Cover unit for a steam cleaning unit

Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a cover unit (10) for a steam cleaning unit (100) comprising a first layer (12), a second layer (14) and an intermediate layer (16), wherein the first layer (12) is configured to arrange the cover unit (10) on the 5 steam cleaning unit (100), wherein the second layer (14) is configured to clean a surface (200), wherein the cover unit (10) is configured to receive a steam flow (18) at the first layer (12) and to discharge it at the second layer (14) in order to provide a cleaning performance, wherein the intermediate layer (16) is arranged between the first layer (12) and the second layer (14), and wherein the cover unit 10 (10) is configured to direct the steam flow through the intermediate layer (16) in order to adapt heat transfer between the first layer (12) and the second layer (14). Fig. 1 Abstract 5 10 20 26 20 08 60 05 F eb 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 0 8 6 0 0 5 F e b 2 0 2 6 1 / 2 Fig. 1 Fig. 2 10 14 32 22 16 12 15 13 24 24 26 304 312 310 306 308 302 300 2828 302 14 10 32 306 24 24 308 1 / 2 1 / 2 26 310 13 12 15 312 304 300 20 26 20 08 60 05 F eb 2 02 6 2 0 2 6 2 0 0 8 6 0 0 5 F e b 2 0 2 6 3 0 2 3 2 3 0 6 2 4 2 4 3 0 8 2 6 3 1 0 1 2 3 1 2 3 0 43 0 0

Description

Technical area The invention relates to a cover unit for a steam cleaning unit and a steam cleaning unit. State of the art Currently, there are numerous different solutions for forming covers for steam cleaning units. Due to the increasing number of application scenarios for steam cleaners, the demand for innovative and robust solutions for steam cleaners and their covers is constantly growing. Presentation of the invention With embodiments of the invention, an improved reference / cover unit for a steam cleaning unit can advantageously be provided. The invention is defined in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description. An advantage of the cover unit with the features of claim 1 is that the service life of a steam cleaning unit can be increased before a critical temperature is reached on a floor or surface. This can preferably be achieved by means of an intermediate layer of the cover unit, which delays or adjusts the heat transfer from 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 the steam cleaning unit to the surface being cleaned. Thus, the surface to be cleaned can be protected from excessive heat. Furthermore, the additional manufacturing costs of the cover unit are preferably low. Another advantage is that the cleaning performance of the cover unit remains constant despite the 5 delay in heat transfer. This is achieved according to the invention by the cover unit for a steam cleaning unit having a first layer, a second layer and an intermediate layer, wherein the first layer is configured to arrange the cover unit on the steam cleaning unit, 10 wherein the second layer is configured to clean a surface, wherein the cover unit is configured to receive a steam flow at the first layer and to discharge it at the second layer in order to provide a cleaning performance, wherein the intermediate layer is arranged between the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the cover unit is configured to direct the steam flow through the 15 intermediate layer in order to adapt heat transfer between the first layer and the second layer. In other words, the intermediate layer can be used to adjust the heat transfer between the first layer and the second layer, so that the temperature of the steam 20 flow at the first layer is transferred to the second layer only slowly. This delays the heating of the surface. Preferably, adjusting the heat transfer can mean, in particular, slowing down the heating of the second layer and / or the surface or floor. Preferably, the intermediate layer can be, for example, a polyester material or similar. The polyester material can, for example, have a basis weight of 180 25 g / m2. Preferably, the intermediate layer can have a weave density of, in particular, 180 warp and 110 weft per 10 cm. Preferably, the yarn diameter is also approximately 300 denier. In the extract, the intermediate layer can be, in particular, a thin textile layer. Preferably, the first and second layers can be selected from a variety of materials or similar. For example, the first layer can be 30 made of velour and the second layer at least partially of a microfiber material. Preferably, the first layer, the second layer, and the intermediate layer can be sewn, welded, or glued together, or similarly. Preferably, the intermediate layer 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 can be a dense woven, knitted, nonwoven, or similar material to define or adjust the heat transfer between the first and second layers. The dependent claims preferably describe further developments of the invention. 5 Preferably, the cover unit is configured to set a heating rate of the second layer by means of the intermediate layer if the cover unit is essentially free from relative motion between the surface and the cover unit. 10 One advantage of this design is that, due to the defined heating rate, particularly with a stationary steam cleaner unit, the second layer heats up more slowly. This allows for a delay in heating the floor to be cleaned and also prevents unnecessary stress on the floor. 15 Preferably, the thickness of the intermediate layer is configured to define the heating rate of the second layer. An advantage of this embodiment is that the heating rate of the second layer can be precisely controlled by changing or adjusting the thickness of the intermediate 20 layer. For example, a thicker intermediate layer slows down the heating of the second layer. Even more preferably, the thickness can be selected such that the heating rate of the second layer is slowed to the maximum extent, while maintaining or remaining unchanged the cleaning performance of the steam cleaning unit or the cover unit. 25 A further preferred configuration is a type of fabric designed to define the heating rate of the second layer. An advantage of this embodiment is that, by adapting a type of fabric, such as double-woven or reinforced fabrics, and its weave, the heating rate can be specifically adjusted or defined in order to define the heating 30 behavior of the second layer. 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 Preferably, the thickness of the intermediate layer and / or the type of fabric of the intermediate layer are configured to define a heating rate path over a period of time and a temperature change, wherein the start of the period of time is a point in time at which the cover unit is essentially free from relative motion. 5 One advantage of this embodiment is that, based on the thickness and / or type of fabric in the intermediate layer, it is possible to predict how long it will take for the steam cleaner to heat up a surface or floor when it is stationary. This allows for appropriate countermeasures or similar measures to be taken. 10 Preferably, the first layer has at least a partial velour area which is configured to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection with the steam cleaning unit in order to position the cover unit on the cleaning unit. 15 One advantage of this embodiment is that the cover unit is easy to replace, as a type of Velcro fastener or similar can be formed between the steam cleaning unit and the cover unit. For example, the cover unit may have a velour covering that extends partially or completely over it, or something similar. Preferably, Velcro hooks or similar devices are arranged on the steam cleaning unit to create a 20 positive and / or non-positive connection between the cover unit and the steam cleaning unit. Preferably, the second layer has at least a partial microfiber area designed to provide cleaning performance in conjunction with the steam flow. 25 An advantage of this embodiment is that the microfiber area can also provide an effective mechanical cleaning action in addition to steam cleaning. Preferably, the microfiber area can extend partially or completely over the cover unit, or similarly. Another aspect of the invention relates to a steam cleaning unit comprising a 30 cover unit, as described above and below. 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 Further preferably, the steam cleaning unit has a steam source which is configured to provide a steam flow to the cover unit, wherein the steam cleaning unit is configured to adjust a flow rate of the steam flow based on a user input, wherein the cover unit is configured to adjust the heat transfer between a first 5 layer in the cover unit and a second layer of the cover unit by means of an intermediate layer based on the flow rate of the steam flow. An advantage of this embodiment is that the heating behavior of the second layer in the cover unit can be adjusted depending on the steam flow rate and the design 10 of the intermediate layer. Thus, particularly in locations where low heating power is required, this can be adjusted accordingly by using the cover unit and by adapting the steam flow rate. Furthermore, this can preferably create a synergistic effect that provides high cleaning performance with minimal stress on the surface or floor. 15 Preferably, the steam cleaning unit is designed to maintain a surface for cleaning the second layer within a predetermined temperature range, despite adjustments to the heat transfer between the first layer of the cover unit and the second layer of the cover unit. 20 An advantage of this embodiment is that the surface reaches the necessary temperature for cleaning to achieve the desired cleaning effect, while simultaneously preventing the surface from overheating when the steam cleaning unit is stationary. For example, the predetermined temperature range can be 25 between 70°C and 100°C, and preferably between 80°C and 98°C. All disclosures described above and below with respect to one aspect of the invention shall apply equally to all other aspects of the invention. 30 Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 Drawings Fig. 1 shows a cover unit according to one embodiment. 5 Figures 2 and 3 show a diagram to illustrate how the cover unit works. Fig. 4 shows a cover unit according to one embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a steam cleaning unit according to one embodiment. 10 Embodiments of the invention The figures are schematic only and not to scale. Identical, equivalent, or similar elements with the same reference symbols may be used within the figures. 15 Fig. 1 shows a reference / cover unit 10 according to one embodiment. The cover unit 10 for a steam cleaning unit 100 has a first layer 12, a second layer 14 and an intermediate layer 16, wherein the first layer 12 is configured to arrange the cover unit 10 on the steam cleaning unit 100, wherein the second layer 14 is 20 configured to clean a surface 200, wherein the cover unit 10 is configured to receive a steam flow 18 at the first layer 12 and to discharge it at the second layer 14 in order to provide a cleaning performance, wherein the intermediate layer 16 is arranged between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14, and wherein the cover unit 10 is configured to direct the steam flow through the intermediate layer 25 16 in order to adapt a heat transfer between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. As shown in Fig. 1, the cover unit 10 has a second layer 14 which serves to clean a surface 200. For example, the second layer 14 can have a microfiber area 32 30 to improve cleaning performance. A first sectional view 13 of the cover unit 10 shows the intermediate layer 16, which is arranged between the first layer 12 and the second layer 14. For example, a type of fabric 22 of the intermediate layer 16 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 can be configured to define a heating rate of the second layer 14. As shown in Fig. 1, a second sectional view 15 of the cover unit 10 shows the first layer 12. The first layer 12 serves to enable the cover unit 10 to be positioned on the steam cleaning unit 100. 5 Fig. 2 shows a diagram 300 illustrating the operation of the steam cleaning unit 100 according to one embodiment. The diagram 300 has a first axis 302 on which the temperature is plotted. The diagram 300 also has a second axis 304 on which the time is plotted. Furthermore, the diagram 300 shows four measurement 10 curves 306, 308, 310 and 312. Measurement curves 306 and 308 show a heating rate of a floor without the cover unit 10. Curve 306 represents the heating of the floor or surface 200 at a high steam flow rate. Measurement curve 308 shows the heating of the floor or surface 200 at a low steam flow rate. Both measurement curve 306 and measurement curve 308 are above measurement curve 310, 15 which shows the cover unit 10 at a high steam flow rate. Furthermore, curve 312 shows the heating of the floor when using the cover unit 10 at a lower steam flow rate. Preferably, a thickness 20 of the intermediate layer 16 and / or a type of fabric 22 of the intermediate layer 16 can define or adjust the course of the path 24 of the heating rate over a period 26 and a temperature change 28. Preferably, the 20 time period 26 begins at a point in time when the cover unit is essentially free from relative movement 202. In other words, the measurement curves 306, 308, 310, 312 represent the heating of the floor or surface 200 when the steam cleaning unit is not moving. As can be clearly seen in Fig. 2, the floor or surface 200 heats up significantly more slowly using the cover unit 10 as described above 25 and below, so that a longer dwell time of the steam cleaning unit can be achieved. Fig. 3 shows a diagram 400 according to one embodiment. The diagram 400 has a first axis 402 on which the temperature is plotted. The diagram 400 also has a second axis 404 on which the time is plotted. Measurement curves 406, 408, 410 30 and 412 are shown in Figure 3 and are also preferred. The measurement curves 406, 408, 410 and 412 show the temperature of the second layer 414 when the steam cleaning unit 100 is not moving. As can be seen, the measurement curves 2026200860   05 Feb 2026 406, 408, 410 and 412 are for a predetermined temperature range 110. Measurement curves 406 and 408 are in essentially the same temperature range as measurement curves 410 and 412. Measurement curves 406 and 408 were recorded in a steam cleaning unit 100 without the cover unit 10. Measurement 5 curves 410 and 412 were recorded with a steam cleaning unit 100 with the cover unit 10. Thus, it can be deduced from Fig. 3 that each cleaning performance of the cover unit 10 is essentially constant or similar to that of a steam cleaning unit without a cover unit. 10 Fig. 4 shows a cover unit 10 according to one embodiment. The cover unit 10 comprises a first layer 12, a second layer 14 and an intermediate layer 16. The steam flow 18 impinges on the first layer and is passed through the intermediate layer 16 as well as through the second layer 14. Preferably, the manner in which the heat is transferred from the first layer 12 to the second layer 14 can be 15 adjusted by means of the intermediate layer 16 and, in particular, a thickness 20 and / or a type of fabric 22 of the intermediate layer 16. Preferably, the first layer 12 can have a velour area 30 to allow the cover unit 10 to be positioned against the steam cleaning unit 100. Preferably, the second layer 14 has a microfiber area 32 to improve cleaning performance or, in combination with the steam flow 20 18, to provide the cleaning performance of the cover unit. Fig. 5 shows a steam cleaning unit 100 according to one embodiment. The steam cleaning unit 100 has a steam source 102 which is configured to provide the steam flow 18 for the cover unit 10. Furthermore, the steam flow 18 can be 25 passed through the cover unit 10 in order to achieve cleaning of the surface 200. Preferably, a first layer 12 of the cover unit 10 is arranged on the steam cleaning unit 100. An intermediate layer 16 is arranged between the second layer 14, which can be in contact with the surface 200, in order to enable heat transfer from the first layer 12 to the second layer 14. Preferably, the second layer 14 of the 30 cover unit 10 has a surface 34 for cleaning the surface 200. Preferably, the steam cleaning unit can be guided over the surface 200 to create a relative movement 202.

Claims

2026200860   05 Feb 2026Patent claims1. Cover unit (10) for a steam cleaning unit (100) comprising:-       a first layer (12),5  -      a second layer (14),-      an intermediate layer (16),wherein the first layer (12) is configured to arrange the cover unit (10) on the steam cleaning unit (100), wherein the second layer (14) is configured to clean a surface (200), wherein the cover unit (10) is configured to receive a steam flow10 (18) at the first layer (12) and to discharge it at the second layer (14) in order to provide a cleaning performance, wherein the intermediate layer (16) is arranged between the first layer (12) and the second layer (14), wherein the cover unit (10) is configured to direct the steam flow through the intermediate layer (16) in order to adapt heat transfer between the first layer (12) and the second layer (14).

152. Cover unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cover unit (10) is configured to set a heating rate of the second layer (14) by means of the intermediate layer (16) when the cover unit (10) is substantially free from any relative movement (202) between the surface (200) and the cover unit (10).

203. Cover unit (10) according to claim 2, wherein a thickness (20) of the intermediate layer (16) is configured to define the heating rate of the second layer (14).25 4. Cover unit (10) according to one of claims 2 to 3, wherein a type of fabric (22) is configured to define the heating rate of the second layer (14).

5. Cover unit (10) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the thickness (20) of the intermediate layer (16) and / or the type of fabric (22) of the intermediate layer30 (16) are configured to define a path (24) of the heating rate over a time period (26) and a temperature change (28), wherein a start of the time period (26) is a2026200860   05 Feb 2026time at which the cover unit (10) is substantially free from the relative motion (202).

6. Cover unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first layer 5 (12) has at least a partial velour area (30) which is configured to form a form-fit and / or force-fit connection with the steam cleaning unit (100) in order to arrange the cover unit (10) on the steam cleaning unit (100).

7. Cover unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second 10 layer (14) has at least partially a microfiber area (32) which is configured to provide the cleaning performance in conjunction with the steam flow (18).

8. Steam cleaning unit (100) comprising a cover unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

159. Steam cleaning unit (100) according to claim 8, comprising a steam source 102 which is configured to provide a steam flow 18 to the cover unit (100), wherein the steam cleaning unit (100) is configured to adjust a flow rate of the steam flow (18) based on a user input, wherein the cover unit (10) is configured to adjust the 20 heat transfer between a first layer (12) of the cover unit (10) and a second layer(14) of the cover unit (10) by means of an intermediate layer (16) based on the flow rate of the steam flow (18).

10. Steam cleaning unit (100) according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the steam 25 cleaning unit (100) is configured to maintain a surface (34) for cleaning the second layer (14) in a predetermined temperature range (110) despite the adjustment of the heat transfer between the first layer (12) of the cover unit (10) and the second layer (14) of the cover unit (10).

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