Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces, which is generally designed for cleaning and sanitizing floors and other surfaces of buildings.

Background art

Apparatus for cleaning floors and other surfaces, typically vacuum cleaner appliances are known, which use the suction force generated by a motor, the latter rotatably driving a suction fan located along a suction circuit within the apparatus.

The suction circuit is housed in a container body of the apparatus and has an outwardly facing end, typically the end designed to be the front end, with a connection mouthpiece for a hose, which is designed to be held and handled by a user, whereas the opposite end of the circuit is connected to a storage tank in which the sucked dirt material is collected.

In view of improving the performances of these apparatus, in many cases suction operation is combined with the disruptive force of steam, which is typically generated in a boiler arranged within the body of the apparatus.

A volume of a liquid to be heated and turned into steam, typically water, is loaded into the boiler through a water-tight filling opening.

A set of controllable resistors arranged in the boiler heats water until it turns into steam, the latter being later ejected in the form of jets through a conduit that is typically coupled to the suction pipe, for strongly impinging upon the surfaces to be cleaned and sanitized.

Typically, the controls that regulate steam jet ejection and suction are disposed on a handle located on the suction pipe and can be easily actuated by one hand.

These apparatus may have various sizes according to their intended use, and typically smaller apparatus are generally designed for use in home environments, whereas larger apparatus are generally designed for use in industrial environments. This prior art suffers from certain drawbacks.

A first drawback is that in prior art apparatus the two separate or combined suction and steam delivery actions are only carried out through the distal end of the single hose that connects the debris collection tank with the boiler.

This involves time-consuming cleaning operations for users, especially in case of large surfaces to be cleaned, because the hose must be displaced in every direction to reach all the points of the surfaces to be cleaned.

A second drawback is that these time-consuming operations are also burdensome for users, who are required to both manoeuver the suction hose in every direction and pull the apparatus to reach every point of the surface and clean it thoroughly.

A further drawback is that, in spite of the use of steam, in many cases the dirt deposited in less exposed locations changes its consistency until it becomes an incrustation which firmly adheres to the surfaces, and cannot be removed not only by suction force, but also by the combined and targeted action of steam jets, however powerful they may be.

Another drawback is that prior art apparatus must be typically connected to a power supply point by means of a connection cable for operation, and for this reason users must repeatedly disconnect the cable from one connection point and re-connect it to another point for displacement of the apparatus in every desired direction.

Yet another drawback is that systematic and progressive build-up of calcareous residues in the boiler causes repeated heating and cooling, and reduces the efficiency of both the boiler and the safety devices mounted thereto with the purpose of preventing overpressure and accidental ejection of steam jets (which reach temperatures exceeding 1 00 °C) when a user is accidentally in front of the steam outlet.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention has the object to improve the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces that affords quick and effortless cleaning of surfaces of any extent.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces that allows users to choose how to clean surfaces according to the conditions of the latter.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces that may also operate for a long time in self- powered mode, i.e. without having to be connected to a power supply point.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces that is easy to handle and use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surface that can carry all the attachments that may be used for cleaning any surfaces aboard.

A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces that has a safe operation and allows full removal of any kind of dirt, irrespective of its consistency.

In one aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces as defined in the features of claim 1 .

The invention achieves the following advantages:

thorough cleaning of any kind of surface and selection of the mode of operation;

easy and effortless displacement of the apparatus;

provision of a considerably larger cleaning brush as compared with prior art brushes, for use on large surfaces;

high-safety use of the apparatus;

ready availability of all the attachments required for cleaning.

Brief description of the drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces, which is shown as non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a valve element having a selector in a first position for selecting a first suction and steam carrying direction, combined with a joint for a suction pipe;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the valve element of Figure 2;

FIG. 4 is a view of the valve element of Figure 2 with the selector rotated to a second position for selecting a second suction and steam carrying direction, combined with a joint for a suction pipe;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the valve element of Figure 4;

FIG. 6 is a rear detail view of the selector of the valve element of

Figure 2 in the same selected direction;

FIG. 7 is a rear detail view of the selector of the valve element of Figure 4 in the same selected direction;

FIG. 8 is a broken-away perspective view of a joint for a pipe, the upper cover being omitted to show the interior thereof;

FIG. 9 is a general view of the joint of Figure 8 and the valve element of Figures 2 and 3;

FIG. 1 0 is a perspective view of a multifunctional element removed from the apparatus of the invention, in a working position, i.e. fully lowered to the ground;

FIG. 1 1 is a perspective view of the multifunctional element of Figure 1 0 in an idle position, i.e. raised from the ground;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a detail of the area at which the arms that support the multifunctional element attach to the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 1 3 is a partial and enlarged view of the multifunctional element in a swinging position, slightly raised from the ground;

FIG. 14 is a partial view of the multifunctional element of Figure 1 3 in a swinging position, fully lowered to the ground;

FIG. 1 5 is a highly schematic, longitudinal sectional view of the multifunctional element.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment. Referring to the above mentioned figures, numeral 1 generally designates an apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces, hereinafter briefly referred to as apparatus 1 .

The machine 1 comprises a box-like machine body 2, which is designed to contain the devices for operation, namely at least one boiler and a suction unit driven by a motor.

As shown in Figure 1 , the machine body 2 has a handle 3, which is supported by two parallel arms 4 and may be easily held by a user to displace the apparatus 1 over the surface "S" of the ground.

For this reason, the apparatus 1 is equipped with wheels at its bottom, freely rotating about respective vertical axes of rotation and adapted to be braked by special braking devices, referenced 1 07.

The handle 3 faces a portion of the machine body 2, intended as the rear portion, generally referenced 1 02, whereas the opposite front portion, generally referenced 202, has a control box 5 thereon, with a display 6 and a joint 8 for the equipment to be maneuvered by users for operation of the apparatus 1 .

More in detail, the equipment comprises at least one pipe 9, the figures only showing the end thereof for connection to the joint 8, and a second pipe 1 0 which, like the first pipe 9, fits into the joint 8 through a common valve body 1 1 having a flow selector 1 2, as better explained hereinafter.

Both the first and second pipes 9 and 1 0 have respective steam conveying and carrying conduits, referenced 1 09 and 1 1 0, which extend from the boiler inside the machine body 2 to the outside, as described below.

The apparatus 1 also has a tank 13 in its rear portion 1 02, which tank is removable for emptying and collects the sucked up debris and dirt.

Furthermore, a removable box 1 5 is adapted to be mounted between the arms 4, for containing the attachments that will be used during operation of the apparatus 1 .

As shown in the figures, the apparatus 1 has a multifunctional unit 1 6 in its front portion 202, which unit is supported by the machine body 2 through two bilateral and parallel arms 1 7, that are hinged thereto to rotate between two end positions, i.e. a working position, i.e. fully lowered to the surface "S" of the ground, as shown in Figures 1 and 1 0, and a raised upwardly rotated idle position, as schematically shown in Figure 1 1 .

The multifunctional unit 1 6 is located beyond the front portion 202 in a distal direction relative to the handle 3 and is provided in the form of a brush with a box-like body 1 8 transversely supported between the distal ends 1 17 of the arms 17.

The box-like body 1 8 is supported to pivot about two hinges 1 9 located in the distal area of the ends 1 1 7 and its rotation is controlled by adjustment means 20 disposed at both sides between the box-like body 1 8 and the distal ends 1 17, which provide controlled rotation through a circumferential arc of limited extent.

These adjustment means 20 comprise, for each side of the box-like body 1 8 (Figures 1 3 and 14) an aperture 21 formed in a proximal area thereof with a transversely and overhangingly extending peg 22 engaged therein, integral with the ends 1 1 7.

Still referring to Figure 1 and to Figures 1 5, 1 6, 1 7, it shall be noted that the second pipe 1 0 reaches a median area of the box-like body 1 8 in which suction takes place through a suction port 23 formed in the box-like body 1 8, namely in the bottom face 1 1 8 thereof.

The steam carrying conduit 1 1 0 also reaches such median area in which a special mount 25 is provided for connection to a plurality of ejecting nozzles 24, also mounted to the bottom face 1 1 8 and facing the surface "S" of the ground.

The box-like element 1 8 optionally accommodates a set of ultrasonic transducers 26 on its bottom face 1 1 8, which are arranged between the nozzles 24 and the suction port 23.

Also, the bottom face 1 1 8 may have UV lamps 27 arranged thereat in a compartment 28 formed within the box-like element 1 8, and protected by a high-purity glass 29, to prevent undesired filtering of bactericidal radiation emitted from the lamps 27. The distal or front area of the bottom face of the box-like element 1 8 has a line of bristles 28 therein, which form a transverse brush for collection of dust and residues from the surface "S".

Referring now to Figures 1 , 1 0, 1 1 , 1 2, it shall be noted that the pair of arms 1 7 are equipped with respective stop devices 20 for stopping rotation toward the surface "S", that may adjusted in position.

Typically, each of these stop devices 30 comprises a L-bracket 31 , having one leg 32 secured to the corresponding inner surface of the arm 1 7 and one leg 33 extending at right angles to the leg 32 toward the corresponding opposed leg 33.

A threaded hole 34 is formed in the leg 33 (see Figure 1 2) for the shank 35 of a knob 36 to be tightened therein against a helical spring 37 that coaxially encircles the shank 35 and abuts the leg 33.

The shank 35 is of such a length as to extend through and beyond the leg 33 and to abut a stop surface 38 formed in a lateral element 39 which is located on one side of the machine body 2 and provides, with its homologue on the opposite side of the machine body 2, the hinge point for the two arms 1 7.

As shown in the figures, the two arms 17 are hinged to the machine body 2 by means of two hinges 40 having horizontal and coincident axes, with their respective proximal ends 21 7 that face away from the ends 1 17 forming each a flat bracket with two holes 41 and 42 formed therein.

The hole 41 is designed for engagement of a sphere 43 (see Figure 1 1 ) which is outwardly biased by a spring 44 held within a seat 45 formed in each lateral element 39, whereas the hole 42 receives a magnetic element 46, which is designed for alignment with a corresponding magnetic detector element 47, also held within a seat 48 formed in each lateral element 39, only when the two arms 17 are in the working position, i.e. fully lowered to the ground "S".

The coupling arrangement between the magnetic elements 46 and the corresponding magnetic detector elements 47 forms a safety device that only allows operation of the apparatus 1 when the two arms 1 7 are lowered to the surface "S", with the face 1 1 8 of the box-like body 1 8 lightly touching such surface, and stops its operation when the two arms 1 7 are in a raised idle position, and the magnetic elements 46 are no longer detected by the magnetic detectors 47.

Referring now to Figures 2 to 7, the conformation of the above mentioned valve body 1 1 is shown in detail.

In detail, the valve body 1 1 is shown to form a horizontal conduit 1 1 1 and a conduit 1 12 perpendicular to the conduit 1 1 1 .

At the junction between the two horizontal 1 1 1 and perpendicular 1 1 2 conduits a selector 1 2 is inserted in the valve body 1 1 , and is rotated through a handle 21 2 from the outside to two positions.

As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the selector 1 2 has a substantially cylindrical body 31 2, which is tightly and sealingly held within a hollow seat 50 formed in the valve body 1 1 , to be able to rotate between two alternately selectable end positions.

The cylindrical body 31 2 has three passages 41 2, circumferentially arranged at 90 ° with respect to each other, extending therethrough, whereas the fourth supposed passage 51 2 (Figure 3) of the body 31 2 is a blind passage.

These passages 41 2 are designed to be alternately aligned with the horizontal conduit 1 1 1 or the perpendicular conduit 1 1 2 by rotating the selector 1 2 to allow them to alternately communicate with the suction unit of the apparatus 1 .

Typically, the suction circuit of the apparatus 1 reaches the valve body 1 1 and as the selector 1 2 is rotated, the suction operation will be addressed to the first pipe 9 or the second pipe 10 and vice versa.

As shown in Figure 8, the steam carrying pipes also branch into two pipes within the attachment 8, as referenced 53 and 54.

The steam can be also alternately selected to flow into the pipe 53 or into the pipe 54, according to the suction action selected by the selector 1 2.

In greater detail, the body 31 2 of the selector 1 2 is shown to comprise, at the end opposite to the one with the hand grip 21 2, a cam profile 55 designed as a groove 56 that extends over part of the peripheral surface of the body 31 2 such that its ends define an ungrooved area, i.e. a kind of ridge 57.

This cam profile 55 is engaged by one end 58 of a contact feeler 59 of a micro-switch 60 which controls selection of steam flow into the pipe 53 or the pipe 54.

Therefore, rotation of the body 31 2 of the selector 1 2 between the two possible positions will cause simultaneous selection of either suction through the first pipe 9 and steam flow in the corresponding steam conduit 1 09 or suction through the second pipe 1 0 and steam flow in the corresponding steam conduit 1 10.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the joint 8 is also equipped with a multipole connector 61 for connection of the electric lines that control operation of the apparatus 1 .

In a possible embodiment of the apparatus, the operation of all the devices that compose it is not powered by connecting a typical cable to the mains, but using an electric accumulator, typically an onboard rechargeable battery, e.g. located within the box 1 5, which will make the apparatus 1 free of any connection to power delivery points in the environments in which it is used.

The operation of the apparatus for cleaning domestic and industrial surfaces "S" will be now described.

When the user chooses to use the apparatus 1 in a conventional manner, i.e. as a normal vacuum cleaner with steam generation, he/she will place the selector 1 2 in the position as shown in Figures 2 and 3, thereby establishing a direct communication between the suction circuit and the first pipe 9 and, through the micro-switch 60, between the corresponding steam carrying conduit 1 09 and the boiler within the machine body 2.

In this configuration, as mentioned above, the apparatus 1 operates by sucking up debris through the first pipe 9 conveying it into the tank 1 3.

When needed, the user may operate the steam generation control, for steam to be ejected in jet form through the conduit 109. In this state, the multifunctional unit 1 6 is maintained idle, and the two arms 17 are raised from the surface "S".

Otherwise, when the user chooses to operate the apparatus 1 by actuating the multifunctional unit 1 6 and excluding the first pipe 9 and the corresponding steam carrying conduit 1 09 from operation, he/she will rotate the selector 12 to the position as shown in Figures 4 and 5, thereby connecting together the second pipe 1 0 and the suction unit of the apparatus, located within the machine body 2.

At the same time, as the selector 1 2 is rotated, the end 58 of the feeler 59 also changes its position, by engaging in the groove 56 and switching electric connections in the micro-switch 60, to stop steam from flowing into the pipe 54 connected with the conduit 1 04 and to open the passage to the conduit 1 1 0 through which steam reaches the box-like body 14 and is ejected outwardly therefrom through ejector nozzles 24.

In this configuration, both arms 1 7 are rotated toward the surface "S" to move the bottom face 1 1 8 of the box-like element 1 8 as close as possible to it, with such element swinging about the hinges 1 9 to follow the profile of the surface "S", to the extent this is allowed by the adjustment means 20 which control abutment against the surfaces 38, by tightening or loosening the knobs 36.

When the multifunctional unit 1 6 is actuated, the apparatus is found to be able to clean to a much greater width as compared with a typical brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner, even a large vacuum cleaner.

Therefore, the apparatus 1 , whose operation may be also optionally powered by a rechargeable battery unit, will be able to clean very large surfaces without requiring the user to systematically hold and maneuver the first pipe 9, the user being simply required to easily push the machine body 2 in every direction.

More in detail, in order to extend the battery-powered operation time, the apparatus 1 may be connected before use to a normal power-distribution network, to support the greater power requirements for heating the boiler to the evaporation temperature of water contained therein using the mains power and then, during operation, battery power may be only used to keep the evaporation temperature substantially constant.

When the user has to reach hardly accessible locations, he/she may switch the selector 1 2 again to temporarily disable the multifunctional unit 1 6 and functionally re-enable the pipe 9 and its respective steam carrying conduit 1 09, thereby restoring the apparatus 1 to its conventional vacuum cleaner operation.

It should be noted that, if needed, the box-like element 1 8 may be equipped with ultrasonic transducers 26 which will respond to contact with a layer of liquid "L" (see Figure 1 5) created on the surface "S" by steam jets from ejector nozzles 24, by emitting ultrasounds that will spread throughout the layer of liquid "L" and disrupt dirt event in encrusted form.

Furthermore, the box-like element 1 8 may be also equipped with UV lamps 27, with the purpose of decontaminating the surface "S" from any bacterial form.

The multifunctional element 1 6 may have special clips 66 on the top face opposite to the bottom face 1 1 8, for removably fastening and holding cleaning cloths and rags.

The invention has been found to fulfill the intended objects.

The invention so conceived is susceptible to changes and variants within the inventive concept.

Also, all the details may be replaced by other technical equivalent elements.

In its practical implementation, any material, shape and size may be used as needed, without departure from the scope as defined by the following claims.