Pressure plug assembly, steam generator and garment steamer

Abstract

The invention discloses a pressure plug assembly, a steam generator and a garment steamer, a pressure cavity is provided with a pressure cavity and a mounting port communicated with the pressure cavity, the pressure plug assembly comprises a plug and a piston component, the plug is used for being detachably connected with the pressure cavity and plugging the mounting port, an operation hole is formed in the outer wall surface of the plug and is communicated with the mounting cavity, and the piston component is arranged in the operation hole. And the operation hole is used for dismounting the plug. The piston component is movably connected with the plug, and pressure in the pressure cavity can act on the piston component, so that the piston component moves in the axial direction of the operation hole to have a first position and a second position. When the piston component is located at the first position, the piston component is close to the outer wall face of the plug to plug the operation hole. When the piston component is located at the second position, the piston component is away from the outer wall face of the plug so that the operation hole can be exposed. According to the technical scheme, use safety in the pressure environment can be guaranteed, meanwhile, the requirement for periodic maintenance of equipment is met, and safety and maintenance convenience are both considered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliances technology, and in particular to a pressure plug assembly, a steam generator, and a garment steamer. Background Technology

[0002] There are various pressure vessels in daily life, and these vessels are usually equipped with pressure plug structures. Pressure plug structures are used to seal or block the opening of the container, which not only makes it convenient for users to open the container for internal inspection and cleaning, but also maintains the pressure environment inside the container when it is closed.

[0003] Taking the steam generator of a garment steamer as an example, its working principle is to heat the liquid water in the evaporation chamber, causing it to evaporate and form high-pressure steam. This high-pressure steam is then used to iron and remove wrinkles from clothing. During long-term use, as the water in the steam generator evaporates, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water gradually deposit, forming scale. The accumulation of scale affects the heat transfer efficiency of the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to design a drain port connecting the inside and outside of the evaporation chamber on the steam generator, along with a sealing plug to seal the drain port, so that users can periodically open the drain port to remove scale and ensure efficient operation of the equipment. However, if the steam chamber is opened while there is still pressure remaining during periodic cleaning, it may cause high-temperature steam to spray out, posing a safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a pressure plug assembly, a steam generator, and a garment steamer, which can ensure safe use under pressure conditions while meeting the needs of periodic equipment maintenance, thus balancing safety and ease of maintenance.

[0005] This application provides a pressure plug assembly applied to a pressure cavity, the pressure cavity having a pressure chamber and a mounting port communicating with the pressure chamber. The pressure plug assembly includes: A plug, used for detachably connecting to the pressure chamber and sealing the mounting port, has an operating hole on its outer wall surface for disassembling the plug; and A piston assembly is movably connected to the plug, and the pressure in the pressure chamber can act on the piston assembly, causing the piston assembly to move axially along the operating hole to have a first position and a second position. When the piston member is in the first position, the piston member is close to the outer wall surface of the plug to block the operating hole; when the piston member is in the second position, the piston member is away from the outer wall surface of the plug to expose the operating hole.

[0006] In some embodiments, an elastic member is also included, with its opposite ends connected to the plug and the piston member, respectively; When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston component to move toward the outer wall of the plug, the elastic component is used to drive the piston component to switch from the first position to the second position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the plug has a mounting cavity communicating with the pressure chamber, and the operating hole communicating with the mounting cavity; the piston member includes a connected abutting piston and a piston rod, the abutting piston being movably disposed within the mounting cavity and along the axial direction of the operating hole, and at least a portion of the outer periphery of the abutting piston abutting circumferentially against the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity; One end of the piston rod along its own axial direction is connected to the abutting piston, and the other end passes through the operating hole, and can move along the axial direction of the operating hole with the abutting piston to block or expose the operating hole.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first sealing ring is further included, which is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston and the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity to seal the gap between the abutting piston and the mounting cavity.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston is recessed to form a limiting groove, the first sealing ring is embedded in the limiting groove, and the outer periphery of the first sealing ring protrudes from the opening of the limiting groove to abut and seal against the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the abutting piston includes a connecting portion and a sealing portion. The connecting portion is connected to the piston rod, and the sealing portion is connected to the side of the connecting portion away from the piston rod. Along the axial direction of the operating hole, the cross-section of the sealing portion is larger than the cross-section of the connecting portion, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing portion abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity to form a seal. The pressure plug assembly also includes an elastic member, one end of which abuts against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity away from the operating hole, and the other end abuts against the surface of the abutting piston facing the operating hole.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bottom of the operating hole has a through-hole communicating with the mounting cavity, and the piston rod passes through the through-hole; Projecting the port along the axial direction of the operating hole, the projection of the port lies within the projection range of the abutting piston.

[0012] In some embodiments, the piston rod includes a limiting part and a fixing part connected together. The fixing part slides through the through-hole, and one end of the fixing part opposite to the limiting part is connected to the abutting piston. The limiting part is located in the operating hole and is used to move along the axial direction of the operating hole to block or expose the operating hole. Projecting the port along the axial direction of the operating hole, the projection of the port is located within the projection range of the limiting part.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pressure plug assembly further includes a second sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixing portion and located within the mounting cavity. The end face of the abutting piston facing the port abuts against the second sealing ring, and the second sealing ring is used to abut against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity opposite to the operating hole to seal the port.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fixing part includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part connected to each other. The first sub-part is connected to the limiting part, and the second sub-part is connected to the abutting piston. The first sub-part slides through the through-hole and extends into the operating hole. Along the axial direction of the operating hole, the cross-section of the first sub-part is larger than the cross-section of the second sub-part. The second sealing ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the second sub-part and is held between the surface of the first part facing the second sub-part and the surface of the abutting piston facing the opening.

[0015] In some embodiments, a third sealing ring is also included, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the plug is provided with a protrusion, and the third sealing ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the plug and abuts against the side of the protrusion facing the pressure chamber; When the plug is connected to the pressure chamber, the third sealing ring is sandwiched between the protrusion and the outer wall of the pressure chamber where the mounting port is located, so as to seal the gap between the plug and the pressure chamber at the mounting port.

[0016] This application embodiment also provides a pressure plug assembly applied to a pressure cavity, the pressure cavity having a pressure chamber and an installation port communicating with the pressure chamber, the pressure plug assembly comprising: A plug is used to detachably connect to the pressure chamber and seal the installation port. An operating hole is provided on the outer wall of the plug for disassembling the plug. A piston assembly is movably connected to the plug, and the pressure in the pressure chamber can act on the piston assembly, causing the piston assembly to move axially along the operating hole; The piston component moves toward the outer wall of the plug under the pressure in the pressure chamber, and blocks the operating hole. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston component, the piston component can move in a direction close to the pressure chamber to expose the operating hole.

[0017] This application also provides a steam generator, including a pressure plug assembly and a pressure chamber as described above, the pressure chamber having a pressure chamber and an installation port communicating with the pressure chamber.

[0018] In some embodiments, the steam generator further includes a water inlet pipe, a water pump, and an exhaust pipe. The water pump is connected to the pressure chamber through the water inlet pipe, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the water pump. The exhaust pipe is used to exhaust the gas inside the water pump. The exhaust pipe is equipped with a one-way valve, which is used to prevent outside air from flowing into the exhaust pipe.

[0019] This application also provides a garment steamer, including the steam generator and steam nozzle described above, which are connected to the pressure chamber of the steam generator via a steam pipe, and the steam nozzle is used to spray steam.

[0020] Based on the above embodiments, by setting a plug and a piston component, the piston component can move axially along the operating hole under the pressure in the pressure chamber and has a first position and a second position. When there is sufficient pressure in the pressure chamber, the pressure in the pressure chamber will drive the piston component to the first position. At this time, it is close to the outer wall of the plug to block the operating hole, physically preventing the operating tool from disassembling the plug and avoiding safety hazards such as high-temperature fluid jetting caused by opening the pressure chamber when the pressure is not released. When the pressure in the pressure chamber drops to an insufficient level to drive the piston component, the piston component is in the second position. At this time, it is away from the outer wall of the plug to expose the operating hole, allowing the plug to be disassembled through the operating hole, which facilitates the inspection and cleaning of the inside of the pressure chamber. This design uses pressure itself as a control signal, switching between the blocked and exposed states of the operating port through the mechanical movement of the piston component. It eliminates the need for additional sensors or control circuits, ensuring a strict correspondence between pressure state and operating authority, simplifying the overall structure, reducing the risk of failure, and ensuring the safety of the pressure chamber while also accommodating the convenience of periodic maintenance. It is especially suitable for equipment scenarios such as garment steamer steamers that require frequent maintenance and have potential pressure safety hazards. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pressure plug assembly of this application with the operating port in a blocked state; Figure 2This is a cross-sectional structural diagram showing the exposed operating port of the pressure plug assembly in this application. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the pressure plug assembly of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator of this application with the operating port blocked. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator of this application with the operating port exposed.

[0023] Explanation of icon numbers: 1000 Steam generator; 100 Pressure plug assembly; 10 Plug; 11 Operating hole; 111 Through port; 12 Mounting cavity; 13 Protrusion; 20 Piston component; 21 Abutting piston; 21A Limiting groove; 211 Connecting part; 212 Sealing part; 22 Piston rod; 221 Limiting part; 222 Fixing part; 2221 First sub-part; 2222 Second sub-part; 30 Elastic member; 40 First sealing ring; 50 Second sealing ring; 60 Third sealing ring; 200 Pressure chamber; 201 Mounting port; 202 Water inlet pipe; 203 Water pump; 204 Exhaust pipe; 2041 Check valve.

[0024] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0027] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] There are various pressure vessels in daily life, and these vessels are usually equipped with pressure plug structures. Pressure plug structures are used to seal or block the opening of the container, which not only makes it convenient for users to open the container for internal inspection and cleaning, but also maintains the pressure environment inside the container when it is closed.

[0030] Taking the steam generator of a garment steamer as an example, its working principle is to heat the liquid water in the evaporation chamber, causing it to evaporate and form high-pressure steam. This high-pressure steam is then used to iron and remove wrinkles from clothing. During long-term use, as the water in the steam generator evaporates, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water gradually deposit, forming scale. The accumulation of scale affects the heat transfer efficiency of the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to design a drain port connecting the inside and outside of the evaporation chamber on the steam generator, along with a sealing plug to seal the drain port, so that users can periodically open the drain port to remove scale and ensure efficient operation of the equipment. However, if the steam chamber is opened while there is still pressure remaining during periodic cleaning, it may cause high-temperature steam to spray out, posing a safety hazard.

[0031] To resolve the above issues, please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 1 to 3 The first aspect of this application proposes a pressure plug assembly 100 applied to a pressure chamber 200, wherein the pressure chamber 200 can specifically be embodied in the cavity structure of the steam generator 1000, laboratory autoclaves, industrial pressure reactors and some pressure cookers and other equipment that need to maintain a pressure environment and undergo periodic maintenance.

[0032] Combination Figure 4 and Figure 5 The following description uses the pressure chamber 200 as the cavity structure of the steam generator 1000. The pressure chamber 200 has a pressure chamber (not shown) and a mounting port 201 communicating with the pressure chamber. In the embodiments of this application, the pressure plug assembly 100 includes a plug 10 and a piston member 20.

[0033] The plug 10 is used to detachably connect to the pressure chamber 200 and seal the installation port 201. Specifically, the plug 10 can be detachably connected to the pressure chamber 200 through a threaded connection. That is, the plug 10 has an external thread on its outer circumference and the installation port 201 of the pressure chamber 200 has an internal thread. The detachable connection is achieved by screwing. Of course, it can also be connected by bolt flange or pin clamp.

[0034] The outer wall of the plug 10 has an operating hole 11 for disassembling the plug 10. The radial cross-section of the operating hole 11 can be polygonal (such as hexagonal, square, etc.), or the inner wall surface can have at least one operating surface (such as a slotted or Phillips head slot) to transmit disassembly force through the cooperation of the operating surface and the tool. It is understood that a tool can be inserted into the operating hole 11 to move the plug 10 as a whole to complete disassembly. For example, if the plug 10 is a hexagonal bolt plug 10, the operating hole 11 can be an internal hexagonal hole, suitable for inserting an internal hexagonal wrench to tighten the plug 10 for disassembly. If the operating hole 11 is a square hole, a square wrench can be used; if it is a slotted or Phillips head slot, a slotted screwdriver or a Phillips head screwdriver can be used respectively, with the slotted surface and the screwdriver tip cooperating to tighten or pry. Furthermore, the operating hole 11 can also be a special irregular groove, suitable for corresponding special tools, with the disassembly operation completed through the precise cooperation between the tool and the operating surface of the groove.

[0035] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The piston component 20 is movably connected to the plug 10. The pressure in the pressure chamber can act on the piston component 20, causing the piston component 20 to move axially along the operating hole 11 to have a first position and a second position. Specifically, the movable connection between the piston component 20 and the plug 10 can be manifested as a sliding fit, that is, axial displacement is achieved between the piston component 20 and the plug 10 through relative sliding of the contact surfaces. The piston component 20 needs to move frequently along the axial direction and has a moving fit with the plug 10. Its material can be a wear-resistant, high-temperature resistant material with a certain degree of rigidity, such as stainless steel or a surface-hardened alloy material, while reducing frictional resistance during movement.

[0036] When the piston component 20 is in the first position, which is the limit position for the piston component 20 to move outward along the axial direction, the piston component 20 is close to the outer wall surface of the plug 10 to block the operating hole 11; when the piston component 20 is in the second position, which is the limit position for the piston component 20 to move inward along the axial direction, the piston component 20 is away from the outer wall surface of the plug 10 to expose the operating hole 11.

[0037] The formation of these two extreme positions is determined by the pressure-driven movement process: under the pressure in the pressure chamber, the piston component 20 moves towards the outer wall of the plug 10 until it can no longer move outward, and finally stops at the first extreme position, blocking the operating hole 11. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston component 20, the piston component 20 can move in the direction closer to the pressure chamber until it can no longer move inward, and finally stops at the second extreme position, exposing the operating hole 11.

[0038] Based on the above embodiments, by providing a plug 10 and a piston component 20, the piston component 20 can move axially along the operating hole 11 under the pressure in the pressure chamber and has a first position and a second position. When there is sufficient pressure in the pressure chamber, the pressure in the pressure chamber will drive the piston component 20 to the first position, at which time it is close to the outer wall of the plug 10 to block the operating hole 11, physically preventing the operation tool from disassembling the plug 10, and avoiding safety hazards such as high-temperature fluid jetting caused by opening the pressure chamber 200 when the pressure is not released. When the pressure in the pressure chamber drops to an insufficient level to drive the piston component 20, the piston component 20 is in the second position, at which time it is away from the outer wall of the plug 10 to expose the operating hole 11, allowing the plug 10 to be disassembled through the operating hole 11, which facilitates the inspection and cleaning of the inside of the pressure chamber 200. This design uses pressure itself as a control signal, and switches between the blocked and exposed states of the operating port 11 through the mechanical movement of the piston component 20. It eliminates the need for additional sensors or control circuits, ensuring a strict correspondence between pressure state and operating authority, simplifying the overall structure, reducing the risk of failure, and ensuring the safe use of the pressure chamber 200 while taking into account the convenience of periodic maintenance. It is especially suitable for equipment scenarios such as garment steamer steam generators 1000 that require frequent maintenance and have potential pressure safety hazards.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this application, the pressure plug assembly 100 further includes an elastic member 30, which is connected to the plug 10 and the piston member 20 respectively. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston member 20 to move towards the outer wall surface near the plug 10, the elastic member 30 is used to drive the piston member 20 to switch from a first position to a second position. The elastic member 30 can be a compression spring, a tension spring, or an elastic rubber column, etc. From the installation position perspective, the elastic member 30 can be disposed within the operating hole 11, in which case it is sleeved on the portion of the piston member 20 that passes through the operating hole 11, with one end abutting against the step on the inner wall of the operating hole 11 and the other end connected to the exposed end of the piston member 20, utilizing the axial space of the operating hole 11 to achieve the driving function; or it can be disposed on the side of the plug 10 near the pressure chamber, for example, sleeved on the portion of the piston member 20 located in the pressure chamber, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the plug 10 facing the pressure chamber and the other end connected to the piston member 20. Both configurations can flexibly store or release potential energy through elastic deformation, providing stable power for the position switching of piston component 20 and ensuring that the exposure of operating hole 11 is controllable.

[0040] Specifically, the elastic member 30 plays multiple key roles in the exposure of the operating hole 11: First, it can overcome the frictional resistance between the piston member 20 and the contact component through continuous elastic force, ensuring that the piston member 20 can be reliably driven to move to the second position when the pressure is insufficient, avoiding delays or failures in the exposure of the operating hole 11 due to factors such as jamming and friction, and improving the stability of the exposure of the operating hole; Second, when the pressure in the pressure chamber drops, the elastic potential energy can be released quickly, prompting the piston member 20 to quickly complete the switch from the closed state to the exposed state, shortening the exposure response time of the operating hole 11 and enhancing the sensitivity to pressure changes; Third, its elastic deformation characteristics can buffer the instantaneous impact of pressure fluctuations on the piston member 20 and the plug 10, reduce rigid collisions and wear between components, extend the overall service life of the pressure plug assembly, ensure the long-term stable realization of the exposure function of the operating hole 11, and adapt to equipment scenarios with different pressure characteristics. It should be noted that, in addition to the automatic exposure achieved by the elastic member 30, the exposure of the operating hole 11 can also be achieved manually: after the pressure in the pressure chamber is released, the user can directly press the exposed part of the piston member 20 at the operating hole 11 to push it to the second position, thus exposing the operating hole 11. The automatic drive function of the elastic member can achieve rapid and reliable exposure of the operating hole 11 without manual intervention, significantly improving the automation level and ease of use of the pressure plug assembly.

[0041] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In one embodiment of this application, the plug 10 has a mounting cavity 12 that communicates with the pressure chamber, and an operating hole 11 communicates with the mounting cavity 12. The end of the plug 10 facing the pressure chamber is open, and the open end is directly connected to the mounting cavity 12, so that the steam in the pressure chamber can directly act on the end of the piston component 20 located in the mounting cavity 12 through the open end, reducing the loss in the pressure transmission process, thereby driving the piston component 20 to move more efficiently and improving the sensitivity of pressure sensing.

[0042] The piston component 20 includes a connecting piston 21 and a piston rod 22. The connection method between the piston 21 and the piston rod 22 can be flexibly selected: in addition to threaded hole mating (e.g., the piston 21 end face has an internal threaded hole and the piston rod 22 corresponding end has an external thread, which can be screwed together to achieve a detachable connection, which is convenient for disassembly and maintenance), snap-fit ​​connection (the piston rod 22 end has an elastic claw and the piston 21 has a corresponding slot, which can be quickly fixed by snap-fit), welding (e.g., laser welding is used for metal materials to form a permanent rigid connection and improve structural strength), or interference fit (the piston rod 22 is inserted into the preset mounting hole of the piston 21, and a tight connection is achieved by dimensional interference, which is suitable for scenarios where frequent disassembly is not required), etc. The specific connection method can be selected according to the pressure level, maintenance frequency and material characteristics of the equipment.

[0043] The abutting piston 21 is movably disposed within the mounting cavity 12, and at least part of its outer periphery abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12 along the axial direction of the operating hole 11. This circumferential abutment structure enhances the sealing between the piston component 20 and the mounting cavity 12, reduces steam leakage in the pressure chamber, and provides guidance for the axial movement of the abutting piston 21, ensuring smooth movement. One end of the piston rod 22 along its own axial direction is connected to the abutting piston 21, and the other end passes through the operating hole 11, and can move with the abutting piston 21 along the axial direction of the operating hole 11 to block or expose the operating hole 11. When the abutting piston 21 moves towards the outer wall of the plug 10 under the pressure in the pressure chamber, the piston rod 22 simultaneously extends out of the operating hole 11 and blocks the orifice. When the pressure decreases and the piston 21 moves towards the pressure chamber, the piston rod 22 retracts, re-exposing the operating hole 11. The separate design of the piston 21 and piston rod 22 allows for efficient reception of pressure driving force using the larger bearing area of ​​the piston 21, while the slender structure of the piston rod 22 precisely controls the sealing state of the operating hole 11, balancing force transmission efficiency and operational precision. Simultaneously, it reduces the manufacturing difficulty of complex structures, and allows for individual replacement of worn parts during later maintenance, reducing costs. Adapting to different spatial requirements, the dimensions of the mounting cavity 12 and the operating hole 11 differ; the separate structure allows for flexible adaptation to different cavity space designs by adjusting their connection position.

[0044] Furthermore, the pressure plug assembly 100 also includes a first sealing ring 40, which is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston 21 and the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity 12 to seal the gap between the abutting piston 21 and the mounting cavity 12. The first sealing ring 40 can be made of high-temperature resistant silicone or fluororubber, and its cross-section can be circular. By setting the first sealing ring 40, the leakage of steam in the pressure chamber from the gap between the abutting piston 21 and the mounting cavity 12 can be significantly reduced, ensuring the effective transmission of pressure acting on the abutting piston 21, improving the response accuracy of the piston component 20 to pressure changes, and avoiding energy loss or component corrosion caused by steam leakage, thus extending the service life of the pressure plug assembly 100.

[0045] Furthermore, a limiting groove 21A is recessed on the outer circumferential surface of the abutting piston 21. The first sealing ring 40 is embedded in the limiting groove 21A, and the outer circumference of the first sealing ring 40 protrudes from the opening of the limiting groove 21A to abut and seal against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12. The limiting groove 21A is a closed ring along the circumference of the abutting piston 21, and its width and depth are adapted to the size of the first sealing ring 40, ensuring that the first sealing ring 40 is not prone to axial movement after being embedded. When the abutting piston 21 is assembled into the mounting cavity 12, the portion of the first sealing ring 40 protruding from the groove will form an interference fit with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12, undergoing elastic deformation under pressure, thereby tightly filling the gap between them and forming a reliable seal. This structural design achieves precise positioning of the first sealing ring 40 through the limiting groove 21A, preventing it from falling off or shifting during piston reciprocating movement, and also utilizes the elastic deformation characteristics of the sealing ring to ensure a dynamic sealing effect, thus balancing sealing performance and the smoothness of piston movement.

[0046] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, the abutting piston 21 includes a connecting portion 211 and a sealing portion 212. The connecting portion 211 is connected to the piston rod 22, and the sealing portion 212 is connected to the side of the connecting portion 211 away from the piston rod 22. Along the axial direction of the operating hole 11, the cross-section of the sealing portion 212 is larger than the cross-section of the connecting portion 211, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing portion 212 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12 to form a seal. The pressure plug assembly 100 also includes an elastic member 30. One end of the elastic member 30 abuts against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity 12 away from the operating hole 11, and the other end abuts against the surface of the abutting piston 21 facing the operating hole 11.

[0047] Reference Figures 1 to 3 Optionally, the abutting piston 21 includes a connecting portion 211 and a sealing portion 212. The connecting portion 211 is connected to the piston rod 22, and the sealing portion 212 is connected to the side of the connecting portion 211 away from the piston rod 22. Along the axial direction of the operating hole 11, the cross-section of the sealing portion 212 is larger than the cross-section of the connecting portion 211, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing portion 212 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12 to form a seal. Compared with the design where the entire outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston 21 abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12, this stepped structure concentrates the sealing function in the sealing portion 212, so that only the sealing portion 212 forms a tight fit with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12. This retains the necessary sealing contact area to block the steam leakage channel, and avoids the problem of increased frictional resistance caused by the large-area contact of the entire component through the non-contact between the connecting portion 211 and the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12. In other words, it is not necessary for the entire section of the piston 21 to be in contact with the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12. The seal is achieved only through the key section of the sealing part 212. This ensures that the steam in the pressure cavity is not easily leaked and reduces the contact area when the piston moves, making the overall movement smoother and achieving a better balance between sealing reliability and operational flexibility.

[0048] Furthermore, the pressure plug assembly 100 also includes an elastic member 30. One end of the elastic member 30 abuts against the cavity wall of the mounting cavity 12 away from the operating hole 11, and the other end abuts against the surface of the abutting piston 21 facing the operating hole 11. When the pressure in the pressure cavity increases, the sealing part 212 is pushed by the pressure and moves towards the operating hole 11, simultaneously compressing the elastic member 30 to store potential energy. When the pressure decreases, the elastic member 30 releases its potential energy, pushing the abutting piston 21 back towards the pressure cavity. By placing the elastic member 30 deep within the mounting cavity 12 between the abutting piston 21, the axial space of the mounting cavity 12 can be fully utilized, avoiding interference between the elastic member 30 and the piston rod 22 or the operating hole 11. At the same time, the elastic force acts directly on the abutting piston 21, which has a larger force-bearing area, improving the stability and reliability of the reset.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments, the bottom of the operating hole 11 has a through-hole 111 communicating with the mounting cavity 12, through which the piston rod 22 passes. Projected axially along the operating hole 11, the projection of the through-hole 111 lies within the projection range of the abutting piston 21. Since the projection range of the abutting piston 21 completely covers the projection of the through-hole 111, it means that along the axial direction, the cross-sectional dimension of the abutting piston 21 is always larger than the size of the through-hole 111. When the abutting piston 21 moves towards the operating hole 11 due to pressure changes, its end face facing the through-hole 111 is blocked by the bottom edge of the hole where the through-hole 111 is located. Because the abutting piston 21 cannot pass through the smaller through-hole 111 to the operating hole 11 side, it is physically confined within the mounting cavity 12, avoiding the risk of the abutting piston 21 moving excessively and detaching from the mounting cavity 12. Meanwhile, the piston rod 22 is sized to fit the through-hole 111 and can be freely inserted, ensuring that the normal movement of the abutting piston 21 in the mounting cavity 12 can be transmitted to the outside through the piston rod 22. This achieves smooth power transmission and also forms a reliable mechanical limit through the size difference between the abutting piston 21 and the through-hole 111, so that the abutting piston 21 always completes the pressure response action in the mounting cavity 12, ensuring the structural stability and functional reliability of the pressure plug assembly 100.

[0050] In addition to limiting the movement by utilizing the difference in projected dimensions between the through-hole 111 and the abutting piston 21, the abutting piston 21 can also be limited in the following ways: One way is to provide an annular protrusion on the inner wall of the mounting cavity 12, and correspondingly, to provide an annular groove on the outer circumferential surface of the abutting piston 21. The annular protrusion is embedded in the annular groove, and there is an axial clearance between the two. When the abutting piston 21 moves to its limit position towards the pressure chamber, the side wall of the annular groove away from the pressure chamber abuts against the annular protrusion. When it moves to its limit position towards the operating hole 11, the side wall of the annular groove near the pressure chamber abuts against the annular protrusion, thereby limiting the movement range of the abutting piston 21 without affecting its normal axial movement. Another way is to provide a limiting ring at one end of the mounting cavity 12 near the operating hole 11, so that the end of the abutting piston 21 facing the operating hole 11 can abut against the limiting ring, thereby limiting the movement and ensuring that the abutting piston 21 always moves within the mounting cavity 12. These limiting methods, through the cooperation of mechanical structures, ensure that the contact piston 21 responds normally to pressure changes while effectively preventing it from detaching from the mounting cavity 12, thereby improving the structural stability of the pressure plug assembly 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the piston rod 22 includes a limiting part 221 and a fixing part 222 connected to each other. The fixing part 222 slides through the opening 111, and one end of the fixing part 222 away from the limiting part 221 is connected to the abutting piston 21. The limiting part 221 is located inside the operating hole 11 and is used to move axially along the operating hole 11 to block or expose the operating hole 11. Projecting along the axial direction of the operating hole 11, the projection of the opening 111 is within the projection range of the limiting part 221. In this structural design, the limiting part 221 is a key component that directly controls the state of the operating hole 11. Its axial movement directly determines whether the operating hole 11 is blocked or exposed: when the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, the abutting piston 21 drives the fixing part 222 to move towards the operating hole 11, and the limiting part 221 extends synchronously and completely covers the operating hole 11, achieving blocking; when the pressure decreases, the limiting part 221 returns to the operating hole 11 along with the whole assembly, exposing the operating hole 11. The design where the projection of the through-hole 111 is completely covered by the projection of the limiting part 221 means that the cross-sectional dimension of the limiting part 221 is larger than that of the through-hole 111. This dimensional difference prevents the limiting part 221 from entering the mounting cavity 12 through the through-hole 111 during movement. This avoids interference between the limiting part 221 and the contact piston 21 in the mounting cavity 12 due to excessive movement. Furthermore, the relative positional relationship between the limiting part 221 and the edge of the through-hole 111 ensures that its movement range within the operating hole 11 always matches the sealing and exposure requirements of the operating hole 11. At the same time, the larger cross-section of the limiting part 221 enhances the fit with the inner wall of the operating hole 11, reducing gaps when sealing the operating hole 11 and lowering the risk of steam leakage from the operating hole 11. This design balances the limiting function with the sealing assistance, making the structural design of the piston rod 22 more in line with the overall functional requirements of the pressure plug assembly 100.

[0052] Furthermore, the pressure plug assembly 100 also includes a second sealing ring 50, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixing part 222 and located in the mounting cavity 12. The end face of the piston 21 facing the port 111 abuts against the second sealing ring 50. The second sealing ring 50 is used to abut against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity 12 opposite to the operating hole 11 to seal the port 111. The second sealing ring 50 forms a specific sealing barrier for the through-hole 111. When the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, the piston 21 moves towards the operating hole 11 under pressure, and its end face squeezes the second sealing ring 50, making the second sealing ring 50 tightly fit against the corresponding cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity 12 and the outer peripheral surface of the fixing part 222, thereby sealing the fitting gap between the through-hole 111 and the fixing part 222 and preventing steam from leaking from the through-hole 111 to the operating hole 11. When the pressure decreases, the piston 21 returns to its original position with the elastic member 30, and the pressure on the second sealing ring 50 is released, allowing it to move freely with the piston rod 22 without affecting the return action of the piston member 20. This balances the reliability of the high-pressure seal with the flexibility of movement under low-pressure conditions. At the same time, the second sealing ring 50 is sleeved on the fixing part 222 and confined within the mounting cavity 12, preventing it from shifting or falling off during piston movement, further improving the reliability of the seal.

[0053] Furthermore, the fixing part 222 includes a first sub-part 2221 and a second sub-part 2222 connected to each other. The first sub-part 2221 is connected to the limiting part 221, and the second sub-part 2222 is connected to the abutting piston 21. The first sub-part 2221 slides through the through-hole 111 and extends into the operating hole 11. Along the axial direction of the operating hole 11, the cross-section of the first sub-part 2221 is larger than the cross-section of the second sub-part 2222. This stepped structure design allows the first sub-part 2221 to form a more stable sliding fit with the through-hole 111. Its larger cross-sectional characteristics enhance the guiding properties of the piston rod 22 at the through-hole 111 and reduce radial wobble during movement. At the same time, the stepped surface formed by the dimensional difference between the first sub-part 2221 and the second sub-part 2222 can provide a precise axial positioning reference for the second sealing ring 50.

[0054] The second sealing ring 50 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second sub-part 2222 and clamped between the surface of the first part facing the second sub-part 2222 and the surface of the piston 21 facing the through-hole 111. Through the clamping of the rigid structures on both sides, the second sealing ring 50 is firmly fixed on the outer periphery of the second sub-part 2222, so that it will not move axially with the reciprocating movement of the piston member 20, and can tightly fill the gap between the second sub-part 2222 and the through-hole 111 through elastic deformation under pressure. When the pressure in the pressure chamber increases and the piston 21 moves toward the operating hole 11, the distance between the stepped surfaces of the piston 21 and the first sub-part 2221 decreases, increasing the compressive force on the second sealing ring 50. This causes the ring to expand radially and form a tighter fit with the inner wall of the through-hole 111 and the outer periphery of the second sub-part 2222, thus enhancing the sealing effect. When the pressure decreases and the distance between the two increases with the reset action, the deformation of the second sealing ring 50 is moderately restored, maintaining the basic sealing performance and not causing additional resistance to the movement of the piston component 20, thus balancing sealing reliability and smooth movement.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of this application, the pressure plug assembly 100 further includes a third sealing ring 60. The outer peripheral surface of the plug 10 is provided with a protrusion 13. The third sealing ring 60 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the plug 10 and abuts against the side of the protrusion 13 facing the pressure chamber 200. When the plug 10 is connected to the pressure chamber 200, the third sealing ring 60 is sandwiched between the protrusion 13 and the outer wall of the pressure chamber 200 where the mounting opening 201 is located, thereby sealing the gap between the plug 10 and the pressure chamber 200 at the mounting opening 201. In this design, the protrusion 13, as an annular structure on the outer periphery of the plug 10, provides a clear axial positioning reference for the third sealing ring 60, ensuring that the third sealing ring 60 can stably abut against the side of the protrusion 13 facing the pressure chamber 200 after being fitted, preventing it from shifting away from the pressure chamber 200 during assembly or use. Furthermore, when the plug 10 is connected to the pressure chamber 200, the cooperation between the protrusion 13 and the outer wall of the pressure chamber 200 provides a uniform compression space for the third sealing ring 60. When the plug 10 is screwed into the mounting port 201 by means of threads, the protrusion 13 moves axially with the plug 10 and gradually compresses the third sealing ring 60, causing the third sealing ring 60 to undergo elastic deformation. This tightly fills the gap between the outer periphery of the plug 10 and the outer wall of the pressure chamber 200 at the mounting port 201, forming a reliable external seal.

[0056] Meanwhile, the third sealing ring 60, together with the first sealing ring 40 and the second sealing ring 50, forms a three-level synergistic sealing system: the first sealing ring 40 seals the gap between the piston 21 and the mounting cavity 12, reducing the leakage of the medium in the pressure cavity into the mounting cavity 12; the second sealing ring 50 blocks the gap between the through-hole 111 and the piston rod 22, preventing the medium from diffusing from the mounting cavity 12 to the outer periphery of the plug 10; together, they reduce the medium pressure directly acting on the inner side of the third sealing ring 60, so that the third sealing ring 60 does not need to bear the entire sealing load of the high-pressure cavity alone, thereby delaying its aging caused by long-term high-pressure deformation and medium erosion, reducing the leakage risk at the connection 211 between the plug 10 and the pressure cavity 200, and significantly improving the overall sealing reliability and service life of the pressure plug assembly 100.

[0057] This structural design achieves precise positioning and stable compression of the third sealing ring 60 through the protrusion 13. Combined with the synergistic effect of multi-stage sealing, it not only ensures the sealing effect at the installation port 201, but also optimizes the stress state of each sealing ring, adapting to the sealing requirements under harsh working conditions such as high pressure and high temperature.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 This application also proposes a steam generator 1000, which includes a pressure chamber 200 and a pressure plug assembly 100. The pressure chamber 200 has a pressure chamber and a mounting port 201 communicating with the pressure chamber. The pressure plug assembly 100 is adapted to the mounting port 201 to achieve sealing of the pressure chamber and control of maintenance operations. The specific structure of the steam generator 1000 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the steam generator 1000 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.

[0059] In addition, the steam generator 1000 also includes a water inlet pipe 202, a water pump 203, and an exhaust pipe 204. The water inlet pipe 202 is a fluid channel connecting the water pump 203 and the pressure chamber. Its core function is to introduce the liquid water delivered by the water pump 203 into the pressure chamber, providing a continuous water source for the pressure chamber to generate steam through heating, so as to ensure that the steam generator 1000 stably generates high-pressure steam.

[0060] The exhaust pipe 204 is connected to the exhaust port of the water pump 203 to discharge accumulated gases (such as dissolved air in water, gases produced by water vaporization, etc.) inside the water pump 203, preventing gas stagnation from affecting the normal operation of the water pump 203. A one-way valve 2041 is installed inside the exhaust pipe 204. This one-way valve 2041 prevents outside air from flowing into the water pump 203 through the exhaust pipe 204, ensuring that the water pump 203 only draws in water through the inlet pipe 202. It also prevents external dust, water vapor, etc., from entering the water pump 203 through the exhaust pipe 204 and causing interference.

[0061] When the steam generator 1000 stops working, the pressure chamber cools down naturally, and the steam inside condenses and contracts due to the temperature drop, creating a negative pressure inside the pressure chamber. Since the one-way valve 2041 of the exhaust pipe 204 blocks the path of outside air into the water pump 203 and the system through the exhaust pipe 204, the external atmospheric pressure will push the piston component 20 to move closer to the pressure chamber, eventually stabilizing it in the second position, thus exposing the operation port 11. This allows for the linkage control of pressure and operation authority without additional manual operation.

[0062] This application also proposes a garment steamer, which includes a steam generator 1000 and a steam nozzle. The steam nozzle is connected to the pressure chamber 200 of the steam generator 1000 through a steam pipe, and is used to receive high-temperature and high-pressure steam generated by the pressure chamber 200 and spray it outward to realize the function of ironing and wrinkle removal of clothing.

[0063] The steam generator 1000 adopts the structure described in the above embodiments. Its pressure chamber 200 achieves pressure sealing and safe control of maintenance operations through the pressure plug assembly 100. When the garment steamer is working, the steam pressure generated in the pressure chamber 200 pushes the piston component 20 of the pressure plug assembly 100 to block the operation hole 11, ensuring that the plug 10 cannot be disassembled under high pressure, thus avoiding the risk of scalding caused by steam leakage. When the machine is stopped, the pressure is released, and the piston component 20 automatically resets to expose the operation hole 11, making it convenient for users or maintenance personnel to clean (such as remove scale), inspect and perform other maintenance operations on the inside of the steam generator 1000.

[0064] This garment steamer integrates a steam generator 1000 with a safety-linked sealing structure, ensuring stable steam pressure during ironing (multi-stage sealing ring design reduces steam loss and ensures the steam output and temperature from the nozzle meet ironing needs). Furthermore, the mechanical protection mechanism of the pressure plug assembly 100 eliminates safety hazards caused by misoperation under high pressure, enhancing product safety and reliability. Simultaneously, the convenient maintenance design of the pressure plug assembly 100 extends the garment steamer's lifespan, reducing product obsolescence due to maintenance difficulties. Balancing practicality and economy, it is well-suited for the high-frequency use needs of both home and commercial settings.

[0065] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0066] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pressure plug assembly applied to a pressure cavity, the pressure cavity having a pressure chamber and an mounting port communicating with the pressure chamber, characterized in that, The pressure plug assembly includes: A plug, used for detachably connecting to the pressure chamber and sealing the mounting port, has an operating hole on its outer wall surface for disassembling the plug; and A piston assembly is movably connected to the plug, and the pressure in the pressure chamber can act on the piston assembly, causing the piston assembly to move axially along the operating hole to have a first position and a second position. When the piston member is in the first position, the piston member is close to the outer wall surface of the plug to block the operating hole; when the piston member is in the second position, the piston member is away from the outer wall surface of the plug to expose the operating hole.

2. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an elastic member, which is connected to the plug and the piston member respectively; When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston component to move toward the outer wall of the plug, the elastic component is used to drive the piston component to switch from the first position to the second position.

3. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The plug has a mounting cavity communicating with the pressure chamber, and the operating hole communicates with the mounting cavity; the piston component includes a connecting abutting piston and a piston rod, the abutting piston is movably disposed in the mounting cavity and along the axial direction of the operating hole, and at least part of the outer periphery of the abutting piston abuts against the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity circumferentially; One end of the piston rod along its own axial direction is connected to the abutting piston, and the other end passes through the operating hole, and can move along the axial direction of the operating hole with the abutting piston to block or expose the operating hole.

4. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a first sealing ring, which is sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston and the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity to seal the gap between the abutting piston and the mounting cavity.

5. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the abutting piston is recessed to form a limiting groove, the first sealing ring is embedded in the limiting groove, and the outer peripheral surface of the first sealing ring protrudes from the opening of the limiting groove to abut and seal against the inner sidewall of the mounting cavity.

6. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The abutting piston includes a connecting part and a sealing part. The connecting part is connected to the piston rod, and the sealing part is connected to the side of the connecting part away from the piston rod. Along the axial direction of the operating hole, the cross-section of the sealing part is larger than the cross-section of the connecting part, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing part abuts against the inner wall of the mounting cavity to form a seal. The pressure plug assembly also includes an elastic member, one end of which abuts against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity away from the operating hole, and the other end abuts against the surface of the abutting piston facing the operating hole.

7. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The bottom of the operating hole has a through-hole that connects to the mounting cavity, and the piston rod passes through the through-hole; Projecting the port along the axial direction of the operating hole, the projection of the port lies within the projection range of the abutting piston.

8. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The piston rod includes a limiting part and a fixing part connected to each other. The fixing part slides through the through-hole, and one end of the fixing part away from the limiting part is connected to the abutting piston. The limiting part is located in the operating hole and is used to move along the axial direction of the operating hole to block or expose the operating hole. Projecting the port along the axial direction of the operating hole, the projection of the port is located within the projection range of the limiting part.

9. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The pressure plug assembly further includes a second sealing ring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the fixing part and located in the mounting cavity. The end face of the abutting piston facing the through-hole abuts against the second sealing ring. The second sealing ring is used to abut against the cavity wall surface of the mounting cavity opposite to the operating hole to seal the through-hole.

10. The pressure plug assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The fixing part includes a first sub-part and a second sub-part connected to each other. The first sub-part is connected to the limiting part, and the second sub-part is connected to the abutting piston. The first sub-part slides through the through-hole and extends into the operating hole. Along the axial direction of the operating hole, the cross-section of the first sub-part is larger than the cross-section of the second sub-part. The second sealing ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the second sub-part and is held between the surface of the first part facing the second sub-part and the surface of the abutting piston facing the opening.

11. The pressure plug assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, It also includes a third sealing ring, wherein the outer circumferential surface of the plug is provided with a protrusion, and the third sealing ring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the plug and abuts against the side of the protrusion facing the pressure chamber; When the plug is connected to the pressure chamber, the third sealing ring is sandwiched between the protrusion and the outer wall of the pressure chamber where the mounting port is located, so as to seal the gap between the plug and the pressure chamber at the mounting port.

12. A pressure plug assembly applied to a pressure cavity, the pressure cavity having a pressure chamber and an mounting port communicating with the pressure chamber, characterized in that, The pressure plug assembly includes: A plug is used to detachably connect to the pressure chamber and seal the installation port. An operating hole is provided on the outer wall of the plug for disassembling the plug. A piston assembly is movably connected to the plug, and the pressure in the pressure chamber can act on the piston assembly, causing the piston assembly to move axially along the operating hole; The piston component moves toward the outer wall of the plug under the pressure in the pressure chamber, and blocks the operating hole. When the pressure in the pressure chamber is insufficient to drive the piston component, the piston component can move in a direction close to the pressure chamber to expose the operating hole.

13. A steam generator, characterized in that, include: The pressure plug assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; and A pressure chamber having a pressure cavity and a mounting port communicating with the pressure cavity.

14. The steam generator as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The steam generator also includes a water inlet pipe, a water pump, and an exhaust pipe. The water pump is connected to the pressure chamber through the water inlet pipe, and the exhaust pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the water pump. The exhaust pipe is used to exhaust the gas inside the water pump. The exhaust pipe is equipped with a one-way valve, which is used to prevent outside air from flowing into the exhaust pipe.

15. A garment steamer, characterized in that, include: The steam generator as described in claim 13 or 14; and A steam nozzle is connected to the pressure chamber of the steam generator via a steam pipe, and the steam nozzle is used to spray steam.

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