Multi-purpose appliance for household work

Abstract: Multi-purpose appliance for household work comprising, in combination in a wheeled body (10), steam generation elements, elements for generating a jet of air (27,31) and aspiration elements (27,34,44). Couplings (26,31) for dispensing and aspiration ducts are connected to the steam generation elements (14), to the means for generating a jet of air (27,31) and to the aspiration elements (27,34,44).

Description: The present invention relates to a multi-purpose appliance for household work. Combined appliances which have, in a single wheeled box-like body, steam generating and dispensing means and aspiration means, generally for solids and liquids, are already commercially available. Although they constitute a technical improvement with respect to appliances for household work, such as separately provided aspirators and steam generators, as they have undisputed advantages and combine two functions in a single appliance with savings from the point of view of production and from the point of view of the user, these appliances are only partially able to meet the actual requirements of their users. Apart from the above mentioned case of double combined steam-generating and aspirator appliance, a dedicated appliance for each specific function is currently commercially available for each household task. This has caused houses to be invaded by a plurality of small household appliances which have subjected housewives to problems in use and to problems in bulk when these appliances are not used. From the point of view of production, too, so far companies have had to organize themselves so as to manufacture single-use appliances, and this entails high investments as well as high facility management costs. As also known, vacuum cleaners combined with steam generators for cleaning spaces in which there is particularly resistant dirt are available. However, these vacuum cleaners have hardly negligible drawbacks. These vacuum cleaners in fact usually have a single flexible duct connecting a container of the steam generator and of the aspirator to the distribution spout or handle. The steam conveyance tube, the supplies of the distribution unit and the aspiration duct all pass within the single flexible duct. One drawback which can be observed immediately is linked to the interaction between steam and the air at room temperature which is aspirated and is thus in forced aspiration conditions. In fact, due to the well-known laws of thermodynamics, the steam transfers part of its heat to the forced-circulating air which surrounds its duct. This causes the partial condensation of the steam, and therefore water drips onto the surface to be cleaned from the holes for distributing steam on said surface, and it is thus not possible to use the cleaning action of part of the steam. Another drawback is constructive, since the unions for connection between the appliance and the connecting duct, as well as the duct itself, are particularly difficult and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, the electric contacts on the appliance must be protected, to avoid the deposition of steam or condensation on them in order to prevent their oxidation, which is the source of parasitic resistances which can negatively affect correct operation of the contacts and their possibility of providing appropriate contacts with the contacts provided on the connecting duct. The aim of the present invention is to provide an appliance which can perform a plurality of tasks for uses in household work. An important object is to provide a device for distributing gaseous and/or liquid fluids and for aspirating liquids, powders and solids particularly for cleaning in civil and industrial spaces which eliminates the problem of the dripping of water onto the surfaces to be cleaned. A primary object is to provide users with an appliance which can replace the plurality of small household appliances used so far. Another important object is to provide an appliance which can perform all of its functions in an optimum manner. Another object is to provide an appliance having undisputed advantages from the point of view of production and of the necessary investments, with respect to the plurality of appliances which it replaces. Another object is to provide a distribution device which allows simple execution and protection of the electric contacts. Another object of the present invention is to provide a distribution device which is highly reliable and relatively easy to manufacture. Another object is to provide an appliance which can be manufactured with conventional equipment and facilities and can be marketed at a competitive price. This aim, these objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are achieved by a multi-purpose appliance for household work and a device to be used in a multi-purpose appliance for household work as defined in the appended claims. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 is a perspective view of the appliance; figure 2 is an exploded view of a waste collection tank comprised within the appliance of figure 1; figure 3 is an exploded view of the appliance of figure 1; figure 4 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the appliance of figure 1, taken along a vertical plane; figure 5 is a perspective view of a distribution device according to the invention, applied to the appliance of figure 1; figure 6 is a lateral sectional elevation view of female quick couplings; figure 7 is a lateral sectional elevation view of male quick couplings; figure 8 is a front elevation view of the female quick couplings; figure 9 is a partially sectional side elevation view of the mating between the female quick couplings and the male quick couplings; figure 10 is perspective view of a control handle; figure 11 is a partially sectional lateral elevation view of the handle; figure 12 is an enlarged sectional view of a detail of the handle; figure 13 is a lateral elevation view of a handle inserted in a double spout; figure 14 is a sectional lateral elevation view of the double spout; figure 15 is a sectional view, taken along the plane XV-XV of figure 14; figure 16 is a perspective view of a first distribution/aspiration unit; figure 17 is a sectional lateral elevation view of the first distribution/aspiration unit; figure 18 is a bottom plan view of a window pane cleaner; figure 19 is a sectional view, taken along the plane XIX-XIX of figure 18; figure 20 is a sectional view, taken along the plane XX-XX of figure 18; figure 21 is a front elevation view of a second distribution/aspiration unit; figure 22 is a bottom plan view of the second distribution/aspiration unit; figure 23 is a lateral elevation view of a connector for connection between the double spout and the second distribution/aspiration unit; figure 24 is a sectional lateral elevation view of the connector; figure 25 is a sectional lateral elevation view of the second distribution/aspiration unit; figure 26 is a lateral elevation view of a third distribution/aspiration unit; figure 27 is a bottom plan view of the third distribution/aspiration unit; figure 28 is a plan view of the third distribution/aspiration unit; figure 29 is a sectional lateral elevation view of the third distribution/aspiration unit; figure 30 is a sectional view of a distribution unit in a first operational embodiment; figure 31 is a bottom view of the distribution unit in the embodiment of figure 30; figure 32 is a sectional view of the distribution unit in a second operational embodiment; figure 33 is a bottom view of the distribution unit in the second embodiment. With reference to the above figures 1 to 4, a multi-purpose appliance for household work comprises a box-like body, generally designated by the reference numeral 10, constituted by two elements 10a and 10b joined by means of screws 11 with the interposition of a perimetric shock-absorbing band 12 made of rubber. The body 10 is conveniently provided with wheels 13a and 13b facilitating its transport where it is used. According to the invention, inside the body 10 there are means for generating hot water and steam which are constituted by a boiler 14 located in the front lower part. The boiler 14 is provided, in a downward region, with a tubular tang 15 inserted in an adapted hole of the body 10 and screwed by means of a fixing nut 16. A plug 17 for emptying in case of cleaning engages on the tang 15. In an upward region, the boiler 14 is provided with a tubular tang 18 on which a gasket 19 engages; the gasket is provided with a closure plug 20 for topping up with water. An upper steam collection duct 21 and a lower hot water collection duct 22 end inside the boiler 14. The ducts 21 and 22, each provided with a respective electric closure valve 23 and 24, end at appropriate levels inside the boiler 14 at one end and end in a single set 25 of female quick couplings, within a single frontally located body 26, for accommodating corresponding male quick couplings 26a in a single body of a dispensing duct, of an aspiration duct and of electrical connection cables, as more clearly described hereinafter. Above said boiler 14, in said body 10 there is an electric motor 27 with a possible power take-off on its head for auxiliary elements; the motor is enclosed by a lid 28 and arranged on rubber shock absorbers 29, and constitutes, by means of a fan not shown for the sake of simplicity, a means for generating a jet of air and a means for aspirating solids and liquids. Due to this reason, the lid 28 is provided, at the center of the opening 30 for the cooling air, with a tubular connector 31 for the coupling of a hose 31a for the conveyance of the produced air jet. The connector 31 is closed by a lid built into the grille 32 located on the opening 30. By removing the grille 32 it is thus possible to gain access to the connector 31. In a downward region, the region of the fan of the motor 27 is connected to a first portion 33 of a first part 34 of an aspiration duct which ends with a second vertical portion 35 which has an upper open L-shaped bend 35a and is built into a waste container 36 accommodated in an adapted compartment of the body 10. A filter 37 is interposed between the two portions 33 and 35 and is accommodated in a frame-like support 38 conveniently located in an adapted region of the structure between the body 10 and the container 36. A floater 39 can slide between the second vertical portion 35 of the first part 34 of the aspiration duct and the wall of the container 36, and is suitable to close the air passage between the container 36 and the duct 34 since it is suitable to abut, with a shutter 40 with which it is provided in an upward region, against the mouth of the L-shaped bend 35a which opens downward. The lid 41 is equipped with a gasket 41a for mating with the container 36. The floater 39 has the purpose of preventing the aspiration of liquid through the first part 34 of the aspiration duct when a safety level is exceeded. The container 36 is provided with a retracting grip handle 42 allowing to extract it from the body 10 for emptying. The container also includes a first upwardly open vertical portion 43 of a second part 44 of the aspiration duct, a second horizontal portion 45 of which is integrated in the lower part of the body 10 and ends in the frontally located monolithic couplings 26. Mating between the portions 43 and 45 occurs by means of the insertion of one part of one into the other. A detergent liquid tank 46 is accommodated to the side of the waste container 36 in the body 10 and is connected to the water and steam dispensing connector 25 by means of a duct 47. The tank 46 is equipped with a union 46a with a plug 46b for topping up. The appliance is completed by a cable winder 48 for an electric power supply cable 49, of a per se known type, actuatable by means of a button 50. A control panel 51 is also provided on the front part of the body 10 and has a button 52 for activating a possible steam iron during steam-based operation, a steam dispensing button 53, a hot water dispensing button 54, a pressure switch 55 with a steam pressure indicator, a button 56 for activating the iron in dry-ironing mode and buttons 57 and 58 for starting the motor with two power levels. With reference now to figures 5 to 29, a distribution unit to be mated to the multi-purpose appliance comprises the monolithic male quick couplings 26a of a first steam conveyance duct 131 and of a second forced air aspiration duct 132 associatable with the female quick couplings 26. The flexible first and second ducts 131 and 132 are connected to a control handle 133 provided with means for controlling the devices of the appliance, generally designated by the reference numeral 130, and with a pair of unions for the connection to an end of a double spout 134 for steam distribution and forced aspiration, to another end of which it is possible to connect steam distribution and aspiration means. The female quick couplings 26 comprise an upper coupling 135 for steam emission, at one side of which electric contacts 136 are arranged; said contacts are preferably female and are supplied by a power supply through electric cables 137 for a braid of electric conductors 138 enclosed in a sheath 155 contained in the first duct 131. Preferably, the voltage present across the electric contacts 136, one of which is the ground, is 12 or 24 volts, depending on the applicable accident-prevention statutory provisions, in order to reduce the risk of accidents for the users of the appliance according to the present invention. The female couplings 26 furthermore comprise a lower coupling 139 for the second duct 132. An accommodation seat 140 for a locking pin 141 is provided between the upper coupling 135 and the lower coupling 139, as will become apparent hereinafter, and is delimited by a cross-member 143. When the device according to the invention is not used, the upper coupling 135 can be covered by means of a door 142 articulated to the appliance 130. The male quick couplings 26a monolithically comprise an upper container 144 into which the first duct 131, i.e. the sheath 155 and a steam duct 145, leads. The upper coupling 135 has a one-way steam valve provided with a sealing gasket which, when the steam duct 145 is inserted therein, pushes and spaces the closure gasket, allowing the flow of steam or liquids. The electric conductors 138 are connected at said coupling to respective connecting pins, not shown, for connection to the electric contacts 136, and the steam duct 145 ends with an end 146 coupleable to the upper coupling 135 so as to form a seal ensured by an O-ring 147. Lever systems for actuating the locking pin 141 and a lower union 147, constituting the end of the second duct 132, are provided in the container 144. The lever systems comprise an actuation button 148 for the release of the pin 141 acting on an end of a lever 149 pivoted to the pin 150 which is rigidly coupled to the upper container 144. The other end of the lever 149 engages the locking pin 141 protruding from the container 144 and, by means of an expansion 151, a cup-shaped element 152 wherein an end of a contrast spring 153 is fixed; the other end of said spring engages an internal wall of the container 144. The spring 153 keeps the pin 141 in engagement position when the ducts 131 and 132 are coupled to the appliance 130. In order to protect the actuation button 148 against unwanted releases, the door 142 has a hollow protrusion 154 which, as shown in figure 9, covers the button when the ducts are coupled. The handle 133, figures 10 to 12, comprises a region 156 where the sheath 155 and the duct 145 separate. The electrical conductors 138 are connected to the control means constituted by control switches 157. The steam duct 145 is connected to a curved element, as more clearly explained hereinafter, conveying its flow to a steam-tight dispenser 158 parallel to an aspiration inlet 159 for forced air, which is directly connected to the second duct 132. The curved element comprises a first tube 160 directly connected to the duct 145 connected to a second transverse tube 161, leading into the dispenser 158, as more clearly shown in figure 12. Tightness is ensured by an O-ring 162. The double spout 134, figures 13 to 15, comprises a forced aspiration duct 163 on the outer surface of which there is a steam distribution duct 167; the duct is enclosed in a duct guide 164 fixed to said duct 163 by means of longitudinal protrusions 165 engaging a dovetail ridge 166 protruding from said duct 163; the steam distribution duct 167 ends with a sealing connector 168 rigidly coupled to the duct 163, toward the steam distribution and aspiration means. The ducts 163 and 167 are respectively connected to the dispenser 158 and to the aspiration inlet 159. The distribution and aspiration means comprise various interchangeable tips according to the type of cleaning to be performed and according to the different working conditions. A first distribution/aspiration unit, shown in figures 16 and 17, comprises an aspiration inlet 169 connectable to the forced aspiration duct 163 and a steam emission brush 170 connectable to the sealing connector 168 of the duct 167. The inlet and the brush are included in a single assembly but are mutually unconnected. The brush 170 has, in a central position, a steam emission nozzle 171. A window-pane cleaner, figures 18 to 20, comprises a transversely extended body 175 having a first transverse duct 172 which is connectable to the sealing connector 168 through a tube 173 and is provided with a plurality of steam emission nozzles 174, a second transverse aspiration duct 176 directly connectable to the forced aspiration duct 163 and a transverse lip 177 made of deformable plastic material for wiping the treated surface. A second distribution/aspiration unit, shown in figures 21 to 26, has a plate-like element 178 provided, in an upward region, with a rotating elbow connector for connection to the sealed connector 168 and to the forced aspiration duct 163 and for distributing steam to a transverse emission duct 179 provided with a plurality of nozzles 180 for steam emission and aspiration from an inlet 181 arranged adjacent to the transverse duct 179 on the same lower face of the plate-like element 178. The elbow connector comprises an angled connecting portion 182 and a distribution portion 183 rigidly coupled to the plate-like element 178. The angled portion 182 comprises a duct 184 for connection to the sealing connector 168, which is provided with radial holes 185 for connection to a manifold 203 provided in the distribution portion 183 connected to the transverse emission duct 179, and an aspiration duct 186 directly connected to the aspiration inlet 181 through the distribution portion 183. The outer surface of the angled portion 182 has a plurality of raised portions 187 which delimit means, such as sealing rings and the like, for providing a seal between the angled portion 182 and the distribution portion 183 which allow the rotation of the angled portion 182 with respect to the plate-like element. Furthermore, a pair of protrusions 187a and 187b defines a guide 189 engaging on a pin 188 of the plate-like element 178 locking the angled portion within the distribution portion. The plate-like element 178 is provided, on its lower face, with a plurality of bristle-like elements, gathered in circular groups 190, which are uniformly distributed along its perimeter, and with rollers 191 rotatably fixed at an angle to the lower face in order to facilitate the movement of the second distribution/aspiration unit. Articulated engagement springs 192 for a cloth, not shown, which can be wrapped around the plate-like element 178, are provided on its upper face. A third distribution/aspiration unit, shown in figures 26 to 29, shaped like an iron, is provided with: a perimetric duct 193, which has a plurality of steam emission nozzles 194 and can be connected to the sealing connector 68; an aspiration inlet 195 arranged in a median position and connected to the aspiration duct 163 through a manifold 196; and a plurality of bristle-like elements, gathered in circular groups 197, arranged uniformly along the lower perimeter around the holes 194. Articulated engagement springs 198 for a cloth, not shown, which can be wrapped around the third distribution/aspiration unit, are provided on its upper face. A distribution unit, shown in figures 30 to 33, whose body 206 has an equilateral triangular plan shape and is provided, in a downward region, with a plurality of groups 207 of bristle-like elements, is rotatably coupled at its central axis of symmetry, to the end 208 of a manifold 209 coupleable onto the spout 134. The end 208 is provided with three steam emission holes 210 inclined with respect to the axis and arranged at the same mutual angular distance. Correspondingly, the lower surface of the body 206 has three channels 211 which are arranged at the same mutual angular distance and extend from a central region 212, surrounding the end 208, toward the corner regions. The channels 211 are linked by regions 213 shaped so as to form deflectors for the jets of steam. Appropriate stop means, not shown, are suitable to keep the body 206 in the position shown in figures 30 and 31 or in the position shown in figures 32 and 33, i.e. with the holes 210 at the channels 211 or at the regions 213. In the first case, the steam is distributed peripherally (so as to be able to work in corner regions as well), whereas in the second case it is distributed centrally. The window-pane cleaner, the first, second and third distribution/aspiration units and the distribution unit furthermore have raised seats, respectively designated by the reference numerals 199, 200, 201 and 202, wherein an elastic pin, not shown, enters and engages; the pin is provided on the outer surface of the double spout 134. Advantageously, it is also possible to provide microswitches arranged in the cavity 204, located adjacent to the electric contacts 136, which are closed by the insertion of cams 205 arranged on the male quick couplings 26a and are opened by their extraction, in order to have an electric power supply exclusively if the male quick couplings 26a are present in the respective female quick couplings 26, and thus in order to ensure a further accident-prevention protection. At this point it should be stressed that the appliance is capable of acting as a small washdown machine with a jet of hot water at approximately 4 bar and 100 o Celsius (to sterilize baths, for mechanical parts and miscellaneous sterilizations), as steam cleaning appliance with the addition or not of hot water or detergent liquid, injected into the steam duct due to a Venturi effect and appropriately dosed, as boiler and power supply for an iron, as an aspirator for solids and liquids and as a generator of a jet of air for use as a small compressor for hydromassage. In operation for irons, the pressure switch 55 supplies current only to the boiler 14 until it has reached the preset pressure. Only after this point is current supplied to the resistor of the iron (although the associated button has been pressed). In practice, the boiler and the iron are never on at the same time (and therefore their instantaneous consumptions are not added together) and it is possible to apply higher than usual power to them (e.g. 2200 W and 1000 W) without blowing the fuses of the household meter. In some embodiments, the waste container 36 and the motor 27 may not be mounted on the body 10 and the appliance can operate only as floor-washer and washdown machine. It is possible to store any accessories in the compartment instead of the container 36, which is appropriately closed by a lid. It should also be stressed that the waste container 36 can be detached simply by extracting it from its compartment, differently from current appliances, in which it is necessary to remove a housing to extract the container. It should also be stressed that the motor 27 is arranged in an elevated position with respect to the container 36 and to the boiler 14 and thus is not subject to the danger of water infiltrations in any case. The distribution unit can advantageously operate as a pure vacuum cleaner, as a pure pressurized steam distributor (for the iron as well, which can be included in the accessories) and can also use both possibilities simultaneously, especially in the presence of particularly resistant dirt. At this point the fact should be stressed that the connection between the various elements is performed by means of quick couplings, keeping the various ducts and conductors nonetheless separate. The articulated connector allows, while keeping the ducts separate, to rotate the accessories through 360 degrees, allowing to work in any position. The outlets of the ducts into the accessories are separate, but close together, and this allows to improve the operational result. In practice it has been observed that the aim and objects of the present invention have been achieved. In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the contingent use, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to the requirements. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the scope of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims: Multi-purpose appliance for household work, comprising: a wheeled body (10); steam generation means (14) supported in said wheeled body, said steam generation means including a steam duct (21) for transporting steam; means for generating a jet of air (27,31) supported in said wheeled body, said means for generating a jet of air including a coupling (31) for an air-jet dispensing duct (31a); aspiration means (27,34,44) supported in said wheeled body, said aspiration means including an aspiration duct (34,44); a first single monolithic coupling (26) supported by said wheeled body and to which said aspiration duct (34,44) and said steam duct (21) are connected; and a second single monolithic coupling (26a) for the accessories of the appliance, said second coupling (26a) supporting a steam conveyance duct (131) and a forced air aspiration duct (132) and being removably connectable with the first coupling such that said aspiration duct (34,44) is connected with said forced air aspiration duct (132) and simultaneously said steam duct (21) is connected with said steam conveyance duct (131). Appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that said steam generation means comprise hot water generation means (14) supplied with a duct (22) leading to said first coupling (26). Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means (46) for containing detergent liquid equipped with a duct (47) leading to said coupling (26). Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coupling (26) has a monolithic female body which is complementary to said coupling for the accessories which is a monolithic male body and is equipped with a connector (139) for the aspiration duct (132), a connector (135) for the steam conveyance duct (131) and a connector for electric cables (137). Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said hot water and/or steam generation means comprise a boiler (14) which is arranged in a lower region of the body (10) and in which the steam extraction duct (21) and the lower hot water extraction duct (22) end, said ducts being provided with electric closure valves (23,24) and leading to a dispensing connector (25) provided in said quick coupling (26). Appliance according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that said detergent liquid containing means comprise a detergent liquid tank (46) connected by means of a duct (47) to said dispensing connector (25), said detergent liquid being introduced into said dispensing connector (25) due to a Venturi effect. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said means for generating a jet of air comprise an electric motor (27) with a related fan. Appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that said electric motor (27) is arranged on the upper part of said body (10). Appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a connector for a tube (31a) for dispensing said jet of air, said connector being arranged inside the cooling opening (30) of said motor (27) and being closed by a plug built into a removable grille (32) arranged on said opening (30). Appliance according to one or more of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that said aspiration means comprise said motor (27) and said fan, which are connected by means of a duct (34,44) to said female coupling (26). Appliance according to claim 10, characterized in that a container of solid and liquid waste (36) is arranged between parts (34,44) of said aspiration duct. Appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that said solid and liquid waste container (36) is internally provided with integrated vertical parts (43) of said duct (44) which are connected to said motor (27) and to said connector (139) by means of other parts. Appliance according to claim 12, characterized in that a floater (39) can slide between the vertical part (35) of said container upstream of the collection region and the wall of said container (36), said floater being suitable to close the air passage when a given level is reached, said floater abutting on the downwardly open mouth of an L-shaped bend (35a) with which said vertical part (35) ends. Appliance according to one or more claims 11 to 13, characterized in that said solid and liquid waste container (36) is accommodated in a corresponding seat of said body (10) and can be extracted from it. Appliance according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that a filter (37) is arranged between said solid and liquid waste container (36) and said motor (27) and passes across said duct (34,44). Appliance according to one or more of claims 5 to 15, characterized in that said boiler (14) is controlled by a pressure switch (55). Appliance according to claim 16, characterized in that in operation for an iron, said pressure switch (55) controls the switching of the power supply to said boiler (14) and to the iron, with priority toward said boiler (14) and switching when a preset internal pressure is reached. Appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a control panel (51) with buttons (52-58) for the electrical activation of the various functions and a steam pressure indicator (55). Appliance according to one or more of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a power take-off on the head of said motor (27) for auxiliary elements. A device to be used in an appliance as claimed in claims 1 to 19, said device comprising accessories for distributing gaseous and/or liquid fluids and for aspirating liquids, powders and solids, said device being provided with a monolithic quick coupling (26,26a) including a first single monolithic coupling and a second single monolithic coupling as defined in claims 1 to 19 to simultaneously connect a first duct (131) for conveying steam or hot water or detergent liquid, and a second duct (132) for forced air aspiration, and electric conductors (138) to said apparatus, said ducts and said conductors being mutually separately supported in said quick coupling. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that said first (131) and second ducts (132) and said separate electric conductors (138) are simultaneously connected, by means of quick couplings, to a control handle (133) provided with means (130) for controlling the devices of said appliance, said handle being provided with a pair of unions for quick coupling to an end of a double spout (134) for the distribution of steam or hot water or detergent liquid and for forced aspiration. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that at another end of said double spout (134) it is possible to connect means for distributing steam or hot water or detergent liquid and aspiration means. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that said electrical conductors (138) are enclosed in a sheath (155) contained in said first duct (131). Device according to claims 20 and 23, characterized in that said quick coupling (26a) monolithically comprises: an upper container (144), into which said first duct (131) leads, and in which said electrical conductors (138) are connected to respective pins for connection to electric contacts (136); and a steam duct (145) ending with an end (146) sealingly coupleable to said connector (135); lever systems for the actuation of a locking pin (141); a lower union being provided in said container, said lower union (147) constituting the end of said second duct (132). Device according to claim 24, characterized in that said lever systems comprise an actuation button (148) for the release of said pin (141) which acts on an end of a lever (149) pivoted to said upper container (144), the other end of said lever (149) engaging said locking pin (141) protruding from said container (144) and a contrast spring (153), said spring being suitable to keep said pin (141) in engagement position. Device according to one or more of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that said first duct (131) encloses said sheath (155) in which said braid of electrical conductors (138) is contained and said duct for steam, hot water or detergent liquid. Device according to one or more of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that said handle (133) comprises a region (156) where said sheath (155) and said duct (145) separate, said electrical conductors (138) being connected to control means, constituted by control switches (157). Device according to one or more of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that in said handle (133) said steam duct (145) is connected to a curved element (160) suitable to arrange a dispenser (158), with a sealing gasket (162), parallel to an inlet (159) for the aspiration of forced air. Device according to one or more of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that said double spout (134) comprises a forced aspiration duct (163) on the outer surface of which a duct (167) for the distribution of steam or hot water or detergent liquid is arranged, said distribution duct (167) being enclosed in a duct guide (164) fixed to said aspiration duct (163), and said distribution duct (167) ending with a sealing connector (168) toward said means for distributing steam, hot water or detergent liquid and said aspiration means. Device according to claim 29, characterized in that it comprises a cylindrical articulated connector having a connecting portion (182), in which said spout (134) can be inserted, and a distribution portion (183) rigidly coupled to a distribution and aspiration means (178), said connecting portion (182) comprising a duct (184) for the passage of steam, hot water or detergent liquid with radial emission holes (185) in an annular manifold (203) defined in said distribution portion (183), and an aspiration duct (186) which is parallel to the preceding one (184) and can be inserted in an aspiration inlet (181) of said terminal accessory, sealing means being provided between said connecting portion (182) and said distribution portion (183), between which said radial holes (185) and said manifold (203) are arranged, said means allowing relative rotation between the parts. Device according to claim 30, characterized in that said cylindrical connector is shaped so as to form an angle. Device according to one or more of claims 20 to 31, characterized in that said distribution and aspiration means comprise a first distribution/aspiration unit provided with an aspiration inlet (169) connectable to said forced aspiration duct (163) and with a steam emission brush (170) connectable to said sealing connector (168) of said steam distribution duct (167), said brush having a steam emission nozzle (171) in a central position. Device according to one or more of claims 2 and 21 to 32, characterized in that said steam distribution means and said aspiration means comprise: a window-pane cleaner, which is provided with a first transverse duct (172) connectable to said sealing connector (168) and is provided with a plurality of steam emission nozzles (174); a second transverse aspiration duct (176) connectable to said forced aspiration duct (163); and a transverse lip (177), made of deformable plastic material, which is suitable to wipe the treated surface; the outlet of said nozzles, of said aspiration duct and of said lip being separate but close. Device according to one or more of claims 20 to 33, characterized in that said steam distribution means and said aspiration means comprise: a second distribution/aspiration unit having a plate-like element (178) provided, in an upward region, with said distribution portion (183) of said connector which is connected to a transverse emission duct (179) provided with a plurality of emission nozzles (180); and an aspiration duct provided with an inlet (181) which is separate but adjacent to said transverse duct (179) on a same lower face. Device according to claim 34, characterized in that said plate-like element (178) has, on its lower face, a plurality of bristle-like elements (190) uniformly distributed along its perimeter, rollers (191) being furthermore provided and angularly rotatably fixed to said lower face and being suitable to facilitate the movement of said second distribution/aspiration unit, coupling springs (192) for a cloth which can be wrapped around said plate-like element (178) being provided on an upper face of said distribution/aspiration unit. Device according to one or more of claims 20 to 31, characterized in that said distribution and aspiration means comprise: a third distribution/aspiration unit, shaped like an iron, provided with a perimetric duct (193) having a plurality of steam emission nozzles (194) and being connectable to said sealing connector (168); an aspiration inlet (195) arranged in a median position and connected to said aspiration duct (163); and a plurality of bristle-like elements (197) arranged uniformly along the lower perimeter around said holes (194); coupling springs (198) for a cloth which can be wrapped around said distribution/aspiration unit being provided on an upper face thereof. Device according to one or more of claims 20 to 31, characterized in that it comprises a distribution unit which has a body (206) with a triangular plan shape and is provided, in a downward region, with a plurality of groups (207) of bristle-like elements and is rotatably coupled, at its central axis of symmetry, to the end (208) of a manifold (209) which can be fitted onto said spout (134). Device according to claim 37, characterized in that said end (208) of the manifold (209) has three steam emission holes (210) inclined with respect to the axis and arranged at a mutual angular distance corresponding to the distance between the corners of said body (206), the lower surface of said body (206) being provided with three channels (211) extending from a central region (212) surrounding the end (208) of said manifold (209) toward the corner regions, said channels (211) being connected by regions (213) shaped so as to form deflectors for the steam jets. Device according to claims 37 and 38, characterized in that it comprises stop means suitable to keep said body (206) in position so that the steam emission holes (210) are located at said channels (212) or at said deflection regions (213). Device according to one or more of claims 20 to 39, characterized in that it comprises microswitches for the closing and opening of said electric contacts (136) arranged within a cavity (204) formed adjacent to said contacts in said quick couplings (26) and cams (205) for the actuation of said microswitches, said cams (205) being arranged on said quick couplings (26a).

Inventors: AMORETTI LUIGI, AMORETTI, LUIGI
Applicants: T P A IMPEX ITALIA S R L, T.P.A. IMPEX ITALIA S.R.L.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A47L11
IPC codes: A47L11