CN107613829A - Floor Treatment Equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a kind of for cleaning and handling the surface processing equipment on surface, the surface includes but is not limited to cleaning steam floor.Disclosed various embodiments assign user and control the ability that steam is produced or switched between cleaning function by manipulating the axostylus axostyle of surface processing equipment.A kind of floor treating apparatus for being configured to receive the reel of cleaning material is also disclosed, the reel is simultaneously deployed and wound to clean and to dispose.

Description

Floor Treatment Equipment

technical field

The present application relates generally to surface treatment equipment, and more particularly to equipment configured to collect debris with and without steam.

Background technique

Surface preparation equipment is used in homes, offices and elsewhere to treat floors and other surfaces. Various types of surface treatment equipment are known for cleaning carpets, such as equipment with oscillating brushes and/or rotating brushes. Additionally, certain types of surface preparation equipment such as spray equipment with a padding configuration or cleaning equipment with a steam cleaning head can be used to clean hard floors.

Contents of the invention

A surface preparation device comprising a steam cleaning head is disclosed herein. The steam cleaning head includes a plurality of rollers configured to rotate about an axis defined by the cleaning head, and wherein the steam cleaning head is configured to deliver steam. The surface treating head further includes a body pivotally connected to the steam cleaning head and a steam source configured to switch between an open setting and a closed setting in which the steam source Supply steam to the steam cleaning head. The steam source is switched to the on setting when the body is in the first orientation relative to the steam cleaning head. And, when the body is in the second orientation relative to the steam cleaning head, the steam source is switched to the off setting.

In some embodiments, the body is rotatable about a longitudinal axis relative to the steam cleaning head and about a transverse axis relative to the steam cleaning head. In some embodiments, the second orientation of the body is substantially perpendicular to the steam cleaning head. Also, in some embodiments, the first orientation of the body is at an oblique angle to the steam cleaning head. Additionally, in some embodiments, the roller may include a cleaning implement.

Another embodiment disclosed herein includes a surface treating device comprising: a wand including a first end and a second end; a handle connected to the first end of the wand; and a cleaning A roll unit, the cleaning roll unit is attached to the second end of the wand.

The cleaning roll unit includes a clean roll housing and a dirty roll housing, the clean roll housing being configured to receive a roll of cleaning material. In some embodiments, the clean and dirty spool housings are configured to move cleaning material from the clean spool by extending a section of cleaning material between the clean and dirty spool housings. Shells are transferred to dirty roll shells.

The cleaning material may further include a free edge attachable to the dirty roll housing. Also, in some embodiments, the dirty roll housing is removable. In some embodiments, the cleaning roll housing is removable. The surface cleaning appliance may also include a cleaning material advancing mechanism for advancing cleaning material from the clean roll housing to the dirty roll housing. The cleaning material advancement mechanism may include a trigger on the handle of the wand. Also, in some embodiments, the cleaning material may be disposable.

Another embodiment disclosed herein includes a surface treatment device. The surface treating apparatus includes a head including a first cleaning tool; and a second cleaning tool configured to switch between a cleaning position and a standby position in which the second cleaning element is positioned relative to the head Lowered, in the standby position, the second cleaning element is raised relative to the head. The surface treating appliance further includes a shaft pivotally connected to the head. In some embodiments, the second cleaning tool is configured to switch to the cleaning position when the shaft is in a first orientation relative to the head, and wherein the second cleaning tool is configured to switch to the cleaning position when the shaft is in a second orientation relative to the head. Switch to alternate position when oriented. The shaft is configured to rotate relative to the head about a longitudinal axis and relative to the head about a transverse axis. Also, in some embodiments, the first orientation of the shaft relative to the body and the second orientation of the shaft relative to the body are 180 degrees apart.

In some embodiments, the second cleaning implement includes a brush guard. In further embodiments, the second cleaning implement comprises a brushroll. In some embodiments, suction may be generated across the brushroll into the head.

In some embodiments, the surface treating appliance further includes a motor configured to operate when the shaft is in the first orientation and configured not to operate when the shaft is in the second orientation. In some embodiments, the surface treating appliance further includes a vacuum configured to generate suction when the shaft is in the first orientation and configured not to generate suction when the shaft is in the second relative orientation.

Description of drawings

Figures 1-1f are schematic diagrams illustrating exemplary embodiments of surface treatment equipment according to the present application;

Figures 2a-2d are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a steam roller system of the surface treatment apparatus shown in Figures 1-1f according to the present application;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an actuation mechanism for generating and applying steam using the surface treatment apparatus shown in Figures 1-1f according to the present application;

4-4d are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a drive mechanism for driving the steam roller system of FIGS. 2-2d according to the present application.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of a surface treatment device according to the present application.

6A is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus with a cleaning roll, according to an embodiment of the present application.

6B is an exploded perspective view of a cleaning roll unit having a clean roll housing and a dirty roll housing of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 6A , according to an embodiment of the present application.

7A is a perspective view of a cleaning roll housing including a cleaning material roll, according to an embodiment of the present application.

7B is a perspective view of a cleaning web unrolled from a cleaning web housing, according to an embodiment of the present application.

8 is a trigger on a handle of a surface cleaning appliance for advancing cleaning material, according to an embodiment of the application.

Figure 9 illustrates the disposal of used cleaning materials according to an embodiment of the present application.

10 is a perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus having a cleaning roll and a cleaning fluid reservoir according to an embodiment of the present application.

11 is a perspective view of a docking station for the surface cleaning appliance shown in FIG. 10 .

12 is a perspective view of the surface cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 10 in the docking station shown in FIG. 11 .

13 is a perspective view of a cleaning roll cassette according to an embodiment of the present application.

14A and 14B are perspective views illustrating the stick being attached to the cleaning roll cassette shown in FIG. 13 .

Figure 15 is a side view of the cleaning roll cartridge shown in Figure 13 attached to the wand.

Figure 16 is a side view of two embodiments of a cleaning roll cassette according to the present application.

17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a cleaning material advancement mechanism for advancing cleaning material in a surface cleaning appliance, according to an embodiment of the present application.

19 is a realistic view illustrating a prototype of a surface cleaning apparatus with a cleaning roll according to an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 20 illustrates an embodiment of a surface treating appliance with its body in a first orientation relative to the head.

Figure 21 illustrates an embodiment of a surface treating device with its body in a second orientation relative to the head.

Figure 22 shows an embodiment of a surface treating appliance with its second cleaning tool in a cleaning position.

Figure 23 shows an embodiment of a surface treating appliance with its second cleaning tool in a standby position.

detailed description

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the presently disclosed embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Example embodiments will now be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and illustrate example embodiments in which they may be practiced. As used in this application and the appended claims, the terms "embodiment", "example embodiment" and "exemplary embodiment" do not necessarily refer to a single embodiment, although they may and various example embodiments may readily combined and interchanged without departing from the scope or spirit of the example embodiments. Still further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing example embodiments only and is 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" may include the singular and plural references. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "by" can also mean "from" according to the context. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "if" can also mean "when" or "once" according to the context. Further, as used herein, the term "and/or" may refer to and include any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a cleaning apparatus that may be used to clean or otherwise treat floor surfaces, such as carpet and/or hard floors. It should be understood that the cleaning devices described herein may also be used as treatment devices that treat or operate on surfaces to perform one or more functions other than cleaning.

As illustrated, a cleaning appliance (or surface treating appliance) 100 may include a shaft portion 101 , a body portion 103 and a steam cleaning head 105 . Shaft portion 101 may include a handle 102 and a fluid canister 104 . Shaft portion 101 may be made of aluminum, polycarbonate, or other materials. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the shaft portion 101 may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that a user can see through the shaft portion 101 and determine the amount of fluid remaining in the shaft portion 101 . Shaft portion 101 may also be a solid color. As illustrated in FIG. 1 a , in one embodiment, the fluid canister 104 may extend into an interior portion of the handle 102 . In another embodiment, the handle 102 may be removably connected to the fluid tank 104 as shown in FIG. 1f.

By utilizing the shaft portion 101 to store fluid, the steam applicator 101 can store large amounts of fluid while maintaining a streamlined design, which enables the steam applicator 100 to operate for long periods of time without refilling.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 b , the shaft portion 101 may include a fluid inlet 106 for receiving fluid into the fluid tank 104 . In one embodiment, the fluid inlet 106 may be located on the handle 102 of the shaft. In another embodiment, the fluid inlet 106 may be located on the fluid storage tank 104 . The fluid inlet 106 may also be located at many other locations on the shaft portion 101 .

In one embodiment, a screw cap may be used to seal the fluid inlet 106 when the steam applicator is in use. Also, as can be appreciated, various other sealing elements may be used to seal the fluid inlet 106 . As illustrated in FIG. 1 c , in one embodiment the fluid inlet 106 is enclosed inside a cavity on the surface of the shaft portion 101 with an inlet cover 107 hinged to the shaft portion 101 . The inlet cover protects the inlet 106 from damage when the steam applicator is in use. Other attachment mechanisms may also be used to attach the access cover 107 to the shaft portion 101 or the handle 102 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1d , in one embodiment, the shaft portion 101 may be illuminated by a lighting system 108 . Illumination system 108 may be located at an end portion of shaft portion 101 and positioned to direct colored light through shaft portion 101 . In other embodiments, the lighting system 108 may be located elsewhere on the steam applicator. When the steam applicator 100 is low on fluid, the lighting system 108 can be controlled to illuminate, thereby reminding the user to refill the fluid tank 104 . In one embodiment, the lighting system 108 may include multiple LEDs operable to emit light of different colors. Different ones of the plurality of LEDs may be illuminated depending on the amount of fluid present in the fluid tank 104 . In an alternative embodiment, the shaft portion 101 has a fluid gauge (not shown) that measures the amount of fluid in the fluid tank 104 . The gauge can be read by a user to determine the amount of fluid in the fluid tank 104 . In another embodiment, the shaft portion 101 may include a digital display (not shown) indicating the amount of fluid in the fluid tank 104 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1 e , in one embodiment, the shaft portion 101 may be removably connected to the body portion 103 . This enables the shaft portion 101 to be removed so that the fluid tank can be conveniently filled with fluid at a water source (not shown), such as a tap. In one embodiment, the shaft portion 101 may include a shaft outlet 110 . When the shaft portion 101 is connected to the main body portion 103 , the shaft outlet 110 allows water to flow from the fluid tank 104 to the main body portion 103 . The shaft portion 101 may include a valve (not shown) that seals the shaft outlet 110 . In one embodiment, the valve can be manually actuated. In another embodiment, the valve may be automatically actuated by mechanical means that close the valve when the shaft portion 101 is removed from the body portion 103 and when the shaft portion 101 is connected to the body portion 103 This mechanism opens the valve. The shaft outlet 110 may be connected to the main body portion 103 by a dry-break coupling to prevent leakage of fluid when the steam applicator is in use. As can be appreciated, a number of locking mechanisms may be used to secure the shaft portion 101 to the body portion 103 . In one embodiment, the shaft portion 101 may be detached from the body portion 103 using a push button release mechanism (not shown).

In another embodiment, a base (not shown) connects the shaft portion 101 to the body portion. In this embodiment, the fluid tank 104 may be removably attached to the base while the handle 102 is permanently attached to the base. In this way, the fluid canister 104 can be removed from the steam applicator to fill with fluid. As can be appreciated, a variety of locking mechanisms may be used to secure the shaft portion 101 to the body portion 103 and base. A push button release mechanism (not shown) may be used to detach the shaft portion 101 from the body portion 104 and base; however, various other methods may also be employed.

Referring to FIG. 1 f , in one embodiment, the handle 102 may be removably connected to the fluid canister 104 and a fluid inlet 106 may be provided in the interface between the fluid canister 104 and the handle 102 . The fluid inlet 106 may be closed by the handle 102 when the steam applicator is in use and the handle 102 is connected to the fluid tank 104 . When the handle 102 is detached from the fluid canister 104, the fluid inlet 106 can be exposed for more refilling. As can be appreciated, various means may be employed to removably connect the handle 102 to the fluid tank 104 . Fluid inlet 106 may be sealed using a screw cap or various other devices. In one embodiment, fluid tank 104 may be filled via a retractable funnel hose (not shown) attached to fluid tank 104 that is extendable to a fluid source.

In one embodiment, the body portion 103 may include an end portion operable to connect to the shaft portion 101, a shaft inlet (not shown) to receive fluid from the shaft, a heating element (not shown) to convert the fluid to steam. shown) and an outlet for injecting steam (not shown). In one embodiment, the main body 103 further includes a pump (not shown) to force the steam out from the steam outlet. The main body 103 may also have a mode selector (not shown) so that the user can select the flow rate of steam expressed through the steam outlet. In one embodiment, the body portion 103 responds to manual downward pressure applied by the user to increase the rate of vapor flow through the outlet.

As shown in FIG. 1 g , in one embodiment, the body portion 103 and the shaft portion 101 can be removed from the steam cleaning head 105 as a unit to form a lift-away precision steam applicator 112 . Steam can then be expressed through steam outlet 114 directly onto the surface being cleaned. Steam release may be actuated by a trigger, button, manual press or other release mechanism known in the art. In one embodiment, the handle 102 may be configured to allow a user to use a pumping action to pressurize steam through the steam outlet 114 . As can be appreciated, a number of lock and release mechanisms may be used to connect and detach lift-off precision steam applicator 112 to and from steam cleaning head 105, including but not limited to Lever or button release mechanism.

In one embodiment, the steam cleaning head 105 may comprise a mop, such as a single-sided mop, a double-sided mop, or a double-sided pocket mop. In another embodiment, steam cleaning head 105 may comprise a steam roller. As can be appreciated, various steam cleaning heads can be incorporated into the device.

In one embodiment, steam cleaning head 105 may include a steam roller 200 as shown in FIG. 2 . As shown in FIG. 2 a , the steam roller 200 may include a double roller 210 . The double rollers 210 are supported by a yoke 212 . In one embodiment, the twin rollers 210 are concealed by a protective cover 214 as shown in FIG. 2b. The twin rollers 210 may be configured to rotate about substantially parallel axes in the same rotational direction or in opposite directions.

In one embodiment, the twin rollers 210 are formed in a tubular structure with perforations. As shown in FIG. 2 c , one or both of the twin rollers 210 may include a cleaning pad 216 on the exterior of the twin rollers 210 . Microfiber or many other materials may be used to form cleaning pad 216 . Different types of materials can be used for the cleaning pad 216 for different cleaning tasks such as dusting, buffing, buffing, scrubbing, large area grouting, and steaming. In one embodiment, the cleaning pad 216 is joined to the twin rollers 210 in a helical fashion to create a continuous rolling cleaning process as the steam applicator 100 rolls across the surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the steam applicator 100 may include a suction source between the twin rollers 210 . And in another embodiment, the steam cleaning head 105 also includes a switching valve (not shown) that directs the steam either to the twin rollers 210 or to the space between the twin rollers 210 . As can be appreciated, various control mechanisms may be used to control the shift valve between the positions, including but not limited to levers, buttons, and switches.

In one embodiment, the yoke 212 includes a retractable roller holder 218 so that the dual rollers 210 can be removed for cleaning or maintenance. Various other mechanisms may also be used to detach and attach the rollers to the yoke 212, including a push button release on the shaft portion 101 or handle 102, as in Figures 2d and 2e as shown. In one embodiment, cleaning pad 216 is removable from dual roller 210 for cleaning or replacement.

The steam roller 200 may include a steam inlet (not shown) that receives steam from the main body 103 and a steam outlet (not shown) that sprays steam onto a cleaning surface. In one embodiment, the steam roller 200 may include a plurality of steam outlets (not shown). And in another embodiment, steam outlets may be positioned proximate to marked areas on the surface of the dual roller 210 to assist the user in applying steam to the cleaning surface.

In one embodiment, steam expression is actuatable by a trigger (not shown). In another embodiment, steam expression is actuatable by a switch (not shown). As can be appreciated, many different actuation mechanisms may be used to actuate the steam expression. The actuation means may be located anywhere on the steam applicator, including but not limited to the main body portion 103 or the shaft portion 101 (eg, the handle 102).

In one embodiment, both the steam roller 210 and the flow of steam release are controllable by adjusting the downward pressure on the steam applicator 100 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a. In Figure 3, the steam application device is in the closed position. And in Fig. 3a, the steam applicator is in the working position. The greater the downward pressure, the more steam is released via the steam outlet 310 . Also, in one embodiment, the steam injection via the steam outlet 310 may be generated by downward pressure on the steam applicator 100 .

In one embodiment, movement of the steam application device 100 is manually driven. In an alternative embodiment, movement of the application device is motorized. As can be appreciated, the motor may be powered by a variety of means including, but not limited to, battery power or an electrical power source. In one embodiment, the steam application device comprises a semi-automatic cord rewind.

In one embodiment, the movement of the twin rollers 210 may be assisted by a twin gear mechanism 410 as shown in Figures 4, 4a, 4b and 4d. The gear mechanism 410 can be driven clockwise, counterclockwise in opposite directions or in the same direction. In one embodiment, the gear ratios may be designed with front and rear differentials to provide easier steering. In one embodiment, gear mechanism 410 is motorized. As can be appreciated, the gear mechanism 410 may be powered by a variety of sources including, but not limited to, batteries or an electrical power source. And as illustrated in FIG. 4 c , one embodiment includes a protective cover 414 to conceal the twin rollers 210 . In another embodiment, the steam roller 200 includes a hinged steam delivery port on the side of the double roller 210 opposite the gear mechanism 410 . In one embodiment, activation of the gear mechanism 410 may be synchronized with output of steam to the steam cleaning head 105 .

As illustrated in FIG. 5 , in one embodiment, a steam application device 500 may include a shaft 501 and a steam cleaning head 505 . Shaft 501 includes handle 502 and fluid tank 504 . In this embodiment, the steam application device 500 may be similar to the steam application device 100 except that it does not have a main body. In one embodiment, a heating element (not shown) may be located in the steam cleaning head 505 . The steam head may also have at least one steam outlet (not shown). In one embodiment, a pump (not shown) may be located in the steam cleaning head 505 to force steam out the steam outlet. The pump can be driven manually. In another embodiment, the pump is motorized.

Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B , a surface cleaning appliance (or surface treating appliance) 1000 according to embodiments disclosed herein includes a wand 1100 coupled to a cleaning roll unit 1200 . The cleaning roll unit 1200 includes a cleaning material roll that unrolls to present an unused section of cleaning material, as will be described in more detail below. The wand 1100 is a generally elongated structure having a handle 1120 at one end 1102 (which may be referred to as a first end) and a cleaning roll at the other end 1101 (which may be referred to as a second end) Cartridge unit 1200. The wand 1100 may be pivotally coupled to the cleaning roll unit 1200 using a pivot or swivel joint 1210 .

In this embodiment, the cleaning roll unit 1200 includes a base 1220 that receives a clean roll housing 1300 containing a cleaning material roll 1321 and a dirty roll housing 1400 containing used cleaning material 1420 . Section 1330 of cleaning material 1320 extends across the bottom region of cleaning roll unit 1200 (FIG. 6A) to clean surfaces such as hard surfaces. Base 1220 includes cleaning material support 1280 for supporting section 1330 of cleaning material 1320 . The cleaning roll housing 1300 is removably retained in the base 1220, eg by means of an engagement member 1240 axially engaged with the housing 130, thereby allowing the cleaning material roll to be replaced. In this embodiment, the used material 1420 is wound around a winding shaft 1460 which may be removably retained in the base 1220, for example by means of an engagement member 1260 axially engaging the winding shaft 1460 , thereby allowing used cleaning material to be removed for disposal. Alternatively or additionally, the dirty roll housing 1400 may be removed from the cleaning roll unit 1200 in order to dispose of the used cleaning material.

As shown in more detail in FIGS. 7A and 7B , cleaning roll housing 1300 includes an exit region 1340 (eg, a slot) that allows cleaning material 1320 to pass through as it is unrolled. Cleaning material 1320 may comprise any known or commercially available cleaning cloth or pad, such as an electrostatic dust cloth or pad, a reusable cloth or pad (such as a washable microfiber fabric), or a disposable cloth or pad ( such as paper towels). Cleaning material 1320 may be imparted with a cleaning substance, such as any known or commercially available cleaning chemicals or agents. The cleaning substance may be a wet cleaning substance or may be a dry, water-activated cleaning substance. The cleaning roll housing 1300 may be sold as a box 1310 including a roll 1320 of pre-packaged cleaning material. Alternatively, the cleaning material roll 1320 may be sold separately to fit into the cleaning roll housing 1300 .

The end 1360 of the cleaning material 1320 may engage the winding shaft 1460 in the dirty roll housing 1400 and/or other mechanisms. The cleaning material 1320 may be advanced as needed to reveal the unused section 1330 of the cleaning material 132 while the used cleaning material 1420 is received in the dirty roll housing 1400 . The used cleaning material 1420 may be wound in the dirty roll case 1400 as it is used, may be collected without being wound, or may be cut and removed. Unrolling the roll of cleaning material and presenting an unused section of cleaning material avoids interruptions to replace cleaning pads and extends cleaning time and minimizes user contact with used cleaning material. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the cleaning roll housing 1300 at the front of the cleaning roll unit 1200, the cleaning roll housing 1300 may also be located at the rear.

When pushing the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 across a surface, the unused section 1330 of the cleaning material 1320 may be manually advanced, for example by rotating the winding shaft 1460 in the dirty roll housing 1400 or by friction. Alternatively or additionally, the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 may also include a material advancing mechanism for advancing the unused section 1330 of the cleaning material 1320 . The material advancing mechanism may comprise known mechanisms for advancing and advancing a sheet of material, such as a ratchet system. The material advancing mechanism may be located on the cleaning roll unit 1200 and may be activated by the user via a trigger 1140 on the handle 1120 (as shown in FIG. 8 ) or other mechanism (e.g., a pedal on the cleaning roll unit 1200). moveable. The material advancing mechanism may also automatically and periodically advance unused sections 1330 during use. One embodiment of the material advancing mechanism is described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 9 , used cleaning material 1420 may be removed from dirty roll housing 1400 for convenient disposal. After all of the cleaning material has been used, the used cleaning material 1420 may be removed from the dirty roll housing 1400 . The used cleaning material 1420 may also be cut and removed before all of the cleaning material has been used, eg, to remove used cleaning material with undesirable odors or bacteria. The cleaning roll unit 1200 may thus include a cutting mechanism for cutting the cleaning material between the used section and the unused section, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning material may include rows of perforations to allow manual cutting and/or include serrated edges that may be used to cut the cleaning material at any location along it.

Referring to FIG. 10 , another embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 5000 according to embodiments of the present application includes a wand 5100 having a cleaning fluid reservoir for delivering a cleaning fluid, such as water or water with a cleaning substance, to the cleaning material. Section 5160. Thus, the surface cleaning device 5000 can be used in both a dry mode and a wet mode, eg, first cleaning with a dry cleaning material and then cleaning with a wet cleaning material. For example, where the cleaning material includes a dry, water-activated cleaning substance, the liquid storage 5160 may deliver water to the cleaning material to activate the cleaning substance. Cleaning fluid may be sprayed on the surface being cleaned during advancement of the cleaning roll unit 5200 such that the cleaning material contacts the cleaning fluid as it moves over the wet surface. The cleaning fluid may also be sprayed or otherwise delivered directly onto the cleaning material as it is pushed out of the cleaning roll housing 5300. Liquid delivery from reservoir 5160 may be automatic, or may be user activated, eg, via trigger 5140 on handle 5120 .

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the docking station 5500 can be used to heat a cleaning fluid (eg, water or water with a cleaning substance) and to transfer the cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid reservoir 5160 on the surface cleaning appliance 5000 . The docking station 5500 may include a docking station storage 5520 containing liquid and a heater for heating the liquid. Docking station 5500 and surface cleaning device 5000 may include fluid connections (eg, ports) that are engaged when surface cleaning device 5000 is docked such that fluid is can be transmitted. The fluid transfer process may be initiated automatically or with a button or other user activation on the docking station 5500 or surface cleaning device 5000 . Using the docking station to heat the water or liquid enables the surface cleaning apparatus 5000 to deliver hot water or hot liquid without having to power the surface cleaning apparatus 5000.

Referring to Figures 13-15, an embodiment of a cleaning roll cassette 8200 is described in more detail. This embodiment of the cleaning roll cassette 8200 includes a clean roll housing 8300 containing a cleaning material roll 8320 and a dirty roll housing 8400 for receiving used cleaning material. A cleaning material support 8280 extends between the housings 8300, 8400 to support a section of cleaning material during use. The cleaning material may be given a cleaning substance (eg, wet or dry), such as a brand name cleaning substance. Thus, the cleaning roll cartridge 8200 may be sold as a disposable cartridge under known cleaning brands.

As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B , cleaning roll cartridge 8200 may be removably coupled directly to wand 8100 . The wand includes an attachment mechanism 8110 comprising, for example, a member having a protrusion that engages one or both of the housings 8300 , 8400 and/or one or more recesses on the support 8280 .

Figure 16 shows two different embodiments of the cleaning roll cassette 1310, 8200 described above. One embodiment of the cleaning roll cassette 1310 includes only the cleaning roll housing 1300 containing the cleaning material roll, and another embodiment of the cleaning roll cassette 8200 includes the cleaning roll housing 8300 containing the cleaning material roll and an empty cleaning roll housing 8300. Dirty Reel Housing 8400. Cleaning roll cassette 8200 may facilitate disposal of used cleaning materials.

17 and 18 illustrate an embodiment of a material advancing mechanism that may be used to advance cleaning material in the surface cleaning apparatus described herein. In this embodiment, the feed system includes one or more rollers 12620 that feed the cleaning material into the dirty roll housing 12400 and thereby unwind the cleaning material in the clean roll housing 12300 to present the cleaning material unused section of . The cleaning material 12320 can include a molding 12360 configured to be engaged by the feed system. Used material fed into the dirty spool housing may be stored for later disposal. Additionally or alternatively, cutting blade 12700 may be used to cut material for immediate disposal. Dirty roll housing 12400 can also be eliminated so that used cleaning material is cut and removed without storage.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a surface treating device 2000 comprising a steam cleaning head 2010 and a plurality of rollers 2020 . In different embodiments, roller 2020 may comprise different forms, many examples of which are described above. Roller 2020 may be configured to translate steam cleaning head 2010 around the cleaning surface. The roller 2020 is rotatable about an axis 2021 defined by the steam cleaning head 2020 . Steam cleaning head 2010 may be configured to deliver steam to a cleaning surface. In some embodiments, roller 2020 may also include a cleaning tool. As the roller 2020 rolls across the surface, the roller can pick up dirt and debris or scrub the surface. In some embodiments, a removable cleaning pad 2030 may be coupled with the roller. Roller 2020 may be used in conjunction with a steam cleaner, or the roller may comprise a cleaning roll housing as has been described elsewhere in this application. Cleaning pad 2030 may be washable or disposable. Also, as can be appreciated, the cleaning pad 2030 can be composed of many different materials and come in different forms. As can be appreciated, roller 2020 may be removable. Different types of rollers 2020 can be used for different cleaning applications.

The surface treating device 2000 may further include a body 2040 . In some embodiments, body 2040 may be pivotally connected to steam cleaning head 2010 . As can be appreciated, a joint, bracket, swivel device, or other device may be utilized to enable the body 2040 to rotate about the longitudinal axis relative to the steam cleaning head 2020 and pivot along the transverse axis relative to the head. Combining these two axes of rotation just allows the user to rotate the body 2040 with a wide range of motion, thereby giving the user the ability to maneuver the steam cleaning head 2020 into hard to reach areas.

The surface treating facility 2000 may also include a steam generator 2050 . In some embodiments, a steam generator 2050 may be disposed in the body. However, in other embodiments, the steam generator may be located in the head 2010 or elsewhere. As can be appreciated, steam generators can take many different forms.

The steam generator 2050 may have multiple settings corresponding to different steam generation rates. In some embodiments, steam generator 2050 may have two settings. One on setting and one off setting. The steam generator will supply steam when the steam generator 2050 is turned on. When the steam generator is off, the steam generator does not supply steam.

In some embodiments, steam generator 2050 can be switched from an on setting or an off setting by movement of body 2040 . Steam generator 2050 may be configured to turn on when body 2040 is in a first orientation relative to steam cleaning head 2010 . Also, steam generator 2050 may be configured to be turned off when body 2040 is in the second orientation relative to steam cleaning head 2010 . As can be appreciated, the first and second orientations may take different forms in different embodiments. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21 , the body 2040 may be in the first orientation whenever the body 2040 is at an oblique angle relative to the steam cleaning head 2010 . In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20 , the body 2040 may be in a second orientation when the body is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steam cleaning head 2010 . As can be appreciated, the surface treating device 2000 may also include additional orientations corresponding to additional settings of the steam generator 2010 . For example, an embodiment may have a third orientation in which steam generator 2010 produces a jet of steam. Some embodiments may also include an on/off switch disposed at another location of the surface treating appliance 2000 . In some embodiments, an on/off switch may be located on the body or on the handle 2060 . Also, enabling rotation of the body 2040 about the longitudinal and transverse axes allows for various combinations of rotations, which in turn allows for various orientations. Also, these orientations can be used to give the user the ability to control any type of function.

In some embodiments, the roll 2020 of the steam cleaning device 2000 can be configured to include a clean roll housing and a dirty roll housing as described elsewhere in the specification, wherein the roll of cleaning material can be passed through the The segments extend between the rollers 2020 transferring from one roller 2020 to the other.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 , a surface treating appliance 2200 includes a head 2210 that includes a first cleaning tool 2220 and a second cleaning tool 2230 . In different embodiments, the first cleaning tool 2220 may include different forms. In some embodiments, the first cleaning implement may include a cleaning pad. In different embodiments, the second cleaning tool 2230 may include different forms. In some embodiments, the second cleaning tool 2230 may include a brush roll. In some embodiments, suction may be generated through brushroll 2230 into head 2210 . The first cleaning tool 2230 can be configured for one type of floor treatment, and the second cleaning tool 2230 can be configured for another type of floor treatment. For example, the first cleaning tool 2220 may be configured to perform a sweeping or mopping function, while the second cleaning tool 2230 is configured to operate as a dustpan or vacuum. In some embodiments, the first cleaning tool 2220 and the second cleaning tool 2230 may be disposed on opposite ends of the head 2210 . The second cleaning tool 2230 may be configured to switch between a cleaning position as shown in FIG. 22 and a stand-by position as shown in FIG. 23 . When in the cleaning position, the second cleaning tool 2230 is lowered relative to the cleaning head 2210 so that the second cleaning tool can come into contact with the surface to be cleaned or treated. When in the standby position, the second cleaning tool 2230 is raised relative to the head 2210 such that the second cleaning tool does not come into contact with the cleaning surface. In this way, the second cleaning tool 2230 will be positioned such that it does not interfere with the cleaning function of the first cleaning tool 2210 . As can be appreciated, there are many ways to configure the second cleaning tool 2230 such that it can be raised and lowered relative to the head 2310 .

The surface treating appliance 2200 may further include a shaft 2240 pivotally connected to the head 2210 . In some embodiments, shaft 2240 may be configured to pivot relative to head 2210 about a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, shaft 2240 may be configured to pivot relative to head 2210 about a transverse axis. In other embodiments, the shaft 2240 may be able to pivot relative to the head 2210 about a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis. This will give the shaft 2240 a wide range of motion and allow the user to maneuver the head 2210 through the shaft 2240 into hard-to-reach spots.

In some embodiments, second cleaning tool 2230 can be switched between a standby position and a cleaning position by the orientation of shaft 2240 relative to head 2210 . In some embodiments, second cleaning tool 2240 will be configured to switch to a cleaning position when shaft 2240 is in a first orientation relative to head 2210, and second cleaning tool 2240 will be configured to switch to a cleaning position when shaft 2240 is in a first orientation relative to head 2210. 2210 switches to the standby position when in the second orientation. In some embodiments, the first and second orientations of the shaft can be separated by 180 degrees, which is shown in Figures 22 and 23, which show the shaft in the first and second orientations, respectively. Shaft 2240.

As can be appreciated, in some embodiments, the second cleaning tool 2230 can also have additional positions, and the shaft 2240 can have additional orientations to switch between the positions. And enabling the shaft 2240 to rotate about the longitudinal and transverse axes allows for various combinations of rotations, which in turn allows for various orientations.

In some embodiments, surface treating device 2200 may further include a motor 2350 . In some embodiments, motor 2250 may power a vacuuming device. In some embodiments, the motor can be configured to activate when the second cleaning tool 2230 is in the cleaning position. Also, the motor 2250 may be configured to be turned off when the second cleaning tool 2230 is in the stand-by position. The motor 2350 may generate suction into the head 2210 at an opening provided at the second cleaning tool 2230 . In some embodiments, the shaft 2210 can further include a dual-sided handle 2260, with each side of the handle corresponding to the relative orientation of the shaft 2210 and the surface treatment. In this manner, when the shaft 2240 is in the first orientation, the user can use the first cleaning tool 2220 for a first cleaning purpose without interference from the second cleaning tool 2230 and then pivot the shaft 2240 to the second orientation. orientation, which will lower the second cleaning tool 2230 into the cleaning position and activate the motor to allow the user to perform a second cleaning operation. In some embodiments, the second cleaning tool 2230 can comprise a steam mop, and the orientation of the shaft can turn the steam generator on or off.

While various embodiments in accordance with the disclosed principles have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of example embodiments described herein should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claims issuing from this application and their equivalents. Still further, the above advantages and features are provided in described embodiments, but should not limit the application of the issued claims to processes and structures achieving any or all of the above advantages.

Comparing, measuring and timed terms such as "at", "equivalent", "during", "complete", etc. should be understood to mean "substantially at", "substantially equivalent ”, “substantially during”, “substantially complete”, etc., where “substantially” means that such comparisons, measurements, and timings are practicable to achieve the desired result, either implicitly or explicitly. Words such as "surrounding", "near", "near" and "adjacent" referring to the relative position of elements shall mean close enough to have a significant effect on the corresponding system element interaction.

In addition, the section headings of this paper are provided to align with the C.F.R. 37.1.77 recommendation or to otherwise provide organizational clues. These headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) that may be set forth in any claim that issues from this application. Specifically and by way of example, although a heading refers to a "technical field," the claims should not be limited by the language chosen to describe the so-called technical field under this heading. Further, a description of a technology in the "Background" is not to be construed as an admission that the technology is prior art with respect to any invention(s) in this application. Nor is "summary of the invention" to be considered as characteristic of the invention(s) set forth in the issued claims. Further, any reference in this application to "invention" in the singular should not be used to argue that there is only one point of novelty in this application. Multiple inventions may be made according to the definitions of the multiple claims issuing from this application, and these claims accordingly define the invention(s) and their equivalents that are protected thereby. In all cases, the scope of these claims should be considered on their own merits, but should not be limited by the headings herein, in light of this application.

Claims (20)

1. A surface treatment device comprising: A steam cleaning head comprising: a plurality of rollers configured to rotate about an axis defined by the cleaning head, and wherein the steam cleaning head is configured to deliver steam; a body pivotally connected to the steam cleaning head; and a steam source configured to switch between the following settings: an ON setting at which the steam source supplies steam to the steam cleaning head; and turn off settings; and wherein the steam source is switched to the on setting when the body is in a first orientation relative to the steam cleaning head, and when the body is in a second orientation relative to the steam cleaning head , the steam source is switched to the off setting. 2. The surface treating appliance of claim 1, wherein the body is rotatable relative to the steam cleaning head about a longitudinal axis and relative to the steam cleaning head about a transverse axis. 3. The surface treating appliance of claim 1, wherein the second orientation of the body is substantially perpendicular to the steam cleaning head. 4. The surface treating appliance of claim 3, wherein the first orientation of the body is at an oblique angle relative to the steam cleaning head. 5. The surface treating appliance of claim 1, wherein the roller can comprise a cleaning implement. 6. A surface treatment device comprising: a rod comprising a first end and a second end; a handle connected to the first end of the rod; a cleaning roll unit connected to the second end of the wand and comprising: a cleaning roll housing configured to receive a roll of cleaning material; and Dirty reel housing; wherein the clean and dirty roll housings are configured to separate the clean and dirty roll housings by extending the section of cleaning material between Clean material is transferred from the clean roll housing to the dirty roll housing. 7. The surface treating appliance of claim 6, wherein the cleaning material further includes a free edge attachable to the second dirty roll housing. 8. The surface treating appliance of claim 6, wherein the dirty reel housing is removable. 9. The surface treating appliance of claim 6, wherein the cleaning roll housing is removable. 10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a cleaning material advancing mechanism for advancing the cleaning material from the cleaning roll housing to the cleaning material advancing mechanism. Dirty roll housing. 11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cleaning material advancing mechanism includes a trigger on the handle of the wand. 12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the cleaning material is disposable. 13. A surface treatment device comprising: header, which includes: first cleaning tool; a second cleaning tool that switches between the following positions: a cleaning position in which the second cleaning element is lowered relative to the head; with a standby position in which the second cleaning element is raised relative to the head; a shaft pivotally connected to the head; and wherein the second cleaning tool is configured to switch to the cleaning position when the shaft is in a first orientation relative to the head, and wherein the second cleaning tool is configured to switch to the cleaning position when the shaft Switching to the standby position when in the second orientation relative to the head. 14. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, wherein the shaft is configured to rotate relative to the head about a longitudinal axis and relative to the head about a transverse axis. 15. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, wherein the first orientation of the shaft relative to the body is separated by 180 from the second orientation of the shaft relative to the body Spend. 16. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, wherein the second cleaning implement comprises a brush guard. 17. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, wherein the second cleaning implement comprises a brushroll. 18. The surface treating appliance of claim 17, wherein suction is generated across the brushroll into the head. 19. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, further comprising a motor configured to operate when the shaft is in the first orientation and configured to operate when the shaft Inoperative in said second orientation. 20. The surface treating appliance of claim 13, further comprising a vacuum configured to generate suction when the shaft is in the first orientation and configured to generate suction when the shaft is in the first orientation. No suction is generated when the shafts are in the second relative orientation.