Patent Description:
Examples of cleaning apparatuses are known from <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

A steam cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head, a handle operably coupled with the cleaning head and movable between an upright parked position and a reclined use position, a supply tank, a steam generator in fluid communication with the supply tank, a steam outlet in fluid communication with the steam generator and positioned to distribute steam to a floor surface, a steam distribution path between the steam generator and the steam outlet, and a diverter in the steam distribution path and configured to divert steam away from the steam outlet when the handle is in the upright, parked position and to deliver steam to the steam outlet when the handle is in the reclined use position.

The diverter can further be configured to divert steam away from the steam outlet when the cleaning head is stationary and to deliver steam to the steam outlet when the cleaning head is moving.

The diverter can comprise a diverter valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the steam generator and a first outlet in fluid communication with the steam outlet.

The diverter valve can further have a second outlet in fluid communication with a steam exhaust port spaced apart from the steam outlet.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a first conduit fluidly coupling the first outlet with the steam outlet and a second conduit fluidly coupling the second outlet with the steam exhaust port.

The diverter valve can further comprises a valve plunger provided on the cleaning head and moveable to close one of the first outlet and the second outlet.

The diverter valve can further comprises a valve actuator provided to engage the valve plunger to control the position of the valve plunger.

The valve actuator can further be operably coupled with the handle for movement of the valve actuator as the handle moves, wherein the valve actuator comprises a cam surface for selectively mechanically engaging a cam follower operably coupled with the valve plunger.

The diverter valve can further comprises a spring biasing the valve plunger to a position in which the steam distribution path between the steam generator and the steam outlet is open.

The diverter valve can further comprise a valve housing having the inlet and first outlet, and the valve plunger can include at least a portion moveably received within the valve housing to selectively seal the first outlet.

The diverter valve can be configured to move to a first position in which the steam distribution path between the steam generator and the steam outlet is open when the handle is in the reclined use position, and a second position in which the steam distribution path between the steam generator and the steam outlet is closed when the handle in the upright parked position.

A portion of the diverter can be operably coupled with the handle for movement of the portion of the diverter as the handle moves.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a coupling joint pivotally mounting the handle with the cleaning head for movement about an axis, wherein the portion of the diverter comprises a member rotatable about the axis.

The steam outlet can be positioned on the cleaning head.

The diverter can comprise an accelerometer configured to detect acceleration of the steam cleaning apparatus to determine if the steam cleaning apparatus is moving, and the diverter can further be configured to divert steam away from the steam outlet when no acceleration of the steam cleaning apparatus is detected by the accelerometer, and to deliver steam to the steam outlet when acceleration of the steam cleaning apparatus is detected by the accelerometer.

The diverter can further comprise an electrically-actuated diverter valve and a switch operably connected to the diverter valve, wherein a signal from the accelerometer to a control module opens or closes the switch.

The accelerometer can be provided on the handle and can be configured to detect acceleration relative to the handle to determine if the steam cleaning apparatus is moving.

The diverter can comprises a solenoid diverter valve, and a signal from the accelerometer can be output to a control module which selectively activates the solenoid diverter valve.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a diversion nozzle in fluid communication with the diverter and positioned to direct steam away from the floor surface, wherein the diverter can be configured to deliver steam to the diversion nozzle when the handle is in the upright, parked position and to divert steam away from the diversion nozzle when the handle is in the reclined use position.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise an upright assembly pivotally coupled with the cleaning head for movement about at least one axis, wherein the upright assembly comprises the handle.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a cleaning pad, wherein the cleaning head comprises a base housing adapted to be moved over the floor surface and which can mount the cleaning pad. The base housing can further comprise a steam exhaust port and the steam outlet can comprise a floor nozzle on the base housing. The diverter can be configured to divert steam to the steam exhaust port when the handle is in the upright, parked position. The steam exhaust port can be located on an upper front portion of the base housing. The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a steam deflector on the base housing adjacent to the steam exhaust port.

The steam cleaning apparatus can further comprise a cleaning pad mounted on the cleaning head over the steam outlet.

<FIG> is a schematic view of various functional systems of a steam cleaning apparatus in the form of a steam mop <NUM>. While referred to herein as a steam mop <NUM>, the steam cleaning apparatus can alternatively be configured as a hand-held steam applicator device, or as an apparatus having a hand-held accessory tool connected to a canister or other portable device by a steam distribution hose. Additionally, the steam cleaning apparatus can be configured to have agitation capability, including scrubbing and/or sweeping, vacuuming capability, and/or extraction capability.

The steam mop <NUM> includes a steam generation system <NUM> for producing steam from liquid, a liquid distribution system <NUM> for storing liquid and delivering the liquid to the steam generation system <NUM>, and a steam delivery system <NUM> for delivering steam to a surface to be cleaned.

The steam generation system <NUM> can include a steam generator <NUM> producing steam from liquid and is configured to heat liquid to at least <NUM> to generate steam. The steam generator <NUM> can include an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM>, and a heater <NUM> between the inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM> for boiling the liquid. Some non-limiting examples of steam generators <NUM> include, but are not limited to, a flash heater, a boiler, an immersion heater, and a flow-through steam generator. The steam generator <NUM> can be electrically coupled to a power source <NUM>, such as a battery or by a power cord plugged into a household electrical outlet.

The liquid distribution system <NUM> can include a supply of liquid or liquid source, such as at least one supply tank <NUM> adapted to hold or store a quantity of liquid. The liquid can comprise one or more of any suitable cleaning liquids, including, but not limited to, water, compositions, concentrated detergent, diluted detergent, etc., and mixtures thereof. For example, the liquid can comprise a mixture of water and concentrated detergent. The liquid distribution system <NUM> can further include multiple supply tanks, such as one tank containing water and another tank containing a cleaning agent.

The steam generator <NUM> is in fluid communication with the supply tank <NUM>. The liquid distribution system <NUM> can further comprise a flow controller <NUM> for controlling the flow of liquid through a fluid conduit <NUM> coupled between an outlet port <NUM> of the supply tank <NUM> and the inlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM>. An actuator <NUM> can be provided to actuate the flow controller <NUM> and dispense liquid to the steam generator <NUM>.

In one configuration, the liquid distribution system <NUM> can comprise a gravity-feed system and the flow controller <NUM> can comprise a valve <NUM>, whereby when valve <NUM> is open, liquid will flow under the force of gravity, through the fluid conduit <NUM>, to the steam generator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be operably coupled to the valve <NUM> such that pressing the actuator <NUM> will open the valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can be mechanically actuated, such as by providing a push rod with one end coupled to the actuator <NUM> and another end in register with the valve <NUM>, such that pressing the actuator <NUM> forces the push rod to open the valve <NUM>. Alternatively, the valve <NUM> can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch between the valve <NUM> and the power source <NUM> that is selectively closed when the actuator <NUM> is actuated, thereby powering the valve <NUM> to move to an open position.

In another configuration, the flow controller <NUM> can comprise a pump <NUM> which distributes liquid from the supply tank <NUM> to the steam generator <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be operably coupled to the pump <NUM> such that pressing the actuator <NUM> will activate the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch between the pump <NUM> and the power source <NUM> that is selectively closed when the actuator <NUM> is actuated, thereby activating the pump <NUM>.

The steam delivery system <NUM> can include at least one steam outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the steam generator <NUM> for delivering steam to the surface to be cleaned, and a steam distribution path <NUM> can extend between the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one steam outlet <NUM> to deliver steam from the steam generator <NUM> to the at least one steam outlet <NUM>. The at least one steam outlet <NUM> can comprise any structure, such as a perforated manifold or at least one nozzle; multiple steam outlets can also be provided. In further embodiments discussed herein, the at least one steam outlet <NUM> can comprise a steam distribution nozzle.

The steam distribution path <NUM> can, for example comprise a fluid conduit coupled between the outlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one steam outlet <NUM>; the fluid conduit can comprise one or more flexible or rigid conduit sections fluidly coupling the outlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one steam outlet <NUM>. Optionally, a portion of the steam distribution path <NUM> can extend through a coupling or swivel joint of the steam mop <NUM>.

In use, the generated steam is pushed out of the outlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> by pressure generated within the steam generator <NUM> and, optionally, by pressure generated by the pump <NUM>. The steam flows through the steam distribution path <NUM>, and out of the at least one steam outlet <NUM>, as indicated at <NUM>.

A cleaning pad <NUM> can be removably attached over the steam outlet <NUM> to the steam mop <NUM>. In use, the cleaning pad <NUM> is saturated by the steam from the steam outlet <NUM>, and the damp cleaning pad <NUM> is wiped across the surface to be cleaned to remove dirt present on the surface. The cleaning pad <NUM> can be provided with features that enhance the scrubbing action on the surface to be cleaned to help loosen dirt on the surface. The cleaning pad <NUM> can be disposable or reusable, and can further be provided with a cleaning agent or composition that is delivered to the surface to be cleaned along with the steam. For example, the cleaning pad <NUM> can comprise disposable sheets that are pre-moistened with a cleaning agent. The cleaning agent can be configured to interact with the steam, such as having at least one component that is activated or deactivated by the temperature and/or moisture of the steam. In one example, the temperature and/or moisture of the steam can act to release the cleaning agent from the cleaning pad <NUM>.

The steam mop <NUM> can further be provided with a diverter <NUM> configured to divert steam away from the surface to be cleaned when a handle <NUM> of the steam mop <NUM> is in an upright stored or parked position. The diverter <NUM> can be provided in the steam distribution path <NUM> between an outlet <NUM> of the steam generator <NUM> and the at least one steam outlet <NUM>. In particular, the diverter <NUM> can be configured to divert steam away from the at least one steam outlet <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in the upright, parked position and to deliver steam to the at least one steam outlet <NUM> when the handle <NUM> is in an in-use or reclined use position.

Diverting the steam away from the floor when the handle <NUM> is parked can prevent inadvertent floor damage. When the handle <NUM> is moved to the reclined use position, the diverter <NUM> can direct steam to the steam outlet <NUM>.

Optionally, a steam exhaust port <NUM>, which is directed away from the surface to be cleaned, can be fluidly coupled with the diverter <NUM> for exhausting steam when the handle <NUM> is parked. The steam exhaust port <NUM> can comprise any structure, such as a perforated grill or at least one nozzle; multiple exhaust ports can also be provided. In further embodiments discussed herein, the steam exhaust port <NUM> can comprise a steam diversion nozzle.

In a further embodiment, the diverter <NUM> can be further configured to divert steam away from the at least one steam outlet <NUM> when the steam mop <NUM> is stationary, i.e. not moving over the surface to be cleaned, and to deliver steam to the at least one steam outlet <NUM> when the steam mop <NUM> is moving. Diverting the steam away from the floor when the handle <NUM> is reclined but the steam mop <NUM> is not moving can prevent inadvertent floor damage. When the steam mop <NUM> resumes movement, the diverter <NUM> can direct steam to the steam outlet <NUM>.

The steam mop <NUM> shown in <FIG> can be used to effectively remove dirt (which may include dust, stains, and other debris) from the surface to be cleaned in accordance with the following method. The sequence of steps discussed is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to limit the method in any way as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, additional or intervening steps may be included, or described steps may be divided into multiple steps, without detracting from the invention.

The cleaning pad <NUM> is attached to the steam mop <NUM>, over the steam outlet <NUM>, the supply tank <NUM> is filled with liquid, and the steam generator <NUM> is coupled to the power source <NUM>. Upon actuation of the actuator <NUM>, liquid flows to the steam generator <NUM> and is heated to its boiling point to produce steam. The steam <NUM> exits the steam outlet <NUM> and passes through the cleaning pad <NUM>. As steam <NUM> passes through the cleaning pad <NUM>, a portion of the steam <NUM> may return to liquid form before reaching the floor surface. The steam <NUM> delivered to the floor surface also returns to liquid form. As the damp cleaning pad <NUM> is wiped over the surface to be cleaned, excess liquid and dirt on the surface is absorbed by the cleaning pad <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a steam cleaning apparatus in the form of a steam mop <NUM> according to a first embodiment of the invention. For purposes of description related to the figures, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in <FIG> from the perspective of a user behind the steam mop <NUM>, which defines the rear of the steam mop <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

The steam mop <NUM> comprises a base or cleaning head <NUM> which is adapted to be moved across a surface to be cleaned. An upright assembly <NUM> can be pivotally coupled with the cleaning head <NUM> for movement about at least one axis, or about multiple axes. The cleaning head <NUM> and upright assembly <NUM> may each support one or more components of the various functional systems discussed with respect to <FIG>.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upright assembly <NUM> comprises an elongated handle <NUM> operably coupled with the cleaning head <NUM>; in one example, the handle <NUM> can extend from the cleaning head <NUM>, with a grip (not shown) provided on an end of the handle <NUM> to facilitate movement of the steam mop <NUM> by a user. The handle <NUM> is movable between at least an upright parked position and a reclined use position. In the upright parked position the handle <NUM> can be oriented substantially orthogonally or vertically relative to the surface to be cleaned, and in the reclined use position the handle <NUM> is pivoted rearwardly relative to the cleaning head <NUM> to form an acute angle with the surface to be cleaned.

A coupling joint <NUM> is formed at an opposite end of the handle <NUM> and moveably mounts the handle <NUM> with the cleaning head <NUM>. The coupling joint <NUM> can be configured for the handle <NUM> to pivot or rotate about a single axis X as shown herein, wherein the axis X is generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned on which the cleaning head <NUM> moves, and is further generally traverse the direction of travel of the cleaning head <NUM> during normal operation. The coupling joint <NUM> can alternatively comprise a universal joint, such that the handle <NUM> can pivot about at least two axes relative to the cleaning head <NUM>. Optionally, a portion of the steam distribution path <NUM> can extend through the coupling joint <NUM>.

While some of the functional systems and their components, such as the steam generation system <NUM>, the liquid distribution system <NUM>, and the steam delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, are shown schematically in <FIG>, these functional systems and components may be supported by the cleaning head <NUM> or the upright assembly <NUM>. For example, the supply tank <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and steam generator <NUM> can be supported by the upright assembly <NUM> such that the supply tank <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and steam generator <NUM> are supported or carried by or otherwise coupled with the handle <NUM>. In another embodiment, the supply tank <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and steam generator <NUM> can be supported or carried by the cleaning head <NUM>.

In the case where the upright assembly <NUM> supports functional systems such as the steam generation system <NUM>, the liquid distribution system <NUM>, the steam delivery system <NUM>, or any of their components, the upright assembly <NUM> can include a housing to impart support and accommodate the systems and components. The housing can pivotably couple with the cleaning head <NUM>, while the handle <NUM> can operatively couple with the housing. For example, the supply tank <NUM>, pump <NUM>, and steam generator <NUM> can be located within the housing and movable with the upright assembly <NUM> relative to the cleaning head <NUM>.

The diverter <NUM> in the present embodiment comprises a diverter valve <NUM> configured to control the flow of steam through the steam distribution path <NUM>. The diverter valve <NUM> can be movable between a position where the steam distribution path <NUM> to the steam outlet <NUM> is open and a position where the steam distribution path <NUM> to the steam outlet <NUM> is closed.

The cleaning head <NUM> can comprise a base housing <NUM> adapted to be moved over the surface to be cleaned and which can mount the cleaning pad <NUM>, generally described with respect to <FIG>. The base housing <NUM> includes the at least one steam outlet <NUM> and can additionally include the diverter valve <NUM> within the steam distribution path <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the base housing <NUM> can include the diverter valve <NUM> fluidly coupled between the at least one steam outlet <NUM>, shown in the illustrated embodiment as comprising a steam distribution nozzle. In particular, the steam distribution nozzle <NUM> can be in the form of a floor nozzle <NUM> which is position on the cleaning head <NUM> to deliver steam toward the surface to be cleaned. The steam outlet <NUM> and steam generator <NUM> are not limited to a floor nozzle and a heater respectively, and can be in any suitable form to dispense and produce steam. The base housing <NUM> can also include the steam exhaust port <NUM>, which can be in the form of a steam diversion nozzle, coupled to the diverter valve <NUM>. A fluid conduit or diversion conduit <NUM> can extend from the diverter valve <NUM> to the steam exhaust port <NUM>. The steam exhaust port <NUM> may be located anywhere on the base housing <NUM> that diverts steam away from the surface to be cleaned. While steam exhaust port <NUM> is shown located on an upper front portion <NUM> of the base housing <NUM>, the steam exhaust port <NUM> may alternatively be located on another portion of the base housing <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, the sides of the base housing <NUM> or a rear <NUM> of the base housing <NUM>. Locating the steam exhaust port <NUM> on an upper front portion <NUM> of the base housing <NUM> may be desirable as the user of the steam mop <NUM> can easily observe that steam <NUM> is be diverted to the exhaust port <NUM>. Further, while only one floor nozzle <NUM> and one steam exhaust port <NUM> is shown, multiple floor nozzles <NUM> and/or multiple steam exhaust ports <NUM> may be provided.

Optionally a steam deflector <NUM> can be provided adjacent to the exhaust port <NUM> for guiding steam <NUM> in a predetermined direction away from the surface to be cleaned or relative to the cleaning head <NUM>. For example, the deflector can be provided on the cleaning head <NUM>, such as on the base housing <NUM>, and can create a barrier or shield for preventing steam <NUM> from flowing toward the surface to be cleaned. In the embodiment shown herein, with the steam exhaust port <NUM> on the upper front portion <NUM> of the base housing <NUM>, the deflector <NUM> can also be provided on the upper front portion <NUM> of the base housing <NUM> and can open toward the rear <NUM> of the base housing <NUM> in order to guide steam <NUM> generally rearwardly over the top of the cleaning head <NUM>.

The diverter valve <NUM> can be operably coupled with the handle <NUM> for movement of the diverter valve <NUM> as the handle <NUM> moves. In particular, the diverter valve <NUM> can be configured to move to a first position when the handle <NUM> is in a reclined use position, one example of which is shown in <FIG>, and a second position when the handle <NUM> in in an upright stored or parked position as shown in <FIG>. In the first position of the diverter valve <NUM>, the steam distribution path <NUM> between the steam generator <NUM> and the floor nozzle <NUM> is open and steam <NUM> is supplied to the floor nozzle <NUM>. In the second position of the diverter valve <NUM>, the steam distribution path <NUM> between the steam generator <NUM> and the steam outlet <NUM> is closed, and steam <NUM> is supplied to the steam diversion nozzle <NUM>.

The diverter valve <NUM> of the embodiment shown herein includes a valve actuator <NUM> and a valve plunger <NUM> configured to selectively control steam delivery to the nozzles <NUM>, <NUM> on the cleaning head <NUM>. The valve actuator <NUM> can be provided to engage the valve plunger <NUM> to control the position of valve plunger <NUM>.

The valve actuator <NUM> can be operably coupled with the handle <NUM> for movement of the valve actuator <NUM> as the handle <NUM> moves. For example, the valve actuator <NUM> can be a mechanical valve actuator <NUM> that is coupled to the handle <NUM> or otherwise integrated with the coupling joint <NUM>. The valve actuator <NUM> shown herein includes a member rotatable about the axis X.

In one embodiment, the valve actuator <NUM> can be a cam configured to transform rotary motion of the handle <NUM> into linear motion of the valve plunger <NUM>, which can be operably coupled with a cam follower <NUM> in contact with the cam. The valve actuator or cam <NUM> can comprise a cam surface <NUM> that engages the cam follower <NUM> of the valve plunger <NUM> to move the valve plunger <NUM> linearly depending on the position of the handle <NUM>.

The valve plunger <NUM> can optionally be biased by a spring <NUM> to the first position in which steam <NUM> is supplied to the floor nozzle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, i.e. so that the diverter valve <NUM> is normally open. Alternatively, the valve plunger <NUM> can be biased by spring <NUM> to the second position, i.e. so that the diverter valve <NUM> is normally closed.

While <FIG> illustrates the diverter valve <NUM> as having a mechanical valve actuator <NUM>, it is within the scope of the invention for the diverter valve <NUM> to be operable with any suitable mechanical or electrical valve actuator. For example, a micro-switch can be coupled to the handle <NUM> to selectively energize a solenoid diverter valve to control the diverter valve <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the diverter valve <NUM> in the first position for delivering steam <NUM> to a floor surface. In use, a user can grip the end of the handle <NUM> and facilitate movement on the surface to be cleaned by pivoting the handle <NUM> in a downward direction, as indicated by the arrow <NUM>, to a reclined use position, one example of which is shown in <FIG>. When the handle <NUM> is reclined, the valve actuator <NUM> does not engage the valve plunger <NUM>, and the diverter valve <NUM> is biased to the first position. In the first position, the steam generator <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the floor nozzle <NUM> via a fluid conduit or steam conduit <NUM> forming a portion of the steam distribution path <NUM>, and the valve plunger <NUM> closes the pathway to the diversion nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the diverter valve <NUM> in the second position for redirecting steam <NUM> away from the floor surface. When a user desires to park the steam mop <NUM>, a user can pivot the handle <NUM> in an upwards direction, as indicated by the arrow <NUM>, to the upright stored or parked position. As the handle <NUM> pivots upwards, the valve actuator <NUM> engages the valve plunger <NUM> and moves the diverter valve <NUM> to the second position. In the second position, the steam generator <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the diversion nozzle <NUM> via the diversion conduit <NUM>, and the valve plunger <NUM> closes the pathway to the floor nozzle <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the diverter valve <NUM> can include a valve housing <NUM> having an inlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the steam generator <NUM>, a first outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the floor nozzle <NUM> via the steam conduit <NUM>, and a second outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with the diversion nozzle <NUM> via the diversion conduit <NUM>. The valve plunger <NUM> is moveable to close one of the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> and can include at least a portion received within the valve housing <NUM> to close one of the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> by selectively sealing or blocking one of the outlets <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in the first position for delivering steam <NUM> to a floor surface, the valve plunger <NUM> seals or blocks the second outlet <NUM> such that no steam is delivered to the diversion nozzle <NUM> and all steam is delivered to the floor nozzle <NUM>. In the second position for redirecting steam <NUM> away from the floor surface, the valve plunger <NUM> seals or blocks the first outlet <NUM> such that no steam is delivered to the floor nozzle <NUM> and all steam is delivered to the diversion nozzle <NUM>. It is further within the scope of the invention for the valve plunger <NUM> to have at least one intermediate position between the first and second positions in which the outlets <NUM>, <NUM> are partially blocked, which can be used to control the amount of steam <NUM> delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the floor nozzle <NUM> for lighter steam cleaning.

<FIG> are schematic views of a steam cleaning apparatus in the form of a steam mop <NUM> according to a second embodiment of the invention. The steam cleaning apparatus of <FIG> and <FIG> can be substantially similar to the steam cleaning apparatus of <FIG>, therefore the discussion is limited to the differences between the two.

Instead of a mechanical valve actuator as shown in <FIG>, the diverter <NUM> of the second embodiment includes an accelerometer <NUM> configured to detect acceleration of the steam mop <NUM> to determine if the steam mop <NUM> is moving. The diverter <NUM> is configured to divert steam away from the floor nozzle <NUM> when no acceleration of the steam mop <NUM> is detected by the accelerometer <NUM>, and to deliver steam to the floor nozzle <NUM> when acceleration of the steam mop <NUM> is detected by the accelerometer <NUM>. In one embodiment, the accelerometer <NUM> is particularly configured to detect acceleration relative to the handle <NUM> to determine if the steam mop <NUM> is moving.

The accelerometer <NUM> can be provided on the handle <NUM>, or alternatively, in the base housing <NUM>. The accelerometer <NUM> can be in the form of any suitable accelerometer, such as a piezoelectric accelerometer or a low impedance output accelerometer. The accelerometer <NUM> is configured output a signal <NUM>, which can include power, resistance, current, or a voltage signal, for example. In one example, the signal <NUM> can comprise a pulse width modulated voltage signal. The signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> can be relayed to a control module <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, a microcontroller, which can be used to selectively move the valve plunger <NUM> of the diverter valve <NUM> to the open or closed position, depending on the signal emitted by the accelerometer <NUM>. In one example, the control module <NUM> can be connected to an electrical valve actuator and the accelerometer <NUM> can be mounted on the control module <NUM>. In another example, the control module <NUM> can be separate from the accelerometer <NUM>. As such, the control module <NUM> can be carried by the handle <NUM> or the cleaning head <NUM>.

The diverter valve <NUM> of the second embodiment can be electrically actuated, such as by providing an electrical switch <NUM> between the diverter valve <NUM> and the power source <NUM> (<FIG>) that is selectively activated when acceleration is detected by the accelerometer <NUM> and the signal <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM>, thereby powering the diverter valve <NUM> to move to either the first or second position. For example, when acceleration is detected by the accelerometer <NUM>, the signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM>, which can open the switch <NUM> and selectively de-energize the diverter valve <NUM>, and move the valve plunger <NUM> to the first position for delivering steam to the floor surface. When acceleration is not detected by the accelerometer <NUM>, a signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM>, which can close the switch <NUM>, and selectively energize the diverter valve <NUM> and move the valve plunger <NUM> to the second position for redirecting steam away from the floor surface.

Other configurations for the switch <NUM> and valve <NUM> are possible. For example, alternatively, the diverter <NUM> can be configured such that when acceleration is detected by the accelerometer <NUM>, the signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM>, which can close the switch <NUM>, and selectively energize the diverter valve <NUM> and move the valve plunger <NUM> to the first position for delivering steam to the floor surface. When acceleration is not detected by the accelerometer <NUM>, the signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM>, which can open the switch <NUM>, and selectively de-energize the diverter valve <NUM> and move the valve plunger <NUM> to the second position for redirecting steam away from the floor surface.

In one example, the diverter valve <NUM> can be a solenoid diverter valve, and the switch <NUM> can be a micro-switch can be coupled to the handle <NUM> to selectively energize the solenoid diverter valve <NUM>. The solenoid diverter valve <NUM> can be selectively activated by the signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> output to the control module <NUM> to move the valve plunger <NUM> from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, depending on whether the steam mop <NUM> is moving.

<FIG> shows the diverter valve <NUM> in the first position for delivering steam to a floor surface. In use, a user can grip the end of the handle <NUM> and facilitate movement on the surface to be cleaned by pivoting the handle <NUM> in a downwards direction to a reclined use position. When the handle <NUM> is in use and moving, such as when the steam mop <NUM> is moving back and forth across a surface to be cleaned as indicated by the arrow <NUM>, acceleration is detected by the accelerometer <NUM>. A signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM> and relayed to the diverter valve <NUM> and the diverter valve <NUM> moves to the first position. The steam generator <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the floor nozzle <NUM> via the steam distribution path <NUM>, and the valve plunger <NUM> closes the pathway to the diversion nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the diverter valve <NUM> in a second position for redirecting steam away from the floor surface. When a user is not moving the handle <NUM> acceleration is not detected by the accelerometer. Whether the handle <NUM> is in a parked position, as shown in <FIG>, or a reclined position, a lack of movement by the steam mop <NUM> can be detected by the accelerometer <NUM>. A signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is generated and output to the control module <NUM>. The signal <NUM> can be generated immediately upon a lack or movement, or alternatively after a lack of movement lasting a predetermined period of time, such as, but not limited to, <NUM>-<NUM> seconds. The signal <NUM> from the accelerometer <NUM> is output to the control module <NUM> and relayed to the diverter valve <NUM> and the diverter valve <NUM> moves to the second position. Thus, the steam generator <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the diversion nozzle <NUM> via the diversion conduit <NUM>, and the valve plunger <NUM> closes the pathway to the floor nozzle <NUM>.

The steam cleaning apparatus disclosed herein provides an improved cleaning operation that can prevent inadvertent floor damage. One advantage that may be realized in the practice of some embodiments of the described steam cleaning apparatus is that steam is diverted away from the floor via a diverter valve <NUM> when the steam cleaning apparatus is parked and/or is not in use. Therefore, steam will cease saturation of the floor via the at least one steam outlet <NUM>. As a result, over-saturation of steam on the floor can be avoided. Over-saturation of steam on the floor can be damaging to carpet, wood, linoleum, etc. as the high temperature of the steam can melt or deform various compositions.

To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure.

Claim 1:
A cleaning apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a cleaning head (<NUM>) movable along a floor surface;
a handle (<NUM>) operably coupled with the cleaning head (<NUM>);
a supply tank (<NUM>) adapted to hold a quantity of cleaning fluid;
a cleaning fluid outlet (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the supply tank (<NUM>) and positioned to distribute cleaning fluid to the floor surface;
a distribution path (<NUM>) between the supply tank (<NUM>) and the outlet (<NUM>); the cleaning apparatus further characterized by
an accelerometer (<NUM>) configured to detect acceleration of the cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) to determine if the cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) is moving; and
a diverter (<NUM>) in the distribution path (<NUM>) and configured to divert cleaning fluid away from the cleaning fluid outlet (<NUM>) when no acceleration of the cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) is detected by the accelerometer (<NUM>), and to deliver cleaning fluid to the cleaning fluid outlet (<NUM>) when acceleration of the cleaning apparatus (<NUM>) is detected by the accelerometer (<NUM>).