A floor-cleaning machine with vacuuming section and steam generation

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for treating floors which combines a mechanical action and steam for effective cleaning. The apparatus comprises a head provided with an electrically operated tool, designed to scrub the surface of the floor. A fluid dispensing system integrates a tank for the cleaning fluid and a heater which generates steam distributing it onto the floor through a special dispenser. The electrical power supply of the apparatus is managed by a centralized system which uses a single cable and a plug for the connection with the electrical network, optimizing efficiency and ease of use. The combination of the mechanical action with the controlled dispensing of steam allows a deep and sanitizing cleaning, making the apparatus ideal for domestic and professional applications.

Description

[0001] A FLOOR-CLEANING MACHINE WITH VACUUMING SECTION AND STEAM GENERATION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention belongs to the field of floor-cleaning machines, in particular floorcleaning machines combining vacuuming and steam generation functionalities for a more efficient and hygienic surface cleaning.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] Traditional floor-cleaning machines are often equipped with a vacuuming or mechanical collection function by means of brushes or rollers, for collecting dust, water, and debris. However, the need for deep cleaning led to the development of machines also provided with steam generation systems to dissolve dirt and disinfect floors. The currently marketed machines can use both suction and steam, but existing versions often are limited in energy efficiency or integration of these two functionalities, since they can cause overloads in the electrical network using a single voltage line to power both systems. In fact, domestic power outlets are often provided with a limiting switch for the supplied current, and this can pose a significant constraint, especially in geographical areas where the domestic mains voltage has a low nominal value equal, for example, to 100 Vac, as is the case in Japan, or to 120 Vac, in the United States. In these cases, the power available at the power outlets is highly limited and not sufficient to allow the correct power supplyof both sections of the floor-cleaning machine, the vacuuming section and the steam generation section.

[0006] In order to obviate to this drawback, floor-cleaning machines have been introduced, in which the vacuuming and / or cleaning section and the steam generation section are each powered separately by a respective AC line, to ensure optimal efficiency and a balanced distribution of the electricity drawn from the domestic electrical network.

[0007] These floor-cleaning machines comprise an electric motor dedicated to the vacuuming and / or cleaning section configured to collect dust, dirt, and solid residues during cleaning. This motor is powered by a first AC line provided with a first electric cable equipped with a first plug, which supplies the current needed to operate the vacuuming without interfering with other machine functions. These floor-cleaning machines further comprise a steam generation section, responsible for producing and dispensing high-temperature steam to dissolve the most resistant dirt and disinfect the surfaces to be treated. This steam generation section is powered separately by a second AC voltage line, provided with a second electric cable equipped with a second plug, which powers a steam generator. The steam generator heats water to a temperature sufficient to generate steam rapidly and efficiently, allowing a continuous, uninterrupted steam cleaning.

[0008] The presence of two separate AC voltage lines allows the overall electrical load to be distributed, avoiding overloads and maintaining optimal functionality, also during the simultaneous use of the vacuuming function and the steam generating function of the floor-cleaning machine.A solution of this type, however, still have problems relating to poor maneuverability of the floor-cleaning machine. In fact, the presence of two power cables causes additional bulk - there are two cables to be stored and gathered when the machine is not in use - and significantly limits the machine maneuverability, since the movements that the operator imposes on the machine itself must be such as not to interfere with the two cables and avoid them from becoming entangled in any obstacles.

[0009] Therefore, it is an object of the present patent application to introduce a new floorcleaning machine comprising a vacuuming and / or cleaning section and a steam generation section, configured to solve the problems of the current state of the art.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Traditional combined floor-cleaning machines, provided with rotating brushes, steam generation systems, and optionally a vacuuming unit, especially those floorcleaning machines configured to be powered by AC voltage lines between 100Vac and 120Vac, tend to draw particularly high currents, which makes their use problematic. This problem is mainly due to the excessive draw of current when multiple components are powered simultaneously from the same alternating current (AC) line. The floor-cleaning machine according to the present description addresses this technical problem by improving energy efficiency through the combined use of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) power supplies. In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the invention provides for at least one component of the device (e.g., the motor(s) associated with the brushes or thevacuuming unit, when present) to be supplied with direct current (DC), while the steam generation section is supplied, instead, with alternating current (AC).

[0012] The use of a DC motor allows limiting and modulating the power draw required by the operation of the motor(s) associated with the brushes or the vacuuming unit of the machine, when present, thus allowing a reduction in overall energy consumption.

[0013] The direct current supply voltage is obtained by virtue of the presence of an AC / DC converter connected to the single AC input voltage line.

[0014] This approach allows a more efficient energy distribution, avoiding current overloads, and simplifies the floor-cleaning machine by eliminating the need for two different AC power supply lines and any control systems for detecting separate electrical connections, which are sometimes present in the floor-cleaning machines of the prior art. In fact, traditionally, devices provided with two separate AC power lines require additional control systems adapted to ensure that both lines are correctly connected to the electrical network. This invention overcomes such a complexity by reducing the number of cables and simplifying the power supply process, maintaining the capability to operate efficiently in environments with mains voltages of between 10OVac and 120Vac.

[0015] The floor-cleaning machine according to the present description achieves the set object by means of a structure comprising:

[0016] a section for cleaning the floor to be treated comprising a direct current (DC) electric motor connected to at least one brush or cleaning roller.a section for generating steam and delivering the steam generated by means of one or more special nozzles for dissolving the dirt and sanitizing the surface, powered by alternating current (AC);

[0017] a power section configured to convert the input alternating voltage (AC) into direct voltage (DC) to power said vacuuming section or said brushes of the cleaning section;

[0018] a control system, associated with the cleaning section and the steam generation and delivery section, and equipped with a user interface which allows the user to activate said cleaning section, the steam section, or both, based on the requirements of the cleaning to be carried out.

[0019] In an embodiment, the control system advantageously allows adjusting certain operating parameters, such as the rotation speed of the brushes of the floorcleaning machine, or the rotation speed of the motor(s) of the vacuuming section, where present, to modulate the vacuuming intensity.

[0020] The power section can comprise, in the simplest version thereof, a simple diode rectifier associated with a capacitor filter. Alternatively, the aforesaid power section comprises a switching-type voltage converter, comprising means for controlling the level of the electric power supplied and / or the level of the output direct current voltage (DC).

[0021] Moreover, said power section is connected to a single input cable connectable to an AC power outlet. This single AC power line is distributed both at the input to the aforesaid steam generation section and at the input to the aforesaid power section. In an embodiment, said power section also comprises at least one battery and charging means therefor. This allows the floor-cleaning machine to operate in abattery mode, without the need to be connected to an external power line. In this operating mode, the components powered with alternating current (AC), such as the steam generator, are not activated. The use of the battery makes the machine more versatile, allowing use thereof in situations in which it is not possible to connect to an electrical socket or in which greater operational autonomy is required.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, given by way of non-limiting example, shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 shows a view of an embodiment of the floor-cleaning machine according to the present description;

[0025] Figure 2 shows the electrical diagram of the power section of an embodiment of the floor-cleaning machine according to the present description, and

[0026] Figure 3 shows a view of an embodiment of the floor-cleaning machine according to the present description, in which an external cable equipped with connectors to allow the rapid disconnection of the steam generation section is present.

[0027] The following description of exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in various drawings identify the same elements or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONThe apparatus 10 for treating floors according to the present description, in a first embodiment, comprises:

[0029] a head 11 provided with a lower part equipped with means for treating and cleaning a flat surface, such as a floor;

[0030] a fluid dispensing system 12 comprising:

[0031] at least one fluid supply tank configured to contain a supply of cleaning fluid; a heater in fluid communication with the fluid supply tank, configured to produce steam at a predetermined pressure by heating said fluid;

[0032] a steam dispenser configured to distribute the steam produced by said heater;

[0033] a power supply system 13 associated with a single power cable 14 equipped with a plug for the connection with an electrical network.

[0034] In an embodiment, said apparatus 10 comprises a fluid dispenser configured to distribute the fluid contained in said at least one supply tank directly onto the floor. In another embodiment, said apparatus 10 comprises a collection system comprising means for vacuuming debris and used fluid from the floor.

[0035] In a further embodiment, said means for treating and cleaning a flat surface located on the lower part of said head 11 preferably comprise at least one electrically operated tool adapted to perform a rubbing action on the surface of the floor to be treated. For example, said tool can consist of one or more discs rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, or of one or more cylinders 15 rotating about an axis parallel to the surface to be cleaned. The surface of the discs or cylinders 15 used can be rough or smooth, or can comprise brushes.Said means for treating and cleaning a flat surface located on the lower part of said head 11 are preferably connected to a direct current (DC) motor. The use of a DC motor allows greater flexibility of use, permits limiting and modulating the power draw required by the operation of the brushes and the vacuuming part of the machine, when present, allowing a finer adjustment of the operating power so as to reduce the overall energy consumption.

[0036] The fluid dispensing system 12 can include other conduits, tubes, fittings, valves, etc., configured to fluidly connect the various components of the system 12 and they provide a supply path from the cleaning fluid tank to the heater and to the fluid and steam dispensers. Said fluid dispensing system 12 can further include a flow regulator for controlling the fluid flow from the tank to the heater and / or from the tank directly onto the floor to be treated. In one configuration, the flow regulator can comprise a pump which pressurizes the fluid circuit and controls the dispensing of the fluid. For example, said pump can be a centrifugal pump or a solenoid pump. In some embodiments, said pump can have multiple speeds and / or flow rates, allowing the flow rate of the dispensed cleaning fluid to be varied. Therefore, the fluid dispenser can be provided with an input control which regulates the speed and / or flow rate of said pump. The heater is preferably configured to heat the aforesaid cleaning fluid to about 100 °C, but it can also operate at a higher temperature, e.g., about 130 °C.

[0037] Some non-limiting examples of heaters suitable for the heater of the machine according to the present description include, but are not limited to, an instantaneous heater, a boiler, an immersion heater and a continuous-flow steam generator. Said heater preferably consists of an electrical resistance powered by alternating current(AC) from the single power cable 14 of the machine. A suitable control system, e.g., a phasing circuit, can be used for modulating the power supplied to the electrical resistance of the heater.

[0038] In an embodiment, the fluid dispensing system 12 can be configured to fluidly connect the cleaning fluid tank directly to the fluid dispensers, without passing through the boiler. In this embodiment, said fluid dispensing system 12 can also include a flow regulator for controlling the flow of the fluid from the tank to the dispenser.

[0039] In this embodiment, the machine according to the present description is also adapted to dispense cold cleaning liquid, e.g., in nebulized form. In this version, the machine according to the present description can also comprise the possibility of dispensing the cleaning liquid directly onto the floor without passing through the boiler.

[0040] Said at least one tank can include a first supply container for storing a supply of cleaning fluid. In another configuration, it can be provided with an additional second supply container for storing a liquid cleaning fluid. For example, the first supply container can contain water, while the second container can contain a cleaning agent, such as a detergent. The aforesaid first and second supply containers can be, for example, a rigid tank and / or a collapsible bag. Alternatively, a single container can define multiple chambers for storing different cleaning fluids.

[0041] Said collection system can also be associated with a container or a recovery tank adapted to contain the debris and the used fluid, recovered by vacuuming from the surface of the treated floor. Said collection system can further be associated with asuction pump which can advantageously be powered with direct current (DC) so as to ensure efficiency, and thus a saving, as well as flexible control and use.

[0042] Said power supply system 13 is associated with a single power cable 14 equipped with a plug for the connection with an electrical network.

[0043] In an embodiment, the wiring connected to the power cable is distributed so as to directly power, with AC, said heater and the pump of said flow regulator, possibly through a power regulator, and so as to supply an AC I DC voltage converter 17 the outputs of which are connected to the drive motor of said means for treating and cleaning the surface of a floor, and optionally to the aforesaid suction pumps. The AC I DC converter 17 can be of the switching type based on semi-conductor MOSFET or IGBT devices, or can simply comprise a diode rectifier and a filter. Advantageously, the connection wiring towards the heater is provided with a user-accessible release connector 16 which allows said heater to be easily disconnected when wishing to use the machine according to the present description without the generation of steam.

[0044] Furthermore, both the input AC supply wiring and the output AC and DC supply wiring can advantageously be equipped with a switch.

[0045] In an embodiment, the aforesaid power supply system 13 also comprises at least one battery. This allows the floor-cleaning machine to operate in a battery mode, without the need to be connected to an external AC power line. In this operating mode, the components powered with alternating current (AC), such as the steam generator, are not activated.

[0046] If a battery is present, the aforesaid AC I DC converter will advantageously also be configured as a battery charger, and equipped with an output connected to theaforesaid battery. The use of the battery makes the machine more versatile, allowing use thereof in situations in which it is not possible to connect to an electrical socket or in which greater operational autonomy is required.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (10) for treating a floor comprising:a head (11) provided with a lower part equipped with means for cleaning a floor comprising at least one electrically operated tool adapted to perform a rubbing action on the surface of the floor to be treated;a fluid dispensing system (12) comprising:at least one fluid supply tank configured to contain a supply of cleaning fluid;a heater in fluid communication with the fluid supply tank, configured to produce steam by heating said fluid;a steam dispenser configured to distribute the steam produced by said heater onto the floor;a power supply system (13), for said means for cleaning a floor and for said fluid dispensing system, associated with a single power cable (14) equipped with a plug for the connection with an electrical network.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said at least one tool comprises one or more discs rotating about an axis perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, or one or more cylinders (15) rotating about an axis parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

3. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 and 2, wherein said fluid dispensing system (12) is configured to distribute the fluid contained in said at least one supply tank directly onto the floor.

4. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 3 comprising vacuuming means for vacuuming debris and used fluid from the floor.

5. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein said means for cleaning a floor are connected to a direct current, DC, motor.

6. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 4 to 5, wherein said vacuuming means for vacuuming debris and used fluid from the floor are connected to a direct current, DC, motor.

7. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, wherein said fluid dispensing system (12) comprises a flow regulator for controlling the flow of the dispensed fluid.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said flow regulator comprises a pump configured to pressurize said fluid and control the dispensing of said fluid.

9. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein said heater is powered by alternating current, AC, from the single power cable (14).

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said heater comprises an electrical resistance.11.An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein said power supply system (13) comprises an AC / DC voltage converter the outputs of which are connected to the drive motor of said means forcleaning a floor and / or said vacuuming means for vacuuming debris and used fluid from the floor.

12. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 , wherein said heater comprises a connection wiring provided with a user-accessible release connector (16).

13. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, wherein the power supply system (13) comprises at least one battery configured to power said means for cleaning a floor.

14. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, wherein said AC / DC converter is also configured as a battery-charger and equipped with an output connected to said battery.

15. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, wherein said AC / DC converter comprises an electronic switching power supply.

16. An apparatus according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, wherein said AC / DC converter comprises a diode rectifier and a filter.

Images