Steam cleaner with controllable heating element

Abstract

Systems, apparatus, and computer-implemented methods for operating a heating element in a steam mop. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides: a battery for providing battery power; a fluid reservoir for holding a liquid; at least a heating element in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; one or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element; and a controller in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, the controller configured to operate in a wireless mode to control the at least one heating element based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors. Controlling and energizing the at least one heating element in a first high power mode and a second low power mode using battery power; wherein the high power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low power mode.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 460,552, filed April 19, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to heating components for electronic steam cleaners, and more particularly to thick-film steam cookers optimized for corded or cordless steam mops. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will be readily understood with the aid of the following detailed description and reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in the drawings:

[0005] Figure 1 A cleaning apparatus according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0006] Figures 2A-2G Various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0007] Figures 3A-3B Various views of a cylindrical (tubular) thick-film cooker according to several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0008] Figure 4 An exploded view of the components of a thick-film cooker according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0009] Figure 5A and 5B Various views of a cylindrical thick-film cooker with an NTC temperature control resistor according to several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0010] Figure 6A and 6B A steam mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 7 illustrates an ultrasonic sprayer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 8 A flowchart 800 illustrating operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0013] Figure 9 A block diagram of a computing device for a cleaning apparatus including a thick-film cooker system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] While the following detailed description will reference illustrative embodiments, numerous alternatives, modifications, and variations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Figure 1 One example of a cleaning device 100 according to the present disclosure is generally shown. The cleaning device 100 can include, but is not limited to, a steam cleaner and / or mop, a robotic steam mop, a vacuum cleaner including a steam mop, etc. The cleaning device 100 can include a main body 102 and a steam nozzle (also referred to as a steam head) 104. The steam nozzle 104 can be configured to dispense steam to a surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor 110), for example, through a steam pad 105. The steam head 105 can also include an agitator assembly (not shown) that is generally configured to scrub and loosen dirt and debris on the surface 110 to be cleaned. Optionally, the cleaning device 100 can include a handle 106 and a hinge and / or connector 108. The handle 106 can be configured to allow a user to manipulate the cleaning device 100 across the surface 110 to be cleaned. The handle 106 can optionally include one or more user controls 112 (e.g., but not limited to, one or more buttons, switches, displays, etc.) that are configured to allow a user to control one or more functions of the cleaning device 100. The connector 108 can be configured to allow the steam nozzle 104 to move relative to the main body 102 and / or the handle 106. For example, the connector 108 can include a universal joint or the like.

[0016] The cleaning device 100 can include one or more fluid reservoirs 116. The fluid reservoirs 116 can be configured to hold an amount of a liquid, such as, but not limited to, water, a cleaning agent, and / or a disinfectant. In at least one example, the cleaning device 100 can include a first fluid reservoir configured to hold an amount of water and a second (or more) fluid reservoir configured to hold an amount of a cleaning agent or disinfectant.

[0017] The fluid reservoir 116 can include one or more fluid inlets 118 for receiving and storing fluid within the fluid reservoir 116, as well as one or more fluid outlets 120. The fluid outlets 120 can be fluidically coupled to one or more thick film heating elements 122, for example, as shown by the liquid flow path 121. As explained herein, the thick film heating elements 122 can be configured to heat fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 to produce a gaseous fluid (e.g., steam), as generally shown by the gas flow path 123. It should be appreciated that the gas flow path 123 can include only gas (e.g., only steam), or can include both gas (e.g., steam) and liquid (e.g., liquid water). The steam 123 can then flow from the thick film heating elements 122 to the steam nozzle 104, and optionally through one or more steam pads 105. Optionally, one or more controllable flow regulators 124 can be provided between the fluid outlets 120 and the thick film heating elements 122. The controllable flow regulators 124 can include one or more controllable valves and / or pumps (mechanical or electric). In some examples, liquid can be gravity fed from the fluid reservoir 116 to the thick film heating elements 122.

[0018] In at least one example, the one or more fluid reservoirs 116 can be fluidically coupled (e.g., selectively fluidically coupled) to one or more of the thick film heating elements 122. Alternatively, as an example, a first fluid reservoir (e.g., a water reservoir) can be fluidically coupled (e.g., selectively fluidically coupled) to one or more of the thick film heating elements 122, and a second fluid reservoir (e.g., a cleaning or sanitizing agent) can be fluidically coupled to one or more separate dispensing outlets (e.g., but not limited to a nozzle or the like) configured to dispense the cleaning or sanitizing agent separately from the gas flow path 123.

[0019] The cleaning apparatus 100 can also include a controller circuit 126 generally configured to control operation of the thick film heating element(s) 122 and / or the flow regulators 124, as described below. For example, the controller 126 can regulate the flow rate of a pump and / or the position of a valve to regulate the amount of liquid provided to the thick film heating elements 122.

[0020] The controller 126 can also regulate the power provided to the thick film heating element(s) 122. For example, the controller 126 can switch between a DC power source 128 (e.g., one or more rechargeable batteries) and / or an AC power source 130. The controller 126 can be configured to selectively provide power to one or more particular thick film heating elements 122 based on the power source being used. For example, when operating on a DC power source, the controller 126 can provide power to low power thick film heating elements 122, thereby extending the battery life of the DC power source. Alternatively, when operating on an AC power source, the controller 126 can provide power to high power thick film heating elements 122 (and optionally low power thick film heating elements 122), thereby providing maximum steam output.

[0021] The controller 126 can regulate the power provided to the thick film heating elements 122 based at least in part on the output of one or more temperature sensors 132 coupled to the one or more thick film heating elements 122. In some embodiments, additional sensors can be used, such as motion sensors, water level sensors, floor type sensors, dirt detection sensors, etc., which can be located anywhere within or on the cleaning device 100 (e.g., but not limited to, within the fluid reservoir 116, the handle 106, the body 102, and / or the steam nozzle 104).

[0022] The one or more thick film heating elements 122 can be configured to provide a desired power density (e.g., up to 50 W / cm 2 ) and / or a desired operating temperature (e.g., on the order of 350 °C). The thick film heating elements 122 can also be configured for direct liquid heating or contact heating of flat surfaces, have electrical intensities up to several kW, are mechanically stable, and are composed of a self-supporting steel substrate. In addition, the thick film heating elements 122 can be applied to holes, screws, nuts, welds, simple applications of any flat shape; and do not absorb moisture. Examples of the one or more thick film heating elements 122 are described in more detail below.

[0023] One or more of the temperature sensors 132 can include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor. As is well known, NTC resistors generally change resistance as a function of temperature. The NTC resistor can be embedded within the one or more thick film heating elements 122. For example, the NTC resistor can include an NTC thermistor integrated within the thick film heating element 122. In addition, the NTC thermistor can be configured to improve the time for the thick film boiler system to transition between a first mode (e.g., a high power mode) and a second mode (e.g., a low power mode).

[0024] In embodiments, the one or more temperature sensors 132 can include a first thermostat 132A configured to operate at a first temperature and a second thermostat 132B configured to operate at a second temperature. For example, the first thermostat 132A can be configured to detect a temperature of the liquid at (or near) the thick-film heating element(s) 122 and transmit data corresponding to the detected temperature to the controller 126. Further, the first thermostat 132A can be configured to operate (i.e., close the power circuit) when the temperature of the liquid is below a first maximum temperature. Similarly, the second thermostat 132A can be configured to detect a temperature of the liquid at (or near) the thick-film heating element(s) 122 and transmit data corresponding to the detected temperature to the controller 126. The second thermostat 132B can be configured to operate (i.e., close the power circuit) when the temperature of the liquid is less than the first maximum temperature and / or greater than the first maximum temperature. When the one or more temperature sensors are operating, the cleaning apparatus 100 can experience improved efficiency due to regulation, for example, by using less battery power and processing resources when the temperature of the liquid does not exceed a temperature threshold.

[0025] In embodiments, the first temperature can correspond to a first maximum temperature that is 50% less than a second maximum temperature that can correspond to the second temperature.

[0026] In embodiments, the one or more thick-film heating elements 122 can include a two-dimensional composite layer including at least one base layer as a base layer, a heater track layer on top of the base layer, and / or an enamel protective layer on top of the heater track layer.

[0027] According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 2A to 2G Various embodiments of a thick-film heater element 200 are shown.

[0028] In embodiments, the thick-film heater element 200 (e.g., the one or more thick-film heating elements 122) can include a flat, circular thick-film heating element 210 Figure 2A ), a semi-circular thick-film element 220 Figure 2B ), a rounded square thick-film heating element 230 Figure 2C ), a square thick-film heating element 240 Figure 2D ), a rectangular thick-film heating element 250 Figure 2E ), and a tubular thick-film heating element 260, 270 Figure 2F and 2G ). Figures 2A-2E The thick-film heating elements can be used to indirectly heat a liquid, for example, Figures 2A-2E The thick-film heating elements can be placed on or near a separate fluid container (not shown) that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, and / orFigures 2A-2E A thick film heating element of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 8, 1 1 1, 1 1 1 can be placed on or near the fluid reservoir 1 16 to provide heating of the liquid. In the examples of 2F and 2G, the tubular heating element 260 / 270 can receive the liquid to be directly heated within the tubular structure. In embodiments, the thick film heating element 200 can be configured to provide high performance with a capacity of up to 50 W / cm2 2 of high power density. Furthermore, the thick film heating element 200 can be configured to withstand and endure high operating temperatures of up to 350°C. Furthermore, the thick film heating element 200 can also be configured for direct liquid heating or contact heating of flat surfaces, with electrical intensities of up to several kW, be mechanically stable and be composed of a self-supporting steel substrate. Furthermore, the thick film heating element 200 can be applied to holes, screws, nuts, welds, simple applications of any flat shape; and can be configured to reduce moisture absorption.

[0029] Figures 3A to 3B Various views of a cylindrical (tubular) thick film boiler 300 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0030] In embodiments, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 can include an inlet 310 (e.g., a receiving inlet) configured to receive liquid and an outlet 320 (e.g., a dispensing outlet) configured to dispense liquid through a body of the cylindrical thick film heater 300. For example, the inlet 310 can receive liquid from a reservoir or tank in fluid communication with the cylindrical thick film heater 300. Furthermore, for example, the outlet 320 can be configured to dispense liquid from the cylindrical thick film heater 300 to a surface cleaning module (e.g., the surface cleaning module 104) that can be in fluid communication with the outlet 320.

[0031] In embodiments, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 can include an electrical port 320 for connecting a wire lead to receive electrical energy from a power source. Furthermore, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 can include a valve member 340 having a rear end disposed within an opening of a first end of a spring member 350, wherein a front end of the valve member is housed at an interior portion of the inlet 310. For example, the interior portion of the inlet can be disposed at an inlet portion of a spiral water channel inside a body of the cylindrical thick film heater 300, wherein the valve member can be configured to provide an anti-backflow portion of water through the spiral water channel.

[0032] In embodiments, the tubular thick film heater 300 can be configured to have dimensions appropriate for its application. For example, the tubular thick film heater 300 can have a first length 370 of 111 mm and a first diameter of 13 mm, appropriate for a hand-held cleaning appliance (e.g., a steam mop). Further, for example, the tubular thick film heater 300 can have a second length 374 of 89 mm not including the portion of the main body that extends beyond the inlet 310 and outlet 312, and a second diameter 376 of 5.5 mm corresponding to the opening of the inlet 310 and / or outlet 312. Still further, for example, the tubular thick film heater 300 can have a third length 378 of 85 mm not including the portion for the respective covers of the inlet 310 and outlet 312.

[0033] Figure 4 An exploded view of components of a thick film boiler is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] In embodiments, the thick film boiler 400 can include an inlet cover 410 configured to be disposed within an opening of a first end of the housing 402 (e.g., an outer portion of the main body) and an outlet cover 412 configured to be disposed within an opening of a second end of the housing 402. Further, the thick film boiler 400 can include a wire (e.g., a conductive lead 420) attached to a terminal electrically connected to the thick film component 430, the wire configured to provide electrical energy to generate heat at the thick film component 430. Still further, the thick film boiler 400 can include a wick having a spiral water channel 440 configured to be disposed within and throughout the length of the main body of the thick film boiler 400. Further still, the thick film boiler 400 can include a spring 442 (e.g., the spring component 350) having a back end disposed within an opening of a first end of the valve 442 (e.g., the valve component 340).

[0035] In accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5A and Figure 5B Various views of a tubular thick film boiler 500 having an NTC temperature control resistor are shown.

[0036] In embodiments, the cylindrical thick film boiler 500 can include an NTC temperature control 510 component positioned at one end of the body of the cylindrical thick film heater 500 and electrically connected to the cylindrical thick film heater 500. For example, the NTC temperature control 510 component can be a thermistor configured to provide feedback to a controller that regulates the cylindrical thick film heater 500 to two or more different temperatures. For example, switching the cylindrical thick film heater 500 between two or more different operating temperatures can include reducing the time between switching between a first mode and a second mode, and / or increasing the rate of temperature change when switching between the first mode and the second mode.

[0037] Figure 6A A steam mop 600 according to one embodiment of the disclosure is shown.

[0038] The steam mop 600 can be a wireless steam mop (e.g., configured to be powered by one or more batteries), a wired steam mop (e.g., configured to be powered by an AC power source such as an electrical outlet), or a combination of a wired and wireless steam mop. The steam mop 600 can include a handle 610 having a bottom portion connected to an upper portion of a body 612, where the body 612 can include one or more liquid reservoirs (e.g., a cold water tank, a detergent tank, and / or a liquid container) 620. The one or more liquid reservoirs 620 can be in fluid communication with one or more pumps 630. Further, the steam mop 600 can include a mop module (also referred to as a steam nozzle or steam head) 614 hingedly coupled to the body 612, where the mop module 614 can include an atomizer 640 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 620. Further, the mop module 614 can include a boiler 650 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 620 and configured to generate steam from liquid supplied from the atomizer 640. For example, the boiler 650 can include a thick film heating element configured to generate heat to increase the temperature of liquid sourced from the atomizer and dispense the heated liquid as steam 644 to a surface or to a nearby environment. However, it should be appreciated that the boiler 650 can include any boiler known to those skilled in the art.

[0039] In implementations, the sprayer (also referred to herein as an atomizer) 640 can be configured to distribute at least some of the generated mist 646 into the environment. The sprayer 640 can include any known atomizer, such as but not limited to a piezoelectric atomizer, or the like, configured to combine air and a fluid (e.g., water, a cleaner, and / or a sanitizer) to generate a mist including fluid droplets suspended in air. Optionally, at least some of the mist 646 can contact one or more chemical components 642. For example, at least some of the mist 646 can flow through at least a portion of the chemical components 642 and / or flow around at least a portion of the chemical components 642. At least some of the chemical components 642 can combine with the mist 646 and ultimately be distributed into the environment. For example, at least some of the mist 646 can carry some of the chemical components 642 such that the chemical components 642 are disposed with the mist 646 from the steam mop 600. The mist 646 and the chemical components 642 can be distributed into air in the environment surrounding the steam mop 600 and / or onto a surface to be cleaned. The chemical components 642 can include, but are not limited to, aromatic compounds and / or antimicrobial agents (such as but not limited to antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, antiviral agents, and / or antiprotozoal agents). Alternatively (or additionally), the sprayer 640 can be configured to distribute the mist 646 at least partially over one or more steam pads (e.g., steam pad 105) coupled to the mop module 614.

[0040] The sprayer 640 can be configured to receive liquid (e.g., water and / or a cleaner) prior to the liquid being heated by the boiler 650. For example, the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650 can be fluidically coupled to one or more liquid reservoirs 620 via one or more pumps 630 and / or one or more valves 615. The one or more pumps 630 and / or the one or more valves 615 can be selectively adjusted by a controller (e.g., the controller 126 of the system 100) to adjust a flow rate to the sprayer 640 and / or the boiler 650. Figure 1

[0041] For example, the sprayer 640 can be fluidically coupled to a single pump 630 that provides liquid to both the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650, as generally shown in Figure 6A Alternatively (or additionally), the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650 can be fluidically coupled to the liquid reservoir 620 via one or more controllable valves 615. In at least one example, the pump 630 can be eliminated and the supply of liquid to the sprayer 640 and / or the boiler 650 can be gravity fed via the valve 615.

[0042] Figure 6B A steam mop 600' according to another implementation of the present disclosure is shown. In Figure 6B ​In some embodiments, the liquid flow from the liquid reservoir 620 to the sprayer 640 may be provided separately and independently from the liquid flow from the liquid reservoir 620 to the cooker 650. For example, the steam mop 600' may include a first pump and a second pump configured to provide liquid separately and independently from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640 and the cooker 650, respectively. Alternatively, the steam mop 600' may include a first pump configured to provide liquid from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the cooker 650, while liquid may be gravity-fed from one or more liquid reservoirs to the sprayer 640. In yet another example, the steam mop 600' may include a first pump configured to provide liquid from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640, while liquid may be gravity-fed from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the cooker 650. Alternatively, liquid can be gravity-fed from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the cooker 650, and liquid can be separately gravity-fed from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640.

[0043] In any case, supplying liquid to the sprayer 640 before it is heated by the steamer 650 can improve the overall efficiency of the steam mop 600', because the mist 646 is generated without consuming the energy used by the steamer 650. This can be especially useful in battery-powered (cordless) steam mops 600 / 600'.

[0044] Any steam mop described herein may also include one or more motion sensors configured to detect movement of the steam mop. For example, the motion sensor may be coupled to the handle 610, body 612, and / or mop module 614. Steam mops 600 and 600' may include a controller communicating with one or more sensors (e.g., such as…). Figure 1 The controller 126 shown may include one or more sensors configured to transmit motion data to the controller. Upon receiving motion data, the controller may be configured to determine when the steam mop 600 / 600' moves, and in response to determining that the steam mop 600 / 600' is not moving, switch from an active mode (e.g., when power is supplied to the steamer 650 and / or the sprayer 640) to an inactive mode (e.g., when power is not supplied to the steamer 650 and / or the sprayer 640).

[0045] As will be appreciated, the controller 126 is configured to determine whether the steam mop is connected to (wired) main AC power, or whether AC power is not present, with the mop operating in a wireless (battery operated) mode. In the wireless mode, the controller 126 can control the boiler 650 and the sprayer 640 to operate in multiple operating modes. In a first operating mode, the controller 126 can provide a reduced amount of power to the boiler 650 (e.g., 50% of full power). In this first mode, power to the sprayer 640 can be omitted to extend battery life. The steam mop 600 / 600' can operate in a second operating mode in which an amount of power provided to the boiler 650 is greater than the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. For example, the first operating mode can be referred to as a low power mode, and the second operating mode can be referred to as a high power mode.

[0046] The steam mop 600 can also include a third operating mode. In the third operating mode, the steam mop 600 can provide power to both the boiler 650 and the sprayer 640. In at least one example, the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 in the third operating mode is greater than the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. Alternatively (or additionally), the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 in the third operating mode can be less than the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. The third operating mode can optionally include a low power mode and a high power mode. In the low power mode, the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 and / or the sprayer 640 is less than the amount of power provided to the boiler 650 and / or the sprayer 640 in the high power mode.

[0047] If the controller 126 determines that AC power is present, the controller 126 can control the boiler 650 and the sprayer 640 to operate in a first operating mode in which full power is provided to the boiler 650 and a second operating mode in which full power is provided to both the boiler 650 and the sprayer 640. It will be appreciated that any of the steam mops described herein can be configured for battery only mode operation, with AC power used only to recharge a rechargeable battery associated with the steam mop (e.g., via a wall mountable docking station, etc.). In such a configuration, the stick mop can be configured to operate in a low power mode (longer run time) and a high power mode (faster steam generation), as described above. Further, such a steam mop configuration can include a sprayer (as described herein) that can be user selectable to be turned ON in the low power mode and / or the high power mode. Alternatively, the battery can include one or more disposable batteries, and in such an implementation, the steam mop can be configured to operate solely with the disposable batteries and without connection to AC power.

[0048] As used herein, "low power" and "low power mode" refer to operating conditions typically designed to provide extended run times based on available battery power, total battery power capacity, etc., and "high power" and "high power mode" refer to operating conditions in which an increased amount of power is delivered to the heating element as compared to the "low power mode." The high power mode can enable, for example, a user to obtain vapor faster than the low power mode and / or increase vapor production as compared to the low power mode.

[0049] In Figure 6B In embodiments, the sprayer 640 can be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 620 via a fluid communication path 670. As shown, the fluid communication path 670 can bypass the pump 630, thus the sprayer 640 can be gravity fed. The boiler 650 can be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 620 via a fluid communication path 672. The fluid communication path 672 can bypass the sprayer 640.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates an ultrasonic sprayer 700, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0051] In embodiments, the ultrasonic sprayer 700 can be a piezoelectric vaporizer and can include an upper portion 702 secured to a lower portion 704, forming a cavity between the upper portion 702 and the lower portion 704, where the cavity can be configured to be in fluid communication with a water source or supply via an inlet 710 and to expel the supplied water through an outlet 712. For example, when liquid (e.g., water) is provided through the inlet 710 and into the cavity, the ultrasonic sprayer 700 can be configured to produce a mist vapor 714 through an opening of the upper portion 702, where the mist vapor 714 can be expelled into the surrounding environment.

[0052] In embodiments, water can be dispensed through various methods. For example, water can be heated / boiled through a boiler and dispensed through a mop module. As another example, unheated water can be dispensed through an ultrasonic sprayer 700, as described above.

[0053] Figure 8 A flowchart 800 of an operation is shown, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8The depicted operation involves operation of a controller (e.g., controller 126) of a steam mop. The operation of this implementation includes determining whether AC power is present 802. If AC power is not present, the controller will cause the steam mop to operate in a wireless mode. In the wireless mode, the operation of this implementation includes determining whether a high power mode or a low power mode is selected 804. If a low power mode is selected, the controller controls the heating element to heat the liquid to a first temperature to generate steam 806. If a high power mode is selected, the controller controls the heating element to heat the liquid to a first temperature to generate steam 808. In either (or both) of the low power and / or high power modes, the operation according to this implementation can also include determining whether a sprayer operation is selected 810.

[0054] If AC power is present (802), the controller will cause the steam mop to operate in a wired mode. In the wired mode, the operation of this implementation includes controlling the heating element to heat the liquid to generate steam 812, e.g., using all available power to heat the liquid as quickly as possible. In the wired mode, the operation according to this implementation can also include determining whether a sprayer operation is selected 814. As noted above, some embodiments of the steam mop described herein can only be capable of operating in a battery mode (i.e., wireless). In such embodiments, operation 802 can be modified to determine whether the steam mop is connected to AC to recharge a rechargeable battery associated with the steam mop, and operations 812 and 814 can be omitted. Of course, in other implementations, the steam mop can be configured to work only on a disposable battery, in which case operations 802, 812, and 814 can be omitted.

[0055] The steam mop described herein can also include one or more user-selectable switches to allow the user to switch between the various modes (e.g., low power / high power modes) described herein, and to turn the sprayer on / off.

[0056] Figure 9 A block diagram of a computing device 900 (e.g., controller 126) of a cleaning apparatus 100 according to an implementation of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] The computing device 900 includes a communication structure 902 that provides for communication between a cache 916, a memory 906, a persistent storage 908, a communication unit 910, and an input / output (I / O) interface 912. The communication structure 902 can be implemented with any architecture being implemented to pass data and / or control information between the processor(s), such as microprocessors, communication and network processors, etc., system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components within a system. For example, the communication structure 902 can be implemented with one or more buses or cross-over switches.

[0058] Memory 906 and persistent storage 908 are computer readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory 906 includes a random access memory (RAM). Generally, memory 906 can include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 916 is a fast memory that enhances the performance of computer processor(s) 904 by very quickly holding the most frequently accessed data and instructions.

[0059] Programs can be stored on persistent storage 908 and memory 906 for execution by one or more respective computer processors 904 via cache 916 and / or accessed thereby. In an embodiment, persistent storage 908 can include a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively or in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 908 can include a solid state hard drive, a semiconductor storage, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer readable storage media that is capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0060] The media used by persistent storage 908 can also be removable. For example, a removable hard drive can be used for persistent storage 908. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards, which are inserted into a drive for transfer onto another computer readable storage media, also a portion of persistent storage 908.

[0061] In these examples, communication unit 910 provides

[0062] I / O interface 912 allows for input and output of data with other devices that can be connected to controller 140. For example, I / O interface 912 can provide a connection to external device(s) 918 such as a surface cleaning module (e.g., a mop module), a surface module, a keyboard, a keypad, a touch screen and / or some other suitable input device. External device(s) 918 can also include portable computer readable storage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical or magnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data 914 for practicing an embodiment of the present disclosure can be stored on such portable computer readable storage media, and can be loaded onto persistent storage 908 via I / O interface 912. I / O interface 912 is also connected to display 920.

[0063] Display 920 provides a mechanism for displaying data to a user, and can be, for example, a computer screen.

[0064] The software and data 914 described herein are identified based upon the application for which the embodiments of the invention have been implemented. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used only for convenience, and thus the application should not be limited to use solely with any particular application identified herein.

[0065] The programs described herein are identified based upon the application for which the embodiments of the invention have been implemented. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature herein is used only for convenience, and thus the application should not be limited to use solely with any particular application identified herein.

[0066] The present disclosure can be a computer system, a computer-implemented method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product can include a computer readable storage medium (or media) having computer readable program instructions stored therein (or thereon) for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure.

[0067] The computer readable storage medium can be any tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch cards or raised structures in grooves of a groove having instructions recorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmitted through a wire cable, as these do not persist for a sufficient amount of time to be "stored."

[0068] Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing / processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to external computers or external storage devices via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network and / or a wireless network. The network can comprise copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives computer readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer readable program instructions to storage media within the respective computing / processing device for execution.

[0069] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present disclosure can be assembly instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program instructions can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an external computer, for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider. In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) can execute the computer readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present disclosure. Reference herein to flow diagrams and / or block diagrams of computer implemented methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products in accordance with embodiments of the present application are described herein. It should be understood that each block of the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

[0070] These computer readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate means for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions for

[0071] The computer readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions / acts specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

[0072] The flow diagrams and the block diagrams in the drawings are meant as possible implementations of a system, method, and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flow diagram or block diagram can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or acts or combinations of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0073] Embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that boiler or hot water tank systems suffer from basic heat heating elements (e.g., resistors) that provide intentional heating processes in various settings. For example, some resistance-based heating elements occupy a relatively large volume of space within a tank or boiler. They also limit the time required to increase temperature to a temperature desired for a particular application. To improve these technical challenges, the embodiments described herein employ a thick film boiler system to improve efficiency and user effectiveness when used in applications requiring the use of hot water and / or steam.

[0074] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a steam mop comprising: a battery for providing battery power; a fluid reservoir for holding a liquid; at least one heating element in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; one or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element; and a controller in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, the controller configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element in a first high power mode and a second low power mode using the battery power based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low power mode.

[0075] In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a steam mop comprising: a battery for providing battery power; a fluid reservoir for holding a liquid; at least one heating element in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; one or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element; a sprayer in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the sprayer configured to generate a mist; and a controller in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, the controller configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element in a first high power mode and a second low power mode using the battery power based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low power mode; the controller further configured to control and power the sprayer to generate the mist using the battery power.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a steam mop comprising: a body portion comprising: a battery for providing battery power; a fluid reservoir for holding a liquid; and a controller; and a steam head portion comprising: at least one heating element in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; one or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element; and a sprayer in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the sprayer configured to generate a mist; wherein the controller is in communication with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, the controller configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element in a first high power mode and a second low power mode using the battery power based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low power mode; the controller further configured to control and power the sprayer to generate the mist using the battery power.

[0077] The description of various embodiments of the application has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0078] As used in this application and in the claims, the conjunction "and / or" joined lists of items can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C. As used in this application and in the claims, the conjunction "at least one" joined lists of items can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C.

[0079] The terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in using such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described, and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects and embodiments have been described. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the features, aspects and embodiments are readily combinable and are readily varied and modified. Accordingly, the present disclosure should be considered as encompassing such combinations, variations and modifications.

[0080] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A steam mop, comprising: A battery, which provides power to the battery; Fluid reservoir, used to hold liquids; At least a heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; One or more temperature sensors are connected to the at least one heating element; as well as A controller that communicates with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, the controller being configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element using battery power in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high-power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode.

2. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the one or more temperature sensors include a first thermostat configured to operate at a first temperature and a second thermostat configured to operate at a second temperature.

3. The steam mop of claim 2, wherein the first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the second operating mode, and the second temperature corresponds to the temperature of the first operating mode; wherein the first temperature is approximately 50% lower than the second temperature.

4. The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one of the following: a thick film heating element, the thick film heating element comprising a two-dimensional composite layer, the two-dimensional composite layer comprising at least one base layer as a base layer, a heater track layer on top of the base layer and an enamel protective layer on top of the heater track layer; and / or a thick film tubular steam cooker heating element.

5. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or whether only battery power is available; if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wired mode for: controlling and powering the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature to generate steam, and wherein the at least one temperature sensor provides the controller with temperature data of the heated liquid; and if only battery power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wireless mode.

6. The steam mop of claim 1, further comprising a sprayer in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the sprayer being configured to produce a mist.

7. The steam mop of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to control the operation of the sprayer in both the wired and wireless operating modes.

8. The steam mop of claim 6, wherein the at least one heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a first fluid communication path; and wherein the sprayer is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a second fluid communication path.

9. The steam mop according to claim 6, wherein the sprayer is a piezoelectric sprayer.

10. The steam mop of claim 1, further comprising a controllable valve disposed between the at least one heating element and the fluid reservoir; wherein the controller is further configured to control the controllable valve to deliver a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

11. The steam mop of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water, detergent, and / or disinfectant.

12. The steam mop of claim 1, further comprising a steam head, the steam head including a steam pad in fluid communication with the steam output of the at least one heating element.

13. A steam mop, comprising: A battery, which provides power to the battery; Fluid reservoir, used to hold liquids; At least one heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; One or more temperature sensors are connected to the at least one heating element; A sprayer, which is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, is configured to produce a mist; and A controller, communicating with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, is configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element using battery power in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high-power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode; the controller is also configured to control and power the sprayer to generate mist using battery power.

14. The steam mop of claim 13, wherein the one or more temperature sensors include a first thermostat configured to operate at a first temperature and a second thermostat configured to operate at a second temperature.

15. The steam mop of claim 14, wherein the first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the second operating mode, and the second temperature corresponds to the temperature of the first operating mode; wherein the first temperature is approximately 50% lower than the second temperature.

16. The steam mop according to claim 13, wherein, The at least one heating element includes at least one of the following: a thick film heating element, the thick film heating element comprising a two-dimensional composite layer, the two-dimensional composite layer comprising at least one base layer as a base layer, a heater track layer on top of the base layer and an enamel protective layer on top of the heater track layer; and / or a thick film tubular cooker heating element.

17. The steam mop of claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or whether only battery power is available; if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wired mode for: controlling and powering the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature to generate steam, and wherein the at least one temperature sensor provides the controller with temperature data of the heated liquid; and if only battery power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wireless mode.

18. The steam mop of claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured to control and power the sprayer in the wired operation mode to generate mist.

19. The steam mop of claim 13, wherein the at least one heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a first fluid communication path; and wherein the sprayer is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a second fluid communication path.

20. The steam mop of claim 13, wherein the sprayer is a piezoelectric sprayer.

21. The steam mop of claim 13, further comprising a controllable valve disposed between the at least one heating element and the fluid reservoir; wherein, The controller is also configured to control the controllable valve to deliver a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

22. The steam mop of claim 13, wherein the liquid comprises water, detergent, and / or disinfectant.

23. The steam mop of claim 13, further comprising a steam head, the steam head including a steam pad in fluid communication with the steam output of the at least one heating element.

24. A steam mop, comprising: The main body includes: A battery, which provides power to the battery; Fluid reservoirs, which are used to hold liquids; and Controller; and The steam head portion includes: At least one heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; One or more temperature sensors are coupled to the at least one heating element; and A sprayer, which is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, is configured to produce a mist; The controller communicates with the one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, and is configured to operate in a wireless mode to control and power the at least one heating element using battery power in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, based at least in part on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors; wherein the high-power mode provides a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode; the controller is also configured to control and power the sprayer to generate mist using battery power.

25. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the one or more temperature sensors include a first thermostat configured to operate at a first temperature and a second thermostat configured to operate at a second temperature.

26. The steam mop of claim 25, wherein the first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the second operating mode, and the second temperature corresponds to the temperature of the first operating mode; wherein the first temperature is approximately 50% lower than the second temperature.

27. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the at least one heating element comprises at least one of the following: a thick film heating element comprising a two-dimensional composite layer comprising at least one base layer as a base layer, a heater track layer on top of the base layer and an enamel protective layer on top of the heater track layer; and / or a thick film tubular steam cooker heating element.

28. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or whether only battery power is available; if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wired mode for: controlling and powering the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature to generate steam, and wherein the at least one temperature sensor provides the controller with temperature data of the heated liquid; and if only battery power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a wireless mode.

29. The steam mop of claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to control and power the sprayer in the wired operation mode to generate mist.

30. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the at least one heating element is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a first fluid communication path; and wherein the sprayer is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir via a second fluid communication path.

31. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the sprayer is a piezoelectric sprayer.

32. The steam mop of claim 24, further comprising a controllable valve disposed between the at least one heating element and the fluid reservoir; wherein, The controller is also configured to control the controllable valve to deliver a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

33. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the liquid comprises water, detergent, and / or disinfectant.

34. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the steam head further comprises a steam pad in fluid communication with the steam output of the at least one heating element.

35. The steam mop of claim 24, wherein the steam head further comprises an agitator assembly configured to scrub and loosen dirt and debris on the surface to be cleaned.

36. The steam mop of claim 24, further comprising at least one user-selectable switch to enable the controller to operate the at least one heating element and the sprayer in the low-power mode and the high-power mode.

37. The steam mop of claim 24, further comprising at least one motion sensor in communication with the controller, the at least one motion sensor being configured to detect movement of the body and the steam head; wherein the controller is further configured to interrupt power supply to the at least one heating element if the motion sensor detects that the body and the steam head are stationary.

38. The steam mop of claim 5, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery, and wherein the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of the presence or absence of AC power.

39. The steam mop of claim 17, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery, and wherein the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of the presence or absence of AC power.

40. The steam mop of claim 28, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery, and wherein the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of the presence or absence of AC power.

Images