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AU2013209342A1 - Floor cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Floor cleaning apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2013209342A1
AU2013209342A1 AU2013209342A AU2013209342A AU2013209342A1 AU 2013209342 A1 AU2013209342 A1 AU 2013209342A1 AU 2013209342 A AU2013209342 A AU 2013209342A AU 2013209342 A AU2013209342 A AU 2013209342A AU 2013209342 A1 AU2013209342 A1 AU 2013209342A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
switch
mode
cleaning
handle
providing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
AU2013209342A
Inventor
Davide Barlotti
Jin Jin Luo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Hoover Ltd
Original Assignee
Hoover Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hoover Ltd filed Critical Hoover Ltd
Publication of AU2013209342A1 publication Critical patent/AU2013209342A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/4002—Installations of electric equipment
    • A47L11/4008—Arrangements of switches, indicators or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/34—Machines for treating carpets in position by liquid, foam, or vapour, e.g. by steam
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L11/00—Machines for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L11/40—Parts or details of machines not provided for in groups A47L11/02 - A47L11/38, or not restricted to one of these groups, e.g. handles, arrangements of switches, skirts, buffers, levers
    • A47L11/408—Means for supplying cleaning or surface treating agents
    • A47L11/4086—Arrangements for steam generation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L13/00—Implements for cleaning floors, carpets, furniture, walls, or wall coverings
    • A47L13/10—Scrubbing; Scouring; Cleaning; Polishing
    • A47L13/20—Mops
    • A47L13/22—Mops with liquid-feeding devices
    • A47L13/225—Steam mops
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
    • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
    • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
    • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle
    • A47L5/30—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle with driven dust-loosening tools, e.g. rotating brushes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0405—Driving means for the brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0411—Driving means for the brushes or agitators driven by electric motor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/02—Nozzles
    • A47L9/04—Nozzles with driven brushes or agitators
    • A47L9/0427—Gearing or transmission means therefor
    • A47L9/0444—Gearing or transmission means therefor for conveying motion by endless flexible members, e.g. belts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/28—Installation of the electric equipment, e.g. adaptation or attachment to the suction cleaner; Controlling suction cleaners by electric means
    • A47L9/2857—User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
    • A47L9/32—Handles
    • A47L9/325—Handles for wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Nozzles For Electric Vacuum Cleaners (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)

Abstract

Abstract A floor cleaning apparatus comprising a steam generator for providing a steam cleaning mode, a rotary brush for providing a dry cleaning mode, a switch operable to select the steam and/or dry cleaning mode, an upstanding handle, and a switch disposed adjacent the upper end of the handle which can be actuated to operate the cleaner in accordance with the selected mode(s). A user is thus able to operate the cleaner to provide the selected mode(s) of cleaning by actuating the switch which is conveniently located on the handle.

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Invention title: "FLOOR CLEANING APPARATUS" Applicant: HOOVER LIMITED Associated provisional applications: The following statement is a full description of the invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 2 "FLOOR CLEANING APPARATUS" Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to a floor cleaning apparatus which is able to carry out cleaning using one or more of a plurality of selectively different cleaning methods. Background to the Invention [0002] It is well known to provide a floor cleaning apparatus which can provide the user with a plurality of different cleaning methods which the user can select according to their needs. US2010/0287716 discloses one such apparatus which comprises a steam cleaning function and a dry sweeping function. The apparatus comprises a main power switch which, when actuated, energises a heating element of a water heater to produce steam. The main power switch is also connected in series with a further switch, which can be actuated to energise a motor which drives a floor sweeping brush. The apparatus also comprises an upstanding elongate handle for guiding the apparatus over the floor surface to be cleaned. A trigger is provided on the upper end of the handle to energise a pump to dispense steam onto the surface to be cleaned. [0003] In use, in order to carry out dry sweeping, the user has to energise the main switch and the brush motor switch. The user can then selectively actuate the trigger to simultaneously carry out steam cleaning. Alternatively, the user can carry out just steam cleaning by actuating the trigger and turning off the brush motor switch. [0004] A disadvantage of the above-mentioned arrangement is that the apparatus is complicated and inconvenient to use. [0005] We have now devised an improved floor cleaning apparatus. Summary of the Invention [0006] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a floor cleaning apparatus including means for providing a first cleaning mode, means for providing a second cleaning mode, a switch operable to select the first and/or second cleaning mode, an upstanding handle, and a switch disposed 3 adjacent the upper end of the handle which can be actuated to operate the cleaner in accordance with the selected mode(s). [0007] In use, the user can select the desired mode or modes of cleaning using the mode switch. The user is then able to operate the cleaner to provide the selected mode(s) of cleaning by actuating the switch which is conveniently located on the handle. In this manner, the user does not have to bend down or look at the cleaner in order to activate and deactivate any of the selected modes of operation. In particular, the user does not have to adjust their hand position to de-energise a sweeping brush of the apparatus, with the result that the brush can be stopped easily in the event that it becomes snagged or when passing over delicate floor surfaces. [0008] Preferably the handle switch is connected in series with the mode switch and a pair of power conductors which feed power to the appliance. [0009] Preferably said first mode comprises a steam-cleaning mode provided by a steam generator. Since steam generators can take a certain amount of time to heat up, it is necessary to provide power to the steam generator at all times, so that steam cleaning may be provided on demand. Accordingly, a main switch may be provided in series with the handle switch and the conductors, the main switch being arranged to apply power to the handle switch and to heating element of the steam generator. [0010] Preferably the second cleaning mode comprises a dry cleaning mode, such as a sweeping mode or a vacuum cleaning mode. [0011] The mode switch preferably has first and second configurations for providing the first and second modes respectively. In an alternative embodiment, the mode switch may further include a third configuration for providing said first and said second modes simultaneously. In a third embodiment, said mode switch may also actuate said main switch when at least one of the modes is selected. [0012] Preferably the mode switch is arranged to connect a pump and/or a motor in series with the conductors in order to respectively provide said first and second modes of cleaning.
4 Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [0014] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an embodiment of floor cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention; [0015] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the apparatus of Figure 1; and [0016] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of the apparatus of Figure 1. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments [0017] Referring to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a floor cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention which is arranged to selectively provide a steam cleaning function and/or a floor sweeping function. The apparatus comprises an upright body portion 10 which is pivotally connected at its lower end to a floor-engaging head 11 via a pivotable neck 12. An elongate handle 13 extends upwardly and rearwardly from the upper end of the body portion 10 for guiding the apparatus over the floor surface to be cleaned. The upper end of the handle 13 is provided with a hand-grip 14. A trigger 15 is mounted on the handle 13 adjacent the hand grip 14 in a position where it is within easy reach of the user's hand whilst holding the hand grip 14. [0018] The body portion 10 comprises an external housing 23 having a front face on which a main power switch 16 and a mode switch 17 are provided. The housing 23 encloses a water tank 18, which can be filled via a filler tube 19 having an opening at the rear of the housing 23. A tubular outlet duct 40 extends from the water tank 18 via a pump 20 and a steam generator 21 to a dispensing outlet 24 provided on the underside of the head portion 11. [0019] The head 11 comprises a set of wheels 28 on its underside. An elongate brushing member 25 is rotatably mounted transverse the direction of movement of the cleaner, the brushing member 25 extending through an aperture in the underside of the cleaner so that it engages the floor surface to be cleaned. A motor 27 drives the brush 25 via a belt 29. Any dirt and dust on the floor surface is swept by the rotating brush 25 into a removable collection chamber 26 mounted inside the head 11 behind the brush 25. One or more cleaning pads (not shown) of felt, micro-fibre or other material 5 may also be mounted on the underside of the head 11. An elongate power cable 22 extends from the body 10 of the cleaner for collecting it to the mains supply. [0020] Referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, the live conductor L of the cable 22 is connected via the main switch 16 and a thermostat 30 to one side of a heating element 31 of the steam generator 21. The other side of the heating element 31 is connected to the neutral conductor N of the cable 22 via a thermal fuse 32. The main switch 16 is also connected to a switch 33 which is operated by the trigger 15 on the handle 13. The other side of the switch 33 is connected to an inlet terminal 34 of the mode switch 17. The mode switch 17 further comprises a pair of outlet terminals 35, 36 and a displaceable contact member 37 for selectively connecting the inlet terminal 34 to the outlet terminal 35 and/or the outlet terminal 36. [0021] An externally operable actuator is provided for moving the contact member 37. [0022] The outlet terminal 35 is connected to one side of a motor of the pump 20, the other side of the motor being connected to the neutral conductor N of the supply cable 22. The outlet terminal 36 is connected to one side of the brush motor 27, the other side of the brush motor 27 being connected to the neutral conductor N of the supply cable 22. [0023] In use, the user firstly has to actuate the main switch 16, which then energises the heating element 31 of the steam generator 21, so that the steam generator 21 is always at the required temperature and ready for use. The user is able to select the desired mode of cleaning by turning the mode switch 17 to the appropriate position to provide the steam cleaning mode and/or the dry sweeping mode. It will be appreciated that the selected mode(s) will not be provided until the user grasps the handle 13 and operates the trigger 15 to actuate the switch 33 which is connected in series with the mode switch 34. In this manner, the user is able to simply activate and de-activate the cleaning mode by operating the trigger. [0024] In an alternative embodiment, the motor 27 may be the motor of a fan unit of a vacuum cleaner. In a further embodiment, the mode switch 17 may be configured so that only one mode of cleaning or the other can be provided.
6 [0025] A floor cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is uncomplicated in construction and allows the user to activate and de activate the cleaning functions without having to move their hand from the hand grip. [0026] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1. A floor cleaning apparatus including means for providing a first cleaning mode, means for providing a second cleaning mode, a switch operable to select the first and/or second cleaning mode, an upstanding handle, and a switch disposed adjacent the upper end of the handle which can be actuated to operate the cleaner in accordance with the selected mode(s).
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the handle switch is connected in series with the mode switch and a pair of power conductors which feed power to the appliance.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which said first mode comprises a steam-cleaning mode provided by a steam generator.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which a main switch is provided in series with the handle switch and the conductors, the main switch being arranged to apply power to the handle switch and to heating element of the steam generator.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second cleaning mode comprises a dry cleaning mode.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mode switch has first and second configurations for providing the first and second modes respectively.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, in which the mode switch further includes a third configuration for providing said first and said second modes simultaneously.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which said mode switch also actuates said main switch when at least one of the modes is selected. 8
9. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the mode switch is arranged to connect a pump and/or a motor in series with the conductors in order to respectively provide said first and second modes of cleaning. HOOVER LIMITED By its Patent Attorneys ARMOUR IP P2094AU00
AU2013209342A 2012-07-27 2013-07-25 Floor cleaning apparatus Abandoned AU2013209342A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1213400.3 2012-07-27
GB1213400.3A GB2504472C (en) 2012-07-27 2012-07-27 Floor cleaning apparatus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2013209342A1 true AU2013209342A1 (en) 2014-02-13

Family

ID=46881268

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2013209342A Abandoned AU2013209342A1 (en) 2012-07-27 2013-07-25 Floor cleaning apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20140053363A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2689704B1 (en)
CN (1) CN103565369B (en)
AU (1) AU2013209342A1 (en)
GB (1) GB2504472C (en)

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CN104148318A (en) * 2014-08-18 2014-11-19 鲁辰超 Cleaning machine integrating steam cleaning with air drying
CN104224061B (en) * 2014-09-11 2016-08-31 苏州德易仕清洁科技有限公司 A kind of steam mop
CN104545712A (en) * 2015-01-12 2015-04-29 余姚市吉佳电器有限公司 Steam cleaner steam control device
CN108829098A (en) * 2018-05-31 2018-11-16 北京智行者科技有限公司 A kind of monitoring method
CN108634879A (en) * 2018-06-13 2018-10-12 芜湖金智王机械设备有限公司 Paddle-type air sweeper
CN112057002A (en) 2019-06-10 2020-12-11 康塔有限公司 Floor cleaning device
CN110338720A (en) * 2019-08-19 2019-10-18 苏州诚河清洁设备有限公司 Wet type cleaning equipment
AU2022291569A1 (en) 2022-01-10 2023-07-27 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus with steam
US11986139B2 (en) 2022-02-02 2024-05-21 Bissell Inc. Extraction cleaner with steam
US11730335B1 (en) 2022-03-25 2023-08-22 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus with steam

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US6681442B2 (en) * 2001-05-21 2004-01-27 The Hoover Company Apparatus and method for cleaning a surface
US6842942B2 (en) * 2001-09-18 2005-01-18 The Hoover Company Nozzle assembly removal arrangement
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AU2006200644B2 (en) * 2005-02-17 2010-09-16 Bissell Inc. Surface cleaning apparatus with cleaning fluid supply
KR100662642B1 (en) * 2005-06-22 2007-01-02 삼성광주전자 주식회사 Vacuum cleaner with water cleaning function
US20090064447A1 (en) * 2007-09-07 2009-03-12 Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd. Steam vacuum cleaner
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CN102159125B (en) * 2008-04-03 2015-06-17 创科地板护理技术有限公司 Floor cleaning device with multiple agitators
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AU2010201890B8 (en) * 2009-05-12 2014-07-17 Bissell Inc. Upright steam mop sweeper

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20140053363A1 (en) 2014-02-27
GB201213400D0 (en) 2012-09-12
CN103565369A (en) 2014-02-12
GB2504472B (en) 2015-11-25
EP2689704A1 (en) 2014-01-29
GB2504472C (en) 2018-11-28
CN103565369B (en) 2018-04-10
EP2689704B1 (en) 2016-09-14
GB2504472A (en) 2014-02-05

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
MK1 Application lapsed section 142(2)(a) - no request for examination in relevant period