Steam car wash machine and its control method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive cleaning technology and discloses a steam car wash machine and its control method. The steam car wash machine includes: a housing; at least one storage device detachably connected to the housing, the storage device storing saturated activated water at a temperature of 160-200°C and a pressure of 0.6-1 MPa; and a steam outlet connected to the storage device. During car washing, the saturated activated water is converted into steam under the pressure difference between the storage device and the external atmospheric pressure, and is ejected through the steam outlet. Through this method, the invention can effectively reduce the size of the car wash machine, lower production costs, improve car washing efficiency, and enhance the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive cleaning technology, and in particular to a steam car wash machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional car washing methods typically use high-pressure water jets, with the water propelled at high speed by a water gun. This not only consumes a large amount of water but also generates a significant amount of wastewater afterward. To address the drawbacks of traditional car washing methods, steam car washing technology has emerged.

[0003] Steam car washing is an environmentally friendly and energy-saving car washing technology. It works by using the heat of steam and the pressure generated instantaneously or through storage to produce a small amount of condensed water that washes the vehicle. Steam car washing cleans vehicles while protecting the environment and significantly conserving water resources.

[0004] With the rapid increase in car ownership, steam car wash technology has been widely developed and promoted, and various steam car wash machines have appeared on the market.

[0005] Existing steam car wash machines generate water and clean simultaneously during the washing process, requiring a water tank, motor, steam generator, pressurization and conveying device, etc., to complete the car wash. This results in large size and high cost of the car wash machine. In addition, it generally takes a certain amount of time to heat up and generate steam, leading to energy consumption and low car wash efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a steam car wash machine and its control method, which can effectively reduce the size of the car wash machine, reduce production costs, improve car wash efficiency, and enhance user experience.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a steam car wash machine, comprising:

[0008] Chassis;

[0009] At least one storage device is detachably connected to the chassis, the storage device being used to store saturated activated water at a temperature of 160-200°C and a pressure of 0.6-1 MPa;

[0010] An exhaust device is connected to the storage device. During car washing, the saturated active water is converted into steam under the pressure difference between the pressure and the external atmospheric pressure, and then sprayed out through the exhaust device.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage device includes a tank, an insulation layer sleeved on the outside of the tank, an inlet disposed on the end face of the tank for inputting the saturated active water, and an outlet disposed on the end face of the tank for outputting the saturated active water, wherein the outlet is provided with a control valve for controlling the opening / closing of the outlet.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the storage device further includes an installation port provided on the end face of the tank, a float ball is provided inside the tank, and the steam car wash machine further includes a liquid level detection device connected to the installation port and cooperating with the float ball to detect the liquid level inside the tank, and a controller connected to the liquid level detection device and used to receive the detection result of the liquid level detection device and send a control signal.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid level detection device is a Hall sensor, and the float includes a magnetic float.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam car wash machine further includes an adjustment device fixed to the casing and connected to the controller. The storage device is detachably connected to the adjustment device. The adjustment device is used to adjust the placement position of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device or the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the adjusting device includes a first telescopic adjusting member and a second telescopic adjusting member arranged at intervals, the first telescopic adjusting member being connected to the end of the storage device near the outlet, and the second telescopic adjusting member being connected to the end of the storage device away from the outlet.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam outlet device includes a steam delivery pipe connected at one end to the storage device, a handle, and a steam spray gun. One end of the handle is connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe, and the other end of the handle is connected to the steam spray gun. The handle is used to control the connection / disconnection between the steam delivery pipe and the steam spray gun.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steam car wash machine further includes a water treatment device fixed to the machine casing. The water treatment device includes a filter assembly with an inlet for filtering sand and gravel, a displacement assembly connected to the filter assembly for replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, an electrolysis assembly connected to the reaction assembly for changing the activity of water, and a magnetization assembly connected to the electrolysis assembly for changing the morphology of water molecules. The magnetization assembly has an outlet, which is connected to the storage device.

[0018] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by the present invention is: to provide a control method for a steam car wash machine, comprising:

[0019] When the dry steam car wash mode is selected, the adjustment device is controlled to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0020] When the wet steam car wash mode is selected, the adjustment device is controlled to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when selecting the dry steam car wash mode, controlling the adjusting device to adjust the placement position of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device further includes:

[0022] When selecting the dry steam car wash mode, the height of the first telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the second telescopic adjustment member, so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device;

[0023] When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, controlling the adjusting device to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downwards relative to the other end face of the storage device also includes:

[0024] When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, the height of the second telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the first telescopic adjustment member, so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The steam car wash machine is equipped with a casing, at least one storage device, and an exhaust device. The at least one storage device is detachably connected to the casing. The storage device is used to store saturated active water at a temperature of 160-200℃ and a pressure of 0.6-1MPa. The exhaust device is connected to the storage device. During car washing, the saturated active water is converted into steam under the pressure difference between the storage device and the external atmospheric pressure, and is sprayed out through the exhaust device. Compared with current steam car wash machines, this invention can save on components such as water tanks, steam generators, and pressurized conveying devices, effectively reducing the size of the car wash machine, lowering production costs, improving car washing efficiency, and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a steam car wash machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a steam car wash machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a steam car wash machine according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a steam car wash machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this invention are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements between components in a specific orientation (as shown in the figures). If the specific orientation changes, the directional indications also change accordingly. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0034] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a steam car wash machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The steam car wash machine 100 includes a casing 10, at least one storage device 20, and an exhaust device 30. The storage device 20 is detachably connected to the casing 10 and stores saturated active water at a temperature of 160-200℃ and a pressure of 0.6-1 MPa. The exhaust device 30 is connected to the storage device 20 and communicates with the outside environment; it can be entirely or partially located within the casing 10. During car washing, the saturated active water is converted into steam under its own pressure and the pressure difference with the external atmospheric pressure, and is ejected through the exhaust device 30. In this embodiment, water free of suspended solids, calcium and magnesium ions, containing hydrogen ions, and with small molecular clusters can be defined as saturated active water. Compared to current steam car wash machines, the steam car wash machine 100 of this embodiment saves on components such as water tanks, steam generators, and pressurized conveying devices, effectively reducing the size of the steam car wash machine 100, lowering production costs, improving car washing efficiency, and enhancing the user experience.

[0036] Please see Figure 1 The steam outlet device 30 includes a steam delivery pipe 31 connected to the storage device 20 at one end, a handle 32, and a steam spray gun 33. One end of the handle 32 is connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe 31, and the other end of the handle 32 is connected to the steam spray gun 33. The handle is used to control the connection / disconnection between the steam delivery pipe 31 and the steam spray gun 33.

[0037] Please see Figure 2The storage device 20 includes a tank 21, an insulation layer 22 fitted over the outside of the tank 21, an inlet 23 located on the end face of the tank 21 for inputting saturated active water, and an outlet 24 located on the end face of the tank 21 for outputting saturated active water. The outlet 24 is equipped with a control valve 241 for controlling the opening and closing of the outlet 24. In one feasible embodiment, the insulation layer 22 can be insulation cotton, which insulates the tank 21 to maintain the temperature of the saturated active water inside the tank 21 at 160-200°C. The inlet 23 and outlet 24 can be located on the same or different end faces of the tank body 21. In one possible embodiment, the inlet 23 and outlet 24 are located on the same end face of the tank body 21. The outlet 24 is connected to the gas venting device 30. The control valve 241 is used to control the opening and closing of the outlet 24. When the control valve 241 is open, the outlet 24 is connected to the gas venting device 30. Saturated active water is delivered to the gas venting device 30 through the outlet 24 and converted into steam under the pressure difference between the pressure and the external atmospheric pressure. The steam is then ejected through the gas venting device 30. When the control valve 241 is closed, the connection between the outlet and the gas venting device 30 is disconnected. In one feasible implementation, multiple storage devices 20 can be provided, such as three. The storage devices 20 are detachably connected to the housing 10. The housing 10 can be provided with a fixing part for fixing the storage devices 20, ensuring that the storage devices 20 are stably placed inside the housing 10 and facilitating the replacement of the storage devices 20. The storage devices 20 directly store saturated active water for generating steam, which can realize portable and efficient car washing and increase the applicability of the steam car wash machine 100.

[0038] In some applications, the storage device 20 can also be used for disinfection, employing high-temperature sterilization with saturated activated water. In other applications, the storage device 20 can also function as a heat source, using saturated activated water to provide high-temperature energy, thus saving energy and being environmentally friendly.

[0039] Please see Figure 3The storage device 20 also includes an installation port 25 located on the end face of the tank 21. A float (not shown) is provided inside the tank 21. The steam car wash machine 100 also includes a liquid level detection device 40 connected to the installation port 25 and cooperating with the float to detect the liquid level inside the tank 21, and a controller (not shown) connected to the liquid level detection device 40 and used to receive the detection result from the liquid level detection device 40 and issue a control signal. In one possible embodiment, the installation port 25, the inlet 23, and the outlet 24 are located on the same end face of the tank 21, and the installation port 25 is located between the inlet 23 and the outlet 24. In another possible embodiment, the liquid level detection device 40 is a Hall sensor, and the float includes a magnetic float. In this embodiment, when saturated activated water is injected into tank 21 through inlet 23, the float rises with the liquid level in tank 21. The closer the float is to the Hall sensor, the stronger the magnetic field becomes when the Hall sensor detects the float. The controller monitors the detection results in real time, and when the liquid level reaches a preset value, it issues a control signal or a reminder signal to stop the injection. In this embodiment, the preset value can be set by the user, for example, the preset value is 70-80% of the tank height, that is, leaving 20-30% space inside tank 21.

[0040] Please see Figure 4 The steam car wash machine 100 also includes an adjustment device 50 fixed to the housing 10 and connected to the controller. The storage device 20 is detachably connected to the adjustment device 50. The adjustment device 50 is used to adjust the placement position of the storage device 20 so that the end face where the outlet 24 is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20, or the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20. The placement position of the storage device 20 can determine the steam car wash mode (including dry steam car wash mode and wet steam car wash mode). When the end face where the outlet 24 is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20, since the density of water vapor is less than the density of saturated active water, the water vapor is closer to the outlet, and the water content of the steam sprayed during car washing is lower, which is defined as dry steam car wash mode. When the end face where the outlet 24 is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20, the saturated active water is closer to the outlet, and the water content of the steam sprayed during car washing is higher, which is defined as wet steam car wash mode.

[0041] This embodiment allows for switching between different steam car wash modes from the same outlet 24 by adjusting the placement of the storage device 20. The operation is simple, convenient, and efficient.

[0042] In one feasible embodiment, the adjusting device 50 includes a first telescopic adjusting member 51 and a second telescopic adjusting member 52 spaced apart. The first telescopic adjusting member 51 and the second telescopic adjusting member 52 have a telescopic function, capable of adjusting the height of both ends of the storage device 20. The first telescopic adjusting member 51 is connected to the end of the storage device 20 near the outlet 24, and the second telescopic adjusting member 52 is connected to the end of the storage device 20 away from the outlet 24. When the dry steam car wash mode is selected, the height of the first telescopic adjusting member 51 is controlled to be greater than the height of the second telescopic adjusting member 52, so that the end face where the outlet 24 is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20, resulting in a lower water content in the steam during car washing. When the wet steam car wash mode is selected, the height of the second telescopic adjusting member 52 is controlled to be greater than the height of the first telescopic adjusting member 51, so that the end face where the outlet 24 is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device 20, resulting in a higher water content in the steam during car washing.

[0043] Please see Figure 5The steam car wash machine 100 also includes a water treatment device 60 fixed on the casing 10. The water treatment device 60 includes a filter assembly 61 with an inlet 611 for filtering sand and gravel, a displacement assembly 62 connected to the filter assembly 61 for replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, an electrolysis assembly 63 connected to the displacement assembly 62 for changing the activity of water, and a magnetization assembly 64 connected to the electrolysis assembly 63 for changing the form of water molecules. The magnetization assembly 64 has an outlet 641, which is connected to the storage device 20. In one embodiment, the filtration assembly 61 includes a filter bottle and a filter screen disposed inside the filter bottle. The filter screen divides the internal space of the filter bottle to filter out larger particles such as sand and gravel in the water. The displacement assembly 62 includes a reaction bottle and a resin layer disposed inside the reaction bottle. The resin layer replaces calcium and magnesium ions in the water with sodium ions, effectively removing any suspended solids that may be present in the water and preventing scale buildup. The electrolysis assembly 63 includes several uniformly distributed electrode plates that can electrolyze water to produce hydrogen ions, which not only have strong antibacterial and bactericidal effects but can also remove any odors that may be present in the water. The magnetization assembly 64 includes a magnetization bottle and a magnetization rod disposed inside the magnetization bottle. The magnetization rod can change the shape of water molecules, converting large molecular clusters into small molecular clusters. For example, molecular clusters containing more than 20 water molecules are defined as large molecular clusters, and molecular clusters containing less than 10 water molecules are defined as small molecular clusters, resulting in saturated active water. The filtration component 61, displacement component 62, electrolysis component 63, and magnetization component 64 work together to purify the water before steam formation. Compared to the large volume of individual treatment tanks in traditional systems, this water treatment device 60 is small in size, portable, and can be used anywhere without restrictions, allowing for water treatment anytime, anywhere. In some applications, this steam car wash machine 10 can take full advantage of peak and off-peak electricity pricing periods, selecting times with low electricity prices (such as nighttime) to produce saturated activated water and store it in the storage device 20. The stored saturated activated water can then be used during the day, saving costs, maximizing energy utilization, and reducing water preparation time before washing, thus improving washing efficiency and user experience.

[0044] In one feasible embodiment, a heating device can be connected between the inlet 23 and the outlet 641 to heat the saturated active water obtained from the water treatment device 60 to the storage temperature before injecting it into the storage device 20. In another feasible embodiment, the saturated active water obtained from the water treatment device 60 can be injected into the storage device 20 first, and then the storage device 20 can be heated to the storage temperature by an external heating device (e.g., an electromagnetic heating device or a resistance heating device) before being placed in the casing 10. The steam car wash machine 100 of this embodiment can use an external heating device to heat the saturated active water, which can save the heating device integrated inside the casing 10, effectively reducing the volume of the casing 10 and reducing production costs.

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a steam car wash machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that if substantially the same result is achieved, the method of the present invention is not necessarily identical. Figure 1 The illustrated process sequence is limited. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the method is applied to the steam car wash machine 100 described above, and includes the following steps:

[0046] Step S101: When selecting the dry steam car wash mode, the control adjustment device adjusts the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0047] In step S101, in the initial state, the height of the first telescopic adjustment member is the same as the height of the second telescopic adjustment member. When the dry steam car wash mode is selected, the height of the first telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the second telescopic adjustment member so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0048] Step S102: When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, the control adjustment device adjusts the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0049] In step S102, when the wet steam car wash mode is selected, the height of the second telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the first telescopic adjustment member, so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

[0050] The control method of the steam car wash machine in this embodiment of the invention can switch between different steam car wash modes from the same outlet by adjusting the placement of the storage device. It is simple, convenient and efficient to operate.

[0051] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam car wash machine, characterized in that, include: Chassis; At least one storage device is detachably connected to the chassis, the storage device being used to store saturated activated water at a temperature of 160-200°C and a pressure of 0.6-1 MPa; An exhaust device is connected to the storage device. During car washing, the saturated active water is converted into steam under the pressure difference between the pressure and the external atmospheric pressure, and is sprayed out through the exhaust device. The storage device includes a tank, an insulation layer fitted over the outside of the tank, an inlet located on the end face of the tank for inputting the saturated active water, and an outlet located on the end face of the tank for outputting the saturated active water. The outlet is provided with a control valve for controlling the opening / closing of the outlet. The storage device also includes an installation port on the end face of the tank, a float ball is provided inside the tank, and the steam car wash machine also includes a liquid level detection device connected to the installation port and cooperating with the float ball to detect the liquid level inside the tank, and a controller connected to the liquid level detection device and used to receive the detection result of the liquid level detection device and send a control signal. The steam car wash machine also includes an adjustment device fixed to the chassis and connected to the controller. The storage device is detachably connected to the adjustment device. The adjustment device is used to adjust the placement position of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device or the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device. The adjustment device includes a first telescopic adjustment member and a second telescopic adjustment member arranged at intervals. The first telescopic adjustment member is connected to the end of the storage device near the outlet, and the second telescopic adjustment member is connected to the end of the storage device away from the outlet. When the dry steam car wash mode is selected, the adjustment device is controlled to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device. When the wet steam car wash mode is selected, the adjustment device is controlled to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

2. The steam car wash machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid level detection device is a Hall sensor, and the float includes a magnetic float.

3. The steam car wash machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam outlet device includes a steam delivery pipe connected to the storage device at one end, a handle, and a steam spray gun. One end of the handle is connected to the other end of the steam delivery pipe, and the other end of the handle is connected to the steam spray gun. The handle is used to control the connection / disconnection between the steam delivery pipe and the steam spray gun.

4. The steam car wash machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam car wash machine also includes a water treatment device fixed to the machine casing. The water treatment device includes a filter assembly with an inlet for filtering sand and gravel, a displacement assembly connected to the filter assembly for replacing calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, an electrolysis assembly connected to the reaction assembly for changing the activity of water, and a magnetization assembly connected to the electrolysis assembly for changing the morphology of water molecules. The magnetization assembly has an outlet, which is connected to the storage device.

5. A control method for a steam car wash machine, characterized in that, The control method, applied to the steam car wash machine as described in any one of claims 1-4, comprises: When the dry steam car wash mode is selected, the adjustment device is controlled to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device. When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, control the adjustment device to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device. When selecting the dry steam car wash mode, controlling the adjustment device to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device also includes: When selecting the dry steam car wash mode, the height of the first telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the second telescopic adjustment member, so that the end face where the outlet is located faces upward relative to the other end face of the storage device; When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, controlling the adjusting device to adjust the placement of the storage device so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downwards relative to the other end face of the storage device also includes: When selecting the wet steam car wash mode, the height of the second telescopic adjustment member is controlled to be greater than the height of the first telescopic adjustment member, so that the end face where the outlet is located faces downward relative to the other end face of the storage device.

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