STEAM CLEANING DEVICE

Abstract

 A steam cleaning device (1) comprises a steam generator and a variable flow rate pump. The variable flow rate pump is in fluid communication between the steam generator and a water supply. The variable flow rate pump is arranged to pump water from the water supply to the steam generator. A steam outlet (2) is connectable to at least a first connector (6) of a first accessory and a second connector of a second accessory. A connection detector is arranged to detect when the first accessory is connected to the steam outlet and to detect when the second accessory is connected to the steam outlet. A pump controller is configured to control the pump at a first pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the first connector and to control the pump at a second pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the second connector.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a steam cleaning device. In particular the present invention relates to a steam cleaning device usable with a plurality of accessories.

[0002] Keeping the home tidy and clean is important to most people. There are many appliances to help the user remove dirt from surfaces. One such cleaning device is a steam cleaning device. Steam can be applied to dirty surfaces for encouraging removal of stubborn stains. Steam can be used to clean a variety of surfaces and objects such as floors, curtains, upholstery and clothes to name a few. Different surfaces and objects can have different cleaning requirements and some steam cleaning devices cater for cleaning different types of surfaces. This overcomes the need for a different steam cleaning device for each cleaning task.

[0003] One such steam cleaning device is shown in WO 00/06945. This shows a steam generating machine which automatically varies the working pressure of the steam outputted depending on the type of steam accessory attached to the steam generating machine. A problem with the steam generating machine is that the heating means is a pressure boiler. This means that there is a reservoir of pressurised steam stored within the steam cleaning device. A pressure boiler must be large and robust to make sure that pressure boiler is not easily damaged which makes lifting and carrying the steam cleaning device difficult for some users. The pressure boiler will require a significant lead time before there is enough steam stored in the boiler to be used in a cleaning action. This makes the steam cleaning device less suitable for a "quick and light" clean of a lightly soiled surface. Furthermore the pressurised steam can be contained within the pressure boiler even when the steam cleaning device is turned off. A user must wait for an extended period of time before the steam cleaning machine is empty of steam.

[0004] WO96/25546 also shows a pressurised steam cleaning and iron device. It discloses that different accessories are electrically connected to the steam cleaning generator for changing the voltage supplied to the steam generator. A problem with varying the voltage to the heating element is that the steam temperature characteristics are altered when the heating element is operated at higher temperatures. This means that the steam will have different temperatures depending on the temperature of the heating element and may even cause superheated steam. Superheated steam may be desirable for ironing, but superheated steam contains a high amount of energy and can cause serious burns if the user comes into contact with the superheated steam. Accordingly the steam cleaning generator must have safety and control mechanisms such as thermostats which are operable with variable steam temperatures and increases the complexity of the steam cleaning device. Furthermore the accessories are electrically connected to the steam cleaning generator. This means that the electrical connectors can become corroded overtime since they will be exposed to an environment with a high moisture content.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a steam cleaning device comprising: a steam generator; a variable flow rate pump in fluid communication between the steam generator and a water supply and arranged to pump water from the water supply to the steam generator; a steam outlet connectable to at least a first connector of a first accessory and a second connector of a second accessory; a connection detector arranged to detect when the first accessory is connected to the steam outlet and to detect when the second accessory is connected to the steam outlet; a pump controller configured to control the pump at a first pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the first connector and to control the pump at a second pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the second connector.

[0006] By varying the flow rate by changing the pump flow rate, the rate of steam that is output from the steam cleaning device is more easily controllable. For example modifying the steam generation by changing the temperature of the boiler by increasing the voltage of the heating elements is less efficient. The boiler will have a thermal mass and there will be a period of time before the boiler heats up or cools down and changes the volume of output steam accordingly. This means that there will be a time lag between initially changing the temperature and creating a difference in the volume of steam. By changing the pump flow rate, the steam volume outputted by the steam cleaning device can be accurately modified whilst maintaining a constant temperature of the boiler.

[0007] Preferably the connection detector comprises a first switch mechanically engageable with the first connector. This means that physical coupled of the connector is detected and the steam cleaning device modifies its operation when the connector is coupled to steam cleaning device.

[0008] Preferably the pump controller is a pump control circuit whereby a first voltage is supplied to the pump when the first connected is connected and a second voltage is supplied to the pump when the second connector is connected. This means that the pump can operate at a first voltage and supply a first flow rate of water to the steam generator and also operate at a second voltage and supply a second flow rate of water to the steam generator.

[0009] Preferably the first switch is configured to modify the pump control circuit on actuation. Preferably the switch is configured to change the resistance of the pump control circuit. This means that the switch actively modifies the resistance and the voltage supplied by virtue of the switch moving between different positions.

[0010] Preferably the first switch is mechanically engageable with a first rib mounted on the first accessory. Preferably the connection detector is configured to detect when no accessory is connected. Preferably the connection detector comprises a second switch mechanically engageable with the first connector and the second connector. Preferably the second switch is in series with a power supply to the steam generator and / or the steam cleaning device. Preferably the second switch is mechanically engageable with a second rib mounted on both the first and second connectors.

[0011] This means that the presence of the connector can be detected and prevent accidental operation of the steam generator when no connector is physically coupled to the steam cleaning device.

[0012] By providing a mechanical rib to physically interact with the switch, no electrical contact is required between the connector and the switch. This means that dirt and other contaminants on the connector cannot affect the actuation of the switch.

[0013] Preferably the electrical contacts of the first switch are in fluid isolation from the steam outlet when the first or second accessory is attached or removed from the steam cleaning device. This means that the electrical contacts of the switch do not become corroded or contaminated from the moisture from the steam generator.

[0014] Preferably the first accessory is a steam mop, a steam brush, a garment steamer. Preferably the second accessory is a wearable steam accessory.

[0015] Preferably the steam generator is operable at a constant voltage irrespective of whether the first or second accessories are connected to the steam outlet. This makes the steam generator circuit simpler and requires less control components.

[0016] Preferably the steam generator is operable at atmospheric pressure. This means that a pressurised vessel is not required and residual steam is not left in the steam cleaning device after the steam cleaning device has been turned off.

[0017] In a second aspect of the invention there is a steam cleaning system comprising: a steam cleaning device according to the first aspect; a first accessory comprising a first connector; and a second accessory comprising a second connector.

[0018] Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description and in the attached claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the steam cleaning device;

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the steam cleaning device;

Figures 3 and 4 show plan views of connectors for the steam cleaning device;

Figure 5 shows a front cross section of the steam cleaning device;

Figure 6 shows a plan cross section of the steam cleaning device;

Figures 7 and 8 show plan cross sectional views of the steam cleaning device with a connector;

Figures 9 to 13 show schematic circuit diagrams of steam cleaning devices; and

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the steam cleaning device mounted in an accessory.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a steam cleaning device 1 and a first connector 6 of a first steam cleaning accessory. The steam cleaning device 1 comprises a housing 12 formed from a two piece clam shell arrangement. The housing 12 comprises a handle 14 allowing the user to carry the steam cleaning device 1 whilst using the steam cleaning device.

[0020] The steam cleaning device 1 comprises a steam generator 20, which is shown schematically in Figure 2. The steam generator or boiler 20 comprises one or more heating elements (not shown) for heating water and generating steam. The steam generator 20 is controlled by a steam controller 22. The steam controller 22 is a circuit arranged to supply voltage to a heating element in the steam generator 20. In some embodiments there may be plurality of heating elements. The heating elements are electrically connected via the steam controller 22 to an electricity supply 16 as shown in Figure 1. The heating elements in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are powered by an AC voltage, but in alternative embodiments the heating elements can be powered by a DC voltages or a hybrid power supply comprising AC and DC. The electricity supply 16 is connected in series with a power switch 18 for turning the steam cleaning device 10 on and off.

[0021] The steam generator 20 is in fluid communication with a water reservoir 24 which is shown schematically in Figure 2. The water reservoir 24 is housed within the housing 12. In some alternative embodiments the water reservoir 24 can be external to the housing 12 and the external water reservoir 24 is coupled to the housing via a water feed tube (not shown).

[0022] In some embodiments the water reservoir 24 is mounted within the housing 12 and the water reservoir 24 comprises a fill port 25 mounted in the handle 14. The fill port 25 enables the user to fill the water reservoir 24 to be filled under a tap or another suitable water source. The water reservoir 24 can be filled with pure water or can alternatively be filled with a cleaning detergent or other cleaning solvents.

[0023] The water reservoir 24 is in fluid communication with a pump 26. The pump 26 is in fluid communication with the steam generator 20 and the water reservoir 24. The pump 26 is configured to create a fluid flow between the water reservoir 24 and the steam generator 20. The pump 26 can be peristaltic pump or a piston pump or any other suitable means for pumping fluid from the water reservoir 24 to the steam generator 20. In some embodiments the pump 26 can be driven by an electric motor (not shown) although other suitable means for driving the pump 26 can be used. The pump 26 is operable at different speeds to alter the flow rate between the water reservoir 24 and the steam generator 20. The flow rate of the pump 26 can be varied by varying the voltage supplied to the electric motor that drives the pump 26. A higher voltage supplied to the electric motor will result in a higher flow rate from the water reservoir 24 to the steam generator 20. Conversely a lower voltage supplied to the electric motor will result in a lower flow rate from the water reservoir 24 to the steam generator 20. Whilst the pump 26 in some embodiments is a water pump for pumping water, the pump 26 can be an air pump (not shown) for increasing the pressure of the air in a water reservoir 24 and expelling and forcing water from the water reservoir 24 to the steam generator 20.

[0024] The pump 26 is controlled by a pump controller 28 which controls the operation of the pump 26. The pump controller 28 can be an integrated circuit (IC) or a printed circuit board or any other electronic or electric means for controlling the pump 26. The pump controller 28 is in electrical communication with the pump 26 and the electric motor of the pump 26. The pump controller 28 is configured to selectively supply a variable voltage to the pump 26.

[0025] Turning back to Figure 1, the steam cleaning device 1 optionally comprises a control dial 4 mounted on the housing 12 of the steam cleaning device 1. The control dial 4 is configured to control the pump 26 via the pump controller 28. Accordingly the user can adjust the control dial 4 and control the flow rate of the pump 26. The pump controller 28 varies the voltage supplied to the motor driving the pump 26 in dependence of the position of the control dial 4.

[0026] The steam generator 20 is fluidly coupled to a steam outlet 2. The steam outlet 2 is located in the housing 12 on a forward facing side of the housing 12. The steam outlet 2 is located remote from the handle 14 so that the steam is directed away from the user's hand when in operation. The steam outlet 2 is adapted to receive a first connector 6 of a steam accessory. The first connector 6 fits in the steam outlet 4 such that there is a fluid seal between the first connector 6 and the housing 12. This means that when the first connector 6 is connected to the housing 12, the steam flows through the first connector 6 to the accessory. Steam does not flow out round between the outer surface of the first connector 6 and the inner surface of the steam outlet 4. In some embodiments the outer surface of the first connector 6 around the shoulder portion 36 (see Figure 3) may comprise an annular sealing washer for engaging against the housing 12.

[0027] The first connector 6 is hollow and steam passes through the first connector 6 towards the steam accessory. The connector 6 is coupled to a hose (not shown) in fluid communication with the working head of the steam cleaning accessory (not shown). In this way the steam flows from the steam outlet 2 to the working head of the steam cleaning accessory. The steam cleaning accessory can be any suitable accessory for cleaning with steam. For example the steam accessory can be a brush coupled to the hose. Alternatively the steam accessory can be a nozzle for directing steam, a steam hose, a steam cloth for receiving the steam or any other accessory suitable for receiving and outputting steam on a surface.

[0028] Alternatively the accessory can be a steam floor mop head wherein the steam cleaning accessory fits into a chassis 140 (see Figure 14 which shows a perspective view of the steam cleaning device 1 mounted in a chassis 140). When the steam cleaning device 1 is mounted in the chassis 140, the steam cleaning device is suitable for operation as a steam floor mop. In this embodiment the steam flows from the steam outlet 2 to a connector 6 on the chassis. The connector 6 of the chassis 140 is substantially the same as described in the other embodiments. The connection 6 may be pivotally mounted on the chassis 140 and biased away from the chassis 140. In this way the pivoting connector may stand proud of the chassis 140 to make coupling the steam cleaning device 1 to the chassis 140 easier. The connector 6 of the chassis is mounted within the chassis 140 and is in fluid communication with a steam mop floor head 142. During use the steam is ejected to the underside of the steam mop floor head 142.

[0029] In other embodiments the connector 6 is in fluid communication to a wearable steam cleaning accessory. In this embodiment the wearable steam cleaning accessory is mountable on the user's hand or other appendage. The user can wear the steam cleaning accessory like a glove whilst wiping down surfaces to be cleaned.

[0030] Turning to Figure 3, the first connector 6 of the first steam accessory will be discussed in further detail. Figure 3 shows a plan view of a first connector 6 suitable for connection with the steam outlet 2 of the steam cleaning device 1. A plurality of different steam cleaning accessories can be connected to the steam cleaning device 1. Each steam cleaning accessory can be designed to carry out a different cleaning task. Accordingly the amount of steam required with each steam cleaning accessory is varied.

[0031] The first connector 6 comprises a forward end 32 and a rearward end 34. The forward end 32 is received within the steam outlet 2 and the rearward end 34 is connected to a hose (not shown). The connector 6 slidably engages with the steam outlet 2. A flared shoulder portion 36 engages with the housing 12 and limits how far the forward end 32 can be inserted into the steam outlet 2. The connector 6 comprises a first tab 38 and a second tab 40 which are respectively received in internal first and second slots 42, 44 in the steam outlet 2. The cross section of the forward end 32 of the connector is not symmetrical over at least one axis. This means that the forward end 32 is directional and cannot be incorrectly inserted into the steam outlet 2.

[0032] A spring biased latch mechanism 46 on the connector 6 engages with a reciprocal detent 60 (see Figure 6) on the inner surface of the steam outlet 2. This provides positive engagement between the connector 6 and the housing 12 and means that the connector 6 cannot be simply pulled out from the steam outlet 2. A depressible button 48 is mechanically coupled to the spring biased latch mechanism and actuates release of the latch 46 from the housing 12 when pressed. In alternative embodiments the button 48 is slidable in a forwards - rearwards direction along the connector 6. Additionally or alternatively the connector 6 can provide a friction press fit between the connector 6 and the steam outlet 2.

[0033] Figure 4 shows a second connector 50 of a second accessory which is connectable with the steam outlet 2. The second connector 50 is identical to the first connector 6 except that the first tab 52 of the second connector 50 is different in length to the first tab 38 of the first connector 6. The second tab 54 of the second connector 50 is identical to the second tab 40 of the first connector 6. The first and second tabs 52, 54 a respectively received in the first and second slots 42, 44 of the steam outlet 2.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a front cross sectional elevation of the steam cleaning device 1 along line A-A. The steam outlet 2 is open and a connector 6, 50 is not inserted therein. The steam outlet 2 has a "D" shaped cross section and each connector 6, 50 has a reciprocal "D" shaped cross section. The first and second slots 42, 44 on the internal surface of the steam outlet 2 are also visible.

[0035] The operation of the steam cleaning device 1 will now be discussed in further detail. Figure 6 shows a plan cross sectional view of a forward portion of the steam cleaning device 1 along line B-B. The steam cleaning device 1 comprises a connection detector 62. The connection detector 62 detects whether there is a connector 6, 50 in the steam outlet 2 and controls the steam cleaning device 1 accordingly. The connection detector 62 comprises at least one detector to determine whether a first connector 6 or a second connector 50 is connected to the steam outlet 2. The connection detector 62 comprises a first switch 56 which is mechanically engageably with the first connector 6. In some embodiments the first switch 56 is fluidly isolated from the steam outlet 2. This prevents or limits a moisture ingress in the first switch 56 and prolongs the lifetime of the first switch 56. Whilst a mechanical lever 64 can mechanically engage with the connector 6 in the steam outlet 2, the electrical connections of the first switch 56 are not in contact with the moisture from the steam outlet 2. This means that the first switch 56 is less likely to corrode.

[0036] The first and second slots 42, 44 each comprise an open bore at an end 66, 68 which is distal from the opening of the steam outlet 2. This means that the first tab 38 of the first connector 6 can protrude through the open end of the first slot 42. The second tab 40 of the first connector 6 will also protrude though the open bore 68 of the second slot 44. However the first tab 52 of the second connector 50 is not long enough to protrude through the open bore of the first slot 42. This means that the first switch 56 can differentiate between the first connector 6 of the first accessory and the second connector 50 of the second accessory.

[0037] Optionally a mechanical lever 64 is mechanically coupled to the first switch 56 such that the free end of the lever is positioned in line with the first slot. The mechanical lever 64 is in the pathway along which the first tab 38 of the first connector 6 slides. In this way when the first tab 38 slides into the first slot 42, the lever 64 is pushed out of the way when the first tab 38 protrudes out of the open bore 66. When the lever 64 is moved, the lever 64 actuates the first switch 56. In other embodiments there is no lever but instead the first switch 56 is repositioned and the first tab 38 directly engages the first switch 56. Alternatively the first switch 56 is not mechanically engageable with the connector 6. Instead alternatively detection means is used to determine whether the connector 6 has been inserted into the steam outlet 2. For example the first switch 56 can be an optical detector which detects the visible presence of the connector 6. In other embodiments the first switch 56 is a hall detector which detects movement of a magnet mounted on the connector 6. The first switch 56 can be any means suitable for detecting the connector 6 being inserted into the steam outlet 2.

[0038] The connection detector 62 may optionally comprise a second switch 58. The second switch 68 is identical to the first switch 56 and is operable in a similar manner. Accordingly the second switch 58 is actuated when a second lever 68 is moved by the first or second connector 6, 50. The first and second connectors 6, 50 respectively comprise second tabs 40, 54 which are engagable with the lever 68 of the second switch. Each of the first and second connectors 6, 50 have a second tab 40, 54 which is of equal length. This means that the second switch can detect the presence of any connector 6, 50 that has been inserted into the steam outlet 2. In some embodiments the second switch 58 is in series with a power supply to the steam cleaning device 1. For example the second switch 58 can interrupt the power supply to the steam generator 20, the pump 26 and any other powered component in the steam cleaning device 1. The second switch 58 is optional, but if implemented the steam generator 20 will not produce steam if no connector is connected to the steam outlet 2. In some embodiments the second switch 58 is in series with the power switch 18.

[0039] Indeed, the arrangement in Figure 6 shows the steam cleaning device 1 wherein there is no connector 6 attached to the steam outlet. Accordingly neither of the first switch 56 or the second switch 58 will be actuated. This means that the steam cleaning device 1 will not be operable in this arrangement.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a plan cross sectional view of a forward portion of the steam cleaning device 1 along line B-B with the first connector 6 inserted in to the steam outlet 2. The first connector 6 is partially transparent for the purposes of clarity to show the first connector 6 with respect to the steam outlet 2 when connected to the steam cleaning device 1. The first tab 38 of the first connector 6 actuates the first switch 56. The second tab 40 of the first connector actuates the second switch 58.

[0041] Figure 8 shows a plan cross sectional view of a forward portion of the steam cleaning device 1 along line B-B with the second connector 50 inserted in to the steam outlet 2. The second connector 50 is partially transparent for the purposes of clarity to show the second connector 50 with respect to the steam outlet 2 when connected to the steam cleaning device 1. The first tab 52 of the second connector 50 does not project far enough and does not engage the mechanical lever 64 of the first switch 56. In this way the first switch is not actuated when the second connector 50 is inserted into the steam outlet 2. The second tab 54 of the second connector engages the second switch 58.

[0042] Operation of the pump controller 28 will now be discussed in reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows a schematic simple circuit diagram for the pump controller 28. In some embodiments the pump controller can be an integrated circuit (IC) in alternative embodiments the pump controller can be an electrical circuit such as a printed circuit board. The first and second switches 56, 58 are in a default position. The first and second switches default to a position when the first and second connectors 6, 50 are not connected to the steam cleaning device 1. The first and second switches 56, 58 are spring biased to a first position. In some embodiments the second switch 58 is biased to an open position. That is the second switch 58 defaults to a position whereby the circuit is open. This means no power can be supplied to the pump 26 or the boiler 20. In some embodiments the second switch 58 will prevent power being supplied to only the pump 26 or the boiler 20 (not shown). When either the first of second connector 6, 50 is inserted into the steam outlet 2, the second tabs 40, 54 engage the mechanical lever 68 and the second switch 58 is moved into the second position. The second switch 58 is closed in the second position and power is supplied to the pump 26 and the steam generator 20.

[0043] The first switch 56 is arranged to default to a first position. In the first position the first switch 56 causes the pump 26 to be connected to in series to a first resistor R1. This means that the pump 26 operates at a first voltage when the first switch 56 is in the first portion. The first position of the first switch 56 corresponds to the position of the switch when there is no connector or the second connector 50 is inserted in the steam outlet 2. When the first connector 6 is inserted into the steam outlet 2, the first tab 38 of the first connector 6 engages the mechanical lever 64 of the first switch 56. The first tab 38 moves the mechanical lever 64 and the first switch 56 is moved in the to the second positon. In the second position the pump 26 is connected in series to a second resistor R2. This means that the pump 26 operates at a first voltage when the first switch is in the second position.

[0044] In some embodiments the resistance of the first resistor R1 is greater than the resistance of the second resistor R2. This means that the pump 26 operates at a lower voltage when the first switch 56 is in the first position and the pump 26 operates at a higher voltage when the first switch 56 is in the second position. Accordingly when the second connector 50 is inserted into the steam outlet, the pump 26 operates at a lower voltage and the flow rate from the pump 26 to the steam generator 20 is reduced. In some embodiments the first resistor R1 has a predetermined resistance which causes the pump to operate at a voltage of 5.5V. This means that less steam is produced by the steam generator 20 when the second accessory is connected to the steam cleaning device. The flow rate of the pump when operating at 5.5V is between 5ml/min and 30 ml/min. In some embodiments the flow rate is between 15ml/min to 25 ml/min. In some preferred embodiments the flow rate is between 20ml/min and 25ml/min which provides a balance between generation of sufficient steam for removing dirt and killing germs and preventing excessive steam from inconveniencing the user. In some embodiments the second accessory is a wearable steam cleaning accessory. For example the second accessory is a glove comprising steam outlets and the glove is used to wipe surfaces. This means that the steam output is reduced whilst the user is using the wearable steam accessory.

[0045] In some embodiments the control dial 4 is coupled to a variable resistor for further varying the voltage to the pump 26. In some embodiments the control dial 4 can be any suitable means for varying the voltage to the pump 26. Optionally the control dial 4 can be isolated from the pump 26 when the first switch 56 is in the first position. In some embodiments the second resistor R2 is a variable resistor or potentiometer which comprises a maximum resistance less than the first resistor R1. In some embodiments the potentiometer has a variable resistance of 0 Ohms to 10K Ohms, but the range of the potentiometer can be any range suitable to provide the required voltage variation. However, in other embodiments when the second resistor R2 is a variable resistor, the maximum resistance can be equal to or less than the first resistor R1. It is preferable that the maximum resistance of the second resistor R2 is less than the first resistor R1 because this will lead to a difference in steam output when two different accessories with different connectors are attached.

[0046] When the first connector 6 is inserted into the steam outlet 2, the first tab 38 actuates the first switch 56. This connects the pump 26 to the second resistor R2 and a greater voltage will be supplied to the pump 26. The pump 26 will create a greater flow rate to the steam generator 20 and the steam cleaning device 1 will generate a greater amount of steam.

[0047] Accordingly the steam cleaning device 1 operates in accordance with the logic table shown in Table.

Table 1

Status of connector	First switch (56)	Second Switch (58)	Status
No connector	Default position - pump connected to R1	OFF	No power
First connector (6)	Actuate switchpump connected to R2	ON	High voltage to pump - high steam flow
Second connector (50)	Default position - pump connected to R1	ON	Low voltage to pump - low steam flow

[0048] Figure 9 shows an arrangement whereby the boiler 20 and the pump 26 are part of the same circuit. In other embodiments, the boiler 20 and the pump 26 are arranged in two separate circuits. For example the boiler 20 is powered from a high voltage (mains electricity at 240V or 110V AC) electricity supply. The pump controller 28 and the pump 26 are arranged in a separate circuit as shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 only shows a circuit diagram of the pump control circuit 28 for the purposes of clarity. The second switch 58 may still be provided, but this is not shown since the boiler circuit is not shown. The pump 26 and the pump controller 28 are powered by a low voltage circuit, for example a 12V DC supply 102. A rectifier (not shown) or other means is used to convert the main electricity supply to the DC electricity supply. Alternatively the low voltage DC supply 102 may be provided from a battery.

[0049] Figure 11 shows another embodiment wherein the only one resistor R1 is provided. In this embodiment the inherent resistance in the connection to the pump is compared to R1. In this way R2 is effectively the resistance of the wire itself.

[0050] Alternatively the switch 56 as shown in Figure 12 is used to short out the resistor R1 to modify the resistance of the pump controller circuit 28 and thereby modify the voltage supplied to the pump 26. Another embodiment is shown in figure 13 which shows the same circuit diagram as shown in Figure 12 except that the second resistor R2 is present, not the first resistor. The second resistor R2 can be the potentiometer coupled to the dial 4 as mentioned in previous embodiments. Accordingly if the second resistor is shorted out, by placing the second connector 50 in the steam outlet 2, the potentiometer and the dial 4 are disabled and will not affect the voltage supplied to the pump.

[0051] In other embodiments alternatively the pump controller circuit 28 comprises capacitors, transistors, microcontrollers, integrated circuits or any other suitable means for detecting a change and modifying the operation of the pump. In one embodiment, the microcontroller (not shown) can receive a signal from the switch 56 and in response to the signal, change the voltage supplied to the pump 26. The microcontroller can use pulse width modulation and keep the voltage supplied to the pump 26 the same but chop the voltage signal in to different lengths. If the pump 26 comprises a brushless motor (not shown), the pulse width modulation will vary the effective voltage supplied to the pump motor and alter the speed of the pump 26 and vary the flow rate.

[0052] In another embodiment two or more embodiments are combined. Features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other embodiments.

[0053] Embodiments of the present invention have been discussed with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A steam cleaning device comprising:

a steam generator;

a variable flow rate pump in fluid communication between the steam generator and a water supply and arranged to pump water from the water supply to the steam generator;

a steam outlet connectable to at least a first connector of a first accessory and a second connector of a second accessory;

a connection detector arranged to detect when the first accessory is connected to the steam outlet and to detect when the second accessory is connected to the steam outlet;

a pump controller configured to control the pump at a first pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the first connector and to control the pump at a second pump flow rate when the connection detector detects the second connector.

2. A steam cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the connection detector comprises a first switch mechanically engageable with the first connector.

3. A steam cleaning device according to claims 1 or 2 wherein the pump controller is a pump control circuit whereby a first voltage is supplied to the pump when the first connected is connected and a second voltage is supplied to the pump when the second connector is connected.

4. A steam cleaning device according to claim 3 when dependent on claim 2 wherein the first switch is configured to modify the pump control circuit on actuation.

5. A steam cleaning device according to claim 4 wherein the switch is configured to change the resistance of the pump control circuit.

6. A steam cleaning device according to claims 2 to 5 wherein the first switch is mechanically engageable with a first rib mounted on the first accessory.

7. A steam cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the connection detector is configured to detect when no accessory is connected.

8. A steam cleaning device according to claim 7 wherein the connection detector comprises a second switch mechanically engageable with the first connector and the second connector.

9. A steam cleaning device according to claim 8 wherein the second switch is in series with a power supply to the steam generator and / or the steam cleaning device.

10. A steam cleaning device according to claims 8 or 9 wherein the second switch is mechanically engageable with a second rib mounted on both the first and second connectors.

11. A steam cleaning device according to 2 to 9 wherein electrical contacts of the first switch are in fluid isolation from the steam outlet when the first or second accessory is attached or removed from the steam cleaning device.

12. A steam cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the first accessory is a steam mop, a steam brush, a garment steamer.

13. A steam cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the second accessory is a wearable steam accessory.

14. A steam cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the steam generator is operable at a constant voltage irrespective of whether the first or second accessories are connected to the steam outlet.

15. A steam cleaning device according to any of the preceding claims wherein the steam generator is operable at atmospheric pressure.

16. A steam cleaning system comprising:

a steam cleaning device according to claims 1 to 15;

a first accessory comprising a first connector; and

a second accessory comprising a second connector.

Drawing