Steam cleaning machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam cleaning machine. The steam cleaning machine comprises a cleaning head, a control unit, a steam generating unit and a sewage collecting unit, the cleaning head is provided with a nozzle and a suction port, and the steam generating unit comprises a liquid spraying unit and an electric heater which are connected with each other; the electric heater is used for heating the cleaning liquid so as to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit; the liquid spraying unit is connected with the nozzle and is used for spraying steam to the to-be-cleaned surface; the sewage collecting unit is connected with the suction port and is used for sucking dirt or sewage generated by cleaning; the control unit is used for controlling start and stop of the steam generation unit and the sewage collection unit. Starting and stopping of steam generation, steam injection and sewage recovery are managed in a centralized mode through the control unit, rapid steam generation and accurate injection are achieved through direct linkage of the liquid injection unit and the electric heater, and energy loss is reduced. Meanwhile, the sewage collecting unit is linked with the cleaning head suction port, so that dirt and sewage are recycled, residues are avoided, and the cleaning efficiency is further guaranteed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application refers to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410934103.9, filed on July 11, 2024, entitled “A Steam Cleaning Machine”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the technical field of steam cleaning, and in particular to a steam cleaning machine. Background Art

[0004] Steam cleaning machines usually use the high temperature and high pressure of saturated steam to speed up the movement of molecules on the dirt surface, destroy the binding force between them, and peel off and remove stains and residues. Due to its advantages of high efficiency, water saving, cleanliness, and low cost, it is widely used in cleaning automobiles, glass, fabric products, tableware and other items.

[0005] In the related art, the cleaning efficiency of the steam cleaning machine is low.

[0006] Therefore, how to provide a solution to overcome or alleviate the above-mentioned defects is still a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a steam cleaning machine to improve the steam cleaning efficiency.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a steam cleaning machine, comprising a cleaning head, a control unit, and a steam generating unit and a sewage collecting unit respectively connected to the control unit;

[0009] The cleaning head has a nozzle and a suction port, the steam generating unit includes a liquid spray unit and an electric heater connected to each other; the electric heater is used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spray unit; the liquid spray unit is connected to the nozzle and is used to spray steam to the surface to be cleaned; the sewage collecting unit is connected to the suction port and is used to suck dirt or sewage generated by cleaning;

[0010] The control unit is used to control the start and stop of the steam generating unit and the sewage collecting unit.

[0011] In one of the embodiments, the steam cleaning machine further includes an auxiliary heating unit connected to the control unit, and the control unit can control the start and stop of the auxiliary heating unit; the auxiliary heating unit is used to heat the cleaning liquid; and the heat source of the auxiliary heating unit is a clean heat source.

[0012] In one of the embodiments, the auxiliary heating unit is used to provide steam, hot water or hot air to the liquid spray unit and / or the spray outlet.

[0013] An embodiment of the present application provides a steam cleaner, which includes a cleaning head, a control unit, a steam generation unit, a secondary heating unit, and a sewage collection unit that are respectively connected to the control unit.

[0014] The cleaning head has a spray nozzle and a suction port. The steam generation unit includes a liquid spraying unit and an electric heater connected to each other. The secondary heating unit and the electric heater are used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit. The heat source of the secondary heating unit is a clean heat source. The liquid spraying unit is connected to the spray nozzle and is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned. The sewage collection unit is connected to the suction port and is used to suck the dirt or sewage generated during cleaning.

[0015] The control unit is used to control the start and stop of the steam generation unit, the secondary heating unit, and the sewage collection unit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the secondary heating unit includes a secondary heater, and the secondary heater is connected in parallel or in series with the electric heater; or,

[0017] The secondary heating unit includes a heat exchanger, a water storage tank, a first water pump, and a secondary heater connected in sequence. The liquid outlet of the secondary heater is connected to the heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger, the heat medium outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid inlet of the water storage tank, and the heat exchanger is connected in parallel or in series with the electric heater.

[0018] In one embodiment, the clean heat source is solar energy or a waste heat source.

[0019] In one embodiment, the steam cleaner further includes a handle.

[0020] The cleaning head is respectively connected to the steam generation unit and the sewage collection unit through the handle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the handle has a first induction contact group, the cleaning head has a second induction contact group, and the first induction contact group is connected to the control unit;

[0022] When the cleaning head is connected to the handle, the second induction contact group can be connected to the first induction contact group, so that the first induction contact group sends an electrical signal to the control unit. The control unit is used to identify the type information of the cleaning head according to the electrical signal, and is used to adjust the working mode of the steam cleaner according to the type information, so that the steam generation unit and the sewage collection unit are in the working states corresponding to the working modes.

[0023] In one embodiment, the steam generation unit further includes a temperature sensor.

[0024] The temperature sensor is connected to the control unit. The temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature information of the steam ejected by the liquid spraying unit and transmit the measured temperature information to the control unit. The control unit is configured to control the heating power of the electric heater and / or the auxiliary heating unit according to the type information and the temperature information, so as to control the temperature of the steam ejected by the liquid spraying unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the steam cleaner further includes a self-cleaning unit;

[0026] The self-cleaning unit is connected to the control unit. The self-cleaning unit is configured to clean the cleaning head, and the control unit is configured to control the start and stop of the self-cleaning unit.

[0027] In one embodiment, the self-cleaning unit includes a self-cleaning box and a sensing switch;

[0028] The sensing switch is disposed in the self-cleaning box and is connected to the control unit; the cleaning head can be inserted into the self-cleaning box to trigger the sensing switch; the control unit is configured to control the start and stop of the steam generating unit according to the state of the sensing switch.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control unit includes a controller and a control component connected to each other;

[0030] The control component is configured to adjust the working mode of the steam cleaner. The working modes of the steam cleaner include a cleaning mode and a drying mode; in the cleaning mode, the steam generating unit and the sewage collection unit operate; in the drying mode, the steam generating unit does not operate and the sewage collection unit operates.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control component includes a first control member and a second control member; the first control member is configured to control the steam cleaner to enter or exit the cleaning mode, and the second control member is configured to control the steam cleaner to enter or exit the drying mode.

[0032] The steam cleaner provided by this application is provided with a cleaning head, a steam generation unit, a sewage collection unit and a control unit. The liquid spraying unit in the steam generation unit is connected to the spray nozzle of the cleaning head and is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned. The electric heater is used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit. The sewage collection unit is connected to the suction port of the cleaning head and is used to suck the dirt or sewage generated by the cleaning. The control unit is used to control the start and stop of the steam generation unit and the sewage collection unit. In traditional steam cleaners, due to the separation of steam generation and spraying control, there is a large amount of heat loss and unstable steam pressure. In this application, the control unit centrally manages the start and stop of steam generation, spraying and sewage recovery. Through the direct linkage between the liquid spraying unit and the electric heater, rapid steam generation and precise spraying are achieved, reducing energy loss. At the same time, through the linkage between the sewage collection unit and the suction port of the cleaning head, the recovery of dirt and sewage is realized, avoiding residues and further ensuring the cleaning efficiency. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application;

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic three-dimensional structure diagram of a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application with part of the housing removed;

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic structure diagram of the cleaning head in a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application;

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic structure principle diagram of a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application;

[0037] Figure 5 Schematic structure principle diagram of a steam cleaner according to another embodiment provided by this application;

[0038] Figure 6 Schematic partial structure diagram of the handle in a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application.

[0039] The reference numerals in the above drawings are explained as follows:

[0040] 1 - cleaning head, 11 - spray nozzle, 12 - suction port;

[0041] 2 - steam generation unit, 21 - liquid spraying unit, 211 - liquid storage tank, 212 - second water pump, 213 - first liquid level gauge, 22 - electric heater, 23 - temperature sensor, 24 - first control valve;

[0042] 3 - auxiliary heating unit, 31 - auxiliary heater, 32 - first water pump, 33 - water storage device, 34 - heat exchanger, 35 - second control valve;

[0043] 4 - Sewage collection unit, 41 - Sewage tank, 42 - Suction motor, 43 - Second liquid level gauge;

[0044] 5 - Control unit, 51 - Controller, 52 - Control components, 521 - First control component, 522 - Second control component, 53 - Voice alarm unit;

[0045] 6 - Main body, 61 - Housing, 62 - First heat source interface, 63 - Second heat source interface, 64 - Traveling wheels;

[0046] 7 - Handle, 71 - First induction contact group, 72 - Negative pressure channel, 73 - Steam pipe channel, 74 - Steam delivery pipeline;

[0047] 8 - Self - cleaning unit, 81 - Self - cleaning box, 82 - Inductive switch;

[0048] 9 - Connecting pipe. Detailed implementation manners

[0049] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of this application, the following further details this application in combination with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners.

[0050] It should be specifically noted that: the terms "first", "second", etc. in this application are only for the convenience of describing two or more structures or components with the same or similar structures and / or functions, and do not represent a certain special limitation on the order and / or importance.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection, or a communication connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific situations.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 1 which is a three - dimensional structure schematic diagram of a steam cleaner provided by an embodiment of this application, Figure 2 which is a three - dimensional structure schematic diagram of a steam cleaner provided by an embodiment of this application with part of the housing removed, Figure 3 which is a structure schematic diagram of the cleaning head in a steam cleaner provided by an embodiment of this application, Figure 4 which is a structure principle diagram of a steam cleaner provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0053] Please combine Figure 1 and Figure 4It is understood that a steam cleaner provided by an embodiment of the present application includes a cleaning head 1, a control unit 5, a steam generation unit 2 and a sewage collection unit 4 that are respectively connected to the control unit 5. As Figure 3 shown, the cleaning head 1 has a spray nozzle 11 and a suction port 12; as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the steam generation unit 2 includes a liquid spraying unit 21 and an electric heater 22 that are connected to each other; as Figure 4 shown, the electric heater 22 is used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit 21. Among them, the liquid spraying unit 21 is connected to the spray nozzle 11 and is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned; the sewage collection unit 4 is connected to the suction port 12 and is used to suck the dirt or sewage generated by the cleaning; the control unit 5 is used to control the start and stop of the steam generation unit 2 and the sewage collection unit 4.

[0054] It is not difficult to understand that the liquid spraying unit 21 can provide the cleaning liquid. After the cleaning liquid is heated by the electric heater 22, steam can be generated, so that steam can be provided for the liquid spraying unit 21, enabling the liquid spraying unit 21 to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned. In traditional steam cleaners, due to the separation of steam generation and spraying control, there is a large amount of heat loss and unstable steam pressure. In the present application, the control unit 5 centrally manages the start and stop of steam generation, spraying and sewage recovery. Through the direct linkage between the liquid spraying unit 21 and the electric heater 22, rapid steam generation and precise spraying are achieved, reducing energy loss. At the same time, through the linkage between the sewage collection unit 4 and the suction port 12 of the cleaning head 1, the recovery of dirt and sewage is realized, avoiding residues and further ensuring the cleaning efficiency.

[0055] In the related art, a utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN217429883U discloses a cleaning device, which includes a main body, a cleaning head, a liquid spraying unit, a suction unit, a heating element and a control unit. The cleaning head is provided with a liquid spraying port and a suction port. The liquid spraying unit is connected to the liquid spraying port and is used to spray the cleaning liquid onto the surface to be cleaned. The suction unit is connected to the suction port and is used to provide suction for the suction port to suck the dirt on the surface to be cleaned. The heating element is used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide the cleaning liquid or steam with a temperature for the liquid spraying unit. The control unit is used to control the start and stop of the liquid spraying unit and / or the suction unit, and is used to adjust the working mode of the cleaning device so that the liquid spraying unit, the suction unit and the heating element are in corresponding working states. Although this cleaning device can use the heating element to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam, its heating method is only electric heating, that is, the heat source for generating steam is only electric energy, resulting in a large consumption of electric energy.

[0056] Based on this, a steam cleaner according to an embodiment of the present application further includes a secondary heating unit 3 connected to the control unit 5. Refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown, the control unit 5 can control the start and stop of the auxiliary heating unit 3. The auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 can be connected in parallel. The auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 are used to heat the cleaning liquid, and the heat source of the auxiliary heating unit 3 is a clean heat source. The auxiliary heating unit 3 will be introduced in detail below.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the steam cleaner includes a cleaning head 1, a control unit 5, and a steam generation unit 2, an auxiliary heating unit 3, and a sewage collection unit 4 that are respectively connected to the control unit 5. As Figure 3 shown, the cleaning head 1 has a spray nozzle 11 and a suction port 12; as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the steam generation unit 2 includes a liquid spraying unit 21 and an electric heater 22 that are connected to each other; as Figure 4 shown, the auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 are connected in parallel, and both are used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit 21; the heat source of the auxiliary heating unit 3 is a clean heat source. Among them, the liquid spraying unit 21 is connected to the spray nozzle 11 and is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned; the sewage collection unit 4 is connected to the suction port 12 and is used to suck the dirt or sewage generated by the cleaning; the control unit 5 is used to control the start and stop of the steam generation unit 2, the auxiliary heating unit 3, and the sewage collection unit 4.

[0058] It is not difficult to understand that the liquid spraying unit 21 can provide the cleaning liquid. After the cleaning liquid is heated by the electric heater 22 and / or the auxiliary heating unit 3, steam can be generated, so as to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit 21, enabling the liquid spraying unit 21 to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned. During use, the start and stop of the electric heater 22 of the steam generation unit 2 and the auxiliary heating unit 3 can be controlled through the control unit 5 according to the cleaning requirements and the energy status. Specifically, the control unit 5 can control the electric heater 22 to work and the auxiliary heating unit 3 not to work, so as to use only electric energy to provide heat for the cleaning liquid to generate steam. It is also possible to control the electric heater 22 to work and the auxiliary heating unit 3 to work through the control unit 5, so as to use both electric energy and clean energy to provide energy for steam generation. It is also possible to control the electric heater 22 not to work and the auxiliary heating unit 3 to work through the control unit 5, so as to use only clean energy to provide energy for steam generation. It can be seen that the steam cleaner provided by the embodiment of the present application can not only use electric energy to provide energy for steam generation, but also use a clean heat source to provide energy for steam generation, thereby relatively reducing the consumption of electric energy in steam cleaning operations, being beneficial to saving electric energy and reducing the electricity cost.

[0059] It should be noted that the clean heat source for the auxiliary heating unit 3 to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam is a type of heat source that does not emit pollutants and can be directly used in production or life. Specifically, it is a heat source other than electric energy, which can be a renewable heat source, such as solar energy, or a waste heat source. The present application does not limit this.

[0060] In the embodiments provided by the present application, the cleaning heat source used by the secondary heating unit 3 to heat the cleaning liquid can be solar energy, which is not only easily obtainable but also can save electric energy to a large extent. After calculation, the energy consumption can be reduced by more than 70%. In addition, the heating device using solar energy has a relatively simple structure, low cost, and is also relatively convenient to use, which is beneficial to improving the steam generation efficiency and thus enhancing the cleaning efficiency and cleaning effect.

[0061] In some embodiments, the secondary heating unit 3 is used to provide steam, hot water or hot air for the liquid spraying unit 21.

[0062] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 which is the structural schematic diagram of the steam cleaner according to another embodiment provided by the present application.

[0063] In actual setting, the specific structure of the secondary heating unit 3 is not limited.

[0064] In one embodiment, taking the secondary heating unit 3 being used to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit 21 as an example.

[0065] In one embodiment provided by the present application, please combine Figure 4 to understand that the secondary heating unit 3 includes a secondary heater 31, and the secondary heater 31 is connected in parallel with the electric heater 22, that is, the liquid inlet and outlet of the secondary heater 31 can be respectively communicated with the pipelines of the liquid inlet and outlet of the electric heater 22.

[0066] It is not difficult to understand that the secondary heater 31 is a heater that can use a clean heat source to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary heater 31 is directly connected in parallel with the electric heater 22. When in use, the secondary heater 31 can directly heat the cleaning liquid diverted from the pipeline where the electric heater 22 is located using a clean heat source. This not only has a simple structure but also can make full use of the clean heat source, which is beneficial to saving electric energy. Even the electric heater 22 can be turned off so that the cleaning liquid only passes through the secondary heater 31, and only the clean heat source is used to provide energy for steam generation, thereby saving the power consumption of steam cleaning to a large extent.

[0067] In one embodiment, the secondary heating unit 3 is used to provide hot water for the liquid spraying unit 21.

[0068] In another embodiment provided by the present application, please combine Figure 5It is understood that the auxiliary heating unit 3 includes a heat exchanger 34, a water storage tank 33, a first water pump 32, and an auxiliary heater 31 connected in sequence. Specifically, the liquid outlet of the water storage tank 33 is communicated with the liquid inlet of the first water pump 32 through a pipeline, the liquid outlet of the first water pump 32 is communicated with the liquid inlet of the auxiliary heater 31 through a pipeline, the liquid outlet of the auxiliary heater 31 is connected with the heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger 34 through a pipeline, the heat medium outlet of the heat exchanger 34 is connected with the liquid inlet of the water storage tank 33, and the heat exchanger 34 is connected in parallel with the electric heater 22.

[0069] It is not difficult to understand that the heat brought by the cleaning heat source may be relatively large. If the cleaning liquid is directly heated by the auxiliary heater 31, under high pressure, the temperature of the generated steam may be relatively high. For example, it may reach more than 600 degrees. Since the steam cleaner provided in the above embodiment of the present application is provided with a heat exchanger 34, the auxiliary heater 31 is connected to the heat exchanger 34, and the heat exchanger 34 is directly connected in parallel with the electric heater 22. During use, the auxiliary heater 31 can heat the water pumped by the first water pump 32 with the cleaning heat source, and send the heated water into the heat exchanger 34 to exchange heat with the cleaning liquid entering the inside of the heat exchanger 34 to heat the cleaning liquid, generate steam and supply the steam to the cleaning head 1. In this way, the temperature of the generated steam can be easily controlled within a safe range, so as to reduce the safety risk, not easily damage the item to be cleaned, and can also ensure personal safety.

[0070] It can be seen that during actual use, the structural form of the auxiliary heating unit 3 can be selected according to the temperature of the above-mentioned cleaning heat source. Specifically, when the temperature provided by the cleaning heat source is not particularly high, a simple structure in which the auxiliary heater 31 and the electric heater 22 are directly connected in parallel can be used. When the temperature provided by the cleaning heat source is particularly high, a safe structure in which the auxiliary heater 31 is connected in parallel with the electric heater 22 through the heat exchanger 34 can be used. Therefore, the structural form of the auxiliary heating unit 3 provided in the embodiment of the present application is relatively flexible in layout.

[0071] In an embodiment not shown in the present application, the auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 can also be connected in series. Specifically, when the auxiliary heating unit 3 Figure 4 only includes the auxiliary heater 31 as shown, the auxiliary heater 31 can be connected in series with the electric heater 22, and can be specifically connected in series upstream or downstream of the electric heater 22; when the auxiliary heating unit 3 is as Figure 5When the components shown include the auxiliary heater 31, the first water pump 32, the water storage tank 33, and the heat exchanger 34, the heat exchanger 34 can be connected in series with the electric heater 22, specifically, it can be connected in series upstream or downstream of the electric heater 22. In this way, the control unit 5 can control both the electric heater 22 and the auxiliary heating unit 3 to operate, so that the cleaning liquid passes through the electric heater 22 and the auxiliary heating unit 3 in sequence, or passes through the auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 in sequence, for double heating to generate steam; alternatively, the control unit 5 can control only one of the electric heater 22 and the auxiliary heating unit 3 to operate. Obviously, the parallel connection mode of the auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22 in the above embodiments of the present application is more conducive to the adjustment of the steam temperature and is also more conducive to the compact layout of the parts of the steam cleaner other than the auxiliary heating unit 3.

[0072] In one embodiment, the auxiliary heating unit 3 is used to provide hot air for the liquid spraying unit 21.

[0073] In some embodiments, the auxiliary heating unit 3 can be connected in parallel or in series with the electric heater 22. The auxiliary heating unit 3 includes an auxiliary heater 31 and a fan. The auxiliary heater 31 is used to heat air, and the fan is used to blow out the hot air around the auxiliary heater 31 to form hot air, thereby heating the flowing cleaning liquid. Or after the steam cleaning device finishes cleaning, the auxiliary heating unit 3 provides hot air for the nozzle to dry the cleaned surface to achieve the effect of dry cleaning.

[0074] In some other embodiments, the auxiliary heating unit 3 can also be a thermal energy storage device, including a housing, a heat charging unit, a heat storage material, and a heat releasing unit. The heat charging unit includes a heat charging module, and the heat charging module includes a heat charging pipe.

[0075] In some embodiments, the energy source of the thermal energy storage device can be light energy. The heat charging module can include a light heat charging mechanism (not shown in the figure). The light heat charging mechanism can at least include a light transmission component, and the light transmission component can be, for example, a light guiding optical fiber, etc. The light transmission component is configured to be able to transmit light into the heat charging pipe to directly heat the heat charging pipe with light energy, and then the heat charging pipe transfers the heat energy to the heat storage material for storage. With such a setting, the direct conversion of light energy into heat energy can be realized.

[0076] In some embodiments, the energy source of the thermal energy storage device can be electric energy converted from clean energy. For example, the heat charging module can be a coal-fired power generation mechanism, a photovoltaic power generation mechanism, or a wind power generation mechanism, etc. The power generation mechanism converts clean energy into electric energy and generates heat through the electric energy, thereby storing the heat in the heat storage material.

[0077] In some embodiments, the secondary heating unit 3 can also be used to supply steam, hot water, or hot air to the nozzle 11. Taking the secondary heating unit 3 being used to supply steam to the nozzle 11 as an example, the steam pipeline for supplying steam to the nozzle 11 can share the original steam pipeline for supplying steam to the liquid spraying unit 21. Alternatively, a new steam branch can be added to communicate with the original steam pipeline, and steam is sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned through the nozzle 11. Of course, a new branch can also be provided inside or within the nozzle 11 for outputting the steam, hot water, or hot air output by the secondary heating unit 3.

[0078] It can be understood that in some embodiments, the secondary heating unit 3 may not be provided. After the cleaning liquid is heated using the electric heater 22, steam can be generated, thereby supplying steam to the liquid spraying unit 21.

[0079] In actual setting, the structure of the cleaning head 1 is not limited.

[0080] In one of the embodiments, as Figure 3 shown, the cleaning head 1 can have a nozzle 11 and a suction port 12 circumferentially arranged outside the nozzle 11, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency.

[0081] In actual setting, the structural form of the liquid spraying unit 21 is not limited.

[0082] In one of the embodiments, as Figure 4 shown, the liquid spraying unit 21 can include a liquid storage tank 211 and a second water pump 212 connected to each other. Specifically, the liquid storage tank 211 can be used to store the cleaning liquid, such as water. The liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank 211 can be connected to the liquid inlet of the second water pump 212 through a pipeline, the liquid outlet of the second water pump 212 can be connected to the liquid inlet of the electric heater 22, and the steam outlet of the electric heater 22 can be connected to the nozzle 11 of the cleaning head 1. Among them, the second water pump 212 can be an electromagnetic pump, which can reliably and stably supply the cleaning liquid to the electric heater 22; the second water pump 212 can be connected to the control unit 5, and the control unit 5 can control the start and stop of the steam generation unit 2 by controlling the start and stop of the second water pump 212. In this way, the structure of the liquid spraying unit 21 is simple, and it can efficiently supply the cleaning liquid. Cooperating with the electric heater 22 and under the control of the control unit 5, the efficiency of the entire steam generation unit 2 in generating steam can be greatly improved, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency.

[0083] In actual setting, the structural form of the sewage collection unit 4 is not limited.

[0084] In one of the embodiments, as Figure 4As shown, the sewage collection unit 4 may include a sewage tank 41 and a suction motor 42 connected to each other. Specifically, the liquid inlet of the sewage tank 41 may be connected to the suction port 12 of the cleaning head 1, and the liquid inlet of the suction motor 42 may be connected to the liquid outlet of the sewage tank 41. Among them, the suction motor 42 may be connected to the control unit 5, and the control unit 5 may control the start and stop of the sewage collection unit 4 by controlling the start and stop of the suction motor 42. In this way, the structure of the sewage collection unit 4 is simple, and it can efficiently absorb the dirt or sewage generated by cleaning, which is beneficial to further improving the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency.

[0085] In the embodiment provided by the present application, the steam cleaner may further be provided with a main body 6, such as Figure 1 As shown, the main body 6 may include a housing 61, and the steam generation unit 2, the auxiliary heating unit 3, the sewage collection unit 4 and the control unit 5 may be partially arranged in the housing 61 to improve the integration of the steam cleaner, making the structure more compact and the operation more convenient.

[0086] When specifically arranged, the auxiliary heating unit 3 may be fully integrated into the main body 6 or may be connected to the main body 6 as an external accessory. In the embodiment provided by the present application, please refer to Figure 2 for understanding. The liquid storage tank 211, the second water pump 212 and the electric heater 22 of the steam generation unit 2 may be integrated into the main body 6, and the auxiliary heating unit 3 may be connected to the main body 6 as an external accessory. Specifically, the housing 61 of the main body 6 may be provided with a first heat source interface 62 and a second heat source interface 63. The pipelines connecting the cleaning liquid inlet and the steam outlet of the auxiliary heating unit 3 are Figure 4 the pipelines connecting the liquid inlet and the gas outlet of the auxiliary heater 31 in the shown embodiment, and are Figure 5 the pipelines connecting the refrigerant inlet and the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 34 respectively in the shown embodiment. They may respectively pass through the first heat source interface 62 and the second heat source interface 63, enter the housing 61 and then be connected to both ends of the electric heater 22 respectively to realize the parallel connection of the auxiliary heating unit 3 and the electric heater 22.

[0087] Such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the bottom of the main body 6 may further be provided with traveling wheels 64, making the steam cleaner easy to move and improving the convenience of operation.

[0088] In the embodiment provided by the present application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steam cleaner further includes a handle 7; the cleaning head 1 is respectively connected to the steam generation unit 2 and the sewage collection unit 4 through the handle 7. In this way, the position and posture of the cleaning head 1 can be conveniently adjusted by holding the handle 7, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning effect and cleaning efficiency.

[0089] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6Schematic diagram of a partial structure of a handle in a steam cleaner according to an embodiment provided by this application.

[0090] In an embodiment of this application, as Figure 6 shown, the handle 7 may have a first induction contact group 71, and the cleaning head 1 may have a second induction contact group. The first induction contact group 71 may be connected to the control unit 5 as Figures 4 to 5 shown. During use, when the cleaning head 1 and the handle 7 are connected, the second induction contact group can be connected to the first induction contact group 71, so that the first induction contact group 71 sends an electrical signal to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 can then identify the type information of the cleaning head 1 based on the electrical signal, and can adjust the working mode of the steam cleaner according to the type information, so that the steam generation unit 2 and the sewage collection unit 4 are in the working states corresponding to the working mode.

[0091] Among them, there are various types of working modes of the steam cleaner. For example, the first type of working mode divided by different steam temperatures, the second type of working mode divided by whether cleaning and suction work simultaneously, etc., are not specifically limited. Taking the first type of working mode divided by different steam temperatures as an example, for different items to be cleaned, different types of cleaning heads 1 can be used, and different steam temperatures can be controlled for different types of cleaning heads 1.

[0092] In this way, compared with the above-mentioned utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN217429883U, which cannot identify the type of cleaning head and can only be applicable to one type of cleaning head, resulting in a relatively narrow application range of the cleaning device. In the embodiment of this application, since the first induction contact group 71 is provided on the handle 7 and cooperates with the second induction contact group on the cleaning head 1, the type of the cleaning head 1 can be automatically identified, and the control unit 5 can be used to match different working modes for each type of cleaning head 1, such as different cleaning temperatures, so as to be compatible with various types of cleaning heads 1 and be applicable to multiple application scenarios.

[0093] In an embodiment of this application, please combine Figure 4 and Figure 5 to understand that the steam generation unit 2 may further include a temperature sensor 23; the temperature sensor 23 can be connected to the control unit 5. The temperature sensor 23 can be used to measure the temperature information of the steam sprayed by the liquid spraying unit 21 and transmit the measured temperature information to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 can control the heating power of the electric heater 22 and / or the auxiliary heating unit 3 according to the type information of the cleaning head 1 and the temperature information of the steam, so as to control the temperature of the steam sprayed by the liquid spraying unit 21. In this way, automatic and efficient control of the steam temperature can be achieved, which is beneficial to improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0094] In an embodiment of this application, as Figure 6As shown, the handle 7 can also be provided with a negative pressure channel 72 and a steam pipe channel 73. A steam delivery pipe 74 can be arranged in the steam pipe channel 73. When the cleaning head 1 is connected to the handle 7, the nozzle 11 of the cleaning head 1 can communicate with the steam delivery pipe 74, and the suction port 12 can communicate with the negative pressure channel 72. In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the steam cleaner can also be provided with a connecting pipe 9. The handle 7 can be connected to the main body 6 through the connecting pipe 9. Specifically, the negative pressure channel 72 of the handle 7 can communicate with the sewage tank 41 through the connecting pipe 9. The steam delivery pipe 74 can extend into the connecting pipe 9 and be connected to the liquid outlet of the electric heater 22 after extending out of the connecting pipe 9. The connecting pipe 9 can specifically be a flexible pipe, which is convenient for manipulating the handle 7 to adjust the position and posture of the cleaning head 1.

[0095] When specifically setting, the type of the temperature sensor 23 is not limited. For example, it can be an NTC temperature sensor, which can be arranged in the steam delivery pipe 74, or on the surface of the electric heater 22 or the auxiliary heater 31. This application does not make any restrictions on this.

[0096] In the embodiment provided by this application, the steam cleaner further includes a self-cleaning unit 8 as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 ; as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the self-cleaning unit 8 can be connected to the control unit 5. The self-cleaning unit 8 can be used to clean the cleaning head 1, and the control unit 5 is used to control the start and stop of the self-cleaning unit 8.

[0097] It can be understood that the cleaning head 1 sprays steam to clean the surface to be cleaned. During the cleaning process, dirt or sewage will be generated. Although most of the dirt and sewage can be collected by the sewage collection unit 4, there is still a small part that is likely to contaminate the cleaning head 1. This requires frequent cleaning of the cleaning head 1. Compared with the above-mentioned utility model patent with the authorization announcement number CN217429883U, since it does not have the function of automatically cleaning the cleaning head, when the cleaning head is contaminated, it is necessary to frequently manually clean the cleaning head, which is not only time-consuming and laborious, but also has a poor user experience. The steam cleaner provided by the above embodiment of this application is provided with a self-cleaning unit 8. Under the control of the control unit 5, it can realize the automatic cleaning of the cleaning head 1, improve the self-cleaning efficiency, save manpower, and improve the user experience.

[0098] When specifically setting, the structure of the self-cleaning unit 8 is not limited.

[0099] In one of the embodiments, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 、 Figure 5As shown, the self-cleaning unit 8 may include a self-cleaning cartridge 81 and a sensing switch 82; the sensing switch 82 may be provided in the self-cleaning cartridge 81, and the sensing switch 82 may be connected to the control unit 5; the cleaning head 1 can be inserted into the self-cleaning cartridge 81 to trigger the sensing switch 82; the control unit 5 can control the start and stop of the steam generating unit 2 according to the state of the sensing switch 82.

[0100] In this way, during use, after the cleaning head 1 is inserted into the self-cleaning cartridge 81, the sensing switch 82 can be triggered. The sensing switch 82 can send a self-cleaning signal to the control unit 5, and the control unit 5 can then control the steam generating unit 2 to start, generate steam and eject it through the nozzle 11 of the cleaning head 1. Since a cleaning chamber can be formed inside the self-cleaning cartridge 81, the steam can clean the cleaning head 1 in this cleaning chamber. During this process, only the cleaning head 1 needs to be inserted into the self-cleaning cartridge 81, which is convenient and fast to operate, can quickly realize the self-cleaning of the steam cleaner, and has a high cleaning efficiency, which can further improve the user experience.

[0101] It should be noted that the sensing switch 82 can be a mechanical sensing switch or an infrared sensing switch, and there is no specific limitation.

[0102] In the embodiment provided by the present application, please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 Understand that the control unit 5 may include a controller 51 and a control component 52 that are connected to each other; the control component 52 can be used to adjust the working mode of the steam cleaner. The working mode of the steam cleaner can include a cleaning mode and a drying mode, that is, the second working mode divided by whether cleaning and suction work simultaneously as described above; in the cleaning mode, the steam generating unit 2 and the sewage collection unit 4 work simultaneously; in the drying mode, the steam generating unit 2 does not work and the sewage collection unit 4 works. In this way, the automatic switching between the cleaning and drying modes can be realized, which is convenient and fast to operate and has a better user experience.

[0103] In actual settings, the specific structural form of the control component 52 is not limited.

[0104] In one embodiment, the control component 52 may include a first control member 521 and a second control member 522 as shown in Figure 1 ; the first control member 521 can be used to control the steam cleaner to enter or exit the cleaning mode, and the second control member 522 can be used to control the steam cleaner to enter or exit the drying mode. In this way, dedicated control members can be set for the common cleaning function and drying function, which is more convenient and fast to operate and can further improve the user experience.

[0105] It should be noted that the specific forms of the first control member 521 and the second control member 522 are not limited. They can be control buttons. By pressing the corresponding control button, the steam cleaner can enter the corresponding working mode. Pressing the button again, the steam cleaner can exit the corresponding working mode. Of course, they can also be control knobs. By rotating the corresponding knob, the steam cleaner can enter or exit the corresponding working mode. In fact, the control member 52 can also include only one control member, which can be a knob. By rotating this knob, the cleaning mode can be entered, the drying mode can be entered, and the steam cleaner can be shut down.

[0106] In addition, the control member 52 can be arranged on the handle 7 or on the housing 61 of the main body 6, and there is no specific limitation. In the embodiment of the present application, as Figure 1 shown, the control member 52 is arranged on the handle 7. When the user holds the handle 7 to control the cleaning head 1 to work, the control member 52 on the handle 7 can be conveniently operated nearby to realize the switching and start / stop of the corresponding working mode.

[0107] In the embodiment provided by the present application, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, a first liquid level gauge 213 can be arranged in the liquid storage tank 211 of the steam generation unit 2, and a second liquid level gauge 43 can be arranged in the sewage tank 41 of the sewage collection unit 4. The first liquid level gauge 213 and the second liquid level gauge 43 can be connected to the controller 51. The controller 51 can control the operation of the second water pump 212 according to the liquid level of the liquid storage tank 211 measured by the first liquid level gauge 213, and can control the operation of the suction motor 42 according to the liquid level of the sewage tank 41 measured by the second liquid level gauge 43.

[0108] In the embodiment of the present application, the control unit 5 can further include a voice alarm unit 53; the voice alarm unit 53 can be connected to the controller 51. The control unit 5 can control the voice alarm unit 53 to give an alarm for water shortage in the clean water tank when the water level in the liquid storage tank 211 is lower than the first water level threshold, and can control the voice alarm unit 53 to give an alarm for full water level in the sewage tank when the water level in the sewage tank 41 is higher than the second water level threshold, so as to timely remind the user to replenish water to the liquid storage tank 211 and drain the sewage tank 41 to ensure the stable operation of the steam cleaning work.

[0109] In the embodiment provided by the present application, the electric heater 22 of the steam generation unit 2 can also be equipped with a temperature protection switch to prevent safety accidents caused by excessive temperature.

[0110] In Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet of the electric heater 22 in the steam generation unit 2 can be connected to the nozzle 11 of the cleaning head 1 through the steam delivery pipe 74, and a first control valve 24 can be provided on the pipe connecting the second water pump 212 and the electric heater 22; in the auxiliary heating unit 3, the liquid inlet of the auxiliary heater 31 can be connected to the liquid outlet of the second water pump 212 through a pipe, and the outlet of the auxiliary heater 31 can be connected to the steam delivery pipe 74 through a pipe to achieve the parallel connection of the auxiliary heater 31 and the electric heater 22, and a second control valve 35 can be provided on the pipe connecting the auxiliary heater 31 and the second water pump 212.

[0111] In Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, and Figure 4 different from the illustrated embodiment: in the auxiliary heating unit 3, the refrigerant inlet of the heat exchanger 34 can be connected to the liquid outlet of the second water pump 212 through a pipe, and the refrigerant outlet of the heat exchanger 34 can be connected to the steam delivery pipe 74 through a pipe to achieve the parallel connection of the heat exchanger 34 and the electric heater 22, and the above-mentioned second control valve 35 can be provided on the pipe connecting the heat exchanger 34 and the second water pump 212.

[0112] Both the above-mentioned first control valve 24 and second control valve 35 can be flow ratio valves. The water flow rate into the electric heater 22 can be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the first control valve 24, or the water flow rate into the auxiliary heating unit 3 can be controlled by controlling the opening degree of the second control valve 35, so as to control the steam flow rate in the steam delivery pipe 74 and control the intensity of steam cleaning.

[0113] Both the above-mentioned first control valve 24 and second control valve 35 can also be solenoid valves. By controlling the first control valve 24 to open and the second control valve 35 to close, it can be controlled to only use the electric heater 22 to heat the cleaning liquid; it can also be controlled to open both the first control valve 24 and the second control valve 35 to control the simultaneous use of the electric heater 22 and the auxiliary heater 31 to heat the cleaning liquid; it can also be controlled to close the first control valve 24 and open the second control valve 35 to control the use of only the auxiliary heater 31 to heat the cleaning liquid. In this way, the free switching of the energy source for providing heat to the steam generation unit 2 is realized.

[0114] The steam cleaner provided in the above embodiment of the present application can use clean energy to provide the heat required for steam generation, can reduce the consumption of electric energy, has a low cost, and can be widely used in the cleaning of objects such as tableware, fabrics, glass, vehicles, clothes, kitchens, and floors, and has a wide application range.

[0115] In this article, specific examples are used to elaborate on the principles and implementation manners of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the device of this application and its core idea. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principles of this application, several improvements and modifications can still be made to this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A steam cleaning machine, characterized in that: include: A cleaning head (1), the cleaning head (1) comprising a nozzle (11) and a suction port (12); A steam generating unit (2), the steam generating unit (2) comprising a liquid spraying unit (21) and an electric heater (22) which are connected to each other; the electric heater (22) is used to heat the cleaning liquid to provide steam for the liquid spraying unit (21); the liquid spraying unit (21) is connected to the nozzle (11) to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned; A sewage collection unit (4), the sewage collection unit (4) being connected to the suction port (12) and being used for sucking dirt or sewage generated by cleaning; A control unit (5), the steam generating unit (2) and the sewage collecting unit (4) being respectively connected to the control unit; the control unit (5) is used to control the start and stop of the steam generating unit (2) and the sewage collecting unit (4).

2. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam cleaning machine further comprises an auxiliary heating unit (3) connected to the control unit (5), wherein the control unit (5) is capable of controlling the start and stop of the auxiliary heating unit (3); the auxiliary heating unit (3) is used to heat the cleaning liquid; and the heat source of the auxiliary heating unit (3) is a clean heat source.

3. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary heating unit (3) is used to provide steam, hot water or hot air to the liquid spraying unit (21) and / or the spraying port (11).

4. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The auxiliary heating unit (3) comprises an auxiliary heater (31), and the auxiliary heater (31) and the electric heater (22) are connected in parallel or in series; or, The auxiliary heating unit (3) comprises a heat exchanger (34) and a water reservoir (33), a first water pump (32), and an auxiliary heater (31) which are connected in sequence; the liquid outlet of the auxiliary heater (31) is connected to the heat medium inlet of the heat exchanger (34); the heat medium outlet of the heat exchanger (34) is connected to the liquid inlet of the water reservoir (33); and the heat exchanger (34) and the electric heater (22) are connected in parallel or in series.

5. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clean heat source is solar energy or waste heat source.

6. The steam cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steam cleaning machine also includes a handle (7); The cleaning head (1) is connected to the steam generating unit (2) and the sewage collecting unit (4) respectively via the handle (7).

7. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The handle (7) has a first sensing contact group (71), the cleaning head (1) has a second sensing contact group, and the first sensing contact group (71) is connected to the control unit (5); When the cleaning head (1) and the handle (7) are connected, the second sensing contact group and the first sensing contact group (71) can be connected, so that the first sensing contact group (71) sends an electrical signal to the control unit (5); the control unit (5) is used to identify type information of the cleaning head (1) according to the electrical signal, and to adjust the working mode of the steam cleaning machine according to the type information, so that the steam generating unit (2) and the sewage collecting unit (4) are in a working state under the corresponding working mode.

8. The steam cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 or 7, characterized in that: The steam generating unit (2) further comprises a temperature sensor (23); The temperature sensor (23) is connected to the control unit (5), and the temperature sensor (23) is used to measure the temperature information of the steam sprayed by the liquid spray unit (21), and transmit the measured temperature information to the control unit (5). The control unit (5) is used to control the heating power of the electric heater (22) and / or the auxiliary heating unit (3) according to the type information and the temperature information, so as to control the temperature of the steam sprayed by the liquid spray unit (21).

9. The steam cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steam cleaning machine further comprises a self-cleaning unit (8); The self-cleaning unit (8) is connected to the control unit (5); the self-cleaning unit (8) is used to clean the cleaning head (1); and the control unit (5) is used to control the start and stop of the self-cleaning unit (8).

10. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: The self-cleaning unit (8) comprises a self-cleaning box (81) and an induction switch (82); The induction switch (82) is arranged on the self-cleaning box (81), and the induction switch (82) is connected to the control unit (5); the cleaning head (1) can be inserted into the self-cleaning box (81) to trigger the induction switch (82); and the control unit (5) is used to control the start and stop of the steam generating unit (2) according to the state of the induction switch (82).

11. The steam cleaning machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The control unit (5) comprises a controller (51) and a control component (52) which are connected to each other; The control component (52) is used to adjust the working mode of the steam cleaning machine, the working mode of the steam cleaning machine comprising a cleaning mode and a drying mode; in the cleaning mode, the steam generating unit (2) and the sewage collecting unit (4) are in operation; in the drying mode, the steam generating unit (2) is not in operation, and the sewage collecting unit (4) is in operation.

12. The steam cleaning machine according to claim 11, characterized in that: The control component (52) comprises a first control component (521) and a second control component (522); the first control component (521) is used to control the steam cleaning machine to enter or exit the cleaning mode, and the second control component (522) is used to control the steam cleaning machine to enter or exit the drying mode.

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