EP2117404A1

EP2117404A1 - Nozzle for cleaner

Info

Publication number: EP2117404A1
Application number: EP07834067A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Byung-Sun Yang; Dae-Hwan Park; Sung-Guen Kim; Jong-Hyun Seo; Hyuk-Min Kwon
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2009-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-15
Also published as: AU2007346410A1; RU2413452C2; AU2007346410B2; EP2117404B1; WO2008096950A1; KR20080074259A; KR100928162B1; RU2009122210A; EP2117404A4

Abstract

Provided is a nozzle for a cleaner. The nozzle includes a main body discharging steam to an outside, and a cleaning member supplied with the steam discharged from the main body. The main body includes a first steam discharging hole discharging the steam toward the cleaning member, and a second steam discharging hole discharging the steam in a direction other than a direction of the steam discharged by the first steam discharging hole.

Description

Description NOZZLE FOR CLEANER

Technical Field

[1] The present disclosure relates to a nozzle for a cleaner.

Background Art

[2] A cleaner is an apparatus that uses suctioning force generated by a suctioning motor to perform cleaning. Recently, steam cleaners that discharge steam to remove impurities from floor surfaces, and various other types of cleaners have been introduced.

[3] A cleaning member is attached to the nozzle of a steam cleaner to clean impurities on a floor surface using discharged steam.

[4] However, in nozzles according to the related art, steam that is discharged from the nozzle is absorbed by the cleaning member, so that a user cannot check whether steam is being discharged from the nozzle.

[5] Of course, if the cleaning member is detached from the nozzle, it can be determined whether steam is being issued from the nozzle. However, in the case where the cleaning member is detached, the cleaning member must be reattached to the nozzle while steam is being discharged from the nozzle, which enhances the possibility of a user being seriously harmed by the steam. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[6] To obviate the above limitations, embodiments provide a cleaner nozzle that allows a user to easily discern whether steam is being discharged.

[7] Embodiments also provide a cleaner nozzle that emits a small amount of steam at a portion other than the cleaning member to allow a user to check whether steam is being discharged, so that no harm will be inflicted on the user when steam is discharged. Technical Solution

[8] To achieve the above objectives in accordance to one embodiment, there is provided a nozzle for a cleaner, including: a main body discharging steam to an outside; and a cleaning member supplied with the steam discharged from the main body, wherein the main body includes a first steam discharging hole discharging the steam toward the cleaning member, and a second steam discharging hole discharging the steam in a direction other than a direction of the steam discharged by the first steam discharging hole.

[9] In another embodiment, there is provided a nozzle for a cleaner, including: a first passage through which steam generated by a steam generator flows to a cleaning member; and a second passage through which the steam generated by the steam generator is discharged directly to an outside.

[10] In a further embodiment, there is provided a nozzle for a cleaner, including: a main body discharging steam; a cleaning member coupling portion to which a cleaning member receiving the discharged steam is coupled; a steam discharging hole defined in the cleaning member coupling portion, to route the discharged steam to the cleaning member; and a discharging passage defined on the cleaning member coupling portion, to discharge the discharged steam to an outside.

Advantageous Effects

[11] According to disclosed embodiments, because a portion of discharged steam is discharged toward the cleaning member, and the remaining portion is emitted directly to the outside of the nozzle, a user can check that steam is being discharged from within the nozzle, thereby increasing user confidence in the product. [12] Also, the steam discharged to the outside of the nozzle is not discharged directly to the rear of the nozzle by a discharging guide, but is discharged to either side and upward from the discharging guide, in order to prevent the discharged steam from inflicting harm on a user.

Brief Description of the Drawings [13] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle for a cleaner according to a first embodiment. [14] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle according to the first embodiment. [15] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the main body of the nozzle according to the first embodiment. [16] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning member coupling portion according to the first embodiment. [17] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between the cleaning member coupling portion and the main body according to the first embodiment. [18] Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the flow of steam within a steam discharging portion according to the first embodiment. [19] Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the nozzle according to the first embodiment showing the discharging of steam. [20] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between a cleaning member coupling portion and a nozzle according to a second embodiment. [21] Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line I-I' in Fig. 8.

[22] Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line II-II' in Fig. 8. Mode for the Invention

[23] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [24] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle for a cleaner according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle according to the first embodiment. [25] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a nozzle 1 for a cleaner according to the present embodiment suctions air including dust from floor surfaces and discharges steam. The nozzle 1 includes a main body configuring the exterior thereof, and a connecting tube

30 coupled at the rear of the main body. The connecting tube 30 guides the flow of air suctioned by the nozzle 1 to a main body (not shown) of the cleaner. [26] The main body includes a base 10 forming the bottom exterior thereof, and a cover member 20 coupled at the top of the base 10. A cleaning member coupling portion 40, to which a cleaning member 50 is attached, is coupled at the bottom of the base 10.

Here, the cleaning member 50 may be a rag, for example. [27] In detail, a suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3), for suctioning air including dust from a floor surface, is defined in the central region at the forward end of the base 10. The suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3) and the connecting tube 30 are connected by an air guide passage 130. The air guide passage 130 is formed from front-to-rear on the nozzle 1. [28] The connecting tube 30 is mounted to the base 10, and is disposed at the rear of the air guide passage 130. The connecting tube 30 is capable of pivoting upward and downward with respect to the air guide passage 130. [29] Accordingly, the air suctioned through the suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3) passes through the air guide passage 130 and connecting tube 30 into the main body of the cleaner. [30] A moving wheel 140 that enables the nozzle 1 to move is installed at the rear of the base 10. A pair of auxiliary wheels 142 (in Fig. 3) is installed at the front of the base

10. [31] A steam generator 110 that heats water to generate steam is installed on the base 10.

Specifically, the steam generator 110 is provided between the base 10 and the air guide passage 130. [32] The steam generator 110 includes a steam case 112 defining a space in which water for generating steam is stored, and a heater 118 that heats water stored in the steam case 112 to generate steam. [33] In more detail, a plurality of coupling ends 112a is formed around the side perimeter of the steam case, and a plurality of coupling protrusions 103 is formed to protrude upward from the inner, lower surface of the base 10. [34] When the coupling ends 112a of the steam case 112 are coupled to the coupling protrusions 103 of the base 10, the steam generator 110 is coupled in a first stage to the base 10. For a complete fixing of the steam generator 110, screws are fastened with the coupling ends 112a and the coupling protrusions respectively coupled. [35] The steam case 112 includes an upper case 113 and a lower case 114 coupled to the upper case 113. [36] The upper case 114 defines a water inlet 115 into which water may be introduced from the outside. The water inlet 115 is opened and closed by an inlet valve 60 with the base 10 coupled to the cover member 20. [37] A plurality of protruding portions 117 is formed on the upper case 113. The protruding portions 117 prevent water stored in the steam case 112 from leaking out from the water inlet 115 even when the nozzle 1 is tilted with the water inlet 115 in an open state. [38] Moreover, the protruding portions 117 provide ample space in which steam can be generated within the steam case 112. [39] The heater 118 generates heat through power supplied from an external source. The heat from the heater 118 converts the water within the steam case 112 into steam. The heater 118 is disposed laterally in the steam case 112, and is mounted to the steam case

112 by being coupled to a heater coupler 119. [40] Here, the heater coupler 119 not only mounts the heater 118 to the steam case 112, but securely fixes the heater 118. [41] The heater coupler 119 is pressed against the heater 118 so that it receives heat conducted from the heater 118. Thus, the heater coupler 119 may be made of a material with thermal resistance adequate to withstand the heat transferred from the heater 118. [42] The heater 118 is controlled in its operation by a controller 190 provided above the steam generator 110. That is, the controller 190 controls the amount of heat radiated, the temperature, the operating duration, and other operational aspects of the heater 118. [43] A steam discharging tube 116 (in Fig. 6) is formed on the lower case 114 to discharge steam generated in the steam case 112 to the outside. [44] In detail, the steam discharging tube 116 is formed to extend a predetermined height vertically from the lower case 114, and is formed of a hollow shaft with a passage within. The bottom end of the steam discharging tube 116 passes through the base 10. [45] Here, the reason for the steam discharging tube 116 passing through the base 10 is to enable the steam passing through the steam discharging tube 116 to be supplied to the cleaning member 50 provided at the bottom of the base 10. [46] Accordingly, the steam generated within the steam case 112 passes through the steam discharging tube 116 and moves to the bottom of the lower case 114.

[47] A guide hole 202, allowing the connecting tube 30 to move, is defined in the rear of the cover member 20. Thus, the connecting tube 30 may be adjusted in angle within the guide hole 202.

[48] A valve seat 206, in which the inlet valve 60 is seated, is recessed downward into a side of the cover member 20. A valve through-hole 204 is defined in the central portion of the valve seat 206, enabling the lower end of the inlet valve 60 to pass therethrough.

[49] In accordance, the inlet valve 60 passes through the valve through-hole 204 and couples to the water inlet 115, with the cover member 20 coupled to the base 10.

[50] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of the main body of the nozzle according to the first embodiment, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning member coupling portion according to the first embodiment, Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between the cleaning member coupling portion and the main body according to the first embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing the flow of steam within a steam discharging portion according to the first embodiment.

[51] Referring to Figs. 3 to 6, the cleaning member coupling portion 40 is coupled to the bottom of the base 10, and the cleaning member 50 is attached to the bottom of the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[52] Specifically, a mounting portion 104, in which the cleaning member coupling portion 40 is mounted, is recessed into the base 10. The mounting portion 104 corresponds in shape to the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[53] A plurality of coupling ribs 150 project downward from the bottom of the base 10, to couple with the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[54] That is, the coupling ribs 150 are round in shape, and include a plurality of coupling holes 152 formed therein. When coupled with the cleaning member coupling portion 40, a plurality of catching members 420 that are provided on the cleaning member coupling portion 40 are selectively inserted in the coupling holes 152, respectively.

[55] A steam discharging portion 160, for discharging steam generated by the steam generator 110, is formed laterally elongated at the central portion of the undersurface of the base 10. The steam discharging portion 160 is disposed behind the suctioning port 102.

[56] In detail, the steam discharging portion 160 diffuses steam as the latter flows to the left and right of the steam discharging portion 160. A first steam discharging hole 162 is defined in plurality in the undersurface of the steam discharging portion 160.

[57] Accordingly, the steam guided by the steam discharging portion 160 is discharged through the first steam discharging holes 162, and the discharged steam is supplied to the cleaning member 50 attached below the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[58] A second steam discharging hole 168 is defined in a surface of the steam discharging portion 160, in order to discharge steam in a route different from those of the steam discharged by the first steam discharging holes 162. Here, to prevent the steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 from flowing toward the suctioning port 102 and being suctioned into the nozzle 1, the second steam discharging hole 168 may be disposed on the opposite side of the first steam discharging hole 168.

[59] That is, the steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 may flow toward the rear of the nozzle 1.

[60] To enable the steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 to be easily discharged to the outside, the second steam discharging hole 168 is formed at a portion proximate to the base 10. That is, the second steam discharging hole 168 is defined in the upper end of the steam discharging portion 160.

[61] The steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 is discharged to the outside through a discharging passage defined in the cleaning member coupling portion 40, to be described below.

[62] Specifically, in the present embodiment, two passages are formed for discharging steam generated by the steam generator 110 to the first steam discharging holes 162 and the second steam discharging holes 168.

[63] Here, the steam discharged toward the second steam discharging hole 168 may be discharged to the rear of the nozzle 1, to allow a user to determine that steam is being discharged through the first steam discharging holes 162. A detailed description thereof will be provided below.

[64] The cleaning member coupling portion 40 is selectively mounted to the mounting portion 104. An attaching portion 450 is formed on the undersurface of the cleaning member coupling portion 40 to enable attaching and detaching of the cleaning member 50. Here, the attaching portion 450 may be formed of Velcro™, for example.

[65] A through-hole 410, through which the steam discharging portion 160 passes, is defined at the center of the cleaning member coupling portion 40. The through-hole 410 is elongated laterally in a size corresponding to that of the steam discharging portion 160.

[66] Therefore, the undersurface of the steam discharging portion 160 is exposed to the outside of the cleaning member coupling portion 40 through the through-hole 410. Here, the steam discharging portion 160 passes through the through-hole 410, and the movement of steam can be said to progress through the through-hole 410 to the cleaning member 50. Thus, the through-hole 410 may be understood to be a steam discharging hole, in terms of the movement of steam.

[67] A detaching lever 408 is formed to protrude rearward from a rear of the cleaning member coupling portion 40. [68] The detaching lever 408 facilitates detaching of the cleaning member coupling portion 40 from the base 10. The detaching lever 408 is formed by being bent perpendicularly upward from the rear of the cleaning member coupling portion 40, after which it is bent perpendicularly downward.

[69] A receiving hole 405, in which the coupling rib 150 is inserted, is defined in the cleaning member coupling portion 40. The plurality of catching members 420 is provided within the cleaning member coupling portion 40, and a portion of each catching member 420 protrudes toward the receiving hole 405. The portion of the catching member 420 protruded toward the receiving hole 405 is inserted in the coupling hole 152 of the coupling rib 150 that is inserted in the receiving hole 405.

[70] To enable steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 to be discharged to the outside, a discharging slot 432 is formed at the lower portion on the other side of the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[71] That is, the discharging slot 432 provides a discharging passage allowing the steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 to be discharged to the outside of the nozzle 1.

[72] The discharging slot 432 is formed on the top surface in a rearward direction of the cleaning member coupling portion 40. One end of the discharging slot 432 is disposed correspondingly to the second steam discharging hole 168.

[73] Here, if the steam discharging portion 160 is inserted in the through-hole 410, the perimeter of the sides of the steam discharging portion 160 is sealed by the perimeter of the through-hole 410, preventing steam from being discharged through areas other than the bottom of the steam discharging portion 160.

[74] Therefore, in the present embodiment, by forming the discharging slot 432 in the upper surface of the cleaning member coupling portion 40, steam discharged from the second steam discharging hole 168 is discharged along the discharging slot 432 to the outside of the nozzle 1.

[75] A discharging guide 434, for preventing steam discharged from the discharging slot

432 from inflicting harm on a user, is formed on the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[76] In detail, the discharging guide 434 is formed by being extended rearward from the rear portion of the cleaning member coupling portion 40, after which it is bent upward. That is, the discharging guide 434 includes a blocking portion 435 that prevents steam discharged along the discharging guide 434 from being discharged directly rearward. The blocking portion 435 is separated a predetermined distance from the rear surface of the base 10.

[77] Thus, steam discharged along the discharging slot 432 reaches the blocking portion

435, which redirects the steam to the left and right and top of the blocking portion 435. [78] Thus, in the present embodiment, steam is discharged toward the cleaning member

50 and simultaneously discharged rearward from the nozzle 1, enabling a user to check

(through the steam being discharged rearward from the nozzle 1) that steam is being generated within the nozzle 1. [79] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first steam discharging hole 162 defines a first passage for discharging steam to the cleaning member, and the second steam discharging hole 168 and the discharging slot 432 define a second passage for discharging steam directly to the outside. Also, the discharging guide 434 is disposed at the exit of the second passage. [80] Fig. 7 is a rear perspective view of the nozzle according to the first embodiment showing the discharging of steam.

[81] Referring to Fig. 7, the function of the nozzle 1 will be described.

[82] First, when the main body of the cleaner (to which the nozzle 1 is connected) operates, a suctioning motor provided in the main body of the cleaner generates suctioning force, whereupon air including dust is suctioned from a floor surface through the suctioning port 102. [83] The air suctioned through the suctioning port 102 flows to the rear of the nozzle 1 through the air guide passage 130, and passes into the main body of the cleaner through the connecting tube 30.

[84] A user may clean floor surfaces using steam only when needed.

[85] To clean a floor surface using steam, a user rotates the inlet valve 60 to open the water inlet 115, after which water from the outside is supplied through the water inlet

115. Then, when an adequate quantity of water is filled in the steam case 112, the inlet valve 60 is used to seal the water inlet 115. [86] Next, when external power is supplied, the steam generator 110 operates. That is, the external power is supplied to the heater 118 for the heater 118 to radiate heat. [87] When the heater 118 radiates heat, the water stored in the steam case 112 is heated.

Here, water that is directly heated by the heater 118 is not the entire quantity of water stored in the steam case 112, but only water around the heater 118. [88] Steam generated by means of the heater 118 flows downward through the steam discharging tube 116 and enters the steam discharging portion 160. [89] Here, because the steam discharging portion 160 is elongated laterally, the bulk of steam within the steam discharging portion 160 is discharged laterally and through the plurality of first steam discharging holes 162 at the bottom. [90] At the same time, a portion of the steam (S) within the steam discharging portion

160 is discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168. The steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 168 moves to the rear of the nozzle 1 along the discharging slot 432. [91] The steam (S) that moves along the discharging slot 432 is guided by the steam guide 434 and is discharged to the outside of the nozzle 1. Specifically, the steam (S) flowing rearward of the nozzle 1 collides with the blocking portion 435 and is thus redirected and diffused to the left, right, and top of the blocking portion 435. That is, the steam (S) is prevented from being discharged directly rearward of the nozzle 1.

[92] Therefore, a user is able to discern from the steam (S) discharged to the outside of the nozzle 1 that steam (S) is being generated within the nozzle 1.

[93] The steam discharged to the outside through the first steam discharging holes 162 is supplied to the cleaning member 50. When the cleaning member 50 absorbs the hot steam and wipes a floor surface in this state, dust attached to the floor surface can easily be removed by the cleaning member 50.

[94] Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between a cleaning member coupling portion and a nozzle according to a second embodiment, Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line I-I' in Fig. 8, and Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along line II- II' in Fig. 8.

[95] In all other aspects, the present embodiment is the same as the preceding embodiment, and differs only in that the cleaning member is directly coupled to the main body. Therefore, only elements particularly characteristic of the present embodiment will be described below, while elements that are the same as those in the preceding embodiment shall be deemed already described.

[96] Referring to Figs. 8 to 10, a main body 70 according to the present embodiment includes a cleaning member coupling portion 71 formed thereon, to which the cleaning member 50 is coupled. A first steam discharging hole 72 is defined in plurality in the undersurface of the cleaning member coupling portion 71, and an attaching portion 79 is provided for attaching the cleaning member 50. Also, a second steam discharging hole 76, through which steam for signaling that steam is being generated is discharged, is defined in the rear of the main body 70.

[97] A discharging guide 77 is formed on the rear of the main body 70, to prevent a user from being harmed by steam discharged through the second steam discharging hole 76.

[98] In detail, the cleaning member coupling portion 71 includes an inlet 73 through which steam passing through the steam discharging tube 116 enters, a steam diffusing passage 74 that diffuses steam entering the cleaning member coupling portion 71 through the inlet 73, and a discharging passage 75 communicating with the steam diffusing passage 74, through which a portion of steam in the steam diffusing passage 74 is directed toward a second steam discharging hole 76.

[99] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first steam discharging hole 72 defines a first passage through which steam is discharged toward the cleaning member, and the second steam discharging hole 76 defines a second passage through which steam is directly discharged to the outside of the nozzle 1. The discharging guide 77 is disposed at the exit of the second passage. Industrial Applicability In the nozzle for a cleaner according to the present embodiments, because a portion of discharged steam is directly emitted to the outside of the nozzle, a user can be notified that steam is being discharged from within the nozzle, thereby increasing user confidence in the product. Therefore, the present embodiments have a high industrial applicability.

Claims

[I] A nozzle for a cleaner, comprising: a main body discharging steam to an outside; and a cleaning member supplied with the steam discharged from the main body, wherein the main body comprises a first steam discharging hole discharging the steam toward the cleaning member, and a second steam discharging hole discharging the steam in a direction other than a direction of the steam discharged by the first steam discharging hole. [2] The nozzle according to claim 1, further comprising a steam discharging portion extended from the main body, and defining the first steam discharging hole and the second steam discharging hole. [3] The nozzle according to claim 2, wherein the first steam discharging hole is formed at a bottom of the the steam discharging portion, and the second steam discharging hole is formed at a side of the steam discharging portion. [4] The nozzle according to claim 2, further comprising a cleaning member coupling portion to which the cleaning member is attached, the cleaning member coupling portion detachably coupled to the main body. [5] The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning member coupling portion comprises a discharging passage guiding the steam discharged from the second steam discharging hole. [6] The nozzle according to claim 5, wherein the cleaning member coupling portion further comprises a discharging guide changing a flow direction of the steam guided by the discharging passage. [7] The nozzle according to claim 4, wherein the steam discharging portion passes through the cleaning member coupling portion. [8] The nozzle according to claim 1, wherein the first steam discharging hole is formed at a bottom surface of the main body, and the second steam discharging hole is formed at a side surface of the main body. [9] A nozzle for a cleaner, comprising: a first passage through which steam generated by a steam generator flows to a cleaning member; and a second passage through which the steam generated by the steam generator is discharged directly to an outside. [10] The nozzle according to claim 9, further comprising a discharging guide provided at an exit of the second passage, the discharging guide guiding the steam discharged to the outside.

[I I] A nozzle for a cleaner, comprising: a main body discharging steam; a cleaning member coupling portion to which a cleaning member receiving the discharged steam is coupled; a steam discharging hole defined in the cleaning member coupling portion, to discharge the discharged steam to the cleaning member; and a discharging passage defined on the cleaning member coupling portion, to discharge the discharged steam to an outside. [12] The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning member coupling portion is integrally formed with the main body. [13] The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning member coupling portion is detachably coupled to the main body. [14] The nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the cleaning member coupling portion comprises a discharging guide changing a flow direction of the discharged steam flowing through the discharging passage.