Technical Field

[1] The present disclosure relates to a nozzle for a cleaner and, more particularly, to a nozzle for a cleaner, which is designed to reduce a time for generating steam by improving a steam generating unit provided in the nozzle. Background Art

[2] A cleaner performs cleaning using mechanical force to reduce human work. A variety of cleaners such as a vacuum cleaner, a water cleaner spraying water and sucking the water and air simultaneously, a steam cleaner removing foreign substances on a floor by spraying steam, and the like have been developed.

[3] Further, a vacuum steam cleaner that can simultaneously perform a vacuum cleaner function and a steam cleaner function is recently proposed.

[4] Meanwhile, a steam generating unit for generating steam is provided in a nozzle of the steam cleaner. A rag is attached to the steam generating unit and the steam generating unit is designed to remove the foreign substances on the floor using the steam supplied. A heater is provided in the steam generating unit to phase-change the water into the steam using high-temperature heat.

[5] The heater is provided beside a water tank in the steam generating unit. The steam generating unit is classified into a tank-heating type steam generating unit that generates the steam by heating whole water stored in the water tank and a pipe-heating type steam generating unit that generates the steam by supplying a small amount of water toward the heater.

[6] The tank-heating type steam generating unit has limitations in that it takes long time to generate the steam since it has to heat a large amount of water and a weight of the steam nozzle unit increases. Further, since it is not easy to separate the water tank from the steam generating unit, the likelihood of contaminating a water reservoir increases.

[7] Meanwhile, for the pipe-heating type steam generating unit, since a size and volume of the heater are small and thus water that is not phased-changed into the steam may be injected together with the steam. Therefore, the steam generation efficiency is deteriorated and the reliability of the product is also deteriorated.

[8] Further, since the pipe-heating type must have a pump for directing the water toward the heater, the manufacturing cost increase. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Embodiments provide a nozzle for a cleaner, which is designed to reduce a steam generation time by improving a structure of a steam generating unit.

[10] Embodiments also provide a nozzle for a cleaner, which is designed to reduce a weight thereof by simplifying a structure of a steam generating unit provided therein.

[11] Embodiments also provide a nozzle for a cleaner, which is designed such that a water tank is detachably provided in a steam generating unit and thus the water tank can be cleaned if needed. Technical Solution

[12] In one embodiment, a nozzle for a cleaner includes: a nozzle main body defining an exterior of the nozzle; and a steam generating unit provided in the nozzle main body and generating steam using water, wherein the steam generating unit includes: a water tank storing the water and having a tank cap that is selectively opened; a heating unit receiving the water from the water tank and heating the received water; and a water reservoir supplying the water from the water tank to the heating unit, wherein the water is introduced into the water reservoir unit internal pressure maintains a balance between the water tank and the water reservoir.

[13] In another embodiment, a nozzle for a cleaner includes: a nozzle main body defining an exterior of the nozzle; and a steam generating unit provided in the nozzle main body and generating steam using water, wherein the steam generating unit includes: a water tank storing the water and having a tank cap provided on a bottom thereof; a water reservoir receiving the water from the water tank; and a heating unit receiving the water from the water reservoir and heating the received water, wherein the water reservoir has a same water level as the heating unit.

[14] In still another embodiment, a nozzle for a cleaner includes: a nozzle main body defining an exterior of the nozzle; and a steam generating unit provided in the nozzle main body and generating steam using water, wherein the steam generating unit includes: a water tank storing the water and having a tank cap that is selectively opened; a water reservoir provided under the water tank and receiving the water from the water tank; and a heating unit receiving the water from the water reservoir and heating the received water, wherein the tank cap is opened in the course of coupling the water tank to the water reservoir to direct the water from the water tank to the water reservoir.

Advantageous Effects

[15] According to the embodiments, since a relatively small amount of the water is supplied from the water reservoir to the heating unit having the heater, a time for generating the steam can be reduced.

[16] In addition, since the steam generating unit is simplified by omitting a pump for pumping out the water or controller, a weight of the nozzle having the steam generating unit can be reduced.

[17] Furthermore, since the water tank is designed to be separated from the water reservoir, in a state of which the water is filled in the water tank and the water tank can be cleaned, the contamination of the interior of the water tank can be minimized. Brief Description of the Drawings

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

[19] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an internal structure of the cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1.

[20] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a steam generating unit according to an embodiment.

[21] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the steam generating unit of Fig. 3.

[22] Fig. 5 is a top plane view of the steam generating unit of Fig. 3.

[23] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steam generating unit of Fig. 3.

[24] Figs. 7 and 8 are views of a tank cap according to an embodiment.

[25] Fig. 9 is a view illustrating a coupling structure of the water tank and the tank cap according to an embodiment.

[26] Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an operation of the tank cap of Figs. 7 and 8.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[27] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[28] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner nozzle according to an embodiment, and Fig.

2 is a perspective view of an internal structure of the cleaner nozzle of Fig. 1.

[29] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a nozzle 1 for a cleaner in accordance with an embodiment includes a nozzle main body 10 defining an exterior of the nozzle 1 and provided with a seating portion 11, a nozzle cover 20 that is provided above the nozzle main body 10 to enclose an interior of the nozzle body 10, and a connecting unit that is provided at a side of the nozzle main body 10 to allow air sucked by the nozzle 1 to be directed toward a main body (not shown) of the cleaner.

[30] Although not shown in the drawings, the nozzle 1 is connected to the main body of the cleaner by an extension pipe and a connection hose. The connection unit 30 allows the nozzle 1 to be connected to the extension pipe.

[31] The nozzle main body 10 includes an air suction unit 12 for sucking the air containing dusts from the floor and a suction passage 13 along which the air sucked through the air suction unit 12 is directed to the connection unit 30.

[32] The suction passage 13 may extend rearward from the air suction unit 12.

[33] Further, a steam generating unit 100 for phase-changing the water supplied into steam is provided in the nozzle main body 10. The steam generating unit 100 may be disposed above or beside the suction passage 13.

[34] The steam generating unit 100 includes a water tank 110 for storing the water supplied, a water reservoir that is provided at a side of the water tank 110 and stores a predetermined amount of the water supplied from the water tank 110, and a heating unit 150 provided at a side of the water reservoir 130 and heating the water supplied from the water reservoir 130. [35] The following will describe a structure of the steam generating unit 100 with reference to the accompanying drawings. [36] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a steam generating unit according to an embodiment,

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the steam generating unit of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is a top plane view of the steam generating unit of Fig. 3. [37] Referring to Figs. 3 through 5, the steam generating unit 100 of an embodiment includes a water tank 110 for storing the water supplied, a water reservoir 130 that is provided at a side of the water tank 110 and stores a predetermined amount of the water supplied from the water tank 110, and a heating unit 150 provided at a side of the water reservoir 130 and generating the steam by heating the water supplied from the water reservoir 130.

[38] In more detail, the water tank 110 may be formed in a roughly a rectangular parallelepiped shape. A water storage space is defined in the water tank 110. [39] The water tank 110 is provided at a bottom thereof with an opening 112 through which the water stored in the water tank 110 is directed to the water reservoir 130. [40] Further, the bottom of the water tank 110 is inclined downward toward the opening

112. Accordingly, the water stored in the water tank 110 can be effectively directed toward the opening 112. [41] The tank opening 112 is provided with a tank cap 120 for selectively closing the opening 112. The tank cap 120 extends toward an interior of the water reservoir 130. [42] In more detail, the tank cap 120 includes a valve member 122 adjusting the supply of the water from the water tank 110 to the water reservoir 130 and a guide unit 123 for guiding movement of the valve member 122. [43] The water is detachably provided from the water reservoir 130. The user separates the water tank 110 and fills the water in the water tank 110, after which the user installs again the water tank 110. [44] Further, the steam generating unit 100 includes a seating plate 116 on which the water tank 110 seats. The seating plate 116 may be disposed at an identical plane to the top surface of the water reservoir 130. Fig. 3 illustrates a state immediately before the water tank 110 seats on the seating plate 116. [45] In addition, the seating plate 116 is provided with a fixing portion 117 for fixing the water tank 110 seating thereon. The fixing portion 117 may be provided in the form of a groove. [46] The water tank 110 is provided with a fixing protrusion 119 that is designed to be capable of locking with the fixing portion 117. The fixing protrusion 119 is bent to having a I -shape. [47] The fixing protrusion 119 is inserted into the fixing portion 117 in the course of seating the water tank 110 in the seating plate 116. The fixing protrusion 119 may be an elastic member. In this case, the fixing protrusion 119 may be elastically deformed during the coupling or separation of the water tank 110. [48] Further, a first leg 118 supporting the water tank 110 is provided under the seating plate 116. A plurality of the first legs 118 may be provided to correspond corners of the seating plate 116. [49] Further, the water reservoir is formed in a roughly a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

A size and volume of the water reservoir 130 may be less than those of the water tank

110. A second leg 138 for supporting the reservoir 130 is provided under the water reservoir 130. [50] The water reservoir 130 is provided with an opening 132 through which the water is supplied from the water tank 110. The reservoir opening 132 may be larger than that of the tank opening 112. [51] As the reservoir opening 132 is larger than that of the tank opening 112, the tank cap

120 can easily extend from a portion under the tank opening 112 toward the interior of the water reservoir 130. [52] Further, the water reservoir 130 is provided with a conflicting portion 135 mutually acting with the tank cap 120. The conflicting portion 135 protrudes upward from an inner bottom surface of the water reservoir 130. [53] Further, the water reservoir 130 is provided with an external air inlet 137 through which external air is introduced. When the air is introduced through the external air inlet 137, the interior of the water reservoir 130 maintains the atmospheric pressure. [54] A sealing member 114 is provided between the water tank 110 and the water reservoir 130 to prevent the water from leaking from the water reservoir 130. The sealing member 114 is disposed along an outer circumference of the water reservoir opening 132. [55] The heating unit 150 for heating the water introduced into the water reservoir 130 is provided at a side of the water reservoir 130. [56] The heating unit 150 may be formed in a roughly a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

A heater 151 generating the steam by heating the water is provided in the heating unit

150. The heater 151 may be disposed on a bottom of the heating unit 150. Here, the heater 151 may be a sheath heater, a PTC heater, a ceramic heater, or the like. [57] Although not shown in the drawings, a felt may be provided under the heater 151 to prevent the heat generated by the heater 151 from being transferred to a surface of the heating unit 150. That is, the felt may be referred to as a heat transfer preventing member.

[58] The felt may be disposed to surround the heater 151.

[59] Further, a heater coupling portion 154 to which the heater 151 is coupled is formed on a side surface of the heating unit 150. A side of the heater 151 may be coupled to the heater coupling portion 154. [60] In addition, the heating unit 150 is provided with a steam outlet 155 through which the generated steam is discharged. The steam outlet 155 is provided in the form of a pipe, a portion of which extends into the heating unit 150 and the rest of which protrudes to the external side. [61] That is, the steam outlet 155 is fitted through a surface of the heating unit 150.

Needless to say, the steam outlet 155 is fixed on the surface of the heating unit 1550. [62] Further, the steam outlet 155 is disposed on an upper portion of the heating unit 150.

In more detail, the steam outlet 155 may be disposed at a higher location than a central portion of the heating unit 150. This is because that the steam generated by the heater

151 is lighter than the water and thus intends to rise.

[63] As shown in Fig. 5, a plurality of steam outlets 155 may be provided.

[64] Meanwhile, an inlet 136 through which the water is introduced from the water reservoir 130 to the heating unit 150 is formed between the water reservoir 130 and the heating unit 150. As shown in Fig. 5, one or more inlets 136 may be formed on a side of the water reservoir 130. [65] In order to easily direct the water from the water reservoir 130 to the heating unit

150, the inlet 136 may be inclined downward toward the heating unit 150. That is, an undersurface of the water reservoir 130 is located at a higher position than an un- dersurface of the heating unit 150. [66] The following will describe a steam generating process by the steam generating unit

100.

[67] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the steam generating unit.

[68] Referring to Fig. 6, the water stored in the water tank 110 may be introduced into the water reservoir 130 through the tank opening 112. During this process, the valve member 122 of the tank cap 120 is opened. This will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [69] Further, the water stored in the water reservoir 130 is introduced into the heating unit

150 through the inlet 136. [70] The water in the water tank 110 may be introduced into the heating unit 150 through the water reservoir 130 according to Pascal's principle. [71] According to the Pascal's principle, pressure applied to fluid contained in an enclosed container is transferred from all portion of the fluid to a wall of the container without being reduced. [72] When the Pascal's principle is applied to the embodiment, the following formula (1) can be obtained.

L ' ^J V -U "tank ^" r P§Λwater_t_]ik — "air ^"■" P§flwater_reservoir

[74] The formula (1) shows that pressure maintains a balance between the water tank 110 and the water reservoir 130. The pressure of the water tank 110 is a sum of vacuum pressure in the tank and pressure by the water stored in the tank. The pressure of the water reservoir 130 is a sum of air pressure in the reservoir 130 and pressure by the water stored in the water reservoir 130. As described above, the air pressure in the reservoir remains as the atmospheric pressure.

[75] When the tank cap 120 is opened, the water in the water tank 110 falls down to the water reservoir 130 by gravity, i.e., by water pressure. During this process, the air in the water reservoir 130 is introduced into the water tank 110 through the tank cap 120.

[76] That is, when the water falls down to the water reservoir 130, a water level of the water reservoir 130 reaches to a predetermined level hi.

[77] After the above, as the water level of the water reservoir 130 increases and thus the water in the water reservoir 130 covers at least partly the tank cap 120, the air in the water reservoir 130 cannot be introduced into the water tank 110 through the tank cap 120.

[78] That is, when the water reservoir 130 increases to a water level h2, the water covers a lower opening of the tank cap 120, i.e., a water level determining portion 125 (see Fig. 7) and thus the air in the water reservoir 130 cannot be introduced into the water tank 110.

[79] At this point, vacuum pressure is formed in the water tank 110.

[80] In brief, the water level h2 means a height corresponding to the lower opening of the tank cap 120, i.e., the water level determining portion 125.

[81] In this state, the internal pressure of the water tank 110 becomes a sum of the vacuum pressure and water pressure by the water level and the internal pressure of the water reservoir 130 becomes a sum of the atmospheric pressure and the water pressure by the water level. That is, pressure maintains a balance between the water tank 110 and the water reservoir 130. "air + P§n _{water reservolr} = Pgn _w ater_boilmg + "steam&air

[83] The formula (2) shows that the pressure maintains a balance between the water tank

110 and the water reservoir 130. The internal pressure of the heating unit 150 becomes a sum of the pressure by the water in the heating unit 150 and steam/air pressure in the heating unit 150.

[84] That is, when there is no water in the heating unit 150 or there is a small amount of water in the heating unit, the water flows from the reservoir 130 to the heating unit 150 by a water level difference between the reservoir 130 and the heating unit 150. [85] Accordingly, the water level of the heating unit 150 may be determined by the water level of the water reservoir 130. [86] In brief, as the water stored in the water reservoir 130 flows to the heating unit 150 unit, the heating unit 150 has a same water level as the water reservoir 130. That is, when the heating unit 150 has the same water level as the water reservoir 130, no water flows to the heating unit 150. [87] By the above-described structure, the water in the water tank 110 can effectively flow to the heating unit 150. That is, there is no need for a pump or controller that can direct the water to the heating unit. Therefore, the water can be directed from the water tank to the heating unit 150 by the structure. [88] An operation and structure of the tank cap 120 that selectively directs the water from the water tank 110 to the water reservoir 130 will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. [89] Figs. 7 and 8 are views of the tank cap according to an embodiment, Fig. 9 is a view illustrating a coupling structure of the water tank and the tank cap according to an embodiment, and Fig. 10 is a view illustrating an operation of the tank cap of Figs. 7 and

8. [90] Referring to Figs. 7 through 10, the tank cap 120 according to an embodiment includes a cap body 121 defining an exterior of the tank cap 120, a valve member 122 that is provided above the cap body 121 and is selectively opened, a guide unit 123 for guiding movement of the valve member 122, and a spring 124 biasing the guide unit

123. [91] In more detail, the cap body 121 is provided with an inner unit 121a formed in an interior thereof and an outer unit 121b formed on an outer side of the inner unit 121a.

The inner and outer units 121a and 121b may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape. [92] The inner unit 121a is provided with opened top and bottom. Therefore, the water is directed from the upper end of the cap body 121 and discharged to the water reservoir

130 through the lower end of the cap body 121. [93] The outer unit 121b is designed to have a larger diameter than the inner unit 121a.

That is, at least a portion of the inner unit 121a is received in the outer unit 121b. [94] Further, the outer unit 121b is provided at an inner circumference thereof with a thread 12 Ie by which the tank cap 120 can be easily coupled to the water tank 110. [95] Further, the water tank 110 is provided with a coupling portion 117 (see Fig. 9) coupled to the thread 12 Ie. The coupling portion extends from an undersurface of the water tank 110 downward. Further, the coupling portion 117 is provided with a screw portion 117a screw-coupled to the thread 121e. [96] A receiving space 12 Id grooved in a lower portion of the inner unit 121a to receive at least a portion of the guide unit 123. The guide unit 123 moves in a vertical direction in the receiving space 12 Id.

[97] Further, the water level determining portion 125 is formed on a top of the receiving space 12 Id to determine the water level of the water reservoir 130. The water level determining portion 125 is opened so that the water and air can pass therethrough.

[98] The water level determining portion 125 is a location through which the water starts being discharged from the tank cap 120. The water level determining portion 125 has a corresponding height to the maximum water level h2. That is, when the water level of the water reservoir 130 is higher than the water level determining portion 125, the air in the water reservoir 130 cannot be directed to the water tank 110 through the water level determining portion 125.

[99] That is, the water level determining portion 125 defines a maximum water level of the water reservoir 130.

[100] Further, when the air is not introduced into the water tank 110, the water in the water tank 110 cannot be introduced into the water reservoir 130.

[101] Meanwhile, the guide unit 123 is movably provided in the inner unit 121a. The guide unit 123 is provided in the form of a bar extending in a vertical direction.

[102] A supporting protrusion 123 a allowing the guide unit 123 to be supported on the inner unit 121a is formed on an approximately central portion of the guide unit 123. The inner unit 121a is provided at a location corresponding to the supporting protrusion 123a with a supporting unit 121c. The supporting protrusion 123a is supported on a top of the supporting unit 121c.

[103] As the supporting protrusion 123a is supported on the supporting unit 121c, the separation or deformation of the guide unit 123 can be prevented.

[104] Further, the valve member 122 is fixed on an upper portion of the guide unit 123. The valve member 122 may be fitted around the guide unit 123.

[105] The coupling of the guide unit 123 and the valve member 122 is not specifically limited. For example, the valve member 122 may be coupled to the guide unit 123 by a coupling member or by a shrink- fitting manner.

[106] Meanwhile, a conflict responding unit 123b mutually acting with the conflict portion 135 is provided on a lower end of the guide unit 123. Here, the counter-conflicting unit 123b is formed at a corresponding location to the conflicting portion 135.

[107] In the course of coupling the water tank 110 to the water reservoir 130, the conflicting portion 135 closely contacts the counter-conflicting unit 123b to bias the counter-conflicting unit 123b.

[108] Further, when the water tank 110 is completely coupled to the water reservoir 130, the cap body 121 is lowered to a predetermined location but the guide unit 123 and the counter-conflicting unit 123b are restricted by the conflicting portion 135.

[109] During the above process, the spring 124 provided on the guide unit 123 is compressed. At this point, the supporting unit 121c moves in a direction in which the spring 124 is compressed, i.e., in a downward direction, and thus the supporting protrusion 123a moves away from the supporting unit 121c.

[110] Meanwhile, the spring 124 is provided around the guide unit 123 to bias the guide unit 123. The spring 124 has a first end fixed on the counter-conflicting unit 123b and a second end fixed on the inner unit 121a.

[I l l] Further, the inner unit 121a is provided with a spring fixing portion 12 If fixing the spring 124. The spring fixing portion 12 If is formed on an undersurface of the inner unit 121a.

[112] The spring 124 is compressed and restored during the movement of the guide unit 123 in the vertical direction.

[113] The following will describe an operation of the tank cap 120 with reference to Fig. 10.

[114] During the process for coupling the water tank 110 to the water reservoir 130, the lower end portion (i.e., the counter-conflicting unit 123b) of the tank cap 120 closely contacts the conflicting portion 135.

[115] Further, when the water tank 110 is completely coupled to the water reservoir 130, the cap body 121 moves downward to a predetermined location. However, the guide unit 123 is constricted by the conflicting unit 135 not to move downward as long as the cap body 121 moved downward. The counter-conflicting unit 123b maintains the close-contact state with the conflicting portion 135.

[116] In addition, the conflicting portion 135 applies reacting force Fl to the counter- conflicting unit 123b, in the course of which the spring 124 is compressed and the valve member 122 moves away from the top of the cap body 121 in a direction a.

[117] Then, the upper end of the cap body 121 is opened and the water in the water tank

110 flows downward through the upper end of the cap body 121. In addition, the water is introduced into the water reservoir 130 through the opened lower end of the cap body 121.

[118] The following will describe an operation of the steam generating unit of the embodiment.

[119] First, the water tank 110 is coupled to the tank cap 120. In this state, the valve member 122 of the tank cap 120 closes the tank opening 112.

[120] Further, the water tank 110 seats on the seating plate 116 and is thus coupled to the water reservoir 130.

[121] Then, the valve member 122 of the tank cap 120 spaces away from the cap body 121 and thus the water in the water tank 110 is introduced into the water reservoir 130 through the tank cap 120.

[122] As the water is introduced into the water reservoir 130, the water level of the water reservoir 130 increases. When the water level of the water reservoir 130 reaches to the water level h2, pressure maintains a balance between the water tank 110 and the water reservoir 130 and thus the water cannot be introduced into the water reservoir 130.

[123] Meanwhile, as the water level of the water reservoir 120 increases, the water level of the water reservoir 130 differs from that of the heating unit 150. The water in the water reservoir 130 is introduced into the heating unit 150 through the inlet 136 in accordance with the water level difference.

[124] The water introduced into the heating unit 150 is heated by the heater 151, in the course of which the steam is generated and discharged to the external side through a steam outlet 155.

[125] According to the above-described steam generating unit, since a relatively small amount of the water is introduced into the heating unit 150, the heating time can be shortened.

[126] Further, since the structure of the steam generating unit is simple, the weight of the nozzle in which the steam generating unit is provided can be reduced.

[127] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art. Industrial Applicability

[128] According to the embodiments, since a relatively small amount of water is supplied from the water reservoir to the heater, the steam generating time can be shortened and thus the industrial applicability is high.

[129]