JP2021049403A - Surface treatment apparatuses and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a mop head capable of switching normal area cleaning and steam jet modes.SOLUTION: A methods and an apparatus for surface treatment can include a body 200, a connector assembly 300 and a mop head 400 configured to be used in non-steam and/or steam operations. The connector assembly can be configured to be provided with a universal joint to receive different bodies or different mop heads. The mop head can be configured to rotate relative to the connector assembly about a transverse axis. One or both surfaces of the mop head may be used for cleaning, and a changeover valve mechanism may direct steam flow from one surface of the mop head to the other. The apparatus can be configured to be used for both normal area cleaning in a normal area cleaning mode and cleaning hard and messy stains in a steam blast mode with or without scrubbing action.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6D

Description

Detailed description of the invention

[Cross-reference of related patent applications]
This disclosure is incorporated herein by reference to the "Surface Treatment Apparatus with a Steam" filed on October 22, 2015.
Priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 62245195 entitled "Change-Over Device" and US Provisional Patent Application No. 62166636 entitled "Surface Treatment Apparatus with Release Flaps" filed May 26, 2015. Insist.
[Technical field]
The present disclosure relates to surface treatment devices and methods.
[background]
Surface-treated appliances for treating floors and other surfaces are used in homes, offices and other places. Various types of surface-treated appliances are known for carpet cleaning, such as appliances with vibrating and / or rotating brushes. In addition, certain types of surface treatment appliances, such as non-steam mops, injection appliances with padded configurations, or steam mops with steam cleaning heads, are used to clean and treat floors. Can be done.
[Overview]
The methods and devices for surface treatment according to the various aspects of the present invention can be used for various functions such as non-steam or steam cleaning or treatment, non-steam or steam cleaning and treatment, etc. A main body, a mop head, and a connector assembly connecting the main body and the mop head may be provided, and the mop head may be configured to rotate about a lateral rotation axis with respect to the connector assembly. Good.

In various aspects of the invention, methods and devices for surface treatment allow for different mop heads and body assemblies, thereby allowing for different non-steam or steam cleaning and / or treatment operations. May include a connector assembly that may be configured to allow the body to be exchanged with various embodiments of the body.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, methods and devices for surface treatment may include a steam source and a mop head connected to the steam source through a connector assembly when used in a steam cleaning operation. The connector assembly may be configured to include a universal joint or a combination of a universal joint and a connector housing, and the connector housing may define a steam passage.

In one embodiment, the mop head may include a first facing surface and a second facing surface, and both the first facing surface and the second facing surface are configured to output steam. Alternatively, only one of the first facing surface or the second facing surface may be configured to output steam. In one embodiment, the mop head directs the steam flow only to the first facing surface when the second facing surface is directed upwards, with the first facing surface facing upwards. Occasionally, a switching device or mechanism that directs the vapor flow only to the second facing surface may be provided.

In one embodiment, the connector assembly indicates a steam injection operating mode in which the connector steam inlet, connector steam conduit, steam injection nozzle assembly, and / or steam is output through the steam injection nozzle assembly. , May be provided with a mechanism that can be output through one of the first or second surfaces of the mop head to indicate a normal area cleaning operation mode. The normal area cleaning operation mode and the steam injection operation mode may be determined by the position of the mop head with respect to the connector assembly, and the position of the mop head may be determined by the angle between the mop head and the connector assembly. ..

In one embodiment, the mop head can have the first facing surface of the mop head facing up in the first position of the mop head and the second facing surface of the mop head in the second position of the mop head. It may be a reversible mop head capable of rotating the mop head from a first position to a second position at an angle of 180 ° so that the surface can be turned up.

In one embodiment, the mop head is viewed from one position so that at all positions of the mop head, only one of them, rather than both the first and second facing surfaces, can face upwards. It may be rotated 180 ° to the other position. In such an embodiment, the steam injection mode of operation may be accompanied by a scrubbing operation. The scrubbing operation provides a deployable scrubber assembly that can engage the area to be cleaned when in steam injection operation mode and disengage with the area when in normal area cleaning operation mode. May be brought about by.

In one embodiment, the mop heads of the present disclosure are on the frame, a plurality of flaps releasably connected to the first side of the frame, and the second side of the frame facing the first side of the frame. It may include joints that are rotatably connected. The first side of each flap may be rotatably connected to the first side of the frame along a hinge axis that is separated. In one embodiment, the second side of each flap comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received within a cavity defined on the inner surface of the pad. In one embodiment, each flap is configured to be detachably attached to the inner surface of the pad.

In another embodiment, the mop heads of the present disclosure include a frame, a plurality of flaps releasably connected to the first side of the frame, and a second side of the frame facing the first side of the frame. A mounting bar swivelably connected to the mounting bar and a joint swivelably connected to the mounting bar may be included. The first side of each flap may be rotatably connected to the first side of the frame along a hinge axis that is separated. In one embodiment, the second side of each flap comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received within a cavity defined on the inner surface of the pad. In one embodiment, each flap is configured to be detachably attached to the inner surface of the pad.

It is a figure of various exemplary components of an exemplary surface treatment apparatus and their assembly according to the present disclosure. It is a figure of various exemplary components of an exemplary surface treatment apparatus and their assembly according to the present disclosure. It is a figure of various exemplary components of an exemplary surface treatment apparatus and their assembly according to the present disclosure. It is a figure of various exemplary components of an exemplary surface treatment apparatus and their assembly according to the present disclosure. It is a figure of various exemplary components of an exemplary surface treatment apparatus and their assembly according to the present disclosure. It is an exemplary schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation, comprising an exemplary embodiment of a switching device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation, comprising another exemplary embodiment of the switching device according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning work, which comprises a swirling steam outlet according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning work, which comprises a swirling steam outlet according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning work, which comprises a swirling steam outlet according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head provided with a steam outlet according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of various exemplary angular orientations of a mop head relative to a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of various exemplary angular orientations of a mop head relative to a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of various exemplary angular orientations of a mop head relative to a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of various exemplary angular orientations of a mop head relative to a connector assembly in an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. A surface treatment apparatus used for steam cleaning operations including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, wherein a switching device is present or absent in the mop head, and the mop head is the first. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus which can utilize both 1 facing surface and 2nd facing surface for cleaning. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. Diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a surface treatment apparatus used in a steam cleaning operation including a normal area cleaning operation mode and a steam injection operation mode according to the present disclosure, which has or does not have a scrubbing function. Is. It is a figure of the example embodiment of the mop head which concerns on this disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the mop head cleaning pad shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head flap as shown in FIG. 9 for attachment and detachment of a cleaning pad as shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head flap as shown in FIG. 9 for attachment and detachment of a cleaning pad as shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head flap as shown in FIG. 9 for attachment and detachment of a cleaning pad as shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head flap as shown in FIG. 9 for attachment and detachment of a cleaning pad as shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a mop head flap as shown in FIG. 9 for attachment and detachment of a cleaning pad as shown in FIG. 10 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the flap release mechanism mop head shown in FIG. 9 according to the present disclosure. It is a figure of the swivel yoke assembly of the mop head shown in FIG. 9 which concerns on this disclosure. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. It is the schematic which illustrates one Embodiment of the release mechanism. An embodiment of an apparatus comprising a connecting element and a flap injector is illustrated. An embodiment of an apparatus comprising a connecting element and a flap injector is illustrated. FIG. 5 shows a front view of a surface treatment system having (i) a steaming device with a swivel that provides improved maneuverability and (ii) a portable steam source.

[Detailed explanation]
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in other particular embodiments without departing from their spirit or their essential properties. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are considered exemplary in all respects and not limiting.

Here, examples of embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings which form a part of the present specification and illustrate examples of embodiments that can be implemented. Such an embodiment may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the functions detailed and achieve various results. For example, the present invention may utilize different types of surface treatment devices capable of performing different functions. In addition, the present invention can be carried out with any number of cleaning or processing processes. As used in the present disclosure and the accompanying claims, the terms "embodiment", "example of embodiment", and "exemplary embodiment" may refer to a single embodiment, but always. Not referring to a single embodiment, various embodiments can be easily combined and exchanged without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments. Furthermore, the terms used herein are intended to illustrate only embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. In this regard, as used herein, the term "in" may include "in" and "on", and the terms "a", "an" and "the". Can include singular and multiple references. Moreover, as used herein, the term "by" may also mean "from" depending on the context. Further, as used herein, the term "if" may also mean "when" or "upon" depending on the context. Moreover, as used herein, the term "and / or" refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the items listed in association. Can be done.

Various types of equipment, such as non-steam mops or steam mops, can be used to clean and treat the surface. Many non-steam mops may include various combinations of handles, shafts, and wash heads. Similarly, many steam mops may include various combinations of handles, shafts, water storage tanks, heating elements and cleaning heads. Various cleaning pads can be attached to the cleaning head. In addition, the combination of the cleaning pad and the cleaning head allows the user to come into contact with the surface being cleaned or treated.

FIGS. 1A-E are exemplary of the surface treatment system 1000 and its various components that can be used to treat surfaces such as wood or laminated flooring in a non-steam wash or steam wash or other manner. Embodiment is illustrated. It should be recognized that the surface treatment system 100 described herein can be used in a variety of operations to perform one or more cleaning or treatment functions. The surface treatment system 1000 may include a body 200, a connector assembly 300, and a mop head 400 (FIG. 1A). As illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1E, the surface treatment system 100 can be assembled to include various combinations of a body 200, a connector assembly 300, and a mop head 400. The body 200 may include various combinations of structural elements, such as, for example, a shaft 210, a handle 220, and / or a housing 230 with a steam source 240 and / or a steam source 240 (FIG. 1B).

The connector assembly 300 may include a universal joint 310 (FIG. 1C) that may be configured to be releasably and interchangeably connected to various embodiments of the body 200 disclosed herein. By allowing the universal joint 310 to be releasably and interchangeably connected to the plurality of bodies 200, the mop head 400 connected to the universal joint 310 can be releasable and interchangeable to the plurality of bodies 200 available in the surface treatment system 100. It can be interchangeably connected, resulting in various combinations that can be assembled from the surface treatment system 100 to form a surface treatment device / apparatus. Further, multiple mop heads 400 of the same or different types (FIG. 1D) are the same universal to allow more diverse combinations of different mop heads 400 and different bodies 200 to be assembled from the surface treatment system 100. It may be configured to include a joint 310.

In one embodiment (FIG. 1C), the first end of the universal joint 310 may be releasably and interchangeably connected to the body 200, and the second end of the universal joint 310 can be swiveled to the mop head 400. May be connected to. The universal joint 310 may be of any type configured to facilitate various combinations of multiaxial rotations (eg, lateral, front-back, up-down movements of the mop head 400 with respect to the body 200). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the first end portion of the universal joint 310 is connected to the body 200 and the second end portion of the universal joint 310 is connected to the mop head 400. The first end portion of the universal joint 310 may include an upper connection piece 320, and the second end portion may include a lower connection piece 330. The upper connecting piece 320 may include a proximal end 321 for connecting to the body 200 and a distal end 322 for rotatably connecting to the proximal end 331 of the lower connecting piece 330. The connection between the upper connection piece 320 and the lower connection piece 330 may allow the body 200 to move from front to back and laterally with respect to the connector assembly 330. The lower connection piece 330 may further include a distal end 336, which has a pair of lateral swivel arms 337, 338 extending laterally from the distal end 336. The lateral swivel arms 337 and 338 may be swiftly connected to the mop head 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the mop head 400 may include a mop head of any geometry, such as a mop head 410 or a mop head 420. The mop head 410 may include a front wall 411, a rear wall 412, a right wall 413 and a left wall 414 that define the frame. The mop head 420 may include a right side wall 421, a left side wall 422 and a base 423 that define the frame. The mop head 410 or the frame of the mop head 420 has a connector receiving opening 430 in the rear wall 412 (eg, FIG. 1D (1)) or a connector receiving opening 44 in the base 423 (eg, FIG. 1D (2)), respectively. Can be defined. The connector receiving opening 430 or 440 may have any geometric shape. The mop head 410 may include connector receiving slot bushings 431, 432 in the connector receiving opening 430 to receive the swivel arms 337, 33.8 of the lower connecting piece 33 of the universal joint 310, thereby the universal joint. A swivel connection between the 310 and the mop head 420 is possible. An additional structure (not shown) may be provided to secure the swivel arm 337,338 in place. Like the mop head 410, the mop head 420 may include connector receiving slot bushings 441, 442 in the connector receiving opening 440 to receive the swivel arm 337, 338 of the lower coupling piece 330, thereby being universal. A swivel connection between the joint 310 and the mop head 420 is possible. An additional structure (not shown) may be provided to secure the swivel arm 337,338 in place. Such as reversing, rotating, or rotating the mop head 400 with respect to the connector assembly 300 at a predetermined angle by a swivel connection between the lower connection piece 330 and the mop head 400 (eg, mop heads 410 and 420). Multi-axis turning is possible. The universal joint 310 of the connector assembly 300 may also allow for easy use. The reason is that the universal joint allows the user to easily install and remove the mop heads 410 and 420 (FIG. 1D) from one or more bodies 200 (FIG. 1B) while providing the user with flexible swivel and maneuverability. Because it can be promoted. In addition, the connector assembly 300 may also allow both the first and second facing surfaces of the mop heads 410, 420 to be used for cleaning or processing.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1E, the mop head 420 may be oriented at an angle with respect to the universal joint 310. Longitudinal and lateral axes 45, 46 may define a plurality of rotation axes of the mop head 420 with respect to the universal joint 310. The mop head 420 may rotate about a horizontal axis 460 with respect to a longitudinal axis 450. A swivel connection between the mop head 420 and the universal joint 310 may facilitate such movement. For example, the mop head 420 has an angle of 180 ° with respect to the universal joint 310 to allow the user to use both the first and second surfaces of the mop head 420 for cleaning or processing. Can rotate with.

One embodiment of the surface treatment system 100 may be assembled as a steam mop 1000 (FIGS. 2-8) for steam cleaning operations. The steam mop may include a device similar to that described in the shared US Pat. No. 8,205,293, the entire US Pat. No. 8,205,293 by reference for all purposes. Incorporated herein. In such an embodiment, the body 200 may include a steam source 240, and steam from the steam source 240 may be directed to the mop head 400 through the connector assembly 300. In such an embodiment, the connector assembly 300 may include a connector housing 380 (see FIG. 1C) in addition to the universal joint 310. The connector housing 380 may provide a conduit for directing steam from the steam source 240. In one embodiment, the connector housing may include a flexible steam hose (not shown) for directing steam from the steam source 240 to the mop head 400. The upper end of the steam hose may be connected to the steam source 240, and the lower end of the steam hose may be connected to the mop head 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 2A, exemplary embodiments of the steam mop 1000 can be used to clean or otherwise treat surfaces such as wood or laminated flooring. Recognized that the steam mop 1000 described herein can also be used as a processing device to process or operate on a surface to perform one or more functions other than cleaning. It should be. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the steam mop 1000 may include a body 2000 (not shown), a mop head 1040, and a connector assembly 1060. The connector assembly 1060 may include any swivel mechanism, such as a universal joint 1060, which may include an upper component 1030 and a lower component 1020. The upper component 1030 of the universal joint 1060 may be rotatably connected to the body 2000, and the lower component 1020 of the universal joint 1060 may be rotatably connected to the mop shaft 1040. The universal joint 1060 allows various degrees of freedom of movement between the lower component 1020 of the universal connector 1060 and the mop head 1040, and between the upper component 1030 of the universal connector 1060 and the body 2000. It may include any suitable connection mechanism for. The steam for the steam mop may be provided through a steam source, which may be either an internal steam source 240 or an external steam source (not shown).

In one embodiment, the mop head 1040 has a first facing surface 1120 of the mop head from a first position 1800 where the second facing surface 1140 of the mop head can face up (as shown in FIG. 2B). Is configured to swivelly rotate relative to the connector assembly 1060 to a second position 1850 where the can face up 1850. In one embodiment, a first position 1800 of the mop head 1040 with the second facing surface 1140 of the mop head facing up and a mop head with the first facing surface 1120 of the mop head facing up. The change in angle between the second position 1850 and the second position may be about 180 °, resulting in the mop head 1040 being inverted.

The mop head 1040 may be configured to include a mop head body 1080, which may include at least one mop head steam inlet 1100 configured to receive steam, such as a floor surface, etc. It may include a first facing surface 1120 and a second facing surface 1140 configured to output steam towards a region (not shown). As mentioned above, the steam may be generated by the steam source 240 or a steam generator coupled to the steam mop 1000 (not shown) or supplied to the mop head steam inlet 1100. In one embodiment, steam can be delivered from a steam generator (not shown) to the mophead steam inlet 1100 through the connector assembly 1060. In one embodiment, the mop head 1040 may include an additional mop head steam inlet 1100. In one embodiment, the mop head 1040 may further include a fluid conduit defined within the mop head body 1080, the fluid conduit 1160 from at least one mop head steam inlet 1100 of the mop head body 1080 to the mop head body 1080. By extending to the first facing surface 1120 and the second facing surface 1140, at least the first mop head steam to the first facing surface 1120 and the second facing surface 1140 of the mop head main body 1080. A path 1180 and a second mophead steam path 1200 are defined, respectively.

A cleaning pad (not shown) covering the first facing surface 1120 and the second facing surface 1140 may be attached to the mop head 1040, and steam may be attached to the first facing surface 1120 and the first facing surface 1120 to clean the surfaces. It may be output from the facing surface 1140 of 2 through the cleaning pad. In one embodiment, steam can be output simultaneously from both the first facing surface 1120 and the second facing surface 1140, regardless of which side is exposed to the floor for cleaning. However, steam escaping from the upward facing side will reduce energy efficiency, resulting in lower steam temperature delivered to the downward facing side.

In one embodiment, the switching device 1300 may be placed at least partially within the fluid conduit 1160. The switching device 1300 is located in a first switching device position located within the first mophead steam path 1180 as shown in FIG. 2B and within a second mophead steam path 1200 as shown in FIG. 2C. It may be configured to move to and from a second switching device position. Referring to FIG. 2B, when the mop head 1040 is directed to a second position where the second facing surface 1140 of the mop head can face upwards, the first facing surface 1120 of the mop head 1040 is, for example, The switching device 1300 can be in the first switching device position, as it can face down towards a cleaning area (not shown) such as the floor. The switching device 1300 may be configured to move to a second switching device position by any suitable means. For example, in one embodiment, the switching device 1300 is configured to move to a second switching device position by gravity, manually applied force, mechanical force caused by the actuating device, or any other suitable means. You may.

At the first switching device position, the switching device 1300 will block the second mophead steam path 1200 while leaving the first mophead steam path 1180 unobstructed. This allows steam to be provided through the first mophead steam path 1180 and output on the first facing surface 1120 of the mophead body 1080, while the steam in the fluid conduit 116 is mop. It would be possible to prevent output on the second facing surface 1140 of the head body 1080.

Referring to FIG. 2C, when the mop head 1040 is directed to a second position 1850 where the first facing surface 1120 of the mop head can face upwards, the second facing surface 1140 of the mop head 1040 The switching device 1300 may be in a second switching device position, for example, facing down towards a cleaning area (not shown), such as the floor. The switching device 1300 may be configured to move to the first switching device position by any suitable means. For example, in one embodiment, the switching device 1300 may be configured to move to a first switching device position by gravity, manually applied force, or mechanical force caused by the actuating device.

At the second switching device position, the switching device 1300 will block the first mophead steam path 1180 while leaving the second mophead steam path 1200 unobstructed. This allows steam to be provided through the second mophead steam path 1200 and output on the second facing surface 1200 of the mophead body 1080, while the steam in the fluid conduit 1160 is mop. It would be possible to prevent output on the first facing surface 1120 of the head body 1080.

When configured in this way, the switching device 1300 is provided only when the mop head 104 is oriented such that the first facing surface 1120 or the second facing surface 1140 faces downward toward the cleaning area, respectively. Allows steam to be delivered through the first facing surface 1120 or the second facing surface 1140. At the same time, the switching device 1300 prevents vapor from being provided through the first facing surface 1120 or the second facing surface 1140 when they are facing outward from the cleaning area. By doing so, more heat will be directed towards the cleaning surface and less heat will be lost from the cleaning surface, which will increase cleaning performance and energy efficiency.

In one embodiment, the mop head 1040 comprises a first steam chamber 1420 and a second steam chamber 1440 defined within a first facing surface 1120 and a second facing surface 1140 of the mop head body 1080. It may be configured. When configured in this way, the fluid conduit 1160 extends from the mop head steam inlet 1100 of the mop head body 1080 into the first steam chamber 1420 and the second steam chamber 1440, from which steam is introduced. As mentioned above, the first
It can be output from the facing surface 1120 and the second facing surface 1140. Specifically, the first mophead steam path 1180 may be at least partially defined by the fluid conduit 1160 and the first steam chamber 1420, and the second mophead steam path 1200 may be at least partially defined. May be defined by a fluid conduit 1160 and a second steam chamber 1440. Depending on the orientation of the mop head 1040, the switching device 1300 may use the first mop head steam path 1180 and the second mop head steam path 1200 unobstructed, as described above. The other of the mop head steam path 1180 and the second mop head steam path 1200 may be blocked.

It should be recognized that the switching device 1300 can be configured in various ways according to the principles disclosed herein. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the switching device 1300 may include a switching device body 1500 that is at least partially located within the fluid conduit 1160. The switching device body 1500 includes a first end portion 1520 and a second end portion 1540, and a first shoulder portion 1560 and a first shoulder portion 1560 extending outward from the first end portion 1520 and the second end portion 1540, respectively. It may have 2 shoulders and 1580. The first shoulder portion 1560 and the switching device body 1500 are configured to work together to block the second mophead steam path 1200 when the switching device 1300 is in the first switching device position. The shoulder portion 1580 and the switching device body 1500 are configured to work together to block the first mophead steam path 1180 when the switching device 1300 is in the second switching device position.

In one embodiment, the first shoulder portion 1560 comprises a sealing element 1600, such as an O-ring, disposed on the shoulder portion surface 1620 facing the second shoulder portion 1580. The second shoulder 158 may also include a similar sealing element 1640 disposed on the shoulder surface 1660 facing the first shoulder 1560. In one embodiment, the shoulder surfaces 1620 and 1640 may be tilted, thereby giving the switching device body 1500 an hourglass shape and a trapezoidal cross-sectional profile as illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C. ..

It should be recognized that the mop head 1040 may have a variety of configurations to accommodate the configuration of the switching device 1300. In one embodiment, the switching device 1300 may include a ball valve and the mop head 1040 may employ the configuration of the mop head 2000 as shown in FIGS. 3A-3D.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3D, the switching device may include a valve 2300 and the fluid conduit 2160 is a first mophead steam path different from the first mophead steam path 1180 and the second mophead steam path 1200. The mop head 2040 may be configured similarly to the mop head 1040, except that it may be configured differently from the fluid conduit 1160 so as to define the 2180 and the second mop head vapor path 2200. Good. In one embodiment, the fluid conduit 2160 is a first facing surface through a portion of a second facing surface 2140 along a mop head steam inlet 2100 to a first mop head steam path 2180, as shown in FIG. 3C. It may extend to 2120. In addition, conduit 2160 travels from the mophead steam inlet 2100 along the second mophead steam path 2200 through a portion of the first facing surface 2120 to the second facing surface 2140, as shown in FIG. 3D. It may be postponed. In one embodiment, the valve 2300 may include a sealing element 2340 located within a cavity 2320 defining a fluid conduit 2160. In one embodiment, the valve 2300 may include a ball valve, the sealing element 2340 may include a substantially spherical configuration such as a ball, and any suitable such as metal, polymer, Teflon®. It may be made from various materials. The seal element 2340 is located in a first valve position located within the second mophead steam path 2200 as shown in FIG. 3C and within the first mophead steam path 2180 as shown in FIG. 3D. It may be configured to move to and from the second valve position.

Referring to FIG. 3C, when the mop head 2040 is directed to a second position 2800 where the second facing surface 2140 of the mop head can face upwards, the first facing surface 2120 of the mop head 2040 is It can face down towards a cleaning area (not shown), such as the floor, and the seal element 2340 can be located within the first valve position within the second mop head steam path 2200 and the seal element. The 2340 will block the second steam path 2200 while leaving the first steam path 2180 unobstructed. This allows steam to be provided through the first mophead steam path 2180 and output on the first facing surface 2120, while the steam in the fluid conduit 2160 is discharged through the second facing surface 2140. It will be possible to prevent it from being output above.

Referring to FIG. 3D, when the mop head 2040 is directed to a second position 2850 where the first facing surface 212 of the mop head can face upwards, the second facing surface 2140 of the mop head 2040 It can face down towards a cleaning surface (not shown), such as a floor, and the sealing element 2340 can be in a second valve position within the first steam path 2180. At the second valve position, the seal element 2340 will block the first mophead steam path 2180 while leaving the second mophead steam path 2200 unobstructed. This allows steam to be provided through the second mophead steam path 2200 and output on the second facing surface 2200, while the steam in the fluid conduit 2160 is the first facing surface 2120. It will be possible to prevent it from being output above.

4A-4C illustrate another embodiment of the steam mop 3000. The steam mop 3000 may include a mop head 3040 and a lower component 3020 of a universal joint 3060 having an end portion 3050 swivelably connected to the mop head 3040. In one embodiment, the end portion 3050 may include a swirling steam outlet 3080 that may be fluid connected to a steam source 240 (not shown), such as a steam generator. The swivel steam outlet 3080 may be part of the lower component 3020 of the universal joint 3060 and is not independent of the lower component 3020 of the universal joint 3060 but the lower component 3020 of the universal joint 3060. Turn on the same axis as. In one embodiment, the swirling steam outlet 3080 may include a single nozzle configured to deliver steam from the steam source 240 to the mop head 3040. In one embodiment, the swirling steam outlet 3080 may include a plurality of nozzles configured to deliver steam from the steam source 240 to the mop head 3040.

In one embodiment, the mop head 304 may include a first steam chamber 3420, the first steam chamber may include a first steam chamber inlet 3460, and a first facing surface 3120 of the mop head 3040. It may be configured to output steam above. The mop head 3040 may further include a second steam chamber 3440, the second steam chamber may include a second steam chamber inlet 3480, and steam on the second facing surface 3140 of the mop head 3040. It may be configured to output.

Similar to the mop heads 1040 and 2000, the mop head 3040 may be configured to swivelly rotate from a second position to a first position with respect to the connector assembly. When the mop head 3040 is directed to a second position where the second facing surface 3140 of the mop head is facing up, the first steam chamber inlet 3460 is a swivel of the lower component 3020 of the universal joint 3060. It may be configured to align with the steam outlet 3080, which allows steam to be provided to the first steam chamber 3420 and output on the first facing surface 3120 of the mop head 3040. Become. When the mop head 3040 is directed to a second position with the first facing surface 3120 of the mop head facing up, the second steam chamber inlet 3480 is a swivel of the lower component 3020 of the universal joint 3060. It is configured to align with the steam outlet 3080, which allows steam to be provided to the second steam chamber 3440 and output on the second facing surface 3140 of the mop head 3040.

The swirling steam outlet 3080 aligns with either the first steam chamber inlet 3460 or the second steam chamber inlet 3480 so that the steam outputs steam towards a cleaning surface (not shown). It should be recognized that it will be possible to provide only to the steam chamber, thereby improving energy efficiency and cleaning performance, such as the mop heads 1040 and 2040 as described above. ..

FIG. 5 shows steam mop heads 1040, 2040, and 3040 to allow residual and / or excess steam to escape from the downward-facing steam chamber 4020 to the upward-facing steam chamber 4040. It should be further recognized that it may be configured to include at least one steam outlet 4000 as shown. In one embodiment, the steam outlet 4000 may be defined through a portion of the mop head 4040, thereby including one or more openings that fluidly connect the steam chambers 4020 and 4040. In one embodiment, a flow control device, such as a shutoff valve (not shown), either automatically or in response to user activation, opens or blocks the flow path through the steam outlet 4000. You may.

In one embodiment of the surface treatment apparatus 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-E, when the apparatus is used for steam cleaning operations, the connector housing 380 is with the connector steam inlet (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). A connector vapor conduit (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) comprising a first connector vapor path and a second connector vapor path, and a first connector vapor path and a first (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8). A steam injection nozzle assembly (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) that fluidly connects to one of the two connector steam paths may be provided. 6A-D represent an exemplary embodiment of a surface steam mop 100 having different angular orientations of the mop head 400 with respect to the connector assembly 300. The mop head 400 in each of the illustrated embodiments has two facing surfaces, i.e., a first facing surface 510 and a second facing surface 520.

In the illustrated embodiment of the mop head in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the mop head 400 may be configured to be oriented at a first position 600 with respect to the connector assembly 300, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. In the illustrated embodiment of the mop head, the mop head 400 may be configured to be oriented at a second position 700 with respect to the connector assembly 300. When the mop head is in the first position 600, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the first facing surface 510 of the mop head 400 can face up and is the first with respect to the connector assembly 300. Directed at a predetermined angle 530, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, the second facing surface 520 of the mop head 400 can face up and the first predetermined angle 530 with respect to the connector assembly 300. Directed to. When the mop head is in the second position 700, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the first facing surface 510 of the mop head 400 can face up and is second with respect to the connector assembly 300. Oriented to a predetermined angle 540 and as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the second facing surface 520 of the mop head 400 can face up and a second predetermined angle 540 with respect to the connector assembly 300. Directed to.

In embodiments in FIGS. 6C and 6D, steam is shown from connector housing 380 (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) (shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) so that it is output in normal region cleaning mode 700. ) May be directed to the mop head 400 along one of the first connector vapor path and the second connector vapor path. In the embodiments of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the steam is output from the connector housing 380 along the other of the first connector steam path and the second connector steam path so that it is output in steam injection mode 600 (FIG. 6A and 6B). It may be directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly (shown in 7 and 8). The steam injection operation mode 600 or the normal area cleaning operation mode 700 may be operated according to a first predetermined angle 530 or a second predetermined angle 540 of the mop head 400 with respect to the connector assembly 300. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the mop head 400 may be oriented at a first predetermined angle 530 with respect to the connector assembly 300, thereby enabling a steam injection operation mode 600. In FIGS. 6C and 6D, the mop head 400 may be oriented at a second predetermined angle 540 with respect to the connector assembly 300, thereby enabling a normal area cleaning operation mode 700. The first predetermined angle 530 with respect to the mop head may be an acute angle (eg, FIGS. 6A and 6B) and the second predetermined angle 540 with respect to the mop head may be an obtuse angle (eg, FIGS. 6C and 6D). May be.

The range of the region can be larger in the normal region cleaning operation mode 700 than in the steam injection operation mode 600, while the speed of steam output in the steam injection operation mode 600 is higher than in the normal region cleaning operation mode 700. It can be noted that it can be. Therefore, the steam injection operation mode 600 can be effective and efficient for cleaning or treating dirt that is difficult or annoying to remove. It may be further noted that the steam injection in the steam injection operating mode relies on speed and hydration to decompose hard-to-remove dirt. For example, considering that the filth that is difficult to remove is multiple layers of stacking, when steam begins to hydrate the filth of the top layer, the filth of the top layer is dissipated due to the rate of steam output. , Thereby exposing the next layer of filth to be hydrated.

7A-7K illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a steam mop 7000 that may be configured to emit steam in normal region cleaning mode and steam injection mode depending on the angle of the mop head 7300 with respect to the connector assembly 7200. .. In one embodiment, the steam mop 7000 is disclosed in the present application, including, but not limited to, any embodiment as described in FIGS. 2A-2C or 3A-3D or 4A-4C. A mop head 7300 may be provided with a switching device configured according to the above principles.

In FIGS. 7A-7F, exemplary embodiments of the steam mop 7000 include a connector assembly 7200 (one embodiment of the connector assembly 300 of FIGS. 1A, 1C) and a mop head 7300 (mops of FIGS. 1A, 1D). A head 400 (one embodiment) may be provided. The connector assembly 7200 may include a universal joint 7201, which may include a mop head 7300, a connector steam inlet 7302, a connector steam conduit 7204, and a steam injection nozzle assembly 7400. It may be configured to connect to 7202 (one embodiment of the connector housing 380 of FIG. 1C). The connector steam inlet 7302, the connector steam conduit 7204, and the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 may be fluid connected to each other. The connector steam inlet 7302 may be fluid-connected to the steam source 240, thereby receiving steam from the steam source 240 and directing the received steam to the connector steam conduit 7204. The connector steam conduit 7204 may include a first connector steam path 7205 and a second connector steam path 7206, allowing steam to flow through the first connector steam path 7205 to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 or to the first. It can be selectively directed to the mop head 7300 through the connector steam path 7206 of 2. The mop head 7300 may include a first facing surface 7301 and a second facing surface 7302.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the mop head 7300 is at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly 7200 (see FIGS. 6C and 6D), whereby the mop head 7300 with respect to the connector assembly 7200. A second position is defined and the steam in such an embodiment may be directed to the mop head 7300 through the second connector steam path 7206, thereby activating the normal region cleaning operation mode. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the mop head 7300 is at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly 7200 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), whereby the mop head 7300 with respect to the connector assembly 7200. A first position is defined and the steam in such an embodiment may be directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 through the first connector steam path 7205, thereby activating the steam injection operating mode 7401. Will be done.

With reference to FIG. 7C, a partial cross-sectional view of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7A is shown with a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the mop head 7300. With reference to FIG. 7D, longitudinal sectional views of both the connector assembly 7200 and the mop head 7300 of the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 7A are shown. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 7D, the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 may include three parts: a nozzle inlet portion 7402, a nozzle intermediate portion 7403, and a nozzle outlet portion 7404. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the nozzle inlet portion 7402 or the nozzle intermediate portion 7403 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the nozzle outlet portion 7404. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional surface area of the nozzle intermediate portion 7403 may be smaller than the nozzle inlet portion 7402 and the nozzle outlet portion 7404.

In one embodiment, the nozzle inlet portion 7402, the nozzle intermediate portion 7403, and the nozzle outlet portion 7404 may have any geometric shape such as a cylindrical shape, a cube, or a rectangular parallelepiped, and the nozzle inlet portion 7402, the nozzle intermediate portion 7403, And the nozzle outlet portion 7404 may have the same geometric shape, or may have different geometric shapes with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the nozzle outlet 7404 may have a substantially conical shape, as illustrated in FIG. 7D. The shape and / or size and / or angular orientation of the nozzle inlet portion 7402, nozzle intermediate portion 7403, nozzle outlet portion 7404 of the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 can determine the speed and profile of steam injection. For example, the rate of steam injection exiting the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 can be defined by the narrow cross-sectional surface area of the nozzle intermediate portion 7403 with respect to the nozzle inlet portion 7402 and the nozzle outlet portion 7404. By narrowing the nozzle intermediate portion 7303, a faster rate of steam injection can be specified. Moreover, the narrow cross-sectional surface area of the nozzle intermediate portion 7403 with respect to the nozzle inlet portion 7402 and the nozzle outlet portion 7404 can also determine the sound of the steam injection (audible jet). In one embodiment, the shape of the nozzle outlet 7404 may define a vapor injection profile.

As illustrated in FIG. 7D, the mop head 7300 may include a mop head steam inlet 7304 for receiving steam with respect to the mop head 7300, thereby allowing steam to flow to the first facing surface 7301 of the mop head 7300. And / or can be output through the second facing surface 7302. It may be noted that the mophead steam inlet 7304 may include one or more mophead steam inlets 7304. FIG. 7E is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly 7200 and mop head 7300 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B showing the steam injection operation mode 7401. The steam exiting the nozzle outlet 7404 of the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 may be visible as a steam injection or steam jet 7405. The solid line 7407 is steam that reaches the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 through the first connector steam path 7205 of the connector steam inlet 7302 and the connector steam conduit 7204, and finally to the outside through the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 as a steam injection. The flow is illustrated.

FIG. 7F is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly 7200 and the mop head 7300 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A showing the normal region cleaning operation mode 7303. The solid line 7305 shows the steam flow through the connector steam inlet 7203 and the second connector steam path 7206 of the connector steam conduit 7204 to the mophead steam inlet 7304, where the steam flow is the first facing surface 7301 or th of the mophead 7300. It may be output through the facing surface 7302 of 2, whereby steam can be used for normal area cleaning.

In one embodiment, the connector housing 7202 directs the steam stream through the first connector steam path 7205 to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 (eg, FIG. 7H), or.
A valve mechanism 7700 configured to be switchably directed to the mophead steam inlet 7304 through the second connector steam path 7206 (eg, FIG. 7G) may be further provided. In one embodiment, the valve mechanism 7700 may be located in at least a portion of the first connector vapor path 7205 and / or in at least a portion of the second connector vapor path 7206. The valve mechanism 7700 may be configured to include a first baffle 7710 and a second baffle 7720, which work together depending on the relative position of the first baffle 7710 and the second baffle 7720. , At least a portion of the first connector vapor path 7205 or at least a portion of the second connector vapor path 7206.

The first baffle 7710 and the second baffle 7720 have a first relative position 7730 when the mop head 7300 is oriented at a first predetermined angle 530 with respect to the connector assembly 7200 (eg, FIG. 7H). The mop head 7300 has a second relative position 7740 when oriented at a second predetermined angle 540 with respect to the connector assembly 7200 (eg, FIG. 7G). At the first relative position of the first baffle 7710 and the second baffle 7720, the second connector vapor path 7206 may be blocked (eg, FIG. 7H), the first baffle 7710 and the second baffle 7720. At the second relative position of, the first connector vapor path 7205 may be blocked (eg, FIG. 7G). As can be illustrated in FIGS. 7G and 7H, the first baffle 771 includes a first spring member 7711, a first baffle member 7712, a first seal element 7713, and a second seal element 7714. The first baffle member 7712 is urged to the open position by the first spring member 7711. The sealing element may include any sealing mechanism, such as an O-ring. The first spring member 7711 may have a first end and a second end, and the first baffle member 7712 may have a first end and a second end.

The first baffle member 7712 may have an elongated glove 7715. The first seal element 7713 may be arranged adjacent to the first end of the first baffle member 7712, and the second seal element 7714 may be adjacent to the second end of the first baffle member 7712. May be arranged. It can be noted that the positions of the seal elements 7713, 7714 on the first baffle member 7712 can be changed in some embodiments. In the first relative position (eg, FIG. 7H), the first end of the first baffle member 7712 may be located on the second end of the first spring member 7711 and the second relative position. (For example, in FIG. 7G), the first end of the first baffle member 7712 may move closer to the first end of the first spring member 7711.

Similarly, the second baffle 772 includes a second spring member 7721, a second baffle member 7722, a third seal element 7723, and a fourth seal element 7724. The second baffle member 7722 can be urged to the open position by the second spring member 7721. The second spring member 7721 may have a first end and a second end, and the second baffle member 7722 may also have a first end and a second end. The third seal element 7723 may be arranged adjacent to the first end of the second baffle member 7722, and the fourth seal element 7724 may be adjacent to the second end of the second baffle member. May be arranged. The position or arrangement of the sealing elements 7723, 7724 on the second baffle member 7722 may be changed. The second end of the second baffle member 7722 may movably extend into the elongated glove 7715 of the first baffle member 7712, whereby the second end of the second baffle member 7722 is In a first relative position (eg, FIG. 7H), the first end of the elongated glove 7715 of the first baffle member 7712 may be abutted, and the second end of the second baffle member 7722 may be the second. It may abut on the second end of the elongated glove 7715 of the first baffle member 7712 at a relative position (eg, FIG. 7G). Therefore, in the first relative position (eg, FIG. 7H), the first end of the second baffle member 7722 moves closer to the first end of the second spring member 7721 and is second. At the relative position (eg, FIG. 7G), the second
The first end of the baffle member 7722 may be located on the second end of the second spring member 7721. In FIG. 7G, the circular ring 7716 represents a sealed steam injection path, and in FIG. 7H, the circular ring represents a sealed normal region cleaning path.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of the steam mop 7000 as illustrated in FIGS. 7I-7K, the valve mechanisms described in FIGS. 7G and 7H may be configured to include different valve mechanisms. In an exemplary embodiment of the steam mop 7000 illustrated in FIG. 7I, the steam mop 7000 has a switching device 1300 or 2300 or 3300 as described in FIGS. 2A-2C or 3A-3D or 4A-4C. A mop head 7300 may be provided. In such an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7I, the valve mechanism 7700 extends at least partially from the switching device of the mop head 7300 and at least partially extends the first connector steam path 7205 and the second connector steam. A single baffle 7740 located in path 7206 may be provided, which allows control of the direction of steam flow with respect to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 or mop head 7300.

A single baffle 7740 may include a baffle spring member 7741, a baffle member 7742, a first seal element 7743, and a second seal element 7744. In path 1 of FIG. 7I, steam is directed to the mop head 7300, and in path 2 of FIG. 7I, steam is directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400. In another embodiment of the steam mop illustrated in FIG. 7I, the valve mechanism 7700 is such that the first baffle is at least partially located in the first steam chamber of the mop head 7300 from the switching device of the mop head 7300. The first baffle and the second baffle are partially extended so that the second baffle is at least partially extended from the switching device of the mop head 7300, which is at least partially located in the second steam chamber of the mop head. A second baffle may be provided, which allows control of the direction of steam flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 (path 2) or mop head 7300 (path 1).

7J and 7K illustrate additional embodiments of the valve mechanism 7700. The valve mechanism 7750 of FIG. 7J or the valve mechanism 776 of FIG. 7K is a steam injection nozzle assembly, depending on the first or second position of the mop head 7300 with respect to the connector assembly 7200 (see FIGS. 6A-6D). Either by directing the entire steam flow to either the 7400 (path 2) or the mop head 7300 (path 1), or by blocking the steam flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400 or the mop head 7300. It will allow or block the steam flow to the mop head 7300 or the steam injection nozzle assembly 7400. The valve mechanism 7750 may include a spring member 7751, a valve member 7752, and two sealing elements 7753 and 7754, respectively. Similarly, the valve mechanism 7760 may include a spring member 7761, a valve member 7762, and seal members 7763 and 7764, respectively.

8A-8K illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a steam mop 8000 that may be configured to emit steam in normal area cleaning mode and steam injection mode with or without scrubbing action. In FIG. 8A, a steam mop 8000 comprising a connector assembly 8200 (one embodiment of the connector assembly 300 of FIGS. 1A and 1C) and a mop head 8300 (an embodiment of the mop head 400 of FIGS. 1A and 1D). An exemplary embodiment of is illustrated. The connector assembly 8200 comprises a universal joint 8201, which is configured to connect to a mop head 8300 and a connector housing 8202 (one embodiment of the connector housing 380 of FIG. 1C). , The connector steam inlet 8203, the connector steam conduit 8204, and the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 may be provided.

Connector steam inlet 8203, connector steam conduit 8204, steam injection nozzle assembly 840
0s can be fluid connected to each other. The connector steam inlet 8203 may be fluid-connected to the steam source 240, thereby accepting steam from the steam source 240 and delivering the received steam to the connector steam conduit 8204. The connector steam conduit 8204 directs steam through the first connector steam path 8205 to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 or through the second connector steam path 8206 to the mop head 8300. A steam path 8205 and a second connector steam path 8206 may be provided.

The mop head 8300 may include a first facing surface 8301 and a second facing surface 8302, and a housing 8330 of the mop head 8300 surrounded between the first facing surface 8301 and the second facing surface 8302. .. The housing 8330 of the mop head 8300 may include one or more steam inlets 8304 of the mop head 8300 that receive steam from the connector housing and one or more steam outlets 8305 of the mop head 8300. The steam is fluidly connected to each other so as to be directed from the steam inlet 8304 of the mop head 8300 to the steam outlet 8305 of the mop head 8300 so that the steam is output onto the cleaning area. Within the mop head 8300, there may be a fluid conduit (not shown) that fluidly connects the steam inlet 8304 of the mop head 8300 to the steam outlet 8305 of the mop head 8300. The steam inlet 8304 of the mop head 8300 may be fluid connected to the connector housing 8202. The mop head 8300 may be made from any geometric shape, such as, for example, a triangle, a rectangle or any shape (as illustrated in FIG. 8A), or from any material.

In one embodiment, the first facing surface 8301 is not configured to output steam. For example, the first facing surface 8301 may include a rigid casing made of any material, such as plastic, metal, and / or may have a closed structure. Therefore, such a mop head 8300 cannot be flipped so that the second facing surface 8302 can face upwards. In such a mop head 8300, the first facing surface is the only surface that always faces upwards.

In one embodiment, the mop head 8300 may include a base 8311, a right wall 8312, and a left wall 8313. The connector assembly 8200 may be rotatably connected to the base 8311. The second facing surface 8302 may include a cleaning pad holding surface and is configured to output steam over a region to be cleaned or treated. The cleaning pad 8309 may be detachably attached to the cleaning pad holding surface of the second facing surface 8302 so that steam is output through the cleaning pad 8309 onto the area to be cleaned / processed. Becomes possible. The mop head 8300 may define a connector receiving portion 8340, which may have any shape and accepts at least a portion of the connector housing. The universal joint 8201 may be rotatably connected to the connector receiving protrusions 8341 and 8342. The steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 may at least partially extend into the connector assembly 8200, as illustrated in FIG. 8A.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8B, the mop head 8300 has a second predetermined angle A _{2 with} respect to the connector assembly 8200 (substantially the second predetermined angle described in FIG. 6C). The second position of the mop head 8300 with respect to the connector assembly 8200 is defined. In such an embodiment, steam may be directed to the mop head 8300 through a second connector steam path 8206 (FIGS. 8D-8E), thereby defining a normal region cleaning operation mode 8303.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8D-8E, the first connector steam path 8205 may be fluid connected to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 and the second connector steam path 8206 may be connected to the mop head 8300. May be good. In an exemplary embodiment of the steam mop 8000 as illustrated in FIG. 8C, the mop head 8300 has a first predetermined angle A _{1 with} respect to the connector assembly 8200 (the first predetermined angle set forth in FIG. 6A). (Substantially similar to the angle of), which defines the first position of the mop head 8300 with respect to the connector assembly. In such an embodiment, the steam may be directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 through the first connector steam path 8205 (FIGS. 8D-8E), thereby defining a steam injection operating mode 8401. To.

With reference to FIGS. 8D and 8E, longitudinal sectional views of both the connector assembly 8200 and the mop head 8300 of the exemplary embodiment described in FIG. 8A can be illustrated. The steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 can be constructed in a variety of ways, as described in FIGS. 7A-7K. FIG. 8D is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly 8200 and the mop head 8300 showing the normal region cleaning operation mode 8303. The solid line 8307 illustrates the steam flow through the connector steam inlet 8203 and the second connector steam path 8206 of the connector steam conduit 8204 to the steam inlet 8304 of the mop head 8300, where the steam flow is the second facing surface of the mop head 8300. It may be output through 8302, which allows steam to be used for normal area cleaning.

FIG. 8E is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector assembly 8200 and the mop head 8300 showing the steam injection operation mode 8401. Steam injection The steam exiting the nozzle outlet 8404 of the nozzle assembly 8400 can be seen as a steam injection or steam jet. The solid line 8407 is steam that reaches the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 through the connector steam inlet 8203 and the first connector steam path 8205 of the connector steam conduit 8204, and finally as a steam injection to the outside through the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400. The flow is illustrated.

In an exemplary embodiment 800 of a steam mop as illustrated in FIGS. 8F and 8I, the embodiment directs the steam flow to the mop head 8300 in a normal area cleaning operation mode 8403 (eg, FIG. 8H) may be provided, or a valve mechanism 8700 may be provided that enables a steam injection operating mode (eg, FIG. 8I) by directing to the steam injection nozzle assembly. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 8F and 8I, the connector housing 8202 directs the steam stream through the first connector steam path 8205 to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 (eg, FIG. 8I), or a second. A valve mechanism 8700 configured to be switchably oriented through the connector steam path 8206 to the steam inlet 8304 of the mop head 8300 (eg, FIG. 8H) may further be provided, wherein the valve mechanism 8700 is the first connector steam. It may be located in at least part of path 8205 and / or in at least part of the second connector vapor path 8206.

The valve mechanism 8700 may be a valve mechanism as shown in FIGS. 7G and 7H, or is similar to the switching device shown in FIGS. 2A-2C or 3A-3D or 4A-4C. It may be a switching valve mechanism. The valve mechanism 8700 may include various valve mechanisms. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8F, the valve mechanism 8700 may be a switching device 8800 that may be at least partially located within the first connector vapor path 8205 and the second connector vapor path 8206. Good. The switching device 8800 is configured to move between a first switching device position located within the first connector vapor path 8205 and a second switching device position located within the second connector vapor path 8206. You may.

When the mop head 8300 is directed to the second position, the switching device 8800 may be located at the second switching device position. The switching device 8800 may be configured to move between the first switching device position and the second switching device position by any suitable means. For example, the switching device 8800 may be moved to the first switching device position or the second switching device position by gravity, manually applied force, mechanical force caused by the actuating device, or any other suitable means. It may be configured. At the second switching device position, the switching device 8800 will block the first connector vapor path 8205 while leaving the second connector vapor path 8206 unobstructed. This would allow steam to be delivered to the mop head 8300 through the second connector steam path 8206. When the mop head 8300 is directed to the first position, the switching device 8800 may be located at the first switching device position. At the first switching device position, the switching device 8800 will block the second connector vapor path 8206 while leaving the first connector vapor path 8205 unobstructed. This would allow steam to be delivered to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 through the first connector steam path 8205, but would prevent steam from entering the mop head 8300.

In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8F, the switching device 8800 may include a valve body 8802, a valve spring member 8801, and a sealing element 8803 such as an O-ring. The valve body 8802 may include a first end and a second end. Adjacent to the first end, the valve body 8802 may include a first shoulder 8821 and a second shoulder 8822 extending outward from the valve body 8802. The first shoulder 8821 and the second shoulder 8822 may be perpendicular to the valve body. The O-ring 8803 is located at the intersection of the first shoulder portion 8821 and the valve body 8802 facing the first end. The position of the O-ring 8803 does not have to be considered limiting. The switching device 8800 may be housed within a valve package assembly 8701 which also houses the movable baffle 8810. The second end of the valve body 8802 can be urged to the open position within the valve spring member 8801, while the first end is located within the movable baffle 8810 that is part of the valve package assembly. It extends into the glove. The movable baffle 8810 is oriented perpendicular to the switching device. The movable baffle 8810 may also be positioned to hold the switching device in place.

The movable baffle 8810 may include an elongated baffle member 8812 having a first end and a second end, a baffle spring member 8813, and three O-rings 8814, 8815 and 8816. The number of O-rings required can vary. The movable baffle 8810 can be oriented perpendicular to the mop head 8300 and perpendicular to the switching device 8800. The first end of the elongated baffle member 8812 can be urged to the open position by the spring member 8813. As illustrated in FIG. 8F, when the mop is in the first position, the movable baffle 8810 is in the first baffle position and the second end of the valve body 8802 is outward from the glove of the elongated baffle member. It moves and blocks the second connector vapor path 8206. In this position, the first and second shoulders of the switching device, the first O-ring and the second O-ring move forward along the spring member, thereby causing steam to flow to the first connector. Through the steam path 8205, it is possible to flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400, which allows for steam injection or jet mode. When the mop head 8300 is in the second position (not shown in FIG. 8F), the movable baffle 8810 may be in the second baffle position, where the second end of the valve body 8802 is an elongated baffle. The first and second shoulders of the switching device 8800, the first O-ring and the second, while extending into the glove of the member and leaving the second connector vapor path 8206 open. The O-ring completely blocks the first connector vapor path 8205. Therefore, the steam moves into the mop head 8300, and normal area cleaning becomes possible.

As illustrated in FIG. 8F, an actuating mechanism 8208 may be provided to adjust the movement of the switching device from the first switching device position to the second switching device position. The actuating mechanism 8208 may be manually operated as shown in FIG. 8F, or may be operated by any means such as levers, electrical means, automatic means. The actuating mechanism 8208 may be provided connected to the connector assembly 8200 as shown in FIG. 8F. It should be noted that the position of the actuating mechanism 8208 does not have to be considered limiting.

In another embodiment of the valve mechanism 8700, as illustrated in FIGS. 8G-8H, the switching device 8800 may be configured in various ways according to the principles disclosed herein. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 8G-8H, the switching device 8800 has a first valve 8901, which is at least partially located within the first connector vapor path 8205, and a second connector vapor path. It may include a second valve 8902 that is at least partially located within 8206. The first valve 8901 may include a first valve body 8911 and a first valve spring member 8912. The first valve body 8911 may include a first end and a second end. Adjacent to the second end, the first valve body 8911 may include a first shoulder 8913 and a second shoulder 8914, a first shoulder 8913 and a second shoulder 8914. The first shoulder portion 8913 and the second shoulder portion 8914 can be perpendicular to the first valve body 8911, and the second end portion of the first valve body 8911 is inside the first spring member 8912. It extends outward from the first valve body 8911 so as to be urged to the open position.

The first spring member 8912 may be located adjacent to the spring nozzle assembly 840 in the first connector vapor path 8205. The first O-ring 8915 may be located at the intersection of the first shoulder portion 8913 and the first valve body 8911 facing the first end. Further, the second O-ring 8916 may be located at the intersection of the second shoulder portion 8914 and the first valve body 8911 facing closer to the first end.

Similarly, the second valve 8902 may include a second valve body 8921 and a second valve spring member 8922. The second valve body 8921 may include a first end and a second end. Adjacent to the second end, the second valve body 8921 may include a third shoulder 8923 and a fourth shoulder 8924, a third shoulder 8923 and a fourth shoulder 8924. Extends outward from the second valve body 8921 so that the third shoulder 8923 and the fourth shoulder 8924 can be perpendicular to the second valve body 8921. The third O-ring 8925 may be located at the intersection of the third shoulder portion 8923 and the second valve body 8921, facing the first end. Further, the fourth O-ring 8926 may be located at the intersection of the fourth shoulder portion 8924 and the second valve body 8921, which faces closer to the first end. Even if the first valve 8901 and the second valve 8902 form a straight line and the first end of the first valve 8901 and the first end of the second valve 8902 are in contact with each other. Good. The first valve 8901 and the second valve 8902 may form an angle of 180 ° with respect to each other on the same axis.

The first O-ring 8915 and the second O-ring 8916 and the first shoulder 8913 and the second shoulder 8914 of the first valve body 8911 cooperate when the switching device 8800 is in the first position. It is configured to work and block the first connector vapor path 8205. The third O-ring 8925 and the fourth O-ring 8926, the third shoulder 8923 and the fourth shoulder 8924 of the second valve body 8921 cooperate when the switching device 8800 is in the second position. It is configured to work and block the second connector vapor path 8206. The switching device 8800, along with the movable baffle 8810, may be housed within the valve package assembly 8701. The second end of the second valve body 8921 may extend into the glove of the movable baffle 8810.

The movable baffle 8810 may be positioned perpendicular to the switching device 8800. The movable baffle 8810 may be positioned to hold the switching device 8800 in place. The movable baffle 8810 may include an elongated baffle member 8812, a glove 8813 on the elongated baffle member 8812, a spring member 8811, and two O-rings 8814, 8815. The number of O-rings provided can vary. The movable baffle 8810 may be positioned perpendicular to the mop head 8300. One end of the elongated baffle member 8812 is urged to the open position by the spring member 8811. The other end of the elongated baffle member 8812 may have two O-rings 8814, 8815. As illustrated in FIGS. 8G and 8I, when the mop head 8300 is in the second position (see FIGS. 6C and 6D), the movable baffle 8810 is in the second baffle position and the second valve body. The second end of the 8921 extends into the glove of the elongated baffle member 8812. Therefore, the first valve body 8911 completely blocks the first connector steam path 8205, and the steam moves into the mop head 8300, enabling normal area cleaning. In this embodiment, the second connector steam path 8206 remains open to allow steam flow to enter the mop head 8300, thereby enabling normal region cleaning operation mode 8303.

As illustrated in FIG. 8H, when the mop head 8300 is in the first position (see FIGS. 6A and 6B), the movable baffle 8810 is in the first baffle position and the second of the second valve body 8921. The edge of the slender baffle member 8812 moves outward from the glove 8813. Therefore, the second valve body 8921 completely blocks the second connector steam path 8206, and the first valve body 8911 keeps the first connector steam path 8205 open, and the steam is the first. It moves from the connector steam path 8205 into the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 and moves to allow steam injection or jet injection 8405. The valve mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 8F-8I may not be considered limiting.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8J-8P, an exemplary embodiment of the steam mop 8000 of FIGS. 8A-8I may be provided with a scrubber assembly 8500 for scrubbing operation in conjunction with steam injection. This mechanism allows the area to be cleaned or treated to be rubbed in conjunction with steam injection so that dirt or spots that are cumbersome and difficult to remove can be easily and efficiently removed. In one embodiment, the scrubber assembly 8500 may at least partially extend into the connector receiving opening of the mop head 8300.

In one embodiment, the scrubber assembly 8500 may engage the connector assembly 8200 directly or indirectly. For example, the connector assembly 8200 and the scrubber assembly 8500 may move independently of each other or in coordination with each other in a particular orientation of the mop head 8300 with respect to the connector assembly 8200. In different embodiments, the scrubber assembly 8500 may engage the mop head 8300 or body 8100 directly or indirectly.

The scrubber assembly 8500 includes a scrubber base 8501 having two sides, i.e., a first side 8502 and a second side 8503, and at least one support arm 8505 or 8506 (FIG. 8L), eg, a scrub pad 8504. It may include a brush or a scrubbing member such as any device that allows the surface to be rubbed (as in FIG. 8L). In one embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 8L, the scrub pad 8504 may be part of the cleaning pad 8309. The cleaning pad 8309 allows the scrub pad 8504 to retract when the scrubber assembly 8500 is in retract mode 8520 and engages the area to be cleaned when the scrubber assembly 8500 is in scrub mode 8510. Can be configured as It can be noted that by providing the scrub pad 8504 as part of the cleaning pad 8309, it may be possible to eliminate any alignment problems. For example, if the user improperly places the cleaning pad 8309 on the mop head 8300 while the scrubber assembly 8500 is deployed, the scrubber assembly 8500 may potentially fall and the cleaning pad without any contact with the floor. May be on top of 8309. In different embodiments, the scrub pad 8504 may be separate from the cleaning pad 8309 and may be detachably attached to the second side 8503 of the scrubber base 8501.

In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8J-8P, the scrubber assembly 8500 may include a scrubber base 8501 and a pair of support arms 8505 and 8506 extending from the scrubber base 8501. The support arms 8505, 8506 may be configured to connect directly or indirectly to the connector assembly 8200, or may extend at least partially within the connector receiving opening. Each of the support arms 8505, 8506 (eg, FIGS. 8M and 8N, 8O, and 8P) is in the folded position when the scrub assembly is in retractable mode 8520 (mode 1) and the scrubber assembly scrubs. When in mode 8510 (mode 2), it may be configured to be in the extended position. This embodiment of the scrubber assembly 8500 provides the advantage of keeping the scrub pad out of contact with the floor when not in scrub mode 8510, allowing dust or contamination to not re-deposit in clean areas. obtain.

In normal region cleaning mode, where the steam flow is directed to the mop head 8300, the scrubber assembly 8500 is in retractable mode 8520, i.e. away from the region to be cleaned. In steam injection operation mode 8401 in which the steam flow is directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400, the scrubber assembly 8500 is in scrub mode 8510, i.e. the scrub member 8504 is in contact with the area to be cleaned or treated. Support arms 8505, 8506 are extended to allow (eg, FIG. 8M, mode 2). This makes it possible to rub the surface in conjunction with steam injection. In one embodiment, the scrubber base is arranged adjacent to the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400 to allow steam injection to come just before the scrubber is deployed. This makes it possible to efficiently remove debris, contaminants, and persistent and annoying stains on the area to be cleaned.

In one embodiment, the deployment of the scrubber assembly 8500 can be controlled by the orientation of the mop head 8300 with respect to the connector assembly. The angular orientation of the mop head 8300, which allows steam to be ejected from the steam injection nozzle assembly 8400, also activates the deployment of the scrubber assembly 8500. Deployment of the scrubber assembly 8500 may also be performed by any means, such as lever mechanisms, electrical means, and the like. As illustrated in FIGS. 8M (mode 1), 8N (mode 1) and 8O, the scrubber assembly 8500 has the mop head 8300 in the normal area cleaning mode 8303, i.e. the mop head 8300 in the connector assembly 8200. In contrast, it is in retract mode 8520 when it is in a second position at a second predetermined angle. As illustrated in FIGS. 8M (mode 2), 8N (mode 2) and 8P, the scrubber assembly is such that the mop head 8300 is in steam injection mode 8401, ie the mop head 8300 is relative to the connector assembly 8200. The scrub mode 8510 is in the first position at the first predetermined angle.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a mop head 9100 that can be used to clean or otherwise treat surfaces such as, but not limited to, wood, tile, marble, or laminated flooring. Shown. Embodiments of the mop head 9100 described herein are also used as a processing apparatus for treating a surface or performing one or more functions other than cleaning in order to work on the surface. It should be recognized that it can be done. As illustrated in FIG. 9, one embodiment of the mop head 9100 may include a frame 9102, a plurality of flaps 9104, a joint 9106, and at least one cleaning pad 9108.

The cleaning pad 9108 can be detachably attached to the flap 9104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning pad 9108 has an inner surface and an outer surface. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the cleaning pad 9108 can fit around the protruding portion of the flap 9104, thereby having a pocket 9110 that secures the cleaning pad 9108 to the flap 9104. In some embodiments, the device may include a single cleaning pad 9108 attached to the flap 9104. However, in other embodiments, the device may include a plurality of wash pads 9108 that adhere to the flap 9104. In one such embodiment, one pad 9108 adheres to each flap 9104. In different embodiments, there may be different numbers of flaps 9104. In some embodiments, the mop head 9100 may have two faces and may have flaps 9104 on each face. In some embodiments, both surfaces may be used to clean the surface. As can be recognized, different embodiments may utilize different methods to allow the user to switch from using one side of the mop head 9100 to the other side.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other means may be utilized to secure the cleaning pad 9108 to the flap 9104 in place of or in addition to the pocket. For example, in some embodiments, Velcro® or Velcro type adhesive may be used to attach the cleaning pad 9108 to the flap 9104. However, as can be recognized, various means may be used to attach the cleaning pad 9108 to the flap 9104.

The cleaning pad 9108 may be made of various materials. Different embodiments of the cleaning pad 9108 may be suitable for different types of surface treatments. In some embodiments, different embodiments of the cleaning pad 9108 may be interchangeably attached to the cleaning flap 9104. For example, an embodiment of the first cleaning pad 9108 may be attached to the flap 9104 and used to replace the embodiment of the second cleaning pad 9108 for use in another purpose. In an embodiment in which the processing head 9100 comprises a plurality of surfaces, the cleaning pad 9108 may be divided into compartments corresponding to the surfaces of the processing head 9100. Each compartment of the wash pad 9108 may be designed for a particular purpose. The user can also allow the desired surface to face the cleaning surface, thereby adjusting the mop head 9100 so that the most suitable compartment of the cleaning pad 9108 is utilized.

In some embodiments, the flap 9104 is rotatably attached to the first portion 9150 of the frame 9102 of the mop head 9100, as illustrated in FIGS. 11, 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d. The flap 9104 is configured to rotate swivelly with respect to the frame 9102 between the open and closed positions. The flap 9104 may be rotated to the open position for attachment and detachment of the cleaning pad 9108, or may be locked to the closed position for cleaning. In one embodiment, hinges may be used to attach the flap 9104 to the frame 9102.

However, in an alternative embodiment, a different mounting mechanism may be used to mount the flap 9104 to the frame 9102. The hinges or other mounting mechanisms used to mount the flaps 9104 to the frame 9102 may be located in different positions in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the flap 9104 may then rotate about the hinge to an open or closed position. FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a device in which the flap 9104 is in the open position. FIG. 12b also shows an embodiment of a device in which the flap 9104 is in the closed position.

11-11d show embodiments in which the flaps 9104 are hinged or swivelly connected to the first side or portion 9150 of the frame 9102 and releasably connected to the second side 9152 of the frame 9102. Such an embodiment allows the flap 9104 to rotate about a hinge on the first side 9150 so that the flap 9104 is folded into a closed position on the second side 9152 of the frame 9102. Can be releasably connected. To remove the cleaning pad 9108, the flap 9104 can be deployed to the open position after the flap 9104 has been released from the second side 9152 of the frame. In some embodiments, the first side 9150 and the second side 9152 of the frame 9102 are on opposite or opposite sides, as shown in the embodiments seen in FIGS. 11-11d.

In one embodiment, the flap 9104 is rotatably connected to the first side 9150 of the frame 9102 and the joint 9106 is rotatably connected to the second side 9152 of the frame 9102. In such an embodiment, the first side 9150 and the second side 9152 can be opposite to each other.

The embodiment of the mop head 9100 shown in FIGS. 12-12h further comprises a first flap 9104A and a second flap 9104B. The first flap 9104A and the second flap 9104B are separated for the first hinge shaft 9200 (for the first flap 9104A) and the second flap 9104B (for the second flap 9104B) as shown in FIGS. 12-12h. Along the second hinge shaft 9202, it is rotatably connected to the first side 9150 of the frame 9102. Various locking mechanisms may be utilized in different embodiments to releasably lock the flaps 9104A and 9104B to the frame 9102 on the second side 9152 as they are folded into the closed position. Also, different embodiments may utilize different release mechanisms to unlock the flaps 9104A and 9104B from the frame 9102.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12-12h, the pushbutton release mechanism 9120 may be used to unlock the flaps 9104A and 9104B, whereby the flaps can be unfolded and the cleaning pad 9108 can be removed. The button 9120 may be placed on the frame 9102 of the mop head 9100 at various positions. Button 9120 may also be located at different points on the mop head 9100 or cleaning appliances.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13-13e, in one embodiment the cleaning pad 9108 may be configured to include one or more foot tabs 9130. When the user applies upward pressure to the frame 9102 by stepping on the foot tab 9130 and holds the flap 9104 in place, the frame 9102 can be unlocked and the flap 9104 can be released. As can be recognized, the upward pressure may be applied in different ways in different embodiments. However, in many embodiments, the mop head 9100 may be attached to a shaft or rod, and the user may apply upward pressure to the frame 9102 by simply pulling up on the rod or shaft. When a certain pressure is reached, the flap 9104 is released from the locking mechanism and unfolds. Therefore, the user can unlock and open the flap 9104 by touching the mop head 9100 with his or her own hands. In some embodiments, the pad 9108 can also be removed in the same motion, allowing the user to remove the pad 9108 from the flap 9104 without the use of the user's own hands. In one such embodiment, the cleaning pad 9108 is attached to the flap 9104 by a pocket 9110. When the flap 9104 is deployed, the user can continue to pull the shaft or rod to pull the flap 9104 out of the cleaning pad 9108 so that the cleaning pad 9108 is held to the ground by the foot tab 9130. Therefore, the pad 9108 can be removed without using a hand. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other release mechanisms may be used to release the flap 9104. Some of the other embodiments are discussed elsewhere herein and include, but are not limited to, levers.

In another embodiment, the cleaning pad 9108 may be attached to the flap 9104 by Velcro® or other Velcro type adhesive. The cleaning pad 9108 may also have a foot tab 9130. By stepping on the foot tab 9130 and pulling on the shaft or handle, the user can overcome the velcro grip and remove the mop head 9100 from the cleaning pad 9108. Therefore, the mop head 9100 will be released from the cleaning pad 9108, but the flap 9104 will remain in the closed position. This allows the user to remove the old, and in some cases hot, cleaning pad 9108 from the mop head 9100 without touching the cleaning pad with their own hands. After that, a new cleaning pad 9108 can be attached to the mop head 9100.

In one embodiment, the mop head 9100 may further include a connector assembly 9107. In some embodiments, the connector assembly can be used to connect the mop head 9100 to a shaft, handle, or rod. One embodiment of the connector assembly 9106 is shown in FIGS. 15-15g. The connector assembly shown in FIGS. 15-15g comprises an upper portion 9107A and a lower portion 9107B. The connector assembly 9107 may further comprise a joint 9106 configured to allow the upper portion 9107A and the lower portion 9107B to rotate relative to each other. In some embodiments, the lower portion 9107B may comprise a yoke 9160. The yoke 9160 may be received in a recess 9162 located on the frame 9102. In some embodiments, the mop head 9100 can rotate about the yoke 9160.

One embodiment of the locking mechanism 9164 is shown in FIGS. 15-15g. However, as can be recognized, alternative means may be used to lock or unlock the flap 9104. In this embodiment, the flap 9104 further comprises a plurality of fasteners 9170 extending from the flap 9104. The locking mechanism 9164 is configured to releasably secure the flap 9104 in the closed position. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 9164 comprises a plurality of latches 9171 movably connected to the frame 9102. When engaged, the latch 9171 will hold the fastener 9170 in place and prevent the flap 9104 from unfolding. In other embodiments, the arrangement and operation of the latch 9171 and the fastener 9170 relative to each other is reversed. In such an embodiment, a latch 9171 is placed on the flap 9104 and a fastener is movably connected to the frame 9102. In some embodiments, the latch 9171 may be urged to a first latch position in which the latch 9171 is engaged. A spring 9172 may be used to urge the latch 9171 to the first latch position. However, in alternative embodiments, different urging mechanisms may be utilized.

When the latch 9171 is disengaged, the flap 9104 is free to deploy in the open position. In some embodiments, the latch 9171 can be moved from the first latch position to the second latch position by the trigger 9173. When in the second latch position, the latch 9171 can be disengaged. Some embodiments may include a single trigger 9173 when the latch 9171 is in a first latch position that engages the fastener 9170 and holds the flap 9104 in the closed position. However, other embodiments may include multiple triggers 9173. 15-15g show an embodiment having two triggers 9173. When the trigger 9173 is activated, the urging element 9172 will be compressed and the fastener 9170 will be released from the latch 9171, which will allow the flap 9104 to unfold.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-15c, the trigger 9173 is a locking mechanism 9164.
It can be actuated by a release mechanism 9174 configured to interact with. The position of the locking mechanism 9164 may vary in different embodiments. Also, the interaction between the locking mechanism 9164 and the releasing mechanism may change in different embodiments. The release mechanism 9174 includes an upper actuator element 9175 and a lower actuator element 9176. In some embodiments, the upper actuator element 9175 is at least partially located within the upper portion 9107A of the connector assembly 9107 and the lower actuator element 9176 is at least partially within the lower portion 9107B of the connector assembly 9107. Is arranged. The connector assembly 9107 may be configured such that the upper actuator element 9175 and the lower actuator element 9176 do not interfere with the swivel function provided by the joint 9106.

The upper actuator element 9175 may further include an upper edge 9178 and a lower edge 9179. In some embodiments, the upper actuator element 9175 may have a first position and a second position. In some embodiments, the upper actuator element 9175 can be switched between a first position and a second position by a button 9181, as shown in FIG. 15g. As can be recognized, the buttons 9181 may be placed in different positions in different embodiments. In some embodiments, the button 9181 can be engaged by being pushed laterally or axially. In the first position, the upper edge 9178 projects beyond the upper portion 9107A of the connector assembly 9107. Also, when in the second position, the lower edge 9179 protrudes from the upper portion 9107A. In some embodiments, the urging element 9177 will urge the upper edge 9178 and the lower stretchable edge to a first position. The push rod mechanism shown in FIGS. 15-15c is in the first position. In some embodiments, the urging element 9177 includes a spring. Such embodiments are shown in FIGS. 15-15c. In some embodiments, the upper actuator element 9175 may include its own spring to hold the element in place and does not rely on the urging element 9177.

In some embodiments, the upper actuator element 9175 may be moved from a first position to a second position when pressure is applied over the upper edge 9178. The upper actuator element 9175 will compress the urging element 9177. As a result, the upper edge 9178 is pulled into the upper assembly 9107A.

In some embodiments, the lower actuator element 9176 may comprise a lower edge 9180. The lower actuator element 9176 may be movable between a first position and a second position, and is below the lower actuator 9176 element when the lower actuator element 9176 is in the second position. The edge 9180 projects from the lower portion 9107B.

The lower edge 9179 of the upper actuator element 9175, in some embodiments, has the lower actuator element 9176 in the first position when the upper actuator element moves from the first position to the second position of the upper actuator element. It may be configured to interact with the lower actuator element 9176 so that it moves from to the second position. In some embodiments, the lower actuator element 9176 can be aligned such that the lower edge 9179 of the upper actuator element 9175 activates the lower actuator element 9176. FIG. 15d shows an exploded view of the release mechanism 9174, with the upper actuator assembly 9175 and the lower actuator assembly 9176 in the second position. 15-15c show an embodiment in which the upper actuator element 9175 and the lower actuator element 9176 are in the first position.

The lower edge 9180 of the lower actuator element 9176 also also causes the trigger 9173 to move the latch 9171 from the first latch position to the second latch position when the lower actuator element 9176 moves from the first position to the second position. It can be configured to interact with the trigger 9173 so that it will move. As mentioned above, the release mechanism 9174 can interact with the locking mechanism 9164 in different ways to cause the flap 9104 to release. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 9164 can be released by the axial movement of the lower edge 180. However, in other embodiments, the lower edge 9180 may be configured to move laterally, thereby triaging the release of the locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the lower actuator element 9176 may be aligned with the trigger 9173 such that when the lower edge 9180 projects from the lower portion 9107B, the lower edge 9180 presses on the trigger 9173. .. This allows the urging element 9172 to be overcome and the latch 9171 to be released from the fastener 9170.

As can be recognized, pressure may be applied to the upper edge 9178 of the upper actuator element 9175 or the upper actuator element 9175 may be moved from the first position to the second position in different ways in different embodiments. Good. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by pushing down on a rod, shaft, or handle attached to the connector assembly 9107.

The flap 9104 may be attached to the base of the frame 9102. However, in other embodiments, the flap 9104 may be attached to other points on the frame 9102. In one embodiment there may be two flaps 9104, but in other embodiments there may be a different number of flaps 9104. The flap 9104 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic.

The frame 9102 may be manufactured from a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastic. The frame 9102 may be connected to a joint 9106, which may be configured as a universal joint, as illustrated in FIG. The universal joint allows the user to freely swivel the shaft or handle around a connection point between the frame 9102 and the joint 9106. In an embodiment comprising a double-sided mop head 9100, this allows the user to freely use either surface to clean or treat the surface. In some embodiments, the frame 9102 may include a recess 9160 for receiving the connector assembly 9107. The connector assembly 9107 may include a yoke 9160 inserted into the recess 9162. In some embodiments, the mop head 9100 may be configured to rotate about a yoke 9160, which allows the shaft and handle to rotate about a connection point. For the double-sided embodiment, this allows the user to rotate the mop head 9100 so that either surface can be applied to the cleaning surface. However, in different embodiments, various means may be used to connect the joint 9106 to the frame 9102.

In another embodiment, the frame 9102 may be connected to the joint 9106 by an external support bar 9140, as illustrated in FIGS. 12c-12h. The frame 9102 may have a recess for receiving the external support bar 9140. However, as can be recognized, various means can be used to connect the external support bar 9140 to the frame 9102. This embodiment also allows the user to freely swivel the shaft and handle around a connection point between the frame 9102 and the external support bar 9140. Further, in the embodiment including the double-sided mop head 9100, the user can freely use any surface for cleaning or treating the surface.

The joint 9106 includes a shaft connecting mechanism. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in different embodiments, there are a number of connecting mechanisms that can be utilized to connect the joint 9106 to the shaft or handle. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the joint 9106 may also have a swivel mechanism that gives the user an additional range of motion. As can be recognized, various means can be utilized to give the joint 9106 swivel properties, including but not limited to swivel.

Some embodiments of the processing head 1 may also include a plurality of flap injectors 9182. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. The flap injector 9182 may be configured to pop the flap 9104 into the open position after the flap 9104 has been released by the locking mechanism 9164. This facilitates the opening of the flap 9104, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually pull the flap 9104 to the open position after the locking mechanism 9164 has been released. In some embodiments, the flap injector 9182 may include a spring that urges the flap 9104 to the open position. When the flap 9104 is in the closed position, the spring will be compressed and will protrude when the locking mechanism is released. As can be recognized, different embodiments may include different numbers of spring ejectors 9182 in different positions. Further, the flap injector 9182 may have different forms in different embodiments.

Some embodiments of the processing head 9100 may also include connecting elements 9183, as shown in FIG. The connecting element 9183 may be configured to connect the flaps 9104 in a coordinated manner with the movement of the flaps. In such an embodiment, the flaps 9104 will rotate at the same time.

In operation, a method for treating a surface using the processing head 9100 is to provide a frame 9102 having a first portion 9150 and to rotatably connect the flap 9104 to the first portion 9150 of the frame 9102. The flap 9104 is rotatably rotated to an open position with respect to the frame 9102. The method further comprises providing the cleaning pad 9108 and detachably attaching the cleaning pad 9108 to the flap 9104. The method may also comprise providing a locking mechanism 9164, providing a locking mechanism 9164 comprising providing a fastener 9170, a movable latch 9171, and a trigger 9173 extending from the flap 9104. .. The flap 9104 can be rotated to the closed position and locked by the locking mechanism 9164. The method further comprises providing a connecting assembly 9107 comprising an upper portion 9107A, a lower portion 9107B, and a joint 9106. The connection assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. The processing head 9100 is swiveled around the connecting assembly 9107 and, if necessary, in a closed position with a cleaning pad 9108 attached by rotating the upper portion 9107A and the lower portion 9107B relative to each other by a joint 9106. The surface is treated by the locked flap 9104. The method further comprises providing a release mechanism 9174, which provides an upper actuator element 9175 that is at least partially located within the upper portion 9107A of the connector assembly 9107. The connector assembly 9107 comprises providing a lower actuator element 9176 that is at least partially disposed within the lower portion 9107B. Finally, after the surface has been treated, this method moves the upper actuator element 9175 from the first position to the second position, thereby engaging the lower actuator element 9176 from the first position to the trigger 9173. It comprises releasing the fastener 9170 from the latch 9171 by moving it to a matching second position.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a surface treatment system 9320 with an enhanced swivel and modular mechanism. Specifically, the system 9320 includes a steam application device 9322 and a portable steamer 9324. The portable steamer 9324 is (eg, arrow 93).
It is constructed and configured to be conveniently attached to the vapor application device 9322 (as illustrated by 26) and separated from the vapor application device 9322. The vapor application device 9322 includes a body 9330, a swivel assembly 9332, an applicator 9334, and a mop handle 9336. The body 9330 has a first end 9340 that connects directly to the mop handle 9336, a second end 9342 that connects directly to the swivel assembly 9332, and a first end 9340 and a second end 9342. Includes an intermediate portion 9344 arranged in between. The swivel assembly 9332 connects the body 9330 to the applicator 9334 and operates in the form of a universal joint to allow the body 9330 and the applicator 9334 to swivel with respect to each other.

As most often seen in FIG. 17, the mop handle 9336, body 9330, swivel assembly 9332 and applicator 9334 are arranged in a strong series configuration forming a mop 9346 with a central axis 9348. In this configuration, the user can use the applicator 9334 to efficiently and conveniently clean the surface 9350 when operating the mop handle 9336. Due to this C-shape, the body 9330 holds the portable steamer 9324 so that it firmly and securely supports the portable steamer 9324 when it is attached to the body 9330. In some configurations, the central axis 9348 of the mop 9346 passes through the cavity 9352 (FIG. 17), yet the structure of the body 9330 maintains the strength of the mop 9346, and thus the user. It provides sufficient supporting strength to allow a large mopping force to be applied to the surface 9350 for efficient cleaning. In addition, such geometry allows the portable steamer 9324 to have a relatively large but modular Scherrer equation, allowing the portable steamer 9324 to simply lift from the vapor application device 9322. Allows attachment to the vapor application device 9322 in a separate and simply insert manner.

It should be recognized that in the surface treatment system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A, various combinations of the body 200 and the mop head 400 may be assembled together to form a surface treatment apparatus. The universal joint 310 may be configured to connect to various combinations of the body 200 and the mop head 400. The body may be any one of the bodies illustrated in FIG. 1B and / or FIG. The mop head may be any one of the mop heads shown in FIGS. 1 to 17. For example, the surface treatment system in one or more embodiments may allow any combination of: 1) At least one mop head as shown in FIG. 1D combined with any one of the main bodies as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. 17 2) Any of the main bodies as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. At least one mop head as shown in FIGS. 2-6 in combination with one, 3) illustrated in FIGS. 7-8 in combination with any one of the main bodies as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. At least one mop head as shown in 4) At least one mop head as shown in FIGS. 9-16 in combination with any one of the main bodies as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. 5) At least one mop head as shown in FIG. 17 combined with either the body as shown in FIG. 1B or FIG. It should be noted that the body and / or mop head illustrated in FIGS. 1-17 may not be considered limiting.

Although various embodiments according to the disclosed principles have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and are not limiting. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the examples described herein should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, in accordance with the claims derived from the present disclosure and their equivalents. Should only be specified. Further, the above advantages and features are given in the described embodiments, but limit the application of such issued claims to the processes and structures that achieve all or all of the above advantages. is not it.

For example, the terms comparison, measurement, and timing, such as "at the time", "equivalent", "during", "complete", etc., are "substantially at the time", "substantially preferential", "substantial", and "substantially". , "Substantially complete", etc., "substantially" means that such comparisons, measurements, and timings achieve the desired results, either implied or explicitly described. Means that it is feasible. Words about the relative position of elements such as "about", "near", "proximate to", and "adjacent to" mean that they are close enough to have a significant effect on their respective system element interactions. It shall be.

In addition, the section headings herein refer to 37 C.I. F. R. It is provided to provide structural instructions in line with the suggestions under 1.77 or in other ways. These headings are not intended to limit or characterize the invention described in any claim that may be derived from the present disclosure. Specifically, by way of example, the heading refers to "technical field", but such claims are not limited by the wording selected under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Absent. Moreover, the description of the technology in the "background" should not be construed as acknowledging that the technology is prior art to any invention in the present disclosure. The "summary" should also not be considered as a feature of the invention as set forth in the issued claims. Moreover, all references to the singular "invention" in the present disclosure are not used to assert that there is only one novelty in the present disclosure. A plurality of inventions may be described in accordance with the limitations of the plurality of claims derived from the present disclosure, and therefore such claims define the present invention and their equivalents protected thereto. In all cases, such claims should be considered by their true value in the light of the present disclosure and are not constrained by the headings herein.

Claims (41)

A device for surface treatment
Steam source and
With the main body
With a mop head
A connector assembly configured to receive steam from the steam source and direct the steam to the mop head.
The connector assembly comprises a universal joint and a connector housing connected to the universal joint, the first end of the universal joint being rotatably connected to the body and a second of the universal joint. The end is rotatably connected to the mop head and
The mop head is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis with respect to the connector assembly, and the mop head includes a first facing surface and a second facing surface, and the first facing surface and the first facing surface and the mop head are provided. The second facing surface is configured to output steam.
The mop head is configured to be oriented in a first position and a second position with respect to the connector assembly.
When the mop head is in the first position, one of the first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head faces upward, and the first with respect to the connector assembly. Aimed at a given angle,
When the mop head is in the second position, one of the first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head faces upward, and the second facing surface with respect to the connector assembly. A device that is directed at a predetermined angle and is different from the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle. The device according to claim 1.
The first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head are configured to output steam.
The mop head
With a mop head steam inlet configured to accept steam,
By extending from the mop head steam inlet to the first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head, the mop head reaches the first facing surface and the second facing surface, respectively. A device comprising a fluid conduit that defines at least a first mophead vapor path and a second mophead vapor path to reach. The device according to claim 2, further
A switching device that is at least partially located within the fluid conduit of the mop head.
The switching device moves between a first switching device position located along the first mophead steam path and a second switching device position located along the second mophead steam path. Is configured as
The switching device when the mop head is in the second position and the second facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. Is located at the first switching device position to block the second mop head steam path, steam is provided through the first mop head steam path, and the first opposition of the mop head. Allows output on the surface,
The switching device is located when the mop head is in the second position and the first facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. By being located at the second switching device position, the first
A device that blocks the mop head steam path of the mop head and allows steam to be provided through the second mop head steam path and output on the second facing surface of the mop head. The device according to claim 3.
The switching device is
A switching device body that is at least partially disposed within the fluid conduit, wherein the switching device body has a first end and a second end.
A first shoulder portion and a second shoulder portion extending outward from the first end portion and the second end portion, respectively, are provided.
The first shoulder and the switching device body are configured to work together to block the second mop head steam path when the switching device is in the first switching device position.
The second shoulder and the switching device body are configured to work together to block the first mop head steam path when the switching device is in the second switching device position. ,apparatus. The device according to claim 4.
The first shoulder portion comprises a sealing element disposed on the shoulder surface facing the second shoulder portion.
The second shoulder portion is a device including a sealing element arranged on a shoulder portion surface facing the first shoulder portion. The device according to claim 5.
The switching device comprises a ball valve with a sealing element located in a cavity defined within the conduit.
The seal element is between the first switching device position located along the first mop head steam path and the second switching device position located along the second mop head steam path. A device that is configured to work with. The device according to claim 1.
The first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head are configured to output steam.
The mop head further
With a mop head steam inlet configured to accept steam,
A first steam chamber and a second steam chamber defined in the mop head on the first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head, respectively.
A fluid conduit extending from the mop head steam inlet of the mop head to the first steam chamber and the second steam chamber, wherein the fluid conduit and the first steam chamber are the first mop. A fluid conduit, which defines a head steam path, and the fluid conduit and the second steam chamber define a second mop head steam path.
It comprises a switching device configured to move between a first switching device position and a second switching device position within the mop head.
The switching device is located when the mop head is in the second position and the second facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. By being located at the first switching device position, the second mop head steam path is blocked and steam is provided to the first steam chamber through the first mop head steam path. Allows output on the first facing surface of the mop head,
The switching device is located when the mop head is in the second position and the first facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. By being located at the second switching device position, the first mop head steam path is blocked and steam is provided to the second steam chamber through the second mop head steam path, said. A device that allows output on said second facing surface of a mop head. The device according to claim 1.
The body is provided with a swirling steam outlet.
The mop head
A first steam chamber comprising a first steam chamber inlet, wherein the first steam chamber is configured to output steam on the first facing surface of the mop head. Steam room and
A second steam chamber comprising a second steam chamber inlet, wherein the second steam chamber is configured to output steam on the second facing surface of the mop head. Equipped with a steam chamber,
When the mop head is in the second position with the second facing surface facing up, the first steam chamber inlet is aligned with the swirling steam outlet of the main body. , The steam is provided to the first steam chamber and is configured to be able to be output on the first facing surface of the mop head.
When the mop head is in the second position with the first facing surface facing up, the second steam chamber inlet is aligned with the swirling steam outlet of the main body. An apparatus configured such that steam is provided to the second steam chamber and can be output on the second facing surface of the mop head. The device according to claim 1.
The connector housing is
With a connector steam inlet configured to receive steam from said steam source,
A connector steam conduit that defines at least a first connector steam path and a second connector steam path, wherein the first connector steam path and the second connector steam path direct steam from the connector steam inlet. The connector vapor conduit and, which are configured as
It comprises a steam injection nozzle assembly that is at least partially located within the first connector steam path.
The mop head is directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path when the mop head is directed at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. It is now possible for steam to be released in steam injection mode,
When the mop head is directed at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly, the steam is directed to the mop head through the second connector steam path, thereby causing the steam to flow. A device that can be discharged in area cleaning mode. The device according to claim 9.
The steam injection nozzle assembly is a device including a nozzle inlet portion, a nozzle intermediate portion, and a nozzle outlet portion. The device according to claim 10.
The nozzle inlet of the steam injection nozzle assembly defines a first cross-sectional surface area.
The nozzle intermediate portion defines a second cross-sectional surface area.
The nozzle outlet defines a third cross-sectional surface area.
An apparatus in which the second cross-sectional surface area is smaller than the first cross-sectional surface area and the third cross-sectional surface area. The device according to claim 11.
The nozzle outlet portion of the steam injection nozzle assembly includes a conical nozzle outlet portion.
The conical nozzle outlet is a device that produces a conical vapor injection profile. The device according to claim 9.
The connector housing further directs the steam flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path or to the mop head through the second connector steam path. Defines the configured valve mechanism and
The valve mechanism defines at least a portion of the first connector vapor path and / or at least a portion of the second connector vapor path. 13. The apparatus according to claim 13.
The valve mechanism is configured to define a first baffle and a second baffle.
The first baffle and the second baffle work together in response to the relative motion of the first baffle and the second baffle to form at least a portion of the first connector vapor path or the second baffle. Forming at least part of the connector vapor path of
The first baffle and the second baffle have a first relative motion when the mop head is directed at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly, and the mop head has the connector assembly. Has a second relative motion when directed at a second predetermined angle with respect to
In response to the first relative motion of the first baffle member and the second baffle member, the second connector vapor path is blocked, and the first baffle member and the second baffle member second. A device in which the first connector vapor path is blocked in response to the relative motion of the first connector. 13. The apparatus according to claim 13.
The first facing surface and the second facing surface of the mop head are configured to output steam.
The mop head further
A switching device configured to move between a first switching device position and a second switching device position within the mop head.
The switching device when the mop head is in the second position and the second facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. However, by being located at the first switching device position, steam can be output only on the first facing surface of the mop head.
The switching device when the mop head is in the second position and the first facing surface of the mop head is facing up and oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. However, by being located at the second switching device position, the device allows steam to be output only on the second facing surface of the mop head. The device according to claim 1.
The first predetermined angle is an acute angle.
The device, wherein the second predetermined angle is an obtuse angle. A device for surface treatment
Steam source and
With the main body
With a mop head
With a connector assembly configured to receive steam from said steam source.
The connector assembly comprises a universal joint and a connector housing connected to the universal joint, the first end of the universal joint being rotatably connected to the body and a second of the universal joint. The end is rotatably connected to the mop head and
The mop head is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis with respect to the connector assembly, and the mop head includes a mop head housing and a first facing surface and a second facing surface. Only the second facing surface is configured to output steam,
The mop head is configured to be oriented in a first position and a second position with respect to the connector assembly.
When the mop head is in the first position, the mop head is oriented at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly so that the connector assembly outputs steam in steam injection mode. Configured
When the mop head is in the second position, the mop head is oriented at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly, with the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle. A device in which the connector assembly is configured to direct steam towards the mop head, and the steam is expelled from the mop head in region cleaning mode. The device according to claim 17.
The connector housing is
With a connector steam inlet configured to receive steam from said steam source,
A connector steam conduit that defines at least a first connector steam path and a second connector steam path, wherein the first connector steam path and the second connector steam path direct steam from the connector steam inlet. With a connector vapor conduit that is configured to attach,
It comprises a steam injection nozzle assembly that is at least partially located within the first connector steam path.
The mop head is directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path when the mop head is directed at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. The steam can be released in the steam injection mode,
When the mop head is directed at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly, the steam is directed to the mop head through the second connector steam path, thereby causing the steam to flow. A device that can be discharged in said area cleaning mode. 18. The apparatus according to claim 18.
The steam injection nozzle assembly is a device including a nozzle inlet portion, a nozzle intermediate portion, and a nozzle outlet portion. The device according to claim 19.
The nozzle inlet of the steam injection nozzle assembly defines a first cross-sectional surface area.
The nozzle intermediate portion defines a second cross-sectional surface area.
The nozzle outlet defines a third cross-sectional surface area.
An apparatus in which the second cross-sectional surface area is smaller than the first cross-sectional surface area and the third cross-sectional surface area. The device according to claim 20.
The nozzle outlet portion of the steam injection nozzle assembly is a device including a conical nozzle outlet portion. 18. The apparatus according to claim 18.
The connector housing further directs the steam flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path or to the mop head through the second connector steam path. Defines the configured valve mechanism and
The valve mechanism defines at least a portion of the first connector vapor path and / or at least a portion of the second connector vapor path. The device according to claim 22, further
Equipped with a scrubber assembly,
The scrubber assembly comprises a scrub mode and a retract mode.
When the scrubber assembly is in the scrub mode, the scrubber assembly moves to engage the area to be cleaned,
A device that moves the scrubber assembly to disengage from the region when the scrubber assembly is in the retracted state. The device according to claim 23.
When the mop head is in the first position, the steam injection mode is activated and the scrubber assembly is configured to be in scrub mode.
An apparatus configured such that when the mop head is in a second position, the area cleaning mode is activated and the scrubber assembly is in retracted mode. It ’s a method for surface treatment,
Providing a steam source and
To provide the main body
Providing a mop head and
To provide a connector assembly, the connector assembly comprises providing a connector assembly that is configured to receive steam from the steam source.
The connector assembly comprises a universal joint and a connector housing connected to the universal joint.
The first end of the universal joint is rotatably connected to the body and
The second end of the universal joint is rotatably connected to the mop head.
The mop head is configured to rotate about a horizontal axis with respect to the connector assembly.
The mop head includes a first facing surface and a second facing surface, and the first facing surface and / or the second facing surface are configured to output steam.
The mop head is configured to be oriented in a first position and a second position with respect to the connector assembly.
When the mop head is in the first position, the first facing surface or the second facing surface faces upward, and the mop head is oriented at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. , The connector assembly is configured to output steam in steam injection mode.
When the mop head is in the second position, the first facing surface or the second facing surface faces upward, and the mop head points at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. The first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle are different from each other, and the connector assembly is configured to direct steam toward the mop head, and the steam cleans the area from the mop head. The method that will be emitted in mode. 25. The method of claim 25, further
Provided to provide a connector housing
The connector housing is
A connector steam inlet, wherein the connector steam inlet is configured to receive steam from the steam source.
A connector steam conduit that defines at least a first connector steam path and a second connector steam path, wherein the first connector steam path and the second connector steam path direct steam from the connector steam inlet. With a connector vapor conduit that is configured to attach,
It comprises a steam injection nozzle assembly that is at least partially located within the first connector steam path.
The mop head is directed to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path when the mop head is directed at a first predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly. The steam can be released in the steam injection mode,
When the mop head is directed at a second predetermined angle with respect to the connector assembly, the steam is directed to the mop head through the second connector steam path, thereby causing the steam to flow. A method that allows release in said area wash mode. The method according to claim 26.
The connector housing further directs the steam flow to the steam injection nozzle assembly through the first connector steam path or to the mop head through the second connector steam path. Defines the configured valve mechanism and
The method, wherein the valve mechanism defines at least a portion of the first connector vapor path and / or at least a portion of the second connector vapor path. The method according to claim 26, further
Prepared to provide a scrubber assembly
The scrubber assembly is configured to be connected to the connector assembly.
The scrubber assembly comprises a scrub mode and a retract mode.
When the scrubber assembly is in the scrub mode, the scrubber assembly moves to engage the area to be cleaned,
A method in which the scrubber assembly moves to disengage from the region when the scrubber assembly is in the retracted state. 28. The method of claim 28.
The scrubber assembly is configured to be in scrub mode when the steam injection mode is activated.
A method, wherein the scrubber assembly is configured to be in retractable mode when the area cleaning mode is activated. It ’s a mop head,
A frame with the first part and
A plurality of flaps rotatably connected to the first portion of the frame, the plurality of flaps being configured to rotatably rotate with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position. With multiple flaps,
A connector assembly that is rotatably connected to the frame and includes an upper portion and a lower portion.
A joint configured to allow the upper portion and the lower portion to rotate with respect to each other.
A locking mechanism configured to release the plurality of flaps in the closed position, comprising a trigger configured to release the plurality of flaps from the closed position when activated. A mop head with a lock mechanism. The device according to claim 30.
The mop head is a device further comprising a plurality of cleaning pads that are removable and attachable to the plurality of flaps. The device according to claim 30.
The plurality of flaps further comprises a plurality of fasteners extending from the plurality of flaps.
The locking mechanism further comprises a plurality of latches movably connected to the frame.
The trigger is configured to release the plurality of flaps from the closed position by moving the plurality of latches from a first latch position to a second latch position when actuated.
The plurality of latches engage the plurality of fasteners when in the first latch position, holding the plurality of flaps in the closed position.
A device in which the plurality of latches are disengaged from the plurality of fasteners when in the second latch position. The device according to claim 30.
The plurality of flaps further comprises a plurality of latches extending from the plurality of flaps.
The locking mechanism further comprises a plurality of fasteners movably connected to the frame.
The trigger is configured to release the plurality of flaps from the closed position by moving the plurality of fasteners from a first fastener position to a second fastener position when actuated.
The plurality of fasteners engage the plurality of latches when in the first fastener position, holding the plurality of flaps in the closed position.
A device in which the plurality of fasteners are disengaged from the plurality of latches when in the second fastener position. The device according to claim 30.
The frame further comprises a plurality of flap ejectors configured to eject the plurality of flaps from the closed position to the open position when the plurality of flaps are released by the locking mechanism. .. The device according to claim 30.
The plurality of flap injectors are devices comprising a spring load urging element. The device according to claim 30, further
It has a release mechanism configured to interact with the lock mechanism.
The release mechanism is
An upper actuator element that is at least partially located within the upper portion of the connector assembly.
It comprises a lower actuator element that is at least partially located within said lower portion of the connector assembly.
The upper actuator element is configured to engage the lower actuator element.
The lower actuator element is configured to engage the trigger to release the plurality of flaps from the closed position. 36. The apparatus according to claim 36.
The release mechanism is a device actuated by a button. The device according to claim 30, further
It has a release mechanism configured to interact with the lock mechanism.
The release mechanism is
An upper actuator element that is at least partially disposed within the upper portion of the connector assembly, the upper actuator element being movable between a first position and a second position by a button. With the upper actuator element, the lower edge of the upper actuator element projects from the upper portion when the upper actuator element is in the second position.
A lower actuator element that is at least partially located within the lower portion of the connector assembly, the lower actuator element being movable between a first position and a second position. With a lower actuator element, the lower edge of the lower actuator element projects from the lower portion when the lower actuator element is in the second position.
The lower edge of the upper actuator element is such that when the upper actuator element moves from the first position of the upper actuator element to the second position, the lower actuator element moves from the first position. It is configured to interact with the lower actuator element so that it can move to a second position.
The lower edge of the lower actuator element is configured to interact with the trigger such that the trigger releases the plurality of flaps from the closed position. The device according to claim 30, further
It has a release mechanism configured to interact with the lock mechanism.
The release mechanism is
An upper actuator element that is at least partially disposed within the upper portion of the connector assembly, the upper actuator element being movable between a first position and a second position, said upper actuator. When the element is in the first position, the upper edge of the upper actuator element projects beyond the upper portion, and when the upper actuator element is in the second position, below the upper actuator element. An upper actuator element with a side edge protruding from the upper portion,
A lower actuator element that is at least partially located within the lower portion of the connector assembly, the lower actuator element being movable between a first position and a second position. With a lower actuator element, the lower edge of the lower actuator element projects from the lower portion when the lower actuator element is in the second position.
The lower edge of the upper actuator element is such that when the upper actuator element moves from the first position of the upper actuator element to the second position, the lower actuator element moves from the first position. It is configured to interact with the lower actuator element so that it can move to a second position.
The lower edge of the lower actuator element is configured to interact with the trigger such that the trigger releases the plurality of flaps from the closed position. The device according to claim 30, further
It is provided with a connecting element that connects the plurality of flaps together.
A device in which the plurality of flaps are configured to rotate simultaneously between the open position and the closed position. A method for treating the surface
To provide a frame with a first part,
The first portion of the frame, wherein a plurality of flaps are rotatably connected to the first portion of the frame, the plurality of flaps being rotatably rotated to an open position with respect to the frame. By connecting multiple flaps to the part 1 so that they can be swiveled,
To provide a cleaning pad and detachably attach the cleaning pad to the plurality of flaps.
To provide a locking mechanism, the provision of said locking mechanism provides a locking mechanism comprising providing a plurality of fasteners, a plurality of movable latches, and a trigger extending from the plurality of flaps. To do and
Rotating the plurality of flaps to a closed position and using the locking mechanism to lock the plurality of flaps in a predetermined position.
To provide a connecting assembly with an upper part, a lower part, and a joint.
To rotatably connect the connecting assembly to the frame and
The surface is treated with the mop head, the processing head is swiveled around the connection, and if necessary, the upper part and the lower part are rotated with respect to each other by the joint.
To provide a release mechanism, the release mechanism is to provide an upper actuator element that is at least partially disposed within the upper portion of the connector assembly and the lower portion of the connector assembly. To provide a release mechanism, which comprises providing a lower actuator element that is at least partially located within.
By moving the upper actuator element from a first position to a second position, thereby moving the lower actuator element from a first position to a second position that engages the trigger. A method comprising releasing a fastener from the plurality of latches.

Images