Cleaner having steam generator

Abstract

A cleaner performs water preheating for a steaming function with power from an external power source, and generates steam with power from a battery provided within the cleaner. The cleaner includes a body, a steam generator provided within the body to generate steam by changing stored water into vapor; an internal power supply unit supplying stored electricity to the steam generator; and an external power supply unit supplying electricity from an external source to the generator.

1 . A cleaner comprising: 
 a body;    a steam generator provided within the body to generate steam by changing stored water into vapor;    an internal power supply unit supplying stored electricity to the steam generator; and    an external power supply unit supplying electricity from an external source to the generator.    
   
   
       2 . The cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum suction unit that sucks particles from a floor and transfers the particles to an internal storage space, the vacuum suction unit selectively receiving electricity from the external power supply unit or the internal power supply unit.  
   
   
       3 . The cleaner of  claim 2 , further comprising a control unit controlling connections and power transfer between the steam generator, the vacuum suction unit, the external power supply unit and the internal power supply unit.  
   
   
       4 . The cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the internal power supply unit comprises a battery.  
   
   
       5 . The cleaner of  claim 4 , wherein the battery is detachably connected to the body.  
   
   
       6 . The cleaner of  claim 4 , wherein the battery is rechargeable.  
   
   
       7 . The cleaner of  claim 1 , further comprising a handle potion connected to the body.  
   
   
       8 . The cleaner of  claim 7 , wherein the internal power supply unit comprises a battery and wherein the battery is detachably connected to the handle portion.  
   
   
       9 . The cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the external power supply unit includes a cord and a plug.  
   
   
       10 . A method of controlling a cleaner, comprising the steps of: 
 determining whether power is being supplied to the cleaner through an external power supply unit;    if power is supplied through the external power supply unit, operating a steam generator with power supplied though the external power supply unit; and if power is not supplied through the external power supply unit, operating the steam generator with power supplied from an internal power supply unit.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising charging the internal power supply unit with power supplied to the cleaner through the external power supply unit.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising operating a vacuum suction unit with power supplied to the cleaner through the external power supply unit.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising operating a vacuum suction unit with power supplied from the internal power supply unit.  
   
   
       14 . A method of controlling a cleaner, comprising the steps of: 
 preheating water within a steam generator with power supplied through an external power supply unit;    determining whether power continues to be supplied through the external power supply unit;    if power continues to be supplied through the external power supply unit, generating steam by heating the preheated water within the steam generator with power supplied through the external power supply unit; and    if power is not being supplied through the external power supply unit, generating steam by heating the preheated water within the steam generator with power supplied from an internal power supply unit.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising charging the internal power supply unit with power supplied through the external power supply unit.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising operating a vacuum suction unit with power supplied through the external power supply unit.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising operating a vacuum suction unit with power supplied from the internal power supply unit.