Steam cleaner with a controllable heating element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus, and computer implementation method for operating a heating element in a steam mop. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a battery for supplying battery power, a fluid reservoir for holding liquid, at least one heating element in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, one or more temperature sensors coupled to at least one heating element, and a controller for communicating with one or more temperature sensors and at least one heating element. The controller is configured to operate in cordless mode and, at least in part, use battery power to control and energize at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, based on temperature data received from one or more temperature sensors. The high-power mode supplies more power to at least one heating element than the low-power mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heating component for an electronic steam cleaner, and more particularly to the optimization of a thick film boiler for a cord-connected or cordless steam mop.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002] The features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments for carrying out the invention, and by reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, like numbers indicate like components. [Figure 1] FIG. showing a cleaning device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2F] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2G] FIG. showing various embodiments of a thick film heater element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] Separate FIG. showing a cylindrical (tubular) thick film boiler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Separate FIG. showing a cylindrical (tubular) thick film boiler according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]This is an exploded view showing components of a thick-film boiler according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] These are separate figures showing cylindrical thick-film boilers having NTC temperature control resistors according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] These are separate figures showing cylindrical thick-film boilers having NTC temperature control resistors according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This figure shows a steam mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] This figure shows a steam mop according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows an ultrasonic atomizer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is flowchart 800 illustrating the operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing a computing device for a cleaning apparatus including a thick-film boiler system according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0003] The following descriptions of embodiments for carrying out the invention will proceed with reference to exemplary embodiments, but many substitutions, modifications, and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Figure 1 schematically shows an example of a cleaning device 100 consistent with the present disclosure. The cleaning device 100 may include, but is not limited to, a steam cleaner and / or mop, a robotic steam mop, or a vacuum cleaner with a steam mop. The cleaning device 100 may include a body 102 and a steam nozzle (also called a steam head) 104. The steam nozzle 104 may be configured to discharge steam onto the surface to be cleaned (e.g., a floor 110) through a steam pad 105, for example. The steam head 105 may also include a stirring assembly (not shown) generally configured to scrub away dirt and debris from the surface to be cleaned 110. Optionally, the cleaning device 100 may include a handle 106 and a hinge and / or connector 108. The handle 106 may be configured to allow a user to operate the cleaning device 100 over the surface to be cleaned 110. The handle 106 may optionally include one or more user control units 112 (but not limited to one or more buttons, switches, displays, etc.) configured to allow the user to control one or more functions of the cleaning device 100. The connector 108 may 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 may include a universal joint or the like.

[0004] The cleaning device 100 may include one or more fluid reservoirs 116. The fluid reservoirs 116 may be configured to hold a specific amount of liquid, such as water, detergent, and / or disinfectant, but are not limited to the following. In at least one example, the cleaning device 100 may include a first fluid reservoir configured to hold a specific amount of water, and a second (or more) fluid reservoir configured to hold a specific amount of detergent or disinfectant.

[0005] The fluid reservoir 116 may include one or more fluid inlets 118 for receiving and storing fluid within the fluid reservoir 116, and one or more fluid outlets 120. The fluid outlets 120 may be fluidically coupled to one or more thick-film heating elements 122, for example, as indicated by a liquid channel 121. As described herein, the thick-film heating elements 122 may be configured to heat the fluid from the fluid reservoir 116 to produce a gaseous fluid (e.g., vapor), as collectively indicated by a gas channel 123. It should be understood that the gas channel 123 may contain only gas (e.g., only vapor) or both gas (e.g., vapor) and liquid (e.g., liquid water). The vapor 123 may flow from the thick-film heating elements 122 to a vapor nozzle 104, optionally through one or more vapor pads 105. Optionally, one or more controllable flow regulators 124 may be provided between the fluid outlets 120 and the thick-film heating elements 122. The controllable flow regulator 124 may include one or more controllable valves and / or pumps (either mechanical or electric). In some examples, the liquid may be supplied by gravity from the fluid reservoir 116 to the thick-film heating element 122.

[0006] In at least one example, one or more fluid reservoirs 116 may be fluidically coupled to one or more of the thick-film heating elements 122 (e.g., selectively fluidically coupled). Alternatively, for example, a first fluid reservoir (e.g., a water reservoir) may be fluidically coupled to one or more of the thick-film heating elements 122 (e.g., selectively fluidically coupled), and a second fluid reservoir (e.g., a cleaning agent or disinfectant) may be fluidically coupled to one or more separate outlets (e.g., nozzles, etc.) configured to discharge the cleaning agent or disinfectant separately from the gas flow path 123.

[0007] The cleaning device 100 may also include a controller circuit 126, which is generally configured to control the operation of the thick-film heating element 122 and / or the flow regulator 124, as described below. For example, the controller 126 may adjust the flow rate of the pump and / or allow the position of a valve to adjust the amount of liquid supplied to the thick-film heating element 122.

[0008] The controller 126 can also adjust the power supplied to the thick film heating elements 122. For example, the controller 126 can switch between a DC power supply 128 (e.g., one or more rechargeable batteries) and / or an AC power supply 130. The controller 126 may be configured to selectively supply power to one or more specific thick film heating elements 122 based on the power supply being used. For example, the controller 126 can supply power to low-power thick film heating elements 122 when operating on a DC power supply, thereby extending the battery life of the DC power supply. Alternatively, the controller 126 can supply power to high-power thick film heating elements 122 (and optionally low-power thick film heating elements 122) when operating on an AC power supply, thereby supplying maximum steam output.

[0009] The controller 126 can adjust the power supplied to the thick film heating elements 122 based at least in part on the output of one or more temperature sensors 132 coupled to one or more thick film heating elements 122. In some embodiments, additional sensors, such as motion sensors, water level sensors, floor sensors, dirt detection sensors, etc., can be used and these sensors can be mounted within the cleaning device 100 or anywhere in the cleaning device (including, but not limited to, the fluid reservoir 116, handle 106, body 102, and / or steam nozzle 104).

[0010] One or more thick-film heating elements 122 achieve a desired power density, for example, up to 50 W / cm². 2The thick film heating element 122 can be configured to supply a power density and / or a desired operating temperature, for example, an operating temperature of about 350°C. The thick film heating element 122 can also be configured for direct liquid heating or contact heating of flat surfaces, has an electrical strength of up to several kW, is mechanically stable, and may be composed of a self-supporting steel substrate. Furthermore, the thick film heating element 122 can be adapted for simple use in holes, screws, nuts, welds, and any flat shape, and does not absorb moisture. One or more examples of the thick film heating element 122 are described in more detail below.

[0011] One or more of the temperature sensors 132 may include a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) resistor. As is known, an NTC resistor generally changes its resistance as a function of temperature. The NTC resistor may be embedded within one or more thick-film heating elements 122. For example, the NTC resistor may include an NTC thermistor integrated within the thick-film heating element 122. Furthermore, the NTC thermistor may be configured to improve the time it takes for the thick-film boiler system to transition between a first mode (e.g., high-power mode) and a second mode (e.g., low-power mode).

[0012] In one embodiment, one or more temperature sensors 132 may 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 may be configured to detect the liquid temperature at (or near) the thick-film heating element 122 and transmit data corresponding to the detected temperature to the controller 126. Furthermore, the first thermostat 132A may be configured to operate (i.e., close the power circuit) when the liquid temperature is below a first maximum temperature. Similarly, the second thermostat 132A may be configured to detect the liquid temperature at (or near) the thick-film heating element 122 and transmit data corresponding to the detected temperature to the controller 126. The second thermostat 132B may be configured to operate (i.e., close the power circuit) when the liquid temperature is below a first maximum temperature and / or above a first maximum temperature. The cleaning device 100 may exhibit improved efficiency as a result of adjustments when one or more temperature sensors are operating, for example, by using less battery power and processing resources when the liquid temperature does not exceed a temperature threshold.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first temperature can correspond to a first maximum temperature that is 50% lower than a second maximum temperature that can correspond to a second temperature. In one embodiment, one or more thick-film heating elements 122 may include a two-dimensional composite layer as a base layer, comprising at least a substrate layer, a heater track layer on the substrate layer, and / or an enamel protective layer on the heater track layer.

[0014] Figures 2A to 2G show various embodiments of the thick film heater element 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the thick film heater element 200 (e.g., one or more thick film heating elements 122) may include a flat circular thick film heating element 210 (FIG. 2A), a semi-circular thick film element 220 (FIG. 2B), a rounded-corner square thick film heating element 230 (FIG. 2C), a square thick film heating element 240 (FIG. 2D), a rectangular thick film heating element 250 (FIG. 2E), and tubular thick film heating elements 260, 270 (FIGS. 2F and 2G). Using the thick film heating elements of FIGS. 2A-2E, a liquid can be indirectly heated. For example, the thick film heating elements of FIGS. 2A-2E may be disposed in or near a separate fluid container (not shown) in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 116, and / or the thick film heating elements of FIGS. 2A-2E may be disposed in or near the fluid reservoir 116 to effect heating of the liquid. In the examples of FIGS. 2F and 2G, the tubular heating element 260 / 270 can receive a liquid within a directly heated tubular structure. In one embodiment, the thick film heating element 200 may be configured to provide high performance capable of accommodating a high power density of up to 50 W / cm 2 ². Further, the thick film heating element 200 may be configured to withstand high operating temperatures up to 350° C and be exposed to such temperatures. Further, the thick film heating element 200 may also be configured for direct liquid heating or flat surface contact heating, have an electrical strength of up to several kW, be mechanically stable, and be composed of a self-supporting steel substrate. Further, the thick film heating element 200 can be adapted for simple use with holes, screws, nuts, welding, any flat shape, and may be configured to reduce moisture absorption.

[0015] FIGS. 3A-3B show separate views of a cylindrical (tubular) thick film boiler 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may include an inlet 310 (e.g., a receiving inlet) configured to receive a liquid and an outlet 320 (e.g., a discharge outlet) configured to discharge the liquid over the entire body of the cylindrical thick film heater 300. For example, the inlet 310 can receive the liquid from a reservoir or tank in fluid communication with the cylindrical thick film heater 300. Further, for example, the outlet 320 may be configured to discharge the 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.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may include an electrical port 320 for connecting a lead wire to receive electrical energy from a power source. Further, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 can include a valve component 340 having a rear end disposed within an opening at a first end of a spring component 350, and a front end of the valve component is housed within an inner portion of the inlet 310. For example, the inner portion of the inlet may be disposed at an inlet portion of a spiral water channel inside the body of the cylindrical thick film heater 300, and the valve component may be configured to prevent backflow of water through the spiral water channel.

[0017] In one embodiment, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may be configured with dimensions suitable for the intended use. For example, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may have a first length 370 of 111 mm and a first diameter of 13 mm, suitable for a handheld cleaning appliance (e.g., a steam mop). Further, for example, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may have a second length 374 of 89 mm that does not include portions of the inlet 310 and outlet 312 that extend beyond the body, and a second diameter 376 of 5.5 mm corresponding to the openings of the inlet 310 and / or outlet 312. Still further, for example, the cylindrical thick film heater 300 may have a third length 378 of 85 mm that does not include the respective cap portions of the inlet 310 and outlet 312.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the components of a thick film boiler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the thick-film boiler 400 may include an inlet cap 410 configured to be positioned within an opening at a first end of the shell 402 (e.g., the outer portion of the body) and an outlet cap 412 configured to be positioned within an opening at a second end of the shell 402. Furthermore, the thick-film boiler 400 may include electric wires (e.g., lead wires 420) attached to terminals electrically connected to the thick-film component 430, configured to supply electrical energy for generating heat in the thick-film component 430. Furthermore, the thick-film boiler 400 may include a core having a helical channel 440 configured to be positioned within the length of the body of the thick-film boiler 400 and over the entire length of the body. Furthermore, the thick-film boiler 400 may include a spring 442 (e.g., spring component 350) having a rear end positioned within an opening at the first end of a valve 442 (e.g., valve component 340).

[0019] Figures 5A and 5B show separate diagrams of a cylindrical thick-film boiler 500 having an NTC temperature control resistor according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the cylindrical thick-film boiler 500 may include an NTC temperature control unit 510 component located 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 unit 510 component may be a thermistor configured to provide feedback to the controller to regulate 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 may 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 a second mode.

[0020] Figure 6A shows a steam mop 600 consistent with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The steam mop 600 may be a cordless steam mop (for example, configured to be powered by one or more batteries), a corded steam mop (for example, configured to be powered by an AC power source such as an electrical outlet), or a combination of a corded steam mop and a cordless steam mop. The steam mop 600 may include a handle 610 having a bottom connected to the top of a body 612, and the body 612 may include one or more liquid reservoirs 620 (for example, a cold water tank, a detergent tank, and / or liquid containers). One or more liquid reservoirs 620 may be in fluid communication with one or more pumps 630. Furthermore, the steam mop 600 may include a mop module (also called a steam nozzle or steam head) 614 hinged to the body 612, and the mop module 614 may include a sprayer 640 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 620. Furthermore, the mop module 614 may include a boiler 650 in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir 620, which may be configured to generate steam from the liquid supplied by the sprayer 640. For example, the boiler 650 may include a thick-film heating element configured to generate heat to raise the temperature of the liquid supplied by the sprayer, and to discharge the heated liquid as steam 644 toward the surface or the surrounding area. However, it should be understood that the boiler 650 may include any boiler known to those skilled in the art.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sprayer (also referred to herein as an atomizer) 640 may be configured to discharge at least a portion of the generated spray 646 into the surroundings. The sprayer 640 may include any known atomizer, e.g., a piezoelectric atomizer, etc., configured to combine air and a fluid (e.g., water, a detergent, and / or a disinfectant) to produce a spray containing droplets of the fluid suspended in the air. Optionally, at least a portion of the spray 646 may come into contact with one or more chemical components 642. For example, at least a portion of the spray 646 may flow through and / or around at least a portion of the chemical components 642. At least a portion of the chemical components 642 may combine with the spray 646 and ultimately be discharged into the surroundings. For example, at least a portion of the spray 646 may enclose a portion of the chemical components 642 so that the chemical components 642 are discharged from the steam mop 600 together with the spray 646. The spray 646 and chemical component 642 may be discharged into the surrounding air surrounding the steam mop 600 and / or onto the surface to be cleaned. The chemical component 642 may, but is not limited to, aromatic compounds and / or antimicrobial properties (e.g., antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and / or antiprotozoal). Alternatively (or in addition), the sprayer 640 may be configured to discharge the spray 646 at least partially through or onto one or more steam pads (e.g., steam pad 105) coupled to the mop module 614.

[0022] The sprayer 640 may be configured such that, after receiving a liquid (e.g., water and / or detergent), the liquid is heated by the boiler 650. For example, the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650 may be fluidically coupled to one or more liquid reservoirs 620 via one or more pumps 630 and / or one or more valves 615. One or more pumps 630 and / or one or more valves 615 can be selectively adjusted by a controller (e.g., controller 126, Figure 1) to adjust the flow rate to the sprayer 640 and / or boiler 650.

[0023] For example, the sprayer 640 may be fluidically coupled to a single pump 630 that supplies liquid to both the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650, as schematically shown in Figure 6A. Alternatively (or in addition), the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650 may be fluidically coupled to a liquid reservoir 620 via one or more controllable valves 615. In at least one example, the pump 630 may be omitted, and the supply of liquid to the sprayer 640 and / or the boiler 650 may be by gravity via the valves 615.

[0024] Figure 6B shows a steam mop 600' consistent with another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment of Figure 6B, the flow of liquid from the liquid reservoir 620 to the sprayer 640 may be supplied separately and independently from the flow of liquid from the liquid reservoir 620 to the boiler 650. For example, the steam mop 600' may include first and second pumps configured to supply liquid separately and independently from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640 and the boiler 650, respectively. Alternatively, the steam mop 600' may include a first pump configured to supply liquid from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the boiler 650, but the liquid may be supplied by gravity 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 supply liquid from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640, but the liquid may be supplied by gravity from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the boiler 650. Alternatively, the liquid may be supplied by gravity from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the boiler 650, and separately, the liquid may be supplied by gravity from one or more liquid reservoirs 620 to the sprayer 640.

[0025] In any case, by heating the liquid in the boiler 650 after supplying it to the sprayer 640, the spray 646 is generated without consuming the energy used by the boiler 650, thus improving the overall efficiency of the steam mop 600'. This may be particularly useful in battery-operated (cordless) steam mops 600 / 600'.

[0026] Any of the steam mops described herein may further include one or more motion sensors configured to detect the movement of the steam mop. For example, the motion sensors may be coupled to the handle 610, the body 612, and / or the mop module 614. Steam mops 600 and 600' may include a controller (e.g., a controller 126 as shown in Figure 1) that communicates with one or more sensors, and one or more sensors may be configured to transmit motion data to the controller. Upon receiving motion data, the controller may be configured to determine whether the steam mop 600 / 600' is moving and, in response to the determination that the steam mop 600 / 600' is not moving, switch from an active mode (e.g., when power is supplied to the boiler 650 and / or sprayer 640) to an inactive mode (e.g., when power is not supplied to the boiler 650 and / or sprayer 640).

[0027] To ensure clarity, the controller 126 is configured to determine whether the steam mop is connected to a main AC power source (connected by a cord) or whether AC power is unavailable and the mop is operating in cordless (battery-operated) mode. In cordless mode, the controller 126 can control the boiler 650 and sprayer 640 to operate in multiple operating modes. In a first operating mode, the controller 126 can supply a reduced amount of power (e.g., 50% of the total power) to the boiler 650. In this first mode, no power is supplied to the sprayer 640, extending battery life. The steam mop 600 / 600' can operate in a second operating mode in which the amount of power supplied to the boiler 650 is greater than the amount supplied to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. For example, the first operating mode may be called a low-power mode, while the second operating mode may be called a high-power mode.

[0028] The steam mop 600 may also include a third operating mode. In the third operating mode, the steam mop 600 can supply power to both the boiler 650 and the sprayer 640. In at least one example, the amount of power supplied to the boiler 650 in the third operating mode is greater than the amount supplied to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. Alternatively (or in addition), the amount of power supplied to the boiler 650 in the third operating mode may be less than the amount supplied to the boiler 650 in the first operating mode. The third operating mode may optionally include a low-power mode and a high-power mode. In the low-power mode, the amount of power supplied to the boiler 650 and / or sprayer 640 is less than the amount supplied to the boiler 650 and / or sprayer 640 in the high-power mode.

[0029] If the controller 126 determines that AC power is present, the controller 126 can control the boiler 650 and sprayer 640 to operate in a first operating mode that supplies full power to the boiler 650, and a second operating mode that supplies full power to the boiler 650 and sprayer 640. It should be understood that any of the steam mops described herein may be configured for operation in a battery-only mode, where AC power is used only to recharge the rechargeable battery associated with the steam mop (e.g., via a wall-mountable docking station). In such a configuration, the steam mop may be configured to operate in low-power (longer operating time) and high-power (faster steam generation) modes, as described above. In addition, such a steam mop configuration may include a sprayer (as described herein) which the user may select for on operation in low-power mode and / or high-power mode. Alternatively, the battery may include one or more disposable batteries, in which case the steam mop may be configured to operate on disposable batteries alone without connection to AC power.

[0030] As used herein, “low power” and “low power mode” refer to operating conditions generally designed to achieve long operating times based on available battery power, total battery capacity, etc. “High power” and “high power mode” refer to operating conditions in which an increased amount of power is supplied to the heating element compared to “low power mode.” High power mode may, for example, allow the user to make steam available faster than in low power mode and / or increase steam production compared to low power mode.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6B, the sprayer 640 may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 620 via a fluid communication passage 670. As shown, the fluid communication passage 670 may bypass the pump 630, and thus the sprayer 640 may be supplied by gravity. The boiler 650 may be in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir 620 via a fluid communication passage 672. The fluid communication passage 672 may bypass the sprayer 640.

[0032] Figure 7 shows an ultrasonic atomizer 700 according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic atomizer 700 may be a piezoelectric atomizer and may include an upper part 702 attached to a lower part 704, with a cavity formed between the upper part 702 and the lower part 704, which may be configured to fluidly communicate with a water source or water supply via an inlet 710 and to disperse the supplied water through an outlet 712. For example, when a liquid (e.g., water) is supplied through the inlet 710 and reaches the cavity, the ultrasonic atomizer 700 may be configured to generate a mist vapor 714 through an opening in the upper part 702, which may be released into the surrounding environment.

[0033] In one embodiment, water can be distributed in various ways. For example, water may be heated / boiled through a boiler and discharged through a mop module. In another example, as described above herein, unheated water may be discharged through an ultrasonic atomizer 700.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a flowchart 800 of operation according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation shown in Figure 8 relates to the operation of the steam mop controller (e.g., controller 126). The operation of this embodiment includes determining whether AC power is present 802. If AC power is not present, the controller operates the steam mop in cordless mode. In cordless mode, the operation of this embodiment includes determining whether high-power mode or low-power mode has been selected 804. If low-power mode is selected, the controller controls the heating element to heat the liquid to a first temperature to produce steam 806. If high-power mode is selected, the controller controls the heating element to heat the liquid to a first temperature to produce steam 808. In either (or both) low-power mode and / or high-power mode, the operation of this embodiment may also include determining whether sprayer operation has been selected 810.

[0035] If AC power is available (802), the controller operates the steam mop in corded mode. In corded mode, the operation of this embodiment includes, for example, controlling the heating element to heat the liquid and generate steam using all available power to heat the liquid as quickly as possible 812. In corded mode, the operation according to this embodiment may also include determining whether the sprayer operation has been selected 814. As described above, some implementations of the steam mop described herein may support only a battery-operated mode (i.e., cordless). In such implementations, operation 802 may be modified to determine whether the steam mop is connected to AC to recharge the rechargeable battery associated with the steam mop, and operations 812 and 814 may be omitted. Of course, in yet other embodiments, the steam mop may be configured to operate only on disposable batteries, in which case operations 802, 812, and 814 may be omitted.

[0036] The steam mops described herein may also include one or more user-selectable switches to allow the user to switch between several modes described herein (e.g., low power / high power modes) or to turn the sprayer on / off.

[0037] Figure 9 shows a block diagram of a computing device 900 (e.g., controller 126) of a cleaning apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing device 900 includes a communication fabric 902 that provides communication between a cache 916, memory 906, persistent storage 908, a communication unit 910, and an input / output (I / O) interface 912. The communication fabric 902 can be implemented in any architecture designed to pass data and / or control information between a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, communication and network processor, etc.), system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware components in the system. For example, the communication fabric 902 can be implemented with one or more buses or crossbar switches.

[0038] Memory 906 and persistent storage 908 are computer-readable storage media. In this embodiment, memory 906 includes random access memory (RAM). Generally, memory 906 may include any suitable volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage media. Cache 916 is a high-speed memory that improves the performance of the computer processor 904 by retaining recently accessed data and data adjacent to accessed data from memory 906.

[0039] The program may be stored in persistent storage 908 and memory 906 for execution and / or access by one or more of the computer processors 904 via cache 916. In one embodiment, persistent storage 908 may include a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, in addition to a magnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 908 may include a solid-state hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other computer-readable storage medium capable of storing program instructions or digital information.

[0040] The media used by persistent storage 908 may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 908. Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, and smart cards, which are inserted into drives and transfer data to another computer-readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage 908.

[0041] In these examples, the communication unit 910 provides communication with other data processing systems or devices. In these examples, the communication unit 910 includes one or more network interface cards. The communication unit 910 can provide communication using either or both physical communication links and wireless communication links. As described herein, programs can be downloaded to persistent storage 908 via the communication unit 910.

[0042] The I / O interface 912 enables data input and output with other devices that may be connected to the controller 140. For example, the I / O interface 912 can provide connection to an external device 918, such as a surface cleaning module (e.g., a mop module), a surface module, a keyboard, a keypad, a touchscreen, and / or any other suitable input device. The external device 918 may also include portable computer-readable storage media, such as a thumb drive, a portable optical or magnetic disk, and a memory card. Software and data 914 used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure can be stored on such portable computer-readable storage media and loaded into persistent storage 908 via the I / O interface 912. The I / O interface 912 also connects to a display 920.

[0043] The display 920 provides a mechanism for displaying data to the user, and may be, for example, a computer monitor. The software and data 914 described herein are identified based on the application implemented in a particular embodiment of the present invention. However, any particular program naming in this specification is for convenience only, and it should be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to any particular application identified and / or implied by such naming.

[0044] The programs described herein are identified based on the applications implemented in specific embodiments of the present invention. However, any specific program naming used herein is for convenience only, and it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to any specific application identified and / or implied by such naming.

[0045] This disclosure may be a computer system, a computer implementation method, and / or a computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or multiple mediums) having computer-readable program instructions for causing a processor to execute aspects of this disclosure.

[0046] A computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible device capable of holding and storing instructions used by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium may, but is not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVDs), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanically encoded devices such as punched cards or grooved raised structures on which instructions are recorded, and any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, computer-readable storage media should not be interpreted as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through optical fiber cables), or transient signals themselves, such as electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0047] The computer-readable program instructions described herein may be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to each computing / processing device, or they may be downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network. Networks may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmissions, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface within each computing / processing device receives computer-readable program instructions from the network and transfers them to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium within each computing / processing device.

[0048] The computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of the Disclosure may be assembler 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 object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk and C++, or traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection to an external computer may be established (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuits including, for example, programmable logic circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) can execute computer-readable program instructions by personalizing the electronic circuit using state information of computer-readable program instructions in order to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of computer implementation methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks within the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0049] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or a processor of another programmable data processing device to generate a machine, such that instructions executed via the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device form means for performing a function / operation specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable storage medium on which the instructions are stored, which can be instructed to cause a computer, a programmable data processing device, and / or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the storage medium contains a product containing instructions that perform a mode of function / operation specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0050] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, another programmable data processing device, or another device so that instructions executed on the computer, another programmable device, or another device perform a function / operation specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram, thereby generating a computer-executed process by having the computer, another programmable device, or other device perform a series of operational steps.

[0051] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of the systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described in a block may be performed in an order different from that shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes those blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions they relate to. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks within a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or executes a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0052] In embodiments of this disclosure, it is recognized that boiler or hot water tank systems are adversely affected by basic thermal heating elements (e.g., resistors) that provide the intended heating process in various settings. For example, some resistor-based heating elements occupy a relatively large amount of space within the tank or boiler. Furthermore, these heating elements also limit the time required to raise the temperature to the desired temperature for a particular application. To address these technical challenges, embodiments described herein improve efficiency and user outcomes by using thick-film boiler systems when used in applications requiring the use of hot water and / or steam.

[0053] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a steam mop comprising a battery for supplying battery power, a fluid reservoir for holding liquid, at least heating elements fluidly communicating with the fluid reservoir, one or more temperature sensors coupled to at least one heating element, and a controller communicating with one or more temperature sensors and at least one heating element, wherein the controller operates in cordless mode and is configured to control and energize at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode using battery power, at least in part based on temperature data received from one or more temperature sensors, the high-power mode supplying a greater amount of power to at least one heating element than the low-power mode.

[0054] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a steam mop comprising: a battery for supplying battery power; a fluid reservoir for holding liquid; at least one heating element fluidly communicating with the fluid reservoir; one or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element; a sprayer fluidly communicating with the fluid reservoir and configured to produce a spray; and a controller communicating with one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, wherein the controller is configured to operate in cordless mode and, at least partially based on temperature data received from one or more temperature sensors, use battery power to control and energize the at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, the high-power mode supplying a greater amount of power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode, and the controller is further configured to use battery power to control and energize the sprayer to produce a spray.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the disclosure provides a steam mop comprising a main body including a battery for supplying battery power, a fluid reservoir for holding liquid, and a controller, and a steam head including 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 and configured to produce a spray, wherein the controller communicates with one or more temperature sensors and the at least one heating element, and the controller is configured to operate in cordless mode and, at least partially based on temperature data received from one or more temperature sensors, use battery power to control and energize the at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, wherein the high-power mode supplies more power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode, and the controller is further configured to use battery power to control and energize the sprayer to produce a spray.

[0056] The descriptions of the various embodiments in this disclosure are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or limitful to the disclosed embodiments. Many changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The terms used herein have been selected to best describe the principles of the embodiments, their practical application to the technology found in the market, or technical improvements, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0057] As used in this application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "and / or" may mean any combination of the enumerated items. For example, the phrase "A, B, and / or C" may mean A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. As used in this application and claims, a list of items connected by the term "at least one of" may mean any combination of the enumerated terms. For example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may mean A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C.

[0058] The terms and expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only, not for limitation, and in using such terms and expressions, there is no intention to exclude any equivalents of the illustrated and described features (or any part thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to encompass all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments are described herein. These features, aspects, and embodiments can be combined with each other and modified and altered as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this disclosure should be considered to encompass such combinations, modifications, and alterations.

[0059] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment” or “a particular embodiment” means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the occurrence of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in a particular embodiment” in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Claims

1. A battery to supply power to the battery, A fluid reservoir for holding liquid, At least a heating element that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, One or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element, A steam mop comprising one or more temperature sensors and a controller that communicates with at least one heating element, The controller is configured to operate in cordless mode and, at least partially based on temperature data received from one or more temperature sensors, use battery power to control and energize the at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, wherein the high-power mode supplies more power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode, in a steam mop.

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

4. The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the at least one heating element includes at least one of a thick film heating element and / or a thick film tubular boiler heating element, the thick film heating element having a two-dimensional composite layer as a base layer including at least a substrate layer, a heater track layer on the substrate layer, and an enamel protective layer on the heater track layer.

5. The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or only battery power is available, and if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a corded mode to control and energize the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature and generate steam, and 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 the cordless mode.

6. The steam mop according to claim 1, further comprising a sprayer in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, wherein the sprayer is configured to generate a spray.

7. The steam mop according to claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to control the operation of the sprayer in the corded operation mode and the cordless operation mode.

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

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

10. The steam mop according to 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 supply a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

11. The steam mop according to claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water, a cleaning agent, and / or a disinfectant.

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

13. A battery to supply power to the battery, A fluid reservoir for holding liquid, At least one heating element that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, One or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element, A sprayer is configured to generate a spray and is in fluid communication with the aforementioned fluid reservoir. A steam mop comprising one or more temperature sensors and a controller that communicates with at least one heating element, Steam mop, wherein the controller operates in cordless mode and is configured to control and energize the at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode using battery power, at least partially based on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors, the high-power mode supplying more power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode, and the controller is further configured to control and energize the sprayer using battery power to produce a spray.

14. The steam mop according to 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 according to claim 14, wherein the first temperature corresponds to the temperature of the second operating mode, the second temperature corresponds to the temperature of the first operating mode, and the first temperature is about 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 a thick film heating element and / or a thick film tubular boiler heating element, the two-dimensional composite layer including at least a substrate layer, a heater track layer on the substrate layer, and an enamel protective layer on the heater track layer as a base layer.

17. The steam mop according to claim 13, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or only battery power is available, and if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a corded mode to control and energize the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature and generate steam, and 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 the cordless mode.

18. The steam mop according to claim 17, wherein the controller is further configured to control and power the sprayer in the operating mode connected by the code to generate a spray.

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

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

21. The steam mop according to claim 13, 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 supply a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

22. The steam mop according to claim 13, wherein the liquid comprises water, a cleaning agent, and / or a disinfectant.

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

24. A battery for supplying battery power. A fluid reservoir for holding liquid, and The main unit including the controller, At least one heating element that is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, One or more temperature sensors coupled to the at least one heating element, and A steam head section including a sprayer that is in fluid communication with the aforementioned fluid reservoir and configured to generate a spray, A steam mop that includes, A steam mop, wherein the controller communicates with one or more temperature sensors and at least one heating element, and the controller is configured to operate in cordless mode and, at least partially based on temperature data received from the one or more temperature sensors, use battery power to control and energize the at least one heating element in a first high-power mode and a second low-power mode, wherein the high-power mode supplies more power to the at least one heating element than the low-power mode, and the controller is further configured to use battery power to control and energize the sprayer to generate a spray.

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

27. The steam mop according to claim 24, wherein the at least one heating element includes at least one of a thick film heating element and / or a thick film tubular boiler heating element, the two-dimensional composite layer including at least a substrate layer, a heater track layer on the substrate layer, and an enamel protective layer on the heater track layer as a base layer.

28. The steam mop according to claim 24, wherein the controller is configured to determine whether AC power is available or only battery power is available, and if AC power is available, the controller is configured to operate in a corded mode to control and energize the at least one thick film heater to heat the liquid to a selected temperature and generate steam, and 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 the cordless mode.

29. The steam mop according to claim 28, wherein the controller is further configured to control and power the sprayer in the operating mode connected by the code to generate a spray.

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

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

32. The steam mop according to claim 24, 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 supply a selected amount of liquid from the fluid reservoir to the at least one heating element.

33. The steam mop according to claim 24, wherein the liquid comprises water, a cleaning agent, and / or a disinfectant.

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

35. The steam mop according to claim 24, further comprising a stirring assembly configured to scrub away dirt and debris from a surface to be cleaned.

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

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

38. The steam mop according to claim 5, wherein the battery includes a rechargeable battery, and the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of whether or not AC power is present.

39. The steam mop according to claim 17, wherein the battery includes a rechargeable battery, and the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of whether or not AC power is present.

40. The steam mop according to claim 28, wherein the battery includes a rechargeable battery, and the controller is configured to recharge the rechargeable battery based on a determination of whether or not AC power is present.

Images