U.S. patent application number 11/567363 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for cleaner and method for controlling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Choon Myun CHUNG, Hyoung Jun KIM, Jeong Ho LEE, Sung IL PARK.
Application Number | 20070124891 11/567363 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37747652 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070124891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Jeong Ho ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
CLEANER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME
Abstract
A cleaner is provided that includes a head having a base, which
is configured to face a surface to be cleaned, and an intermediate
connector detachably coupled to a bottom of the base at an upper
surface of the intermediate connector. Further, the intermediate
connector supports a cleaning member that is detachably coupled to
a lower surface of the intermediate connector. Additionally, the
cleaner also includes a first coupler to detachably couple the
intermediate connector to the bottom of the base.
Inventors: |
LEE; Jeong Ho; (Goyang-si,
KR) ; KIM; Hyoung Jun; (Seoul, KR) ; PARK;
Sung IL; (Anyang-si, KR) ; CHUNG; Choon Myun;
(Gwangmyeong-si, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBLUM & BERNSTEIN, P.L.C.
1950 ROLAND CLARKE PLACE
RESTON
VA
20191
US
|
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
20, Yoido-dong, Youngdungpo-gu
Seoul
KR
|
Family ID: |
37747652 |
Appl. No.: |
11/567363 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/320 ;
15/403 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 13/256 20130101;
A47L 11/34 20130101; A47L 9/0686 20130101; A47L 11/4086 20130101;
A47L 11/4044 20130101; A47L 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/320 ;
015/403 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/06 20060101
A47L009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 6, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0117973 |
Claims
1. A cleaner comprising: a head including a base configured to face
a surface to be cleaned; an intermediate connector detachably
coupled to a bottom of the base at an upper surface of the
intermediate connector, wherein the intermediate connector supports
a cleaning member that is detachably coupled to a lower surface of
the intermediate connector; and a first coupler that detachably
couples the intermediate connector to the bottom of the base.
2. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the first coupler
further comprises coupling grooves provided at either one of the
intermediate connector and the base, and coupling protrusions
provided at the other one of the intermediate connector and the
base, wherein the coupling protrusions correspond to the coupling
grooves, respectively.
3. The cleaner according to claim 2, wherein a magnetic force
couples the coupling protrusions and the coupling grooves.
4. The cleaner according to claim 3, wherein either one of each
coupling groove and each coupling protrusion is made of metal, and
the other one of each coupling groove and each coupling protrusion
is made of a magnetic material.
5. The cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate
connector includes a coupling releaser to release the coupling
between the intermediate connector and the base.
6. The cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the coupling releaser
is provided proximate a periphery of the intermediate connector,
and is located at a rear end of the head.
7. The cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: a steam
generator, which generates steam, provided on the base.
8. The cleaner according to claim 7, further comprising: an
injection guide, provided at a bottom of the base, that injects
steam generated by the steam generator into the cleaning
member.
9. The cleaner according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate
connector further comprises a guide hole that engages the injection
guide such that the intermediate connector is positioned on the
head.
10. The cleaner according to claim 9, wherein either one of the
guide hole and the injection guide has side surfaces formed with
side protrusions, and the other one of the guide hole and the
injection guide has side surfaces formed with insertion grooves
corresponding to the side protrusions.
11. The cleaner according to claim 10, wherein a magnetic force
couples the side protrusions and the insertion grooves.
12. The cleaner according to claim 7, further comprising: a water
tank that communicates with the steam generator to supply the steam
generator with water.
13. The cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: a second
coupler that couples the cleaning member and the intermediate
connector.
14. The cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising: an air
suction tube provided on the base, and configured to suck air
containing debris, which is present on the surface to be
cleaned.
15. A cleaner comprising: a cleaner including a fan-motor assembly
that sucks air; a dust collector detachably coupled to the cleaner
body, wherein the dust collector is configured to separate and
collect debris from the sucked air; a head including an air suction
tube that sucks air in accordance with an operation of the
fan-motor assembly, and a steam generator, which generates steam,
arranged at one side of the air suction tube; an intermediate
connector detachably coupled to a bottom of the head at an upper
surface of the intermediate connector, and the intermediate
connector supporting a cleaning member detachably coupled to a
lower surface of the intermediate connector; and a first coupler
that detachably couples the intermediate connector to a bottom of
the head.
16. The cleaner according to claim 15, further comprising: a
connector that detachably connects the cleaner body and the head,
to enable the cleaner to either simultaneously or selectively
perform a vacuum cleaning function to suck air and generate
steam.
17. The cleaner according to claim 15, further comprising; a
partition plate that prevents the steam from entering a base
opening formed through the bottom of the head to communicate with
the air suction tube.
18. A method for controlling a cleaner, comprising: coupling a
cleaning member, which is configured to clean a soiled surface, to
an intermediate connector; providing a head that is configured to
face the soiled surface; coupling the intermediate connector to a
bottom of the head; performing a steam cleaning operation to
steam-clean the soiled surface by injecting steam into the cleaning
member; and separating the intermediate connector from the head
after completion of the steam cleaning operation.
19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising:
performing a vacuum cleaning operation by sucking air containing
debris through an air suction tube mounted to the head, and
removing the debris from the sucked air.
20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the steam cleaning
operation and the vacuum cleaning operation are simultaneously or
selectively performed.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2005-117973, filed on Dec. 6, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a cleaner, and more
particularly, to a cleaner having a structure capable of achieving
easy coupling and separation of a cleaning member, and a method for
controlling the same.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, a vacuum cleaner sucks air containing foreign
matter such as dust, separates the foreign matter from the sucked
air, and collects the separated foreign matter. In the following
description, the function of such a vacuum cleaner to suck air and
to remove foreign matter from the sucked air will be referred to as
a "vacuum cleaning function".
[0006] The vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body, which includes
an air suction nozzle for sucking air, and a dust collector for
separating foreign matter from the sucked air, and collecting the
separated foreign matter, and a connecting tube for guiding the
foreign matter sucked through the suction nozzle to the cleaner
body.
[0007] An air suction unit, which generates an air suction force,
is installed in the cleaner body. The cleaner body also includes a
dust-collecting container mounting section arranged at a certain
position of the cleaner body, in order to mount the dust collecting
container in the cleaner body.
[0008] Traveling wheels are mounted to the cleaner body at opposite
sides of a rear portion of the cleaner body. A freely-rotatable
caster is mounted to a front portion of the bottom of the cleaner
body, for direction change of the cleaner body.
[0009] Meanwhile, a general steam cleaner is also known which is
configured to easily clean dirt strongly attached to a floor using
steam generated by heating a cleaning member contacting the floor
while supplying water to the cleaning member. In the following
description, the function of such a steam cleaner to clean a floor
using steam will be referred to as a "steam cleaning function".
[0010] Hereinafter, a conventional steam cleaner will be described
with reference to FIG. 1.
[0011] The steam cleaner shown in FIG. 1 includes a cleaner body 1,
a steam generator (not shown) installed in the cleaner body 1, and
adapted to generate steam, and an extension rod 2 functioning as a
handle when the user moves the cleaner body 1.
[0012] The steam generator includes a water container for supplying
water, and a heater for converting water into steam. The extension
rod extends from the top of the cleaner body 1 while being hingably
mounted to the cleaner body 1.
[0013] A dustcloth 3 for cleaning a floor is detachably attached to
the bottom of the cleaner body 1. The dustcloth 3 is heated by
steam generated by the steam generator, so that it contains
moisture. Thus, the dustcloth attached to the bottom of the cleaner
body 1 can effectively clean the contaminated floor while being
moved in accordance with movement of the cleaner body 1.
[0014] When the user desires to directly attach the dustcloth to
the bottom of the cleaner body 1, he lifts up the cleaner body 1,
and then lays the cleaner body 1 on the dustcloth. However, there
is a problem in the procedure of lifting up the cleaner body, and
laying the cleaner body on the dustcloth. That is, it is difficult
to attach the dustcloth to the bottom of the cleaner body 1 at a
correct position.
[0015] Furthermore, there is a drawback in that the cleaner body
may be too heavy to enable some users to lift up and move the
cleaner body. In addition, although the attachment of the dustcloth
to the bottom of the cleaner body may be achieved by overturning
the cleaner body, and attaching the dustcloth to the cleaner body,
without using the procedure of lifting up and moving the cleaner
body, the overturning procedure is inconvenient.
[0016] The above-mentioned steam cleaner further has a drawback in
that, when the user desires to separate the dustcloth from the
cleaner body after completion of cleaning, he/she must manually
perform the separation of the hot dustcloth.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a cleaner
and a method for controlling the same that substantially obviate
one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the
related art.
[0018] An object of the present invention is to provide a cleaner
and a method for controlling the same which are capable of easily
positioning a cleaning member of the cleaner at a correct position,
i.e., such that the cleaning member is properly positioned on, for
example, a head of the cleaner.
[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
cleaner and a method for controlling the same which are capable of
easily coupling and separating (i.e., detachably coupling) a
cleaner member for a steam cleaning operation.
[0020] Additional advantages, objects, and features of the
invention will be set forth in part in the description which
follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be
learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other
advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the
structure particularly pointed out in the written description and
claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.
[0021] To achieve these objects and other advantages and in
accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, a cleaner includes a head (body)
including a base facing a surface to be cleaned; an intermediate
connector separably coupled to a bottom of the base at an upper
surface of the intermediate connector, the intermediate connector
supporting a cleaning member separably (or detachably) coupled to a
lower surface of the intermediate connector, and adapted to clean
the surface to be cleaned; and a first coupler for separably
coupling the intermediate connector to the bottom of the base at a
correct position.
[0022] The first coupler may comprise coupling grooves provided at
one of the intermediate connector and the base, and coupling
protrusions provided at the other one of the intermediate connector
and the base. The coupling protrusions correspond with the coupling
grooves, respectively. However, it should be appreciated that any
suitable detachable coupling arrangement can be employed.
[0023] Additionally, the coupling protrusions and the coupling
grooves may be coupled together by a magnetic force.
[0024] One of each coupling groove and each coupling protrusion may
be made of a metal material. The other one of each coupling groove
and each coupling protrusion may be made of a magnetic
material.
[0025] The intermediate connector may include a coupling releaser
for releasing the coupling between the intermediate connector and
the base.
[0026] The coupling releaser may be arranged at (or proximate) a
peripheral portion of the intermediate connector positioned at the
rear of the head when viewing in an advance direction of the
head.
[0027] The cleaner may further comprise a steam generator arranged
on the base, and adapted to generate steam.
[0028] The cleaner may further comprise an injection guide provided
at the bottom of the base, and adapted to inject the steam
generated by the steam generator to the cleaning member.
[0029] The intermediate connector may further include a guide hole
engaging with the injection guide, for positioning of the
intermediate connector.
[0030] One of the guide hole and the injection guide may have side
surfaces formed with side protrusions. The other one of the guide
hole and the injection guide may have side surfaces formed with
insertion grooves corresponding to the side protrusions.
[0031] The side protrusions and insertion grooves may be coupled
together by a magnetic force.
[0032] The cleaner may further comprise a water tank communicating
with the steam generator, to supply water to the steam
generator.
[0033] The cleaner may further comprise a second coupler for
coupling the cleaning member and the intermediate connector.
[0034] The cleaner may further comprise an air suction tube
arranged or provided on the base, and adapted to suck air
containing foreign matter present on the surface to be cleaned.
[0035] In another aspect of the present invention, a cleaner
comprises a cleaner body including a fan-motor assembly for sucking
air, and forcibly causing the sucked air to flow; a dust collector
separably coupled to the cleaner body, and adapted to separate
foreign matter (or debris) from the sucked air and to collect the
separated foreign matter; a head including an air suction tube for
sucking air in accordance with an operation of the fan-motor
assembly, and a steam generator arranged at one side of the air
suction tube, and adapted to generate steam; an intermediate
connector separably coupled to a bottom of the head at an upper
surface of the intermediate connector, the intermediate connector
supporting a cleaning member separably (or detachably) coupled to a
lower surface of the intermediate connector, and adapted to clean
the surface to be cleaned, using the steam; and a first coupler for
separably (or detachably) coupling the intermediate connector to
the bottom of the head at a correct position.
[0036] The cleaner may further comprise a connector for separably
connecting the cleaner body and the head, to enable the cleaner to
simultaneously or selectively perform a vacuum cleaning function
for sucking air, to remove foreign matter from a contaminated (or
soiled) surface, and a steam cleaning function for cleaning the
contaminated surface using steam.
[0037] The cleaner may further comprise a partition plate for
preventing the steam from entering a base opening formed through
the bottom of the head to communicate with the air suction
tube.
[0038] In still another aspect of the present invention, a method
for controlling a cleaner includes coupling a cleaning member for
cleaning of a contaminated surface to an intermediate connector;
coupling the intermediate connector to a bottom of the head at a
correct position; performing a steam cleaning operation for
steam-cleaning the contaminated surface by injecting steam to the
cleaning member; and separating the intermediate connector from the
head after completion of the steam cleaning operation.
[0039] The method may further comprise performing a vacuum cleaning
operation by sucking air containing foreign matter (or debris)
through an air suction tube mounted to the head, and removing the
foreign matter from the sucked air.
[0040] The steam cleaning operation and the vacuum cleaning
operation may be simultaneously or selectively performed.
[0041] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description of the present
invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide
further explanation of the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The present invention is further described in the detail
description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of
drawings, by way of non-limiting examples of preferred embodiments
of the present invention, in which like characters represent like
elements throughout the several views of the drawings, and
wherein:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a conventional
steam cleaner;
[0044] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
cleaner according to the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating an inner
structure of a head shown in FIG. 2;
[0046] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view schematically
illustrating the head shown in FIG. 2;
[0047] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating coupling
of an intermediate connector to the head according to the present
invention; and
[0048] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating coupling
of a cleaning member to the intermediate connector according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for
purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing
what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood
description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present
invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural
details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary
for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the
description taken with the drawings making apparent to those
skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention
may be embodied in practice.
[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the present invention examples which are illustrated
in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0051] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a
cleaner according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention. Hereinafter, the cleaner according to the present
invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2.
[0052] The cleaner has both a steam cleaning function and a vacuum
cleaning function, and may operate to simultaneously or separately
achieve the steam cleaning function and the vacuum cleaning
function.
[0053] The cleaner includes a head 100 movable along a floor to be
cleaned, a cleaner body 300 separate from the head 100, and a
connector 200 for connecting the head 100 to the cleaner body
300.
[0054] The connector 200 also functions to guide contaminated air
sucked into the head 100 toward the cleaner body 300. The connector
200 includes a first coupling tube 210 directly coupled to the head
100, an extension tube 220 coupled to the first coupling tube 210,
and an extension tube handle 230 mounted to an upper end of the
extension tube 220. The connector 200 also includes a connecting
hose 240 coupled to the extension tube handle 230, and a second
connecting tube 250 for connecting the connecting hose 240 to the
cleaner body 300.
[0055] The first coupling tube 210 extends from the head 100. The
extension tube 220 has a telescopic tube structure such that it is
adjustable in length. A control panel 231 for controlling operation
of the cleaner is installed on the extension tube handle 230.
[0056] A portable power supply may be installed in the head 100.
Alternatively, the head 100 may be electrically connected to an
external power source. Accordingly, when it is desired to perform
only the steam cleaning function, it may be possible to use only
the head 100 under the condition in which the head 100 is separated
from the cleaner body 300 by separating the extension tube handle
230 from the connecting hose 240.
[0057] The first coupling tube 210, second coupling tube 250, and
extension tube 220 may be made of a hard material, whereas the
connecting hose 240 may be made of a flexible material. The first
coupling tube 210, extension tube 220, extension tube handle 230,
connecting hose 240, and second coupling tube 250 may be coupled to
one another in a hooking manner. Of course, the constituent
elements of the connector 200 may be threadedly coupled to one
another. Also, both the threadedly-coupling method and the hooking
method may be used.
[0058] A fan-motor assembly (not shown) is installed in the cleaner
body 300, in order to suck air, and thus, to forcibly cause the air
to flow. When a vacuum cleaning mode is set by the user, the
fan-motor assembly is operated, thereby causing foreign matter (or
debris) on the floor to be sucked into the head 100, together with
air.
[0059] A cleaner handle 310 is provided at the top of the cleaner
body 300, in order to allow the user to carry the cleaner body 300.
Wheels 320 are rotatably mounted to a rear portion of the cleaner
body 300 at opposite sides of the cleaner body 300, respectively,
to enable the cleaner body 300 to move smoothly along the
floor.
[0060] A freely-rotatable caster (not shown) is mounted to a front
portion of the bottom of the cleaner body 300, for direction change
of the cleaner body 300. A dust collector 330 is separably coupled
to the cleaner body 300 inside the cleaner body 300, in order to
separate foreign matter from the sucked air, and to collect the
separated foreign matter.
[0061] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view illustrating an inner
structure of the head in the cleaner of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a bottom
perspective view illustrating the head.
[0062] The head 100 includes a base 10 arranged to face the floor
to be cleaned, and a steam generator 20 arranged on the base 10 at
one side of the base 10, and adapted to generate steam. The head
100 also includes an air suction tube 30 functioning as an air
suction passage, and a water tank 40 for supplying water to the
steam generator 20.
[0063] An agitator (not shown) for shaking dust off a floor or a
carpet, a motor (not shown) for driving the agitator, and a belt
(not shown) for transmitting a rotating force from the motor to the
agitator may also be installed in the head 100.
[0064] The steam generator 20 includes a case 21 provided with an
water inlet and a steam outlet, and a heater (not shown) arranged
in the interior of the case.
[0065] The case 21 has a chamber defined in the case 21 to contain
a certain amount of water. The water inlet and steam outlet are
arranged at a substantially-upper portion of the case 21, in order
to prevent water from being outwardly discharged from the interior
of the case 21 through the water inlet, and to enable steam
generated in the case 21 to be smoothly discharged through the
steam outlet.
[0066] The heater is fitted into the case 21 from the outside of
the case 21. The steam generator may further include a water level
sensor for sensing the water level in the case 21.
[0067] The water level sensor senses a minimum water level and a
maximum water level, and sends the resultant data to a controller
for controlling the steam generator 20. Based on the data sent from
the water level sensor, the controller controls the steam generator
20.
[0068] The steam generator 20 is arranged or provided on the base
10 at one side of the base 10, whereas the water tank 40 is
arranged on the base 10 at the other side of the base 10 while
communicating with the steam generator 20. The air suction tube 30
is arranged on the base 10 at a central portion of the base 10,
namely, between the steam generator 20 and the water tank 40.
[0069] Auxiliary wheels (not shown) may be mounted to a front end
of the bottom of the base 10, for movement of the head 100. The
auxiliary wheels are received in wheel recesses 12 formed in the
bottom of the base 10, respectively.
[0070] The air suction tube 30 may communicate with a base opening
11. For example, the base opening 11 may be formed through a front
end of the bottom of the base 10 when viewing in a cleaning advance
direction of the cleaner.
[0071] An intermediate connector 50 may be mounted to a rear end of
the bottom of the base 10, as a medium for coupling the base 10 and
a coupling member. The intermediate connector 50 may be separably
(or detachably) coupled, at an upper surface thereof, to the bottom
of the base 10. The cleaning member may be coupled to a lower
surface of the intermediate connector 50. The cleaning member
performs cleaning using steam.
[0072] A partition plate 16 may be arranged between the base
opening 11 and the intermediate connector 50. The partition plate
16 functions to prevent steam discharged through the lower surface
of the intermediate connector 50 from entering the base opening
11.
[0073] The coupling of the base and intermediate connector will now
be described with reference to FIG. 5.
[0074] The intermediate connector 50 and base 10 may be coupled to
each other by a first coupler including, by way of non-limiting
example, elements designated reference numerals 15 and 55.
[0075] For Example, the first coupler may include coupling grooves
15 formed at the bottom of the base 10, and coupling protrusions 55
formed at the upper surface of the intermediate connector 50. Of
course, the coupling protrusions 55 may be formed at the bottom of
the base 10, and the coupling grooves 15 may be formed at the upper
surface of the intermediate connector 50.
[0076] One of each coupling groove 15 and each coupling protrusion
55 may be made of a metal material, whereas the other may be made
of a magnetic material, so that they are coupled to each other by a
magnetic force. Each coupling groove 15 and each coupling
protrusion 55 may be made of magnetic materials having opposite
polarities, respectively. Alternatively, one of each coupling
groove 15 and each coupling protrusion 55 may be made of a metal
material, whereas the other may be made of an electromagnet.
[0077] Accordingly, when the top of the head 100 is positioned near
the intermediate connector 50, the intermediate connector 50 may be
coupled to the head 100 by a magnetic force generated between the
coupling grooves 15 and the coupling protrusions 55. Since the
coupling grooves 15 and coupling protrusions 55 have corresponding
shapes, respectively, the intermediate connector 50 is
automatically positioned at a correct (i.e., the intermediate
connector 50 is positioned properly, e.g., so that it is aligned)
position on the head 100
[0078] An injection guide 13 is mounted to the bottom of the base
10, for injection of steam. In detail, the injection guide 13 is
mounted to the bottom of the base 10 such that it has a lower
surface flush with the lower surface of the intermediate connector
50. In one example, the injection guide 13 has the same thickness
as the intermediate connector 50. However, it should be appreciated
that the injection guide 13 may be provided having any suitable
shape or form. Of course, the injection guide 13 may be formed
integrally with the base 10.
[0079] A plurality of uniformly-spaced injection holes 13b may be
formed at the lower surface of the injection guide 13 such that
they communicate with the steam generator 20. In this regard, the
injection guide 13 extends in a width direction of the base 10 such
that it is perpendicular to the movement direction of the head 100
during a cleaning operation. The injection guide 13 may be engaged
in a guide hole 53 formed through the intermediate connector
50.
[0080] Side protrusions 13a having a certain shape are formed at
opposite side surfaces of the injection guide 13, in order to set
the coupling position of the intermediate connector 50. The side
protrusions 13a are engaged in insertion grooves 53a provided at
opposite side surfaces of the guide hole 53 of the intermediate
connector 50. Of course, the side protrusions 13a and insertion
grooves 53a may be coupled to each other by a magnetic force
[0081] Thus, the intermediate connector 50 may be attached to the
bottom of the base 10 not only by the magnetic force exerted
between the coupling protrusions 55 and the coupling grooves 15,
but also by the magnetic force exerted between the side protrusions
13a and the insertion grooves 53a. Also, since the side protrusions
13a and insertion grooves 53a have corresponding shapes, similarly
to the coupling protrusions 55 and coupling grooves 15, the
intermediate connector 50 can be more reliably positioned at the
correct position thereof.
[0082] of course, it should be appreciated that, the coupling
protrusions 55 provided at the bottom of the base 10 and the
coupling grooves 15 provided at the intermediate connector 50 may
be coupled in an interference fit manner. Alternatively, the first
coupler for the coupling between the base 10 and the intermediate
connector 50 may include hooks formed at the bottom of the base 10,
and hook grooves formed at the upper surface of the intermediate
connector 50 such that the hook grooves engage with the hooks.
[0083] Alternatively, packing members each having a groove with a
certain shape may be formed at the bottom of the base 10, and
coupling protrusions may be formed at the upper surface of the
intermediate connector 50 such that the coupling protrusions are
interference-fit in (or closely interfit) the grooves of the
packing members, respectively. In addition, the base 10 and
intermediate connector 50 may be coupled to each other by
corresponding loops respectively formed at the base 10 and
intermediate connector 50. Thus, the coupling between the base 10
and the intermediate connector 50 may be achieved using a variety
of couplers, and the present invention is not limited to the
above-described examples.
[0084] A coupling releaser may be provided at (or proximate) the
intermediate connector 50, in order to release the coupling of the
intermediate connector 50 to the base 10. The coupling releaser is
a device for releasing the magnetic force exerted between the
intermediate connector 50 and the base 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, a pedal 57 provided at a portion of the peripheral edge
of the intermediate connector 50 is used as the coupling releaser
for releasing the coupling between the intermediate connector 50
and the base 10. The pedal 57 is outwardly protruded from the
peripheral edge of the intermediate connector 50, and has a shape
corresponding to the foot shape of the user.
[0085] When the user depresses the pedal 57, the intermediate
connector 50 is separated (or decoupled) from the base 10.
Preferably, the pedal 57 is arranged at a rear portion of the
peripheral edge of the intermediate connector 50 when viewing in
the advance direction of the head 100. This is because the user is
positioned at the rear of the head 100 in the advance direction of
the head 100 during and after a cleaning operation.
[0086] Of course, when the intermediate connector 50 and base 10
are coupled using an electromagnet, the coupling releaser may be an
electric device for cutting off supply of electric power.
[0087] Hereinafter, the coupling between the cleaning member and
the intermediate connector will be described with reference to FIG.
6. For a steam cleaning operation, the intermediate connector 50
and cleaning member 60 are coupled to each other by a second
coupler, for example, including elements designated reference
numerals 51 and 61. For the cleaning member 60, any member may be
used, including a member capable of containing moisture provided
from steam and cleaning a floor. In the illustrated non-limiting
embodiment, a dustcloth is shown as the cleaning member for a steam
cleaning operation.
[0088] In one non-limiting example, the second coupler includes
male Velcro members 51 mounted to the lower surface of the
intermediate connector 50, and a female Velcro member 61 mounted to
an upper surface of the cleaning member 60. The male Velcro members
51 are arranged along a peripheral portion of the intermediate
connector 50 while being spaced apart from one another by a
predetermined distance.
[0089] The cleaning member 60 has a dustcloth portion 63 for
actually cleaning the floor. The user can couple the cleaning
member 60 to the head 100 by coupling the cleaning member 60 to the
intermediate connector 50, and then coupling the intermediate
connector 50 to the base 10.
[0090] The Velcro members may be mounted only to the lower surface
of the intermediate connector 50. In this case, the cleaning member
may be made of a material easily attachable to the Velcro members.
Also, the cleaning member and intermediate connector may be coupled
together by a coupler such as a rubber string.
[0091] For example, the rubber string is inserted into the cleaning
member 60 such that it extends along a peripheral portion of the
cleaning member 60. The cleaning member 60 is coupled to the
intermediate connector 50 such that the peripheral portion of the
cleaning member 60, in which the rubber string is inserted,
encloses the peripheral portion of the intermediate connector.
Alternatively, an elastic member such as a rubber string may be
used to bind the cleaning member in a state in which the cleaning
member encloses the intermediate connector. Thus, the coupling
between the intermediate connector 50 and the cleaning member 60
may be achieved using a variety of couplers, and the present
invention is not limited to the above-described examples.
[0092] Hereinafter, the procedure for coupling the cleaning member,
intermediate connector, and base will be described with reference
to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0093] For example, the user may first couple the cleaning member
60 for cleaning of a contaminated floor to the intermediate
connector 50. In this case, the user can easily perform the
coupling between the cleaning member 60 and the intermediate
connector 50 because the male Velcro members 51 are provided at the
intermediate connector 50, and the female Velcro member 61 is
provided at the cleaning member 60.
[0094] Next, the user moves the head 100 such that the top of the
head 100 is positioned near the intermediate connector 50. At this
time, a magnetic force is exerted between the coupling protrusions
55 formed at the intermediate connector 50 and the coupling grooves
15 formed at the bottom of the base 10, so that the coupling
protrusions 55 and coupling grooves 15 attract each other.
[0095] As a result, the coupling protrusions 55 and coupling
grooves 15 are coupled together at correct positions (e.g., so that
they are properly aligned) thereof because they have corresponding
shapes, respectively. At this time, the guide hole 53 of the
intermediate connector 50 and the injection guide 13 are
automatically engaged with each other. At the same time, the
insertion grooves 53a provided at the side surfaces of the guide
hole 53 and the side protrusions 13a formed at the side surfaces of
the injection guide 13 are automatically coupled together.
[0096] Accordingly, the intermediate connector 50 and base 10 are
correctly coupled together in accordance with not only the coupling
between the coupling protrusions 55 and the coupling grooves 15,
but also the coupling between the insertion grooves 53a and the
side protrusions 13a.
[0097] After completion of the coupling of the intermediate
connector 50 to the bottom of the base 10, the user operates the
cleaner. When it is desired to perform only the steam cleaning
function, only the head 100 is driven to generate steam. On the
other hand, when it is desired to perform both the steam cleaning
function and the vacuum cleaning function, the user operates the
cleaner to drive not only the head 100, but also the fan-motor
assembly of the cleaner body 300.
[0098] Accordingly, air containing foreign matter (or debris) is
sucked into the air suction tube 30, so that the foreign matter is
separated from the sucked air in the cleaner body 300. Dirt
strongly attached to the floor to be cleaned is removed by the
cleaning member 60 heated by steam.
[0099] After completion of the cleaning operation, the user
depresses the pedal 57 provided at the intermediate connector 50,
thereby causing the intermediate connector 50 to be separated from
the head 100. Accordingly, the user can separate the cleaning
member 60 from the head 100 without directly contacting the hot
cleaning member 60.
[0100] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus,
it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications
and variations of this invention provided they come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0101] The cleaner having the above-described configuration has the
following effects.
[0102] First, in the case where the cleaning member is first
coupled to the intermediate connector, and then the intermediate
connector is coupled to the base of the head, there is an advantage
in that it is unnecessary to attach the cleaning member to the head
after overturning the head.
[0103] Second, there is an advantage in that it is possible to
conveniently attach the cleaning member to the head because the
intermediate connector supporting the cleaning member is coupled to
the head by a magnetic force. There is another advantage in that
the head and intermediate connector are coupled together at correct
positions thereof in accordance with the coupling between the
coupling grooves and coupling protrusions having corresponding
shapes and the coupling between the side protrusions and insertion
grooves having corresponding shapes.
[0104] Third, there is an advantage in that it is unnecessary for
the user to directly contact the cleaning member by hand when the
cleaning member should be separated from the head after completion
of the cleaning operation, because the pedal is provided at one
side of the intermediate connector.
[0105] It is further noted that the foregoing examples have been
provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to
be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the
present invention has been described with reference to a preferred
embodiment, it is understood that the words which have been used
herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words
of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the
appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without
departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its
aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein
with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the
present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars
disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all
functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are
within the scope of the appended claims.
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