Mop module for cleaner

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mop module of a cleaner, the mop module comprising: a module housing; a water tank coupled to the module housing and storing water therein; at least one or more rotary cleaning units disposed at a lower side of the module housing and to which a mop is capable of being coupled; and a heating generator for heating water supplied from the water tank. The heating generator includes a heating chamber in which a flow path through which moisture flows is formed, and a heater disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber and supplying heat to the heating chamber. Since a plurality of the heaters are provided and are operated independently of each other, there is an effect that an operating time of the heating generator can be maintained for a long period of time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mop module for a cleaner, and more particularly, to a mop module for a cleaner that sucks up dust or foreign substances or wipes a cleaning target area by discharging water onto a mop.[Background Art]

[0002] A cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by sucking up or wiping dust or foreign substances in a cleaning target area.

[0003] Such cleaners may be classified into manual cleaners, in which a user performs cleaning while directly moving the cleaner, and automatic cleaners, which perform cleaning while driving by themselves.

[0004] In addition, manual cleaners may be classified into canister-type cleaners, upright-type cleaners, handheld cleaners, and stick-type cleaners depending on the shape of the cleaner.

[0005] Methods for cleaning a floor are largely divided into dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning by sweeping or sucking up dust, and conventional vacuum cleaners correspond thereto. Wet cleaning is a method of cleaning by wiping away dust with a wet mop.

[0006] Conventionally, a dry-only cleaner was used for dry cleaning, and a wet-only cleaner was used for wet cleaning. However, there was an inconvenience in having to purchase two types of cleaners to clean various types of floors. To solve the above-described problem, a method has been studied in which a single main body, a dry cleaning module, and a wet cleaning module are provided, such that the dry cleaning module is mounted on the main body to perform dry cleaning, and the wet cleaning module (mop module) is mounted on the main body to perform wet cleaning.

[0007] However, during wet cleaning, if foreign substances are stuck to the floor, the foreign substances may still remain even if the floor is wiped by rotating a mop in which water is absorbed.

[0008] In addition, when microorganisms or the like propagate on the floor, there is a limitation in that the microorganisms may not be completely sterilized even if the floor is wiped by rotating a mop in which water is absorbed.

[0009] To solve this, a method of supplying high-temperature water or steam to the mop by heating water through a heater may be considered.

[0010] In this case, a steam mop module includes a water tank for storing water, a heater for generating steam by heating water, and a mop for wiping the floor by receiving water or steam. Here, it is preferable that each component is configured as a single assembly to facilitate replacement. For example, when the water tank or the heater is disposed in the main body, there is a problem in that cleaning becomes inconvenient due to the weight of the water tank or the heater, which are unnecessary components during dry cleaning. Therefore, it is preferable that the water tank or the heater be disposed in the steam mop module rather than the main body of the cleaner in terms of ease of cleaning, ease of module replacement, and space utilization.

[0011] Korean Registered Patent No. KR1609444B1 (published on March 30, 2016) discloses a water cleaner equipped with a steam generating means.

[0012] In the above water cleaner, both a water supply port and a steam discharge port are disposed on an upper side of the steam generating means, and the water supply port and the steam discharge port are connected by a U-shaped pipe.

[0013] As such, in a conventional heating generator, a discharge port for discharging steam is generally disposed on an upper side of the heating generator.

[0014] However, even if steam is to be supplied to the mop, the steam heated in the heater has a relatively lower density than water and thus rises upward, which may cause a limitation in that water, rather than steam, is mainly supplied to the mop disposed at a lower side of the heater.

[0015] In addition, while the mop module moves along the floor surface, the heater may shake, causing a limitation in that water flowing inside the heater may not be sufficiently heated and may be discharged to the mop.

[0016] Furthermore, since the above cleaner has a single heater connected to a single power source, high power must be supplied to the mop module when heating water, which may cause a limitation in that cleaning time may be restricted.[Summary of Invention] [Technical Problem]

[0017] The present invention has been made to improve the problems of the mop module of the conventional cleaner as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a mop module for a cleaner that increases sterilization and foreign substance removal effects by supplying high-temperature water or steam to a mop.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner in which water introduced into a heating generator can be heated to a target temperature while flowing.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of maintaining a long operating time of a heating generator.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of preventing a heating generator from being overheated.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of adjusting a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to a mop according to selection.[Technical Solution]

[0022] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, a mop module of a cleaner for wiping and cleaning foreign substances on a floor surface includes: a module housing; a water tank coupled to the module housing and storing water therein; at least one or more rotary cleaning units disposed at a lower side of the module housing and to which a mop is capable of being coupled; and a heating generator for heating water supplied from the water tank. The heating generator includes a heating chamber in which a flow path through which moisture flows is formed, and a heater disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber and supplying heat to the heating chamber, wherein a plurality of the heaters are provided and are capable of being independently operated.

[0023] In this case, the mop module of the cleaner of the present invention further includes a module battery for supplying power to the heating generator, wherein the module battery is capable of supplying power to any one of the plurality of heaters.

[0024] In this case, any one of the plurality of heaters is capable of receiving power from a main battery provided in a cleaner main body.

[0025] In addition, the plurality of heaters are capable of receiving power from different batteries.

[0026] Meanwhile, the heating generator may include a temperature detection unit for measuring a temperature of the heating chamber.

[0027] In this case, the temperature detection unit is disposed inside the heating chamber, and the temperature detection unit may be disposed at a position facing at least a part of each of the plurality of heaters with respect to a bottom surface of the heating chamber.

[0028] The heater may include a first heater receiving power from the main battery provided in the cleaner main body and a second heater receiving power from the module battery.

[0029] Meanwhile, the heater may further include a heater housing for accommodating the first heater and the second heater therein.

[0030] In this case, the heater housing may have a separation wall formed therein to partition a space between the first heater and the second heater.

[0031] Meanwhile, a heating wire of the first heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times at regular intervals, and a heating wire of the second heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times and may be disposed between segments of the heating wire of the first heater.

[0032] Meanwhile, the first heater and the second heater are capable of being selectively operated.

[0033] Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater are capable of being simultaneously operated.

[0034] Meanwhile, when the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit is a preset reference temperature or higher, an operation of the first heater or the second heater may be stopped.[Advantageous Effects]

[0035] As described above, according to the mop module for a cleaner according to the present invention, sterilization and foreign substance removal effects can be increased by supplying high-temperature water or steam to a mop through a heater.

[0036] In addition, since a flow guide wall and a flow delay protrusion are formed in a heating chamber, water introduced into a heating generator can be heated to a target temperature while flowing.

[0037] In addition, a plurality of heaters are respectively connected to a main battery of a main body and a module battery of the mop module and are independently controlled, thereby maintaining a long operating time of the heating generator.

[0038] In addition, the present invention is effective in providing a mop module for a cleaner capable of adjusting a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to the mop according to selection by measuring a temperature through a temperature detection unit and controlling the heater.[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view for describing a mop module in the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top view of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for describing the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a diffuser of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a state in which an upper cover is removed from the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Description of Embodiments]

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] As the present invention may be subject to various changes and have several embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be construed to include all changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are a combined perspective view and an exploded perspective view for describing a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a rear side, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In the present specification, a "floor surface" may be understood as meaning not only a floor surface of a living room or a room but also a cleaning surface such as a carpet.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, a cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner main body 400 equipped with a suction motor for generating suction force, a mop module 100 connected to the cleaner main body 400 for sucking up air and foreign substances on the floor surface and wiping the floor surface to perform cleaning, and an extension pipe 300 connecting the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100.

[0045] The mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a module housing 110 and a connection pipe 180 movably connected to the module housing 110.

[0046] The mop module 100 of the present embodiment may be used by being connected to, for example, a handheld cleaner or a canister-type cleaner.

[0047] That is, the mop module 100 may be detachably connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300. As the mop module 100 is connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300, a user may clean the floor surface using the mop module 100. In this case, the cleaner main body 400 to which the mop module 100 is connected may separate dust from air in a multicyclone manner.

[0048] The mop module 100 may be operated by receiving power from the cleaner main body 400. Specifically, the mop module 100 may be operated by receiving power from a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400.

[0049] Since the cleaner main body 400 to which the mop module 100 is connected includes a suction motor (not shown), suction force generated by the suction motor (not shown) may be applied to the mop module 100.

[0050] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the mop module 100 may perform a role of sucking up foreign substances and air on the floor surface and guiding the same to the cleaner main body 400.

[0051] The connection pipe 180 is connected to a rear central portion of the module housing 110 and may guide the sucked air to the cleaner 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] To facilitate understanding, when directions of the present embodiment are defined, a part of the mop module 100 to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as a rear side (rear) of the mop module 100, and a side opposite to the part to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as a front side (front) of the mop module 100. A direction connecting the front and the rear may be referred to as a forward-backward direction.

[0053] In addition, based on a view toward an inlet 113a from the connection pipe 180, a left side of a flow path forming portion 113 may be referred to as a left side (left) of the mop module 100, and a right side of the flow path forming portion 113 may be referred to as a right side (right) of the mop module 100. A direction connecting the left and the right may be referred to as a left-right direction. The left-right direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the forward-backward direction on a horizontal plane.

[0054] In addition, based on a state in which the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, that is, a state in which a mop 150 is placed on the floor surface to wipe the floor surface, a direction getting closer to the floor surface may be referred to as a lower side or a downward direction, and a direction getting away from the floor surface may be referred to as an upper side or an upward direction.

[0055] The mop module 100 may further include a rotary cleaning unit 140 rotatably provided at a lower side of the module housing 110. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be a rotary plate formed in a disk shape.

[0056] For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be provided in a pair and arranged in the left-right direction. In this case, the pair of rotary cleaning units 140 may be independently rotated. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second rotary cleaning unit 142.

[0057] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be coupled to the mop 150. The mop 150 may be formed in, for example, a disk shape. The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 and a second mop 152.

[0058] In a state where the mop 150 is placed on the floor surface, the mop 150 is brought into close contact with the floor surface by a load of the mop module 100, and thus frictional force between the mop 150 and the floor surface increases.

[0059] The module housing 110 forms an outer appearance of the mop module 100, and an inlet 113a for sucking air may be formed therein. The inlet 113a may be formed at, for example, a front end portion of a lower surface of the module housing 110. The inlet 113a may be formed to extend in the left-right direction from the module housing 110.

[0060] The module housing 110 may include a lower housing 111 and an upper housing 112 coupled to an upper side of the lower housing 111.

[0061] The lower housing 111 may have the rotary cleaning unit 140 mounted thereon and may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100.

[0062] The lower housing 111 may include a bottom surface 111a to which the rotary cleaning unit 140 is coupled. In this case, a lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a is arranged to face the floor surface in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, and a moisture supply unit 130, a heating generator 200, and a driving motor 170 may be provided on an upper side surface of the bottom surface 111a.

[0063] An inlet 113a may be formed in the lower housing 111. Specifically, the inlet 113a may be formed in the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111. The inlet 113a means a space into which air containing dust may be introduced. With this configuration, when a suction motor (not shown) of the cleaner main body 400 is operated, dust and air existing around the floor surface may be sucked into a flow path of the mop module 100 through the inlet 113a.

[0064] The lower housing 111 may be provided with a board installation part in which a printed circuit board 190 for controlling the driving motor 170 is installed. For example, the board installation part may be formed in a hook shape extending upward from the lower housing 111.

[0065] Without being limited thereto, the board installation portion may be located at one side of the flow path forming portion 113 in the lower housing 111. For example, the printed circuit board 190 may be disposed at a position adjacent to a first manipulation portion 191 and a second manipulation portion 192. Accordingly, a switch installed on the printed circuit board 190 can detect manipulation of the first manipulation portion 191 and the second manipulation portion 192.

[0066] A nozzle hole (not shown) through which a diffuser 137 passes may be formed in the lower housing 111. Water or steam (water vapor) that has passed through the heating generator 200 and the diffuser 137 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the nozzle hole (not shown).

[0067] Meanwhile, a light emitting module 160 may be provided in the lower housing 111. Specifically, the light emitting module 160 may be provided on a front surface of the lower housing 111.

[0068] The upper housing 112 covers an upper side of the lower housing 111 and may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100 of the present invention.

[0069] In addition, the module housing 110 may further include a flow path forming portion 113 that communicates with the inlet 113a and forms a flow path for guiding air introduced from the inlet 113a to the cleaner main body 400.

[0070] The flow path forming portion 113 may be coupled to an upper central portion of the lower housing 111, and an end thereof may be connected to the connection pipe 180.

[0071] Accordingly, since the inlet 113a may extend in a substantially linear shape in a forward-backward direction by an arrangement of the flow path forming portion 113, a length of the inlet 113a may be minimized, and thus a flow path loss in the mop module 100 may be minimized.

[0072] A front part of the flow path forming portion 113 may cover an upper side of the inlet 113a. The flow path forming portion 113 may be arranged to be inclined upward from a front end portion toward a rear side. That is, an upper side surface of the flow path forming portion 113 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface. In addition, the upper side surface of the flow path forming portion 113 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0073] Accordingly, a height of the front part of the flow path forming portion 113 may be formed lower than that of a rear part thereof.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, since the height of the front part of the flow path forming portion 113 is low, there is an advantage in that a height of a front part among the total height of the mop module 100 can be reduced. As the height of the mop module 100 is lower, a possibility of cleaning by entering a narrow space under furniture, a chair, or the like increases.

[0075] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the heating generator 200 may be disposed on an upper side of the flow path forming portion 113. With this configuration, the heating generator 200 may be stably supported while being arranged to form a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.

[0076] A blocker 114 is disposed on a lower side surface of the lower housing 111 (a lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a). The blocker 114 partitions a front space where the inlet 113a is disposed and a rear space where the mop 150 is disposed, thereby blocking moisture released from the mop 150 from diffusing to the inlet 113a. For example, the blocker 114 may include a central portion 114a and an extension portion 114b. In this case, a pair of extension portions 114b may be symmetrically connected to both ends with respect to the central portion 114a. The central portion 114a is disposed at a rear of the inlet 113a to block moisture from flowing toward the inlet 113a. The extension portion 114b may be provided in an arc shape to surround the circular mop 150.

[0077] A plurality of rollers for smooth movement of the mop module 100 may be provided on the lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0078] For example, a front roller 115 may be located in front of the mop 150 in the lower housing 111. The front roller 115 may include a first roller 115a and a second roller 115b. The first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0079] The first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may be rotatably connected to respective shafts. The shafts may be fixed to a lower side of the lower housing 111 while being arranged to extend in the left-right direction.

[0080] A distance between the shaft and a front end portion of the lower housing 111 is longer than a minimum distance between the mop 150 and the front end portion of the lower housing 111.

[0081] For example, at least a part of the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located between the shaft of the first roller 115a and the shaft of the second roller 115b.

[0082] According to this arrangement, the rotary cleaning unit 140 can be located as close to the inlet 113a as possible, and an area cleaned by the rotary cleaning unit 140 among the floor surface where the mop module 100 is located increases, thereby improving floor cleaning performance.

[0083] In the present embodiment, since the first roller 115a and the second roller 115b are coupled to the lower side of the lower housing 111, mobility of the mop module 100 can be improved.

[0084] A third roller 116 may be further provided in the lower housing 111. Accordingly, the first roller 115a and the second roller 115b, together with the third roller 116, can support the mop module 100 in a three-point manner. In this case, the third roller 116 may be located at a rear of the mop 150 so as not to interfere with the mop 150.

[0085] A cooling air inlet 117 may be formed in the lower housing 111. External air may be introduced into the module housing 110 through the cooling air inlet 117. In addition, the cooling air inlet 117 may be formed on a front side wall of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the mop module 100 moves forward by a user's manipulation, an inflow amount of air can be increased.

[0086] A cooling air discharge port 118 may be formed in the upper housing 112. Air inside the module housing 110 may be discharged to the outside through the cooling air discharge port 118. In addition, the cooling air discharge port 118 may be formed on both side walls of the upper housing 112. With this configuration, air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117 can be guided to pass through the driving motor 170 in a process of flowing toward the cooling air discharge port 118, which is advantageous in preventing overheating of the driving motor 170.

[0087] Based on a state where the lower housing 111 is placed on the floor surface, the cooling air discharge port 118 may be disposed further from the ground than the cooling air inlet 117. With this configuration, air heated inside the module housing 110 rises and can be effectively discharged to the cooling air discharge port 118.

[0088] The mop module 100 may further include a water tank 120 so as to supply moisture to the mop 150.

[0089] The water tank 120 may be detachably connected to the module housing 110. Specifically, the water tank 120 may be coupled to an upper side of the upper housing 112. For example, the water tank 120 may be mounted on a water tank seating portion formed on an upper side surface of the upper housing 112.

[0090] In addition, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating generator 200. Specifically, the water tank 120 is disposed to be spaced apart from the heating generator 200 at an upper portion of the heating generator 200. That is, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating generator 200 with the upper housing 112 interposed therebetween.

[0091] In a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110, the water tank 120 may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100.

[0092] Substantially, the entire upper side wall of the water tank 120 may form an upper surface appearance of the mop module 100. Accordingly, a user can visually check whether the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110.

[0093] The module housing 110 may further include a water tank release button manipulated to separate the water tank 120 in a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110. For example, the water tank release button may be located at a central portion of the mop module 100. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a user can easily recognize the water tank release button and manipulate the water tank release button.

[0094] In a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110, water in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150. Specifically, the water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the moisture supply unit 130.

[0095] Specifically, a space for storing water is formed inside the water tank 120. The water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the heating generator 200 through at least one or more pipes (hoses). Water introduced into the heating generator 200 may be heated, and it is also possible for the water to be phase-changed into steam (water vapor) according to a user's selection. Water or steam heated in the heating generator 200 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the diffuser 137.

[0096] The water tank 120 includes a water supply port. The water supply port is a hole through which water is introduced into the water tank 120. For example, the water supply port may be formed on a side surface of the water tank 120.

[0097] The water tank 120 includes a water drain port. The water drain port is a hole through which water stored in the water tank 120 is discharged. The water discharged from the water drain port may flow to the heating generator 200. The water drain port may be formed on a lower surface of the water tank 120.

[0098] The water tank 120 includes an air hole. The air hole is a hole through which air can be introduced into the water tank 120. When water stored inside the water tank 120 is discharged to the outside, pressure inside the water tank 120 decreases, and air may be introduced into the water tank 120 through the air hole to compensate for the decreased pressure. For example, the air hole may be formed at an upper end of the water tank 120.

[0099] The mop module 100 of the present invention may include a moisture supply unit 130 in which a flow path for supplying water introduced from the water tank 120 to the mop 150 is formed.

[0100] Specifically, the moisture supply unit 130 may include a water tank connection portion 131 for introducing water from the water tank 120 into the module housing 110, a water inflow pipe 132 for supplying the water introduced into the water tank connection portion 131 to a water pump 133, a guide pipe 134 for supplying water from the water pump 133 to a T-shaped connector, and a water supply pipe 135 for supplying water introduced into the connector to the heating generator 200.

[0101] The water tank connection portion 131 may operate a valve (not shown) in the water tank 120, and water can flow.

[0102] The water tank connection portion 131 may be coupled to a lower side of the upper housing 112, and a part thereof may pass through the upper housing 112 to protrude upward.

[0103] When the water tank 120 is seated on the upper housing 112, the water tank connection portion 131 protruding upward may pass through the discharge port of the water tank 120 to be introduced into the water tank 120.

[0104] A sealer for preventing water discharged from the water tank 120 from leaking around the water tank connection portion 131 may be provided in the upper housing 112. For example, the sealer may be formed of a rubber material and may be coupled to the upper housing 112 from an upper side of the upper housing 112.

[0105] A water pump 133 for controlling discharge of water from the water tank 120 may be installed in the upper housing 112.

[0106] The water pump 133 may provide a flow force of water. The water pump 133 may include a first connection port to which the water inflow pipe 132 is connected and a second connection port to which the guide pipe 134 is connected. In this case, with respect to the water pump 133, the first connection port may be an inlet, and the second connection port may be an outlet.

[0107] The water pump 133 is a pump that operates such that an internal valve body expands or contracts while operating to allow the first connection port and the second connection port to communicate with each other, and since it can be implemented by a known structure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] The water supply pipe 135 may connect the connector and a water inlet 212 of the heating generator 200. For example, the water supply pipe 135 may be a pair of pipes branched from the connector.

[0109] Accordingly, water supplied to the water inflow pipe 132 flows to the guide pipe 134 after being introduced into the water pump 133. The water flowing to the guide pipe 134 flows to the water supply pipe 135 by the connector. Then, the water flowing to the water supply pipe 135 is supplied to the heating generator 200.

[0110] The heating generator 200 is a device for heating water. The heating generator 200 is disposed inside the module housing 110. Specifically, the heating generator 200 is installed on an upper side surface of the lower housing 111.

[0111] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the heating generator 200 is arranged to be inclined. Specifically, based on a state in which the module housing 110 is placed on the floor surface, a bottom surface of the heating generator 200 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle (α) with respect to the floor surface.

[0112] A specific structure and effects of the heating generator 200 of the present invention will be described later.

[0113] The diffuser 137 is configured to discharge water from the water tank 120 toward the mop 150.

[0114] Specifically, the diffuser 137 includes at least one or more nozzles, and moisture discharged from the heating generator 200 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the nozzles.

[0115] The diffuser 137 may be accommodated in a space formed inside the module housing 110, and a part of the diffuser 137 may pass through a nozzle hole (not shown) formed in the module housing 110 to be exposed to the outside of the module housing 110.

[0116] The diffusers 137 may be mounted in a pair on the module housing 110 and arranged in a left-right direction. In addition, the pair of diffusers 137 arranged in the left-right direction may be formed in a symmetrical shape (mirror image) with respect to each other.

[0117] The diffuser 137 may be connected to the heating generator 200 to supply moisture that has flowed through the heating generator 200 to the mop 150.

[0118] The diffuser 137 includes a diffuser body 137a and a connection pipe 137b.

[0119] The diffuser body 137a includes a diffusion flow path in which moisture can flow and a nozzle through which the moisture that has flowed through the diffusion flow path is discharged toward the mop. For example, the diffuser body 137a may be formed in an arc shape, and a plurality of nozzles may be provided at predetermined intervals. With this configuration, the diffuser body 137a can stably supply moisture to the disk-shaped mop 150.

[0120] The connection pipe 137b is provided on the diffuser body 137a and may be coupled to a moisture discharge port 213 of the heating generator 200. A flow path formed inside the connection pipe 137b may communicate with the moisture discharge port 213 and the diffusion flow path formed in the diffuser body 137a. With this configuration, moisture discharged from the heating generator 200 can be discharged toward the mop 150 through the diffuser body 137a after passing through the connection pipe 137b.;

[0121] Further, the moisture sprayed from the diffuser 137 is supplied to the mop 150 after passing through a water passage hole formed in the rotary cleaning unit 140. The mop 150 wipes the floor while rotating in a state of absorbing the moisture supplied through the diffuser 137.

[0122] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a diffuser 137' includes a diffuser body 137a' and a connection pipe 137b'. In this case, the diffuser body 137a' may be formed in a ring shape, and a plurality of nozzles may be provided at predetermined intervals. With this configuration, the diffuser body 137a' can stably supply moisture to the disk-shaped mop 150.

[0123] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may rotate by receiving power from a driving motor 170. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be a rotary plate. The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be formed in a disk shape, and a mop 150 may be attached to a lower surface thereof.

[0124] In this case, the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 may be arranged parallel to a floor surface in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface. Alternatively, the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 may be arranged parallel to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0125] As an example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located at a rear of the inlet 113a at a lower side of the module housing 110.

[0126] Accordingly, when cleaning while moving the mop module 100 forward, foreign substances and air on the floor surface are sucked by the inlet 113a, and then the floor surface may be wiped by the mop 150.

[0127] At least one or more rotary cleaning units 140 may be provided at the lower side of the module housing 110. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a first rotary cleaning unit 141 connected to a first driving motor 171 and having a first mop 151 attached thereto, and a second rotary cleaning unit 142 connected to a second driving motor 172 and having a second mop 152 attached thereto.

[0128] Specifically, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include an outer body in a circular ring shape, an inner body located in a central region of the outer body and spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the outer body, and a plurality of connection ribs connecting an outer circumferential surface of the inner body and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body.

[0129] In addition, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a plurality of water passage holes formed along a circumferential direction to supply water discharged through the diffuser 137 to the mop 150.

[0130] Meanwhile, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include an attachment means for attaching the mop 150. For example, the attachment means may be a Velcro.

[0131] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be disposed at the lower side of the lower housing 111. That is, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be disposed outside the module housing 110.

[0132] In addition, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 to receive power. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 through at least one or more gears and may be rotated by operation of the driving motor 170.

[0133] The rotary cleaning unit 140 includes a first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second rotary cleaning unit 142. For example, based on the inlet 113a in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, the first rotary cleaning unit 141 may mean the rotary cleaning unit 140 disposed on a left side, and the second rotary cleaning unit 142 may mean the rotary cleaning unit 140 disposed on a right side, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the left and right sides may be interchanged.

[0134] In the present embodiment, a rotation center of the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a rotation center of the second rotary cleaning unit 142 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.

[0135] The rotation center of the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located further from a front end portion of the module housing 110 than a central axis that bisects a forward-backward length of the module housing 110. This is to prevent the rotary cleaning unit 140 from blocking the inlet 113a.

[0136] A distance between the rotation center of the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and the rotation center of the second rotary cleaning unit 142 may be formed larger than a diameter of the mop 150. This is to reduce mutual friction caused by interference between the first mop 151 and the second mop 152 during a rotation process and to prevent a cleanable area from being reduced by the interfering part.

[0137] The mop 150 may wipe the floor surface by rotational movement.

[0138] The mop 150 may be coupled to a lower side of the rotary cleaning unit 140 so as to face the floor surface.

[0139] A bottom surface of the mop 150 facing the floor is formed to have a predetermined area, and the mop 150 is formed in a flat shape. The mop 150 is formed in a shape having a horizontal width (or diameter) sufficiently larger than a height in an upward-downward direction. When the mop 150 is coupled to the lower housing 111, the bottom surface of the mop 150 may be parallel to the floor surface.

[0140] The bottom surface of the mop 150 may have a substantially circular shape, and the mop 150 may be formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape as a whole. In addition, the mop 150 may be detachably attached to a lower surface of the rotary cleaning unit 140, and may rotate together with the rotary cleaning unit 140 by being coupled thereto.

[0141] In a state where the rotary cleaning unit 140 and the mop 150 are coupled to a lower side of the module housing 110, a part of the mop 150 protrudes to an outside of the mop module 100, so that not only the floor surface located below the mop module 100 but also the floor surface located outside the mop module 100 can be cleaned.

[0142] As an example, the mop 150 may protrude not only to both sides of the mop module 100 but also toward a rear.

[0143] The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 coupled to the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second mop 152 coupled to the second rotary cleaning unit 142. Accordingly, when the first rotary cleaning unit 141 rotates by receiving power from the first driving motor 171, the first mop 151 also rotates together, and when the second rotary cleaning unit 142 rotates by receiving power from the second driving motor 172, the second mop 152 may also rotate together.

[0144] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the mop module 100 may further include a light emitting module 160.

[0145] The light emitting module 160 may irradiate light to a front of the mop module 100 to make foreign substances or microorganisms existing in front of the mop module 100 identifiable.

[0146] The light emitting module 160 may be disposed at the front of the module housing 110. For example, the light emitting module 160 may be disposed on a front surface of the lower housing 111, and a plurality of light emitting modules 160 may be arranged along a left-right direction. In this case, the light emitting module 160 may be disposed at a rear of the cooling air inlet 117. Through this arrangement, the light emitting module 160 may be cooled by air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117.

[0147] Meanwhile, the light emitting module 160 may be composed of a light emitting member and a diffusion plate.

[0148] The light emitting member may irradiate light forward or downward. As an example, the light emitting member may be composed of a plurality of LEDs. In this case, the light irradiated by the light emitting member may be visible light, and may be infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) light according to embodiments. With this configuration, when the light emitting member is operated, it is possible not only to check for the presence of foreign substances or microorganisms in front of the mop module 100 but also to sterilize the foreign substances or microorganisms existing in front of the mop module 100, thereby having an effect of improving hygiene.

[0149] In addition, the diffusion plate is disposed in front of the light emitting member to diffuse light irradiated from the light emitting member

[0150] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 may further include a driving motor 170 for providing power to rotate the mop 150 and the rotary cleaning unit 140.

[0151] Specifically, the driving motor 170 may include a first driving motor 171 for rotating the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second driving motor 172 for rotating the second rotary cleaning unit 142.

[0152] As described above, since the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 operate individually, even if one of the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 fails, there is an advantage in that the rotary cleaning unit 140 can be rotated by the other.

[0153] Meanwhile, the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction in the module housing 110. In addition, the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 may be located at a rear of the inlet 113a.

[0154] The driving motor 170 may be disposed in the module housing 110. As an example, the driving motor 170 is seated on an upper side of the lower housing 111 and may be covered by the upper housing 112. That is, the driving motor 170 may be located between the lower housing 111 and the upper housing 112.

[0155] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 includes a connection pipe 180 coupled to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300.

[0156] The connection pipe 180 may include a first connection pipe connected to an end of the flow path forming portion 113, a second connection pipe rotatably connected to the first connection pipe, and a guide pipe for communicating an interior of the first connection pipe with an interior of the second connection pipe.

[0157] The first connection pipe is formed in a tube shape, wherein one axial end thereof is connected to the end of the flow path forming portion 113, and the other axial end thereof may be rotatably coupled to the second connection pipe. In this case, the first connection pipe is formed in a shape in which a part of an outer circumferential surface is cut, and the cut part may be arranged to face the second connection pipe and an upper side. With this configuration, in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the ground, an angle formed between the second connection pipe and the ground may be changed according to a movement of a user's arm. That is, the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe may perform a role of a kind of joint capable of adjusting an angle between the mop module 100 and the cleaner main body 400.

[0158] The second connection pipe is formed in a tube shape, wherein one axial end thereof is rotatably coupled to the first connection pipe, and the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300 is inserted into and detachably coupled to the other axial end thereof.

[0159] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a module battery housing 500 in which a module battery 600 is accommodated may be coupled to the second connection pipe.

[0160] Meanwhile, wires may be embedded in the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe, and the wires embedded in the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe may be electrically connected to each other.

[0161] Meanwhile, the guide pipe may connect an inner space of the first connection pipe and an inner space of the second connection pipe. A flow path may be formed inside the guide pipe such that air sucked from the mop module 100 flows toward the extension pipe 300 and / or the cleaner main body 400. In this case, the guide pipe may be deformed together according to rotation of the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe. As an example, the guide pipe may be formed in a shape of a corrugated pipe.

[0162] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 may include a printed circuit board 190 on which a mop module control unit 700 for controlling the mop module 100 is disposed. Current may be applied to the printed circuit board 190, and communication lines may be disposed thereon. In this case, the printed circuit board 190 may be cooled by air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117 and discharged through the cooling air discharge port 118.

[0163] Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may further include a first manipulation portion 191 for adjusting an amount of water discharged from the water tank 120. As an example, the first manipulation portion 191 may be located at a rear side of the module housing 110.

[0164] The first manipulation portion 191 can be manipulated by a user, and water may be discharged from the water tank 120 or prevented from being discharged by manipulation of the first manipulation portion 191.

[0165] Alternatively, the amount of water discharged from the water tank 120 may be adjusted by the first manipulation portion 191. For example, as the user manipulates the first manipulation portion 191, a first amount of water may be discharged from the water tank 120 per unit time, or a second amount of water larger than the first amount may be discharged per unit time.

[0166] The first manipulation portion 191 may be provided to be pivoted in a left-right direction on the module housing 110, or may be provided to be pivoted in an upward-downward direction according to embodiments.

[0167] For example, in a state where the first manipulation portion 191 is located at a neutral position, the water discharge amount is zero, and when the first manipulation portion 191 is pivoted to the left by pushing a left side of the first manipulation portion 191, the first amount of water per unit time may be discharged from the water tank 120. And, when the first manipulation portion 191 is pivoted to the right by pushing a right side of the first manipulation portion 191, the second amount of water per unit time may be discharged from the water tank 120.

[0168] Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may further include a second manipulation portion 192 for adjusting a phase of moisture discharged from the heating generator 200. As an example, the second manipulation portion 192 may be located at the rear side of the module housing 110.

[0169] The second manipulation portion 192 can be manipulated by a user, and water or steam (water vapor) may be discharged from the heating generator 200 toward the mop 150 by manipulation of the second manipulation portion 192.

[0170] The second manipulation portion 192 may be provided to be rotatable on the module housing 110. For example, the second manipulation portion 192 may be a rotary knob (dial).

[0171] For example, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a first position, water at room temperature may be discharged toward the mop 150 without heating water in the heating generator 200. Further, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a second position different from the first position, water may be heated in the heating generator 200 and discharged toward the mop 150. In addition, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a third position different from the first and second positions, water may be heated in the heating generator 200 to be phase-changed into steam (water vapor) and then discharged toward the mop 150.

[0172] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a heating generator in a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for describing the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a plan view for describing a heating chamber of the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9 to 14, a heating generator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0174] The heating generator 200 may generate high-temperature water or steam (water vapor) by heating water. The heating generator 200 may heat water supplied from a water tank 120 and supply the same to a mop 150.

[0175] The heating generator 200 is provided in a mop module 100 rather than a cleaner main body 400. This is to prevent cleaning from becoming inconvenient due to a weight and a volume of the heating generator when the heating generator is disposed in the cleaner main body during dry cleaning.

[0176] The heating generator 200 may be coupled to an upper portion of a lower housing 111 (an upper side surface of a bottom surface 111a). For example, the heating generator 200 may be coupled to an upper side surface of a flow path forming portion 113. In this case, since the flow path forming portion 113 is coupled to an upper central portion of the lower housing 111, the heating generator 200 may also be disposed at a central portion of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the heating generator 200 is operated, a specific position may not be overheated by heat supplied from the heating generator 200, thereby having an effect of preventing damage to the mop module 100. In addition, a total volume of the mop module 100 may be minimized.

[0177] The heating generator 200 may include a heating chamber 210, a heater 220, a lower cover 230, a sealer 240, an upper cover 250, a lower insulator 260, an upper insulator 270, and a temperature detection unit 290.

[0178] In this case, the heater 220 is disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber 210, the lower insulator 260 is disposed at a lower side of the heater 220, and the lower cover 230 is disposed at a lower side of the lower insulator 260 so as to cover the lower side of the heating generator 200. In addition, the sealer 240 is disposed at an upper side of the heating chamber 210, the upper insulator 270 is disposed at an upper side of the sealer 240, and the upper cover 250 is disposed at an upper side of the upper insulator 270 so as to cover the upper side of the heating generator 200.

[0179] A flow path through which moisture flows is formed inside the heating chamber 210, and the heating chamber 210 may provide a space in which moisture flowing through the flow path is heated by receiving heat generated from the heater 220.

[0180] Specifically, the heating chamber 210 includes a chamber body 211, a water inlet 212, a moisture discharge port 213, a partition wall 214, a flow guide wall 215, a flow delay protrusion 216, and a water storage groove 217.

[0181] The chamber body 211 forms an outer appearance of the heating chamber 210 and may provide a space in which moisture can flow. For example, the chamber body 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a rectangular box. For example, a rectangular plate-shaped bottom surface is formed at the lowermost portion of the chamber body 211, and four side walls 218 may be formed perpendicular to the bottom surface to be connected thereto. And, an upper portion of the chamber body 211 may be in an open shape. Accordingly, the interior of the chamber body 211 may be referred to as a space surrounded by the bottom surface and the four side walls 218. In this case, the four side walls may be respectively referred to as a front side wall 218a, a rear side wall 218b, and a pair of left-right side walls 218c according to arranged positions.

[0182] Meanwhile, an internal space of the chamber body 211 may be separated by a partition wall 214, which will be described later. For example, a space disposed on a left side with respect to the partition wall 214 may be referred to as a first chamber, and a space disposed on a right side with respect to the partition wall 214 may be referred to as a second chamber, and left and right sides of the first chamber and the second chamber may be interchanged.

[0183] Meanwhile, a water inlet 212 and a moisture discharge port 213 may be formed in the chamber body 211. Specifically, the water inlet 212 may be formed on a bottom surface or an upper surface of the chamber body 211. In addition, the moisture discharge port 213 may be formed on the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In this case, it is preferable that the water inlet 212 and the moisture discharge port 213 are disposed farthest from each other along a forward-backward direction of the mop module 100. This is to maximize a flow distance of water introduced into the water inlet 212 until it is discharged to the moisture discharge port 213, thereby ensuring a sufficient heating time.

[0184] For example, a rear end of the chamber body 211 is disposed higher than a front end of the chamber body 211. That is, the heating generator 200 has a rearward-upward inclination. Accordingly, water may be heated while flowing from a rear upper portion toward a front lower portion of the heating generator 200.

[0185] The water inlet 212 is formed in the chamber body 211, and water may be introduced from the water tank 120. The water inlet 212 may be a hole formed at an inlet end of the chamber body 211.

[0186] Specifically, a water supply pipe 135 of a moisture supply unit 130 may be connected to the water inlet 212. For example, the water supply pipe 135 is coupled to a lower side of the chamber body 211, and a flow path inside the water supply pipe 135 and the water inlet 212 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, when a water pump 133 is operated, water stored in the water tank 120 flows through the water supply pipe 135 by a flow force generated from the water pump 133 and then may be introduced into the chamber body 211.

[0187] Moisture heated inside the chamber body 211 may be discharged through the moisture discharge port 213. The moisture discharge port 213 may be a hole formed at an outlet end of the chamber body 211.

[0188] Specifically, a diffuser 137 may be connected to the moisture discharge port 213. For example, the diffuser 137 is coupled to the lower side of the chamber body 211, and a flow path inside the diffuser 137 and the moisture discharge port 213 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, moisture (water or steam) heated inside the chamber body 211 passes through the moisture discharge port 213 to be introduced into the diffuser 137 and then may be supplied to the mop 150.

[0189] Meanwhile, generally, a bottom surface of a heating generator is arranged parallel to a floor surface of a place where it is installed. Further, a pipe through which steam is discharged is provided at an upper portion of the heating generator. Accordingly, when the heating generator is operated to generate steam (water vapor), the heated steam is configured to be discharged to the outside along the pipe while rising.

[0190] However, in the case of the heating generator having such a structure, there is a high possibility that drain will be generated due to contact with an inner wall or the pipe of the heating generator in a process of steam rising. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce heat loss that may occur during the steam flow process and to resupply the drain to the mop by reheating it even if the drain is generated.

[0191] To solve this, a heating generator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.

[0192] Specifically, in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface (a state where the mop 150 is placed on the floor surface to wipe the floor surface), a bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle $\alpha$ with respect to the floor surface.

[0193] A bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111, to which the rotary cleaning unit 140 and the mop 150 are coupled at a lower side, and the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle $\alpha$. That is, an imaginary extension plane of the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may intersect an imaginary extension plane of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0194] In addition, a height from the floor surface to the water inlet 212 may be higher than a height from the floor surface to the moisture discharge port 213. Further, a distance from the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 to the water inlet 212 may be larger than a distance from the bottom surface 111a to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0195] In addition, a minimum distance from the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 to the water inlet 212 may be larger than a minimum distance from the rotary cleaning unit 140 to the moisture discharge port 213. Further, the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle $\alpha$ with respect to an imaginary extension plane of the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140. That is, an imaginary extension line of the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may intersect the imaginary extension plane of the rotary cleaning unit 140.

[0196] With this configuration, even if water introduced into the water inlet 212 undergoes upward convective movement by being heated, it can be heated while flowing from an upper portion to a lower portion in the chamber body 211 by gravity.

[0197] Furthermore, even if the water heated inside the chamber body 211 is phase-changed into water vapor and rises, it is not discharged to the upper portion of the chamber body 211 and remains inside the chamber body 211 to be additionally heated.

[0198] In addition, the drain generated inside the heating generator 200 is not discharged to the outside and can be continuously heated.

[0199] The partition wall 214 may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 along a forward-backward direction of the mop module 100. For example, the partition wall 214 may be a wall extending rearward from a side wall (front side wall 218a) disposed in front of the chamber body 211. The partition wall 214 may be connected to a flow guide wall 215, which will be described later. Meanwhile, a temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a rear side of a point where the partition wall 214 and the flow guide wall 215 are connected.

[0200] With this configuration, the partition wall 214 can divide an internal space of the chamber body 211 into left and right sides. That is, the internal space of the chamber body 211 may be divided into a first chamber and a second chamber with the partition wall 214 and the temperature detection unit 290 as a boundary.

[0201] Accordingly, moisture flowing inside the first chamber and moisture flowing inside the second chamber do not mix with each other and can be independently discharged. Therefore, even if the heating chamber 210 shakes according to a user's manipulation, a pair of diffusers 137 can uniformly discharge moisture.

[0202] The flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude inside the chamber body 211, and at least one or more flow guide walls may be formed along the left-right direction.

[0203] Specifically, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In this case, based on the bottom surface of the chamber body 211, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and may be formed to be inclined toward the front at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, based on a direction of gravity, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and may be formed to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle. Further, based on a direction in which water inside the heating chamber 210 flows, intervals between a plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be formed to gradually widen from an inlet side toward an outlet side.

[0204] Further, the flow guide wall 215 may be connected to a left-right side wall 218c of the chamber body 211 or the partition wall 214.

[0205] That is, one end of the flow guide wall 215 is connected to a flow delay protrusion 216, and the other end of the flow guide wall 215 may be connected to a side wall 218 of the chamber body 211 or the partition wall 214. In this case, the one end of the flow guide wall 215 may be disposed closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) than the other end.

[0206] With this configuration, a flow path through which water can flow may be formed between the partition wall 214 and the flow guide wall 215, or between the side wall of the chamber body 211 and the flow guide wall 215.

[0207] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be formed. In this case, the plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be alternately connected to the side wall of the chamber body 211 and the partition wall 214.

[0208] With this configuration, the flow path inside the chamber body 211 may be formed in a zigzag shape. As a result, a flow path of water flowing inside the chamber body 211 can be increased, and a sufficient time for heating the water inside the chamber body 211 can be ensured. In addition, there is an effect of increasing an area capable of transferring heat to the water flowing inside the chamber body 211. Further, even if the heating generator 200 shakes, it is effective in maintaining a supply amount of water or steam by maintaining a flow direction of moisture.

[0209] The flow delay protrusion 216 may be formed to protrude from one end of the flow guide wall 215. Specifically, it may be formed to protrude rearward from the one end of the flow guide wall 215.

[0210] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a rear (or upper) end of the flow delay protrusion 216 may be disposed further from the floor surface (upper side in a direction of gravity) than the other end of the flow guide wall 215.

[0211] With this configuration, water flowing along the flow guide wall 215 encounters the flow delay protrusion 216, and a flow velocity of the water may be reduced. Accordingly, sufficient time can be secured so that water introduced into the heating generator 200 is heated to a target temperature.

[0212] The water storage groove 217 is formed to be concavely recessed in the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. The water storage groove 217 may be disposed in a front portion among the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In addition, the water storage groove 217 may receive water that has flowed along the flow guide wall 215 closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) among the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. Further, the lowermost part of the water storage groove 217 may be disposed closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) than the moisture discharge port 213.

[0213] With this configuration, water that has not been phase-changed into steam while flowing inside the chamber body 211 is collected in the water storage groove 217 and can be continuously heated. Accordingly, even if the heating generator 200 shakes, it is possible to prevent water that has not been sufficiently heated from being suddenly discharged to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0214] Meanwhile, in the present invention, a pair of temperature detection unit receiving walls 219 may be formed in the chamber body 211 to receive the temperature detection unit 290. The temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 is formed to protrude inside the chamber body 211 and may include a pair of side walls and a connection wall connecting front ends of the pair of side walls. On the other hand, a rear end may be formed in an open shape so that the temperature detection unit 290 can be inserted therein.

[0215] Accordingly, the temperature detection unit 290 can be inserted into the temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 and disposed inside the chamber body 211.

[0216] In this case, a length of the temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 may be changed according to the number and arrangement of the heaters 220, and the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a position where at least a part thereof faces each of the plurality of heaters 220. Accordingly, the temperature detection unit 290 has an effect of accurately sensing a temperature inside the chamber body 211 according to the operation of each heater 220.

[0217] The heater 220 can generate heat. As a device capable of converting electrical energy into thermal energy, the heater 220 can be implemented by a known structure, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0218] The heater 220 is disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber 210 and can supply heat to the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the heater 220 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the heating chamber 210. Accordingly, when heat is generated in the heater 220, the heating chamber 210 in contact with the heater 220 can be heated by conduction. Thus, the heater 220 can heat water flowing inside the heating chamber 210 by receiving power from the main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400 and / or the module battery 600.

[0219] Meanwhile, the heater 220 can adjust a temperature of water according to a user's input. In addition, the heater 220 can phase-change water into steam (water vapor) according to the user's input.

[0220] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of heaters 220 may be provided. As an example, the heaters 220 may include a first heater 221 formed along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and a second heater 222 formed parallel to the first heater 221. As another example, the heaters 220 may include a first heater 221 formed along the forward-backward direction of the mop module 100 and a second heater 222 formed parallel to the first heater 221.

[0221] Meanwhile, a plurality of power sources are mounted on the cleaner 1 of the present invention, and the heater 220 may receive power from a plurality of power supply units. Each of the plurality of power sources is independently connected to the heater 220. Accordingly, only one of the plurality of power sources may supply power to the heater 220, or all of the plurality of power sources may supply power to the heater 220.

[0222] The plurality of heaters 220 may receive power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of heaters 220 are independently connected to the plurality of power sources. The power sources may include a first power source and a second power source. For example, the first power source may be a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400, and the second power source may be a module battery 600 coupled to the mop module 100.

[0223] However, in the present embodiment, the number of power sources and heaters 220 is exemplified as two, but is not limited thereto, and a case where three or more are provided may also be included.

[0224] In this case, the first power source 410 may supply power to the first heater 221, and the second power source 600 may supply power to the second heater 222.

[0225] The first power source 410 may be connected to a mop module control unit 700 through a main body control unit 420 provided in the cleaner main body 400, and the second power source 600 may be connected to the mop module control unit 700.

[0226] The mop module control unit 700 may control whether to output first power output from the first power source 410 to the first heater 221 and whether to output second power output from the second power source 600 to the second heater 222.

[0227] With this configuration, as a plurality of power sources are mounted, the cleaner 1 according to the present invention can extend a total operating time of the heater 220 and an overall usage time of the cleaner 1 during mop cleaning by, for example, operating only the first heater 221 and then operating only the second heater 222.

[0228] In addition, since power can be supplied to the heater 220 using only a part of the plurality of power sources, a user can perform cleaning after separating a part of the plurality of power sources according to a cleaning environment during mop cleaning. Accordingly, the user can reduce the usage time of the cleaner 1 and lighten a weight of the cleaner, and can use the first power source 410 or the second power source 600 by replacing the same. Also, if necessary, the user can increase the usage time of the cleaner by mounting all of the plurality of batteries.

[0229] The plurality of heaters 220 are disposed at a lower portion of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the plurality of heaters 220 are disposed to be in contact with a lower surface of the chamber body 211 to supply heat to the heating chamber 210 by conduction.

[0230] The heater 220 may be configured to include a plurality of heating wires.

[0231] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, each of the plurality of heaters 220 may be composed of a separate heater body and a heating wire provided inside the body. For example, the first heater 221 may have a heating wire 221a provided inside a first heater body, and the second heater 222 may have a heating wire 222a provided inside a second heater body.

[0232] In this case, the first heater 221 may be disposed higher from the ground than the second heater 222. That is, the first heater 221 is disposed adjacent to the water inlet 212, and the second heater 222 is disposed adjacent to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0233] Accordingly, moisture introduced into the water inlet 212 flows through an upper portion of the heating chamber 210 adjacent to the first heater 221 and then flows through a lower portion of the heating chamber adjacent to the second heater 222 to be discharged to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0234] In this case, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 may be individually installed. In this case, heat may be transferred by convection between the first heater 221 and the second heater 222. Meanwhile, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are each replaceable.

[0235] In addition, since the temperature inside each heater body increases or decreases as a whole, damage due to partial heating is prevented, providing an advantage of high durability. Furthermore, there are advantages of a low defect rate and stable output.

[0236] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the heater 220 may have a plurality of heating wires arranged in one body. For example, the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be disposed in one heater body. In this case, the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along a forward-backward direction. Alternatively, a separation wall may be formed between the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 to maintain the interval between the heating wire 221a and the heating wire 222a.

[0237] In this case, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 may be installed at once. In this case, a heat transfer rate between the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 is high. Accordingly, in the integrated heater body, even if only the first heater 221 generates heat, a temperature of a portion where the second heater 222 is disposed may also increase through conduction.

[0238] In addition, since the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are disposed inside the integrated heater body, the number of parts is reduced, the structure is simplified, and processes are reduced, thereby providing an advantage of saving manufacturing costs.

[0239] As still another example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, in the heater 220, a plurality of heating wires are disposed in one body, wherein the plurality of heating wires may be respectively bent a plurality of times to be interleaved with each other. For example, the heating wire 221a of the first heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times at regular intervals, the heating wire 222a of the second heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times, and at least a part of the heating wire 222a of the second heater may be configured to be disposed between segments of the heating wire 221a of the first heater.

[0240] Accordingly, even if only one of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 is operated, heat can be uniformly supplied to the chamber body 211 as a whole, and heat can be stably supplied to the moisture so that there is no section where the temperature of the moisture flowing through the chamber body 211 decreases. Thus, the temperature of the moisture can be stably maintained.

[0241] Meanwhile, the body of the heater 220 is formed of a material having high conductivity and thermal conductivity, and has a shape and structure with high conductivity and thermal conductivity. For example, the first heater body, the second heater body, and the integrated body may be formed in a hexahedral shape in which a length in a left-right direction is larger than a width in a forward-backward direction.

[0242] In addition, the heater 220 may be a ceramic heater, and the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be formed of a ceramic material.

[0243] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, each of the plurality of heaters 220 may include a terminal coupling portion connected to each heater at one side thereof. The terminal coupling portion is connected to the mop module control unit 700 and may be respectively connected to a plurality of power sources. For example, the first power source 410 and the second power source 600 may be independently connected to the mop module control unit 700. In this case, the mop module control unit 700 may connect the first power source 410 and the first heater 221, and connect the second power source 600 and the second heater 222.

[0244] Accordingly, when the heating generator 200 is operated, power can be supplied to only one of the plurality of heaters 220 or to all of the plurality of heaters 220. For example, power may be supplied to only one of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, or power may be supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222.

[0245] Thus, the heater 220 of the present invention may have a plurality of modes capable of operating the plurality of heaters 220.

[0246] For example, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a first mode in which power is supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222. The first mode may be applied according to a user's selection. In the first mode, moisture (water or steam) receives heat from the first heater 221 to be primarily heated, and then receives heat from the second heater 222 to be secondarily heated. In this case, since sufficient heating of the moisture is possible, there is an effect that the floor surface can be wiped by discharging high-temperature water or steam to the mop 150.

[0247] In addition, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a second mode in which power is supplied only to the first heater 221. The second mode may be applied according to the user's selection or when the mop module control unit 700 detects that the second power source 600 is not mounted. In the second mode, moisture (water or steam) may be heated by receiving heat from the first heater 221 immediately after being introduced into the heating chamber 210. In this case, since only the first power source 410 supplying power to the first heater 221 is required, the mop module 100 can be lightly manipulated in a state where the second power source 600 is not mounted (or a state where the second power source 600 is separated).

[0248] In addition, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a third mode in which power is supplied only to the second heater 222. The third mode may be applied according to the user's selection or when a charged amount of the first power source 410 is lower than a preset reference value. In the third mode, moisture (water or steam) may be heated by receiving heat from the second heater 222 before being discharged from the heating chamber 210. In this case, the second heater 222 may receive power from the second power source 600, and otherwise, the cleaner main body 400, the water pump 133, the driving motor 170, and the like may receive power from the first power source 410.

[0249] As such, in the present invention, by selectively driving the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, a usage time limited by a battery capacity can be adjusted. In addition, various modes are provided according to a change in power consumption or according to a power source, a temperature level of the mop module 100 can be effectively changed, and there is an advantage of easy power distribution.

[0250] The lower cover 230 is disposed at a lower side of the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260, and may cover the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260. For example, the lower cover 230 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed in a shape capable of surrounding the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260. The lower cover 230 may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat generated from the heater 220.

[0251] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220.

[0252] The sealer 240 is disposed at an upper side of the heating chamber 210 and may airtightly seal the upper side of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the sealer 240 may airtightly seal an open upper portion of the chamber body 211. The sealer 240 may be formed of a material capable of blocking passage of moisture. With such a configuration, even if water vapor generated inside the heating chamber 210 rises, it is blocked by the sealer 240, thereby preventing leakage to the outside.

[0253] The upper cover 250 is disposed at an upper side of the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270, and may cover the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270. For example, the upper cover 250 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed in a shape capable of surrounding the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270. The upper cover 250 may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transferred through the sealer 240.

[0254] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220.

[0255] The lower insulator 260 is disposed between the heater 220 and the lower cover 230 and may block heat transferred from the heater 220. The lower insulator 260 may be formed to have a larger area than the heater 220. For example, the lower insulator 260 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

[0256] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the heat generated from the heater 220 is doubly blocked by the lower insulator 260 and the lower cover 230, so that effects of improving energy efficiency and preventing component damage can be maximized.

[0257] The upper insulator 270 is disposed at the upper side of the sealer 240 and may block heat transferred from the heating chamber 210. The upper insulator 270 may be formed to have a larger area than the sealer 240. For example, the upper insulator 270 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

[0258] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat of the heating chamber 210 heated by the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent heat of the heating chamber 210 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200 and damaging components accommodated inside the module housing 110. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the heat of the heating chamber 210 is doubly blocked by the upper insulator 270 and the upper cover 250, so that the effects of improving energy efficiency and preventing component damage can be maximized.

[0259] The temperature detection unit 290 may measure a temperature of the heating generator 200.

[0260] The temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a side of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed on an outer surface of the side wall 218 of the heating chamber 210. For example, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed on an outer surface of the rear side wall 218b.

[0261] The temperature detection unit 290 may measure the temperature of the heating chamber 210. As an example, the temperature detection unit 290 may be a thermistor. In this case, the temperature detection unit 290 may transmit information on the measured temperature of the heating chamber 210 to the mop module control unit 700.

[0262] The temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed along a forward-backward direction so as to facilitate temperature sensing even when operating in any of the first to third modes. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed along a temperature detection unit receiving wall 219. That is, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed between a left chamber and a right chamber.

[0263] In this case, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed to respectively face all of the plurality of heaters 220. For example, at least a part of the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed to face the first heater 221, and another at least a part thereof may be disposed to face the second heater 222.

[0264] The heating generator 200 may supply hot water of a predetermined temperature or room-temperature water to the mop by controlling the temperature of the water through heating control using the temperature detection unit 290.

[0265] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, a cleaner 1 of the present invention may include an extension pipe 300.

[0266] The extension pipe 300 may be coupled to a cleaner main body 400 and a mop module 100.

[0267] For example, the extension pipe 300 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape. Accordingly, an internal space of the extension pipe 300 may communicate with an internal space of the mop module 100. In addition, the extension pipe 300 may communicate with a suction flow path formed in a suction portion of the cleaner main body 400.

[0268] When suction force is generated through a suction motor (not shown), the suction force may be provided to the mop module 100 through the suction portion and the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, external dust and air may be introduced into the cleaner main body 400 through the mop module 100 and the extension pipe 300. In addition, dust and air introduced through the mop module 100 may be introduced into the cleaner main body 400 after passing through the extension pipe 300.

[0269] Meanwhile, wires may be embedded in the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100 may be electrically connected to each other through the extension pipe 300.

[0270] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a cleaner main body 400.

[0271] The cleaner main body 400 may include a suction motor, a dust bin, and a main battery 410. The cleaner main body 400 may receive power from the main battery 410 to operate the suction motor, and may generate suction force by the operation of the suction motor.

[0272] A suction flow path is formed in the cleaner main body 400 so that air and dust introduced from the mop module 100 can flow.

[0273] Further, the cleaner main body 400 may include at least one or more cyclone units for separating dust sucked into an interior by applying a principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force. Accordingly, air introduced through the suction flow path may be spirally flowed so that dust can be separated.

[0274] Further, the cleaner main body 400 may include a dust bin to store dust separated from the air sucked through a cyclone flow.

[0275] Further, the main battery 410 may supply power to the mop module 100. In this case, the main battery 410 may supply power to a driving motor 170 of the mop module 100. Further, the main battery 410 may supply power to a water pump 133 of the mop module 100.

[0276] Meanwhile, the main battery 410 may supply power to the driving motor 170 and the water pump 133, but may not supply power to a heating generator 200. Alternatively, the main battery 410 may supply power to the driving motor 170, the water pump 133, and the heating generator 200.

[0277] Further, a main body control unit 420 may be provided in the cleaner main body 400. The main body control unit 420 may be connected to the main battery 410 to receive power. And, the main body control unit 420 may be connected to a mop module control unit 700 to transmit power and signals.

[0278] The main body control unit 420 may control components provided in the cleaner main body 400, including the suction motor.

[0279] Further, an input unit is provided in the cleaner main body 400 so that a user can set whether power is supplied and an intensity of air suction, as well as a rotation intensity of a mop, a water supply amount, whether water is heated, and whether steam is supplied.

[0280] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a module battery housing 500.

[0281] The module battery housing 500 is coupled to a mop module 100 or an extension pipe 300, and a module battery 600 may be detachably coupled thereto. As an example, the module battery housing 500 is coupled to a connection pipe 180 of the mop module 100 and may detachably accommodate the module battery 600 therein.

[0282] The module battery housing 500 may electrically connect the module battery 600 to a heating generator 200. With such a configuration, electrical energy of the module battery 600 can be supplied to the heating generator 200 that requires high power supply.

[0283] Alternatively, the module battery housing 500 may connect a battery (not shown) provided in a cleaner main body 400 and the module battery 600 in series. With such a configuration, power can be stably supplied when high power supply is required, such as when the heating generator 200 is operated.

[0284] Alternatively, the module battery housing 500 may connect a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400 and the module battery 600 in parallel. With such a configuration, a usage time of the cleaner 1 can be extended.

[0285] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a module battery 600.

[0286] The module battery 600 can store electrical energy therein. For example, the module battery 600 may be a secondary battery.

[0287] The module battery 600 may supply power to the mop module 100. Specifically, the module battery 600 may supply power to the heating generator 200. In this case, the module battery 600 and the heating generator 200 may be electrically connected, and a mop module control unit 700 may be connected between the module battery 600 and the heating generator 200. That is, power supplied from the module battery 600 may be supplied to a heater 220 of the heating generator 200 through the mop module control unit 700.

[0288] In the present embodiment, a power supply relationship between the module battery 600 and the main battery 410 is described as follows.

[0289] In the present embodiment, when the module battery 600 is not mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 may supply power to the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100.

[0290] Meanwhile, when the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 supplies power to the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100, but may not supply power to the heating generator 200.

[0291] That is, when the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 supplies power to a driving motor 170 and a water pump 133 of the mop module 100, and the module battery 600 may supply power to the heating generator 200.

[0292] Meanwhile, in a state where the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, when a temperature of a heating chamber 210 is a reference temperature Tr or higher, a connection between the module battery 600 and the heater 220 is blocked by the mop module control unit 700. Accordingly, the power supplied to the heater 220 is cut off. On the other hand, the driving motor 170 and the water pump 133 may continue to receive power from the main battery 410.

[0293] With such a configuration, when the heating generator 200 is overheated, only a function of heating water is stopped, while a function of supplying water to a mop and a function of rotating the mop can be maintained. Accordingly, cleaning performance of the mop module 100 can be maintained by supplying already heated water to the mop.

[0294] FIG. 18 illustrates a diagram for explaining a control configuration of a cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0295] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, a control configuration of a mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0296] The mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mop module control unit 700.

[0297] The mop module control unit 700 may include a memory (not shown) and a timer (not shown). Preset information may be stored in the memory (not shown). The timer (not shown) may measure time.

[0298] Although not illustrated, the mop module control unit 700 may receive a control signal input through a cleaner main body 400, a mop module 100, or an external terminal (not shown). For example, the mop module control unit 700 may be connected to the cleaner main body 400, the mop module 100, or the external terminal (not shown) through wired or wireless communication.

[0299] The mop module control unit 700 may control components included in the mop module 100.

[0300] The mop module control unit 700 may be signally connected to a first manipulation portion 191 and a second manipulation portion 192. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may be electrically connected to the first manipulation portion 191 and the second manipulation portion 192, and may transmit / receive electrical signals. With such a configuration, the mop module 100 can receive a control signal based on a user input from the first manipulation portion 191 and / or the second manipulation portion 192, and operate according to the received control signal.

[0301] The mop module control unit 700 may be signally connected to a temperature detection unit 290. The temperature detection unit 290 may measure a temperature of a heating generator 200 and transmit information on the temperature of the heating generator 200 to the mop module control unit 700.

[0302] The mop module control unit 700 may receive power from a main battery 410.

[0303] The mop module control unit 700 may receive power from a module battery 600.

[0304] The mop module control unit 700 may control a water pump 133. The mop module control unit 700 may control an amount of moisture supplied from a water tank 120 to a mop 150 according to a control signal input from the first manipulation portion 191. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may control an operation time of the water pump 133 according to the control signal input from the first manipulation portion 191.

[0305] The mop module control unit 700 may control a heater 220. The mop module control unit 700 may control a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to the mop 150 according to a control signal input from the second manipulation portion 192. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may control an operation time of the heater 220 and an amount of power applied to the heater 220 according to the control signal input from the second manipulation portion 192. In addition, when a temperature of the heating generator 200 measured by the temperature detection unit 290 is different from a preset target temperature, the mop module control unit 700 may change the operation time of the heater 220 and the amount of power applied to the heater 220.

[0306] With such a configuration, according to the present invention, a temperature or a phase of water introduced into the heating generator 200 can be maintained, and energy efficiency can be increased.

[0307] In addition, when the heating generator 200 is operated, the mop module control unit 700 may independently drive a first heater 221 and a second heater 222 by controlling a driver of the first heater 221 and a driver of the second heater 222. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may independently vary power supplied to the first heater 221 and the second heater 222.

[0308] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 is connected to a main body control unit 420 through a connection terminal, and the main body control unit 420 may be connected to a first power source 410 through a connection terminal. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may be connected to a second power source 600 through a connection terminal.

[0309] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may include a first switch connected to the driver of the first heater 221 and a second switch connected to the driver of the second heater 222. The first switch may be connected to the first power source 410, and the second switch may be connected to the second power source 600.

[0310] Accordingly, the mop module control unit 700 may operate the plurality of heaters 220 according to the plurality of modes described above.

[0311] Therefore, when power is supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, the heater 220 can operate at a maximum output, and when power supply to any one heater 220 is blocked, it can operate at a relatively low output.

[0312] Accordingly, a user can separate a part of the plurality of power sources to use at a low output and supply only a part of the power to the heater 220. In this case, a usage time of the cleaner 1 can be reduced, or the temperature of the heater 220 can be lowered to lower a temperature of hot water supplied to the mop module 100. In this case, when the temperature of the heater 220 is lowered, the usage time of the cleaner 1 can be increased.

[0313] That is, in the present invention, it is possible to perform multiple operation modes by changing the supplied power according to a cleaning situation, adjusting an amount of steam or an amount of generated hot water, or effectively changing a temperature level of the heater 220.

[0314] In addition, required outputs of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are lowered, and elements and parts matching the output level can be replaced with relatively low-specification ones, thereby providing advantages of cost reduction and energy saving.

[0315] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may receive information from the temperature detection unit 290 to control the temperature or to recognize and prevent overheating.

[0316] In addition, according to an embodiment, the mop module control unit 700 may control a light emitting module 160. The mop module control unit 700 may control on / off of the light emitting module 160 according to a user's control input. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may control an amount of light from the light emitting module 160 according to the user's control input.

[0317] In addition, according to an embodiment, the mop module control unit 700 may control a driving motor 170. The mop module control unit 700 may control a rotation speed (rpm) of the driving motor 170 according to the user's control input.

[0318] While the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, these are for explaining the present invention in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0319] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041]As the present invention may be subject to various changes and have several embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be construed to include all changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are a combined perspective view and an exploded perspective view for describing a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a rear view ...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mop module for a cleaner, and more particularly, to a mop module for a cleaner that sucks up dust or foreign substances or wipes a cleaning target area by discharging water onto a mop.[Background Art]

[0002] A cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by sucking up or wiping dust or foreign substances in a cleaning target area.

[0003] Such cleaners may be classified into manual cleaners, in which a user performs cleaning while directly moving the cleaner, and automatic cleaners, which perform cleaning while driving by themselves.

[0004] In addition, manual cleaners may be classified into canister-type cleaners, upright-type cleaners, handheld cleaners, and stick-type cleaners depending on the shape of the cleaner.

[0005] Methods for cleaning a floor are largely divided into dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning by sweeping or sucking up dust, and conventional vacuum cleaners correspond thereto. Wet cleaning is a method of cleaning by wiping away dust with a wet mop.

[0006] Conventionally, a dry-only cleaner was used for dry cleaning, and a wet-only cleaner was used for wet cleaning. However, there was an inconvenience in having to purchase two types of cleaners to clean various types of floors. To solve the above-described problem, a method has been studied in which a single main body, a dry cleaning module, and a wet cleaning module are provided, such that the dry cleaning module is mounted on the main body to perform dry cleaning, and the wet cleaning module (mop module) is mounted on the main body to perform wet cleaning.

[0007] However, during wet cleaning, if foreign substances are stuck to the floor, the foreign substances may still remain even if the floor is wiped by rotating a mop in which water is absorbed.

[0008] In addition, when microorganisms or the like propagate on the floor, there is a limitation in that the microorganisms may not be completely sterilized even if the floor is wiped by rotating a mop in which water is absorbed.

[0009] To solve this, a method of supplying high-temperature water or steam to the mop by heating water through a heater may be considered.

[0010] In this case, a steam mop module includes a water tank for storing water, a heater for generating steam by heating water, and a mop for wiping the floor by receiving water or steam. Here, it is preferable that each component is configured as a single assembly to facilitate replacement. For example, when the water tank or the heater is disposed in the main body, there is a problem in that cleaning becomes inconvenient due to the weight of the water tank or the heater, which are unnecessary components during dry cleaning. Therefore, it is preferable that the water tank or the heater be disposed in the steam mop module rather than the main body of the cleaner in terms of ease of cleaning, ease of module replacement, and space utilization.

[0011] Korean Registered Patent No. KR1609444B1 (published on March 30, 2016) discloses a water cleaner equipped with a steam generating means.

[0012] In the above water cleaner, both a water supply port and a steam discharge port are disposed on an upper side of the steam generating means, and the water supply port and the steam discharge port are connected by a U-shaped pipe.

[0013] As such, in a conventional heating generator, a discharge port for discharging steam is generally disposed on an upper side of the heating generator.

[0014] However, even if steam is to be supplied to the mop, the steam heated in the heater has a relatively lower density than water and thus rises upward, which may cause a limitation in that water, rather than steam, is mainly supplied to the mop disposed at a lower side of the heater.

[0015] In addition, while the mop module moves along the floor surface, the heater may shake, causing a limitation in that water flowing inside the heater may not be sufficiently heated and may be discharged to the mop.

[0016] Furthermore, since the above cleaner has a single heater connected to a single power source, high power must be supplied to the mop module when heating water, which may cause a limitation in that cleaning time may be restricted.[Summary of Invention] [Technical Problem]

[0017] The present invention has been made to improve the problems of the mop module of the conventional cleaner as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a mop module for a cleaner that increases sterilization and foreign substance removal effects by supplying high-temperature water or steam to a mop.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner in which water introduced into a heating generator can be heated to a target temperature while flowing.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of maintaining a long operating time of a heating generator.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of preventing a heating generator from being overheated.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mop module for a cleaner capable of adjusting a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to a mop according to selection.[Technical Solution]

[0022] To solve the aforementioned technical problems, a mop module of a cleaner for wiping and cleaning foreign substances on a floor surface includes: a module housing; a water tank coupled to the module housing and storing water therein; at least one or more rotary cleaning units disposed at a lower side of the module housing and to which a mop is capable of being coupled; and a heating generator for heating water supplied from the water tank. The heating generator includes a heating chamber in which a flow path through which moisture flows is formed, and a heater disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber and supplying heat to the heating chamber, wherein a plurality of the heaters are provided and are capable of being independently operated.

[0023] In this case, the mop module of the cleaner of the present invention further includes a module battery for supplying power to the heating generator, wherein the module battery is capable of supplying power to any one of the plurality of heaters.

[0024] In this case, any one of the plurality of heaters is capable of receiving power from a main battery provided in a cleaner main body.

[0025] In addition, the plurality of heaters are capable of receiving power from different batteries.

[0026] Meanwhile, the heating generator may include a temperature detection unit for measuring a temperature of the heating chamber.

[0027] In this case, the temperature detection unit is disposed inside the heating chamber, and the temperature detection unit may be disposed at a position facing at least a part of each of the plurality of heaters with respect to a bottom surface of the heating chamber.

[0028] The heater may include a first heater receiving power from the main battery provided in the cleaner main body and a second heater receiving power from the module battery.

[0029] Meanwhile, the heater may further include a heater housing for accommodating the first heater and the second heater therein.

[0030] In this case, the heater housing may have a separation wall formed therein to partition a space between the first heater and the second heater.

[0031] Meanwhile, a heating wire of the first heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times at regular intervals, and a heating wire of the second heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times and may be disposed between segments of the heating wire of the first heater.

[0032] Meanwhile, the first heater and the second heater are capable of being selectively operated.

[0033] Alternatively, the first heater and the second heater are capable of being simultaneously operated.

[0034] Meanwhile, when the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit is a preset reference temperature or higher, an operation of the first heater or the second heater may be stopped.[Advantageous Effects]

[0035] As described above, according to the mop module for a cleaner according to the present invention, sterilization and foreign substance removal effects can be increased by supplying high-temperature water or steam to a mop through a heater.

[0036] In addition, since a flow guide wall and a flow delay protrusion are formed in a heating chamber, water introduced into a heating generator can be heated to a target temperature while flowing.

[0037] In addition, a plurality of heaters are respectively connected to a main battery of a main body and a module battery of the mop module and are independently controlled, thereby maintaining a long operating time of the heating generator.

[0038] In addition, the present invention is effective in providing a mop module for a cleaner capable of adjusting a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to the mop according to selection by measuring a temperature through a temperature detection unit and controlling the heater.[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view for describing a mop module in the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a top view of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for describing the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of a diffuser of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a state in which an upper cover is removed from the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a view for describing an arrangement of heating wires in a heater according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a block diagram for describing a control configuration of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Description of Embodiments]

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] As the present invention may be subject to various changes and have several embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be construed to include all changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are a combined perspective view and an exploded perspective view for describing a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a rear view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a rear side, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] In the present specification, a "floor surface" may be understood as meaning not only a floor surface of a living room or a room but also a cleaning surface such as a carpet.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, a cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaner main body 400 equipped with a suction motor for generating suction force, a mop module 100 connected to the cleaner main body 400 for sucking up air and foreign substances on the floor surface and wiping the floor surface to perform cleaning, and an extension pipe 300 connecting the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100.

[0045] The mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a module housing 110 and a connection pipe 180 movably connected to the module housing 110.

[0046] The mop module 100 of the present embodiment may be used by being connected to, for example, a handheld cleaner or a canister-type cleaner.

[0047] That is, the mop module 100 may be detachably connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300. As the mop module 100 is connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300, a user may clean the floor surface using the mop module 100. In this case, the cleaner main body 400 to which the mop module 100 is connected may separate dust from air in a multicyclone manner.

[0048] The mop module 100 may be operated by receiving power from the cleaner main body 400. Specifically, the mop module 100 may be operated by receiving power from a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400.

[0049] Since the cleaner main body 400 to which the mop module 100 is connected includes a suction motor (not shown), suction force generated by the suction motor (not shown) may be applied to the mop module 100.

[0050] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the mop module 100 may perform a role of sucking up foreign substances and air on the floor surface and guiding the same to the cleaner main body 400.

[0051] The connection pipe 180 is connected to a rear central portion of the module housing 110 and may guide the sucked air to the cleaner 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0052] To facilitate understanding, when directions of the present embodiment are defined, a part of the mop module 100 to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as a rear side (rear) of the mop module 100, and a side opposite to the part to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as a front side (front) of the mop module 100. A direction connecting the front and the rear may be referred to as a forward-backward direction.

[0053] In addition, based on a view toward an inlet 113a from the connection pipe 180, a left side of a flow path forming portion 113 may be referred to as a left side (left) of the mop module 100, and a right side of the flow path forming portion 113 may be referred to as a right side (right) of the mop module 100. A direction connecting the left and the right may be referred to as a left-right direction. The left-right direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the forward-backward direction on a horizontal plane.

[0054] In addition, based on a state in which the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, that is, a state in which a mop 150 is placed on the floor surface to wipe the floor surface, a direction getting closer to the floor surface may be referred to as a lower side or a downward direction, and a direction getting away from the floor surface may be referred to as an upper side or an upward direction.

[0055] The mop module 100 may further include a rotary cleaning unit 140 rotatably provided at a lower side of the module housing 110. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be a rotary plate formed in a disk shape.

[0056] For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be provided in a pair and arranged in the left-right direction. In this case, the pair of rotary cleaning units 140 may be independently rotated. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second rotary cleaning unit 142.

[0057] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be coupled to the mop 150. The mop 150 may be formed in, for example, a disk shape. The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 and a second mop 152.

[0058] In a state where the mop 150 is placed on the floor surface, the mop 150 is brought into close contact with the floor surface by a load of the mop module 100, and thus frictional force between the mop 150 and the floor surface increases.

[0059] The module housing 110 forms an outer appearance of the mop module 100, and an inlet 113a for sucking air may be formed therein. The inlet 113a may be formed at, for example, a front end portion of a lower surface of the module housing 110. The inlet 113a may be formed to extend in the left-right direction from the module housing 110.

[0060] The module housing 110 may include a lower housing 111 and an upper housing 112 coupled to an upper side of the lower housing 111.

[0061] The lower housing 111 may have the rotary cleaning unit 140 mounted thereon and may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100.

[0062] The lower housing 111 may include a bottom surface 111a to which the rotary cleaning unit 140 is coupled. In this case, a lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a is arranged to face the floor surface in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, and a moisture supply unit 130, a heating generator 200, and a driving motor 170 may be provided on an upper side surface of the bottom surface 111a.

[0063] An inlet 113a may be formed in the lower housing 111. Specifically, the inlet 113a may be formed in the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111. The inlet 113a means a space into which air containing dust may be introduced. With this configuration, when a suction motor (not shown) of the cleaner main body 400 is operated, dust and air existing around the floor surface may be sucked into a flow path of the mop module 100 through the inlet 113a.

[0064] The lower housing 111 may be provided with a board installation part in which a printed circuit board 190 for controlling the driving motor 170 is installed. For example, the board installation part may be formed in a hook shape extending upward from the lower housing 111.

[0065] Without being limited thereto, the board installation portion may be located at one side of the flow path forming portion 113 in the lower housing 111. For example, the printed circuit board 190 may be disposed at a position adjacent to a first manipulation portion 191 and a second manipulation portion 192. Accordingly, a switch installed on the printed circuit board 190 can detect manipulation of the first manipulation portion 191 and the second manipulation portion 192.

[0066] A nozzle hole (not shown) through which a diffuser 137 passes may be formed in the lower housing 111. Water or steam (water vapor) that has passed through the heating generator 200 and the diffuser 137 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the nozzle hole (not shown).

[0067] Meanwhile, a light emitting module 160 may be provided in the lower housing 111. Specifically, the light emitting module 160 may be provided on a front surface of the lower housing 111.

[0068] The upper housing 112 covers an upper side of the lower housing 111 and may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100 of the present invention.

[0069] In addition, the module housing 110 may further include a flow path forming portion 113 that communicates with the inlet 113a and forms a flow path for guiding air introduced from the inlet 113a to the cleaner main body 400.

[0070] The flow path forming portion 113 may be coupled to an upper central portion of the lower housing 111, and an end thereof may be connected to the connection pipe 180.

[0071] Accordingly, since the inlet 113a may extend in a substantially linear shape in a forward-backward direction by an arrangement of the flow path forming portion 113, a length of the inlet 113a may be minimized, and thus a flow path loss in the mop module 100 may be minimized.

[0072] A front part of the flow path forming portion 113 may cover an upper side of the inlet 113a. The flow path forming portion 113 may be arranged to be inclined upward from a front end portion toward a rear side. That is, an upper side surface of the flow path forming portion 113 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface. In addition, the upper side surface of the flow path forming portion 113 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0073] Accordingly, a height of the front part of the flow path forming portion 113 may be formed lower than that of a rear part thereof.

[0074] According to the present embodiment, since the height of the front part of the flow path forming portion 113 is low, there is an advantage in that a height of a front part among the total height of the mop module 100 can be reduced. As the height of the mop module 100 is lower, a possibility of cleaning by entering a narrow space under furniture, a chair, or the like increases.

[0075] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the heating generator 200 may be disposed on an upper side of the flow path forming portion 113. With this configuration, the heating generator 200 may be stably supported while being arranged to form a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.

[0076] A blocker 114 is disposed on a lower side surface of the lower housing 111 (a lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a). The blocker 114 partitions a front space where the inlet 113a is disposed and a rear space where the mop 150 is disposed, thereby blocking moisture released from the mop 150 from diffusing to the inlet 113a. For example, the blocker 114 may include a central portion 114a and an extension portion 114b. In this case, a pair of extension portions 114b may be symmetrically connected to both ends with respect to the central portion 114a. The central portion 114a is disposed at a rear of the inlet 113a to block moisture from flowing toward the inlet 113a. The extension portion 114b may be provided in an arc shape to surround the circular mop 150.

[0077] A plurality of rollers for smooth movement of the mop module 100 may be provided on the lower side surface of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0078] For example, a front roller 115 may be located in front of the mop 150 in the lower housing 111. The front roller 115 may include a first roller 115a and a second roller 115b. The first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

[0079] The first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may be rotatably connected to respective shafts. The shafts may be fixed to a lower side of the lower housing 111 while being arranged to extend in the left-right direction.

[0080] A distance between the shaft and a front end portion of the lower housing 111 is longer than a minimum distance between the mop 150 and the front end portion of the lower housing 111.

[0081] For example, at least a part of the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located between the shaft of the first roller 115a and the shaft of the second roller 115b.

[0082] According to this arrangement, the rotary cleaning unit 140 can be located as close to the inlet 113a as possible, and an area cleaned by the rotary cleaning unit 140 among the floor surface where the mop module 100 is located increases, thereby improving floor cleaning performance.

[0083] In the present embodiment, since the first roller 115a and the second roller 115b are coupled to the lower side of the lower housing 111, mobility of the mop module 100 can be improved.

[0084] A third roller 116 may be further provided in the lower housing 111. Accordingly, the first roller 115a and the second roller 115b, together with the third roller 116, can support the mop module 100 in a three-point manner. In this case, the third roller 116 may be located at a rear of the mop 150 so as not to interfere with the mop 150.

[0085] A cooling air inlet 117 may be formed in the lower housing 111. External air may be introduced into the module housing 110 through the cooling air inlet 117. In addition, the cooling air inlet 117 may be formed on a front side wall of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the mop module 100 moves forward by a user's manipulation, an inflow amount of air can be increased.

[0086] A cooling air discharge port 118 may be formed in the upper housing 112. Air inside the module housing 110 may be discharged to the outside through the cooling air discharge port 118. In addition, the cooling air discharge port 118 may be formed on both side walls of the upper housing 112. With this configuration, air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117 can be guided to pass through the driving motor 170 in a process of flowing toward the cooling air discharge port 118, which is advantageous in preventing overheating of the driving motor 170.

[0087] Based on a state where the lower housing 111 is placed on the floor surface, the cooling air discharge port 118 may be disposed further from the ground than the cooling air inlet 117. With this configuration, air heated inside the module housing 110 rises and can be effectively discharged to the cooling air discharge port 118.

[0088] The mop module 100 may further include a water tank 120 so as to supply moisture to the mop 150.

[0089] The water tank 120 may be detachably connected to the module housing 110. Specifically, the water tank 120 may be coupled to an upper side of the upper housing 112. For example, the water tank 120 may be mounted on a water tank seating portion formed on an upper side surface of the upper housing 112.

[0090] In addition, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating generator 200. Specifically, the water tank 120 is disposed to be spaced apart from the heating generator 200 at an upper portion of the heating generator 200. That is, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating generator 200 with the upper housing 112 interposed therebetween.

[0091] In a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110, the water tank 120 may form an outer appearance of the mop module 100.

[0092] Substantially, the entire upper side wall of the water tank 120 may form an upper surface appearance of the mop module 100. Accordingly, a user can visually check whether the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110.

[0093] The module housing 110 may further include a water tank release button manipulated to separate the water tank 120 in a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110. For example, the water tank release button may be located at a central portion of the mop module 100. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that a user can easily recognize the water tank release button and manipulate the water tank release button.

[0094] In a state where the water tank 120 is mounted on the module housing 110, water in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150. Specifically, the water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the moisture supply unit 130.

[0095] Specifically, a space for storing water is formed inside the water tank 120. The water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the heating generator 200 through at least one or more pipes (hoses). Water introduced into the heating generator 200 may be heated, and it is also possible for the water to be phase-changed into steam (water vapor) according to a user's selection. Water or steam heated in the heating generator 200 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the diffuser 137.

[0096] The water tank 120 includes a water supply port. The water supply port is a hole through which water is introduced into the water tank 120. For example, the water supply port may be formed on a side surface of the water tank 120.

[0097] The water tank 120 includes a water drain port. The water drain port is a hole through which water stored in the water tank 120 is discharged. The water discharged from the water drain port may flow to the heating generator 200. The water drain port may be formed on a lower surface of the water tank 120.

[0098] The water tank 120 includes an air hole. The air hole is a hole through which air can be introduced into the water tank 120. When water stored inside the water tank 120 is discharged to the outside, pressure inside the water tank 120 decreases, and air may be introduced into the water tank 120 through the air hole to compensate for the decreased pressure. For example, the air hole may be formed at an upper end of the water tank 120.

[0099] The mop module 100 of the present invention may include a moisture supply unit 130 in which a flow path for supplying water introduced from the water tank 120 to the mop 150 is formed.

[0100] Specifically, the moisture supply unit 130 may include a water tank connection portion 131 for introducing water from the water tank 120 into the module housing 110, a water inflow pipe 132 for supplying the water introduced into the water tank connection portion 131 to a water pump 133, a guide pipe 134 for supplying water from the water pump 133 to a T-shaped connector, and a water supply pipe 135 for supplying water introduced into the connector to the heating generator 200.

[0101] The water tank connection portion 131 may operate a valve (not shown) in the water tank 120, and water can flow.

[0102] The water tank connection portion 131 may be coupled to a lower side of the upper housing 112, and a part thereof may pass through the upper housing 112 to protrude upward.

[0103] When the water tank 120 is seated on the upper housing 112, the water tank connection portion 131 protruding upward may pass through the discharge port of the water tank 120 to be introduced into the water tank 120.

[0104] A sealer for preventing water discharged from the water tank 120 from leaking around the water tank connection portion 131 may be provided in the upper housing 112. For example, the sealer may be formed of a rubber material and may be coupled to the upper housing 112 from an upper side of the upper housing 112.

[0105] A water pump 133 for controlling discharge of water from the water tank 120 may be installed in the upper housing 112.

[0106] The water pump 133 may provide a flow force of water. The water pump 133 may include a first connection port to which the water inflow pipe 132 is connected and a second connection port to which the guide pipe 134 is connected. In this case, with respect to the water pump 133, the first connection port may be an inlet, and the second connection port may be an outlet.

[0107] The water pump 133 is a pump that operates such that an internal valve body expands or contracts while operating to allow the first connection port and the second connection port to communicate with each other, and since it can be implemented by a known structure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] The water supply pipe 135 may connect the connector and a water inlet 212 of the heating generator 200. For example, the water supply pipe 135 may be a pair of pipes branched from the connector.

[0109] Accordingly, water supplied to the water inflow pipe 132 flows to the guide pipe 134 after being introduced into the water pump 133. The water flowing to the guide pipe 134 flows to the water supply pipe 135 by the connector. Then, the water flowing to the water supply pipe 135 is supplied to the heating generator 200.

[0110] The heating generator 200 is a device for heating water. The heating generator 200 is disposed inside the module housing 110. Specifically, the heating generator 200 is installed on an upper side surface of the lower housing 111.

[0111] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the heating generator 200 is arranged to be inclined. Specifically, based on a state in which the module housing 110 is placed on the floor surface, a bottom surface of the heating generator 200 may be arranged to form a predetermined angle (α) with respect to the floor surface.

[0112] A specific structure and effects of the heating generator 200 of the present invention will be described later.

[0113] The diffuser 137 is configured to discharge water from the water tank 120 toward the mop 150.

[0114] Specifically, the diffuser 137 includes at least one or more nozzles, and moisture discharged from the heating generator 200 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the nozzles.

[0115] The diffuser 137 may be accommodated in a space formed inside the module housing 110, and a part of the diffuser 137 may pass through a nozzle hole (not shown) formed in the module housing 110 to be exposed to the outside of the module housing 110.

[0116] The diffusers 137 may be mounted in a pair on the module housing 110 and arranged in a left-right direction. In addition, the pair of diffusers 137 arranged in the left-right direction may be formed in a symmetrical shape (mirror image) with respect to each other.

[0117] The diffuser 137 may be connected to the heating generator 200 to supply moisture that has flowed through the heating generator 200 to the mop 150.

[0118] The diffuser 137 includes a diffuser body 137a and a connection pipe 137b.

[0119] The diffuser body 137a includes a diffusion flow path in which moisture can flow and a nozzle through which the moisture that has flowed through the diffusion flow path is discharged toward the mop. For example, the diffuser body 137a may be formed in an arc shape, and a plurality of nozzles may be provided at predetermined intervals. With this configuration, the diffuser body 137a can stably supply moisture to the disk-shaped mop 150.

[0120] The connection pipe 137b is provided on the diffuser body 137a and may be coupled to a moisture discharge port 213 of the heating generator 200. A flow path formed inside the connection pipe 137b may communicate with the moisture discharge port 213 and the diffusion flow path formed in the diffuser body 137a. With this configuration, moisture discharged from the heating generator 200 can be discharged toward the mop 150 through the diffuser body 137a after passing through the connection pipe 137b.;

[0121] Further, the moisture sprayed from the diffuser 137 is supplied to the mop 150 after passing through a water passage hole formed in the rotary cleaning unit 140. The mop 150 wipes the floor while rotating in a state of absorbing the moisture supplied through the diffuser 137.

[0122] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, a diffuser 137' includes a diffuser body 137a' and a connection pipe 137b'. In this case, the diffuser body 137a' may be formed in a ring shape, and a plurality of nozzles may be provided at predetermined intervals. With this configuration, the diffuser body 137a' can stably supply moisture to the disk-shaped mop 150.

[0123] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may rotate by receiving power from a driving motor 170. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be a rotary plate. The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be formed in a disk shape, and a mop 150 may be attached to a lower surface thereof.

[0124] In this case, the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 may be arranged parallel to a floor surface in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface. Alternatively, the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 may be arranged parallel to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0125] As an example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located at a rear of the inlet 113a at a lower side of the module housing 110.

[0126] Accordingly, when cleaning while moving the mop module 100 forward, foreign substances and air on the floor surface are sucked by the inlet 113a, and then the floor surface may be wiped by the mop 150.

[0127] At least one or more rotary cleaning units 140 may be provided at the lower side of the module housing 110. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a first rotary cleaning unit 141 connected to a first driving motor 171 and having a first mop 151 attached thereto, and a second rotary cleaning unit 142 connected to a second driving motor 172 and having a second mop 152 attached thereto.

[0128] Specifically, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include an outer body in a circular ring shape, an inner body located in a central region of the outer body and spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the outer body, and a plurality of connection ribs connecting an outer circumferential surface of the inner body and the inner circumferential surface of the outer body.

[0129] In addition, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include a plurality of water passage holes formed along a circumferential direction to supply water discharged through the diffuser 137 to the mop 150.

[0130] Meanwhile, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may include an attachment means for attaching the mop 150. For example, the attachment means may be a Velcro.

[0131] The rotary cleaning unit 140 may be disposed at the lower side of the lower housing 111. That is, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be disposed outside the module housing 110.

[0132] In addition, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 to receive power. For example, the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 through at least one or more gears and may be rotated by operation of the driving motor 170.

[0133] The rotary cleaning unit 140 includes a first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second rotary cleaning unit 142. For example, based on the inlet 113a in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, the first rotary cleaning unit 141 may mean the rotary cleaning unit 140 disposed on a left side, and the second rotary cleaning unit 142 may mean the rotary cleaning unit 140 disposed on a right side, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the left and right sides may be interchanged.

[0134] In the present embodiment, a rotation center of the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a rotation center of the second rotary cleaning unit 142 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a left-right direction.

[0135] The rotation center of the rotary cleaning unit 140 may be located further from a front end portion of the module housing 110 than a central axis that bisects a forward-backward length of the module housing 110. This is to prevent the rotary cleaning unit 140 from blocking the inlet 113a.

[0136] A distance between the rotation center of the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and the rotation center of the second rotary cleaning unit 142 may be formed larger than a diameter of the mop 150. This is to reduce mutual friction caused by interference between the first mop 151 and the second mop 152 during a rotation process and to prevent a cleanable area from being reduced by the interfering part.

[0137] The mop 150 may wipe the floor surface by rotational movement.

[0138] The mop 150 may be coupled to a lower side of the rotary cleaning unit 140 so as to face the floor surface.

[0139] A bottom surface of the mop 150 facing the floor is formed to have a predetermined area, and the mop 150 is formed in a flat shape. The mop 150 is formed in a shape having a horizontal width (or diameter) sufficiently larger than a height in an upward-downward direction. When the mop 150 is coupled to the lower housing 111, the bottom surface of the mop 150 may be parallel to the floor surface.

[0140] The bottom surface of the mop 150 may have a substantially circular shape, and the mop 150 may be formed in a rotationally symmetrical shape as a whole. In addition, the mop 150 may be detachably attached to a lower surface of the rotary cleaning unit 140, and may rotate together with the rotary cleaning unit 140 by being coupled thereto.

[0141] In a state where the rotary cleaning unit 140 and the mop 150 are coupled to a lower side of the module housing 110, a part of the mop 150 protrudes to an outside of the mop module 100, so that not only the floor surface located below the mop module 100 but also the floor surface located outside the mop module 100 can be cleaned.

[0142] As an example, the mop 150 may protrude not only to both sides of the mop module 100 but also toward a rear.

[0143] The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 coupled to the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second mop 152 coupled to the second rotary cleaning unit 142. Accordingly, when the first rotary cleaning unit 141 rotates by receiving power from the first driving motor 171, the first mop 151 also rotates together, and when the second rotary cleaning unit 142 rotates by receiving power from the second driving motor 172, the second mop 152 may also rotate together.

[0144] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the mop module 100 may further include a light emitting module 160.

[0145] The light emitting module 160 may irradiate light to a front of the mop module 100 to make foreign substances or microorganisms existing in front of the mop module 100 identifiable.

[0146] The light emitting module 160 may be disposed at the front of the module housing 110. For example, the light emitting module 160 may be disposed on a front surface of the lower housing 111, and a plurality of light emitting modules 160 may be arranged along a left-right direction. In this case, the light emitting module 160 may be disposed at a rear of the cooling air inlet 117. Through this arrangement, the light emitting module 160 may be cooled by air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117.

[0147] Meanwhile, the light emitting module 160 may be composed of a light emitting member and a diffusion plate.

[0148] The light emitting member may irradiate light forward or downward. As an example, the light emitting member may be composed of a plurality of LEDs. In this case, the light irradiated by the light emitting member may be visible light, and may be infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) light according to embodiments. With this configuration, when the light emitting member is operated, it is possible not only to check for the presence of foreign substances or microorganisms in front of the mop module 100 but also to sterilize the foreign substances or microorganisms existing in front of the mop module 100, thereby having an effect of improving hygiene.

[0149] In addition, the diffusion plate is disposed in front of the light emitting member to diffuse light irradiated from the light emitting member

[0150] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 may further include a driving motor 170 for providing power to rotate the mop 150 and the rotary cleaning unit 140.

[0151] Specifically, the driving motor 170 may include a first driving motor 171 for rotating the first rotary cleaning unit 141 and a second driving motor 172 for rotating the second rotary cleaning unit 142.

[0152] As described above, since the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 operate individually, even if one of the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 fails, there is an advantage in that the rotary cleaning unit 140 can be rotated by the other.

[0153] Meanwhile, the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction in the module housing 110. In addition, the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 may be located at a rear of the inlet 113a.

[0154] The driving motor 170 may be disposed in the module housing 110. As an example, the driving motor 170 is seated on an upper side of the lower housing 111 and may be covered by the upper housing 112. That is, the driving motor 170 may be located between the lower housing 111 and the upper housing 112.

[0155] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 includes a connection pipe 180 coupled to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300.

[0156] The connection pipe 180 may include a first connection pipe connected to an end of the flow path forming portion 113, a second connection pipe rotatably connected to the first connection pipe, and a guide pipe for communicating an interior of the first connection pipe with an interior of the second connection pipe.

[0157] The first connection pipe is formed in a tube shape, wherein one axial end thereof is connected to the end of the flow path forming portion 113, and the other axial end thereof may be rotatably coupled to the second connection pipe. In this case, the first connection pipe is formed in a shape in which a part of an outer circumferential surface is cut, and the cut part may be arranged to face the second connection pipe and an upper side. With this configuration, in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the ground, an angle formed between the second connection pipe and the ground may be changed according to a movement of a user's arm. That is, the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe may perform a role of a kind of joint capable of adjusting an angle between the mop module 100 and the cleaner main body 400.

[0158] The second connection pipe is formed in a tube shape, wherein one axial end thereof is rotatably coupled to the first connection pipe, and the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300 is inserted into and detachably coupled to the other axial end thereof.

[0159] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a module battery housing 500 in which a module battery 600 is accommodated may be coupled to the second connection pipe.

[0160] Meanwhile, wires may be embedded in the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe, and the wires embedded in the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe may be electrically connected to each other.

[0161] Meanwhile, the guide pipe may connect an inner space of the first connection pipe and an inner space of the second connection pipe. A flow path may be formed inside the guide pipe such that air sucked from the mop module 100 flows toward the extension pipe 300 and / or the cleaner main body 400. In this case, the guide pipe may be deformed together according to rotation of the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe. As an example, the guide pipe may be formed in a shape of a corrugated pipe.

[0162] Meanwhile, the mop module 100 may include a printed circuit board 190 on which a mop module control unit 700 for controlling the mop module 100 is disposed. Current may be applied to the printed circuit board 190, and communication lines may be disposed thereon. In this case, the printed circuit board 190 may be cooled by air introduced through the cooling air inlet 117 and discharged through the cooling air discharge port 118.

[0163] Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may further include a first manipulation portion 191 for adjusting an amount of water discharged from the water tank 120. As an example, the first manipulation portion 191 may be located at a rear side of the module housing 110.

[0164] The first manipulation portion 191 can be manipulated by a user, and water may be discharged from the water tank 120 or prevented from being discharged by manipulation of the first manipulation portion 191.

[0165] Alternatively, the amount of water discharged from the water tank 120 may be adjusted by the first manipulation portion 191. For example, as the user manipulates the first manipulation portion 191, a first amount of water may be discharged from the water tank 120 per unit time, or a second amount of water larger than the first amount may be discharged per unit time.

[0166] The first manipulation portion 191 may be provided to be pivoted in a left-right direction on the module housing 110, or may be provided to be pivoted in an upward-downward direction according to embodiments.

[0167] For example, in a state where the first manipulation portion 191 is located at a neutral position, the water discharge amount is zero, and when the first manipulation portion 191 is pivoted to the left by pushing a left side of the first manipulation portion 191, the first amount of water per unit time may be discharged from the water tank 120. And, when the first manipulation portion 191 is pivoted to the right by pushing a right side of the first manipulation portion 191, the second amount of water per unit time may be discharged from the water tank 120.

[0168] Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may further include a second manipulation portion 192 for adjusting a phase of moisture discharged from the heating generator 200. As an example, the second manipulation portion 192 may be located at the rear side of the module housing 110.

[0169] The second manipulation portion 192 can be manipulated by a user, and water or steam (water vapor) may be discharged from the heating generator 200 toward the mop 150 by manipulation of the second manipulation portion 192.

[0170] The second manipulation portion 192 may be provided to be rotatable on the module housing 110. For example, the second manipulation portion 192 may be a rotary knob (dial).

[0171] For example, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a first position, water at room temperature may be discharged toward the mop 150 without heating water in the heating generator 200. Further, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a second position different from the first position, water may be heated in the heating generator 200 and discharged toward the mop 150. In addition, in a state where the second manipulation portion 192 is rotated and located at a third position different from the first and second positions, water may be heated in the heating generator 200 to be phase-changed into steam (water vapor) and then discharged toward the mop 150.

[0172] FIG. 9 is a perspective view for describing a heating generator in a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view for describing the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a combined perspective view of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a plan view for describing a heating chamber of the heating generator in the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the heating generator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9 to 14, a heating generator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0174] The heating generator 200 may generate high-temperature water or steam (water vapor) by heating water. The heating generator 200 may heat water supplied from a water tank 120 and supply the same to a mop 150.

[0175] The heating generator 200 is provided in a mop module 100 rather than a cleaner main body 400. This is to prevent cleaning from becoming inconvenient due to a weight and a volume of the heating generator when the heating generator is disposed in the cleaner main body during dry cleaning.

[0176] The heating generator 200 may be coupled to an upper portion of a lower housing 111 (an upper side surface of a bottom surface 111a). For example, the heating generator 200 may be coupled to an upper side surface of a flow path forming portion 113. In this case, since the flow path forming portion 113 is coupled to an upper central portion of the lower housing 111, the heating generator 200 may also be disposed at a central portion of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the heating generator 200 is operated, a specific position may not be overheated by heat supplied from the heating generator 200, thereby having an effect of preventing damage to the mop module 100. In addition, a total volume of the mop module 100 may be minimized.

[0177] The heating generator 200 may include a heating chamber 210, a heater 220, a lower cover 230, a sealer 240, an upper cover 250, a lower insulator 260, an upper insulator 270, and a temperature detection unit 290.

[0178] In this case, the heater 220 is disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber 210, the lower insulator 260 is disposed at a lower side of the heater 220, and the lower cover 230 is disposed at a lower side of the lower insulator 260 so as to cover the lower side of the heating generator 200. In addition, the sealer 240 is disposed at an upper side of the heating chamber 210, the upper insulator 270 is disposed at an upper side of the sealer 240, and the upper cover 250 is disposed at an upper side of the upper insulator 270 so as to cover the upper side of the heating generator 200.

[0179] A flow path through which moisture flows is formed inside the heating chamber 210, and the heating chamber 210 may provide a space in which moisture flowing through the flow path is heated by receiving heat generated from the heater 220.

[0180] Specifically, the heating chamber 210 includes a chamber body 211, a water inlet 212, a moisture discharge port 213, a partition wall 214, a flow guide wall 215, a flow delay protrusion 216, and a water storage groove 217.

[0181] The chamber body 211 forms an outer appearance of the heating chamber 210 and may provide a space in which moisture can flow. For example, the chamber body 211 may be formed in a shape similar to a rectangular box. For example, a rectangular plate-shaped bottom surface is formed at the lowermost portion of the chamber body 211, and four side walls 218 may be formed perpendicular to the bottom surface to be connected thereto. And, an upper portion of the chamber body 211 may be in an open shape. Accordingly, the interior of the chamber body 211 may be referred to as a space surrounded by the bottom surface and the four side walls 218. In this case, the four side walls may be respectively referred to as a front side wall 218a, a rear side wall 218b, and a pair of left-right side walls 218c according to arranged positions.

[0182] Meanwhile, an internal space of the chamber body 211 may be separated by a partition wall 214, which will be described later. For example, a space disposed on a left side with respect to the partition wall 214 may be referred to as a first chamber, and a space disposed on a right side with respect to the partition wall 214 may be referred to as a second chamber, and left and right sides of the first chamber and the second chamber may be interchanged.

[0183] Meanwhile, a water inlet 212 and a moisture discharge port 213 may be formed in the chamber body 211. Specifically, the water inlet 212 may be formed on a bottom surface or an upper surface of the chamber body 211. In addition, the moisture discharge port 213 may be formed on the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In this case, it is preferable that the water inlet 212 and the moisture discharge port 213 are disposed farthest from each other along a forward-backward direction of the mop module 100. This is to maximize a flow distance of water introduced into the water inlet 212 until it is discharged to the moisture discharge port 213, thereby ensuring a sufficient heating time.

[0184] For example, a rear end of the chamber body 211 is disposed higher than a front end of the chamber body 211. That is, the heating generator 200 has a rearward-upward inclination. Accordingly, water may be heated while flowing from a rear upper portion toward a front lower portion of the heating generator 200.

[0185] The water inlet 212 is formed in the chamber body 211, and water may be introduced from the water tank 120. The water inlet 212 may be a hole formed at an inlet end of the chamber body 211.

[0186] Specifically, a water supply pipe 135 of a moisture supply unit 130 may be connected to the water inlet 212. For example, the water supply pipe 135 is coupled to a lower side of the chamber body 211, and a flow path inside the water supply pipe 135 and the water inlet 212 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, when a water pump 133 is operated, water stored in the water tank 120 flows through the water supply pipe 135 by a flow force generated from the water pump 133 and then may be introduced into the chamber body 211.

[0187] Moisture heated inside the chamber body 211 may be discharged through the moisture discharge port 213. The moisture discharge port 213 may be a hole formed at an outlet end of the chamber body 211.

[0188] Specifically, a diffuser 137 may be connected to the moisture discharge port 213. For example, the diffuser 137 is coupled to the lower side of the chamber body 211, and a flow path inside the diffuser 137 and the moisture discharge port 213 may communicate with each other. Accordingly, moisture (water or steam) heated inside the chamber body 211 passes through the moisture discharge port 213 to be introduced into the diffuser 137 and then may be supplied to the mop 150.

[0189] Meanwhile, generally, a bottom surface of a heating generator is arranged parallel to a floor surface of a place where it is installed. Further, a pipe through which steam is discharged is provided at an upper portion of the heating generator. Accordingly, when the heating generator is operated to generate steam (water vapor), the heated steam is configured to be discharged to the outside along the pipe while rising.

[0190] However, in the case of the heating generator having such a structure, there is a high possibility that drain will be generated due to contact with an inner wall or the pipe of the heating generator in a process of steam rising. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce heat loss that may occur during the steam flow process and to resupply the drain to the mop by reheating it even if the drain is generated.

[0191] To solve this, a heating generator 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.

[0192] Specifically, in a state where the mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface (a state where the mop 150 is placed on the floor surface to wipe the floor surface), a bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle $\alpha$ with respect to the floor surface.

[0193] A bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111, to which the rotary cleaning unit 140 and the mop 150 are coupled at a lower side, and the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle $\alpha$. That is, an imaginary extension plane of the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may intersect an imaginary extension plane of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

[0194] In addition, a height from the floor surface to the water inlet 212 may be higher than a height from the floor surface to the moisture discharge port 213. Further, a distance from the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 to the water inlet 212 may be larger than a distance from the bottom surface 111a to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0195] In addition, a minimum distance from the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140 to the water inlet 212 may be larger than a minimum distance from the rotary cleaning unit 140 to the moisture discharge port 213. Further, the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may form an inclination at a predetermined angle $\alpha$ with respect to an imaginary extension plane of the disk-shaped rotary cleaning unit 140. That is, an imaginary extension line of the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 may intersect the imaginary extension plane of the rotary cleaning unit 140.

[0196] With this configuration, even if water introduced into the water inlet 212 undergoes upward convective movement by being heated, it can be heated while flowing from an upper portion to a lower portion in the chamber body 211 by gravity.

[0197] Furthermore, even if the water heated inside the chamber body 211 is phase-changed into water vapor and rises, it is not discharged to the upper portion of the chamber body 211 and remains inside the chamber body 211 to be additionally heated.

[0198] In addition, the drain generated inside the heating generator 200 is not discharged to the outside and can be continuously heated.

[0199] The partition wall 214 may be formed to protrude upward from the bottom surface of the chamber body 211 along a forward-backward direction of the mop module 100. For example, the partition wall 214 may be a wall extending rearward from a side wall (front side wall 218a) disposed in front of the chamber body 211. The partition wall 214 may be connected to a flow guide wall 215, which will be described later. Meanwhile, a temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a rear side of a point where the partition wall 214 and the flow guide wall 215 are connected.

[0200] With this configuration, the partition wall 214 can divide an internal space of the chamber body 211 into left and right sides. That is, the internal space of the chamber body 211 may be divided into a first chamber and a second chamber with the partition wall 214 and the temperature detection unit 290 as a boundary.

[0201] Accordingly, moisture flowing inside the first chamber and moisture flowing inside the second chamber do not mix with each other and can be independently discharged. Therefore, even if the heating chamber 210 shakes according to a user's manipulation, a pair of diffusers 137 can uniformly discharge moisture.

[0202] The flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude inside the chamber body 211, and at least one or more flow guide walls may be formed along the left-right direction.

[0203] Specifically, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In this case, based on the bottom surface of the chamber body 211, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and may be formed to be inclined toward the front at a predetermined angle. Alternatively, based on a direction of gravity, the flow guide wall 215 is formed to protrude along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and may be formed to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle. Further, based on a direction in which water inside the heating chamber 210 flows, intervals between a plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be formed to gradually widen from an inlet side toward an outlet side.

[0204] Further, the flow guide wall 215 may be connected to a left-right side wall 218c of the chamber body 211 or the partition wall 214.

[0205] That is, one end of the flow guide wall 215 is connected to a flow delay protrusion 216, and the other end of the flow guide wall 215 may be connected to a side wall 218 of the chamber body 211 or the partition wall 214. In this case, the one end of the flow guide wall 215 may be disposed closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) than the other end.

[0206] With this configuration, a flow path through which water can flow may be formed between the partition wall 214 and the flow guide wall 215, or between the side wall of the chamber body 211 and the flow guide wall 215.

[0207] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be formed. In this case, the plurality of flow guide walls 215 may be alternately connected to the side wall of the chamber body 211 and the partition wall 214.

[0208] With this configuration, the flow path inside the chamber body 211 may be formed in a zigzag shape. As a result, a flow path of water flowing inside the chamber body 211 can be increased, and a sufficient time for heating the water inside the chamber body 211 can be ensured. In addition, there is an effect of increasing an area capable of transferring heat to the water flowing inside the chamber body 211. Further, even if the heating generator 200 shakes, it is effective in maintaining a supply amount of water or steam by maintaining a flow direction of moisture.

[0209] The flow delay protrusion 216 may be formed to protrude from one end of the flow guide wall 215. Specifically, it may be formed to protrude rearward from the one end of the flow guide wall 215.

[0210] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a rear (or upper) end of the flow delay protrusion 216 may be disposed further from the floor surface (upper side in a direction of gravity) than the other end of the flow guide wall 215.

[0211] With this configuration, water flowing along the flow guide wall 215 encounters the flow delay protrusion 216, and a flow velocity of the water may be reduced. Accordingly, sufficient time can be secured so that water introduced into the heating generator 200 is heated to a target temperature.

[0212] The water storage groove 217 is formed to be concavely recessed in the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. The water storage groove 217 may be disposed in a front portion among the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. In addition, the water storage groove 217 may receive water that has flowed along the flow guide wall 215 closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) among the bottom surface of the chamber body 211. Further, the lowermost part of the water storage groove 217 may be disposed closer to the floor surface (lower side in the direction of gravity) than the moisture discharge port 213.

[0213] With this configuration, water that has not been phase-changed into steam while flowing inside the chamber body 211 is collected in the water storage groove 217 and can be continuously heated. Accordingly, even if the heating generator 200 shakes, it is possible to prevent water that has not been sufficiently heated from being suddenly discharged to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0214] Meanwhile, in the present invention, a pair of temperature detection unit receiving walls 219 may be formed in the chamber body 211 to receive the temperature detection unit 290. The temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 is formed to protrude inside the chamber body 211 and may include a pair of side walls and a connection wall connecting front ends of the pair of side walls. On the other hand, a rear end may be formed in an open shape so that the temperature detection unit 290 can be inserted therein.

[0215] Accordingly, the temperature detection unit 290 can be inserted into the temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 and disposed inside the chamber body 211.

[0216] In this case, a length of the temperature detection unit receiving wall 219 may be changed according to the number and arrangement of the heaters 220, and the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a position where at least a part thereof faces each of the plurality of heaters 220. Accordingly, the temperature detection unit 290 has an effect of accurately sensing a temperature inside the chamber body 211 according to the operation of each heater 220.

[0217] The heater 220 can generate heat. As a device capable of converting electrical energy into thermal energy, the heater 220 can be implemented by a known structure, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0218] The heater 220 is disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber 210 and can supply heat to the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the heater 220 may be in contact with the bottom surface of the heating chamber 210. Accordingly, when heat is generated in the heater 220, the heating chamber 210 in contact with the heater 220 can be heated by conduction. Thus, the heater 220 can heat water flowing inside the heating chamber 210 by receiving power from the main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400 and / or the module battery 600.

[0219] Meanwhile, the heater 220 can adjust a temperature of water according to a user's input. In addition, the heater 220 can phase-change water into steam (water vapor) according to the user's input.

[0220] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a plurality of heaters 220 may be provided. As an example, the heaters 220 may include a first heater 221 formed along the left-right direction of the mop module 100 and a second heater 222 formed parallel to the first heater 221. As another example, the heaters 220 may include a first heater 221 formed along the forward-backward direction of the mop module 100 and a second heater 222 formed parallel to the first heater 221.

[0221] Meanwhile, a plurality of power sources are mounted on the cleaner 1 of the present invention, and the heater 220 may receive power from a plurality of power supply units. Each of the plurality of power sources is independently connected to the heater 220. Accordingly, only one of the plurality of power sources may supply power to the heater 220, or all of the plurality of power sources may supply power to the heater 220.

[0222] The plurality of heaters 220 may receive power from the plurality of power sources. The plurality of heaters 220 are independently connected to the plurality of power sources. The power sources may include a first power source and a second power source. For example, the first power source may be a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400, and the second power source may be a module battery 600 coupled to the mop module 100.

[0223] However, in the present embodiment, the number of power sources and heaters 220 is exemplified as two, but is not limited thereto, and a case where three or more are provided may also be included.

[0224] In this case, the first power source 410 may supply power to the first heater 221, and the second power source 600 may supply power to the second heater 222.

[0225] The first power source 410 may be connected to a mop module control unit 700 through a main body control unit 420 provided in the cleaner main body 400, and the second power source 600 may be connected to the mop module control unit 700.

[0226] The mop module control unit 700 may control whether to output first power output from the first power source 410 to the first heater 221 and whether to output second power output from the second power source 600 to the second heater 222.

[0227] With this configuration, as a plurality of power sources are mounted, the cleaner 1 according to the present invention can extend a total operating time of the heater 220 and an overall usage time of the cleaner 1 during mop cleaning by, for example, operating only the first heater 221 and then operating only the second heater 222.

[0228] In addition, since power can be supplied to the heater 220 using only a part of the plurality of power sources, a user can perform cleaning after separating a part of the plurality of power sources according to a cleaning environment during mop cleaning. Accordingly, the user can reduce the usage time of the cleaner 1 and lighten a weight of the cleaner, and can use the first power source 410 or the second power source 600 by replacing the same. Also, if necessary, the user can increase the usage time of the cleaner by mounting all of the plurality of batteries.

[0229] The plurality of heaters 220 are disposed at a lower portion of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the plurality of heaters 220 are disposed to be in contact with a lower surface of the chamber body 211 to supply heat to the heating chamber 210 by conduction.

[0230] The heater 220 may be configured to include a plurality of heating wires.

[0231] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, each of the plurality of heaters 220 may be composed of a separate heater body and a heating wire provided inside the body. For example, the first heater 221 may have a heating wire 221a provided inside a first heater body, and the second heater 222 may have a heating wire 222a provided inside a second heater body.

[0232] In this case, the first heater 221 may be disposed higher from the ground than the second heater 222. That is, the first heater 221 is disposed adjacent to the water inlet 212, and the second heater 222 is disposed adjacent to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0233] Accordingly, moisture introduced into the water inlet 212 flows through an upper portion of the heating chamber 210 adjacent to the first heater 221 and then flows through a lower portion of the heating chamber adjacent to the second heater 222 to be discharged to the moisture discharge port 213.

[0234] In this case, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 may be individually installed. In this case, heat may be transferred by convection between the first heater 221 and the second heater 222. Meanwhile, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are each replaceable.

[0235] In addition, since the temperature inside each heater body increases or decreases as a whole, damage due to partial heating is prevented, providing an advantage of high durability. Furthermore, there are advantages of a low defect rate and stable output.

[0236] As another example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the heater 220 may have a plurality of heating wires arranged in one body. For example, the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be disposed in one heater body. In this case, the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along a forward-backward direction. Alternatively, a separation wall may be formed between the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 to maintain the interval between the heating wire 221a and the heating wire 222a.

[0237] In this case, the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 may be installed at once. In this case, a heat transfer rate between the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 is high. Accordingly, in the integrated heater body, even if only the first heater 221 generates heat, a temperature of a portion where the second heater 222 is disposed may also increase through conduction.

[0238] In addition, since the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are disposed inside the integrated heater body, the number of parts is reduced, the structure is simplified, and processes are reduced, thereby providing an advantage of saving manufacturing costs.

[0239] As still another example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, in the heater 220, a plurality of heating wires are disposed in one body, wherein the plurality of heating wires may be respectively bent a plurality of times to be interleaved with each other. For example, the heating wire 221a of the first heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times at regular intervals, the heating wire 222a of the second heater is formed by being bent a plurality of times, and at least a part of the heating wire 222a of the second heater may be configured to be disposed between segments of the heating wire 221a of the first heater.

[0240] Accordingly, even if only one of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 is operated, heat can be uniformly supplied to the chamber body 211 as a whole, and heat can be stably supplied to the moisture so that there is no section where the temperature of the moisture flowing through the chamber body 211 decreases. Thus, the temperature of the moisture can be stably maintained.

[0241] Meanwhile, the body of the heater 220 is formed of a material having high conductivity and thermal conductivity, and has a shape and structure with high conductivity and thermal conductivity. For example, the first heater body, the second heater body, and the integrated body may be formed in a hexahedral shape in which a length in a left-right direction is larger than a width in a forward-backward direction.

[0242] In addition, the heater 220 may be a ceramic heater, and the heating wire 221a of the first heater 221 and the heating wire 222a of the second heater 222 may be formed of a ceramic material.

[0243] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, each of the plurality of heaters 220 may include a terminal coupling portion connected to each heater at one side thereof. The terminal coupling portion is connected to the mop module control unit 700 and may be respectively connected to a plurality of power sources. For example, the first power source 410 and the second power source 600 may be independently connected to the mop module control unit 700. In this case, the mop module control unit 700 may connect the first power source 410 and the first heater 221, and connect the second power source 600 and the second heater 222.

[0244] Accordingly, when the heating generator 200 is operated, power can be supplied to only one of the plurality of heaters 220 or to all of the plurality of heaters 220. For example, power may be supplied to only one of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, or power may be supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222.

[0245] Thus, the heater 220 of the present invention may have a plurality of modes capable of operating the plurality of heaters 220.

[0246] For example, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a first mode in which power is supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222. The first mode may be applied according to a user's selection. In the first mode, moisture (water or steam) receives heat from the first heater 221 to be primarily heated, and then receives heat from the second heater 222 to be secondarily heated. In this case, since sufficient heating of the moisture is possible, there is an effect that the floor surface can be wiped by discharging high-temperature water or steam to the mop 150.

[0247] In addition, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a second mode in which power is supplied only to the first heater 221. The second mode may be applied according to the user's selection or when the mop module control unit 700 detects that the second power source 600 is not mounted. In the second mode, moisture (water or steam) may be heated by receiving heat from the first heater 221 immediately after being introduced into the heating chamber 210. In this case, since only the first power source 410 supplying power to the first heater 221 is required, the mop module 100 can be lightly manipulated in a state where the second power source 600 is not mounted (or a state where the second power source 600 is separated).

[0248] In addition, the heater 220 of the present invention may be operated in a third mode in which power is supplied only to the second heater 222. The third mode may be applied according to the user's selection or when a charged amount of the first power source 410 is lower than a preset reference value. In the third mode, moisture (water or steam) may be heated by receiving heat from the second heater 222 before being discharged from the heating chamber 210. In this case, the second heater 222 may receive power from the second power source 600, and otherwise, the cleaner main body 400, the water pump 133, the driving motor 170, and the like may receive power from the first power source 410.

[0249] As such, in the present invention, by selectively driving the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, a usage time limited by a battery capacity can be adjusted. In addition, various modes are provided according to a change in power consumption or according to a power source, a temperature level of the mop module 100 can be effectively changed, and there is an advantage of easy power distribution.

[0250] The lower cover 230 is disposed at a lower side of the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260, and may cover the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260. For example, the lower cover 230 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed in a shape capable of surrounding the heater 220 and the lower insulator 260. The lower cover 230 may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat generated from the heater 220.

[0251] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220.

[0252] The sealer 240 is disposed at an upper side of the heating chamber 210 and may airtightly seal the upper side of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the sealer 240 may airtightly seal an open upper portion of the chamber body 211. The sealer 240 may be formed of a material capable of blocking passage of moisture. With such a configuration, even if water vapor generated inside the heating chamber 210 rises, it is blocked by the sealer 240, thereby preventing leakage to the outside.

[0253] The upper cover 250 is disposed at an upper side of the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270, and may cover the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270. For example, the upper cover 250 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed in a shape capable of surrounding the sealer 240 and the upper insulator 270. The upper cover 250 may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transferred through the sealer 240.

[0254] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220.

[0255] The lower insulator 260 is disposed between the heater 220 and the lower cover 230 and may block heat transferred from the heater 220. The lower insulator 260 may be formed to have a larger area than the heater 220. For example, the lower insulator 260 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

[0256] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat generated from the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent components accommodated inside the module housing 110 from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 220. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the heat generated from the heater 220 is doubly blocked by the lower insulator 260 and the lower cover 230, so that effects of improving energy efficiency and preventing component damage can be maximized.

[0257] The upper insulator 270 is disposed at the upper side of the sealer 240 and may block heat transferred from the heating chamber 210. The upper insulator 270 may be formed to have a larger area than the sealer 240. For example, the upper insulator 270 is formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

[0258] With such a configuration, energy efficiency can be improved by preventing heat of the heating chamber 210 heated by the heater 220 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200. In addition, it is possible to prevent heat of the heating chamber 210 from escaping to the outside of the heating generator 200 and damaging components accommodated inside the module housing 110. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the heat of the heating chamber 210 is doubly blocked by the upper insulator 270 and the upper cover 250, so that the effects of improving energy efficiency and preventing component damage can be maximized.

[0259] The temperature detection unit 290 may measure a temperature of the heating generator 200.

[0260] The temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed at a side of the heating chamber 210. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed on an outer surface of the side wall 218 of the heating chamber 210. For example, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed on an outer surface of the rear side wall 218b.

[0261] The temperature detection unit 290 may measure the temperature of the heating chamber 210. As an example, the temperature detection unit 290 may be a thermistor. In this case, the temperature detection unit 290 may transmit information on the measured temperature of the heating chamber 210 to the mop module control unit 700.

[0262] The temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed along a forward-backward direction so as to facilitate temperature sensing even when operating in any of the first to third modes. Specifically, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed along a temperature detection unit receiving wall 219. That is, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed between a left chamber and a right chamber.

[0263] In this case, the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed to respectively face all of the plurality of heaters 220. For example, at least a part of the temperature detection unit 290 may be disposed to face the first heater 221, and another at least a part thereof may be disposed to face the second heater 222.

[0264] The heating generator 200 may supply hot water of a predetermined temperature or room-temperature water to the mop by controlling the temperature of the water through heating control using the temperature detection unit 290.

[0265] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, a cleaner 1 of the present invention may include an extension pipe 300.

[0266] The extension pipe 300 may be coupled to a cleaner main body 400 and a mop module 100.

[0267] For example, the extension pipe 300 may be formed in a long cylindrical shape. Accordingly, an internal space of the extension pipe 300 may communicate with an internal space of the mop module 100. In addition, the extension pipe 300 may communicate with a suction flow path formed in a suction portion of the cleaner main body 400.

[0268] When suction force is generated through a suction motor (not shown), the suction force may be provided to the mop module 100 through the suction portion and the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, external dust and air may be introduced into the cleaner main body 400 through the mop module 100 and the extension pipe 300. In addition, dust and air introduced through the mop module 100 may be introduced into the cleaner main body 400 after passing through the extension pipe 300.

[0269] Meanwhile, wires may be embedded in the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100 may be electrically connected to each other through the extension pipe 300.

[0270] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a cleaner main body 400.

[0271] The cleaner main body 400 may include a suction motor, a dust bin, and a main battery 410. The cleaner main body 400 may receive power from the main battery 410 to operate the suction motor, and may generate suction force by the operation of the suction motor.

[0272] A suction flow path is formed in the cleaner main body 400 so that air and dust introduced from the mop module 100 can flow.

[0273] Further, the cleaner main body 400 may include at least one or more cyclone units for separating dust sucked into an interior by applying a principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force. Accordingly, air introduced through the suction flow path may be spirally flowed so that dust can be separated.

[0274] Further, the cleaner main body 400 may include a dust bin to store dust separated from the air sucked through a cyclone flow.

[0275] Further, the main battery 410 may supply power to the mop module 100. In this case, the main battery 410 may supply power to a driving motor 170 of the mop module 100. Further, the main battery 410 may supply power to a water pump 133 of the mop module 100.

[0276] Meanwhile, the main battery 410 may supply power to the driving motor 170 and the water pump 133, but may not supply power to a heating generator 200. Alternatively, the main battery 410 may supply power to the driving motor 170, the water pump 133, and the heating generator 200.

[0277] Further, a main body control unit 420 may be provided in the cleaner main body 400. The main body control unit 420 may be connected to the main battery 410 to receive power. And, the main body control unit 420 may be connected to a mop module control unit 700 to transmit power and signals.

[0278] The main body control unit 420 may control components provided in the cleaner main body 400, including the suction motor.

[0279] Further, an input unit is provided in the cleaner main body 400 so that a user can set whether power is supplied and an intensity of air suction, as well as a rotation intensity of a mop, a water supply amount, whether water is heated, and whether steam is supplied.

[0280] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a module battery housing 500.

[0281] The module battery housing 500 is coupled to a mop module 100 or an extension pipe 300, and a module battery 600 may be detachably coupled thereto. As an example, the module battery housing 500 is coupled to a connection pipe 180 of the mop module 100 and may detachably accommodate the module battery 600 therein.

[0282] The module battery housing 500 may electrically connect the module battery 600 to a heating generator 200. With such a configuration, electrical energy of the module battery 600 can be supplied to the heating generator 200 that requires high power supply.

[0283] Alternatively, the module battery housing 500 may connect a battery (not shown) provided in a cleaner main body 400 and the module battery 600 in series. With such a configuration, power can be stably supplied when high power supply is required, such as when the heating generator 200 is operated.

[0284] Alternatively, the module battery housing 500 may connect a main battery 410 provided in the cleaner main body 400 and the module battery 600 in parallel. With such a configuration, a usage time of the cleaner 1 can be extended.

[0285] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaner 1 of the present invention may include a module battery 600.

[0286] The module battery 600 can store electrical energy therein. For example, the module battery 600 may be a secondary battery.

[0287] The module battery 600 may supply power to the mop module 100. Specifically, the module battery 600 may supply power to the heating generator 200. In this case, the module battery 600 and the heating generator 200 may be electrically connected, and a mop module control unit 700 may be connected between the module battery 600 and the heating generator 200. That is, power supplied from the module battery 600 may be supplied to a heater 220 of the heating generator 200 through the mop module control unit 700.

[0288] In the present embodiment, a power supply relationship between the module battery 600 and the main battery 410 is described as follows.

[0289] In the present embodiment, when the module battery 600 is not mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 may supply power to the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100.

[0290] Meanwhile, when the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 supplies power to the cleaner main body 400 and the mop module 100, but may not supply power to the heating generator 200.

[0291] That is, when the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, the main battery 410 supplies power to a driving motor 170 and a water pump 133 of the mop module 100, and the module battery 600 may supply power to the heating generator 200.

[0292] Meanwhile, in a state where the module battery 600 is mounted on the cleaner 1, when a temperature of a heating chamber 210 is a reference temperature Tr or higher, a connection between the module battery 600 and the heater 220 is blocked by the mop module control unit 700. Accordingly, the power supplied to the heater 220 is cut off. On the other hand, the driving motor 170 and the water pump 133 may continue to receive power from the main battery 410.

[0293] With such a configuration, when the heating generator 200 is overheated, only a function of heating water is stopped, while a function of supplying water to a mop and a function of rotating the mop can be maintained. Accordingly, cleaning performance of the mop module 100 can be maintained by supplying already heated water to the mop.

[0294] FIG. 18 illustrates a diagram for explaining a control configuration of a cleaning module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0295] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 18, a control configuration of a mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0296] The mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mop module control unit 700.

[0297] The mop module control unit 700 may include a memory (not shown) and a timer (not shown). Preset information may be stored in the memory (not shown). The timer (not shown) may measure time.

[0298] Although not illustrated, the mop module control unit 700 may receive a control signal input through a cleaner main body 400, a mop module 100, or an external terminal (not shown). For example, the mop module control unit 700 may be connected to the cleaner main body 400, the mop module 100, or the external terminal (not shown) through wired or wireless communication.

[0299] The mop module control unit 700 may control components included in the mop module 100.

[0300] The mop module control unit 700 may be signally connected to a first manipulation portion 191 and a second manipulation portion 192. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may be electrically connected to the first manipulation portion 191 and the second manipulation portion 192, and may transmit / receive electrical signals. With such a configuration, the mop module 100 can receive a control signal based on a user input from the first manipulation portion 191 and / or the second manipulation portion 192, and operate according to the received control signal.

[0301] The mop module control unit 700 may be signally connected to a temperature detection unit 290. The temperature detection unit 290 may measure a temperature of a heating generator 200 and transmit information on the temperature of the heating generator 200 to the mop module control unit 700.

[0302] The mop module control unit 700 may receive power from a main battery 410.

[0303] The mop module control unit 700 may receive power from a module battery 600.

[0304] The mop module control unit 700 may control a water pump 133. The mop module control unit 700 may control an amount of moisture supplied from a water tank 120 to a mop 150 according to a control signal input from the first manipulation portion 191. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may control an operation time of the water pump 133 according to the control signal input from the first manipulation portion 191.

[0305] The mop module control unit 700 may control a heater 220. The mop module control unit 700 may control a temperature and a phase of moisture supplied to the mop 150 according to a control signal input from the second manipulation portion 192. For example, the mop module control unit 700 may control an operation time of the heater 220 and an amount of power applied to the heater 220 according to the control signal input from the second manipulation portion 192. In addition, when a temperature of the heating generator 200 measured by the temperature detection unit 290 is different from a preset target temperature, the mop module control unit 700 may change the operation time of the heater 220 and the amount of power applied to the heater 220.

[0306] With such a configuration, according to the present invention, a temperature or a phase of water introduced into the heating generator 200 can be maintained, and energy efficiency can be increased.

[0307] In addition, when the heating generator 200 is operated, the mop module control unit 700 may independently drive a first heater 221 and a second heater 222 by controlling a driver of the first heater 221 and a driver of the second heater 222. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may independently vary power supplied to the first heater 221 and the second heater 222.

[0308] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 is connected to a main body control unit 420 through a connection terminal, and the main body control unit 420 may be connected to a first power source 410 through a connection terminal. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may be connected to a second power source 600 through a connection terminal.

[0309] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may include a first switch connected to the driver of the first heater 221 and a second switch connected to the driver of the second heater 222. The first switch may be connected to the first power source 410, and the second switch may be connected to the second power source 600.

[0310] Accordingly, the mop module control unit 700 may operate the plurality of heaters 220 according to the plurality of modes described above.

[0311] Therefore, when power is supplied to both the first heater 221 and the second heater 222, the heater 220 can operate at a maximum output, and when power supply to any one heater 220 is blocked, it can operate at a relatively low output.

[0312] Accordingly, a user can separate a part of the plurality of power sources to use at a low output and supply only a part of the power to the heater 220. In this case, a usage time of the cleaner 1 can be reduced, or the temperature of the heater 220 can be lowered to lower a temperature of hot water supplied to the mop module 100. In this case, when the temperature of the heater 220 is lowered, the usage time of the cleaner 1 can be increased.

[0313] That is, in the present invention, it is possible to perform multiple operation modes by changing the supplied power according to a cleaning situation, adjusting an amount of steam or an amount of generated hot water, or effectively changing a temperature level of the heater 220.

[0314] In addition, required outputs of the first heater 221 and the second heater 222 are lowered, and elements and parts matching the output level can be replaced with relatively low-specification ones, thereby providing advantages of cost reduction and energy saving.

[0315] In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may receive information from the temperature detection unit 290 to control the temperature or to recognize and prevent overheating.

[0316] In addition, according to an embodiment, the mop module control unit 700 may control a light emitting module 160. The mop module control unit 700 may control on / off of the light emitting module 160 according to a user's control input. In addition, the mop module control unit 700 may control an amount of light from the light emitting module 160 according to the user's control input.

[0317] In addition, according to an embodiment, the mop module control unit 700 may control a driving motor 170. The mop module control unit 700 may control a rotation speed (rpm) of the driving motor 170 according to the user's control input.

[0318] While the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, these are for explaining the present invention in detail, and the present invention is not limited thereto. It is obvious that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0319] All simple modifications or changes of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention, and the specific protection scope of the present invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0040]Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041]As the present invention may be subject to various changes and have several embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be construed to include all changes, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0042]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are a combined perspective view and an exploded perspective view for describing a mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 to 6 are views illustrating a state in which an upper housing is removed from the mop module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a rear view ...

Claims

1. A mop module (100) of a cleaner 1, which is coupled to a cleaner main body (400) to wipe and clean foreign substances on a floor surface, the mop module (100) comprising: a module housing (110); a water tank (120) coupled to the module housing (110) and storing water therein; at least one or more rotary cleaning units (140) disposed at a lower side of the module housing (110) and to which a mop (150) is capable of being coupled; and a heating generator (200) for heating water supplied from the water tank (120), characterized in that the heating generator (200) comprises: a heating chamber (210) in which a flow path through which moisture flows is formed; and a heater (220) disposed at a lower side of the heating chamber (210) and supplying heat to the heating chamber (210), wherein a plurality of the heaters (220) are provided and are configured to be independently operated.

2. The mop module (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a module battery (600) for supplying power to the heating generator (200), wherein the module battery (600) supplies power to any one of the plurality of heaters (220).

3. The mop module (100) of claim 1, wherein any one of the plurality of heaters (220) receives power from a main battery (410) provided in the cleaner main body (400).

4. The mop module (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heaters (220) receive power from different batteries (410, 600).

5. The mop module (100) of claim 1, wherein the heating generator (200) further comprises a temperature detection unit (290) for measuring a temperature of the heating chamber (210).

6. The mop module (100) of claim 5, wherein the temperature detection unit (290) is disposed inside the heating chamber (210), wherein the temperature detection unit (290) is disposed at a position facing at least a part of each of the plurality of heaters (220) with respect to a bottom surface of the heating chamber (210).

7. The mop module (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a module battery (600) for supplying power to the heating generator (200), characterized in that the heater (220) comprises: a first heater (221) receiving power from a main battery (410) provided in the cleaner main body (400); and a second heater (222) receiving power from the module battery (600).

8. The mop module (100) of claim 7, wherein the heater (220) further comprises a heater housing for accommodating the first heater (221) and the second heater (222) therein.

9. The mop module (100) of claim 8, wherein the heater housing has a separation wall formed therein to partition a space between the first heater (221) and the second heater (222).

10. The mop module (100) of claim 7, wherein a heating wire (221a) of the first heater (221) is formed by being bent a plurality of times at regular intervals, and wherein a heating wire (222a) of the second heater (222) is formed by being bent a plurality of times and is disposed between segments of the heating wire (221a) of the first heater (221).

11. The mop module (100) of claim 7, wherein the first heater (221) and the second heater (222) are selectively operated.

12. The mop module (100) of claim 7, wherein the first heater (221) and the second heater (222) are simultaneously operated.

13. The mop module (100) of claim 7, wherein the heating generator (200) further comprises a temperature detection unit (290) for measuring the temperature of the heating chamber (210), wherein, when the temperature measured by the temperature detection unit (290) is a preset reference temperature or higher, an operation of the first heater (221) or the second heater (222) is stopped.

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