Steam generation system, cleaning equipment and steam generation control methods

Abstract

This application provides a steam generation system, cleaning equipment, and a steam generation control method. The steam generation system includes: a steam generating device with a steam generating chamber and an inlet and an outlet connected to the steam generating chamber; an inlet valve for opening and closing the inlet; an air valve connected to the steam generating chamber; and a nozzle connected to the steam outlet, through which steam output from the steam outlet is ejected to the outside. The steam generation system is configured such that, during operation, the inlet valve and the air valve alternately open and close, causing the steam generating device to intermittently generate steam and eject it from the nozzle. The steam generation system of this application can increase the steam preparation speed, shorten user waiting time, improve steam cleaning capability, and save water when cleaning equipment is performing cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning appliance technology, and in particular to a steam generation system, cleaning equipment, and steam generation control method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's requirements for cleaning efficiency and hygiene standards increase, steam floor scrubbers have become an important choice due to their dual functions of sterilization and decontamination with high-temperature steam, and are gradually being used for floor cleaning operations in large places such as shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and office buildings.

[0003] However, existing steam systems generally have two major drawbacks: first, the steam preparation time is long, resulting in long waiting times for users; second, the impact force of high-temperature steam is insufficient, which has limited effect on the decomposition of stubborn oil stains (such as animal and vegetable oil stains in catering areas and protein stains in hospital areas), and it consumes a lot of water, and frequent water replenishment reduces the continuous operation capacity of the equipment.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a solution that can address the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issues of long steam preparation time and insufficient steam impact on stains in related technologies, embodiments of this application provide a steam generation system, cleaning equipment, and steam generation control method, which can accelerate steam preparation, shorten user waiting time, improve steam cleaning capabilities, and help save water.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a steam generating system for cleaning equipment. The steam generating system includes: a steam generating device having a steam generating chamber and a water inlet and a steam outlet communicating with the steam generating chamber; a water inlet valve for opening and closing the water inlet; an air valve connected to the steam generating chamber; and a nozzle communicating with the steam outlet, wherein steam output from the steam outlet is ejected to the outside via the nozzle. The steam generating system is configured such that, during operation, the water inlet valve and the air valve alternately open and close, so that the steam generating device intermittently generates steam and ejects it from the nozzle.

[0007] In this embodiment of the steam generation system, the water inlet valve and the steam valve alternately open and close during system operation. Each time the water inlet valve opens, only a small stream of water enters the steam generator. Compared to related technologies that continuously supply a large flow of water to the steam generator, this small stream of water is more easily heated and vaporized into steam in the high-temperature environment where heat is concentrated. This accelerates the process from water entering the steam generator to its conversion into steam, significantly reducing user waiting time. Furthermore, because the steam generation chamber can concentrate the vaporization of a small amount of water in each working cycle, the steam release has a relatively concentrated temperature and flow rate, forming a powerful steam jet at the nozzle end. This makes the thermal and stripping effects of the steam upon contact with the stains more concentrated, suitable for treating oil stains, protein stains, and tightly adhered dirt.

[0008] Furthermore, because the steam no longer continuously covers the ground for extended periods but acts intermittently on the surface to be cleaned, the continuous water film formed on the surface per unit time is weakened, resulting in reduced residual moisture on the ground. Additionally, since the water inlet valve only opens when liquid replenishment is needed, and the steam valve only switches when steam is required, the replenishment of water and the release of steam in the steam generator are performed in stages. Therefore, while maintaining the continuity of the cleaning process, unnecessary continuous water supply and steam output processes can be reduced, allowing the equipment to maintain a longer operating cycle under the same water replenishment conditions.

[0009] In some embodiments, the steam generating device includes: a housing that encloses the steam generating chamber; a heating element disposed in the housing, the heating element being used to heat water in the steam generating chamber to convert water into steam; the heating element operating at least during the time period between the opening of the gas valve in the current working cycle and the opening of the water inlet valve in the next working cycle.

[0010] Because the heating element operates continuously between the opening of the gas valve and the next opening of the water inlet valve, the steam generation chamber does not need to undergo a significant cooling-reheating process to enter the next vaporization state. This shortens the response time required for steam generation, improves the instantaneous stability of steam output, and ensures that the steam ejected in each work cycle has a higher temperature and stronger impact force. Simultaneously, the intermittent operation mode, combined with this heating strategy, reduces heat loss caused by repeated cooling and reheating of the chamber, lowering the energy consumption required for unit steam generation. This allows the equipment to maintain a high cleaning intensity while possessing good continuous operation capability and economical water replenishment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the heating element is configured to operate continuously while the steam generating system is in operation; at least a portion of the heating element is located near the outlet of the inlet valve.

[0012] Thus, when the inlet valve is periodically opened and water is introduced into the steam generation chamber, the newly entered water can be rapidly heated and vaporized in a timely manner. This ensures that the steam generation process under intermittent water intake conditions maintains continuous thermal response, avoiding excessive temperature fluctuations in the chamber due to heating interruptions, thereby improving the steam preparation speed. At least part of the heating element is close to the valve body outlet of the inlet valve, forming a short thermal path between the heating element and the valve body outlet. This allows the water to be directly or locally radiated and conducted heated by the heating element immediately after leaving the inlet valve, reducing heat loss caused by the water diffusing to distant parts before being heated within the chamber, ensuring that the water is rapidly heated and converted into steam.

[0013] In some embodiments, the steam generating system is configured such that, during operation, the opening time of the inlet valve in one cycle is no greater than the closing time.

[0014] This results in the water supply entering the steam generation chamber being short-term, controlled, and intermittent. Because the water inlet stage is compressed and the shut-off stage is relatively prolonged, the water in the steam generation chamber can be fully heated and vaporized within the intermittent window. The pressure and temperature inside the chamber are gradually established, and then a steam pulse with a certain impact force is formed when the gas valve is opened and sprayed out through the nozzle to the surface to be cleaned.

[0015] In some embodiments, the housing includes a plurality of functional layers arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, and at least one of the functional layers is a heat storage layer.

[0016] In this way, the heat storage layer can absorb heat during the heating stage and release heat during the subsequent vaporization stage, which helps to smooth the temperature fluctuations in the steam generation chamber, allowing the incoming water to vaporize more quickly and maintain a relatively stable steam output under intermittent working conditions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air valve is an air inlet valve, which is used to fill the steam generating chamber with air so that the steam generating chamber has a preset air pressure, which is higher than the external air pressure.

[0018] Thus, after the intake valve is opened, the steam generating chamber is changed from an atmospheric pressure state to a preset positive pressure state, thereby providing a higher driving pressure difference for subsequent steam injection.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gas valve is an exhaust valve, which is connected between the steam outlet and the nozzle.

[0020] In this way, the exhaust valve can control the opening and closing of the steam passage between the steam outlet of the steam generator and the nozzle, and regulate the exhaust.

[0021] In some embodiments, the exhaust valve and the nozzle are connected by a conduit, at least a portion of which is a capillary.

[0022] In this way, the smaller inner diameter and longer axial path of the capillary tube can be used to redistribute the steam velocity and regulate the pressure after it passes through the exhaust valve, thereby forming more concentrated fluid energy at the nozzle inlet. This increases the injection speed, pulse sensation and impact force, which helps to enhance the ability to remove dirt layers with less steam consumption. At the same time, the capillary tube can also buffer the pressure fluctuations at the moment the exhaust valve opens and closes, making the injection state at the nozzle outlet more uniform.

[0023] In some embodiments, the steam generating system further includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the steam generating device, the water inlet valve, and the gas valve, respectively, and is used to control the operating status of the steam generating device, the water inlet valve, and the gas valve.

[0024] Thus, by centrally coordinating and controlling each component through a control module, the steam generation process avoids complete reliance on manual operation or single mechanical linkages. This results in a more stable steam ejection rhythm, easier control of steam release, reduced excessive floor wetness, and allows the steam to act on the stain surface in an intermittent pulse manner, improving the removal effect on oil stains, adhesive stains, and dirt from crevices. Simultaneously, the control module, through the coordinated management of heating, water inlet, and gas valve actions, enables the steam generation system to establish a more stable control logic and a more rational distribution of energy and water during operation, thereby improving the drying time of the cleaned floor and increasing overall work efficiency.

[0025] In some embodiments, the steam generating system further includes: a pressure detection device disposed in the steam generating device, the pressure detection device being used to detect the pressure inside the steam generating chamber, the pressure detection device being electrically connected to the control module, the control module being configured to control the operating state of the gas valve according to the detection result of the pressure detection device; and / or, a temperature detection device disposed in the steam generating device, the temperature detection device being used to detect the temperature inside the steam generating chamber, the temperature detection device being electrically connected to the control module, the control module being configured to control the operating state of the steam generating device according to the detection result of the temperature detection device; and / or, a flow detection device disposed in the steam generating device, the flow detection device being used to detect the amount of water entering the steam generating chamber, the flow detection device being electrically connected to the control module, the control module being configured to control the operating state of the water inlet valve according to the detection result of the flow detection device.

[0026] During operation of the steam generation system, the control module first determines whether the steam generator has reached the operating conditions based on the chamber temperature feedback from the temperature detection device. After the heating element heats the steam generation chamber to the predetermined temperature, the control module controls the gas valve to open or close at appropriate times based on the pressure value feedback from the pressure detection device, maintaining the pressure change within the steam generation chamber within a controllable range. Simultaneously, the flow detection device monitors the amount of water entering the steam generation chamber in real time, and the control module controls the opening duration of the water inlet valve accordingly, ensuring that the water replenishment is adapted to the current heating state and steam output demand. As the water in the chamber vaporizes due to heating, the pressure and temperature signals change synchronously. Through the coordinated processing of these three types of detection information, the control module enables the steam generator to maintain a stable steam generation rhythm under intermittent steam supply conditions. When the gas valve is open, it outputs steam with a certain impact force to the nozzle, and when the gas valve is closed and water replenishment is controlled, it reduces water film accumulation caused by continuous steam output. Thus, the system can suppress excessive steam output and ineffective water consumption while ensuring the intensity of steam action, reducing excessive ground wetness, improving the drying speed after cleaning, and enhancing the removal efficiency of stubborn stains and the continuous operation capability of the entire machine.

[0027] Secondly, this application provides a cleaning device, comprising: a device body, the device body including a floor brush device; a water supply device disposed on the device body; and a steam generating system as described in the first aspect, wherein the nozzle is disposed on the floor brush device and the nozzle is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning component of the floor brush device.

[0028] In the cleaning equipment of this application embodiment, during operation, water from the water supply device is delivered to the steam generator of the steam generation system in an intermittent, small-flow form. Under heating, steam is quickly generated and then intermittently sprayed out through nozzles connected to the steam generator. During the movement of the floor brush device, the steam acts directionally on the surface or cleaning object to be cleaned. Since the nozzles are set on the floor brush device, the steam output area can move synchronously with the floor brush device and maintain a corresponding relationship with the brushing action. This allows the steam to first soften and moisten the stains, and then the cleaning object comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned to complete the peeling and removal. Thus, the steam action and the mechanical cleaning process work together.

[0029] In some embodiments, the main body of the device further includes a main body, which is movably connected to the floor brush device; the steam generator is located at the main body or the floor brush device; and / or, the water supply device is a clean water tank, which is connected to the inlet valve via a water supply pipe; the cleaning device further includes a water pump, which is connected to the clean water tank and the inlet valve via the water supply pipe, and the water pump is used to drive water flow from the water supply device to the steam generator.

[0030] In this way, the space of the main body of the equipment can be used to arrange the steam generation system in a reasonable manner. In addition, by using the clean water tank that is built into the cleaning equipment itself as a water supply device, it is possible to eliminate the need to set up a separate water supply device for the steam generation system, which helps to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure.

[0031] Thirdly, this application provides a steam generation control method suitable for the steam generation system described in the first aspect, the control method comprising the following steps:

[0032] In response to a steam generation command, the water inlet valve and the gas valve are controlled to open and close alternately to periodically inject steam.

[0033] The steam generation control method of this embodiment controls the alternating opening and closing of the water inlet valve and the steam valve, causing the steam generation system to repeatedly perform the processes of water replenishment, vaporization, and steam release, thereby forming multiple adjacent steam injection cycles. During this process, since only a small stream of water enters the steam generator each time the water inlet valve opens, compared to the continuous supply of a large flow of water to the steam generator in related technologies, the small stream of water is more easily heated and vaporized into steam in the high-temperature environment where heat is concentrated. This accelerates the speed from water entering the steam generator to water being converted into steam, significantly reducing the user's waiting time.

[0034] Furthermore, the steam generated within the steam generation chamber enters the nozzle through the steam outlet and is ejected outwards, resulting in intermittent steam jets from the nozzle. This avoids continuous, prolonged coverage of the ground, preventing the formation of a water film on the surface to be cleaned. Moreover, because the steam generation chamber can concentrate the vaporization of a small amount of water in each work cycle, the steam release has a relatively concentrated temperature and flow rate, creating a powerful steam jet at the nozzle tip. This concentrates the thermal and stripping effects when the steam comes into contact with the dirt, making it suitable for treating oil stains, protein stains, and tightly adhered contaminants. Additionally, it reduces unnecessary continuous water supply and steam output, allowing the equipment to maintain longer operating cycles under the same water replenishment conditions.

[0035] In some embodiments, the air valve is an exhaust valve; the control of the water inlet valve and the air valve to open and close alternately includes: in a single working cycle, first controlling the water inlet valve to open, and then controlling the air valve to open.

[0036] This method allows the steam generation chamber to first complete water intake and heat storage, and then complete exhaust and injection. This ensures a stable connection between the steam generation process and the final output process. Furthermore, the control logic directly corresponds to the structural connections of the steam generator, water inlet valve, air valve, and nozzle, thereby achieving controllable execution of periodic steam injection. In addition, the control cycle is clear and can be matched with the thermal state of the steam generator.

[0037] In some embodiments, within a single working cycle, the air valve is controlled to open after the water inlet valve has been closed for a preset time.

[0038] Because the gas valve does not operate immediately after the water inlet valve is closed, but only after a preset time has elapsed, the liquid in the steam generating chamber can obtain a complete heating and vaporization time in a closed state, which makes the steam state in the chamber more stable when the gas valve is opened, and the steam output from the nozzle more continuous.

[0039] In some embodiments, the vaporization time of the liquid in the steam generating chamber during a single working cycle is less than or equal to the interval between two consecutive openings of the gas valve.

[0040] By ensuring that the vaporization time of the liquid is no longer than the interval, the steam generating chamber can complete vaporization and accumulation between the opening of two exhaust valves. The steam output when the exhaust valve is open is more continuous, and the concentration and rhythm of the steam ejected from the nozzle are more stable, thereby keeping the periodic steam injection process controllable.

[0041] In some embodiments, in response to a steam generation command, before controlling the water inlet valve and the gas valve to open and close alternately, it is detected whether the temperature of the steam generator has reached a preset value; after the temperature of the steam generator meets the preset value, it is controlled to control the water inlet valve and the gas valve to open and close alternately.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control module uses the temperature detection result as a precondition for valve control, preventing the steam generator from prematurely adding water and venting steam when the temperature is insufficient. Since the steam generation chamber already has high heat after reaching the preset value, when the water inlet valve and the gas valve begin to operate alternately, the added water can be quickly vaporized and output through the nozzle, matching the valve control process with the thermal state of the chamber, improving steam generation efficiency, and making the output state more stable. Furthermore, the coordination between the control logic, the temperature detection device, and the control module is clear, facilitating reliable control in cleaning equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the steam generation system provided in this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the steam generation system provided in this application;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the steam generator provided in this application;

[0047] Figure 4 A partial structural schematic diagram of one embodiment of the cleaning equipment provided in this application;

[0048] Figure 5 A partial structural schematic diagram of another embodiment of the cleaning equipment provided in this application.

[0049] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0050] 1000 - Cleaning equipment;

[0051] 100 - Steam generation system;

[0052] 1-Steam generator; 11-Shell; 111-Functional layer; 112-Outer layer; 113-Insulation layer; 114-Heat storage layer; 115-Inner layer; 12-Heating element; 13-Steam generating chamber; 14-Water inlet; 15-Steam outlet; 16-Air inlet;

[0053] 2-Inlet valve;

[0054] 3-Air valve; 31-Intake valve; 32-Exhaust valve;

[0055] 4- Nozzle;

[0056] 5- Piping;

[0057] 200 - Main body of the equipment; 201 - Main body; 202 - Floor brush device; 203 - Cleaning components;

[0058] 300 - Water supply device.

[0059] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the 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.

[0061] Steam cleaning technology is commonly used in cleaning equipment such as floor scrubbers and steam mops to remove dirt and disinfect hard floors like tiles and stone in shopping malls, hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and homes. These devices are typically equipped with water storage units, heating units, and steam jetting units, allowing steam to act on the floor to be cleaned. During steam floor cleaning, the cleaning equipment continuously heats water in the heating unit to generate steam, which is then continuously sprayed out through nozzles to complement the scrubbing or wiping motions and complete the cleaning. This method relies on a continuous supply of water and steam to maintain cleaning coverage; its structure and control logic are relatively straightforward, hence its widespread adoption.

[0062] However, when steam is continuously sprayed, water vapor can easily accumulate on the ground surface to form a continuous water film, especially on dense surfaces such as ceramic tiles and marble. This not only prolongs the drying time of the ground but also increases the risk of slipping when people pass by, affecting the immediate usability after cleaning.

[0063] Furthermore, in continuous spraying mode, the steam generation process often struggles to balance high temperature, strong impact, and low water consumption. Limited by the need for continuous heating and stable spraying, the intensity of steam action is only slightly improved, resulting in less than ideal removal and decomposition of stubborn contaminants such as oil and protein stains. Continuous steam output also leads to significant water consumption, requiring frequent equipment refills, reducing continuous operation capacity, and further impacting overall cleaning efficiency.

[0064] In view of this, this application provides a steam generating system and a cleaning device. The steam generating system includes a steam generating device with a steam generating chamber, a water inlet, and a steam outlet, and is equipped with a water inlet valve, an air valve connected to the steam generating chamber, and a nozzle connected to the steam outlet. By alternately opening and closing the water inlet valve and the air valve during operation, the steam generating device can quickly generate steam and intermittently spray it out from the nozzle, thereby providing a technical basis for shortening the steam waiting time and improving the steam cleaning effect.

[0065] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cleaning equipment 1000 in this embodiment can be a floor scrubber, a sweeping robot, a washing and mopping robot equipped with a steam generation system 100 to achieve steam cleaning function, or other types of cleaning equipment 1000.

[0066] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The steam generating system 100 can convert the water supplied by the water supply device 300 into steam and output it through the nozzle 4 to form a steam jet that can be directed onto the surface or cleaning part 203 to be cleaned. Specifically, the steam generating system 100 may include a steam generating device 1, a water inlet valve 2, a gas valve 3, and a nozzle 4.

[0067] The steam generator 1 heats the water supplied by the water supply device 300 to form steam. The steam generator 1 may have a steam generating chamber 13, with a water inlet 14 and a steam outlet 15 communicating with the steam generating chamber 13. The steam generator 1 can be installed inside the main body 200 and communicates with the water inlet valve 2, the air valve 3, and the nozzle 4 to form a coordinated channel for water intake, air path regulation, and steam output. The volume of the steam generating chamber 13 can be set according to the equipment power, the target injection duration, and the single steam output. The chamber size is matched with the water intake and steam output, ensuring that the water volume in each working cycle can be heated and vaporized within a limited time. For example, the steam generator 1 may be an electric heating steam generator 1, a heat exchange steam generator 1, or a micro-boiler steam generator 1.

[0068] The inlet valve 2 can be located at the inlet 14 and is used to control the on / off state of liquid water entering the steam generating chamber 13. The inlet valve 2 can selectively supply water to the steam generating chamber 13 according to working needs, thereby limiting the amount of water entering the steam generating chamber 13 at one time and coordinating with the steam generation cycle. The inlet valve 2 can be directly connected to the inlet 14, or it can be located on the water supply pipe between the water supply device 300 and the inlet 14.

[0069] For example, the inlet valve 2 can be a solenoid valve, which opens or closes by an electrical signal driving the valve core; in another possible embodiment, the inlet valve 2 can be a miniature direct-acting valve or a proportional valve; in yet another possible embodiment, the inlet valve 2 can also be a mechanical valve or a diaphragm valve to adapt to different control architectures. The inlet valve 2 is used to supply water when it is open and to cut off the water flow when it is closed, so as to avoid continuous replenishment of liquid in the cavity during non-water supply periods.

[0070] Gas valve 3 is connected to steam generating chamber 13. Gas valve 3 is used to regulate the gas state within steam generating chamber 13 and participates in steam formation and ejection control. Gas valve 3 can be installed at the top, side, or near the steam outlet 15 of steam generating chamber 13. For example, gas valve 3 can be an inlet valve 31 or an exhaust valve 32. (See reference...) Figure 2 Taking the air inlet valve 31 as an example, the air valve 3 can fill the steam generating chamber 13 with air to change the air pressure in the steam generating chamber 13, so that the steam can be ejected at a higher air pressure. At this time, the steam generating chamber 13 has an air inlet 16, and the steam outlet 15 and the air inlet 16 are different air passages. The air valve 3 is only used to control the opening and closing of the air inlet 16, and is not used to control the opening and closing of the steam outlet 15; or, refer to Figure 1 Taking the exhaust valve 32 as an example, the exhaust valve 3 can be directly used to control the opening and closing of the steam outlet 15.

[0071] In one possible embodiment, the gas valve 3 may be a solenoid valve used to control the connection or disconnection between the steam generating chamber 13 and the external gas passage; in another possible embodiment, the gas valve 3 may be a combination of a check valve and an auxiliary drive component, so that the chamber can be opened and closed under specific conditions; in yet another possible embodiment, the gas valve 3 may be a miniature electronically controlled valve or a diaphragm valve structure to adapt to the intermittent steam output requirements.

[0072] Nozzle 4 is connected to steam outlet 15. For example, steam generator 1 and nozzle 4 can be connected through heat-resistant pipe 5, pipe joint, or embedded flow channel to spray steam output from steam outlet 15 to the outside, thereby guiding the steam ejected from steam outlet 15 to the stained area on the surface to be cleaned. Nozzle 4 can be set at the working end or the end of the steam outlet of cleaning equipment 1000 and connected to steam outlet 15.

[0073] For example, nozzle 4 can be a single-hole nozzle, a multi-hole nozzle, or a flat slit nozzle to form a point spray, a linear spray band, or a diffused spray zone. Nozzle 4 can be a nozzle with a flow guide structure to enhance the spray consistency during intermittent spraying, or other types of nozzles can also be used. Nozzle 4 can be installed at the front end, side, or center area of ​​the floor brush device 202; nozzle 4 can be fixed to the floor brush device 202 by threaded connection, snap-fit ​​connection, welding, embedded assembly, or pipe joint connection.

[0074] For example, the nozzle 4 can be made of high-temperature resistant metal, ceramic, or heat-resistant engineering plastic; the nozzle orifice size can be in the millimeter range or smaller, and the nozzle outlet width can be adapted to the working width of the floor brush device 202 so that the steam coverage area corresponds to the actual cleaning path of the surface to be cleaned.

[0075] The steam generating system 100 is configured to alternately open and close the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 during operation; that is, when the water inlet valve 2 is open, the air valve 3 is closed, and when the water inlet valve 2 is closed, the air valve 3 is open. Specifically, when the water inlet valve 2 is open, external water enters the steam generating chamber 13 through the water inlet 14 and is heated within the chamber. Once the water in the chamber reaches a vaporized state, the water inlet valve 2 closes, the air valve 3 opens, and the steam generated within the chamber enters the nozzle 4 through the steam outlet 15 and is directed to the outside. Subsequently, the air valve 3 switches again, initiating the next cycle of water supply and steam output.

[0076] In this embodiment, the steam generating system 100 alternately opens and closes the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 during system operation. This results in a small stream of water entering the steam generating device 1 each time the water inlet valve 2 is opened. Compared to the continuous supply of a large flow of water to the steam generating device in related technologies, the small stream of water is more likely to be heated and vaporized into steam quickly in the high-temperature environment where heat is concentrated. This speeds up the process from water entering the steam generating device 1 to water being converted into steam, significantly reducing the user's waiting time. Moreover, since the steam generating chamber 13 can concentrate the vaporization of a small amount of water in each working cycle, the steam has a relatively concentrated temperature and flow rate effect when released in a short time. This can form an impactful steam jet at the nozzle 4 end, making the thermal and stripping effects of the steam when it comes into contact with the stains more concentrated. This is suitable for treating oil stains, protein stains, and tightly attached dirt.

[0077] In addition, the water supply phase and the steam release phase are staggered, and the steam release process is controlled in segments. Instead of continuously covering the ground for a long time, it acts on the surface to be cleaned in an intermittent manner, which weakens the continuous water film formed on the surface to be cleaned per unit time and reduces the residual humidity on the ground.

[0078] In addition, since the water inlet valve 2 is only opened when liquid replenishment is needed and the steam valve 3 is only switched when steam is needed, the water replenishment and steam release in the steam generator 1 are performed in stages. Therefore, while maintaining the continuity of the cleaning function, unnecessary continuous water supply and continuous steam release processes can be reduced, and the equipment can maintain a longer operating cycle under the same water replenishment conditions.

[0079] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 3 The steam generating device 1 includes a housing 11 and a heating element 12.

[0080] The housing 11 encloses the steam generating chamber 13 and can also support the heating element 12, chamber seals, etc. The housing 11 can be cylindrical, box-shaped, or flat plate-shaped, and the material can be stainless steel, aluminum alloy, heat-resistant ceramic, coated metal, or composite metal. The housing 11 can be located in the core area of ​​the steam generating system 100, and the outer wall of the housing 11 can be fixed to the casing, mounting bracket, or insulation layer 113 of the cleaning equipment 1000. A water inlet 14 and a steam outlet 15 can be formed in the housing 11 to facilitate water introduction, steam exhaust, and internal airflow switching.

[0081] The heating element 12 is located on the housing 11. The heating element 12 is used to continuously or intermittently heat the water in the steam generating chamber 13, so that the water can quickly reach the vaporization conditions and thus convert the water into steam.

[0082] The heating element 12 can be a resistance heating element attached to the outer wall of the housing 11, a heating tube embedded in the wall of the housing 11, a heating rod immersed in the steam generating chamber 13, or an annular heating element arranged around the steam generating chamber 13. During operation, the heating element 12 transfers heat to the housing 11 and the water within the chamber through conduction, radiation, or convection. The heating element 12 can be selected from metal heating wires, PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) ceramic heating elements, thin-film heating elements, or tubular heating elements, depending on the thermal conductivity, installation method, and power requirements. In another possible embodiment, the heating element 12 can be a linear heating element or a matrix heating unit.

[0083] The heating element 12 operates at least during the period between the opening of the gas valve 3 in the current working cycle and the opening of the water inlet valve 2 in the next working cycle. This means that after the gas valve 3 opens and completes the steam release for the current cycle, the heating element 12 will not immediately stop until the water inlet valve 2 reopens. Instead, it will continue to generate heat or maintain a heat preservation state according to a preset power. As a result, the steam generating chamber 13 can maintain a high temperature during the intermittent steam supply interval, preventing the rapid loss of residual heat in the chamber. At the same time, it keeps the inner wall of the steam generating chamber 13, the residual water, and the surrounding gas at a high temperature. When the next working cycle begins, the water inlet valve 2 reopens, and the water flows into the steam generating chamber 13 and immediately comes into contact with the shell 11 and the working area of ​​the heating element 12, which are in a high-temperature state. The water then undergoes a phase change from liquid to steam in a short time, thereby quickly generating steam.

[0084] Because the heating element 12 operates continuously between the opening of the gas valve 3 and the next opening of the water inlet valve 2, the steam generating chamber 13 does not need to undergo a significant cooling-reheating process to enter the next vaporization state. This shortens the response time, improves the instantaneous stability of steam output, and ensures that the steam ejected in each working cycle has a higher temperature and stronger impact force. Simultaneously, the intermittent operating mode, combined with this heating strategy, reduces heat loss due to repeated cooling and reheating of the chamber, lowers the energy consumption required for unit steam generation, and enables the equipment to maintain a high cleaning intensity while possessing good continuous operation capability and water replenishment economy.

[0085] Furthermore, the heating element 12 is configured to operate continuously during the operation of the steam generation system 100 to create a stable thermal environment. Thus, when the water inlet valve 2 is periodically opened to introduce water into the steam generation chamber 13, the newly introduced water can be rapidly heated and vaporized, thereby maintaining continuous thermal response capability in the steam generation process under intermittent water inlet conditions and avoiding excessive temperature fluctuations in the chamber due to heating interruptions.

[0086] At least part of the heating element 12 is close to the valve body outlet of the water inlet valve 2, so that a shorter thermal action path is formed between the heating element 12 and the valve body outlet of the water inlet valve 2. This allows the water to be directly or closely radiated and conducted heated by the heating element 12 as soon as it leaves the water inlet valve 2, reducing the heat loss caused by the water spreading to the far end before it is heated in the cavity, and ensuring that the water is heated quickly and converted into steam.

[0087] For example, the heating element 12 can be fixed to a section of the wall inside the housing 11 near the water inlet 14, or it can be set at the bottom of the housing 11 near the outlet of the water inlet valve 2, or it can extend locally along the flow path after entering the steam generating chamber 13 through the water inlet 14, so as to form a closer thermal coupling relationship with the water inlet.

[0088] When the system starts, the heating element 12 enters a state of continuous power supply and heating, maintaining uninterrupted heat output throughout the entire operation of the steam generation system 100. Simultaneously, when the water inlet valve 2 opens periodically, water enters the steam generation chamber 13 through the valve body outlet and first undergoes rapid heat exchange with the heating element 12 located near the valve body outlet. Subsequently, it further absorbs heat within the chamber and rapidly vaporizes, generating steam which is then discharged through the steam outlet 15 and nozzle 4. Since at least some of the heating elements 12 are located near the valve body outlet, the water flow is within a high-temperature thermal field from the moment it enters the chamber. This shortens the heating path and reduces the local cooling effect, creating a more efficient thermal connection between intermittent water intake and intermittent steam output. This facilitates stable steam output intensity, improves steam generation efficiency, and provides conditions for the cleaning equipment 1000 to achieve more stable cleaning results and better continuous operation under intermittent steam injection conditions.

[0089] Furthermore, the steam generation system 100 is configured such that, during operation, the opening time of the water inlet valve 2 within one cycle is no greater than its closing time. This results in a short, controlled, and intermittent process of water entering the steam generation chamber 13. Because the water inlet phase is compressed while the closing phase is relatively prolonged, the water within the steam generation chamber 13 can be fully heated and efficiently vaporized within the intermittent window. The pressure and temperature within the chamber are gradually established, forming a steam pulse with a certain impact force when the steam valve 3 opens, which is then ejected through the nozzle 4 onto the surface to be cleaned. Simultaneously, the limited water replenishment cycle also suppresses water accumulation within the chamber, reducing the excessive water film that easily forms during continuous steam spraying. This improves surface dryness while ensuring the cleaning effect of steam and reduces the frequency of water replenishment, thus helping to extend continuous operation time.

[0090] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 The housing 11 may include multiple functional layers 111, which are arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, so as to respectively perform functions such as external protection, heat isolation, heat storage, and heat transfer to the steam generating chamber 13.

[0091] At least one functional layer 111 is a heat storage layer 114. In this way, the heat storage layer 114 can absorb heat during the heating stage and release heat during the subsequent vaporization stage, which helps to smooth the temperature fluctuations in the steam generation chamber 13, so that the water can be vaporized more quickly after entering, and maintain a relatively stable steam output under intermittent working conditions.

[0092] For example, the multiple functional layers 111 may include an outer layer 112, a heat insulation layer 113, a heat storage layer 114, an inner layer 115, etc. The outer layer 112 can directly withstand external impacts, abrasions and environmental moisture. The inner layer 115 can be adjacent to the steam generating chamber 13 or the heating element 12 to form a more reasonable heat flow path. The heat storage layer 114 can be arranged on the side close to the heating element 12, or on the side close to the steam generating chamber 13, or embedded in the middle position to adapt to different thermal inertia configuration requirements, and together with other functional layers 111, form a coaxial stacked or encapsulated structure.

[0093] For example, the outer layer 112 can be formed of stainless steel plate, aluminum alloy plate or engineering plastic, the heat insulation layer 113 can be made of ceramic fiber, mica sheet or aerogel material, the heat storage layer 114 can be made of metal matrix composite material, ceramic heat storage material or phase change heat storage material, and the inner layer 115 can be made of high temperature resistant metal liner, thermally conductive ceramic liner or composite thermally conductive liner, so as to achieve directional storage and release of heat while ensuring mechanical strength.

[0094] In one possible embodiment, each functional layer 111 can be formed into an integrated shell 11 by lamination, coating, spraying, sintering or nested assembly, and the heat storage layer 114 can be a continuous annular layer, a local block layer or a honeycomb filling layer, thereby achieving differentiated heat storage at different locations.

[0095] When the water inlet valve 2 replenishes water to the steam generating chamber 13, the water in the chamber rapidly vaporizes under the combined action of the heat released by the heating element 12 and the heat storage layer 114. The generated steam is output through the steam outlet 15 and sprayed to the outside by the nozzle 4, thereby enabling the steam to form a high instantaneous intensity in a short time. Since the shell 11 adopts a multi-functional layer 111 stacked structure, at least one of the heat storage layers 114 can provide thermal inertia compensation in the cycle of intermittent water inlet and intermittent steam injection. Therefore, even under the condition that the water inlet valve 2 and the steam valve 3 are alternately opened and closed, the temperature in the steam generating chamber 13 is not prone to large fluctuations. The steam generation efficiency and injection stability can be improved, while reducing energy consumption fluctuations caused by repeated heating.

[0096] Further, refer to Figure 2The air valve 3 is an inlet valve 31, used to fill the steam generating chamber 13 with air to create a preset air pressure higher than the external air pressure. Thus, when the inlet valve 31 opens, the steam generating chamber 13 changes from a normal pressure state to a preset positive pressure state, providing a higher driving pressure differential for subsequent steam ejection. At this time, the inlet valve 31 can be located on the gas inlet side of the steam generating chamber 13 and communicate with the external air source, control module, and internal space of the steam generating chamber 13.

[0097] Optionally, the intake valve 31 can be any one of a miniature electromagnetic intake valve, a proportional intake valve, a one-way intake valve, or a diaphragm intake valve. The miniature electromagnetic intake valve can achieve rapid opening and closing by driving the valve core to reciprocate linearly through the switching of the coil. The proportional intake valve can achieve more precise pressure control by continuously adjusting the valve opening. The one-way intake valve can prevent gas backflow when the pressure in the cavity changes. The diaphragm intake valve can achieve switching between sealing and opening by utilizing the deformation of the elastic diaphragm.

[0098] The air source can be a miniature air pump, compressed air cylinder, external compressed air circuit, or a self-pressurized air source generated inside the equipment.

[0099] When the system is started, the air inlet valve 31, in cooperation with the control module, fills the steam generating chamber 13 with gas, so that the chamber gradually forms and maintains a preset air pressure higher than the external air pressure. This positive pressure environment can provide additional thrust for the steam, so that it has a higher instantaneous jet speed and impact force when it is ejected from the nozzle 4, and can act more concentratedly on the surface to be cleaned. This is beneficial for flushing and peeling off dirt with strong adhesion such as oil stains and protein stains, and also reduces the phenomenon of steam attenuation caused by insufficient pressure during the jetting process.

[0100] In another possible implementation, refer to Figure 1 The exhaust valve 3 is an exhaust valve 32, which is connected between the steam outlet 15 and the nozzle 4. In this way, the exhaust valve 32 can control the opening and closing of the steam passage between the steam outlet 15 and the nozzle 4 of the steam generator 1 and regulate the exhaust.

[0101] The exhaust valve 32 can be any one of an electromagnetic exhaust valve, a one-way exhaust valve, a miniature shut-off valve, or a quick-opening and quick-closing valve.

[0102] When the system is started, the water in the steam generator 1 gradually vaporizes into steam under the action of the heating element 12. The steam is output through the steam outlet 15 and enters the channel where the exhaust valve 32 is located. When the exhaust valve 32 is open, the steam can continue to enter the nozzle 4 along the exhaust valve 32 and be sprayed onto the surface to be cleaned, thereby forming a steam action process with a certain temperature and impact force in a local area. When the exhaust valve 32 is closed, the passage between the steam outlet 15 and the nozzle 4 is blocked, and the steam is temporarily retained in the steam generating chamber 13 and its adjacent flow channel, so that the pressure and temperature in the chamber can be maintained within a suitable range, thereby providing more concentrated steam output conditions for the next injection.

[0103] In one possible implementation, refer to Figure 1 The exhaust valve 32 and the nozzle 4 are connected by a pipe 5, at least a portion of which is a capillary. A capillary is a long, thin pipe section whose internal flow cross-section is significantly smaller than that of an adjacent ordinary pipe section, and which can throttle the steam flow. The cross-section of the capillary can be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0104] Capillary tubes can be made of metal, glass, ceramic, or high-temperature and pressure-resistant polymer microtubes. Metal capillary tubes can be made of stainless steel, copper alloy, or aluminum alloy to balance temperature resistance, pressure resistance, and ease of forming. Glass capillary tubes are suitable for applications requiring high surface finish of the flow channel. Ceramic capillary tubes are suitable for high-temperature and corrosion-resistant environments. High-temperature and pressure-resistant polymer microtubes can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene, polyetheretherketone, or similar materials to improve layout flexibility.

[0105] In this way, the smaller inner diameter and longer axial path of the capillary tube can be used to redistribute the steam velocity and regulate the pressure after it passes through the exhaust valve 32, thereby forming more concentrated fluid energy at the inlet of the nozzle 4, which in turn improves the injection speed, pulse sensation and impact force, and helps to enhance the ability to remove dirt layers with less steam consumption; at the same time, the capillary tube can also buffer the pressure fluctuations at the moment of opening and closing of the exhaust valve 32, making the injection state at the outlet of the nozzle 4 more uniform.

[0106] In some embodiments, the steam generating system 100 may further include a control module, which is electrically connected to the steam generating device 1, the water inlet valve 2, and the gas valve 3, respectively. The control module can coordinate and control the working states of the steam generating device 1 and related valves, such as start-up, shutdown, and timing.

[0107] For example, the control module can be in the form of a single-chip microcomputer control board, a microcontroller, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), an embedded controller, or a control circuit composed of logic circuits. When the steam generating system 100 is applied to the cleaning equipment 1000, the control module can be installed in the electrical control cavity, control panel, or centralized wiring area of ​​the cleaning equipment 1000, and establish an electrical connection with the steam generating device 1, the water inlet valve 2, and the gas valve 3 through connecting lines such as wires, ribbon cables, terminal connectors, or integrated PCB (Printed Circuit Board) wiring.

[0108] When the steam generating system 100 is started, the control module first controls the steam generating device 1, the water inlet valve 2, and the gas valve 3 in a coordinated manner according to a preset program or external operation command. This allows the steam generating device 1 to switch between heating mode, water inlet valve 2 to water flow mode, and gas valve 3 to switch between on and off states according to a set sequence. In intermittent steam generation mode, the control module can control the water inlet valve 2 to close when the water volume in the steam generating chamber 13 reaches a predetermined condition, and control the steam generating device 1 to continue heating, causing the water in the chamber to vaporize rapidly. Subsequently, when water needs to be added or the pressure in the chamber needs to be adjusted, the control module controls the gas valve 3 and the water inlet valve 2 to open and close in a predetermined sequence, so that the pressure, liquid level, and temperature in the steam generating chamber 13 are maintained within a range suitable for regenerating steam.

[0109] Thus, by setting up a control module to centrally coordinate and control each component, the steam generation process can avoid relying entirely on manual operation or single mechanical linkage, thereby making the steam ejection rhythm more stable and the steam release more easily controlled. This reduces the phenomenon of excessive floor wetness and allows the steam to act on the stain surface in an intermittent pulse manner, improving the removal effect on oil stains, adhesive stains, and crevices. At the same time, through the coordinated management of the heating, water inlet, and gas valve actions, the control module enables the steam generation system 100 to form a more stable control logic and a more reasonable energy and water distribution during operation, thereby improving the drying of the cleaned floor and increasing the overall work efficiency.

[0110] In one possible implementation, the steam generating system 100 may include: a pressure detection device, which is located in the steam generating device 1 and is used to detect the pressure in the steam generating chamber 13. The pressure detection device is electrically connected to a control module, which is configured to control the working state of the gas valve 3 according to the detection result of the pressure detection device.

[0111] The pressure detection device can continuously sample or periodically sample according to the control cycle. It converts the pressure changes in the cavity caused by heating, water inlet and opening and closing of gas valve 3 into electrical signals. The signals are transmitted to the control module through wires, flexible circuit boards or integrated interfaces so that the control module can adjust the opening and closing timing of gas valve 3 in a timely manner according to the pressure status in the cavity, thereby maintaining the preset working pressure range in the steam generating chamber 13.

[0112] For example, the pressure detection device can be installed on the side wall of the housing 11 of the steam generator 1, the top of the steam generating chamber 13, near the steam outlet 15, or at a dedicated detection port connected to the steam generating chamber 13. It can be fixed by means of sealing joint, threaded connection, snap-fit ​​or welding. Its detection end is directly connected to the inside of the chamber or connected through a pressure channel to reduce hysteresis and improve response speed.

[0113] For example, the pressure detection device may employ any one of a piezoresistive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, or a strain gauge pressure sensor.

[0114] For example, when the pressure inside the cavity is detected to reach the set upper limit, the control module can instruct the air valve 3 to close or reduce the opening frequency. When the pressure is lower than the set lower limit, the air valve 3 can be controlled to reopen, thereby maintaining the stability of the pressure inside the cavity and ensuring that the intermittent steam injection process has a consistent injection intensity.

[0115] In one possible implementation, the steam generating system 100 may include: a temperature detection device, which is located in the steam generating device 1 and is used to detect the temperature of the steam generating chamber 13. The temperature detection device is electrically connected to a control module, which is configured to control the operating state of the steam generating device 1 based on the detection result of the temperature detection device.

[0116] Specifically, the temperature detection device can output a signal reflecting the temperature change of the cavity to the control module, so that the control module can adjust the heating state of the steam generator 1 accordingly, so that the water in the steam generating cavity 13 can be continuously heated and converted into steam at a suitable temperature.

[0117] For example, the temperature detection device can be arranged near the heating area of ​​the steam generating chamber 13, on the inner wall of the housing 11, or on the surface near the heating element 12, or embedded in a mounting groove with strong thermal coupling to the chamber. The installation is achieved through a heat-conducting medium, compression fit, screw fixation, or snap-fit ​​structure to ensure that the actual temperature inside the chamber can be reflected more accurately.

[0118] For example, the temperature detection device can be any of a thermocouple, a thermistor, or an infrared temperature sensing element. The size of the temperature detection device can be designed according to the installation space and measurement accuracy, and the distance between the temperature sensing end of the temperature detection device and the heating element 12 can be set to a position that balances response speed and prevention of direct thermal shock.

[0119] For example, the temperature detection device can measure temperature at a single point or at multiple points.

[0120] For example, the temperature detection device can continuously or intermittently collect the cavity temperature during operation and send the temperature signal to the control module in real time. When the temperature is below the threshold required for steam generation, the control module maintains or enhances the heating operation. When the temperature reaches the set range, it can maintain the current heating power or reduce the heating intensity to avoid overheating, reduce energy consumption, and improve the stability of steam generation. It should be understood that the above example is only illustrative and not limiting.

[0121] In one possible implementation, the steam generating system 100 may further include: a flow detection device, which may be located in the steam generating device 1. The flow detection device is used to detect the amount of water entering the steam generating chamber 13. The flow detection device is electrically connected to the control module, which is configured to control the working state of the water inlet valve 2 according to the detection result of the flow detection device.

[0122] For example, the flow detection device can be installed upstream of the inlet 14, in the inlet channel between the inlet valve 2 and the steam generating chamber 13. The flow detection device can be connected to the pipeline 5 by threaded connection, plug-in pipeline 5 connection, clamp fixation, or integral molding to ensure that the water flow can be accurately measured when passing through the detection area.

[0123] For example, the flow detection device may be any one of a turbine flow meter, a Hall flow meter, or a mass flow sensor, wherein the turbine flow meter reflects the flow rate through the impeller rotation speed, the Hall flow meter obtains flow information through magnetic pulse counting, and the mass flow sensor can directly output mass flow data.

[0124] For example, the flow detection device continuously or periodically outputs water inflow data to the control module during operation. The control module can determine the opening duration and closing time of the water inlet valve 2 based on the detected cumulative water volume or instantaneous flow rate, so that the water inflow in each working cycle is coordinated with the heating capacity in the steam generating chamber 13, avoiding insufficient temperature rise due to excessive water inflow and insufficient steam due to insufficient water inflow. It should be understood that the above example is only for demonstration and is not limiting.

[0125] In summary, during the operation of the steam generation system 100, the control module first determines whether the steam generator 1 has reached the working conditions based on the cavity temperature fed back by the temperature detection device. After the heating element 12 heats the steam generation cavity 13 to the predetermined temperature, the control module controls the gas valve 3 to open or close at an appropriate time based on the pressure value fed back by the pressure detection device, so as to maintain the pressure change in the steam generation cavity 13 within a controllable range. At the same time, the flow detection device monitors the amount of water entering the steam generation cavity 13 in real time, and the control module controls the opening duration of the water inlet valve 2 accordingly, so that the water replenishment is adapted to the current heating state and steam demand. As the water in the cavity is heated and vaporized, the pressure and temperature signals change synchronously. Through the linkage processing of the three types of detection information, the control module enables the steam generator 1 to maintain a stable steam generation rhythm under intermittent steam supply conditions, and outputs steam with a certain impact force to the nozzle 4 when the gas valve 3 is open, and reduces the water film accumulation caused by continuous steam output when the gas valve 3 is closed and the water replenishment is controlled. Therefore, the system can suppress excessive steam output and ineffective water consumption while ensuring the intensity of steam action, reducing excessive ground wetness, improving the drying speed after cleaning, and enhancing the removal efficiency of stubborn stains and the continuous operation capability of the entire machine. It should be understood that the above example is for illustrative purposes only and is not limiting.

[0126] The cleaning device 1000 according to a second aspect embodiment of this application is described below.

[0127] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The cleaning equipment 1000 in this embodiment may include a main body 200, a water supply device 300, and a steam generation system 100 as described in the above embodiment.

[0128] The main body 200 can support the water supply device 300 and the steam generation system 100, and can also provide an installation foundation for each functional module. The main body 200 can be designed for hand-held, push-pull, or self-propelled movement.

[0129] The main body 200 includes a floor brush device 202, which can be used to clean the surface to be cleaned. For example, the floor brush device 202 can carry a cleaning component 203, which can be a roller brush, mop, brush disc, side brush, or wiping pad, to achieve functions such as brushing, wiping, and steam cleaning of the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning component 203 can brush, wipe, or roll away softened stains under the action of steam jet, and complete the surface cleaning process together with the steam. The cleaning component 203 can be arranged downstream of the spray area of ​​the nozzle 4 or in the circumferential area so that the steam acts on the cleaning component 203 and the surface to be cleaned before or simultaneously.

[0130] The water supply device 300 is a water storage and supply component installed on the main body 200 of the equipment. The water supply device 300 can be connected to the steam generation system 100 through the water supply pipeline 5.

[0131] The nozzle 4 of the steam generating system 100 is located on the floor brush device 202 and is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning component 203 of the floor brush device 202.

[0132] refer to Figure 4 Taking the cleaning equipment 1000 as a floor scrubber as an example, the main body 200 may include a main body 201 and a floor brush device 202. In this case, the water supply device 300 and the steam generator 1 can be located in the main body 201 or in the floor brush device 202. (Reference) Figure 5 Taking the cleaning equipment 1000 as a sweeping robot as an example, the floor brush device 202 can constitute the main body 200 of the equipment, and the water supply device 300 and the steam generation system 100 are all located in the floor brush device 202.

[0133] In the cleaning equipment 1000 of this application embodiment, during operation, water from the water supply device 300 is transported to the steam generator 1 of the steam generating system 100. After being heated to form steam, the steam is sprayed out through the nozzle 4 connected to the steam generator 1 and acts directionally on the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning component 203 during the movement of the floor brush device 202. Since the nozzle 4 is set on the floor brush device 202, the steam output area can move synchronously with the floor brush device 202 and maintain a corresponding relationship with the brushing action, so that the steam first softens and moistens the stains, and then the cleaning component 203 comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned to complete the peeling and removal, thereby making the steam action and the mechanical cleaning process work together.

[0134] Based on the above structure, steam can enter the target cleaning area without spreading over a wide area on the ground. The spray path is more concentrated due to the constraint of the floor brush device 202. Steam can act on the surface to be cleaned in an intermittent spray manner, so that the cleaning process can reduce ineffective dissipation while maintaining a relatively stable steam output, and make it easier for the ground to return to a relatively dry state after cleaning, reducing the formation of water film.

[0135] Furthermore, the equipment body 200 may also include an equipment body 200, which is movably connected to the floor brush device 202 to facilitate adjustment of the relative position and angle between the equipment body 200 and the floor brush device 202 to adapt to the cleaning needs of different areas to be cleaned. Optionally, the steam generator 1 is located in the equipment body 200, which facilitates centralized installation, heat dissipation control, and maintenance disassembly; or, the steam generator 1 is located at the floor brush device 202, which can shorten the steam transmission path, reduce heat loss in the pipeline 5, and improve the spray response speed.

[0136] In some embodiments, the water supply device 300 is a clean water tank used to store cleaning water. The clean water tank is connected to the inlet valve 2 via a water supply pipe, providing a continuous or intermittent water source to the steam generator 1 during equipment operation. The cleaning equipment 1000 may also include a water pump, which may be a miniature diaphragm pump, centrifugal pump, plunger pump, or peristaltic pump. The water pump is connected to both the clean water tank and the inlet valve 2 via water supply pipes, and is used to drive water flow from the water supply device 300 to the steam generator 1.

[0137] When the cleaning equipment 1000 is working, the water in the clean water tank is drawn out by the water pump and sent to the water inlet valve 2 along the water supply pipe. After the water inlet valve 2 is opened according to the control logic, a fixed amount of water flows into the steam generator 1 and is quickly heated and vaporized in the heating chamber. The generated steam then acts on the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning part 203 of the floor brush device 202 through the nozzle 4 connected to the floor brush device 202.

[0138] The steam generation control method according to a third aspect of this application is described below.

[0139] The steam generation control method of this embodiment is suitable for application to the steam generation system 100 of the first aspect embodiment described above. The control method includes the following steps:

[0140] S101, in response to the steam generation command, controls the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 to open and close alternately to periodically inject steam.

[0141] Specifically, the steam generation command is an input signal that triggers the steam generation system 100 to start operation. In this embodiment, the command can be issued by the user via a button, trigger switch, or control interface on the cleaning equipment 1000, and received by the control module as a start-up condition for entering the steam working state.

[0142] After receiving a steam generation command, the control module controls the alternating operation of the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 according to a preset program. This ensures that the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 are in open and closed states respectively within the same control cycle, allowing for time-sharing control of the on / off states of the water replenishment path and the steam release path. Specifically, the control module outputs corresponding control signals to cause the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 to perform alternating opening and closing actions, enabling the steam generation system 100 to enter a cycle of alternating water replenishment and steam release.

[0143] The periodic steam injection here means that the steam is not continuously output, but is ejected from the nozzle 4 in an intermittent and repetitive manner in multiple adjacent working cycles. It is based on the alternating opening and closing of the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 in the aforementioned steps, as well as the vaporization of water and the steam release process in the steam generation chamber 13.

[0144] The steam generation control method of this embodiment controls the alternating opening and closing of the water inlet valve 2 and the steam valve 3, causing the steam generation system 100 to repeatedly perform the processes of water replenishment, vaporization, and steam release, thereby forming multiple adjacent steam injection cycles. During this process, since only a small stream of water enters the steam generator 1 each time the water inlet valve 2 opens, compared to the continuous supply of a large flow of water to the steam generator in related technologies, the small stream of water is more easily heated and vaporized into steam in the high-temperature environment where heat is concentrated. This accelerates the speed from water entering the steam generator 1 to water being converted into steam, significantly reducing the user's waiting time.

[0145] Steam generated in the steam generating chamber 13 enters the nozzle 4 through the steam outlet 15 and is ejected outwards, thus making the nozzle 4 intermittently spray steam instead of continuously covering the ground for extended periods, preventing the formation of a water film on the surface to be cleaned. Furthermore, because the steam generating chamber 13 can concentrate the vaporization of a small amount of water in each working cycle, the steam release has a relatively concentrated temperature and flow rate effect, forming a powerful steam jet at the nozzle 4 end. This makes the thermal and stripping effects of the steam upon contact with the stains more concentrated, suitable for treating oil stains, protein stains, and tightly adhered dirt. In addition, it reduces unnecessary continuous water supply and steam output processes, allowing the equipment to maintain a longer operating cycle under the same water replenishment conditions.

[0146] In some embodiments, the air valve 3 is an exhaust valve 32, which controls the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 to open and close alternately. This may include: in a single working cycle, first controlling the water inlet valve 2 to open, and then controlling the air valve 3 to open.

[0147] In practical implementation, the control module is electrically connected to the steam generator 1, the water inlet valve 2, and the gas valve 3, respectively, and enters the working control state after receiving the steam generation command. The control module first drives the water inlet valve 2 to open, and the water supply enters the steam generation chamber 13 through the water inlet 14. The heating element 12 heats the water in the chamber to form steam to be discharged. After the water inlet valve 2 is closed, the control module drives the exhaust valve 32 to open, so that the steam is output to the outside through the steam outlet 15, the exhaust valve 32, and the nozzle 4 in sequence, forming an intermittent steam flow. Then the control module closes the exhaust valve 32 and enters the next round of water inlet control, thereby realizing the periodic injection of steam.

[0148] This method allows the steam generating chamber 13 to first complete water intake and heat storage, and then complete exhaust and injection. This enables a stable connection between the steam generation process and the end output process, and allows the control logic to directly correspond to the structural connection relationship between the steam generating device 1, the water inlet valve 2, the air valve 3 and the nozzle 4. This enables the controllable execution of periodic steam injection, and the control cycle is clear and can match the thermal state of the steam generating device 1.

[0149] In some embodiments, within a single working cycle, after the water inlet valve 2 has been closed for a preset time, the control air valve 3 is opened.

[0150] Since the air valve 3 does not operate immediately after the water inlet valve 2 is closed, but only after a preset time has elapsed, the liquid in the steam generating chamber 13 can obtain a complete heating and vaporization time in a closed state, which makes the steam state in the chamber more stable when the air valve 3 is opened, and the steam output from the nozzle 4 is more continuous.

[0151] Optionally, the control module can also combine pressure and temperature detection devices to correct the preset duration, so that the valve opening sequence matches the changes in pressure and temperature inside the cavity. Thus, the steam generation system 100 can form a working rhythm of time-sharing water replenishment and delayed exhaust, and maintain good output consistency in the periodic steam injection process.

[0152] In some embodiments, the vaporization time of the liquid in the steam generating chamber 13 during a single working cycle is less than or equal to the interval between two consecutive openings of the gas valve 3.

[0153] In this embodiment, the interval between two consecutive openings of the exhaust valve 32 can be set by combining feedback signals from the pressure detection device, temperature detection device, and flow detection device. The heating element 12 of the steam generator 1 continuously heats the liquid entering the steam generation chamber 13 during operation, either continuously or according to a predetermined duty cycle, ensuring that the liquid is vaporized between two openings of the exhaust valve 32. When the flow detection device detects that the amount of water added through the inlet valve 2 has reached a set value, the control module closes the inlet valve 2 and maintains the heating element 12 in operation. After the liquid in the chamber vaporizes and forms steam, the control module then opens the exhaust valve 3 to output steam. At this time, the waiting time before the exhaust valve 3 opens again is not less than the time required for the liquid to complete vaporization, ensuring that the steam generation chamber 13 always has steam available for discharge each time the exhaust valve 32 is opened.

[0154] In practical applications, the interval between two consecutive openings of the exhaust valve 32 can be matched and set according to the volume of the steam generating chamber 13, the power of the heating element 12, the flow rate of the water inlet valve 2, and the target injection intensity. This application does not limit this. By ensuring that the vaporization time of the liquid is no greater than this interval, the steam generating chamber 13 can complete vaporization and accumulation between two openings of the exhaust valve 32. The steam output when the exhaust valve 3 is open is more continuous, and the steam concentration and rhythm ejected from the nozzle 4 are more stable, thereby keeping the periodic steam injection process controllable.

[0155] In some embodiments, in response to a steam generation command, before controlling the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 to open and close alternately, it is detected whether the temperature of the steam generator 1 has reached a preset value; after the temperature of the steam generator 1 meets the preset value, the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 are controlled to open and close alternately.

[0156] Specifically, after receiving the steam generation command, the control module first reads the temperature detected by the temperature detection device and compares it with a preset value. When the detection result indicates that the temperature has not reached the preset value, the control module maintains the heating element 12 in continuous operation and temporarily does not output alternating control signals for the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3. When the aforementioned temperature meets the preset value, the control module outputs an opening command to the water inlet valve 2, allowing liquid water to enter the steam generation chamber 13 through the water inlet 14. Subsequently, it outputs an opening command to the air valve 3, allowing the steam generated in the steam generation chamber 13 to be ejected through the steam outlet 15 and the nozzle 4, thus entering an alternating opening and closing control state according to a preset sequence.

[0157] The preset values ​​can be preset according to the material of the shell 11 of the steam generator 1, the power of the heating element 12 and the volume of the cavity, and this application does not limit them.

[0158] In this embodiment, the control module uses the temperature detection result as a precondition for valve control to prevent the steam generator 1 from prematurely adding water and venting steam when the temperature is insufficient. Since the steam generating chamber 13 already has high heat after reaching the preset value, when the water inlet valve 2 and the air valve 3 start to operate alternately, the added water can be quickly vaporized and output through the nozzle 4, so that the valve control process matches the thermal state of the chamber, improving the steam generation efficiency and making the output state more stable. Moreover, the coordination relationship between the control logic, the temperature detection device, and the control module is clear, which facilitates reliable control in the cleaning equipment 1000.

[0159] In some embodiments, the frequency of periodic steam injection is 1 Hz to 10 Hz, for example, the steam injection frequency is 1 Hz, 2 Hz, 3 Hz, 4 Hz, 5 Hz, 6 Hz, 7 Hz, 8 Hz, 9 Hz, or 10 Hz. This prevents a decrease in the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device 1000 due to an excessively low injection frequency, and also prevents the formation of a water film on the surface to be cleaned due to an excessively high injection frequency.

[0160] In some embodiments, within a single working cycle, the opening duration of the water inlet valve 2 is 0.02s-0.5s, and the venting duration of the steam outlet 15 is 0.01s-0.4s. The ratio of the opening duration of the water inlet valve 2 to the venting duration of the steam outlet 15 within a single working cycle can be adjusted as needed. This ensures that the steam generator 1 has a suitable water inlet volume, while simultaneously providing sufficient steam injection volume, and that the steam generation and injection volume are matched. It should be noted that embodiments referred to in the specification, such as "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "some embodiments," may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when describing a specific feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with embodiments, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0161] It should be readily understood that the terms “on,” “above,” and “on top of” in this disclosure should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense, such that “on” means not only “directly on something” but also “on something” with an intermediate feature or layer therebetween, and that “above” or “on top of” means not only “on top of something” but also “on top of something” without an intermediate feature or layer therebetween (i.e., directly on something).

[0162] Finally, it should be noted that other embodiments of this application will readily conceive of by those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the solutions disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein, and is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam generating system for cleaning equipment, characterized in that, The steam generation system includes: A steam generating device is provided with a steam generating chamber and a water inlet and a steam outlet communicating with the steam generating chamber; The inlet valve is used to open and close the inlet. A gas valve is connected to the steam generating chamber; A nozzle is connected to the steam outlet, and the steam output from the steam outlet is ejected to the outside through the nozzle; The steam generating system is configured such that, during operation, the water inlet valve and the gas valve alternately open and close, so that the steam generating device intermittently generates steam and ejects it from the nozzle.

2. The steam generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generating device includes: A housing that encloses the steam generating chamber; A heating element is disposed in the housing and is used to heat the water in the steam generating chamber to convert the water into steam; The heating element operates at least during the time period between the opening of the air valve in the current working cycle and the opening of the water inlet valve in the next working cycle.

3. The steam generating system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating element is configured to operate continuously while the steam generating system is in operation; at least a portion of the heating element is located near the outlet of the water inlet valve.

4. The steam generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generation system is configured such that, during operation, the opening time of the inlet valve in one cycle is no greater than the closing time.

5. The steam generating system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes multiple functional layers arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside, and at least one of the functional layers is a heat storage layer.

6. The steam generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air valve is an air inlet valve, which is used to fill the steam generating chamber with air so that the steam generating chamber has a preset air pressure, which is higher than the external air pressure.

7. The steam generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air valve is an exhaust valve, which is connected between the steam outlet and the nozzle.

8. The steam generating system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The exhaust valve and the nozzle are connected by a pipeline, at least a portion of which is a capillary.

9. The steam generating system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The control module is electrically connected to the steam generator, the water inlet valve, and the gas valve, respectively, and is used to control the working status of the steam generator, the water inlet valve, and the gas valve.

10. The steam generating system according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A pressure detection device is provided in the steam generator. The pressure detection device is used to detect the pressure within the steam generating chamber. The pressure detection device is electrically connected to the control module, which is configured to control the operating state of the gas valve based on the detection result of the pressure detection device; and / or... A temperature detection device is disposed in the steam generator, the temperature detection device being used to detect the temperature of the steam generating chamber, the temperature detection device being electrically connected to the control module, and the control module being configured to control the operating state of the steam generator based on the detection result of the temperature detection device; and / or A flow detection device is provided in the steam generating device. The flow detection device is used to detect the amount of water entering the steam generating chamber. The flow detection device is electrically connected to the control module. The control module is configured to control the working state of the water inlet valve according to the detection result of the flow detection device.

11. A cleaning device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the equipment includes a floor brush device; A water supply device is located on the main body of the equipment; The steam generating system according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the nozzle is disposed on the floor brush device, and the nozzle is used to spray steam onto the surface to be cleaned or the cleaning component of the floor brush device.

12. The cleaning equipment according to claim 11, characterized in that, The main body of the equipment also includes a main body, which is movably connected to the floor brush device; the steam generator is located at the main body or the floor brush device; and / or... The water supply device is a clean water tank, which is connected to the inlet valve via a water supply pipe. The cleaning equipment also includes a water pump, which is connected to the clean water tank and the inlet valve via the water supply pipe. The water pump is used to drive water flow from the water supply device to the steam generator.

13. A steam generation control method, suitable for application to the steam generation system according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that, The control method includes the following steps: In response to a steam generation command, the water inlet valve and the gas valve are controlled to open and close alternately to periodically inject steam.

14. The steam generation control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The air valve is an exhaust valve; The control of the alternating opening and closing of the water inlet valve and the air valve includes: Within a single working cycle, the water inlet valve is opened first, followed by the air valve.

15. The steam generation control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Within a single working cycle, the air valve is controlled to open after the water inlet valve has been closed for a preset time.

16. The steam generation control method according to claim 14, characterized in that, Within a single working cycle, the vaporization time of the liquid in the steam generating chamber is less than or equal to the interval between two consecutive openings of the gas valve.

17. The steam generation control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, In response to a steam generation command, before controlling the water inlet valve and the gas valve to open and close alternately, it is detected whether the temperature of the steam generator has reached a preset value; Once the temperature of the steam generator meets the preset value, the water inlet valve and the gas valve are controlled to open and close alternately.

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