The present disclosure relates to a wet mop module of a cleaner, and more specifically, to a wet mop module of a cleaner that suctions or wipes dust or foreign substances in an area to be cleaned by discharging high-temperature water or steam to a mop.

A cleaner is a device that performs cleaning by suctioning or wiping dust or foreign substances from an area to be cleaned.

Such cleaners may be classified into manual cleaners, which allow a user to perform cleaning while directly moving the cleaner, and automatic cleaners, which perform cleaning while traveling by themselves.

In addition, manual cleaners may be classified, depending on the type of the cleaner, into canister-type cleaners, upright-type cleaners, hand-held cleaners, stick-type cleaners, and the like.

Methods of cleaning a floor are broadly divided into dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Dry cleaning is a method of cleaning by sweeping away or suctioning dust, and conventional vacuum cleaners correspond thereto. Wet cleaning is a method of cleaning by wiping dust with a wet mop.

Conventionally, a dry-only cleaner was used for dry cleaning, and a wet-only cleaner was used for wet cleaning. However, there was inconvenience in that two types of cleaners had to be purchased in order to clean various types of floors. To solve the above problem, a method has been studied in which a single main body, a dry cleaning module, and a wet cleaning module are provided, the dry cleaning module is mounted to the main body for dry cleaning, and the wet cleaning module (wet mop module) is mounted to the main body for wet cleaning.

However, during wet cleaning, when foreign substances are stuck to the floor, the foreign substances may still remain even if a mop containing water is rotated to wipe the floor.

In addition, when microorganisms or the like have propagated on the floor, there is a limitation in that the microorganisms may not be completely sterilized even if a mop containing water is rotated to wipe the floor.

To solve this, a method may be considered in which water is heated through a heater and high-temperature water or steam is supplied to the mop.

In this case, a steam wet mop module includes a water tank for storing water, a heater for heating water to generate steam, a mop for wiping a floor after receiving water or steam, and the like. Here, it is preferable that the respective parts be configured as one assembly for easy 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 during dry cleaning due to the weight of the water tank or the heater as an unnecessary part. Accordingly, in terms of ease of cleaning, ease of module replacement, and space utilization, it is preferable that the water tank or the heater be disposed in the steam wet mop module rather than in the cleaner main body.

Korean Patent Publication No. KR2023-0017117A (published on Feb. 3, 2023) discloses a wet mop nozzle that heats water and discharges steam to a mop.

The above wet mop nozzle discharges steam to the mop through a diffuser.

In this case, since the diffuser is disposed close to the mop, steam discharged from the diffuser may be absorbed by the mop without leaking to the outside of the wet mop nozzle. Accordingly, heat transfer to the mop is possible while minimizing heat loss of the steam, thereby improving cleaning performance.

However, when steam does not leak to the outside as described above, a problem may occur in that it is difficult for a user to recognize whether steam has actually been discharged to the mop.

In this case, the user may touch the mop without recognizing that the mop has been heated, and the user may be burned.

In addition, even though steam is discharged and sufficient heat is supplied to the mop, the user may not recognize this and may control the device to supply more steam, thereby causing excessive power consumption.

Meanwhile, U.S. Patent No. US 9320405B2 (issued Apr. 26, 2016) discloses a cleaning apparatus provided with a viewing window through which condensation of steam can be checked.

The above cleaning apparatus includes a water tank and a heating part in a cleaner main body, and a widely spread mop is provided in a foot assembly facing a surface to be cleaned.

In this case, the cleaning apparatus is limited in that it can implement only a wet mop function and cannot perform various cleaning functions through replacement of a module.

In addition, since the distance from the heating part to the mop is large, there is a limitation in that a large amount of heat loss may occur while moisture heated by the heating part flows to the foot assembly.

In addition, due to limitations in the position and number of discharge ports through which steam is discharged to the mop, steam cannot be uniformly supplied to the entire mop, thereby degrading cleaning efficiency.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. KR0928162B1 (issued Nov. 17, 2009) discloses a nozzle of a cleaner having a steam discharge flow path formed to allow generation of steam to be checked.

In the above cleaner nozzle, an auxiliary discharge hole is formed in a steam discharge part that discharges steam to a mop, thereby discharging a small amount of steam to the outside. Through this, a user can check whether steam is discharged.

However, since the above cleaner nozzle immediately discharges a part of the steam discharged to the mop, there is a limitation in that heat supplied to the mop is reduced and energy efficiency is degraded.

In addition, since the discharged steam immediately disappears into the air, there is a limitation in that, when the user does not directly see the scene in which steam is discharged, the user cannot clearly recognize whether steam has been generated.

The present disclosure has been made to improve the problems of the conventional wet mop module of a cleaner as described above, and an object thereof is to provide a wet mop module of a cleaner that supplies high-temperature water or steam to a mop to increase sterilization and foreign-substance removal effects.

Another object is to provide a wet mop module of a cleaner that allows a user to recognize that steam has been generated when steam is generated.

Another object is to provide a wet mop module of a cleaner that allows a user to immediately recognize generation of steam during cleaning even without taking any special action.

Another object is to provide a wet mop module of a cleaner that can minimize heat loss supplied to a mop while allowing a user to recognize whether steam is generated.

Another object is to provide a wet mop module of a cleaner that can naturally dry steam condensed in the wet mop module.

In order to achieve the above objects, a wet mop module of a cleaner for wiping and cleaning foreign substances on a floor surface allows steam injected from a heating part to condense on a steam window so that a user can immediately check generation of steam.

Specifically, a wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a steam window that is coupled to a module housing including a rim portion surrounding a bottom surface, is disposed on the rim portion, and condenses moisture discharged from a heating part.

Through this, it is possible to check that steam is generated in an upper portion of the wet mop module and condensed on the steam window.

In addition, in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a guide surface for guiding movement of steam is formed on a bottom surface of the module housing.

In this case, a type of flow path is formed between the rotating cleaning part and the bottom surface of the module housing, and may guide steam discharged from the diffuser to flow to the steam window.

Accordingly, steam may be discharged from the steam discharge port to supply moisture and heat to the mop, may spread radially outward under the influence of centrifugal force caused by rotation of the mop, may flow along the guide surface, and may be introduced into the steam window.

In this case, a distance from a rotation center of the rotating cleaning part to the steam discharge port of the diffuser may be greater than a radius of the rotating cleaning part.

In addition, a distance from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part to the steam inlet may be less than a radius of the mop.

Through this, steam may be directly discharged from the steam discharge port to the mop, and steam of the mop may be introduced into the steam inlet flow path.

Meanwhile, the steam window may include a steam window body in which moisture discharged from the heating part is condensed, and a vent hole formed in the steam window body and through which air containing moisture passes.

Meanwhile, the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a steam window light disposed inside the module housing and configured to irradiate light toward the steam window.

Through this, a state in which moisture is condensed on the steam window can be clearly checked.

Meanwhile, a wet mop module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a diffuser having a steam discharge port through which moisture heated by the heating part is supplied to the mop, and the diffuser may include a steam transfer pipe branched from the steam discharge port and configured to guide steam to the steam window.

Through this, steam discharged from the steam discharge port can be immediately supplied to the steam window, and the user can quickly recognize that steam has been generated.

Meanwhile, the diffuser may further include a valve installed in the steam transfer pipe and opened when steam having a predetermined pressure or higher is introduced.

In this case, when steam is initially generated and an instantaneous pressure of the steam increases, the steam can be supplied to the steam window.

This makes it possible to quickly send steam to the steam window in an initial stage of steam generation, thereby providing high responsiveness, and at the same time, to send steam to the steam window only in a situation in which the user needs to recognize generation of steam, and thereafter block steam flow to prevent loss of steam.

As described above, according to the wet mop module of the cleaner according to the present disclosure, high-temperature water or steam can be supplied to a mop through a heater, thereby increasing sterilization and foreign-substance removal effects.

In addition, when steam is generated, a part of the generated steam is allowed to condense on the steam window, so that the user can recognize whether steam has been generated by looking at the steam window. In addition, not only while steam is being generated, but also after steam has been generated, whether steam has been generated can be checked through the steam window.

In addition, since the steam windows are disposed on rear left and right sides of the module housing, the user cleaning while looking at the wet mop module from the rear of the wet mop module can immediately recognize generation of steam.

In addition, since the steam inlet flow path for guiding steam to the steam window is disposed above the rotating mop and is disposed farther from the rotation center of the mop than the steam discharge port, steam discharged to the mop can flow to the steam window after spreading and consuming heat.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent loss of heat supplied to the mop for the purpose of checking generation of steam.

In addition, since a vent hole is formed in the steam window, condensed moisture and steam can be naturally discharged to the outside, and thus, when steam is not supplied, moisture condensed inside the cleaner module can be dried.

In addition, since a separate steam transfer pipe for supplying steam to the steam window is installed in the diffuser and a valve is provided in the steam transfer pipe, steam can be sent to the steam window only when steam needs to be supplied to the steam window, and thereafter steam flow can be blocked to prevent heat loss.

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view for explaining a wet mop module in the cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which an upper housing is removed from the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5 is a bottom view of FIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a plan view of FIG. 4.
• FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining a heating part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the heating part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a bottom surface of a module housing in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a rotating cleaning part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 12 is a bottom view for explaining the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which the mop is removed.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a flow path of steam in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12.
• FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a diffuser in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present disclosure may be modified in various ways and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail in the detailed description. This is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments, and should be construed as including all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an assembled perspective view and an exploded perspective view for explaining a wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate views showing a state in which an upper housing is removed from the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view for explaining a heating part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view for explaining the heating part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 illustrates a view for explaining a bottom surface of a module housing in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the present specification, the term "floor surface" may be understood to mean not only a floor surface of a living room or a room, but also a surface to be cleaned that is made of various materials.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, a cleaner 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cleaner main body 400 having a suction motor for generating a suction force, a wet mop module 100 connected to the cleaner main body 400, configured to suction air and foreign substances from a floor surface and to wipe and clean the floor surface, and an extension pipe 300 connecting the cleaner main body 400 and the wet mop module 100.

The wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module housing 110 and a connection pipe 180 movably connected to the module housing 110.

The wet mop module 100 of the present embodiment may be used by being connected to, for example, a hand-held cleaner or a canister-type cleaner.

That is, the wet mop module 100 may be detachably connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300. As the wet mop module 100 is connected to the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300, the user can clean a floor surface using the wet mop module 100. In this case, the cleaner main body 400 to which the wet mop module 100 is connected may separate dust from air using a multi-cyclone method.

The wet mop module 100 may operate by receiving power from the cleaner main body 400. Specifically, the wet mop module 100 may operate by receiving power from a battery (not shown) provided in the cleaner main body 400.

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

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the wet mop module 100 may serve to suction foreign substances and air from the floor surface and guide them to the cleaner main body 400.

The connection pipe 180 may be connected to a rear central portion of the module housing 110 and may guide suctioned air to the cleaner main body 400, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

For ease of understanding, directions in the present embodiment are defined as follows. In the wet mop module 100, a portion to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as the rear side (rear) of the wet mop module 100, and a side opposite to the portion to which the connection pipe 180 is connected may be referred to as the front side (front) of the wet mop module 100. A direction connecting the front and rear sides may be referred to as a front-rear direction.

In addition, based on a state of looking at the suction port 113 from the connection pipe 180, the left side may be referred to as the left side of the wet mop module 100, and the right side may be referred to as the right side of the wet mop module 100. A direction connecting the left and right sides may be referred to as a left-right direction. The left-right direction may mean a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction on a horizontal plane.

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

The wet mop module 100 may further include a rotating cleaning part 140 rotatably provided below the module housing 110. For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be a rotating plate formed in a disk shape.

For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be provided as a pair and arranged in the left-right direction. In this case, the pair of rotating cleaning parts 140 may be independently rotated. For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may include a first rotating cleaning part 141 and a second rotating cleaning part 142.

The rotating cleaning part 140 may be coupled to the mop 150. The mop 150 may be formed, for example, in a disk shape. The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 and a second mop 152.

When the mop 150 is placed on the floor surface, the mop 150 comes into close contact with the floor surface by the load of the wet mop module 100, and thus friction between the mop 150 and the floor surface increases.

The module housing 110 may form the outer appearance of the wet mop module 100 and may have a suction port 113 for suctioning air. The suction port 113 may be formed, for example, at a front end portion of a bottom surface of the module housing 110. The suction port 113 may be formed to extend in the left-right direction in the module housing 110.

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.

The lower housing 111 may have the rotating cleaning part 140 mounted thereto and may form an outer appearance of the wet mop module 100.

The lower housing 111 may include a bottom surface 111a to which the rotating cleaning part 140 is coupled. In this case, a bottom surface of the bottom surface 111a is disposed to face the floor surface in a state in which the wet mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, and a moisture supply part 130, a heating part 136, and a driving motor 170 may be provided on an upper surface of the bottom surface 111a.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 10, a steam window coupling part 111b may be provided on the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and coupled to the steam window 200 to form a space in which moisture is condensed.

The steam window coupling parts 111b may be symmetrically disposed at left and right rear ends of the lower housing 111, respectively.

In this case, a distance from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 to the steam window coupling part 111b may be greater than a radius of the rotating cleaning part 140. In addition, the distance from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 to the steam window coupling part 111b may be less than a radius of the mop 150.

Accordingly, the steam window coupling part 111b may be disposed above an area in which the mop 150 rotates. With this configuration, steam evaporated from an outer portion of the mop 150 may pass through the steam window coupling part 111b and be introduced into the steam window 200.

The steam window 200 may be coupled to an upper side of the steam window coupling part 111b. Accordingly, the steam window 200 and the steam window coupling part 111b may be coupled to form a space in which steam is accommodated.

Meanwhile, a steam inlet flow path 230 may be formed in the steam window coupling part 111b. The steam inlet flow path 230 may be disposed above the mop 150 so that steam evaporated from the mop 150 can be introduced thereto.

Meanwhile, at least one filter portion 111ba may be formed in the steam window coupling part 111b to prevent foreign substances from entering the inside of the steam window 200. That is, at least one filter portion 111ba may protrude from the steam window coupling part 111b to block a part of the steam inlet flow path 230.

With this configuration, foreign substances attached to the mop 150 or foreign substances tangled by moisture may be blocked from entering the inside of the steam window 200 through the steam inlet flow path 230.

A guide surface 111c may be formed on the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111. The guide surface 111c may be formed at a position facing the rotating cleaning part 140 and may be inclined toward the steam window 200.

In this case, the guide surface 111c may be formed in a sector-shaped range connecting the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 to a lower end of the steam window 200.

In addition, the guide surface 111c may be formed such that a gap between the guide surface 111c and the rotating cleaning part 140 increases radially outward from a position at which the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 is disposed toward the steam window 200. That is, the guide surface 111c may be formed as an inclined surface such that a distance from the ground increases from the position at which the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 is disposed toward the steam window 200.

With this configuration, steam may be guided to flow toward the steam window 200 by utilizing the upward-flowing property of steam and the centrifugal force of the mop 150.

Meanwhile, the bottom surface 111a may be integrally connected to the steam window coupling part 111b. On the other hand, since the guide surface 111c becomes higher from the ground toward the steam window 200, a height difference may be generated between the guide surface 111c and the steam window coupling part 111b. In this case, in the present disclosure, a space through which gas can flow may be formed between the guide surface 111c and the steam window coupling part 111b (see FIG. 13).

With this configuration, steam and air flowing along the guide surface 111c may be introduced into the space formed between the guide surface 111c and the steam window coupling part 111b and then introduced into the steam window 200.

A sealing gasket 111d may be coupled to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

The sealing gasket 111d may be formed of a material capable of blocking passage of moisture.

The sealing gasket 111d may be disposed adjacent to the diffuser 137 and the steam window coupling part 111b and may be connected to the diffuser 137 and the steam window coupling part 111b. In addition, the sealing gasket 111d may be generally formed in a ring shape. Accordingly, when the bottom surface 111d of the module housing 110 is viewed, the sealing gasket 111d may be exposed in a ring shape connecting the diffuser 137 and the steam window coupling part 111b.

With this configuration, moisture scattered while the mop 150 rotates can be blocked from entering the module housing 110.

In addition, a steam transfer pipe 137b may be disposed between the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and the sealing gasket 111d. Through this, steam discharged from the diffuser 137 can be guided to the steam window 200.

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, steam can be quickly introduced into the steam transfer pipe 137b and quickly supplied to the steam window 200, thereby allowing the user to quickly check whether steam is sprayed.

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

A board mounting part on which a printed circuit board 190 for controlling the driving motor 170 is installed may be provided in the lower housing 111. For example, the board mounting part may be formed in a hook shape extending upward from the lower housing 111.

A nozzle hole (not shown) through which the diffuser 137 passes may be formed in the lower housing 111. Water or steam (water vapor) passing through the heating part 136 and the diffuser 137 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the nozzle hole (not shown).

Meanwhile, although not shown, according to an embodiment, a light emitting module may be provided in the lower housing 111. Specifically, the light emitting module may be provided on a front surface of the lower housing 111.

The light emitting module may irradiate light forward of the wet mop module 100 to allow foreign substances or microorganisms present in front of the wet mop module 100 to be checked.

The light emitting member may irradiate light forward or downward. For example, the light emitting member may be configured with a plurality of LEDs. In this case, the light emitted by the light emitting member may be visible light, and according to an embodiment, may be infrared (IR) light or ultraviolet (UV) light. With this configuration, when the light emitting member is operated, the presence of foreign substances or microorganisms in front of the wet mop module 100 can be checked, and the foreign substances or microorganisms present in front of the wet mop module 100 can be sterilized to improve hygiene.

The upper housing 112 may cover an upper side of the lower housing 111 and may form an outer appearance of the wet mop module 100 of the present disclosure.

In addition, the module housing 110 may further include a flow path part communicating with the suction port 113 and configured to guide air introduced through the suction port 113 to the cleaner main body 400.

The flow path part may be disposed at an upper central portion of the lower housing 111, and an end portion thereof may be connected to the connection pipe 180.

Accordingly, due to the arrangement of the flow path part, the suction port 113 may extend substantially in a straight line in the front-rear direction, and thus the length of the suction port 113 can be minimized, thereby minimizing flow path loss in the wet mop module 100.

A front portion of the flow path part may cover an upper side of the suction port 113. The flow path part may be disposed to be inclined upward from a front end portion toward the rear side. That is, an upper surface of the flow path part may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface. In addition, the upper surface of the flow path part may be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

Accordingly, the flow path part may be formed such that the height of a front portion thereof is lower than that of a rear portion thereof.

According to the present embodiment, since the height of the front portion of the flow path part is low, the height of the front portion of the entire wet mop module 100 can be reduced. As the height of the wet mop module 100 decreases, the possibility that the wet mop module 100 can enter and clean a narrow space under furniture, a chair, or the like increases.

Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the heating part 136 may be disposed on an upper side of the flow path part. With this configuration, the heating part 136 can be stably supported in a state in which it is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the floor surface.

A blocker 114 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the lower housing 111. The blocker 114 may block a front space in which the suction port 113 is disposed and a rear space in which the mop 150 is disposed, thereby preventing moisture discharged from the mop 150 from spreading toward the suction port 113. For example, the blocker 114 may include a central portion 114a and extension portions 114b. In this case, a pair of extension portions 114b may be symmetrically connected to both end portions with respect to the central portion 114a. The central portion 114a may be disposed behind the suction port 113 to block moisture from flowing toward the suction port 113. The extension portions 114b may be provided in an arc shape to surround the circular mop 150.

A plurality of rollers for smooth movement of the wet mop module 100 may be provided on the bottom surface of the lower housing 111.

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

The first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may each be rotatably connected to a shaft. The shaft may be fixed to a lower side of the lower housing 111 while being disposed to extend in the left-right direction.

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

For example, at least a part of the rotating cleaning part 140 may be positioned between the shaft of the first roller 115a and the shaft of the second roller 115b.

According to this arrangement, the rotating cleaning part 140 can be positioned as close as possible to the suction port 113, and an area cleaned by the rotating cleaning part 140 among the floor surface on which the wet mop module 100 is positioned is increased, thereby improving floor cleaning performance.

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 wet mop module 100 can be improved.

The lower housing 111 may further include a third roller 116. Accordingly, the first roller 115a and the second roller 115b may support the wet mop module 100 at three points together with the third roller 116. In this case, the third roller 116 may be positioned behind the mop 150 so as not to interfere with the mop 150.

Although not shown, according to an embodiment, a cooling air inlet may be formed in the lower housing 111. External air may be introduced into the module housing 110 through the cooling air inlet. In addition, the cooling air inlet may be formed in a front side wall of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the wet mop module 100 moves forward by a user's manipulation, an amount of introduced air may increase.

Although not shown, according to an embodiment, a cooling air outlet may be formed in the upper housing 112. Air inside the module housing 110 may be discharged to the outside through the cooling air outlet. In addition, the cooling air outlet may be formed in side walls of both sides of the upper housing 112. With this configuration, air introduced through the cooling air inlet can be guided to pass through the driving motor 170 while flowing to the cooling air outlet, and overheating of the driving motor 170 can be prevented.

In addition, based on a state in which the lower housing 111 is placed on the floor surface, the cooling air outlet may be disposed farther from the ground than the cooling air inlet. With this configuration, air heated inside the module housing 110 may rise and be effectively discharged through the cooling air outlet.

Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may further include a rim portion 113 surrounding the bottom surface 111a. Specifically, the rim portion 113 may be disposed on a side surface of the module housing 100. For example, the rim portion 113 may be disposed upward from an outer end portion of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and downward from an outer end portion of an upper surface of the upper housing 112. The rim portion 113 may be formed by coupling a part of the lower housing 111 and a part of the upper housing 112. The rim portion 113 is configured to connect the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and the upper surface of the upper housing 112 to each other.

As in the present disclosure, in the case of the wireless-type cleaner 1, various cleaning functions can be provided through replacement of a cleaner module including the wet mop module 100. For this purpose, the wet mop module 100 needs to include both the heating part 136 for providing heat to the mop 150 and the driving motor 170 for providing rotational force to the mop 150.

Accordingly, in order to accommodate the relatively large heating part 136 and driving motor 170, a space having a predetermined height is required in the module housing 110, and the rim portion 113 is required to support such a space and protect the heating part 136 and the driving motor 170.

Accordingly, in the present disclosure, the heating part 136 and the driving motor 170 may be disposed inside the rim portion 113.

Meanwhile, the steam window 200 may be coupled to an outer side of the rim portion 113. The steam window 200 needs to be disposed at a position that can be easily checked by the user.

In this case, in the present disclosure, the steam window 200 is coupled to the outer side of the rim portion 113, so that a height in the vertical direction can be reduced. Through this, the wet mop module 100 can enter a narrow space under furniture, a chair, or the like, and an area that can be cleaned can be widened.

The wet mop module 100 may further include a water tank 120 so that moisture can be supplied to the mop 150.

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 to a water tank seating portion formed on an upper surface of the upper housing 112.

In addition, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating part 136. Specifically, the water tank 120 is disposed above the heating part 136 and spaced apart from the heating part 136. That is, the water tank 120 may be disposed above the heating part 136 with the upper housing 112 interposed therebetween.

In a state in which the water tank 120 is mounted to the module housing 110, the water tank 120 may form an outer appearance of the wet mop module 100.

Substantially the entire upper wall of the water tank 120 may form an upper-surface outer appearance of the wet mop module 100. Accordingly, the user can visually check whether the water tank 120 is mounted to the module housing 110.

The module housing 110 may further include a water tank separation button manipulated to separate the water tank 120 in a state in which the water tank 120 is mounted to the module housing 110. For example, the water tank separation button may be positioned at a central portion of the wet mop module 100. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the user can easily recognize and manipulate the water tank separation button.

In a state in which the water tank 120 is mounted to the module housing 110, water in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150. Specifically, water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the moisture supply part 130.

Specifically, a space for storing water is formed inside the water tank 120. Water stored in the water tank 120 may be supplied to the heating part 136 through at least one pipe (hose). Water introduced into the heating part 136 may be heated and may be phase-changed into steam (water vapor) according to a user's selection. Water or steam heated by the heating part 136 may be supplied to the mop 150 through the diffuser 137.

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 in a side surface of the water tank 120.

The water tank 120 includes a drain port. The drain port is a hole through which water stored in the water tank 120 is discharged. Water discharged from the drain port may flow to the heating part 136. The drain port may be formed in a bottom surface of the water tank 120.

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 in 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.

The wet mop module 100 of the present disclosure may include a moisture supply part 130 in which a flow path for supplying water introduced from the water tank 120 to the mop 150 is formed.

Specifically, the moisture supply part 130 may include a water tank connection part 131 through which water in the water tank 120 is introduced into the module housing 110, a water inlet pipe 132 for supplying water introduced into the water tank connection part 131 to a water pump 133, a guide pipe 134 for supplying water of 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 part 136.

The water tank connection part 131 may operate a valve (not shown) in the water tank 120, and water may flow therethrough.

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

When the water tank 120 is seated on the upper housing 112, the water tank connection part 131 protruding upward may pass through an outlet of the water tank 120 and be introduced into the water tank 120.

The upper housing 112 may be provided with a sealer for preventing water discharged from the water tank 120 from leaking around the water tank connection part 131. 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.

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

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 inlet 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.

The water pump 133 is a pump that operates such that an internal valve body expands or contracts while operating to communicate the first connection port and the second connection port, and may be implemented by a known structure, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The water supply pipe 135 may connect the connector and a water inlet 212 of the heating part 136. For example, the water supply pipe 135 may be a pair of pipes branched from the connector.

Accordingly, water supplied to the water inlet pipe 132 is introduced into the water pump 133 and then flows to the guide pipe 134. Water flowing to the guide pipe 134 flows to the water supply pipe 135 by the connector. Water flowing to the water supply pipe 135 is supplied to the heating part 136.

The heating part 136 is a device for heating water. The heating part 136 is disposed inside the module housing 110. Specifically, the heating part 136 is installed on an upper surface of the lower housing 111.

Meanwhile, in the present disclosure, the heating part 136 is disposed 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 part 136 may be disposed to form a predetermined angle with the floor surface.

The heating part 136 may heat water to generate high-temperature water or steam (water vapor). The heating part 136 may heat water supplied from the water tank 120 and supply the heated water to the mop 150.

The heating part 136 is provided in the wet mop module 100 rather than in the cleaner main body 400. This is to prevent cleaning from becoming inconvenient during dry cleaning due to the weight and volume of the heating part when the heating part is disposed in the cleaner main body.

The heating part 136 may be coupled to an upper portion (an upper surface of the bottom surface) of the lower housing 111. For example, the heating part 136 may be coupled to an upper surface of the flow path part. In this case, since the flow path part is coupled to a central portion of the upper surface of the lower housing 111, the heating part 136 may also be disposed at a central portion of the lower housing 111. With this configuration, when the heating part 136 is operated, a specific position may not be overheated by heat supplied from the heating part 136, thereby preventing damage to the wet mop module 100. In addition, the overall volume of the wet mop module 100 can be minimized.

The heating part 136 may include a heating chamber 136a, a heater 136b, a lower cover 136c, a sealer 136d, an upper cover 136e, a lower insulator 136f, an upper insulator 136g, an overheat shutoff device 136h, and a temperature detector 136i.

In this case, the heater 136b is disposed below the heating chamber 136a, the lower insulator 136f is disposed below the heater 136b, and the lower cover 136c is disposed below the lower insulator 136f to cover a lower side of the heating part 136. In addition, the sealer 136d is disposed above the heating chamber 136a, the upper insulator 136g is disposed above the sealer 136d, and the upper cover 136e is disposed above the upper insulator 136g to cover an upper side of the heating part 136. Meanwhile, the overheat shutoff device 136h and the temperature detector 136i are disposed on an outer surface of the heating chamber 136a.

The heating chamber 136a may have a flow path through which moisture flows therein, and may provide a space in which moisture flowing through the flow path is heated by receiving heat generated from the heater 136b.

In this case, a height from the floor surface to a water inlet of the heating chamber 136a may be greater than a height from the floor surface to a discharge port of the heating chamber 136a.

With this configuration, even if water introduced into the water inlet of the heating chamber 136a is heated and undergoes upward convective movement, the water may be heated while flowing from an upper portion to a lower portion in the heating chamber 136a by gravity.

Moreover, even if water heated inside the heating chamber 136a is phase-changed into water vapor and rises, the water vapor may remain inside the heating chamber 136a without being discharged to the upper portion of the heating chamber 136a and may be additionally heated.

In addition, drain generated inside the heating part 136 may continue to be heated without being discharged to the outside.

The heater 136b may generate heat. The heater 136b is a device capable of converting electrical energy into thermal energy and may be implemented by a known structure, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The heater 136b may be disposed below the heating chamber 136a and may supply heat to the heating chamber 136a. Specifically, the heater 136b may contact a bottom surface of the heating chamber 136a. Accordingly, when heat is generated from the heater 136b, the heating chamber 136a in contact with the heater 136b may be heated by conduction. Accordingly, the heater 136b may receive power from a battery (not shown) provided in the cleaner main body 400 and heat water flowing inside the heating chamber 136a.

Meanwhile, the heater 136b may adjust the temperature of water according to a user's input. In addition, the heater 136b may phase-change water into steam (water vapor) according to a user's input.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, a plurality of heaters 136b may be provided. For example, the heaters 136b may be respectively disposed along the left-right direction of the wet mop module 100. As another example, the heaters 136b may be respectively disposed along the front-rear direction of the wet mop module 100.

The lower cover 136c may be disposed below the heater 136b and the lower insulator 136f and may cover the heater 136b and the lower insulator 136f. For example, the lower cover 136c may be formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed to surround the heater 136b and the lower insulator 136f. The lower cover 136c may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat generated from the heater 136b.

With this configuration, heat generated from the heater 136b can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the heating part 136, thereby improving energy efficiency. In addition, components accommodated in the module housing 110 can be prevented from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 136b.

The sealer 136d may be disposed above the heating chamber 136a and may seal an upper side of the heating chamber 136a. Specifically, the sealer 136d may seal an open upper portion of the chamber body 211. The sealer 136d may be formed of a material capable of blocking passage of moisture. With this configuration, even if water vapor generated inside the heating chamber 136a rises, the water vapor may be blocked by the sealer 136d and prevented from leaking to the outside.

The upper cover 136e may be disposed above the sealer 136d and the upper insulator 136g and may cover the sealer 136d and the upper insulator 136g. For example, the upper cover 136e may be formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed to surround the sealer 136d and the upper insulator 136g. The upper cover 136e may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transferred through the sealer 136d.

With this configuration, heat generated from the heater 136b can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the heating part 136, thereby improving energy efficiency. In addition, components accommodated in the module housing 110 can be prevented from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 136b.

The lower insulator 136f may be disposed between the heater 136b and the lower cover 136c and may block heat transferred from the heater 136b. The lower insulator 136f may be formed to have an area larger than that of the heater 136b. For example, the lower insulator 136f may be formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

With this configuration, heat generated from the heater 136b can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the heating part 136, thereby improving energy efficiency. In addition, components accommodated in the module housing 110 can be prevented from being damaged by heat generated from the heater 136b. In particular, in the present embodiment, heat generated from the heater 136b is blocked in two stages by the lower insulator 136f and the lower cover 136c, so that energy efficiency improvement and component damage prevention effects can be maximized.

The upper insulator 136g may be disposed above the sealer 136d and may block heat transferred from the heating chamber 136a. The upper insulator 136g may be formed to have an area larger than that of the sealer 136d. For example, the upper insulator 136g may be formed in a flat plate shape and may be formed of a material capable of blocking heat transfer.

With this configuration, heat of the heating chamber 136a heated by the heater 136b can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the heating part 136, thereby improving energy efficiency. In addition, heat of the heating chamber 136a can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the heating part 136 and damaging components accommodated in the module housing 110. In particular, in the present embodiment, heat of the heating chamber 136a is blocked in two stages by the upper insulator 136g and the upper cover 136e, so that energy efficiency improvement and component damage prevention effects can be maximized.

The overheat shutoff device 136h may be disposed on a side surface of the heating chamber 136a and may cut off power supplied to the heater 136b when a temperature of the heating chamber 136a is equal to or higher than a predetermined reference temperature Tr.

The overheat shutoff device 136h may be disposed on the heating chamber 136a. Specifically, the overheat shutoff device 136h may be disposed on an outer surface of the heating chamber 136a.

The overheat shutoff device 136h may be disposed at a position where heat is concentrated in the heating chamber 136a.

The overheat shutoff device 136h may be a device that cuts off connection of a circuit when overheating occurs. For example, the overheat shutoff device 136h may be a thermal protector. The thermal protector may be a device capable of automatically cutting off connection of a circuit when overheating occurs by using a bi-metal. In addition, the overheat shutoff device 136h may include any means for cutting off connection of a circuit when overheating occurs.

The temperature detector 136i may measure a temperature of the heating part 136.

The temperature detector 136i may be disposed on a side surface of the heating chamber 136a.

The temperature detector 136i may measure a temperature of the heating chamber 136a. For example, the temperature detector 136i may be a thermistor.

The diffuser 137 is configured to discharge water in the water tank 120 to the mop 150.

Specifically, the diffuser 137 includes at least one nozzle and may supply moisture discharged from the heating part 136 to the mop 150 through the nozzle.

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 and be exposed to the outside of the module housing 110.

A pair of diffusers 137 may be mounted to the module housing 110 and arranged in the left-right direction. In addition, the pair of diffusers 137 arranged in the left-right direction may be formed in symmetrical shapes (mirror images).

The diffuser 137 may be connected to the heating part 136 and may supply moisture that has flowed through the heating part 136 to the mop 150.

The diffuser 137 has a diffusion flow path through which moisture can flow therein, and includes a nozzle through which moisture that has flowed through the diffusion flow path is discharged to the mop.

A steam discharge port 137a is formed in the nozzle of the diffuser 137. Moisture sprayed from the steam discharge port 137a is supplied to the mop 150. The mop 150 wipes the floor while rotating in a state in which moisture supplied through the diffuser 137 has been absorbed.

The rotating cleaning part 140 may rotate by receiving power from the driving motor 170. For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be a rotating plate. The rotating cleaning part 140 may be formed in a disk shape or an annular shape having spokes, and the mop 150 may be attached to a bottom surface thereof.

In this case, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be disposed parallel to the floor surface in a state in which the wet mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface.

In this regard, FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view for explaining the rotating cleaning part in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 11, the rotating cleaning part 140 includes a rotating cleaning part body 140a and blades 140b.

The rotating cleaning part body 140a may be formed in a disk shape, an upper surface thereof may be disposed to face the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111, and a bottom surface thereof may be disposed to face the mop 150. In this case, the rotating cleaning part body 140a may be disposed parallel to at least a part of the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111.

A shaft to which power of the driving motor 170 is transmitted may be coupled to a rotation center of the rotating cleaning part body 140a. In addition, a protruding jaw may be formed at a radially outer end portion of the rotating cleaning part body 140a along a circumferential direction.

The blades 140b may be formed on an upper surface of the rotating cleaning part body 140a. The blades 140b may protrude from the upper surface of the rotating cleaning part body 140a toward the module housing 110.

The blades 140b may protrude in an arc shape from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part body 140a toward a radially outer side.

With this configuration, when the rotating cleaning part body 140a rotates, the blades 140b rotate together with the rotating cleaning part body 140a and may serve as a type of rotating wing.

With this configuration, the blades 140b may cause air and steam existing between the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and the rotating cleaning part body 140a to flow radially outward.

Accordingly, according to the present disclosure, steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a and remaining between the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 and the rotating cleaning part body 140a may flow toward the steam window 200. As a result, steam waste can be minimized, and steam can be quickly supplied to the steam window 200.

Meanwhile, the bottom surface of the rotating cleaning part body 140a may include attachment means for attaching the mop 150. For example, the attachment means may be Velcro.

The rotating cleaning part 140 may be positioned, for example, behind the suction port 113 at the lower side of the module housing 110.

Accordingly, when the wet mop module 100 is moved forward for cleaning, foreign substances and air on the floor surface may be suctioned by the suction port 113, and then the floor surface may be wiped by the mop 150.

At least one rotating cleaning part 140 may be provided below the module housing 110. For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may include a first rotating cleaning part 141 connected to a first driving motor 171 and to which a first mop 151 is attached, and a second rotating cleaning part 142 connected to a second driving motor 172 and to which a second mop 152 is attached.

The rotating cleaning part 140 may be disposed below the lower housing 111. That is, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be disposed outside the module housing 110.

In addition, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 and receive power. For example, the rotating cleaning part 140 may be connected to the driving motor 170 through at least one gear, and may be rotated by operation of the driving motor 170.

The rotating cleaning part 140 may include the first rotating cleaning part 141 and the second rotating cleaning part 142. For example, based on the suction port 113 in a state in which the wet mop module 100 is placed on the floor surface, the first rotating cleaning part 141 may mean the rotating cleaning part 140 disposed on the left side, and the second rotating cleaning part 142 may mean the rotating cleaning part 140 disposed on the right side, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the left and right sides may be reversed.

In the present embodiment, the rotation center of the first rotating cleaning part 141 and the rotation center of the second rotating cleaning part 142 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction.

The rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 may be positioned farther from a front end portion of the module housing 110 than a center axis that bisects a front-rear length of the module housing 110. This is to prevent the rotating cleaning part 140 from blocking the suction port 113.

A distance between the rotation center of the first rotating cleaning part 141 and the rotation center of the second rotating cleaning part 142 may be greater 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 rotation, and to prevent a cleanable area from being reduced by the interfering portion.

The mop 150 may wipe the floor surface by rotational motion.

The mop 150 may be coupled to a lower side of the rotating cleaning part 140 to face the floor surface.

The mop 150 has a bottom surface facing the floor with a predetermined area, and the mop 150 has a flat shape. The mop 150 has a shape in which a width (or diameter) in a horizontal direction is sufficiently greater than a height in the vertical direction. When the mop 150 is coupled toward the lower housing 111, the bottom surface of the mop 150 may be parallel to the floor surface.

The bottom surface of the mop 150 may be generally circular, and the mop 150 may be formed overall in a rotationally symmetric shape. In addition, the mop 150 may be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the rotating cleaning part 140, and may be coupled to the rotating cleaning part 140 and rotate together with the rotating cleaning part 140.

In a state in which the rotating cleaning part 140 and the mop 150 are coupled to the lower side of the module housing 110, a part of the mop 150 protrudes outward from the wet mop module 100, so that not only the floor surface located below the wet mop module 100 but also the floor surface located outside the wet mop module 100 can be cleaned.

For example, the mop 150 may protrude not only to both sides of the wet mop module 100 but also rearward.

The mop 150 may include a first mop 151 coupled to the first rotating cleaning part 141 and a second mop 152 coupled to the second rotating cleaning part 142. Accordingly, when the first rotating cleaning part 141 is rotated by receiving power from the first driving motor 171, the first mop 151 may also rotate together, and when the second rotating cleaning part 142 is rotated by receiving power from the second driving motor 172, the second mop 152 may also rotate together.

Meanwhile, the wet mop module 100 may further include a driving motor 170 that provides power for rotating the mop 150 and the rotating cleaning part 140.

Specifically, the driving motor 170 may include a first driving motor 171 that rotates the first rotating cleaning part 141 and a second driving motor 172 that rotates the second rotating cleaning part 142.

Since the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 operate individually as described above, even if one of the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 fails, the rotating cleaning part 140 can be rotated by the other one.

Meanwhile, the first driving motor 171 and the second driving motor 172 may be spaced apart from each other and arranged 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 positioned behind the suction port 113.

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

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

The connection pipe 180 may include a first connection pipe connected to an end portion of the flow path part, a second connection pipe rotatably connected to the first connection pipe, and a guide pipe communicating the inside of the first connection pipe and the inside of the second connection pipe.

The first connection pipe may be formed in a pipe shape, one axial end portion thereof may be connected to an end portion of the flow path part, and the other axial end portion thereof may be rotatably coupled to the second connection pipe. In this case, the first connection pipe may be formed such that a part of an outer circumferential surface thereof is cut away, and the cut-away part may be disposed to face the second connection pipe and the upper side. With this configuration, in a state in which the wet mop module 100 is placed on the ground, an angle formed by the second connection pipe and the ground may be changed according to movement of the user's arm. That is, the first connection pipe and the second connection pipe may serve as a type of joint that can adjust an angle between the wet mop module 100 and the cleaner main body 400.

The second connection pipe may be formed in a pipe shape, one axial end portion thereof may be rotatably coupled to the first connection pipe, and the cleaner main body 400 or the extension pipe 300 may be inserted into and detachably coupled to the other axial end portion thereof.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, an auxiliary battery may be coupled to the second connection pipe.

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.

Meanwhile, the guide pipe may connect an internal space of the first connection pipe and an internal space of the second connection pipe. A flow path may be formed inside the guide pipe so that air suctioned from the wet mop module 100 flows to 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. For example, the guide pipe may be formed in a corrugated pipe shape.

Meanwhile, the wet mop module 100 may include a printed circuit board 190 for controlling the wet mop module 100. Current may be applied to the printed circuit board 190, and communication lines may be disposed therein.

Meanwhile, the module housing 110 may be provided with an operation part for adjusting an amount of water discharged from the water tank 120 and a phase of the moisture.

Meanwhile, FIG. 12 illustrates a bottom view for explaining the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which the mop is removed, and FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view for explaining a flow path of steam in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, a structure of the steam window and a movement path of steam in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

The wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized by further including the steam window 200.

The steam window 200 is provided such that steam discharged from the heating part 136 is condensed.

In this case, a pair of steam windows 200 may be provided and symmetrically disposed at left and right rear ends of the module housing 110, respectively.

Generally, the user performs cleaning while looking around the wet mop module 100. In this case, the wet mop module 100 is disposed in front of the user's moving direction and is reciprocated in the front-rear direction by the user's manipulation.

Accordingly, when the user performs cleaning using the wet mop module 100, the user's eyes are positioned above and behind the wet mop module 100, and the user's gaze remains around a rear end and an upper portion of the wet mop module 100.

Accordingly, the wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has an effect of allowing the user cleaning while looking around the wet mop module 100 to immediately recognize generation of steam.

Moreover, the connection pipe 180 is provided at a rear central portion of the wet mop module 100 and is coupled to the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, the user's view of the rear central portion of the wet mop module 100 may be obstructed by the connection pipe 180 or the extension pipe 300.

However, according to the wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the steam windows 200 are disposed at the left and right rear ends of the wet mop module 100, thereby allowing the user to recognize generation of steam without visual interference from the connection pipe 180 or the extension pipe 300.

In this case, a distance from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 to the steam window 200 may be greater than a radius of the rotating cleaning part 140. In addition, the distance from the rotation center of the rotating cleaning part 140 to the steam window 200 may be less than a radius of the mop 150.

Accordingly, the steam window 200 may be disposed above an area in which the mop 150 rotates. With this configuration, steam evaporated from an outer portion of the mop 150 may be introduced into the steam window 200.

The steam window 200 may be coupled to the steam window coupling part 111b at a lower side thereof. Accordingly, the steam window 200 and the steam window coupling part 111b may be coupled to form a space in which steam is accommodated.

Meanwhile, the steam window 200 includes a steam window body 210 and a vent hole 220.

The steam window body 210 accommodates steam therein, and steam may be condensed on an inner surface of the steam window body 210.

For example, the steam window bodies 210 may be symmetrically disposed at left and right rear ends of the upper housing 112, respectively. A lower side of the steam window body 210 may be coupled to the steam window coupling part 111b of the lower housing 111.

The steam window body 210 may be formed with an open lower end and may be formed such that a cross-sectional area decreases from a lower side toward an upper side.

That is, the steam window body 210 includes an inner surface facing the module housing 110 and an outer surface forming an outer appearance of the wet mop module 100, and a space through which steam, water, and air can flow is formed between the outer surface and the inner surface. In this case, the outer surface may be formed to be inclined with respect to the ground, so that a gap between the outer surface and the inner surface decreases from a lower side to an upper side in a gravity direction.

With this configuration, steam flowing upward from the mop 150 may be blocked by the outer surface and condensed. In addition, condensed moisture may flow downward along the outer surface by gravity.

Through this, the user can check that steam is condensed on the steam windows 200 disposed at the left and right sides of the wet mop module 100. Accordingly, when steam is generated during cleaning, the user can recognize fogging of the steam window 200 disposed at the upper portion of the wet mop module 100 and can immediately check whether steam is generated.

The steam window body 210 is configured so that the user can see moisture condensed on the inner surface. For example, the steam window body 210 may be formed of a transparent or translucent material. Accordingly, when the user looks at the steam window body 210 in a state in which the heating part 136 is operated, the user may detect water droplets formed inside the steam window 200 or the inside of the steam window 200 becoming cloudy.

The vent hole 220 is formed in the steam window body 210, and air containing moisture may pass therethrough.

The vent hole 220 may be formed on one side of the steam window body 210. Specifically, the vent hole 220 may be formed at an upper end of the steam window body 210.

With this configuration, steam introduced into the steam window 200 may be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 220. This has an effect of preventing moisture from accumulating inside the steam window 200.

Meanwhile, the wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a steam window light 240.

The steam window light 240 may be disposed inside the module housing 110 and may irradiate light toward the steam window 200. Specifically, the steam window light 240 may be disposed inside the module housing 110 and may irradiate light toward an outer side of the module housing 110. In this case, a hole through which light can pass may be formed in a part of a rim surface (outer wall surface) of the module housing 110 facing the inner surface of the steam window 200, or a window made of a transparent material may be disposed therein. In this case, light irradiated from the steam window light 240 may pass through the module housing 110 and illuminate the steam window 200.

Through this, a state in which moisture is condensed on the steam window 200 is emphasized and can be clearly checked.

In addition, when supply of steam to the steam window 200 is terminated, light irradiated from the steam window light 240 may also serve to dry moisture condensed inside the steam window 200.

Accordingly, in the wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a is discharged to the mop 150 and may spread radially outward of the mop 150 by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the mop 150.

Thereafter, the steam is introduced into the steam inlet flow path 230 and accommodated inside the steam window 200, a part thereof may contact the steam window 200 and condense, and the remaining part may be discharged to the outside through the vent hole 220.

In addition, a part of the steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a may be introduced between the rotating cleaning part 140 and the bottom surface 111a of the lower housing 111 through convection. In this case, while the blades 140b of the rotating cleaning part 140 rotate, steam introduced between the rotating cleaning part 140 and the bottom surface 111a may flow radially outward of the rotating cleaning part 140. In this process, the steam is guided toward the steam window 200 along the inclination of the guide surface 111c, introduced into the space formed between the guide surface 111c and the steam window coupling part 111b, and introduced into the steam window 200.

In addition, a part of the steam evaporated from the mop 150 may also be introduced into the guide surface 111c through a space between the rotating cleaning part 140 and the steam window coupling part 111b, and then introduced into the steam window 200 through the space formed between the guide surface 111c and the steam window coupling part 111b.

Meanwhile, FIG. 14 illustrates a partially enlarged view of FIG. 12, and FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view for explaining a diffuser in the wet mop module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference to FIGS. 12 to 15, a process of supplying steam to the steam window 200 using the diffuser 137 in the wet mop module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as follows.

The diffuser 137 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a steam transfer pipe 137b and a valve 137c.

The steam transfer pipe 137b may have a flow path formed therein for guiding moisture discharged from the heating part 136 to the steam window 200.

The steam transfer pipe 137b may be disposed on a lower side of the module housing 110. For example, the steam transfer pipe 137b may be disposed between the bottom surface 111a of the module housing 110 and the sealing gasket 111d.

One end portion of the steam transfer pipe 137b may be configured to be branched from the nozzle of the diffuser 137. That is, the flow path formed inside the steam transfer pipe 137b may be formed to communicate with the steam discharge port 137a.

In addition, the other end portion of the steam transfer pipe 137b may be disposed to face the steam inlet flow path 230. In this case, the flow path formed inside the steam transfer pipe 137b may be directly connected to the steam inlet flow path 230, or may be disposed to be spaced apart from the steam inlet flow path 230 by a predetermined distance. In this case, the other end portion of the steam transfer pipe 137b may serve as a type of nozzle.

Through this, steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a can be immediately supplied to the steam window 200, and the user can quickly recognize that steam has been generated.

The valve 137c is installed in the steam transfer pipe 137b and may be opened when steam having a predetermined pressure or higher is introduced.

The valve 137c is installed in the steam transfer pipe 137b and may open and close a flow path for supplying steam from the steam discharge port 137a to the steam window 200.

In this case, the valve 137c may be opened from the steam discharge port 137a toward the steam window 200 and is not opened from the steam window 200 toward the steam discharge port 137a. That is, the valve 137c may serve as a type of check valve. With this configuration, steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a can be prevented from flowing backward.

In addition, the valve 137c may be opened only when a pressure of gas including steam is equal to or greater than a preset pressure. That is, when steam is discharged from the steam discharge port 137a at a pressure less than the preset pressure, the valve 137c is not opened.

Generally, in an initial stage in which steam is discharged from the steam discharge port 137a, steam having a higher heat amount than the surrounding environment thermally expands and instantaneously increases in pressure, and thereafter the pressure is stabilized while being maintained substantially constant.

Accordingly, the valve 137c of the present disclosure may be opened only in an initial stage of steam generation in which the pressure of steam instantaneously increases, thereby supplying steam to the steam window 200.

This makes it possible to quickly send steam to the steam window 200 in an initial stage of steam generation, thereby providing high responsiveness. In addition, after the situation in which the user needs to recognize generation of steam is terminated, the valve 137c blocks steam flow through the steam transfer pipe 137b, thereby preventing loss of steam discharged from the steam discharge port 137a.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 1 of the present disclosure may include an extension pipe 300.

The extension pipe 300 may be coupled to the cleaner main body 400 and the wet mop module 100.

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 wet mop module 100. In addition, the extension pipe 300 may communicate with a suction flow path formed in a suction part of the cleaner main body 400.

When a suction force is generated through the suction motor (not shown), the suction force may be provided to the wet mop module 100 through the suction part and the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, external dust and air may be introduced into the cleaner main body 400 through the wet mop module 100 and the extension pipe 300. In addition, dust and air introduced through the wet mop module 100 may pass through the extension pipe 300 and then be introduced into the cleaner main body 400.

Meanwhile, wires may be embedded in the extension pipe 300. Accordingly, the cleaner main body 400 and the wet mop module 100 may be electrically connected through the extension pipe 300.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the cleaner 1 of the present disclosure may include the cleaner main body 400.

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

A suction flow path may be formed in the cleaner main body 400 so that air and dust introduced from the wet mop module 100 can flow therethrough.

The cleaner main body 400 may include at least one cyclone part that applies the principle of a dust collector using centrifugal force to separate dust suctioned therein. Accordingly, air introduced through the suction flow path may spirally flow so that dust is separated.

The cleaner main body 400 may include a dust bin and may store dust separated from air suctioned through cyclone flow.

The battery may supply power to the wet mop module 100. In this case, the battery may supply power to the driving motor 170 of the wet mop module 100. The battery may also supply power to the water pump 133 of the wet mop module 100.

The cleaner main body 400 may be provided with an input part, so that the user can set not only whether power is supplied and the strength of air suction, but also the rotational strength of the mop, the amount of water supply, whether water is heated, and whether steam is supplied.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for specifically explaining the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It will be apparent that modifications or improvements can be made by those skilled in the art within the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

All simple modifications and changes of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the present disclosure, and the specific scope of protection of the present disclosure will be made clear by the appended claims.