KR20070119256A - A steam cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A steam cleaner is provided to generate steam instantaneously by installing thin film heaters capable of immediately generating the heat, and to carry or move freely by using a rechargeable battery instead of an electric cord to connect to a power source, and to clean hard-to-reach areas by interchanging head units by installing a joint assembly at one end of a push rod. A steam cleaner has a main body(300). A push rod unit(200) is coupled to a main case(301). A detachable water tank(310) is installed to an underside of the main case. A motor pump(320), with a constant pressure, supplies the water in the water tank through a water supply line(223) to a steam heating plate(110) in a head unit(100). A power supply unit(340) supplies the power to the motor pump and to a heat generating unit(120). A power control unit(330) having operation buttons(331), controls the power supply unit. A rechargeable battery is installed in the power supply unit. The heat generating unit has the steam heating plate made of a non-conductive material. A thin film heater is installed on an inner surface of the steam heating plate. The thin film heater is instantaneously heated to a high temperature by the self electric resistance. Metal pads have a specific pattern for allowing the power to be evenly applied on the entire surface of the thin film heater. A joint assembly(210) is installed on an end of a connection tube(220) of the push rod. The joint assembly has a cylindrical and hollow rotary connection member(211). One end of the rotary connection member is coupled to the connection member while a sphere is extended on one end. A nozzle runs through the rotary connection member. A coupling member(213) has one end enclosing the sphere of the rotary connection member, and is relatively rotated. On the other end, a threaded portion is disposed, whereto a push rod coupling unit of the head unit is detachably coupled.

Description

A steam cleaner

1 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a conventional steam cleaner.

Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the overall structure of the steam cleaner according to the present invention.

3A to 3D are exemplary views illustrating various modified embodiments of the head portion of the steam cleaner according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a sectional view of the main part for explaining the internal structure of the steam cleaner according to the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a detailed view of portion “A” of FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is a detailed view illustrating a vapor ejection hole forming structure.

6 is a conceptual view illustrating another embodiment of a steam cleaner according to the present invention.

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure for explaining an embodiment of the heat generating unit according to the present invention.

Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure for explaining another embodiment of the heat generating unit according to the present invention.

9 to 11 are exemplary views showing various embodiments of a conductor pattern formed on a thin film heater according to the present invention.

12 to 13 are exemplary views showing embodiments of various arrangement patterns of the metal pad and the thin film heater according to the present invention.

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the specifications of the specimen for testing the heat generating characteristics of the heat generating unit according to the present invention.

15 is a graph measuring a temperature change value according to time displacement in a state in which a constant current (50 W) is applied to the specimen of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a graph measuring a temperature change value according to a displacement of an amount of current applied for a time (10 seconds) specified in the specimen of FIG. 14.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

100: head 101: case

103: pusher coupling portion 105: power connection portion

110: steam heating plate 113: registration protrusion

120: heat generating portion 122: insulating film

123: thin film heater 124: conductor pattern

125: metal pad 127: protective layer

130: mop attachment plate 131: boss

131a: heat-sealed portion 133: steam jet hole

135: packing member 140: replacement mop

200: pusher 210: joint assembly

211: rotational connection member 211a: nozzle

213: coupling member 213a: knurling portion

213b: screw 220: connector

221: power supply line 223: water supply line

300: main body 301: main body case

302: handle 310: water tank

311: water reservoir 320: motor pump

330: power control unit 331: operation button

340: power supply 341: rechargeable battery

The present invention relates to a steam cleaner, and more particularly, to a steam cleaner having a structure in which a high temperature heat generation of a heat generating unit by a thin film heater proceeds instantaneously, and only water necessary for cleaning is instantaneously heated and steamed.

The general steam cleaner is composed of a main body 10 and the handle bar 20, as shown in FIG.

At this time, the main body 10 is composed of a water tank 11, the heater coupled to the lower end of the handle bar 20, and the mop coupling portion 12 is coupled to the bottom surface of the water tank (11).

The prior art of the configuration as described above is electrically coupled with the household outlet using a power cord is applied to the power, and generates a heater mounted therein using the power.

At this time, the washing water filled in the water tank 11 by the heat of the heater is heated, the hot steam is generated at a predetermined temperature or more to be ejected to the bottom of the main body 10.

Here, the mop coupling part 12 detachably attached to the bottom surface of the main body 10 is coupled, and the mop of the bottom surface can be easily cleaned through the mop coupling part 12.

However, the steam cleaner of the prior art made of the above configuration is slow to generate heat, and because the steam is generated by cutting off the water stored in the water tank 11, it takes a lot of time to stop the water and use it quickly. There was a problem that the cleaning time is long.

In addition, the prior art is not only a lot of power consumption to heat the heater itself, but also a lot of power consumption to boil the water tank 11, there is a lot of power consumption due to steam cleaning.

In addition, the prior art has a problem that the home power is supplied by using a power cable, the movement is not free, and as the power cable is exposed to the outside aesthetically unsightly.

In addition, the prior art is a structure that is complicated, bulky, difficult to clean the bottom or corners, and the manufacturing cost is expensive, and can not be separated and replaced only the head portion, difficult to repair and replace There was a problem.

In addition, the prior art requires a constant cooling time after the cleaning is completed, not only does not quickly perform a post-treatment, but also a large problem of heat loss as the hot water left in the water tank 11 is discarded.

An object of the present invention for solving the conventional problems as described above is to provide a steam cleaner having a structure in which the high temperature heat generation of the heat generating portion by the thin film heater is instantaneously progressed, and only the water required for cleaning is instantaneously heated and steamed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a steam cleaner that is portable and mobile by making it possible to mount the rechargeable battery according to the low power drive to achieve wireless.

Still another object of the present invention is to be able to attach and detach the head portion from the pusher by the joint assembly structure, so that in case of failure of the head portion can be easily replaced or repaired, and can be used to replace various types of head portion depending on the cleaning place To provide a steam cleaner.

Another object of the present invention is to supply only the water required for steam cleaning by using a motor pump, to maintain the minimum amount of heat required to boil water and at the same time after the end of cleaning steam can be stored immediately without leaving a cooling time In providing a cleaner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a steam cleaner that has a very advantageous condition for cleaning the bottom or corner of the cabinet, as well as allowing a variety of design design by slimming the head.

Steam cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object is a head portion having a steam heating plate equipped with a heating unit using a thin film heater; A pusher unit coupled to an upper side of the head unit in a rotatable state to form a connection passage for supplying power and water; And a main body unit including a power supply unit and a water tank for supplying power and water through the pushing unit, and having a control unit for controlling them.

Here, the head portion, a case for forming a push rod coupling in the center of the upper surface; A steam heating plate installed inside the case; A heat generator configured to generate electric heat through a predetermined stack structure including a thin film heater on a bottom surface of the steam heating plate; And a mop attachment plate disposed below the steam heating plate at predetermined intervals.

Here, the pusher is connected to the tube extending a predetermined length; A joint assembly coupled to the lower end of the connecting pipe in a state capable of multi-axial rotation with the head; A power supply line installed along an inner passage of the connection pipe so as to be connected to a power connection part of a head part; And a water supply line installed along the connection pipe inner passage and coupled to penetrate the joint assembly.

Here, the main body portion is a main body case coupled to the push rod; A water tank coupled to the bottom of the main body case in a detachable state; A motor pump configured to provide hydraulic pressure so that water stored in the water tank is supplied at a constant pressure to the steam heating plate of the head along the water supply line; A power supply unit for supplying power to the motor pump and the heating unit; And a power control unit provided with an operation button for controlling the power supply of the power supply unit.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings for the configuration and operation according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the overall structure of a steam cleaner according to the present invention.

Steam cleaner according to the present invention as shown in the Figure is a head portion 100 is provided with a steam heating plate 110 is equipped with a heat generating unit 120 using a thin film heater 123, the head of the head 100 And a joint coupled to the multi-axis rotatable on the upper side to form a connection passage so that the power and water supply, and the power supply unit 340 for supplying power and water through the rod 200 The water tank 310 is provided, and includes a main body 300 having a power control unit 330 for controlling them.

First, the main body 300 includes a main body case 301 coupled to the pusher 200, a water tank 310 coupled to and detachable from a bottom of the main body case 301, and the water tank 310. ) And the motor pump 320 to provide hydraulic pressure so that the water stored in the water can be supplied to the steam heating plate 110 of the head part 100 along the water supply line 223 at a constant pressure. And a power control unit 330 provided with a power supply unit 340 for supplying power to the heat generating unit 120 and an operation button 331 configured to control the power supply of the power supply unit 340.

The main body case 301 is to provide an outer frame for installing various mechanical devices therein, the connecting pipe 220 of the pusher 200 is coupled to the front, the handle 302 is formed on the upper side And, the operation button 331 for controlling the power supply is formed in front of the handle 302, the water tank 310 is coupled in a detachable state from the bottom outside.

In addition, the rechargeable battery 341 in a detachable state from the rear of the main body case 301 is coupled, and the rechargeable battery 341 is separated from the main body case 301 to be charged in a separate charging device for use. Alternatively, charging may be performed by receiving external power while being mounted in the main body case 301.

Of course, the home battery may be directly connected without using the rechargeable battery 341.

In addition, the water tank 310 is preferably mounted in the vertical direction on the bottom surface of the body case 301, it may be made of a synthetic resin material of a transparent material so that the low amount can be confirmed from the outside.

In addition, the motor pump 320 is installed on the upper side where the water tank 310 is mounted to serve to pump and pump the water stored in the water tank 310. The pumped water is pumped through the water supply line 223. At this time, the water supply line 223 preferably uses a microtube having a very narrow diameter.

In addition, the power supply unit 340 supplies power to the motor pump 320 and the heat generating unit 120, and the user's manipulation is possible through the power control unit 330.

Next, the pusher 200 is connected to the tube 220 extending a predetermined length, the joint assembly 210 coupled to the head portion 100 in a state capable of rotating multi-axially to the lower end of the connector 220, The power supply line 221 is installed along the inner passage of the connection pipe 220 to be connected to the power connection portion 105 of the head part 100 and the joint assembly 210 is installed along the inner passage of the connection pipe 220. It includes a water supply line 223 coupled to pass through).

At this time, the connecting tube 220 is preferably made of a cylindrical tube, so that it can be manufactured in a multi-stage coupling type to adjust the length in the axial direction as needed.

In addition, the joint assembly 210 has a cylindrical shape, one end of which is coupled to the connecting pipe 220 as shown in detail in FIGS. 3A to 3D, and extends to one end of the cylindrical shape to form a sphere. Rotating connecting member 211 and one end of which is formed so as to form a nozzle 211a through which the center penetrates and are permanently coupled to form a sphere surrounding the rotating connecting member 211, and the other end is made the other end of the head portion 100. And a coupling member 213 configured to form a screw portion 213b that is coupled to the push rod coupling portion 103 in a detachable state.

At this time, the coupling member 213 can be easily rotated to form a knurling portion 213a or its pressing surface for coupling a spanner or the like to its outer diameter.

The head part 100 of the present invention coupled and separated by such a coupling member 213 can be manufactured in a slim type, and can be manufactured in various forms, which are heat generating parts 120 constituting the head part 100. ) And the steam heating plate 110 is made simple and thin, it is possible.

3A to 3D are exemplary views illustrating various modified embodiments of the head portion of the steam cleaner according to the present invention, and the head portion 100 according to the present invention as shown in the drawing has various shapes such as a circle, a rectangle, a triangle, and the like. Can be made.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the internal structure of the head of the steam cleaner according to the present invention, Figure 5a is a detailed view "A" part of Figure 4 and Figure 5b is a detailed view showing the steam jet hole formation structure.

As shown in the drawing, the head portion 100 includes a case 101 forming a push rod coupling portion 103 at the center of the upper surface, a steam heating plate 110 installed inside the case 101, and the steam heating plate. (110) Mop attachment plate which is installed at a predetermined interval spaced below the heating unit 120 and the steam heating plate 110 to be electrically generated through a predetermined laminated structure including a thin film heater 123 on the bottom ( 130).

In this case, the steam heating plate 110 may be made of a conductive or non-conductive material having excellent thermal conductivity, and a plurality of matching protrusions 113 protruding a predetermined length to the bottom surface thereof are formed. These, the matching protrusions 113 are manufactured in a shape through the center, each is matched with the inner diameter of the boss 131 of the mop attachment plate 130, the steam heating plate 110 and the mop attachment plate 130 is penetrated The vapor ejection hole 133 is formed.

In addition, a separate packing member 135 for watertightness may be inserted between the steam heating plate 110 and the mop attachment plate 130.

In addition, the heat generating unit 120 is deposited in a thin film form, the thickness of which is deposited to be less than 0.2mm to enable slimming of the product, as well as a thin film heater 123 capable of driving low power (eg 300 W). By using, the external power is generated at a very high speed by the supply, thereby enabling the rapid use of the steam cleaner.

The physical properties and material properties of the heat generating unit 120 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 5A, one of the bosses 131 of the mop attachment plate 130 forms a protrusion protruding upward of the steam heating plate 110, and the protrusions are formed using a separate heating means. Thermal fusion allows the thermal fusion portion 131a to be formed to be permanently bonded.

The lower surface of the head portion 100 having such a configuration is to be equipped with a replacement mop 140, the mop 140 should be easily removable. Accordingly, the velcro tape for attaching the rag 140 to the bottom surface of the rag attachment plate 130 may be formed to facilitate detachment.

Of course, the mop 140 may be covered in the form of wrapping the entire head portion 100 to bind.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual view for explaining another embodiment of the steam cleaner according to the present invention. The configuration as shown in FIG. 2 includes a water tank 310 in FIG. An embodiment to reduce the size of 300).

To this end, the connection tube 220 is to form a water storage unit 311, the upper predetermined section can fill the water.

Then, the water stored in the water storage unit 311 is drawn up by the motor pump 320 to be supplied to the head portion 100 along the water supply line 223 in a state in which a pressure is formed.

At this time, the water supply line 223 may be installed to penetrate the inside of the connection pipe 220, it is preferable to be formed to be fixed to the outside of the connection pipe 220.

Here, the power supply line 221 together with the water supply line 223 may also be formed to the outside of the connection pipe 220, so that the branch at the point where the joint assembly 210 is coupled.

The branched water supply line 223 is inserted into the nozzle 211a of the pivot connection member 211, and the power supply line 221 is connected to the power connection portion 105 of the head part 100.

7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a cross-sectional structure for explaining an embodiment of the heat generating unit according to the present invention, in which the heat generating unit 120 of the present invention is installed on the back surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of a non-conductive material. It explains.

Heat generating unit 120 of the present invention as shown in the drawing is a steam heating plate 110 made of a non-conductive material, and is mounted on the outer surface of the steam heating plate 110 in the form of a thin film is supplied with power from the outside of its own electricity Electrical bonding is made to the thin film heater 123 which is instantaneously heated at high temperature by instantaneous heating according to a resistance, and the power supplied from the outside may be uniformly applied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123. The metal pad 125 and the metal pad 125 and the thin film heater 123 are formed of a protective layer 127 coated to a predetermined thickness so as to be protected from an external environment.

In this case, as the material of the steam heating plate 110 of the non-conductive material, heat-reinforced plastics, heat-resistant resins, ceramics, glass, ceramics, stones, and the like that can withstand at least 250 ° C. or more may be used.

8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional structure for explaining another embodiment of the heat generating unit according to the present invention, an example in which the heat generating unit 120 of the present invention is installed on the back surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of a conductive material. Explaining.

Heat generating unit 120 of the present invention as shown in the drawing is coated with a predetermined thickness on the inner surface of the steam heating plate 110 and the steam heating plate 110 made of a conductive material is provided with electrical insulation properties and at the same time excellent thermal conductivity The insulating film 122 and the thin film heater 123 mounted in the form of a thin film in the lower portion of the insulating film 122 is supplied with power from the outside and instantaneously generates high temperature by instantaneous heating according to its own electrical resistance. The metal pad 125 may be electrically bonded to the thin film heater 123, and may have a specific pattern such that power supplied from the outside may be uniformly applied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123 and the metal pad 125. ) And the thin film heater 123 is composed of a protective layer 127 coated to a predetermined thickness so as to be protected from the external environment.

Here, the thickness of the steam heating plate 110 made of the conductive material is preferably made of 0.3mm ~ 2mm, the material may be a metal such as aluminum, stainless steel or an alloy of aluminum and stainless steel. have.

In this case, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by forming a separate conductor pattern 124 on the thin film heater 123, the current is evenly distributed and supplied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123 so that the thin film heater 123 may be provided. Excessive heat generation can be prevented from concentrating on a specific part of the body) to ensure stable heat generation characteristics.

Hereinafter, required for each component such as the insulating film 122, the thin film heater 123, the conductor pattern 124, the metal pad 125 and the protective layer 127 constituting the heat generating portion 120 of the present invention The physical properties and structural conditions will be described in more detail as follows.

First, the insulating film 122 is made thinner as much as possible so that the heat generated from the thin film heater 123 can be conducted to the steam heating plate 110 at a high speed, and the gap between the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123 is reduced. An insulating film using a ceramic material or a polymer material such as alumina (aluminum oxide, Al 2 O 3) or magnesia (magnesium oxide, MgO) or the like, or a mixed material of the two insulating films may be used for electrical insulation.

In addition, the insulating film 122 may have a thin thickness such that heat generated from the thin film heater 123 may be conducted to the steam heating plate 110 at a high speed, and also the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123. ) 0.5 μm to 500 μm, in particular 0.5 μm to 200 μm, is sufficient to electrically insulate the liver, and thickness may vary depending on the material.

The conditions of the insulating film 122 is as follows.

First, the insulating film 122 must electrically insulate between the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123, and the thin film heater 123 to electrically isolate the thin film heater 123 supplied with external power. When the voltage of about 100V is applied, the breakdown of the insulating film 122 should not occur and the electrical leakage current of the insulating film 122 should be 20 μA or less.

In addition, when the high temperature heat is generated in the thin film heater 123, the insulating film 122 contacts the insulating film 122 and the steam heating plate 110 so that physical desorption does not occur from the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123, respectively. The contact between the insulating film 122 and the thin film heater 123 should be excellent.

In addition, when high temperature heat is generated in the thin film heater 123, the insulating film 122 does not cause a chemical reaction with the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123, respectively, and the surface roughness of the insulating film 122 should be excellent.

That is, when the surface roughness of the insulating film 122 is not excellent, since the insulating film 122 affects the electrical resistivity of the thin film heater 123, the insulating film 122 affects the electrical resistivity of the thin film heater 123. It is desirable to have a surface roughness of a degree that does not affect.

In order to satisfy the above conditions, the insulating film 122 may be an oxide insulating film obtained by oxidizing the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel with an arc, or the surface of the steam heating plate 110. Of insulating films coated with ceramics, glass, ceramics, etc. or polymer insulating films coated with polymer-based materials (Polyimide, Polyamide, Teflon, PET, etc.) on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of metal such as aluminum or stainless steel. An insulating film or the like formed on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 may be used.

An embodiment of a method of forming an oxide insulating film is as follows.

First, electric energy such as an arc is applied from the outside to the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of a metal material such as aluminum (Al) or beryllium (Be) or titanium (Ti) or stainless steel immersed in an alkaline electrolyte. In this case, the metal atoms on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 and the outside oxygen cause an electrochemical reaction to be formed by converting the characteristics of the surface of the steam heating plate 110 into an oxide film.

As the oxide insulating layer, Al 2 O 3, ZrO 3, Y 2 O 3, or the like may be used, and the oxide insulating layer may be formed on the steam heating plate 110 by a plasma spray coating method.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the process of forming the oxide insulating film on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 will be described.

First, the concentration of the alkaline electrolyte solution filled in the bath is evaluated, and the aluminum is connected to the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum so that external power can be supplied to the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum. The steam heating plate 110 of the material is immersed in an alkali electrolyte in the container, and then external power is supplied to the steam heating plate 110 of the aluminum material to oxidize the surface of the steam heating plate 110 of the aluminum material.

Next, an arc is generated on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum as a strong power source having a high frequency alternating current (AC) shape is applied to the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum by the oxide insulating film forming process. Therefore, an oxide insulating film is formed on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum, where the oxidation is dense and the pinhole concentration is very small.

Aluminum oxide may be formed on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of aluminum, or titanium oxide may be formed on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of titanium, or the steam heating plate 110 made of beryllium may be formed using the oxide oxide insulating layer forming process. Beryllium oxide can be formed on the surface.

On the other hand, the polymer insulating film is formed by coating a polymer-based material having a uniform thickness on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 of a metal material to ensure electrical insulation.

In particular, the polymer insulating film should be less thermally deformed when heat is generated in the thin film heater 123. In addition, the polymer insulating film should have excellent contactability so that physical desorption from the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123 does not occur when the high temperature heat is generated in the thin film heater 123, and the steam heating plate 110 is provided. And do not cause a chemical reaction with the thin film heater 123, respectively, and the surface roughness should be excellent.

An embodiment of the process of forming the polymer insulating film will be described below.

First, the polymer insulating film is formed using a liquid organic polymer material, and is coated with a uniform thickness on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 made of a metal material.

Here, as the coating method, a spin coating method, a spray coating method, a dipping coating method, a screen printing method, or the like is used.

In addition, the polymer material may be a polyimide-based material, a polyamide-based material, a teflon-based material, a paint-based material, silver-ston, Tefgel-S ( tefzel-s), epoxy, rubber, or the like, or a material that is sensitive to ultraviolet light (UV) may be used.

For example, an embodiment of the process of forming the polyimide-based material on the steam heating plate 110 by spray coating is as follows.

First, the steam heating plate 110 is organically washed with acetone, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), or the like, and then the steam heating plate 110 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 2,000 rpm or more), and is made of polyimide. After spraying the material on the steam heating plate 110, the polyimide-based material coated on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 is heat-treated.

The polymer insulating film having a high thermal stability and a glassy temperature (GT) of 300 ° C. or more is formed on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 by the spray coating method of forming a polymer insulating film.

In addition, by slowly cooling the polyimide-based material during the heat treatment of the polyimide-based material, the adhesion between the polymer insulating film and the steam heating plate 110 is excellent, and the polymer-based material is coated on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 during the spray coating process. The thickness uniformity is excellent, and the pinhole concentration of the polymer insulating film is very small, so that no electric leakage current is generated.

On the other hand, the double insulating film of the oxide insulating film and the polymer insulating film forms an oxide insulating film on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 of the metal material and then coats the polymer-based material with a uniform thickness on the oxide insulating film, or conversely, the surface of the steam heating plate of the metal material. The polymer-based material may be coated on and an oxide insulating film is formed thereon.

The total thickness of the double insulating film of the oxide insulating film and the polymer insulating film is the thickness of the result of forming the oxide insulating film on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 alone and the thickness of the result of forming the polymer insulating film on the surface of the steam heating plate 110 alone. It can be made smaller than the sum, and the breakdown of the insulation can be minimized compared to the single insulating film.

Here, the main reason for the oxide insulating film dielectric breakdown may be due to the pinhole formed in the oxide insulating film, and the dielectric breakdown may be caused by the external power supplied to the thin film heater 123 being transferred into the pinhole.

The main reason for the breakdown of the polymer insulating film may be due to bubble generation due to the application of liquid Pr at the time of forming the polymer insulating film, and then the dielectric breakdown may occur at the portion where the bubble was present after the polymer insulating film was solidified.

Therefore, it is preferable to compensate for the occurrence of dielectric breakdown inherent in each of the oxide insulating film or the polymer insulating film with a double insulating film of the oxide insulating film and the polymer insulating film.

The thickness of the insulating film 122 is preferably in the range of 0.5 μm to 500 μm, especially 0.5 μm to 200 μm for thermal efficiency (the thickness varies depending on the material), and the dielectric breakdown voltage of the insulating film 122 ( The breakdown voltage is 1,000 V or more, the leakage current of the insulating film 122 is 20 μA or less when the voltage reaches 100 V, and when the heat is generated in the thin film heater 123 (thermal cycle), the insulating film 122 ) So that desorption (peeling) does not occur from each of the steam heating plate 110 and the thin film heater 123.

Next, the thin film heater 123 will be described. The thin film heater 123 is mounted on the insulating film 122 in the form of a thin film having a thickness of 0.05 μm to several μm (eg, 0.05 μm to 2 μm), and the metal When external power (DC power or AC power) is supplied through the pad 125, joule heating is generated by its own electrical resistance.

Here, due to the thin film characteristics of the thin film heater 123, that is, the small volume, the heat generation rate and the cooling rate may be made very fast, and the temperature generated by the self electrical resistance may exceed 500 ° C. Alternatively very fast temperature rises are possible.

The conditions of the thin film heater 123 are as follows.

First, the thin film heater 123 is capable of increasing the temperature at a faster rate than the conventional heater due to the thin film property, but due to this thin film property, the current flow rate (current flux), etc. can be very large, its own electrical / thermal Chemical resistance is required.

That is, the thin film heater 123 should have a high electrical strength (heater strength), and the self-resistance to the energy applied continuously through the metal pad 125 should be high, but the long life of the thin film heater 123 can be maintained. Do.

In addition, the thin film heater 123 is mounted on the insulating film 122, so that the insulating film 122 is not detached due to heat generation, and the separation between the steam heating plate 110 and the insulating film 122 should not occur.

In addition, the thin film heater 123 is a device that is continuously subjected to a thermal shock, it should be such that a significant increase in the change in its resistance is not caused by the thermal shock.

In addition, the thin film heater 123 may generate heat at a high temperature while being exposed to air (oxygen), but it is necessary to prevent a significant increase in its resistance due to such oxidation.

In order to satisfy the above conditions, a thin metal having a high melting point (eg, Ta, W, Pt, Ru, Hf, Mo, Zr, Ti, etc.) may be used as the material of the thin film heater 123, Combined two-component metal alloys (e.g. TaW, etc.) are used, or two-component metal-nitride series (e.g., WN, MoN, ZrN, etc.) combined with metal-nitride is used, or metal-silicides ( Two-component metal-silicide series (for example, TaSi, WSi, etc.) combining metal-silicide is used.

In addition, the thin film heater 123 may have a thickness of several μm or less (eg, a difference in thickness occurs depending on a material, such as a range of 0.05 μm to 2 μm).

In particular, the heat capacity of the thin film heater 123 itself may be made very small so that the temperature of the thin film heater 123 may be instantaneously raised, that is, to minimize the time taken to heat itself.

That is, the heat capacity of the thin film heater 123 is expressed as a function using the thickness as a parameter, and as the thickness of the thin film heater 123 becomes thin, the value thereof decreases. On the other hand, the life of the thin film heater 123 may be shorter as the thickness becomes thinner.

Therefore, in the present invention, the optimum thickness range of the thin film heater 123 may be derived through various simulations and experiments to satisfy two conditions for instantaneously raising the temperature of the thin film heater 123 and extending the service life. . On the other hand, there is a slight difference depending on the material of the thin film heater 123, it turns out that it is a minute difference.

That is, the optimum thickness of the thin film heater 123 is derived based on the following equation.

(resistivity)는 박막 히터(123) 소재의 고유한 비저항값이고, Rs(sheet resistance)는 박막 히터(123)의 면 저항값이고, t(thickness of film)는 박막 히터(123)의 두께이다. 한편, 두께와 고유 비저항값은 비례 관계에 있음을 알 수 있다.here,

(resistivity) is a specific resistivity value of the thin film heater 123 material, Rs (sheet resistance) is the sheet resistance value of the thin film heater 123, t (thickness of film) is the thickness of the thin film heater 123. On the other hand, it can be seen that the thickness and the specific resistivity are in proportion.

Therefore, when the simulation using the above-described parameters as input data in consideration of the specific resistance range of the thin film heater 123 material, the optimum thickness range of the thin film heater 123 according to the characteristics of each product according to the material (eg; 0.05 μm to 2 μm, etc.).

The thin film heater 123 is formed on the insulating film 122 by the vacuum deposition method, the vacuum deposition method PVD (Sputtering, Reactive Sputtering, Co-Sputtering, Evaporation, E-beam, etc.) and CVD (LPCVD, PECVD, etc.) ) Is used.

9 to 11 are exemplary views showing various embodiments of a conductor pattern formed on a thin film heater according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the electrical resistance of the thin film heater 123 is lower than that of the thin film heater, and the thermal conductivity is low. This high conductor pattern 124 can be formed in various shapes and shapes at various intervals.

If the thin film heater 123 in which the conductor pattern 124 is not formed is used, a temperature difference occurs between the electrode introduction portion and the center portion of the thin film heater 123 at the initial stage of power supply, so that the entire surface of the thin film heater 123 is formed. The uniform temperature distribution may not be achieved, or overheating may occur in a portion of the thin film heater 123, which may cause fatal damage (deterioration) to the thin film heater 123 or the insulating film 122. 123 may be extremely short.

That is, in order to prevent such a phenomenon and to generate uniform heat generation on the entire surface of the thin film heater 123 within a faster time at the initial power supply, various shapes as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 on the thin film heater 123. And to form a conductive pattern 124.

As such, when the conductor pattern 124 is formed on the thin film heater 123, the production yield may be improved as compared to a single thin film heater in which the conductor pattern is not formed in the thin film heater 123. This is because a single thin film heater in which a sieve pattern is not formed can solve a conventional problem leading to deterioration of the quality of the entire resistor even when a small thickness difference of a part of the entire thin film heater or damage of some thin films such as scratches.

Next, with reference to the metal pad 125, the metal pad 125 is mounted on the thin film heater 123, and serves to uniformly supply power supplied from the outside to the thin film heater 123. . In this case, the metal pad 125 may be uniformly grounded on the entire surface of the thin film heater 123 so as to have a uniform (constant) current density on all surfaces of the thin film heater 123.

In particular, the width (thickness) of the metal pad 125 may be greater than or equal to the width (thickness) of the thin film heater 123 in order to have a uniform current density in all surfaces of the thin film heater 123. .

12 to 13 are exemplary views showing various arrangement patterns of the metal pad and the thin film heater according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the plurality of heat generating thin film cells may be formed in the shape of the metal pad 125. It can be formed into a pattern having various positions, shapes, sizes and numbers.

The reason for forming the thin film cell is to divide the heat generating area into several parts while preventing the ground parts of the metal pad 125 and the thin film heater 123 from being powered from being destroyed due to overheating when a large amount of power is supplied at a time. In order to control the resistance value of each region.

The material forming the metal pad 125 as described above ensures stability to the temperature of the metal pad 125 when heat is generated from the thin film heater 123, prevents an increase in resistance due to oxidation, and the thin film heater. Metals such as Al, Au, W, Pt, Ag, Ta, Mo, Ti, H, Cu, etc. to prevent desorption from 123 may be used.

Finally, the protective layer 127 is mounted on the outer surfaces of the thin film heater 123 and the metal pad 125 to electrically / chemically protect the thin film heater 123 and the metal pad 125 from the external environment. As the material of the protective layer 127, SiNx, SiOx, AlOx, Polymer, Polyimide, Teflon, etc. may be used, and the thickness of the protective layer 127 is an optimal thickness capable of exhibiting thermal conductivity and a protective function. It is determined, and preferably in the range of about 0.1 μm to 20 μm.

The protective layer 127 may be formed in both the thin film heater 123 on which the conductor pattern 124 is formed and the thin film heater 123 in a state where the conductor pattern is not formed.

14 is a schematic view showing the specifications of the specimen for testing the heating characteristics of the heat generating unit according to the present invention, Figure 15 is to measure the temperature change value according to the time displacement in a state in which a constant current (50W) is applied to the specimen of Figure 14 One graph is shown, and FIG. 16 shows a graph measuring a temperature change value according to the displacement of the amount of current applied during the time (10 seconds) specified in the specimen of FIG.

In this case, the temperature values measured through FIGS. 14 to 16 are measured for each component such as the thin film heater 123, the conductor pattern 124, the insulating film 122, the metal pad 125, and the steam heating plate 110. It should be noted that different results may be obtained depending on resistance value, thickness, material, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 15, it can be seen that a saturation characteristic appears at 287 ° C. after a predetermined time when 50 watt power is applied.

As shown in FIG. 16, it can be seen that the surface temperature change that increases for 10 seconds according to the power change has a linear increase characteristic.

The heat generating unit 120 according to the present invention as described above, reflecting the design conditions of the product, the resistance value, thickness, material, etc. of each component such as a thin film heater, a conductor pattern, an insulating film, a metal pad, a thin film cell, a heating plate, etc. Apply differently to reduce surface temperature arrival time and power consumption according to product characteristics to produce optimal product.

Referring to the operation of the steam cleaner according to the present invention having the configuration as described above are as follows.

First, the operation button 331 formed in the main body 300 is operated to turn on the power. At this time, the power is supplied through the rechargeable power supply unit 340 provided at the rear of the steam cleaner.

The power is applied to the heat generating part 120 of the head part 100 through the power supply line 221 so that the steam heating plate 110 is heated. At this time, the power applied to the heat generating unit 120 is input to the metal pad 125, and is uniformly supplied to the entire area of the thin film heater 123 again to generate self-heating, the heat generation of the thin film heater 123 The heat conduction to the steam heating plate 110.

In addition, the steam heating plate 110 is heated and at the same time the motor pump 320 is driven to pump water stored in the water tank 310 so that water is sprayed on the heated steam heating plate 110 to the upper surface. Will be generated.

The steam generated as described above is ejected to the outside through the steam jet hole 133. At this time, the steam is sprayed through the mop mounted on the mop attachment plate 130 is sprayed on the steam cleaning target surface or is moistened in the mop.

As such hot steam is to serve to effectively disintegrate when stained or stains, it can be easily removed by the mop mounted to the head portion 100.

As described above, the thin film heater 123 generates rapid heat even with a low power external power source, which has a characteristic of rapidly heating to 150 degrees Celsius or more in 20 seconds when the 350W power is applied. Therefore, rapid use is possible.

As described above, the present invention has a very excellent thermal efficiency because only the water required for steam cleaning is heated, and after the cleaning is completed, the water tank 310 is separated from the main body 300 and discarded and then reinstalled. Will be stored.

As mentioned above, although the present invention has been described by way of examples, the embodiments of the present invention are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may modify or alter the present invention in various forms within the principles and scope described in the claims herein.

The present invention having the configuration and action as described above is a structure in which the high temperature heat generation of the heat generating unit by the thin film heater proceeds instantaneously, and heats only the water necessary for cleaning for instantaneous heating, so that there is no need to boil and steam the water in the water tank immediately. There is a convenience that can be used, has the effect of reducing the cleaning time.

In addition, the heat generating unit of the present invention uses a thin film heater capable of low power driving, so that the cost burden due to power consumption is less, it is possible to use a rechargeable battery mounted on the steam cleaner, such a configuration is a wireless cleaner of the steam cleaner By making it possible to carry and move easily, it has the effect that it can be used not only for cleaning a house but also for cleaning a window or cleaning a vehicle.

In addition, the steam cleaner of the present invention can be detachable to the head by the joint assembly structure, it is easy to replace or repair when the head is broken, the effect of being able to use the various parts of the head replacement depending on the cleaning place There is.

In addition, the present invention by supplying only the water required for steam cleaning using a motor pump, it is possible to maintain the minimum amount of heat required to boil the water is very effective thermal efficiency is conducive to energy saving, after cleaning is finished The effect of having the convenience that can be stored immediately without placing a cooling time.

In addition, the present invention is not only possible to design a variety of designs due to the slimming of the head portion, there is an effect that has a very advantageous condition for cleaning the bottom and corners.

Claims (20)

A head part 100 provided with a steam heating plate 110 on which a heat generating part 120 using the thin film heater 123 is mounted; A pusher part 200 coupled to an upper side of the head part 100 in a rotatable state to form a connection passage so that power and water are supplied; And A main body part 300 including a power supply part 340 and a water tank 310 for supplying power and water through the pusher part 200, and having a power control part 330 for controlling them; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method of claim 1, The head portion 100, Case 101 to form a push rod coupling portion 103 in the center of the upper surface; A steam heating plate 110 installed inside the case 101; A heating unit 120 configured to generate electric heat through a predetermined stack structure including a thin film heater 123 on the bottom surface of the steam heating plate 110; And A mop attachment plate 130 installed below the steam heating plate 110 by a predetermined interval; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method of claim 2, A steam heating plate is formed by forming a plurality of matching protrusions 113 protruding a predetermined length to the bottom of the steam heating plate 110 and matching the inner protrusions 113 with the inner diameter of the boss 131 of the mop attachment plate 130. Steam cleaner, characterized in that to form a steam jet hole 133 through the 110 and the mop attachment plate 130. The method of claim 3, wherein Some of the bosses 131 of the mop attachment plate 130 forms protrusions protruding upward of the steam heating plate 110, and heat fusion portions 131a for thermally bonding the protruding protrusions to allow permanent bonding. Steam cleaner, characterized in that to form a). The method according to claim 1, wherein Steam cleaner, characterized in that the velcro tape for attaching the mop to the bottom surface of the mop attachment plate (130). The method of claim 1, The pusher 200 is, A predetermined length extending connector 220; A joint assembly 210 coupled to the head end 100 at a lower end of the connection pipe 220 in a multi-axis rotatable state; A power supply line 221 installed along an inner passage of the connection pipe 220 so as to be connected to the power connection unit 105 of the head unit 100; And A water supply line 223 installed along an inner passage of the connection pipe 220 and coupled to penetrate the joint assembly 210; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method of claim 6, The joint assembly 210, A rotational connection member 211 formed at one end thereof with a cylindrical shape coupled to the connection pipe 220, extending to one end of the cylindrical shape to form a sphere, and forming a nozzle 211a through which a center thereof is penetrated; And One end is permanently coupled in a form that surrounds the sphere of the rotation connecting member 211 is made a relative rotation, the other end is a screw portion (213b) coupled in a detachable state with the push rod engaging portion 103 of the head portion 100 A coupling member 213 configured to form; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method of claim 1, The main body 300, Body case 301 is coupled to the pusher 200; A water tank 310 coupled to the bottom of the main body case 301 in a detachable state; A motor pump 320 configured to provide hydraulic pressure so that water stored in the water tank 310 may be supplied at a constant pressure to the steam heating plate 110 of the head part 100 along the water supply line 223; A power supply unit 340 for supplying power to the motor pump 320 and the heat generating unit 120; And A power control unit 330 provided with an operation button 331 for controlling the power supply of the power supply unit 340; Steam iron comprising a. The method of claim 8, The power supply unit 340 is a steam iron, characterized in that for mounting the rechargeable battery (341). The method of claim 2, The heating unit 120, Steam heating plate 110 made of a non-conductive material; A thin film heater 123 mounted on the rear surface of the steam heating plate 110 and receiving power from the outside to instantaneously generate high temperature by instantaneous heating according to its own electrical resistance; And A metal pad 125 having electrical connection to the thin film heater 123 and having a specific pattern such that power supplied from the outside may be uniformly applied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method of claim 2, The heating unit 120, Steam heating plate 110 made of a conductive material; An insulating film 122 coated on the back surface of the steam heating plate 110 to have a predetermined thickness to provide electrical insulation properties and to provide excellent thermal conductivity properties; A thin film heater 123 mounted in the form of a thin film on the lower portion of the insulating film 122 and receiving power from the outside to instantaneously generate high temperature by instantaneous heating according to its own electrical resistance; And A metal pad 125 having electrical connection to the thin film heater 123 and having a specific pattern such that power supplied from the outside may be uniformly applied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123; Steam cleaner comprising a. The method according to claim 10, wherein Steam cleaner, characterized in that the protective layer 127 of a predetermined thickness is coated so that the metal pad 125 and the thin film heater 123 is protected from the external environment. The method according to claim 10, wherein By forming a conductor pattern 124 through which the current flows on the thin film heater 123, the current applied through the metal pad 125 is uniformly supplied to the entire surface of the thin film heater 123, and heat generation characteristics are improved. Steam cleaner, characterized in that to be stable. The method according to claim 10, wherein The metal pad 125 is a steam cleaner, characterized in that to form a pattern to form a plurality of heat generating thin film cells. The method according to claim 10, wherein The thin film heater 123 is a combination of two-component metal-nitride or metal-silicide in which a single metal or a two-component metal alloy or a metal-nitride is combined. A steam cleaner comprising any one of a component metal silicide or a thick film conductive paste. The method according to claim 10, wherein The metal pad 125 is set so that its width is greater than or equal to the width of the thin film heater so that current density can be uniformly supplied to the thin film heater 123, and is stable to temperature during heat generation, and according to oxidation Steam cleaner, characterized in that the material is made of any one of Al or Au or W or Pt or Ag or Ta or Mo or Ti to prevent increased resistance and physical peeling. The method according to claim 10, wherein The insulating film 122 may include an oxide insulating film formed by oxidizing the surface of the steam heating plate 110 with an arc or a polymer insulating film formed by coating a polymer on the surface of the steam heating plate 110, or the oxide insulating film and a polymer insulating film on the surface of the steam heating plate. Steam cleaner, characterized in that any one of the formed double insulating film. The method of claim 17, And the insulating film 122 has an insulation breakdown voltage of 1000 V or more and a leakage current of 20 mA or less when 100 V voltage is applied. The method of claim 18, The oxide insulating film is any one of metal oxides including aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide or titanium oxide, and the polymer of the polymer insulating film is polyimide or polyamide or teflon or paint. Or silver-ston or tefzel-s or epoxy or rubber. A head part 100 provided with a steam heating plate 110 on which a heat generating part 120 using the thin film heater 123 is mounted; A pusher part 200 coupled to an upper side of the head part 100 in a rotatable state to form a connection passage so that power and water are supplied; And It includes a main body 300 including a power supply unit 340 and a water tank 310 for supplying power and water through the pusher 200, and a power control unit 330 for controlling them. , Steam cleaner, characterized in that to form a water storage unit 311, which can fill a predetermined section of the upper portion of the connecting pipe 220 of the pusher 200.

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