WO2008096951A1

WO2008096951A1 - Cleaner and nozzle the same

Info

Publication number: WO2008096951A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/005762
Authority: WO
Inventors: Byung-Sun Yang; Dae-Hwan Park; Sung-Guen Kim; Jong-Hyun Seo; Hyuk-Min Kwon
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2007-02-08
Filing date: 2007-11-15
Publication date: 2008-08-14
Also published as: KR100846911B1

Abstract

Provided is a cleaner and a nozzle thereof. A cleaner according to present embodiments includes a steam generator, a water inlet that supplies water to the steam generator, and an opening/closing device that opens and closes the water inlet. The opening/closing device includes a signaling unit that signals to the outside that the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet.

Description

Description CLEANER AND NOZZLE THE SAME

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

[4] Specifically, a steam generator for generating steam is installed on the nozzle, and a water inlet for supplying water to the steam generator is formed at the top of the nozzle. The water inlet is sealed by an opening/closing device. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Based on the above, embodiments provide a cleaner and a nozzle thereof that allow easy checking of whether an opening/closing device for opening and closing a water inlet is completely coupled.

[6] Embodiments also provide a cleaner and a nozzle thereof that allow a user to check whether an opening/closing device is completely coupled using minimal exertion. Technical Solution

[7] To achieve the above objectives in accordance to one embodiment, there is provided a cleaner including: a steam generator; a nozzle discharging steam generated by the steam generator; a water inlet supplying water to the steam generator; and an opening/closing device coupled to the water inlet, wherein the opening/closing device includes a first member, and a second member coupled to the first member, and the second member is rotated with respect to the first member, with the opening/closing device coupled to the water inlet.

[8] In another embodiment, there is provided a nozzle for a cleaner, including an opening/closing device opening and closing a water inlet that supplies water to a steam generator, wherein the opening/closing device includes a signaling unit signaling to an outside whether the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet.

[9] In a further embodiment, there is provided a nozzle for a cleaner including an opening/closing device opening and closing a water inlet that supplies water to a steam generator, wherein the opening/closing device includes a plurality of frames, the frames moving with respect to one another to emit a predetermined signaling sound when the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet.

Advantageous Effects

[10] According to disclosed embodiments, when the opening/closing device is completely coupled to a nozzle, a sound is emitted to the outside to easily alert a user that the opening/closing device has been completely coupled. [11] Also, because the completely coupled state of the opening/closing device is signified by the externally emitted sound, a user does not have to exert unnecessary force to completely couple the opening/closing device, thereby increasing user convenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[12] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle for a cleaner according to an embodiment.

[13] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle in Fig. 1.

[14] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a base according to an embodiment.

[15] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning member coupling portion according to an embodiment. [16] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between the cleaning member coupling portion in Fig. 4 and a main body. [17] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an opening/closing device according to an embodiment.

[18] Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the opening/closing device in Fig. 6.

[19] Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line II-II' in Fig. 6.

[20] Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line III- IH' in Fig. 6.

Mode for the Invention [21] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [22] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a nozzle for a cleaner according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the nozzle in Fig. 1. [23] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a nozzle 1 for a cleaner according to the present embodiment suctions air including dust from floor surfaces and discharges steam. The nozzle 1 includes a main body configuring the exterior thereof, and a connecting tube

30 coupled at the rear of the main body. The connecting tube 30 guides the flow of air suctioned by the nozzle 1 to a main body (not shown) of the cleaner. [24] The main body includes a base 10 forming the bottom exterior thereof, and a cover member 20 coupled at the top of the base 10. A cleaning member coupling portion 40, to which a cleaning member 50 is attached, is coupled at the bottom of the base 10.

Here, the cleaning member 50 may be a rag, for example. [25] In detail, a suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3), for suctioning air including dust from a floor surface, is defined in the central region at the forward end of the base 10. The suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3) and the connecting tube 30 are connected by an air guide passage 130. The air guide passage 130 is formed from front-to-rear on the nozzle 1. [26] The connecting tube 30 is mounted to the base 10, and is disposed at the rear of the air guide passage 130. The connecting tube 30 is capable of pivoting upward and downward with respect to the air guide passage 130. [27] Accordingly, the air suctioned through the suctioning port 102 (in Fig. 3) passes through the air guide passage 130 and connecting tube 30 into the main body of the cleaner. [28] A moving wheel 140 that enables the nozzle 1 to move is installed at the rear of the base 10. A pair of auxiliary wheels 142 (in Fig. 3) is installed at the front of the base

10.

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

[30] Specifically, the steam generator 110 is provided between the base 10 and the air guide passage 130. [31] The steam generator 110 includes a steam case 112 defining a space in which water for generating steam is stored, and a heater 118 that heats water stored in the steam case 112 to generate steam. [32] In more detail, a plurality of coupling ends 112a is formed around the side perimeter of the steam case, and a plurality of coupling protrusions 103 is formed to protrude upward from the inner, lower surface of the base 10. [33] When the coupling ends 112a of the steam case 112 are coupled to the coupling protrusions 103 of the base 10, the steam generator 110 is coupled in a first stage to the base 10. For a complete fixing of the steam generator 110, screws are fastened with the coupling ends 112a and the coupling protrusions respectively coupled. [34] The steam case 112 includes an upper case 113 and a lower case 114 coupled to the upper case 113. [35] The upper case 114 defines a water inlet 115 into which water may be introduced from the outside. The water inlet 115 is opened and closed by an opening/closing device 60 with the base 10 coupled to the cover member 20. [36] A plurality of protruding portions 117 is formed on the upper case 113. The protruding portions 117 prevent water stored in the steam case 112 from leaking out from the water inlet 115 even when the nozzle 1 is tilted with the water inlet 115 in an open state. [37] Moreover, the protruding portions 117 provide ample space in which steam can be generated within the steam case 112. [38] The heater 118 generates heat through power supplied from an external source. The heat from the heater 118 converts the water within the steam case 112 into steam. The heater 118 is disposed laterally in the steam case 112, and is mounted to the steam case

112 by being coupled to a heater coupler 119. [39] Here, the heater coupler 119 not only mounts the heater 118 to the steam case 112, but securely fixes the heater 118. [40] The heater coupler 119 is pressed against the heater 118 so that it receives heat conducted from the heater 118. Thus, the heater coupler 119 may be made of a material with thermal resistance adequate to withstand the heat transferred from the heater 118. [41] The heater 118 is controlled in its operation by a controller 190 provided above the steam generator 110. That is, the controller 190 controls the amount of heat radiated, the temperature, the operating duration, and other operational aspects of the heater 118. [42] A guide hole 202, allowing the connecting tube 30 to move, is defined in the rear of the cover member 20. Thus, the connecting tube 30 may be adjusted in angle within the guide hole 202. [43] A receiving portion 206, in which the opening/closing device 60 is received, is recessed downward into a side of the cover member 20. A through-hole 204 is defined in the central portion of the receiving portion 206, enabling the lower end of the opening/closing device 60 to pass therethrough. [44] In accordance, the opening/closing device 60 passes through the through-hole 204 and couples to the water inlet 115, with the cover member 20 coupled to the base 10. [45] The cover member 20 also has a water discharging slot 207 formed therein, to discharge water to the outside of the nozzle 1 when water overflows during the pouring of water into the water inlet 115. The water discharging slot 207 extends rearward from the cover member 20. [46] Accordingly, the water discharging slot 207 secures a passage for discharging water, to prevent water collecting in the receiving portion 206 when water overflows. [47] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a base according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a cleaning member coupling portion according to an embodiment, and Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the coupling relation between the cleaning member coupling portion in Fig. 4 and a main body. [48] Referring to Figs. 3 to 5, the cleaning member coupling portion 40 is coupled to the bottom of the base 10, and the cleaning member 50 is attached to the bottom of the cleaning member coupling portion 40. [49] Specifically, a mounting portion 104 is recessed into the bottom of the base 10. To allow for mounting of the cleaning member coupling portion 40, the mounting portion

104 corresponds in shape to the cleaning member coupling portion 40. [50] A plurality of coupling ribs 150 project downward from the bottom of the base 10, to couple with the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

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

[52] A steam discharging portion 160, for discharging steam generated by the steam generator 110, is formed laterally elongated at the central portion of the undersurface of the base 10.

[53] In detail, a passage is defined within the steam discharging portion 160 to guide and diffuse steam discharged from the steam generator 110 to the left and right.

[54] A steam discharging hole 162 is defined in plurality in the undersurface of the steam discharging portion 160. Accordingly, the steam guided by the steam discharging portion 160 is discharged completely from the nozzle 1 through the steam discharging holes 162, and the discharged steam is supplied to the cleaning member 50 attached below the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[55] The cleaning member coupling portion 40 is selectively mounted to the mounting portion 104. An attaching portion 450 is formed below the cleaning member coupling portion 40 to enable attaching and detaching of the cleaning member 50.

[56] Here, the attaching portion 450 may be formed of Velcro™, for example.

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

[58] Therefore, the undersurface of the steam discharging portion 160 is exposed at the bottom of the cleaning member coupling portion 40 through the through-hole 410.

[59] A detaching lever 408 is formed to protrude rearward from a rear of the cleaning member coupling portion 40.

[60] The detaching lever 408 facilitates detaching of the cleaning member coupling portion 40 from the base 10. The detaching lever 408 is formed by being bent perpendicularly upward from the rear of the cleaning member coupling portion 40, after which it is bent perpendicularly downward.

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

[62] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an opening/closing device according to an embodiment, Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the opening/closing device in Fig. 6, Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along line II-II' in Fig. 6, and Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IH-IH' in Fig. 6.

[63] Referring to Figs. 6 to 9, the opening/closing device 60 according to present embodiments is first inserted in the water inlet 115, and is rotated a predetermined number of degrees to couple thereto.

[64] The opening/closing device 60 includes an inner frame 650 that fastens to the water inlet 115, and an outer frame 610 coupled to the outside of the inner frame 650 to form the exterior of the device. Here, the inner frame 650 may be referred to as a first member, and the outer frame 610 may be referred to as a second member.

[65] In detail, the outer frame 610 is exposed by the receiving portion 206 when the opening/closing device 60 is coupled to the water inlet 115. The outer frame 610 includes a cylindrical body 620, and a grasping portion 630 extending upward from the body 620 for a user to grasp.

[66] The grasping portion 630 is approximately conical, and includes a plurality of anti- slip projections 632 formed around its periphery to prevent slipping when a user grasps the grasping portion 630. Of course, instead of the anti-slip projections 632, anti-slip grooves may be provided.

[67] The lower portion of the body 620 is mounted on the inner frame 650, to enclose a portion of the inner frame 650. A plurality of catching parts 622, for coupling to the inner frame 650, is formed on the inner, lower periphery of the body 620.

[68] A plurality of guiding ribs 624 is formed radially on the body above the catching parts 622.

[69] The guiding ribs 624 interact with guiding hooks 670 (described below) of the inner frame 650 to signal that the opening/closing device 60 has been completely coupled to the water inlet 115.

[70] The guiding ribs 624 are formed in plurality at uniform intervals to extend from the inner surface of the body 620 toward the center of the body 620.

[71] The inner frame 650 can largely be divided into a body coupling portion 660 that couples to the body 620, and an inlet coupling portion 680 that couples to the water inlet 115.

[72] In detail, the body coupling portion 660 includes a seating ledge 662 to seat the body 610 on. To catch on the catching parts 622, a plurality of catching hooks 664 is formed on the seating ledge 662. The catching hooks 664 extend vertically upward from the seating ledge 662.

[73] A guiding hook 670 is provided to the inside of the catching hooks 664, in order to provide friction in concert with the guiding ribs 624. The guiding hook 670 is formed above an extending portion 668 that extends upward from the seating ledge 662. [74] Here, the guiding hooks 670 are disposed higher than the upper surface of the catching hooks 664, with respect to the seating ledge 662.

[75] The guiding hooks 670 are provided in a number less than that of the guiding ribs

624, and are respectively disposed between one guiding rib and an adjacent guiding rib, when the inner frame 650 is coupled to the outer frame 610.

[76] Here, a cutout 669 that imparts elasticity to the guiding hook 670 is formed in the extending portion 668.

[77] The inlet coupling portion 680 is cylindrically shaped, and extends downward from the center of the seating ledge 662. A plurality of coupling protrusions 682 is formed on the lower end of the inlet coupling portion 680, to couple to the water inlet 115. Here, while not shown, coupling members that couple with the coupling protrusions 682 are, of course, formed in the water inlet 115.

[78] Here, when the opening/closing device 60 is coupled to the water inlet 115, friction between the coupling protrusions 682 and the coupling members must be less than friction between the guiding ribs 624 and the guiding hooks 670.

[79] The reason for the above is that if the friction between the guiding ribs 624 and the guiding hooks 670 becomes less than the friction between the coupling protrusions 682 and the coupling members, during the coupling process of the opening/closing device 60 when the outer frame 610 is rotated with respect to the inner frame 650, friction between the guiding ribs 624 and the guiding hooks 670 will occur before the opening/ closing device 60 is completely coupled.

[80] In the above structure, in order to couple the opening/closing device 60 to the water inlet 115, a user inserts the opening/closing device 60 in the water inlet 115 and imparts a predetermined rotational force on the opening/closing device 60 in one direction. Then, the coupling protrusions 682 couple to the coupling members, and thus, the opening/closing device 60 is coupled to the water inlet 115.

[81] Here, the user continues to exert the force at the time in which the coupling protrusions 682 and the coupling members are completely coupled, so that while the user is exerting the force, the inner frame 650 and the outer frame 610 continue to move with respect to one another.

[82] In detail, the inner frame 650 is stopped from rotating further by the coupling protrusions 682 and the coupling members when the latter couple, so that the force exerted by the user prompts the outer frame 610 to rotate in one direction with respect to the inner frame 650.

[83] Then, as shown in Fig. 9, one guiding rib 624 presses against the guiding hook 670.

Here, the guiding hook 670 presents a biasing direction, and the guiding rib 624 moves along the outer circumference of the guiding hook 670 to generate friction. That is, the guiding rib 624 slides over the guiding hook 670. [84] Thus, in the process in which the guiding rib 624 slides over the guiding hook 670, a friction-induced sound is emitted, aurally alerting the user that the opening/closing device 60 has been completely coupled.

[85] Here, the guiding hook 670 is configured to elastically deform in response to an external force, so that a user can exert a minimal force to enable the guiding rib 624 to slide over the guiding hook 670. That is, even when the user exerts minimal force, the complete coupling of the opening/closing device 60 can be realized.

[86] Thus, in the present embodiment, the respective movement of the inner frame 650 and the outer frame 610 causes the friction-induced sound, which enables the user to know when the opening/closing device 60 has been completely coupled.

[87] Accordingly, because a user is notified through the friction-induced sound when the opening/closing device 60 is completely coupled, the user will not exert force unnecessarily to completely couple the opening/closing device 60, thereby increasing user convenience.

[88] Here, because the guiding rib 624 and the guiding hook 670 function to issue a signal that the opening/closing device 60 has been completely coupled to the water inlet 115, the guiding rib 624 and the guiding hook 670 may be collectively referred to as a signaling device.

[89] Also, in the description given in the present embodiment, the guiding hook 670 is formed on the inner frame 650, and the guiding rib 624 is formed on the outer frame 610; however, the guiding rib may be formed on the inner frame 650, and the guiding hook may be formed on the outer frame 610, in an opposite manner.

[90] Below, the function of the nozzle 1 will be described.

[91] First, when the main body of the cleaner (to which the nozzle 1 is connected) operates, a suctioning motor provided in the main body of the cleaner generates suctioning force, whereupon air including dust is suctioned from a floor surface through the suctioning port 102.

[92] The air suctioned through the suctioning port 102 flows to the rear of the nozzle 1 through the air guide passage 130, and passes into the main body of the cleaner through the connecting tube 30.

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

[94] To clean a floor surface using steam, a user rotates the opening/closing device 60 to open the water inlet 115, after which water from the outside is supplied through the water inlet 115. Then, when an adequate quantity of water is filled in the steam case 112, the opening/closing device 60 is used to seal the water inlet 115.

[95] Here, as described above, the complete coupling of the opening/closing device 60 may be determined through friction from the interaction of the guiding ribs 624 and the guiding hook 670. [96] Next, when external power is supplied, the steam generator 110 operates. That is, the external power is supplied to the heater 118 for the heater 118 to radiate heat.

[97] When the heater 118 radiates heat, the water stored in the steam case 112 is heated.

Here, water that is directly heated by the heater 118 is not the entire quantity of water stored in the steam case 112, but only water around the heater 118.

[98] Steam generated by means of the heater 118 enters the steam discharging portion

160. Here, because the steam discharging portion 160 is elongated laterally, the steam within the steam discharging portion 160 is discharged laterally and through the plurality of steam discharging holes 162 at the bottom.

[99] The steam discharged to the outside through the steam discharging holes 162 is supplied to the cleaning member 50. When the cleaning member 50 becomes a water cleaning member by absorbing the hot steam and wipes a floor surface in this state, dust attached to the floor surface can easily be separated and removed by the cleaning member 50. Industrial Applicability

[100] According to the present embodiments, because a sound is emitted to the outside when the opening/closing device is completely coupled, a user can easily determine whether the opening/closing device has been completely coupled. Therefore, the present embodiments have a high industrial applicability.

Claims

[ 1 ] A cleaner comprising : a steam generator; a nozzle discharging steam generated by the steam generator; a water inlet supplying water to the steam generator; and an opening/closing device coupled to the water inlet, wherein the opening/closing device includes a first member, and a second member coupled to the first member, and the second member is rotated with respect to the first member when the opening/ closing device is coupled to the water inlet. [2] The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first member is coupled to the water inlet. [3] The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the opening/closing device comprises a signaling unit signaling to an outside when the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet. [4] The cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the signaling unit comprises: a guiding rib formed on one of the first member and the second member; and a guiding hook formed on the other of the first member and the second member. [5] The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first member comprises: a body coupled to the second member; and a grasping portion for a user to grasp. [6] The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the second member comprises: a coupling portion coupled to the first member; and an inlet coupling portion coupled to the water inlet. [7] A nozzle for a cleaner comprising an opening/closing device opening and closing a water inlet that supplies water to a steam generator, the opening/closing device comprising; a signaling unit signaling to an outside whether the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet. [8] The nozzle according to claim 7, wherein the opening/closing device further comprises: an inner frame coupled to the water inlet, and an outer frame rotapartly coupled to the inner frame. [9] The nozzle according to claim 8, wherein the inner frame comprises a catching hook coupling to the outer frame, and the outer frame comprises catching part on which the catching hook catches. [10] The nozzle according to claim 8, wherein the signaling unit comprises: a plurality of guiding ribs formed on one of the inner frame and the outer frame; and a plurality of guiding hooks formed on the other of the inner frame and the outer frame, the guiding hooks capable of being elastically biased. [11] The nozzle according to claim 10, wherein the guiding ribs are arranged at uniform intervals, and each guiding hook is disposed between an adjacent pair of the guiding ribs. [12] The nozzle according to claim 10, wherein the guiding hooks are elastically biased through pressure from the guiding ribs. [13] A nozzle for a cleaner comprising an opening/closing device opening and closing a water inlet that supplies water to a steam generator, the opening/closing device comprising; a plurality of frames, the frames moving with respect to one another to emit a predetermined signaling sound when the opening/closing device is completely coupled to the water inlet. [14] The nozzle according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of frames comprises: an inner frame coupled to the water inlet; and an outer frame rotatably coupled to the inner frame. [15] The nozzle according to claim 14, further comprising: a plurality of guiding ribs formed on one of the inner frame and the outer frame; and a plurality of guiding hooks formed on the other of the inner frame and the outer frame, wherein the guiding hooks are capable of being elastically biased. [16] The nozzle according to claim 15, wherein the guiding ribs press against the guiding hooks when the outer frame is rotated. [17] The nozzle according to claim 16, wherein the guiding ribs are arranged at uniform intervals, and each guiding hook is disposed between an adjacent pair of the guiding ribs.