Steam treatment equipment of walking surfaces

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a walkable surface with steam, comprising a body structure, interposed between a gripping element, configured to allow a user to operate the apparatus, and a cleaning head provided with one or more main cleaning members adapted to rest, in use, on said surface, a steam generation assembly operatively connected at least to said main cleaning members, and at least one auxiliary cleaning device provided with at least one auxiliary cleaning member having dimensions smaller than those of said one or more main cleaning members and being mounted on said cleaning head so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member protrudes with respect to the latter. The invention is characterized in that the steam generation assembly is also operatively connected to said at least one auxiliary cleaning member.

Description

STEAM TREATMENT EQUIPMENT OF WALKING SURFACESDESCRIPTIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating essentially flat walkable surfaces, such as for example floors, mats, carpets or the like, using steam.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning and sanitising said walkable surfaces with steam.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Electrical apparatuses for cleaning and sanitising with steam essentially flat walkable surfaces located in indoor or outdoor spaces such as floors, mats, carpets or the like, for domestic or professional use, adapted to be carried out manually by a user, are known.

[0004] Generally, such apparatus comprise a body structure, at whose upper end there is provided for a handle through which the user can operate the apparatus, and at whose lower end there is instead articulated a cleaning head provided with cleaning means adapted to rest in use on the surface to be treated. Steam generation means, comprising a boiler, are further provided for generating a steam flow to be dispensed towards said cleaning means, so as to be able to treat, that is clean or sanitise, the surface.

[0005] The water required for the production of steam is loaded by the user into a tank, which can be directly placed in the cleaning head, in the handle or mounted on the body structure and supplied thanks to a pump to the boiler and to the cleaning means by means of flexible hoses.

[0006] In some cases, the cleaning means can also be driven in rotation when using the apparatus, so as to be able to clean the surface also through a mechanical abrasion action.

[0007] In order to allow to also reach surface portions to be treated arranged at angles or profiles, the cleaning head is generally configured so as to have an essentially triangular shape. However, this conformation has the simple purpose of approaching the cleaning means to these surface portions as much as possible but it does not allow to reach and treat them precisely.

[0008] Document US2018 / 0235425 shows a device for washing floors with liquid comprising a base provided, at a rear portion, with an auxiliary scrubber which can be lowered or raised by means of a rotation along a horizontal axis to provide a localisedabrasive action on the surface to be treated. However, such scrubber is not configured to easily reach corners, edges or perimeter profiles, and moreover it is not configured to be able to sanitise them by emitting steam.

[0009] It would instead be desirable, and it is actually the main task of the present invention, to provide an apparatus for treating a walkable surface with steam that enables to effectively clean and sanitise with steam also surface portions arranged at corners, edges or perimeter profiles.

[0010] Within this task, an object of the present invention lies in providing an apparatus for treating a walkable surface with steam that is easy and intuitive to use.

[0011] Another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for treating a walkable surface with steam that is safe and practical for the user, compact and functional.

[0012] These and other tasks, objects and advantages outlined above which will be more apparent in the description below, are attained by an apparatus for treating a walkable surface with steam as defined in claim 1 .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0013] Further characteristics and advantages of the apparatus according to the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of particular embodiments, illustrated by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the following figures, wherein:- figure 1 shows, with a perspective view, an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;- figure 2 shows, with perspective view, the apparatus according to figure 1 , partially disassembled;- figure 3 shows, with exploded view, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;- figures 4A and 4B show, with respectively lateral and plan views, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the auxiliary cleaning device in the lowered position, that is in contact with the surface P to be treated;- figures 5A and 5B show, with respectively lateral and plan views, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the auxiliary cleaning device in the raised position, that is spaced apart from the surface P to be treated;- figure 6 shows, with a plan view, the cleaning head of an apparatus according tothe first embodiment of the present invention in the operating condition, in which the auxiliary cleaning device angularly moved towards a receded position is shown with a dashed line;- figure 7 shows, with perspective view, an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention, partially disassembled;- figure 8 shows, with exploded view, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;- figures 9A and 9B show, with respectively lateral and plan views, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the auxiliary cleaning device arranged in an inoperative position;- figures 10A and 10B show, with respectively lateral and plan views, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the auxiliary cleaning device arranged in a first operative position;- figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B show, with respectively lateral and plan views, the cleaning head of an apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, with the auxiliary cleaning device arranged in a second operative position; and- figure 12 shows an embodiment of a guide groove for the movement of the auxiliary cleaning device in various positions.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In particular with reference to figures 1 to 6 attached, there has been shown a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, that is an apparatus for the treatment with steam adapted to obtain the cleaning and sanitisation of walkable surfaces P such as for example floors (indoor or outdoor), mats or carpets, particularly recommended for domestic and professional use, configured to be carried out by a user, which is indicated in its entirety with reference numeral 1 .

[0015] With reference to the figures 1 to 3, said apparatus 1 comprises a body structure 10 interposed between a gripping member 20, such as a handle adapted to allow the user to operate the apparatus 1 , and a cleaning head 30 provided at least with main cleaning means 32 adapted to rest, in use, on said surface P to carry out the treatment thereon.

[0016] The electrical power supply of the electrical or electronic components provided for in the apparatus 1 for producing steam and for possible further functions is advantageously supplied by an electrical power supply source, for example a mains power supply source through a mains connection cable 2, or alternatively by means of a battery 4, integrated or removable, advantageously rechargeable.

[0017] The apparatus 1 further comprises a command and control unit 3, including at least one electronic board suitably programmed to control and manage the various electrical devices with which the apparatus 1 is provided.

[0018] The body structure 10 of said apparatus 1 preferably comprises a support rod 11 with which there is associated a hollow body 12, preferably formed by a pair of half-shells 12A, 12B removably occupied so as to be able to carry out the maintenance of the means and devices housed therein.

[0019] The cleaning head 30 is preferably connected to the rod 1 1 of the body structure 10 through an articulating pin 13 so as to be able to change the relative angular position between the cleaning head 30 and the body structure 10.

[0020] As shown in figure 3, the cleaning head 30 advantageously comprises a hollow containment body 31 , preferably formed by an upper half-shell 31 A and a lower half-shell 31 B, which supports at the lower part said main cleaning means 32, configured to rest, in use, on the surface P to be treated.

[0021] Said cleaning head 30 may further comprise a covering element 35 arranged on the outer surface of the upper half-shell 31 A.

[0022] Preferably, said main cleaning means 32 comprise one or more cleaning members, preferably a pair, comprising corresponding buffers or pads 32A, bristled or abrasive, adapted to actuate the treatment of said surface P, which are advantageously applied or associated with corresponding supports 32B, essentially formed by preferably drilled plate-like elements, mounted externally to said lower half-shell 31 B.

[0023] Preferably, said supports 32B and said buffers 32A are essentially circular shaped.

[0024] Advantageously, said buffers 32A can be removably applied to said supports 32B so that they can be removed and replaced depending on the needs.

[0025] Advantageously, inside said containment body 31 , said cleaning head 30 further houses a main electric motor 33, whose operation is managed and controlled by said command and control unit 3, arranged and configured to rotate each of the supports 32B of said main cleaning members 32 around relative first rotation axes X1-X1, X2-X2 in use essentially orthogonal to the surface P, so as drive in rotation said buffers 32A in order to be able to clean the surface P through a mechanical abrasion action.

[0026] Preferably, the rotary movement of the main motor 33 is transmitted, possibly with a suitable reduction ratio, to each of the supports 32B of said main cleaning means 32, and therefore to the relative buffers 32A integrally joined therewith, through first drive means 34 preferably comprising a plurality of gearwheels meshed with each other and operatively connected to the shaft 33A of the motor 33.

[0027] To this end, said supports 32B are each provided with a coupling element 32C, protruding from the upper surface thereof in an essentially central position, and adapted to be inserted into a relative through hole 31 C obtained on said lower half-shell 31 B so as to be fitted into one of said gearwheels forming said first drive means 34.

[0028] Said apparatus 1 further comprises at least one auxiliary cleaning device 40, provided with at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42, preferably having dimensions smaller than those of said one or more main cleaning members 32.

[0029] Said auxiliary cleaning device 40 comprises a rigid support arm 41 adapted to support said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 on the distal end with respect to said cleaning head 30 so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 protrudes with respect to the latter.

[0030] Said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is also preferably formed by, or comprises at least one buffer or pad 42A bristled or abrasive, adapted to carry out a treatment of said surface P, conveniently preferably removably applied to or associated, so that it can be removed and replaced depending on the needs, with a corresponding support 42B, formed by an essentially plate-like and preferably drilled element, advantageously mounted at the end of said support arm 41 of the auxiliary cleaning device 40.

[0031] Possibly, said auxiliary cleaning device 40 may comprise a plurality of auxiliary cleaning members 42.

[0032] Advantageously, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 may be driven in rotation around a respective second rotation axis Y-Y, in use orthogonal to the surface P to be treated, preferably through an auxiliary electric motor 43 advantageously mounted at the vacant end of said support arm 41 , actuated by said command and control unit 3 together with said main electric motor 33. Preferably, in this case said support 42B on which there is mounted said buffer 42A is advantageously directly splined on said auxiliary electric motor 43.

[0033] Alternatively, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 may be driven in rotation by said main motor 33 through second drive means (not shown), for example operatively connected to said first drive means 34.

[0034] The apparatus 1 is further provided with a steam generation assembly 100, whose operation is preferably managed and controlled by said command and control unit 3, operatively connected to said main cleaning members 32 and also advantageously to said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42.

[0035] Conveniently, said steam generation assembly 100 comprises first steam generation means 103 comprising first heating means 103A, advantageously mounted atsaid cleaning head 30, and operatively connected to said one or more main cleaning members 32, and second steam generation means 104 comprising second heating means 104A operatively connected to said auxiliary cleaning member 42.

[0036] Advantageously, said first steam generation means 103 and said second steam generation means 104 are adapted to generate dry steam.

[0037] Furthermore, said steam generation assembly 100 comprises a liquid storage tank 101 , in particular water or distilled water, arranged and configured to be filled or replenished by the user, and pumping means 102 comprising at least one pump advantageously housed in said hollow body 12 and placed in fluid communication with the storage tank through a first flexible duct 91 .

[0038] Said first steam generation means 103 comprise first heating means 103A, such as one or more boilers provided with electric resistors, advantageously mounted in a non- rotatable manner outside and beneath the containment body 31 of said cleaning head 30, each advantageously operatively connected to a respective main cleaning member 32, said first heating means 103A being adapted to receive the liquid pumped by said pump 102 and conveniently heat it up to a temperature of about 160°C to obtain dry steam.

[0039] Preferably, a second flexible duct 92 allows the liquid to pass through downstream of the pump 102 up to a branching point G, possibly controlled by a valve (not shown), advantageously arranged in the containment body 31 and from which there departs a plurality of third ducts 93, each adapted to supply the liquid to respective first heating means 103A of said first steam generation means 103.

[0040] Preferably, each of said first heating means 103A is mounted on the cleaning head 30 so as to be inserted between the lower surface of the containment body 31 and the rotatable support 32B of the respective main cleaning member 32, the latter being suitably drilled so as to allow the through-flow of the steam towards the corresponding buffer 32A so as to be dispensed by the latter on said surface P so as to obtain the sanitisation.

[0041] According to an advantageous characteristic of the present invention, said second steam generation means 104 are mounted on said auxiliary cleaning device 40.

[0042] Said second steam generation means 104 comprise second heating means 104A, such as a boiler provided with electric resistors, operatively connected to said auxiliary cleaning member 42 and adapted to receive the liquid pumped by said pump 102 preferably through a fourth flexible duct 94, which departs from said second duct 92 at the branching point G, so as to conveniently heat it up to a temperature of about 160°C so as to obtain dry steam.

[0043] Preferably, said second boiler 104A is associated, for example connected througha fifth flexible duct 95, with a steam diffusion element 104B, preferably metallic, which has the function of spreading the steam inside said at least one buffer 42A of the auxiliary cleaning member 42 therefore so as to be advantageously delivered by the latter on said surface P.

[0044] Advantageously, said support arm 41 comprises a first portion 41 A, extending from said cleaning head 30 along an extension axis 7-7 in use essentially parallel to the surface P, and a second portion 41 B, connected to said first portion 41 A and extending from the distal end of said first portion 41 A with respect to said cleaning head 30 along a transversal axis, preferably essentially orthogonal, to the surface P, advantageously coincident with said second rotation axis Y-Y, so that the auxiliary cleaning member 42 associated with the lower end thereof, is in proximity of or at said surface P.

[0045] Preferably, said first portion 41 A is formed by a pair of coupled half-shells, and it advantageously defines an internal seat adapted to house said second boiler 104A of said second steam generation means 104.

[0046] Said second portion 41 B is preferably internally hollow and it is advantageously configured to house said auxiliary electric motor 43 therein, if provided for.

[0047] Preferably, the cavity defined by said second portion 41 B is connected to the seat obtained in said first portion 41 A so as to allow the through-passing of said fifth flexible duct 95 through which there flows the steam generated by the second boiler 104A and intended for said diffuser element 104B and therefore to the buffer 42A of said auxiliary cleaning member 42.

[0048] Alternatively, said second boiler 104A may be arranged to the free end of said second portion 41 B of the arm 41 so as to be essentially directly superimposed to the rotatable support 42B of the auxiliary cleaning member 42, suitably drilled to allow the through-flow of the steam towards the corresponding buffer 42A so as to be advantageously delivered by the latter on said surface P so as to obtain the sanitisation thereof.

[0049] Advantageously, as shown in figures 4A and 4B, said auxiliary device 40 is arranged and configured so that in the operating condition said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is in a lowered position, in contact with said surface P. Preferably, in such condition said first portion 41 A of said arm 41 extends along said extension axis 7-7 in a manner such that said auxiliary cleaning member 42 does not exceed a front edge 30A of said cleaning head 30 in the advancement direction indicated by the arrow A, being essentially aligned therewith (see figure 4B).

[0050] Possibly, as shown in figures 5A and 5B, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 maybe moved by the user using a slider 45 arranged on said auxiliary cleaning device 40, between the lowered position and a raised position, in which it is spaced apart from said surface P, for example by approximately 5 - 6 mm.

[0051] Preferably, as shown in figure 6, said support arm 41 can be rotatably mounted with an end thereof on said cleaning head 30 around a pivot axis that is essentially vertical with respect to the latter so as to be able to oscillate by an angle a, preferably comprised between 5° and 30°, towards a rear edge 30B of the cleaning head 30 and therefore a receded position; such oscillation is advantageously controlled by elastic means (not shown), for example formed by a spring, which elastically return the arm 41 to the advanced position. This enables to safeguard the wholeness of the components inside the arm 41 in the event of accidental impacts when moving and using the apparatus 1 .

[0052] Advantageously, in the area of the gripping member 20 or on the hollow body 12 there are provided for command means such as at least one first button or knob (not shown), adapted to actuate the apparatus 1 and a second button of knob (not shown) for actuating the steam generation assembly 100. The actuation of such command means forms an input signal entering into the command and control unit 3, which as a result actuates the means and devices of the apparatus 1 to obtain the desired effect.

[0053] The command and control unit 3 is advantageously programmed so that when the apparatus 1 is operating, the main cleaning members 32 and the auxiliary cleaning member 42 are each driven in rotation around their rotation axis and simultaneously the pump 102 draws the liquid from the storage tank 101 and conveys it to the first and to the second steam generation means 103, 104 provided for downstream therefore so as to be able to deliver the steam on the surface P both through the main cleaning members 32 and through the auxiliary cleaning member 42, irrespective of the fact that the latter is in the lowered position or in the raised position.

[0054] Possibly, said apparatus 1 may comprise a pair of auxiliary cleaning devices 40 as described above, arranged on opposite sides of said cleaning head 30.

[0055] With reference to figures 7 to 12 there is shown an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention, indicated in its entirety with reference numeral T.

[0056] The apparatus 1 ’ has many elements shared with the apparatus 1 , which are indicated with the same reference numeral, and which will not be described in detail. Like in the case of the embodiment described above, the apparatus T comprises a body structure 10, interposed between a gripping element 20, configured to allow a user to operate the apparatus, and a cleaning head 30’ provided with one or more main cleaning members 32 adapted to rest, in use, on the surface P to be treated, a steam generationassembly 100’ operatively connected at least to said main cleaning members 32, and at least one auxiliary cleaning device 40’ provided with at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 having dimensions smaller than those of said one or more main cleaning members 32 and being mounted on said cleaning head 30’ so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 protrudes with respect to the latter. In particular, also in the apparatus 1 ’, the steam generation assembly 100’ is also operatively connected to said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42.

[0057] Preferably, said at least one auxiliary cleaning device 40’ comprises a rigid support arm 41 ’ adapted to support said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 on the distal end with respect to said cleaning head 30’. Advantageously, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 has dimensions smaller than those of the main cleaning members 32, and it is also preferably formed by, or comprises, a bristled or abrasive buffer or pad 42A.

[0058] Preferably, said support arm 41 ’ comprises a first portion 41 A’, extending from said cleaning head 30’ along an extension axis 7-7 in use essentially parallel to said surface P, and a second portion 41 B’, extending from the end of said first portion 41 A’ along an axis transversal to said surface P so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 associated with the lower end of said second portion 41 B’ is arranged essentially at said surface P.

[0059] Advantageously, said buffer or pad 42A can be removably associated with said support arm 41 ’, so that it can be removed and replaced depending on the needs.

[0060] Possibly, said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ may comprise a plurality of auxiliary cleaning members 42.

[0061] As shown in figure 8, the cleaning head 30’ advantageously comprises a hollow containment body 31 , preferably formed by an upper half-shell 31 A and a lower half-shell 31 B, which supports at the lower part said main cleaning means 32, configured to rest, in use, on the surface P to be treated.

[0062] A covering element 35 may be arranged on the outer surface of the upper halfshell 31 A.

[0063] Preferably, said main cleaning means 32 comprise one or more main cleaning members, preferably a pair, comprising corresponding buffers or pads 32A, bristled or abrasive, adapted to actuate the treatment of said surface P, applied or associated with corresponding supports 32B, essentially formed by plate-like elements, advantageously mounted externally to said lower half-shell 31 B.

[0064] Preferably, said supports 32B’ and said buffers 32A are essentially circular shaped.

[0065] Advantageously, said buffers 32A can be removably applied to said supports 32B’so that they can be removed and replaced depending on the needs.

[0066] Advantageously, inside said containment body 31 , said cleaning head 30’ further houses a main electric motor 33, whose operation is managed and controlled by said command and control unit 3, arranged and configured to rotate each of the supports 32B’ around relative rotation axes X1 -X1 and X2-X2 in use essentially orthogonal to the surface P, so as drive in rotation said buffers 32A so as to be able to clean the surface P through a mechanical abrasion action.

[0067] Preferably, the rotary movement of the main motor 33 is transmitted, possibly with a suitable reduction ratio, to each of the supports 32B of said main cleaning means 32, and therefore to the relative buffers 32A integrally joined therewith, through first drive means 34 preferably comprising a plurality of gearwheels meshed with each other and operatively connected to the shaft 33A of the motor 33.

[0068] To this end, said supports 32B’ are each provided with a coupling element 32C’, protruding from the upper surface thereof in an essentially central position, and adapted to be inserted into a relative through coupling hole 31 C obtained on said lower half-shell 31 B so as to be fitted into one of said gearwheels forming said first drive means 34.

[0069] As shown in figure 7, the apparatus 1 ’ is further advantageously provided with a steam generation assembly 100’, whose operation is managed and controlled by said command and control unit 3, comprising a tank 101 for storing a liquid, in particular water or distilled water, configured to be filled or replenished by the user, pumping means 102 comprising at least one pump, and first steam generation means 103’, such as a first steam generator comprising first heating means and adapted to generate saturated steam. Preferably, such devices are housed inside said hollow body 12 and they are placed in fluid communication with respect to each other through a first and a second flexible duct 91 , 92.

[0070] During the operation, the pumping means 102 draw the liquid stored in the tank 101 introducing it into the first steam generator 103’, which is fluidly coupled to the cleaning head 30’ through a third flexible duct 93’ so that the saturated steam generated by it are introduced into the cleaning head 30’.

[0071] Advantageously, said steam generation means 100’ further comprise second steam generation means 104’, advantageously formed by a second steam generator called “sublimator” preferably housed in the containment body 31 defined by the cleaning head 30’, comprising second heating means and adapted to receive the saturated steam dispensed by said first steam generator 103’ and superheat it up to a temperature advantageously greater than 160°C.

[0072] The superheated steam generated by the second steam generator 104’ is a dry saturated steam, with low moisture content, which is conveyed at least to said main cleaning members 32, flowing through suitable fourth flexible ducts 94’ connected to the coupling elements 32C’ of said supports 32B’, advantageously hollow for the purpose, so that the dry saturated steam terminates at said buffers 32A and therefore delivered on said surface P.

[0073] Advantageously, in the area of the gripping member 20 or on the hollow body 12 there are provided for command means, such as at least one first button or knob (not shown), adapted to actuate the apparatus 1 ’ and a second button of knob for actuating and adjusting the steam flow. The actuation of such command means forms an input signal entering into the command and control unit 3, which as a result actuates the means and devices of the apparatus 1 ’ to obtain the desired effect.

[0074] A fifth auxiliary duct 95’ is advantageously provided for placing in fluid communication the steam generation assembly 100’, and in particular the second value generator 104’, also with said auxiliary cleaning member 42, so that the dry saturated steam can also be dispensed through said buffer 42A.

[0075] Advantageously, the inflow of steam into the fifth auxiliary duct 95’ is controlled by a valve V which can take a closing condition, in which it does not allow the steam to flow through towards said auxiliary cleaning member 42, and an opening condition, in which it allows the steam to flow through towards said auxiliary cleaning member 42.

[0076] According to an advantageous characteristic, in this second embodiment, said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ can be moved on said cleaning head 30’ between an inoperative position (figures 9A and 9B), wherein said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 is raised with respect to the surface P to be treated, and at least one first operative position (figures 10A and 10B), in which said at least one auxiliary cleaning member 42 rests against said surface P to be treated.

[0077] Advantageously, the movement of said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ between said inoperative position and said first operative position is carried out by maintaining said auxiliary cleaning member 42 essentially at the same distance from the edge of said cleaning head 30’.

[0078] Preferably, the switching from the closing condition to the opening condition of the valve V is carried out by the movement of the auxiliary cleaning device 40’ from the inoperative position to an operative position, and vice versa, so that the closing condition of the valve V is taken when said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in the inoperative position, and the opening condition is taken by the valve V when said auxiliary cleaningdevice 40’ is in an operative position.

[0079] Advantageously, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 may be driven in rotation around a respective axis Y-Y, in use orthogonal to the surface P to be treated, preferably through an auxiliary electric motor 43 advantageously mounted at the vacant end of said support arm 41 ’, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 being advantageously directly splined thereon.

[0080] Said auxiliary electric motor 43 can be advantageously actuated through a microswitch 45’ controlled by said command and control unit 3.

[0081] Alternatively, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 may be driven in rotation by said main motor 33 through second drive means (not shown), for example comprising a drive belt operatively connected to said first drive means 34 through a clutch.

[0082] The movement of the auxiliary cleaning device 40’ between the inoperative position and the first operative position is advantageously carried out by the user, for example by means of a thrust suitably carried out with the foot on the vacant end of said arm 41 ’, as explained in greater detail below.

[0083] A guide groove 44, advantageously provided for on said cleaning head 30’, is adapted to be slidably engaged by said support arm 41 ’ to define at least said inoperative position and said first operative position of said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ and for guiding the movement thereof between said positions.

[0084] With reference to figure 12, said guide groove 44 is advantageously configured so as to define at least one first seat 440, adapted to be engaged by said support arm 41 ’ when said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in the inoperative position, and at least one second seat 441 , connected to said first seat 440 through a first connection section 44A, and adapted to be engaged by said support arm 41 ’ when said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in the first operative position.

[0085] Said first seat 440 is configured so as to receive said arm 4T at a first height Q1 with respect to said surface P, such that said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is raised from said surface P, while said second surface 441 is configured so as to receive said support arm 4T at a second height Q2 with respect to said surface P, lower than said first height Q1 , such that said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is in contact with said surface P.

[0086] Preferably, said first seat 440 comprises an abutment surface 440A, lying on a plane arranged at said first height Q1 with respect to said surface P, against which said support arm 41 ’ is elastically stressed in abutment by elastic means (not shown) so as to be able to stably maintain the inoperative position, and said second seat 441 comprises an abutment surface 441 A lying on a plane arranged on said second height Q2 withrespect to said surface P, advantageously lower than said first height Q1 , against which said support arm 41 ’ is elastically stressed in abutment by elastic means (not shown) so as to be able to stably maintain the first operative position.

[0087] Said first and said second seat 440, 441 are preferably arranged adjacent to each other and connected through said first connection section 44A which extends along the perimeter edge of said cleaning head 30’ with path preferably parallel to said surface P, at a third height Q3, preferably lower than said first and second height Q1 , Q2 with respect to the surface to be treated P.

[0088] The movement of said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ from the inoperative position to the first operative position is carried out by the user by exerting an essentially vertical and downward thrust, as indicated by the arrow F1 of figure 10B, countering against the elastic force of said elastic means, adapted to allow to disengage the arm from the first seat 440 and guide the sliding thereof along said first section 44A, as indicated by the arrow F2 of figure 10B; at this point, upon releasing the arm 41 ’ the latter will be received in the second seat 441 , abutting against the relative abutment surface 441 A thanks to said elastic means, allowing said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ to take and stably maintain said first operative position.

[0089] Advantageously, said second seat 441 is obtained in the rear part of said cleaning head 30’ with respect to the advancement direction A of the apparatus 1 ’ when in use (indicated in figure 1 ), for example as shown in figures 10A and 10B, so that when the apparatus 1 ’ is moved in the advancement direction A and said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in said first operative position, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 follows the passage of the main cleaning members 32, so as to be able to improve the cleaning and sanitisation of an area of said surface P for example arranged in the proximity of a perimeter edge S.

[0090] Preferably, also said first seat 440 is arranged in the rear part of said cleaning head 30’.

[0091] The command and control unit 3 is advantageously programmed so that when the apparatus T is operating and the auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is moved from the inoperative position to the first operative position following the input provided by the user, the auxiliary cleaning member 42 is driven in rotation around its rotation axis; simultaneously, the valve V is brought to the opening condition, so as to allow the inflow of the of the dry saturated steam also to the auxiliary cleaning member 42 through said auxiliary duct 95’.

[0092] Once through with the treatment of the surface portion P, the user may bring theauxiliary cleaning device 40’ to the inoperative position, for example through a thrust suitably exerted by the foot thereof on the free end of said support arm 41 ’, which determines the disengagement thereof from the second seat 441 , the subsequent translation in the first section 44A of said guide groove 44 and the engagement with said first seat 440, abutting against the relative abutment surface 440A so that the auxiliary cleaning member 42 raises with respect to said surface P.

[0093] Simultaneously, the valve V returns to the closing condition, interrupting the dispensing of steam from said auxiliary device 40’, and the rotary movement of the auxiliary cleaning member 42 is suspended.

[0094] According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ may further take at least one second operative position with respect to said cleaning head 30’, that is different with respect to said first operative position, wherein said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is in contact with said surface P to be treated.

[0095] In particular, advantageously, when auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is moved between the first and the second operative position, the position between said auxiliary cleaning member 42 on said cleaning head 30’ angularly changes essentially remaining at the same distance from the edge thereof, as shown by the arrow F3 of figure 1 1 A.

[0096] Preferably, the switching between said first operative position and said second operative position is guided by the slidable engagement of said arm 41 ’ in said guide groove 44, advantageously defining a third seat 442 for the purpose, connected with said second seat 441 through a second connection section 44B, and adapted to receive said arm 41 ’ at a height such that said auxiliary cleaning member 42 is in contact with the surface P to be treated.

[0097] Preferably, said third seat 442 comprises an abutment surface 442A advantageously arranged at the same second lying height Q2 of the abutment surface 441 A of said second seat 441 , against which said support arm 41 ’ is elastically stressed in abutment by said elastic means when said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in the second operative position.

[0098] Preferably, said second connection section 44B extends along the perimeter edge of said cleaning head 30’ with path preferably parallel to said surface P arranged at said third height Q3, preferably lower than said first and second height Q1 , Q2 with respect to the surface P to be treated. Preferably, said second section 44B extends along the said cleaning head 30’, with a path which essentially copies the shape thereof, so that said auxiliary cleaning member 42 remains essentially at the same distance from the edge of said cleaning head 30’ during the movement between the first and the second operativeposition.

[0099] Preferably, said first seat 441 is arranged at a first end of said guide groove 44, while said third seat 442 is arranged at the opposite end of said 44, said second seat 441 being interposed between said first and said third seat 440, 442.

[0100] Advantageously, said third seat 442 is arranged at a front part of the cleaning head 30’ with respect to the advancement direction A of the apparatus 1 , such as for example shown in figures 1 1 A and 1 1 B, so that when the apparatus 1 is moved in the advancement direction A and said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in said second operative position, said auxiliary cleaning member 42 precedes the passage of the main cleaning members 32, so as to clean and sanitise an area of said surface P for example arranged at a corner C, with greater precision.

[0101] The movement of said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ from the first operative position to the second operative position is carried out by the user by exerting an essentially vertical and downward thrust, countering against the elastic force of said elastic means, which allows to disengage the arm from the second seat 441 and guide the sliding thereof along said second section 44B; at this point, upon releasing the arm 41 ’ the latter will be received in the third seat 442, abutting against the relative abutment surface 442A thanks to said elastic means, allowing said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ to take and stably maintain said second operative position.

[0102] By implementing such process backwards the auxiliary cleaning device 40’ can be returned to the first operative position or in the inoperative position.

[0103] Advantageously, when said auxiliary cleaning device 40’ is in one of said first or second operative position, such as also during the movement between them, there is provided for dispensing steam from said auxiliary cleaning member 42 and its simultaneous rotation around said axis Y-Y.

[0104] Possibly, said apparatus 1 ’ may comprise a pair of auxiliary cleaning devices 40’ as described above, arranged on opposite sides of said cleaning head 30’.

[0105] Clearly, characteristics described in relation to a treatment apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention may possibly be provided for also for a treatment apparatus according to the second embodiment of the invention, and vice versa. For example, the steam generation assembly 100’ of the second embodiment may be installed in an apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, in which the auxiliary device 40 does not provide for the movement between an inoperative position and at least one operative position, or the steam generation assembly 100 of the first embodiment can be installed in an apparatus T or the second embodiment of the invention, wherein theauxiliary device 40’ can be moved at least between an operative position and an inoperative position.

[0106] In the light of the above, it is clear that an apparatus 1 , 1 ’ for treatment with steam according to the present invention allows to achieve the task and purposes initially proposed.

[0107] As a matter of fact, providing said at least one auxiliary cleaning device 40, 40’ configured so as to dispense steam through an external auxiliary cleaning member 42 and advantageously spaced apart from the cleaning head 30, 30’, allows to also obtain an effective treatment of the surface P to be treated with steam, which would otherwise be difficult to achieve, for example arranged at, or in the immediate proximity, of corners C, perimeter corners S and profiles of any other kind.

[0108] At the same time, it is clear that said apparatus 1 , 1 ’ is easy and intuitive to use, practical and safe for the user, compact and functional.

[0109] It should be observed that in the description of the present invention, the directional terms such as "above, below, vertical, horizontal, lateral, lower and upper", same case applying to any other similar term, shall be interpreted with reference to an apparatus 1 , 1 ’ for treating surfaces in the normal operative configuration thereof, that is in use, as shown in the attached figures.

[0110] Obviously, the present invention is susceptible to numerous modifications or variants without departing from the scope of protection, as defined by any one of the attached claims.

[0111] Furthermore, the materials used to implement the present invention, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the individual components, may be the most appropriate depending on the specific requirements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) for treating a walkable surface (P) with steam, comprising:- a body structure (10), interposed between a gripping element (20), configured to allow a user to operate the apparatus (1 , 1 ’), and a cleaning head (30, 30’) provided with one or more main cleaning members (32) adapted to rest, in use, on said surface (P),- a steam generation assembly (100, 100’) operatively connected at least to said main cleaning members (32),- at least one auxiliary cleaning device (40, 40’) provided with at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) having dimensions smaller than those of said one or more main cleaning members (32) and being mounted on said cleaning head (30, 30’) so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) protrudes with respect to the latter, characterised in that said steam generation assembly (100, 100’) is also operatively connected to said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42).

2. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one auxiliary cleaning device (40, 40’) comprises a rigid support arm (41 , 41 ’) adapted to support said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) on a distal end with respect to said cleaning head (30, 30’).

3. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to claim 2, wherein said support arm (41 , 41 ’) comprises a first portion (41 A, 41 A’), extending from said cleaning head (30, 30’) along an extension axis (Z-Z) in use essentially parallel to said surface (P), and a second portion (41 B, 41 B’), extending from the end of said first portion (41 A, 41 A’) along an axis transversal to said surface (P) so that said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) associated with the lower end of said second portion (41 B, 41 B’) is arranged essentially at said surface (P).

4. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more main cleaning members (32) are rotatably mounted on said cleaning head (30, 30’) around respective rotation axes (X1-X1 ; X2-X2), in use orthogonal to said surface (P), said main cleaning members (32) being adapted to be rotatably actuated by means of an electric motor (33) operatively connected thereto through first drive means (34).

5. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is rotatably mounted around a second rotation axis (Y-Y), in use essentially orthogonal to said surface (P), said auxiliary cleaning member (42) being adapted to be rotatably actuated by means of an electric motor (33; 43).

6. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to claim 5, wherein said auxiliary cleaning member (42) can be rotatably actuated by means of an auxiliary electric motor (43) housed in the support arm (41 , 41 ’).

7. Apparatus (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said steam generation assembly (100) comprises first steam generation means (103) comprising first heating means (103A) operatively connected to said one or more main cleaning members (32), and second steam generation means (104) comprising second heating means (104A) operatively connected to said auxiliary cleaning member (42).

8. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein said second steam generation means (104) are mounted on said auxiliary cleaning device (40).

9. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said second heating means (104A) are arranged at the free end of said second portion (41 B) of the support arm (41 ).

10. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 8, wherein said second heating means (104A) are housed in a seat obtained in said first portion (41 A) of said support arm (41 ).

11. Apparatus (1 ) according to claim 10, wherein said second steam generation means (104) further comprise a steam diffusion element (104B) connected to said second heating means (104A) for spreading steam in said auxiliary cleaning member (42).

12. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 1 1 , wherein said support arm (41 ) is arranged so that said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is essentially aligned with a front edge (30A) of said cleaning head (30) in the advancement direction (A).

13. Apparatus (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein said support arm (41 ) is pivoted on said cleaning head (30) around an essentially vertical pivot axis so that it can oscillate around said pivot axis by an angle (a) towards a rear edge (30B) of said cleaning head (30) to reach a receded position, said oscillation being controlled by elastic means adapted to elastically return said support arm (41 ) to an advanced position.

14. Apparatus (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said auxiliary device (40) is configured so that it can be moved by the user through a slider (45) between a lowered position, in which said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is in contact with said surface (P), and a raised position, in which it is spaced apart from said surface (P).

15. Apparatus (1 ’) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein said at least one auxiliary cleaning device (40’) is mounted on said cleaning head (30’) so that it is adapted to be moved between an inoperative position, wherein said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) is raised with respect to said surface (P), and at least one first operative position, in which said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) rests against said surface (P).

16. Apparatus (1 ’) according to claim 15, wherein a guide groove (44) is provided for on said cleaning head (30’), said guide groove (44) being adapted to be slidably engaged by said support arm (41 ’) and being configured to define at least said inoperative position and said first operative position of said auxiliary cleaning device (40’) and to guide the movement thereof at least between said positions, said guide groove (44) comprising at least one first seat (440) adapted to receive said support arm (41 ’) when said auxiliary cleaning device (40’) is in the inoperative position at a first height (Q1 ) with respect to said surface (P), so that said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is raised with respect to said surface (P), and a second seat (441 ), connected to said first seat through a first connection section (44A), adapted to receive said support arm (41 ’) when said auxiliary cleaning device (40’) is in the first operative position at a second height (Q2) with respect to said surface (P), lower than said first height (Q1 ), so that said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is in contact with said surface (P).

17. Apparatus (1 ’) according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said auxiliary cleaning device (40’) can take also at least one second operative position with respect to said cleaning head (30’), different from said first operative position, wherein said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is in contact with said surface (P).

18. Apparatus (1 ’) according to claim 17, wherein said guide groove (44) defines a third seat (442) connected to said second seat (441 ) through a second connection section (44B), and adapted to receive said support arm (41 ’) when said auxiliary cleaning device (40’) is in said second operative position at a second height (Q2) with respect to said surface (P), lower than said first height (Q1 ), so that said auxiliary cleaning member (42) is in contact with said surface (P).

19. Apparatus (1 ’) according to claim 17, wherein said second seat (441 ) is arranged at a rear part of said cleaning head (30’) with respect to an advancement direction (A) of said apparatus, said third seat (442) being arranged at a rear part of said cleaning head (30’) with respect to said advancement direction (A), said second connection section (44B) extending to a third height (Q3) with respect to said surface (P) along an outer edge of said cleaning head (30’).

20. Apparatus (1 ’) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said steam generation means (100’) comprises first steam generation means (103’) provided with first heating means and adapted to generate saturated steam, and second steam generation means (104’), that are fluidly coupled to first steam generation means (103’), provided with second heating means and adapted to generate dry saturated steam, said second steam generation means (104’) being operatively connected to said one or more main cleaning members (32) through fourth flexible conduits (94’) and to said at least one auxiliary cleaning member (42) through a fifth flexible duct (95’) controlled by a valve (V).

21. Apparatus (1 , 1 ’) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said steam generation assembly (100, 100’) comprises a tank (101 ) for storing a liquid and pumping means (102).

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