Steamer and cleaning device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of steam cleaning technology, and more particularly to a steam boiler and cleaning device. The cleaning device includes the aforementioned steam boiler, which comprises a boiler body and a heating element. A first steam chamber is provided within the boiler body, and the boiler body is provided with a water inlet pipe and a steam outlet pipe, one end of which communicates with the first steam chamber. The heating element is installed within the first steam chamber, and the sidewall of the heating element and the inner sidewall of the boiler body form an annular channel surrounding the heating element. A retaining ring is provided around the circumference of the top edge of the heating element, and the retaining ring has multiple blocking grooves spaced apart circumferentially. A second steam chamber is provided within the heating element, and the first steam chamber, the blocking grooves, the annular channel, and the second steam chamber are sequentially connected. One end of the steam outlet pipe communicates with the second steam chamber, and the other end of the steam outlet pipe extends out of the boiler body and connects to the steam-using end. The blocking grooves of the retaining ring collect and filter scale, preventing scale from adhering to the heating element and reducing its thermal efficiency. The annular channel increases the steam flow area, preventing blockage by scale.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steam cleaning technology, and more particularly to a steam boiler and cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Steam cleaning devices use high-temperature steam to break down dirt and kill bacteria. They are widely used in cleaning floors, carpets, kitchens, vehicle interiors, and ironing clothes. Steam cleaning devices have become an important tool in the cleaning industry due to their high efficiency and environmental friendliness.

[0003] In existing cleaning devices, a heating element inside a steam boiler heats the water entering the boiler to generate the required steam. The steam then flows from the steam boiler's outlet channel to the steam-consuming end of the cleaning device. Scale inevitably forms during steam generation, and this scale easily adheres to the surface of the heating element, reducing its thermal efficiency. Furthermore, due to the small aperture of the outlet channel (approximately 3mm to 5mm), the increasing scale buildup can clog the outlet channel, affecting the normal operation of the cleaning device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam pot and a cleaning device to achieve the collection and filtration of internal scale in the steam pot, thereby avoiding a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the heating element and scale blockage of the steam pot's steam outlet passage.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: Steam pot, including: The pot body has a first steam chamber, and the pot body is provided with a water inlet pipe and a steam outlet pipe, with one end of the water inlet pipe connected to the first steam chamber. A heating element is installed inside the first steam chamber. The sidewall of the heating element and the inner sidewall of the pot body form an annular channel around the circumference of the heating element. A retaining ring is provided around the edge of the top of the heating element, and multiple blocking grooves are spaced apart along the circumference of the retaining ring. A second steam chamber is provided inside the heating element. The first steam chamber, the blocking grooves, the annular channel and the second steam chamber are connected in sequence. One end of the steam outlet pipe is connected to the second steam chamber, and the other end of the steam outlet pipe extends out of the pot body and is connected to the steam-using end.

[0006] As an alternative to the steam boiler, the baffle ring includes a plurality of barriers spaced apart circumferentially along the heating element, with the blocking groove formed between two adjacent barriers.

[0007] As an optional feature of the steam cooker, at least two retaining rings are provided radially along the edge of the top of the heating element; Along the radial direction of the heating element, the enclosure of one of the retaining rings is offset from the enclosure of the adjacent other retaining ring.

[0008] As an optional feature of the steam boiler, the width of the blocking groove is 1.2mm to 1.5mm.

[0009] As an optional solution for the steam pot, the distance between the top of the baffle ring and the inner top wall of the pot body is 1mm to 2mm.

[0010] As an alternative to the steam cooker, the steam cooker also includes a filter element disposed within the second steam chamber, with one end of the steam outlet pipe passing through the filter element and extending into the second steam chamber away from the top of the filter element.

[0011] As an optional solution for the steam pot, the bottom end of the heating element is provided with a heating groove, which together with the inner bottom wall of the pot body forms a heating channel. The two ends of the heating channel are respectively connected to the annular channel and the second steam chamber.

[0012] As an optional solution for the steam cooker, the heating element includes an evaporating plate and a heating element. The side wall of the evaporating plate and the inner side wall of the pot body form the annular channel. The edge of the top of the evaporating plate is provided with the baffle ring, and the heating element is installed inside the evaporating plate to heat the evaporating plate.

[0013] As an optional feature of the steam cooker, the steam cooker also includes a thermostat, which is electrically connected to the heating element to control the temperature of the evaporation plate.

[0014] Cleaning apparatus, including the steam boiler described above.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The steam boiler proposed in this invention supplies water to the first steam chamber inside the boiler via an inlet pipe. The water collides with the top of the heating element and instantly vaporizes into steam. The steam passes sequentially through the first steam chamber, a baffle groove, and an annular channel before entering the second steam chamber. The steam is then transported to the steam-consuming end via an outlet pipe. Because a baffle ring is provided at the edge of the heating element's top, scale flows with the steam to the surrounding baffle ring. When the steam passes through the baffle groove of the baffle ring into the annular channel, the scale is intercepted and collected within the baffle groove, achieving scale collection and filtration. This not only facilitates centralized cleaning of scale but also prevents scale from adhering to the top of the heating element, thus avoiding a decrease in the heating element's thermal efficiency. The annular channel surrounding the heating element within the boiler greatly increases the steam flow area, reducing the risk of scale clogging the annular channel. This ensures smooth steam flow to the second steam chamber, guarantees a stable steam supply to the steam-consuming end, and improves the stability and reliability of the steam boiler.

[0016] The cleaning device proposed in this invention includes the aforementioned steam boiler. Scale flows with the steam to the surrounding baffle rings. When steam enters the annular channel through the baffle rings' blocking grooves, the scale is intercepted and collected within the blocking grooves, achieving scale collection and filtration. This not only facilitates centralized cleaning of scale but also prevents scale from adhering to the top of the heating element, thus avoiding a decrease in the heating element's thermal efficiency. Because the boiler body has an annular channel surrounding the heating element, the steam flow area is greatly increased, reducing the risk of scale clogging the annular channel. This ensures smooth steam flow to the second steam chamber, guaranteeing a stable steam supply to the user end and improving the stability and reliability of the steam boiler. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the steam pot provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating element provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the sealing ring, lower shell, pressure plate and steam outlet pipe provided in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The component names and labels in the diagram are as follows: 10. First steam chamber; 20. Annular channel; 30. Heating channel; 1. Pot body; 11. Top cover; 12. Bottom cover; 2. Water inlet pipe; 3. Steam outlet pipe; 4. Heating element; 41. Evaporation plate; 411. Second steam chamber; 42. Heating element; 43. Enclosure; 44. Barrier groove; 5. Filter element; 6. Thermostat; 7. Sealing ring; 8. Pressure plate; 9. Fuse. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts related to the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, not all of them.

[0020] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0022] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and "left," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] This embodiment proposes a cleaning device, which includes a steam boiler and a steam-using end (such as a nozzle). By supplying water into the steam boiler, the water is heated and vaporized into high-temperature steam, thereby performing cleaning operations such as decomposing dirt and killing bacteria through high-temperature steam.

[0025] In existing cleaning devices, a heating element inside a steam boiler heats the water entering the boiler to generate the required steam. The steam then flows from the steam boiler's outlet channel to the steam-consuming end of the cleaning device. Scale inevitably forms during steam generation, and this scale easily adheres to the surface of the heating element, reducing its thermal efficiency. Furthermore, due to the small diameter of the outlet channel, the increasing scale buildup can clog it, affecting the normal operation of the cleaning device.

[0026] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1As shown, this embodiment also proposes a steam cooker, which includes a pot body 1 and a heating element 4. A first steam chamber 10 is provided inside the pot body 1. The pot body 1 is provided with a water inlet pipe 2 and a steam outlet pipe 3, one end of which is connected to the first steam chamber 10. The heating element 4 is installed inside the first steam chamber 10, and the side wall of the heating element 4 and the inner side wall of the pot body 1 form an annular channel 20 surrounding the heating element 4. A retaining ring is provided around the edge of the top of the heating element 4, and multiple blocking grooves 44 are spaced apart circumferentially along the retaining ring. A second steam chamber 411 is provided inside the heating element 4, and the first steam chamber 10, the blocking grooves 44, the annular channel 20, and the second steam chamber 411 are sequentially connected. One end of the steam outlet pipe 3 is connected to the second steam chamber 411, and the other end of the steam outlet pipe 3 extends out of the pot body 1 and is connected to the steam-consuming end.

[0027] Water is supplied to the first steam chamber 10 inside the boiler body 1 through the water inlet pipe 2. The water collides with the top of the heating element 4 and instantly vaporizes into steam. The steam passes through the first steam chamber 10, the baffle groove 44, and the annular channel 20 in sequence before entering the second steam chamber 411. The steam is then transported to the steam-consuming end through the steam outlet pipe 3. Because the edge of the top of the heating element 4 is provided with a baffle ring, scale flows with the steam to the surrounding baffle ring. When the steam enters the annular channel 20 through the baffle groove 44 of the baffle ring, the scale is intercepted and collected in the baffle groove 44, realizing the collection and filtration of scale. This not only facilitates centralized cleaning of scale but also prevents scale from adhering to the top of the heating element 4, thus avoiding a decrease in the thermal efficiency of the heating element 4. Because the boiler body 1 has an annular channel 20 arranged around the heating element 4, the steam flow area is greatly increased, reducing the risk of scale clogging the annular channel 20. This ensures that the steam flows smoothly to the second steam chamber 411, guarantees a stable steam supply to the steam-consuming end, and improves the stability and reliability of the steam boiler.

[0028] In this embodiment, the pot body 1 includes an upper cover 11 and a lower cover 12. The upper cover 11 is fastened to the lower cover 12 and forms a first steam cavity 10. Both the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 are stainless steel covers. The bottom edge of the upper cover 11 is welded to the top edge of the lower cover 12 to ensure the sealing of the first steam cavity 10, reduce heat loss from the heating element 4, lower the energy consumption of the heating element 4, and improve the thermal efficiency of the heating element 4. In addition, the wall thickness of the stainless steel cover can be set to be relatively thin. In this embodiment, the wall thickness of the stainless steel cover is about 1.2 mm to maximize the space of the first steam cavity 10 inside the pot body 1. In other embodiments, the upper cover 11 and the lower cover 12 can also be titanium alloy covers, further improving the corrosion resistance of the pot body 1.

[0029] like Figure 2As shown, the baffle ring includes multiple baffles 43 spaced circumferentially along the heating element 4, with a blocking groove 44 formed between adjacent baffles 43. The baffles 43 have a toothed structure and are integrally formed with the heating element 4, reducing the processing difficulty and cost of the baffles 43 and improving the processing efficiency of the baffles 43. The baffle ring has multiple blocking grooves 44, which increases the space for scale to be contained, making it easier to clean scale and increasing the amount of scale collected, extending the scale cleaning cycle and improving the service life of the steam boiler.

[0030] It should be noted that the width of the blocking groove 44 is 1.2mm to 1.5mm. In this embodiment, the width of the blocking groove 44 can be 1.2mm, 1.3mm, 1.4mm, or 1.5mm, etc., and the groove width is the distance between two adjacent baffles 43 in the same baffle ring. Through the above setting, the blocking groove 44 has a suitable width, which ensures the smooth passage of steam while effectively collecting and filtering scale. If the width of the blocking groove 44 is too small (less than 1.2mm), the distance between the two adjacent baffles 43 is too small, which not only reduces the scale holding space but also causes greater resistance to the flow of steam; if the width of the blocking groove 44 is too large (greater than 1.5mm), the distance between the two adjacent baffles 43 is too large, which reduces the scale collection and filtration effect and also causes a large amount of scale to enter the annular channel 20.

[0031] In this embodiment, a baffle ring is provided at the edge of the top of the heating element 4. In other embodiments, at least two baffle rings are provided radially along the edge of the top of the heating element 4. Along the radial direction of the heating element 4, the enclosure 43 of one baffle ring is staggered with the enclosure 43 of the adjacent baffle ring. Through the above arrangement, not only is multiple filtration of scale achieved, but also the blocking grooves 44 of two adjacent baffle rings are arranged radially staggeredly, requiring steam to change direction and bend when passing through the blocking grooves 44 of multiple baffle rings in sequence, making the steam flow path more complex and further improving the scale collection and filtration effect.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the distance H between the top of the baffle ring and the inner top wall of the pot body 1 (the part of the baffle ring directly opposite the top wall along the height direction) is 1mm to 2mm. In this embodiment, the distance H can be 1mm, 1.2mm, 1.4mm, 1.6mm, 1.8mm, or 2mm. This setting ensures a suitable gap between the baffle ring and the inner top wall of the cover 11, preventing interference between them. Simultaneously, it allows most of the steam to enter the annular channel 20 through the baffle ring's blocking groove 44, improving the collection and filtration effect on scale. If the distance H is too small (less than 1mm), the baffle ring and the inner top wall of the cover 11 are too close, easily causing interference. If the distance H is too large (greater than 2mm), the baffle ring and the inner top wall of the cover 11 are too far apart, causing a large amount of steam to flow directly into the annular channel 20 without being filtered by the blocking groove 44, reducing the collection and filtration effect on scale and easily leading to a large amount of scale entering the annular channel 20.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the steam boiler also includes a filter element 5, which is disposed within a second steam chamber 411. One end of the steam outlet pipe 3 passes through the filter element 5 and extends into the second steam chamber 411 away from the top of the filter element 5. In this embodiment, the filter element 5 is a filter screen. Steam enters the steam outlet pipe 3 after being filtered by the filter screen, and is then transported to the steam-consuming end through the steam outlet pipe 3. Preferably, the filter element 5 is a stainless steel filter screen, which increases the structural strength and corrosion resistance of the filter element 5. At the same time, the baffle ring and the filter element 5 sequentially collect and absorb scale from the steam, achieving dual collection and filtration, and improving the filtration effect on scale.

[0034] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 As shown, a heating groove is provided at the bottom of the heating element 4. The heating groove and the inner bottom wall of the pot body 1 form a heating channel 30. The two ends of the heating channel 30 are connected to the annular channel 20 and the second steam chamber 411, respectively. By setting the heating channel 30, the steam in the annular channel 20 enters the second steam chamber 411 through the heating channel 30. The heating element 4 further heats the steam in the heating channel 30 to a certain temperature so that the steam reaches the operating temperature and meets the cleaning requirements of the steam user.

[0035] Specifically, the bottom end of the heating element 4 may be provided with one or more heating grooves to form one or more heating channels 30. The heating grooves may be spiral, S-shaped, or annular structures to extend the length of the heating channel 30 and increase the heating time of the heating element 4 on the steam.

[0036] In this embodiment, the heating element 4 includes an evaporating plate 41 and a heating element 42. The sidewall of the evaporating plate 41 and the inner sidewall of the pot body 1 form an annular channel 20. A retaining ring is provided at the edge of the top of the evaporating plate 41. The heating element 42 is installed inside the evaporating plate 41 to heat the evaporating plate 41. The evaporating plate 41 is an aluminum plate, which gives it a high thermal conductivity, improves thermal efficiency, and reduces the energy consumption of the heating element 42. The aluminum plate and the retaining ring are integrally die-cast, reducing the processing difficulty and cost of the evaporating plate 41. The heating element 42 can be a resistance wire or other electric heating device. The heating element 42 can be electrically connected to an external power source or a power source built into the evaporating plate 41 to provide electrical energy to the heating element 42, thereby heating the evaporating plate 41.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the steam boiler also includes a thermostat 6, a fuse 9, and a support. The thermostat 6 is electrically connected to the heating element 42 to control the temperature of the evaporation plate 41. By controlling the heating power of the heating element 42 through the thermostat 6, the evaporation plate 41 is kept within a suitable temperature range to ensure that the water it comes into contact with is instantly vaporized into steam. Since the thermostat 6 is existing technology, its structure and working principle will not be described in detail. The fuse 9 is installed in the circuit where the thermostat 6 and the heating element 42 are located to provide overload and short-circuit protection. When the current in the circuit exceeds the rated value, the fuse 9 melts, cutting off the circuit and preventing abnormal current from damaging the steam boiler.

[0038] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the steam cooker also includes a sealing ring 7 and a pressure plate 8. A sealing groove is formed in the middle of the bottom wall of the evaporation plate 41, and the sealing ring 7 is installed in the sealing groove. The aforementioned second steam chamber 411 and heating groove are both located outside the sealing groove. The pressure plate 8 is set on the bottom wall of the lower cover 12. The pressure plate 8, the lower cover 12, and the evaporation plate 41 are locked together with bolts so that the inner bottom wall of the lower cover 12 presses against the sealing ring 7, achieving a sealed assembly of the lower cover 12 and the evaporation plate 41 and preventing steam leakage. In addition, a bracket is also installed on the pressure plate 8 to install the steam cooker in the installation position of the cleaning device, realizing the rapid assembly of the steam cooker.

[0039] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A steamer characterized by, include: The pot body (1) is provided with a first steam chamber (10), and the pot body (1) is provided with a water inlet pipe (2) and a steam outlet pipe (3). One end of the water inlet pipe (2) is connected to the first steam chamber (10). A heating element (4) is installed in the first steam chamber (10). The side wall of the heating element (4) and the inner side wall of the pot body (1) form an annular channel (20) around the heating element (4). A retaining ring is provided around the edge of the top of the heating element (4) in a circumferential direction. The retaining ring is provided with a plurality of blocking grooves (44) spaced apart in a circumferential direction. A second steam chamber (411) is provided in the heating element (4). The first steam chamber (10), the blocking grooves (44), the annular channel (20) and the second steam chamber (411) are connected in sequence. One end of the steam outlet pipe (3) is connected to the second steam chamber (411), and the other end of the steam outlet pipe (3) extends out of the pot body (1) and is connected to the steam-using end.

2. The steamer of claim 1, wherein, The retaining ring includes a plurality of barriers (43) arranged circumferentially along the heating element (4), and the blocking groove (44) is formed between two adjacent barriers (43).

3. The steamer of claim 2, wherein, At least two retaining rings are provided radially along the edge of the top of the heating element (4); Along the radial direction of the heating element (4), the enclosure (43) of one of the retaining rings is offset from the enclosure (43) of the adjacent other retaining ring.

4. The steam cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the blocking groove (44) is 1.2mm to 1.5mm.

5. The steam cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the top of the retaining ring and the inner top wall of the pot body (1) is 1mm to 2mm.

6. The steam cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The steam boiler also includes a filter element (5), which is disposed in the second steam chamber (411). One end of the steam outlet pipe (3) passes through the filter element (5) and extends into the second steam chamber (411) away from the top of the filter element (5).

7. The steam cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The bottom end of the heating element (4) is provided with a heating groove, which together with the inner bottom wall of the pot body (1) forms a heating channel (30). The two ends of the heating channel (30) are respectively connected to the annular channel (20) and the second steam chamber (411).

8. The steam cooker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The heating element (4) includes an evaporating plate (41) and a heating element (42). The side wall of the evaporating plate (41) and the inner side wall of the pot body (1) form the annular channel (20). The edge of the top of the evaporating plate (41) is provided with the baffle ring. The heating element (42) is installed in the evaporating plate (41) to heat the evaporating plate (41).

9. The steam cooker according to claim 8, characterized in that, The steam pot also includes a thermostat (6), which is electrically connected to the heating element (42) to control the temperature of the evaporation plate (41).

10. A cleaning device, characterized in that, The steam cooker includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

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