in one direction through the valve 33. The pump outlet 29 b is connected to a second one-duck bill valve 37 in the lower part of the bellows pump 29.

  When the conduit 31 moves up and down so that the distance B increases or decreases due to the movement of the user, the pump 29 is activated. When the handle 11 is pulled upward, the distance B is shortened and the bellows 34 is filled with water. When the handle is pushed, the bellows 34 is compressed, the distance B is increased, and water is discharged from the bellows 34 through the second duckbill valve 37 in the lower part 29a of the pump 29, and then into the water pipe 41 and then into the boiler. 46. Thus, the user can selectively supply water to the boiler 46 by pushing the mop forward and pulling the mop back to move for cleaning. If the user does not move, no water is supplied to the boiler and no steam is generated. Steam is generated and released only when the user moves the mop back and forth. The steam mop 10 is designed as a non-pressurized system. High pressure steam is not required for floor cleaning. Cleaning is performed by supplying steam to a fabric steam pad 24 attached to the frame 21.

  FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of a rectangular steam pocket frame 21 having a front wall 81, a back wall 82, a right side wall 83, and a left side wall 84. A plurality of baffles 88 having a square lattice configuration extend outward from the steam outlet 23 toward the four sides of the steam pad frame 21 toward the cleaning surface in the frame 21. The baffle 88 is flat and has a plurality of deaeration holes or openings 88a between the grids for supplying steam to the spaces between the baffles 88 and to the steam pads mounted thereon. The steam pocket frame 21 has cleats 68, 69, 71, 72 at the four corners of the steam pocket frame 21.

  FIG. 6 is a top view of a fabric vapor pad 24 suitable for use with the vapor pad frame attachment 21. The steam cloth pad 24 is configured to be attached to the frame 21. Fasteners 66 and 67 are fixed to the upper surface of the steam pad 24. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 66 and 67 are hook-and-loop type fasteners. As another embodiment, other types of fasteners can be used to secure and hold the steam pad 24 when used to clean floors or other surfaces.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the steam pad 24 is a cloth or towel. It can be formed from any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric such as polyester or polyolefin fibers. Preferably, the fabric of pad 24 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber

  FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the mop of FIG. 1 with a fabric vapor pad attached to the attachment frame. In this example, the fabric steam pad 24 is attached to the steam pad frame 21 by a fastener (not shown). Also, in this example, the fabric steam pad is larger than the steam pad frame to increase the steam cleaning surface area.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another exemplary pump that can be used with a steam mop. Here, the mechanical piston pump 19 is shown in FIG. 7 as being suitable for use with the steam mop 10. The piston pump 79 has a pump inlet 79a and a pump outlet 79b. A lower portion 14b of the water container 14 is attached to the pump inlet 79a via a conduit 31. Arrow A indicates the direction of water flow. The pump outlet 79 b is connected to the duckbill inlet valve 32. The pump inlet 79a and pump outlet 79b are sealed by a movable joint 93 so that the piston 92 can move freely within the cylinder 91 without leaking water between the pump inlet 79a and the pump outlet 79b. It is connected. Water can only flow in one direction through the valve 32. The pump outlet 79 b is connected to the second one-duck bill valve 37 in the lower part of the piston pump 29.

  When the conduit 31 moves up and down so that the distance B increases or decreases due to the movement of the user, the pump 79 is activated. When the handle 11 is pulled upward, the distance B is shortened and the volume space in the cylinder 91 is filled with water. When the handle is pushed, the volume of the cylinder 91 is compressed by the piston 92, the distance B is increased, the water is discharged from the cylinder 91 through the second duckbill valve 37 in the lower part 29a of the pump 29, The water pipe 41 is then sent to the boiler 46. Thus, the user can selectively supply water to the boiler 46 by pushing the mop forward and pulling the mop back to move for cleaning. If the user does not move, no water is supplied to the boiler and no steam is generated. Steam is generated and released only when the user moves the mop back and forth. The steam mop 10 is designed as a non-pressurized system. High pressure steam is not required for floor cleaning. Cleaning is performed by supplying steam to a fabric steam pocket 24 attached to the frame 21.

  The steam floor mop 10 provides many advantages in terms of ease of use because it eliminates the need for an electric water pump and an on / off switch for operating the electric water pump. Here, the user can more precisely control the amount of water required to flow into the boiler and the amount of steam required for this by moving the mop back and forth. The steam mop is also designed as a low pressure or non-pressurized system so that it is safe for the user to use. Furthermore, since the amount of water sent to the boiler is controlled, the boiler can generate steam in a short time.

  FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a steam mop 100 constructed and arranged in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. All the components in FIG. 9 are given the same reference numerals plus 100. The mop 100 has a steam pocket frame 121 attached to the housing or body 116 by side arms 117. The water container or tank 114 is attached to the upper portion of the housing 116 with a handle 111 and is connected to the boiler 146 by a pump 129 having an outlet valve 137. When the handle 111 is attached, the water container cover 119 is closed. Further, the water container 114 has a handle removal button 113 for easily attaching and detaching the handle 111 so as to be easy to use. Any type of mechanical pump or any other means of transporting water to the boiler can be used with the steam mop 100. Preferably, the pump 129 is a mechanical pump such as a bellows pump or a piston pump, and is driven by the movement of the mop 10 by the user pushing and pulling the handle 111.

  The steam pocket frame 121 has a rectangular shape and has a steam inlet coupling 122 that connects the end of the side surface and the end of the side arm 117. Steam produced by the steam boiler 146 shown in FIG. 10 is supplied to the arm 117 and then to the frame 121. As shown in FIG. 14, a rectangular fabric steam pocket 124 is mounted on the frame 121 and is attached to the steam inlet coupling 122 side of the frame 121 by hook and loop fastener strips 166 and 167.

  FIG. 10 is a front view of the housing 116 of the steam mop 100 having a boiler 146 with a water hose 141 having a water inlet 138 and a water outlet 139. On the other hand, water flows into the water inlet 138 through the outlet valve 137 (shown in FIG. 4), and flows into the boiler 146 through the water hose 141. A steam hose 144 having a steam inlet 142 and a steam outlet 143 is connected to the boiler 146. The water inlet 138 and the boiler 146 are connected to a power source by an electric cord 147. The steam produced by the boiler 146 is discharged through a steam hose 144 having a steam inlet 142 and a steam outlet 143. For convenience, the body 116 also includes an indicator light 149 that indicates that the vapor temperature is suitable for use.

  A water container 114 suitable for use with the steam mop 100 is shown in FIG. The water container 114 has an upper portion 114a and a lower portion 114b. In this example, the upper portion 114a has a conical open top 128 that functions as a funnel that allows the user to easily fill the water container 114 with water. The water container cover 19 shown in FIG. 12 covers the conical open top 128 of the water container 114 when assembled. The user removes the handle 111 from the water container 114 by pressing the handle removal button 113 to easily fill the container 114.

  FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a handle 111 for use with the steam mop 100. The handle 111 has a height adjustment button 112 and has a water container cover 119 connected to the water container 114 at the tip. Preferably, the handle 111 is a telescopic handle.

  FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of a rectangular steam pocket frame 121 having a front wall 181, a back wall 182, a right side wall 183 and a left side wall 184. Within the frame 121, a plurality of baffles 188 extend from the front wall 181 to the back wall 182. The baffle 188 has a flat shape and extends vertically from the front wall to the back wall of the frame 121. The frame 121 has a right side wall 183, to which the steam inlet coupling 122 is connected. The right side wall 183 is also connected to the arm 117. The frame 121 has a passage 161 extending perpendicularly to the baffle 188 from the right side wall 183 to the left side wall 184. The passage 161 has a plurality of deaeration holes or openings 162 for supplying steam to the space between the baffles 188 and the steam pocket mounted thereon. The advantage of the steam pocket frame 121 is that steam exits from the top surface of the frame 121 to provide a steam benefit to the dry surface during cleaning.

  13B is a plan view of a cross section of the steam pocket frame attachment 121 of FIG. 13A. A plurality of deaeration holes 162 are provided on both sides of the passage 161 in parallel with the baffle 188.

  In FIG. 14, the steam pocket 124 is configured to cover the frame 121. In this regard, the vapor pocket 124 is formed of a second layer 124b (not shown) that faces the first layer 124a, each of which is opposed to two opposite long edges 124c and 124d. It is a rectangle having short sides 124e and 124f. The long edges 124c and 124d and one long side 124f are sewn so as to form a pocket 124.

  Straps 166 and 167 are attached to the open side of the steam pocket 124. In a preferred embodiment, the fasteners 166, 167 are hook-and-loop type fasteners. As another embodiment, the straps 166, 167 may comprise buttons or snaps. In any case, the straps 166, 167 are placed and secured over the frame 121 to hold the pocket 124 in place when used to clean the floor or other surface.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the steam pocket 124 is a cloth or towel. It can be formed from any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric such as polyester or polyolefin fibers. Preferably, the fabric of the pocket 124 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber

  FIG. 15 shows a fabric steam pocket 124 attached to a steam pocket frame attachment 121 suitable for use with the steam pocket frame attachment of FIG. This is also indicated by the direction of arrow C. The steam pocket frame attachment 121 can rotate as shown by arrow D so that the user can use both sides of the steam pocket fabric 124 without re-installing the steam pocket 124. Thus, the vapor pocket 124 can be used for a long time without being cleaned and reattached.

  16 is an exploded perspective view showing how to assemble the steam floor mop of the type shown in FIG. 9 with arrows.

  FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a steam floor mop 200 with a steam pocket frame 221 for receiving a fabric steam pocket cover constructed and arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. All the components in FIG. 11 are given the same reference numerals plus 200. In this example, the steam pocket frame 221 is attached to the tips of two side arms 217 and 218 connected to the housing 216. The steam pocket frame 221 has a rectangular shape and has a steam inlet coupling 222 at a side end. The steam outlet 223 supplies steam to the side arms 217 and to the steam pocket frame fabric pocket 224. The frame 221 also has a left side wall having a connector 230 connecting the arm 218.

  FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a rectangular fabric vapor pocket 224 illustrating a method of attaching a rectangular vapor pocket fabric 224 to the vapor pocket frame 221. The fabric steam pocket 224 is wrapped around the front wall 281 and the back wall 282 around the steam pocket frame 221. This is also indicated by the direction of arrow B. A hook-and-loop type strip 227 secures both the top and bottom surfaces of the rectangular steam pocket fabric 124 to the front wall 281 or the back wall 282 of the steam pocket frame 221.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the steam pocket 224 is a cloth or towel. It can be formed from any suitable fabric such as cotton or a synthetic fabric such as polyester or polyolefin fibers. Preferably, the fabric of the vapor pocket 224 is a microfiber. Most preferably, the microfiber is a synthetic polyester microfiber

  The steam inlet coupling 222 and connector 230 are attached to the steam pocket frame 221, as shown by arrow A so that the user can use both sides of the steam pocket fabric 224 without re-installing the steam pocket 224. Can rotate. Thus, the vapor pocket 224 can be used for a long time without being cleaned and reattached.

  FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing how to assemble the steam floor mop of the type shown in FIG. 17 with arrows.

  Referring now to FIG. 20, in addition to valve 40 of FIG. 3 and valve 29 of FIG. 4, a “two-way” valve 250 may be used. When the handle 11 is moved by both the forward movement and the backward movement of the return, the pump 250 in which the valve 250 pumps water includes a pump cylinder 251, and the pump cylinder 251 moves up and down according to the movement of the handle 11. It has an upper chamber 252 and a lower chamber 253 which are divided by a piston 254 connected to a piston rod 255.

  A first one-way inlet duckbill valve 256 and a first one-way outlet duckbill valve 257 are connected to the upper chamber 252. A second one-way inlet duckbill valve 258 and a second one-way outlet duckbill valve 259 are connected to the lower chamber 253. As shown in FIG. 21, both inlet duckbill valves 256 and 258 are connected in parallel to a water inlet pipe 261 having a water inlet fitting 262 for securing a hose from the reservoir 14. The water outlet duckbill valves 257 and 259 are connected in parallel to a water outlet pipe 263 fixed to a water outlet hose 266 connected to a boiler 267 at an inlet 268. In order to generate a pumping action that pushes water out of the valves 257 and 259, it is necessary to create a volume change in the chambers 252 and 253.

  Steam hose 269 is coupled to any suitable design of steam generator 267, such as boiler 46 of FIGS. 2 and 3, that can be used to supply steam in a desired pattern. The water inlet 261 can be connected to a water supply source by any suitable connection (such as a rubber hose, a direct connection to a water tank) so that the pump 251 can pump water and supply it to the steam generator 267.

  When the piston 254 is lowered, the volume of the lower chamber 253 decreases, so that the internal water exits the chamber 253 through the duckbill valve 259. The direction of water flow is determined by the direction of the duckbill valve. Water can only flow in one direction through the duckbill valve. At the same time that water flows out through the outlet valve 259, the volume of the chamber 252 increases. This increase in volume causes water to flow from the reservoir 14 through the inlet duckbill valve 256 and into the chamber 252 as indicated by arrow A.

  The steam floor mop 10, 100, 200 provides many advantages in terms of ease of use because it eliminates the need for an electric water pump and an on / off switch for operating the electric water pump. Here, the user can more precisely control the amount of water required to flow into the boiler and the amount of steam required for this by moving the mop back and forth. The steam mop is also designed as a low pressure or non-pressurized system so that it is safe for the user to use. Furthermore, since the amount of water sent to the boiler is controlled, the boiler can generate steam in a short time.

  The steam pad frame 10 having the fabric steam pad frame 21 and the steam pocket frames 121 and 221 having the fabric steam pad 24 and the steam pocket fabrics 124 and 224 according to the present invention are respectively on the brush bristle attachment for the steam cleaner. This is a significant improvement compared to a configuration in which towels are arranged. The present invention prevents cloth from being punctured by brush bristles and doubles the cleaning surface. Furthermore, attachment and replacement of the fabric cover can be easily performed.

  Accordingly, it will be understood from the above description that the objectives described above can be effectively achieved, and specific modifications may be made to the above products without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive.

  Also, the following claims are intended to cover all of the general and specific features of the invention described herein, and all representations of the scope of the invention are expressed herein as words. It is understood that it can be included.

  The present invention can be implemented in various other forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of the present invention. Accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention. The steam mop according to the present invention has a pump for pumping water from a water container to a steam generator according to the movement of the mop handle, and the steam is supplied to the fabric pocket cover, which is a significant improvement over the electric pump. is there. The pump may include a two-way valve that pumps water in response to both mop push and pull.

Claims (24)

A steam mop,
A body having a water container having a water inlet and a water outlet, and a boiler having a water boiler inlet and a steam outlet;
A pump having an inlet connected to the water outlet and an outlet connected to the boiler inlet;
A steam frame connected to the steam outlet,
A steam mop in which the pump is operated by movement of the steam mop to pump water from the water container to the boiler to generate steam.   The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the steam frame is adapted to receive a fabric cloth for cleaning a surface.   The steam mop according to claim 2, wherein the steam frame is connected to the steam outlet by at least one tubular side arm.   The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the steam frame is a steam pad frame.   The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the steam frame is a steam pocket frame.   The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a one-way pump.   The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a mechanical bellows pump having one inlet valve and one outlet valve.   The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the pump is a mechanical piston pump having one inlet valve and one outlet valve.   The steam mop according to claim 7, wherein the valve is substantially conical in shape and formed from a substantially flexible material.   The steam mop according to claim 8, wherein the valve is substantially conical in shape and formed from a substantially flexible material. A steam mop,
A water container for storing water, a boiler having a water inlet, and a body having a steam outlet disposed therein;
A pump having an inlet and an outlet, and the pump outlet is connected to the boiler inlet;
A steam frame connected to the steam outlet,
The water container is connected to the pump inlet;
A steam mop in which water is pumped from the water container to the boiler by operation of the pump to generate steam.   The steam mop according to claim 11, further comprising a handle connected to the pump, wherein the pump is operated by movement of the handle. A first one inlet valve and a second one inlet valve at the first end; a second one outlet valve and a second at the second end; A pump cylinder having an outlet valve;
A piston dividing the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and an inlet valve and an outlet valve are connected to each of the chambers, and the first and second inlet valves are connected to the water Connected to the outlet, the outlet valve is connected to the steam generator,
Thereby, when the piston moves toward the second end, water is discharged from the second chamber through the second outlet valve, and into the first chamber through the first inlet valve. When water is inhaled and the piston moves toward the first end, water is discharged from the first chamber through the first outlet valve, and the second through the second inlet valve. The steam mop according to claim 12, wherein water is sucked into the chamber.   The steam mop according to claim 12, wherein the water container has a filling spout at one end of the main body.   The steam mop according to claim 12, wherein the water container is disposed between the pump inlet and the handle.   The steam mop according to claim 11, wherein the pump is a mechanical bellows pump having one inlet valve and one outlet valve.   The steam mop according to claim 11, wherein the pump is a mechanical piston pump having one inlet valve and one outlet valve.   The steam mop of claim 16, wherein the valve is substantially conical in shape and formed from a substantially flexible material.   18. A steam mop according to claim 17, wherein the valve is substantially conical in shape and is formed from a substantially flexible material.   The steam mop according to claim 11, wherein the steam frame is a steam pad frame.   The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular and has a front wall, a rear wall, a right side wall and a left side wall and a central steam outlet, from the central steam channel to the front wall, the right side wall, the left side wall and 21. A steam mop according to claim 20, comprising a plurality of baffles in a square lattice configuration extending outwardly on the rear wall.   The steam mop according to claim 11, wherein the steam frame is a steam pocket frame. A two-way mechanical pump,
A first one inlet valve and a second one inlet valve at the first end; a second one outlet valve and a second at the second end; A pump cylinder having an outlet valve;
A piston that divides the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber, and an inlet valve and an outlet valve are connected to each of the chambers, and the first and second inlet valves serve as a water source. Connected, the outlet valve is connected to a sump,
Thereby, when the piston moves toward the second end, water is discharged from the second chamber through the second outlet valve, and into the first chamber through the first inlet valve. When water is inhaled and the piston moves toward the first end, water is discharged from the first chamber through the first outlet valve, and the second through the second inlet valve. A two-way mechanical pump that draws water into the chamber. A steam pad frame for mounting a fabric steam pocket for use with a steam mop, wherein the frame is a substantially rectangular frame,
The front wall,
The rear wall,
The right side wall,
The left side wall,
A central steam outlet,
A plurality of baffles in a square lattice configuration extending between the front wall and the rear wall extending outwardly from the steam outlet and disposed in the steam pocket frame;
A steam pad frame connected to a steam inlet for receiving steam from the mop and supplying steam to a steam pocket attached to the frame.

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