WO2007064154A1

WO2007064154A1 - Steam & vacuum cleaner complex

Info

Publication number: WO2007064154A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwang-Whan Park
Original assignee: Kwang-Whan Park
Priority date: 2005-12-03
Filing date: 2006-11-30
Publication date: 2007-06-07

Abstract

A bottom assembly in a steam and vacuum cleaner complex includes at least one dirt suction device, at least one steam exhaust device and first and second steam guards installed between the dirt suction device and the steam exhaust device. In addition, the first and second steam guards or the connection socket of the moving device assembly includes an elastic member and a power control device. If the first or second steam guard is separated from the floor or the power control device is disconnected from the connection socket, power being supplied to a dirt suction motor or the cleaner, which is connected to the power terminal of the first and second steam guard or a socket power control device, is shut off.

Description

Description STEAM & VACUUM CLEANER COMPLEX

Technical Field

[1] A conventional vacuum cleaner is sweeping equipment that removes dust or dirt having a relatively big size from a floor by providing a vacuum using electric energy. In contrast, an electric steam mop is moping equipment that removes dust or filth adhering to the floor by providing hot steam through a mop attached to a bottom section of the electric steam mop.

[2] In general, when cleaning up a house, a user removes dust or dirt having a relatively big size by using the vacuum cleaner. Then, the user removes fine dust or filth adhering to the floor by using the electric steam mop. That is, when fine dust and filth exist on the floor as well as dirt having a relatively big size, the user primarily removes the dirt having a relatively big size by using the vacuum cleaner, and then removes fine dust and filth by using the electric steam mop, thereby perfectly cleaning up the house.

[3] However, if cleaning work is performed two times as described above, not only much cleaning time and labor force are required, but also the user must purchase two types of cleaning devices, causing a burden to the user. Background Art

[4] Korean Patent Registration Publication No. 10-0194379 entitled "electric steam and vacuum cleaner" (Publication date: June 15, 1999, and Registration date: February 9, 1999).

[5] Korean Utility Model Registration Publication No. 20-0398703 entitled "steam and vacuum claner" (Publication date: October 14, 2005, and Registration date: October 7, 2005).

[6] Korean Utility Model Registration Publication No. 20-0404402 entitled "steam and vacuum cleaner capable of improving cleaning efficiency" (Publication date: December 22, 2005, and Registration date: December 16, 2005). Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[7] However, according to the above conventional steam and vacuum cleaners, steam generated from the steam mop is introduced into a dirt filtering and collecting unit and a dirt suction motor through a suction port of the vacuum cleaner, so that performance of the vacuum cleaner and the motor may be degraded due to humidity, and current leakage may occur. The main problem with the electric steam mop and vacuum cleaner complex consisting of the vacuum cleaner and the steam mop is steam generated from the steam mop and humidity derived from the steam. Due to the steam and humidity introduced into the vacuum cleaner, the dirt suction unit and the dirt filtering and collecting unit are wet, so that the suction function of the vacuum cleaner is significantly degraded, and the life span of the vacuum cleaner is shortened. In addition, the steam and humidity may cause the failure of the vacuum cleaner. For this reason, the electric steam mop and vacuum cleaner complex cannot be practically used. Technical Solution

[8] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, In order to prevent steam and humidity generated from the steam mop from being introduced into the vacuum cleaner, the structure of a bottom assembly of the steam mop that makes contact with a floor to be cleaned is improved. In detail, a first steam guard is installed at an outer portion of a steam exhaust device so as to physically prevent steam from being leaked to an exterior. In addition, the structure of a dirt suction unit of the vacuum cleaner that makes contact with a floor to be cleaned is improved. In detail, a second steam guard is provided in the dirt suction unit so as to physically prevent steam from being introduced into the vacuum cleaner when the dirt suction unit makes contact with the floor.

[9] In addition, in view of electricity, a device for preventing steam generated from the steam mop from being leaked to the exterior during the operation of the vacuum cleaner is necessary separately from a motor control switch of the vacuum cleaner. In other words, a device for stopping the operation of the vacuum cleaner when steam generated from the steam mop is leaked to the exterior is necessary.

[10] Further, when performing cleaning work in a narrow space, the user must repeatedly push and pull the steam mop. At this time, the suction operation of the vacuum cleaner is necessary only when the user pushes the steam mop. That is, the suction operation of the vacuum cleaner is not necessary when the user pulls the steam mop because the vacuum cleaner moves back along the same route. If the suction operation of the vacuum cleaner occurs when the user pulls the steam mop, steam and humidity remaining at the floor may be introduced into the vacuum cleaner. Thus, a device for stopping the operation of the vacuum cleaner when the user pulls the steam mop is necessary.

[11] In order to realize a cleaning device having the above functions, the present invention provides a bottom assembly and a moving device assembly, wherein the bottom assembly includes a first steam guard that prevents steam from being leaked and a second steam guard that prevents steam from being introduced into the vacuum cleaner in which an electricity control device is attached to the first and second steam guards so as to stop the operation of the vacuum cleaner when the first and second steam guards of the bottom assembly are separated from a floor to be cleaned, thereby preventing steam from being exhausted to the exterior from the steam exhaust device, and the moving device assembly includes a power control device equipped with a connection socket that allows the vacuum cleaner to operate when a user pushes the steam mop and stops the operation of the vacuum cleaner when the user pulls the steam mop.

Advantageous Effects

[12] The steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to the present invention has functions of an electric steam mop and a vacuum cleaner, so the sweeping and mopping are simultaneously achieved at a time, so that time and labor force for cleaning work can be saved.

[13] According to the present invention, the bottom assembly prevents steam from being introduced into a dirt suction device, so efficiency degradation of the vacuum cleaner and breakage or damage of the dirt suction motor derived from humidity contained in the dirt suction device assembly can be prevented, lengthening the life span of the vacuum cleaner.

[14] According to the present invention, if steam is emitted from the bottom assembly, that is, if the bottom assembly is separated from the floor while the vacuum cleaner is being operated, the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor or the cleaner is automatically shut off by means of the electricity control device, so that the steam is prevented from being unintentionally introduced into the dirt suction device assembly.

[15] In addition, the present invention provides the power control device that controls the power of the dirt suction motor of the dirt suction device assembly and the cleaner. The power control device includes a connection socket of the moving device assembly and an elastic member installed between the connection socket and an extension bar, in which the power control device operates the dirt suction motor or the cleaner when the user pushes the extension bar and stops the operation of the dirt suction motor or the cleaner when the user pulls the extension bar, thereby preventing steam or humidity remaining on the floor from being introduced into the vacuum cleaner. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a housing of a steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[18] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing a bottom assembly of a steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[19] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 3 (longitudinal sectional view showing a power control device of a movable steam guard); and [20] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 2 (longitudinal sectional view showing a power control device of a connection socket).

[21] Description of reference numerals in drawings, 10: steam generator assembly, 11: electric heating device, 12: water, 13: heating vessel, 14: steam hose pipe, 20: dirt suction device assembly, 22: dirt filtering and collecting unit, 23; fixing unit for dirt filtering and collecting unit, 24: dirt suction motor, 25: dirt hose pipe, 30: housing of steam and vacuum cleaner, 31: water inlet port, 32: installation space for steam generator assembly, 33: receptacle for dirt filtering and collecting unit, 40: bottom assembly, 41: steam exhaust device, 42: dirt suction unit, 42-1: dirt suction port, 42-2: guide wheel, 42-3: rubber plate, 42-4: brush, 43: dirt absorption device, 44: coupling device for dirt absorption device, 45: first steam guard, 45-1: power terminal of first steam guard, 45-2: elastic member of first steam guard, 45-3: wing of first steam guard, 45-4: recess of first steam guard, 45-5: spring hole of first steam guard, 46: second steam guard, 46-1: power terminal of second steam guard, 46-2: elastic member of second steam guard, 46-3: wing of second steam guard, 46-4: recess of second steam guard, 46-5: spring hole of second steam guard, 47: embossing and furrow pressing dirt absorption device, 48: rear bumper, 48-1: power switch of electric heating device, 48-2: fixing unit for moving device assembly, 49: connection power for dirt suction motor or cleaner, 50: moving device assembly, 51: moving wheel, 52: connection socket, 53: socket power control device, 53-1: terminal head, 53-2: socket power terminal, 53-3: inner hole of connection socket, 53-4: internal coil spring, 53-5: first flange, 53-6: inner hole for first flange, 53-7: second flange, 53-8: circular protrusion, 53-9: power source, α: interval of socket power terminal, r: diameter of extension bar, 54: extension bar, 56: handle, 57: power switch Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[22] A steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to the present invention mainly includes a steam generator assembly; a dirt suction device assembly; a housing for receiving the steam generator assembly and the dirt suction device assembly; a bottom assembly including a steam exhaust device for exhausting steam generated from the steam generator assembly, a dirt suction device for sucking dirt by using an air suction force generated from the dirt suction device assembly, and a dirt absorption device; and a moving device assembly for moving and handling devices coupled to the bottom assembly.

[23] The steam generator assembly includes an electric heating device connected to an electric power and a heating vessel for heating water contained therein. The steam generator assembly is installed in the housing. As power is applied to the steam generator assembly, the electric heating device heats water, so that steam is introduced into the steam exhaust device through a hose pipe. A power switch is provided to control electric power applied to the electric heating device. For the purpose of convenience, the power switch is provided at a rear portion of the housing of the steam generator housing such that the user can easily operate the power switch using a foot. Such a construction of the steam generator assembly is generally known in the art, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[24] In the narrow sense, the dirt suction device assembly of the present invention refers to a device related to a dirt suction motor, such as a fan motor, connected to the electric power source. If the dirt suction device includes a roller brush, the dirt suction device assembly includes a roller brush driving motor. In the present invention, the dirt suction device assembly will be explained in relation to a dirt filtering and collecting unit and a fixing device for the dirt filtering and collecting unit for the purpose of convenience. The dirt filtering and collecting unit includes a filter bag that filters dirt introduced thereto from a dirt suction port while allowing air to pass therethrough. The dirt filtering and collecting unit is made from paper or woven fabric. The fixing device for the dirt filtering and collecting unit is installed in the housing of the dirt suction device assembly together with the dirt filtering and collecting unit. As power is applied to the dirt suction device assembly, the fan motor installed in the housing is operated, so that a fan connected to the fan motor is rotated at a high speed while generating air suction force. Thus, dirt is introduced through the dirt suction port and then is collected in the dirt filtering and collecting unit through the hose pipe. The power switch controls the speed of the dirt suction motor of the dirt suction device assembly and electric power applied to the dirt suction motor. For the purpose of convenience, the power switch is installed on a handle of the extension bar of the moving device assembly. Such a construction is generally known in the art, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[25] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the steam and vacuum cleaner complex includes the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20 installed in the same housing 30, the bottom assembly 40 including the steam exhaust device 41 for exhausting steam generated from the steam generator assembly 10, the dirt suction device 42 for sucking dirt by using an air suction force generated from the dirt suction device assembly 20, the dirt absorption device 43, and power control devices 48-1 and 45-1 to 46-1 for controlling power applied to the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20, and the moving device assembly 50 coupled to the bottom assembly 40 and a moving wheel 51 so as to move and handle devices and provided with power control devices 53 and 57. The steam and vacuum cleaner complex having the above construction can simultaneously perform the sweeping and moping operations.

[26] Although the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20 are installed in the same housing 30, housing regions for the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20 are independently provided in the housing 30.

[27] FIG. 2 shows the shape and structure of the housing 30 that receives the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20, and schematic positions of various devices.

[28] The housing 30 of the present invention is divided into a steam generator assembly housing region and a dirt suction device assembly housing region. A water inlet port 31 is formed at a front upper portion of the steam generator assembly housing region, and an installation space 32 for the steam generator assembly 10 is formed below the water inlet port 31. In addition, a receptacle 33 for the dirt filtering and collecting unit is provided in the dirt suction device assembly housing region. An installation space 34 for the dirt filtering and collecting unit 22 and a fixing device thereof 23 is formed below the receptacle 33 and an installation space 35 for the dirt suction device assembly 20 is formed adjacent to the installation space 34. Such a configuration of the housing 30 can prevent water 12 from being introduced into the dirt suction device assembly 20 when water 12 is poured into the heating vessel 13 of the steam generator assembly 10 or during the operation of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex.

[29] Preferably, the bottom assembly 40 is coupled to the housing 30 that receives the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20. However, it should be noted that the steam generator assembly 10 and the dirt suction device assembly 20 can be installed separately from the housing 30 while being connected to hose pipes 14 and 25, respectively.

[30] FIG. 3 shows the structure of the bottom assembly 40 of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the bottom assembly 40 has a rectangular structure, in which the dirt suction device 42, the second steam guard 46, the first steam guard 45 and the steam exhaust device 41 are provided at one surface of the bottom assembly 40 on the basis of the proceeding direction of the cleaner.

[31] The bottom assembly 40 is a base board integrally formed with a rear bumper 48 on which the steam exhaust device 41, the dirt suction device 42, the first steam guard 45, the second steam guard 46, the dirt absorption device 43, a coupling device 44 for the dirt absorption device 43, embossing and furrow 47 pressing the dirt absorption device 43, a power switch 48-1 of the electric heating device 11, and a one-touch type fixing member 48-2 for vertically fixing the moving device assembly 50 are installed.

[32] The steam exhaust device 41 mounted on the bottom assembly 40 emits steam generated from the electric heating device 11 through the hose pipe 14 and exhaust ports 41-1. The steam exhaust device 41 includes a plurality of exhaust ports 41-1 and is exposed to the surface of the bottom assembly 40. Preferably, the steam exhaust device 41 is installed at a rear portion of the dirt suction device and an inner portion of the first steam guard 45 on the basis of the proceeding direction of the cleaner. The second steam guard is provided at an outer portion of the steam exhaust device 41.

[33] The dirt suction device 42 is installed at a front portion of the bottom assembly 40 so as to receive dirt introduced together with air. The dirt suction device 42 is integrally formed with the bottom assembly 40 or installed at a front portion of the bottom assembly 60 integrally with the dirt suction device assembly so as to suck dirt by using an air suction force generated from the dirt suction motor 24. The dirt suction device 42 includes a dirt suction port 42-1, a guide wheel 42-2, a rubber plate 42-3 for guiding dirt, and a brush 42-4. The second steam guard 46 is installed at an outer portion of the dirt suction device 42, which sucks dirt by using an air suction force generated from the dirt suction motor 24, so as to prevent steam from being introduced through the dirt suction device 42. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a roller brush is provided to brush dirt. Since the roller brush is driven by means of a roller brush driving motor, the roller brush driving motor has functions identical to those of the dirt suction motor 24. Thus, the dirt suction device 42 includes the roller brush, and the dirt suction motor 24 includes the roller brush driving motor.

[34] The bottom assembly 40 of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex includes at least one dirt suction device 42 and the second steam guard 46, and at least one steam exhaust device 41 and the first steam guard 45, which are integrally coupled with each other.

[35] If power is applied to the electric heating device 11, steam is generated and the steam is continuously exhausted through the steam exhaust device 41. This steam must be used to clean the floor, and must be prevented from penetrating into the dirt suction device 42. To this end, the first steam guard 45 is preferably aligned around the steam exhaust device 41 along the outer configure (polygonal shape or circular shape) of the bottom assembly 40. Due to the first steam guard 45 aligned along the outer peripheral portion of the bottom assembly 40, steam exhausted from the steam exhaust device 41 can be prevented from being leaked to the exterior.

[36] At least one dirt suction device 42 is installed at an outermost part of the bottom assembly 40 of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex on the basis of the proceeding direction of the cleaner. The second steam guard 46 is aligned between the dirt suction device 42 and the first steam guard 45. The second steam guard 46 prevents steam from being introduced through the dirt suction device 42.

[37] Preferably, in the bottom assembly 40 of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex, the second steam guard 46 is installed between the dirt suction device 42 and the first steam guard 45, the first steam guard 45 is installed at an inner portion of the second steam guard 46, and at least one steam exhaust device 41 is positioned at an inner portion of the first steam guard 45 on the basis of the proceeding direction of the cleaner.

[38] The bottom assembly 40, which includes at least one dirt suction device 42 one dirt suction device at least one steam exhaust device 41 installed at a rear portion of the dirt suction device 42, and the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 aligned between the dirt suction device 42 and the steam exhaust device 41, makes contact with the floor to be cleaned and prevents the steam exhausted from the steam exhaust device 41 from penetrating into the dirt suction device 42 when the vacuum cleaner sucks dirt while generating the steam as electricity is applied thereto.

[39] That is, according to the present invention, even when the bottom assembly 40 of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex sucks dirt while generating the steam as electricity is applied thereto, the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 prevent the steam exhausted from the bottom assembly 40 from penetrating into the dirt suction device 42.

[40] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 include elastic members 45-2 and 46-2 and power terminals 45-1 and 46-1, respectively. Thus, if one of the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 is separated from the floor, the first steam guard 45 or the second steam guard 46 equipped with the power terminal 45-1 or 46-1 may move downward, thereby shutting off power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the steam and vacuum cleaner complex (hereinafter, simply referred to as a cleaner) including the dirt suction motor 24 and the electric heating device 11.

[41] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view (taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 3) illustrating the first and second steam guards 45 and 46, which are movable in the longitudinal direction, a serial circuit, and elastic members coupled to the first and second steam guards 45 and 46. As the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 move up and down, power being supplied to the cleaner is intermittently shut off by means of the power terminals.

[42] As shown in FIG. 4, the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 have wings 45-3 and 46-3, respectively. The elastic members 45-2 and 46-2 are attached to the wings 45-3 and 46-3 such that the elastic members 45-2 and 46-2 can maintain the balance. When fabricating the bottom assembly 40 through an injection molding process, recesses 45-4 and 46-4 are formed in the bottom assembly 40 so as to stably accommodate the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 when the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 move up and down. [43] The elastic members 45-2 and 46-2 include small-size polyp type coil springs or the like. For instance, pressurized air enabling the first and first and second steam guards 45 and 46 to move up and down can be used instead of the polyp type coil springs. If the coil springs are used as the elastic members 45-2 and 46-2, the coil springs are installed on the wings 45-3 and 46-3 of the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 in such a manner that the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 can stably move up and down. In this case, spring slots 45-5 and 46-5 are preferably formed in order to prevent the coil springs from being separated from the wings 45-3 and 46-3.

[44] The power terminals 45-1 and 46-1 of the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 are serially connected to the power source 49 of the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner. As first and second steam guards 45 and 46 are moved up and down relative to a base board fixed to one frame, electric power is intermittently supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner from the power source 49.

[45] According to the present invention, since the power source 49 is serially connected to the first and second steam guards 45 and 46, if one of the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 is separated from the floor, the first steam guard 45 or the second steam guard 46 equipped with the power terminal 45-1 or 46-1 may move downward, thereby shutting off power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner.

[46] Therefore, if there is no load applied to the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 from the cleaner (that is, when the cleaner is lifted from the floor), the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 slightly protrude downward from the bottom assembly 40 due to bias force of the coil spring.

[47] Although the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 have been described in that they are provided together to improve the humidity-resistant efficiency, it is also possible to provide only one of the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 depending on environment or applications thereof.

[48] In addition, although the steam exhaust device 41, the dirt suction device 42, and the first and second steam guards 45 and 46 have been described in that they are installed on the bottom assembly 40 having the rectangular structure, it is also possible to provide the above elements on the bottom assembly 40 having a circular structure or a polygonal structure.

[49] If the moving device is prepared in the form of the moving device assembly equipped with an automatic moving motor, the bottom assembly 40 preferably has the circular or polygonal structure and the above functions are dynamically set in the proceeding direction of the cleaner. If the bottom assembly 40 of the cleaner has the polygonal or circular structure on which plural dirt suction devices 42 and steam exhaust devices 41 are installed, an electric directional sensor is preferably installed in such a manner that a group of the dirt suction devices 42 and steam exhaust devices 41, which are installed in the proceeding direction of the cleaner and adjacent thereto, can be operated. This is because the cleaning efficiency may be improved when the dirt absorption device 43 removes humidity at the rear of the steam exhaust device.

[50] The dirt absorption device 43 is attached to a bottom surface of the bottom assembly 40. The dirt absorption device 43 includes a function mop provided over the whole area of the bottom assembly 40 except for a bottom surface of the dirt suction device 42 and having humidity-absorption and adhesive functions. The dirt absorption device 43 is coupled to the bottom assembly 40 by means of the coupling device 44 including a Velcro fastener or a clip, or coupled to a rotating plate (not shown) driven by means of an electric motor. The structure of the dirt absorption device 43 is generally known in the art, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[51] Except for the steam exhaust device 41, the first steam guard 45, the dirt suction device 42 and the second steam guard 46 of the bottom assembly, the coupling device 44 for the dirt absorption device 43, such as the Velcro fastener or the clip, and the embossing and furrow 47 pressing the dirt absorption device 43 can be randomly installed on the bottom assembly 40 by taking functional efficiency of the dirt absorption device 43 into consideration.

[52] In addition, the rear bumper 48 protrudes from a rear surface of the bottom assembly 40. The one-touch type fixing member 48-2 for vertically fixing the power switch 48-1 of the electric heating device 11 and the moving device assembly 50 is installed on the rear bumper 48, so that the user can manipulate the one-touch type fixing member 48-2 using a foot.

[53] The moving device assembly 50 is independently coupled to the bottom assembly

40 and a wheel axle so as to allow the user to operate or move the cleaner. The moving device assembly can be classified into a manual moving device assembly equipped with an extension bar and an automatic moving device assembly (not shown) equipped with an automatic moving motor.

[54] The manual moving device assembly 50 includes at least two wheels 51 coupled to the bottom surface of the bottom assembly 40, a connection socket 52 coupled to a wheel axle, a socket power control device 53 coupled to the wheel axle separately from the connection socket 52, an extension bar 54 of which a length is adjustable, a manual handle 56, and a power switch 57.

[55] According to an aspect of the present invention, the socket power control device 53 of the manual moving device assembly 50 is installed between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54 so as to control the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 of the dirt suction device assembly 20 or the cleaner. The socket power control device 53 includes a coupling device and an elastic member.

[56] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating the socket power control device 53 including the coupling device and the elastic member and being installed between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54 of the manual moving device assembly 50.

[57] The socket power control device 53 installed between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54 of the manual moving device assembly 50 is connected to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner. Here, the socket power control device 53 has the coupling device for coupling the connection socket 52 with the extension bar 54 and the elastic member for maintaining an interval between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54, that is, the interval of the power terminal. According to the present invention, the coupling device for coupling the connection socket 52 with the extension bar 54 includes flanges 53-5 and 53-7, but the flanges 53-5 and 53-7 can be replaced with other elements having functions similar to those of the flanges 53-5 and 53-7. In addition, the elastic member that elastically maintains the interval between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54, that is, the interval of the power terminal includes a coil spring 53-4. This coil spring 53-4 can also be replaced with other elements having functions similar to those of the coil spring 53-4. A terminal head 53-1 and a power terminal 53-2 are installed at an end portion of the extension bar 54, and a circular protrusion 53-8 is installed on an upper portion of the extension bar 54 so as to adjust the interval of the power terminal 53-2 using flanges. In order to easily couple the connection socket 52 with the first and second flanges 53-5 and 53-7, the extension bar 54 has a diameter r different from diameters r" and r'" of the circular protrusion and the terminal head (r<r'<r"<r'").

[58] An end portion of the connection socket 52 adjacent to the extension bar 54 is recessed and the socket power terminal 53-2 is formed at a base section of the connection socket 52. In addition, the power terminal 53-2 and the terminal head 53-1 of the extension bar 54 are inserted into the recess of the connection socket 52. An internal coil spring 53-4 is installed in an inner hole 53-3 of the connection socket 52 so as to elastically move up the terminal head 53-1 of the extension bar 54. The extension bar 54 is coupled with the connection socket 52 by means of the first flange 53-5 shown in FIG. 5, and the terminal head 53-1 and the extension bar 54 are elastically moved up and down along the inner hole 53-3 of the connection socket 52 and the inner hole 53-6 of the first flange 53-5 by means of the coil spring 53-4. The second flange 53-7 is coupled with an upper portion of the first flange 53-5 that has been coupled with the extension bar 54. The second flange 53-7 controls the up/down movement of the circular protrusion 53-8 integrally formed with the extension bar 54, thereby adjusting the interval (α) of both power terminals or fixing the power source 53-9 in a connection state. If the second flange 53-7 is slightly released, a power shut- off mode is realized, and if the second flange 53-7 is fastened, a power connection mode is realized.

[59] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the manual moving device assembly 50 has the extension bar 54 of which the length is adjustable and the user can perform cleaning work by pushing or pulling the cleaner using the extension bar 54. If no-load is applied to the extension bar 54 including the terminal head 53-1 and the circular protrusion 8 (that is, a state in which the internal coil spring is released), both power terminals are separated from each other, so that the power source 53-9 is disconnected from the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner. Thus, the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner is not operated. In contrast, if the user pushes the extension bar 54 during cleaning work, the internal coil spring 53-4 is compressed, so that the power terminal 53-2 installed between the connection socket 52 and the extension bar 54 is connected. Thus, the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner is operated. Therefore, according to the present invention, the power control device 53 of the connection socket 52 operates the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner only when the cleaner moves in the forward direction. That is, the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner is operated to suck dirt only when the user pushes the extension bar 54. If the user does not push the extension bar 54 or if the user pulls the extension bar 54, the internal coil spring 53-4 is released and the power terminal 53-2 is disconnected, so that the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner is shut off. Thus, the cleaner does not suck steam or humidity remaining on the floor.

[60] Preferably, a power switch 57 is independently installed on the handle 56 of the extension bar of the manual moving device assembly 50 so as to allow the user to easily control the power applied to the dirt suction motor 24 or to adjust the speed of the dirt suction motor 24.

[61] As described above, the rear bumper 48 is installed at the rear portion of the bottom assembly 40, that is, at the lower bottom portion of the cleaner. In addition, the fixing member 48-2 of the moving device assembly 50 and the power control switch 48-1 of the electric heating device are installed on the rear bumper 49.

[62] The power source of the steam and vacuum cleaner complex is primarily introduced into the moving device assembly 50 and then is independently connected to the electric heating device 11 and the dirt suction motor 24. Preferably, the power switch 48-1 of the electric heating device 11 is installed on the upper end portion of the rear bumper 48 of the bottom assembly 40 (see, FIG. 2), and the power switch 57 of the dirt suction motor 24 is independently installed on the upper end portion of the handle 56 of the moving device assembly 50 (see, FIG. 1).

[63] In this manner, the electric heating device 11 and the dirt suction motor 24 are provided with power control switches 48-1 and 57, respectively, so the power switch 48-1 of the electric heating device 11 attached to the rear bumper 48 of the bottom assembly 40 is turned off when the steam mop is not used, and the power switch 57 of the dirt suction motor 24 attached to the handle 56 of the moving device assembly 50 is turned off when the vacuum cleaner is not used.

[64] In addition, as mentioned above, the power terminals 45-1 and 46-1 that serve as power control devices for controlling power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner are serially connected to the first and second steam guards 45 and 46, which prevent steam from being leaked to the exterior from the bottom assembly 40 and prevent steam from penetrating into the dirt suction device 42, respectively. Further, the power control device 53 is independently installed in the connection socket 52 of the moving device assembly 50, so that the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner can be separately controlled. Industrial Applicability

[65] As described above, the present invention provides the steam and vacuum cleaner complex equipped with first and second steam guards having power control devices, so that steam existing on the floor can be prevented from being introduced into the dirt suction device. In addition, the dirt suction motor 24 or the cleaner is not operated if the bottom assembly is separated from the floor to be cleaned (that is, if one of the first and second steam guards is separated from the floor) even when the power source is in a turn-on state.

[66] Accordingly, the steam exhausted from the steam exhaust device is not introduced into the dirt suction device, as long as dirt having the same size is not simultaneously interposed between the first and second steam guards and the floor. Even if dirt having the same size is simultaneously interposed between the first and second steam guards and the floor, since the steam and vacuum cleaner continuously moves during the cleaning process, the steam and vacuum cleaner may be positioned in a balance state to suck the dirt. In addition, if air suction does not occur due to the unbalance of the steam and vacuum cleaner, the user may rearrange the steam and vacuum cleaner in the balance state. Further, it may rarely happen that the dirt having the same size is continuously and simultaneously interposed between the first and second steam guards and the floor. If the dirt is removed from one of the first and second steam guards, power being supplied to one steam guard is shut off, so that air suction may not occur. Thus, steam is not introduced into the dirt suction device.

[67] Generally, in the early stage of the cleaning, the user intentionally places the first and second steam guards closely to the floor to maintain the cleaner in the balance state. Since the dirt suction motor (vacuum cleaner) or the cleaner can be operated only in the balance state, the steam and vacuum cleaner complex according to the present invention can prevent steam from being introduced into the dirt suction motor.

Claims

[1] A steam and vacuum cleaner complex including: a steam generator assembly; a dirt suction device assembly; a housing for receiving the steam generator assembly and the dirt suction device assembly; a bottom assembly connected to the steam generator assembly and the dirt suction device assembly through hose pipes; and a moving device assembly for moving the bottom assembly, wherein the bottom assembly includes at least one dirt suction device installed at an outermost part of the bottom assembly on the basis of the proceeding direction of the cleaner; at least one steam exhaust device installed at a rear portion of the dirt suction device and positioned at an inner portion of the first steam guard; and the first and second steam guards including elastic members and power terminals, which are installed between the dirt suction device and the steam exhaust device, respectively, and moving downward if the first steam guard or the second steam guard is separated from the floor, thereby shutting off power being supplied to a dirt suction motor or the cleaner.

[2] The steam and vacuum cleaner complex as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steam and vacuum cleaner complex selectively includes one of the first and second steam guards.

[3] The steam and vacuum cleaner complex as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the moving device assembly includes a power control device having an elastic member and a coupling device which are installed between a connection socket and an extension bar, in which the elastic member is compressed when a user pushes the extension bar during a cleaning process, so that a power terminal connected to the dirt suction motor or the cleaner is maintained in a connection state, which is referred to as a power connection mode, and the elastic member is released when the extension bar is not pushed, so that the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor or the cleaner is shut off, which is referred to as a power disconnection mode.

[4] A steam and vacuum cleaner complex including: a steam generator assembly; a dirt suction device assembly; a housing for receiving the steam generator assembly and the dirt suction device assembly; a bottom assembly connected to the steam generator assembly and the dirt suction device assembly through hose pipes; and a moving device assembly for moving the bottom assembly, wherein the moving device assembly includes a power control device having an elastic member and a coupling device which are installed between a connection socket and an extension bar, in which the elastic member is compressed when a user pushes the extension bar during a cleaning process, so that a power terminal connected to the dirt suction motor or the cleaner is maintained in a connection state, which is referred to as a power connection mode, and the elastic member is released when the extension bar is not pushed, so that the power being supplied to the dirt suction motor or the cleaner is shut off, which is referred to as a power disconnection mode.