Steam boiler device and steam cleaning equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a steam boiler device and steam cleaning equipment. The steam boiler device comprises a boiler body with a vaporization cavity inside; the water injection port is in fluid communication with the vaporization cavity and is configured to be capable of injecting water into the vaporization cavity; the steam outlet hole is formed in the boiler body and is in fluid communication with the vaporization cavity; the one-way valve assembly is constructed to be used for controlling discharge of steam of the vaporization cavity, the one-way valve assembly comprises a valve body and a valve rod, a fluid channel is formed in the valve body, the valve rod is movably arranged in the fluid channel between an opening position for releasing the steam and a closing position for blocking steam discharge, and the valve rod is provided with an inner end part; the outer diameter of the inner end part is smaller than the diameter of the steam outlet, and at least part of the inner end part is inserted into the steam outlet; when the valve rod moves between the opening position and the closing position, the inner end part moves along the steam outlet hole. According to the steam boiler device and the steam cleaning equipment provided with the steam boiler device, the steam outlet hole of the boiler is not prone to being blocked by incrustation scale, and the service life is long.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of steam equipment, and particularly to a steam boiler device and a steam cleaning device that can convert water into steam and output it externally. Background Art

[0002] A steam boiler device is a device that generates steam by heating water, and it is widely used in many household steam appliances such as steam cleaners, steam vacuum cleaners, and electric irons.

[0003] For the convenience of users, the water used in the steam boiler device in household appliances is usually not restricted too much. However, the water in daily life usually contains minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, etc.). These minerals may deposit inside the boiler and at the air outlet at high temperatures during the heating process, forming scale. The steam outlet holes of the steam boiler are usually holes with a small diameter, and scale is likely to accumulate here and gradually block the steam outlet holes, thereby affecting the smooth discharge of steam. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem that the steam outlet holes of the existing steam boiler device are easily blocked, which affects the smooth discharge of steam.

[0005] To achieve the above purpose, on the one hand, this application adopts the following technical solution: A steam boiler device includes: a boiler body with a vaporization chamber inside; a water injection port that is fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber and is configured to inject water into the vaporization chamber; a steam outlet hole opened on the boiler body and fluidly connected to the vaporization chamber; and a one-way valve assembly installed on the boiler body and configured to control the discharge of steam from the vaporization chamber. The one-way valve assembly includes a valve body with a fluid passage formed inside and a valve stem movably arranged in the fluid passage between an open position for releasing steam and a closed position for blocking the discharge of steam. The valve stem has an inner end portion, and the outer diameter of the inner end portion is smaller than the diameter of the steam outlet hole. At least part of the inner end portion is inserted into the steam outlet hole; when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner end portion moves along the steam outlet hole.

[0006] In the steam boiler of this application, by arranging the inner end portion of the valve stem inside the steam outlet hole and enabling the inner end portion to move along the steam outlet hole when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner end portion can timely dredge the scale blocking the steam outlet hole of the boiler, thereby effectively preventing the steam flow from being affected after the steam outlet hole of the boiler is blocked by scale; in this application, the implementation of dredging the scale is completed simultaneously during the operation of releasing steam, and the user does not need to perform additional operations.

[0007] In the above technical solution, preferably, part of the inner end portion extends into the vaporization chamber.

[0008] In the above technical solution, preferably, the valve body includes a tubular portion, the tubular portion defines a longitudinal center line, and the first longitudinal center line passes through the steam outlet; when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position, the valve stem moves along the longitudinal center line.

[0009] In the above technical solution, preferably, the tubular portion has a first end facing the boiler body and a second end away from the first end, the first end is attached to the boiler body, and the valve stem has an outer end located outside the valve body, and the outer end extends from the second end.

[0010] In the above technical solution, preferably, the one-way valve assembly includes a valve cover, the outer end is supported on a valve cover, a spring is provided between the valve cover and the second end, and the spring is constructed to keep the valve stem in the closed position after the external force output to the outer end is cancelled.

[0011] In the above technical solution, preferably, the steam boiler device also includes: a push switch, which is constructed to be manually actuated by a user; the push switch is arranged in a transmission manner with the outer end portion to enable the valve stem to be pushed into the open position by the user actuating the push switch.

[0012] In the above technical solution, preferably, a gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner end and the hole wall of the steam outlet hole, and the gap is configured to discharge the steam from the vaporization chamber to the fluid channel.

[0013] In the above technical solution, preferably, the size of the gap is constructed to remain unchanged when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position.

[0014] On the other hand, the present application provides a steam cleaning device, which includes a steam boiler device and a steam nozzle according to the first aspect or the preferred embodiment of the first aspect, wherein the steam nozzle is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly, and the steam nozzle is configured to apply steam from the vaporization chamber to the target surface, and the steam nozzle defines a steam output port.

[0015] In the above technical solution, preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap is equal to the opening area of ​​the steam outlet. This solution can keep the amount of steam output from the steam outlet uniform, thereby avoiding the occurrence of unstable cleaning performance due to changes in the amount of steam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a steam boiler device provided by an embodiment of the present application when the valve stem is in the closed position; Figure 2 For Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the check valve assembly in the steam boiler device of Figure 3 For Figure 2 Enlarged view at A; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a steam boiler device provided by an embodiment of the present application when the valve stem is in the open position; Figure 5 For Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the check valve assembly in the steam boiler device of Figure 6 For Figure 5 Enlarged view at B; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the boiler body provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the check valve assembly provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the valve stem provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 10 Schematic diagram of a steam cleaning device provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 11 For Figure 10 Enlarged view at C; Figure 12 For Figure 10 Enlarged view at D. Detailed implementation manners

[0017] To describe in detail the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives and effects of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0018] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a detailed description of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present application. However, various exemplary embodiments can also be implemented without these specific details or in the case of one or more equivalent arrangements. In addition, various exemplary embodiments can be different, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, without departing from the concept of the present application, the specific shapes, structures and characteristics of the exemplary embodiments can be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment.

[0019] See Figure 1 and Figure 4 which shows the structure of the steam boiler device 100 designed and manufactured according to the technical solution of the present application. It generally includes a boiler body 1 with a vaporization chamber 11 defined therein, a one-way valve assembly 2 connected to the boiler body 1, and a push switch 3. The user can actuate the one-way valve assembly 2 by operating the push switch 3 so that the steam inside the vaporization chamber 11 of the boiler body 1 can be released to the outside. The boiler body 1 can heat the water injected into the vaporization chamber into high-temperature steam for output. In some embodiments, the steam boiler device 100 is particularly suitable for a preheating type steam boiler. Users of this type of steam boiler often need to wait for a certain period of time before using the steam, that is, the steam can be released only after the water in the vaporization chamber is heated and reaches a certain pressure or temperature. It is often assembled in household steam devices such as Figure 10 in steam cleaning equipment, steam irons and other household steam equipment. It can be understood that when the steam boiler device 100 is in use, the user needs to pre-inject water into the vaporization chamber 11. The steam released from the vaporization chamber 11 will ultimately be guided to one or more steam outlets for outputting steam to one or more target surfaces outside.

[0020] As Figure 7 shown, the boiler body 1 is a tank-shaped container, and the vaporization chamber 11 is formed inside it. The boiler body 1 is usually supported by a metal material with good heat conduction, such as an aluminum casting, on which an electric heating element is integrated. When the heating element generates heat, it can convert the water pre-existing in the vaporization chamber 11 into steam. The boiler body 1 is provided with a water injection port 12 and a steam outlet hole 13.

[0021] The water injection port 12 is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber 11 and is configured to be able to inject water into the vaporization chamber 11. The water injection port 12 can be located at the top of the boiler body 1, and an openable lid (not shown in the figure) is usually provided at this port.

[0022] The steam outlet hole 13 is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber 11 and is configured to be able to discharge the steam from the vaporization chamber 11. The steam outlet hole 13 is usually located on the side wall of the boiler body 1.

[0023] The one-way valve assembly 2 is connected to the boiler body 1 and is in fluid connection with the steam outlet hole 13. The one-way valve assembly 2 is constructed to control the discharge of the steam in the vaporization chamber 11. In this example, the one-way valve assembly 2 is controlled by the push switch 3 and is operably connected to the push switch 3.

[0024] As Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 8As shown, the one-way valve assembly 2 comprises a valve body 21, a valve stem 22 and a valve cover 23 forming a fluid passage 210 therein. The valve stem 22 is movably arranged in the fluid passage 210 between an open position for releasing steam and a closed position for blocking steam discharge.

[0025] The valve body 21 includes a tubular portion 211 and a protrusion 212. The protrusion 212 is formed by protruding outward from a part of the side wall of the tubular portion 211. The tubular portion 211 has a first end 2111 facing the boiler body 1 and a second end 2112 away from the first end 2111. The first end 2111 is attached to the boiler body 1 and is in fluid communication with the steam outlet 13. The tubular portion 211 defines a longitudinal centerline Y1, which passes through the first end 2111 and away from the first end 2111. One end of the protrusion 212 forms a fluid interface 213. The protrusion 212 defines a longitudinal centerline Y2, which passes through the fluid interface 213. In the present application, the longitudinal centerline Y1 and the longitudinal centerline Y2 intersect, and the angle of intersection between the two is not limited.

[0026] Combination Figure 9 As shown, the valve stem 22 has an inner end 221 and an outer end 222. The outer end 222 extends from the second end 2112 and is supported on the valve cover 23. When the valve stem 22 moves between the open position and the closed position, the valve stem 22 moves along the longitudinal center line Y1.

[0027] The push switch 3 is configured to be manually actuated by a user and is arranged in a transmission manner with the outer end portion 222 of the valve stem 22 so as to push the valve stem 22 into the open position by actuating the push switch 3 by the user.

[0028] The outer diameter of the inner end portion 221 is smaller than the aperture of the steam outlet hole 13 , and the inner end portion 221 is inserted into the steam outlet hole 13 . When the valve stem 22 moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner end portion 221 moves along the steam outlet hole 13 .

[0029] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, a gap 50 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner end portion 221 and the hole wall of the steam outlet hole 13. The gap 50 is configured to discharge steam from the vaporization chamber 11 to the fluid channel 210. In this example, part of the inner end portion 221 of the valve stem 22 extends into the vaporization chamber 11. Based on the positional relationship between the steam outlet hole 13 and the inner end portion 221, each movement of the valve stem 22 between the open position and the closed position will be able to push the solid materials such as scale formed or accumulated at the steam outlet hole 13 to move, thereby ensuring that the gap 50 will not be blocked by these solid materials such as scale, and the solution to the blockage of the gap 50 does not need to be implemented separately by the user, but is automatically implemented during each operation of the valve stem 22, and the user does not have any use burden.

[0030] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the gap 50 can be annular. The ring width d of the gap 50 can be selected to be in the range of about 0.3 - 0.8 mm, such as about 0.4 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or 0.6 mm, etc.

[0031] A spring 24 is provided between the valve cover 23 and the second end 2112 of the tubular portion 211. The spring 24 is configured to hold the valve stem 22 in the closed position after the external force output to the outer end 222 of the valve stem 22 is withdrawn.

[0032] Sealing rings 25 and 26 are also provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the valve stem 22; wherein, regardless of whether the valve stem 22 is in the closed position or the open position, the sealing ring 25 is always in sealing contact with the inner wall surface of the tubular portion 211, while the sealing ring 26 is in sealing contact with the inner wall surface of the tubular portion 211 only when the valve stem 22 is in the closed position, so that when the valve stem 22 is in the open position, the steam flowing into the fluid passage 210 can only flow out from the fluid interface 213.

[0033] Therefore, in the steam boiler device of the present application, the aperture of the steam outlet hole can be set larger, and when water is heated into steam, the minerals contained in the water form sediments or residues. Even when these sediments or residues accumulate at the gap between the steam outlet hole and the inner end of the valve cover, as the inner end of the valve stem moves along the steam outlet hole, these accumulated sediments or residues will be moved away from the gap, so that the sediments or residues will not accumulate or cause blockage, which can effectively extend the service life of the steam boiler device.

[0034] See Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in, it shows the structure of a steam cleaning device 800 (or called a "handheld steam gun") designed and manufactured according to the technical solution of the present application. The device 800 is equipped with the above-mentioned Figures 1 - 9 steam boiler device 100 expressed in.

[0035] The device 800 has a housing 81. The housing 81 is usually assembled from one or more injection-molded parts. The housing 81 defines a handle 811 for the user to hold. The steam boiler device 100 is installed inside the housing 81, and a part of the operation switch 3 projects from the housing 81 so that the user can press the operation switch 3 to move the valve stem 22 from the closed position to the open position. The device 800 also includes an openable cover 82, which is adapted to the water injection port 12 of the boiler body 1. The cover 82 of this example is also integrated with a steam safety valve, which can ensure that the pressure in the vaporization chamber 11 is always kept below the warning pressure.

[0036] A steam nozzle 84 is also installed on the outer shell 81. The steam nozzle 84 is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly 2. The steam nozzle 84 is configured to apply steam from the vaporization chamber 11 to the target surface. The nozzle 84 is in fluid communication with the fluid interface 213 through a hose 83; when the valve stem 22 is triggered to the open position, the steam in the vaporization chamber 11 will flow to the nozzle 84.

[0037] The steam nozzle 84 defines a steam outlet 841. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the gap 50 is equal to the orifice area of the steam outlet 841; this enables the flow rate of the steam to remain uniform when it escapes from the steam outlet 841, thereby keeping the cleaning performance of the device stable.

[0038] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not limited by the above embodiments, and what is described in the above embodiments and the specification is only to illustrate the principle of the present application. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, the present application will have various changes and improvements. The scope of protection claimed by the present application is defined by the appended claims, the specification and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steam boiler device, characterized in that: include: A boiler body having a vaporization chamber inside; a water injection port, in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber and configured to inject water into the vaporization chamber; A steam outlet hole is provided on the boiler body and is in fluid communication with the vaporization chamber; as well as A one-way valve assembly is mounted on the boiler body and is constructed to control the discharge of steam from the vaporization chamber. The one-way valve assembly includes a valve body with a fluid channel formed inside and a valve stem that is movably arranged in the fluid channel between an open position for releasing steam and a closed position for blocking the discharge of steam. The valve stem has an inner end portion, the outer diameter of the inner end portion is smaller than the aperture of the steam outlet hole, and at least a portion of the inner end portion is inserted into the steam outlet hole; when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position, the inner end portion moves along the steam outlet hole.

2. The steam boiler device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Part of the inner end extends into the vaporization chamber.

3. The steam boiler device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body includes a tubular portion, the tubular portion defines a longitudinal centerline, and the first longitudinal centerline passes through the steam outlet hole; when the valve stem moves between the open position and the closed position, the valve stem moves along the longitudinal centerline.

4. The steam boiler device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tubular portion has a first end facing the boiler body and a second end away from the first end, the first end is attached to the boiler body, and the valve stem has an outer end located outside the valve body, and the outer end extends from the second end.

5. The steam boiler device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The one-way valve assembly includes a valve cover, the outer end is supported on a valve cover, a spring is arranged between the valve cover and the second end, and the spring is constructed to keep the valve stem in the closed position after the external force output to the outer end is cancelled.

6. The steam boiler device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: A push switch is constructed to be manually actuated by a user; the push switch is arranged in a transmission manner with the outer end portion so as to enable the valve stem to be pushed into the open position by the user actuating the push switch.

7. The steam boiler device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A gap is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the inner end and the hole wall of the steam outlet hole, and the gap is configured to discharge the steam from the vaporization chamber to the fluid channel.

8. The steam boiler device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The gap is sized to remain constant as the valve stem moves between the open and closed positions.

9. A steam cleaning device, characterized in that: It comprises a steam boiler device and a steam nozzle as described in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the steam nozzle is located downstream of the one-way valve assembly, the steam nozzle is configured to apply steam from the vaporization chamber to a target surface, and the steam nozzle defines a steam output port.

10. The steam cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that The cross-sectional area of ​​the gap is equal to the mouth area of ​​the steam outlet.

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