Cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model relates to cleaning equipment which comprises a floor brush assembly, and the floor brush assembly comprises a floor brush shell, a rolling brush, a rolling brush cover assembly and a steam unit. The rolling brush is rotationally connected to the floor brush shell; the rolling brush cover assembly comprises a rolling brush cover body and a steam output part. The rolling brush cover body and the floor brush shell define a rolling brush cavity used for being matched with a rolling brush. The steam output part is arranged on the rolling brush cover body and used for providing steam for the working face. The steam unit comprises a steam generation module used for conveying steam to the steam output part and further comprises a gas-liquid separation module, the gas-liquid separation module receives the steam, conducts gas-liquid separation on the steam and then conveys the steam to the steam output part, and the gas-liquid separation module is provided with at least two areas which are arranged in the steam flowing direction and are different in sectional area. The area upstream of the steam flow path has a smaller cross-sectional area than the area downstream of the steam flow path. The liquid content in the steam sprayed out of the steam output part is greatly reduced, liquefied water dripping is avoided, and water marks are not prone to being left.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of steam equipment, and in particular to a cleaning device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of social productivity, people's living standards continue to improve. With material resources guaranteed, people are turning to various tools to reduce labor and improve their quality of life at home. This has led to the emergence of household cleaning equipment. Among the many types of household cleaning equipment, steam floor scrubbers, which combine suction and steam cleaning capabilities, have gained widespread consumer favor with their powerful floor cleaning capabilities.

[0003] Steam floor scrubbers are very effective in cleaning grease and stains from floors. They can effectively help users clean kitchen floors and perform simple floor sterilization. However, the steam floor scrubbers currently on the market have a serious problem of steam liquefaction and dripping. The steam sprayed on the roller brush or the floor contains a high amount of liquid, which easily leaves water marks on the floor. The cleaned floor is too wet and difficult to dry, resulting in a poor user experience. At the same time, the liquefied condensed water produced during steam transmission tends to gather at the steam nozzle. On the one hand, it is easy for condensed water to drip from the steam nozzle after the floor scrubber is turned off, resulting in residual water on the floor. On the other hand, when the user restarts the machine and uses the steam function, the steam nozzle will first spray out the condensed water remaining in the steam channel, causing the floor to become wet. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to solve the problems existing in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a cleaning device and a steam system.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a cleaning device comprising a floor brush assembly, the floor brush assembly comprising:

[0006] Floor brush housing;

[0007] a roller brush rotatably connected to the floor brush housing and configured to clean a work surface;

[0008] The roller brush cover assembly includes a roller brush cover body and a steam output portion, wherein the roller brush cover body and the floor brush housing enclose a roller brush cavity for cooperating with the roller brush; the steam output portion is provided on the roller brush cover body and is configured to provide steam to the working surface;

[0009] a steam unit comprising a steam generating module for delivering steam to a steam output,

[0010] The steam unit also includes a gas-liquid separation module, which is configured to receive the steam generated by the steam generation module and transport it to the steam output part after performing gas-liquid separation. The gas-liquid separation module has at least two areas with different cross-sectional areas arranged along the steam flow direction, and the cross-sectional area of the area located upstream of the steam flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the area located downstream of the steam flow path.

[0011] One beneficial effect of the present disclosure is that, by providing a gas-liquid separation module and separating the steam generated by the steam generation module before delivering it to the steam output unit, the liquid content of the steam ejected from the steam output unit is significantly reduced. During the cleaning process, the steam output unit can spray steam onto the work surface, thereby enhancing the cleaning and sterilization effect. Due to the low liquid content in the steam, liquefied dripping is effectively avoided, and the cleaned work surface can dry quickly without leaving any residual water marks, thereby improving the user experience.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a brush assembly of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of one part;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial enlarged view of another part;

[0017] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a brush assembly of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the clean water tank, roller brush cover assembly and gas-liquid separation module disclosed in the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 It is an exploded view of the clean water tank, roller brush cover assembly and gas-liquid separation module disclosed in the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gas-liquid separation module of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 8 is an exploded view of the gas-liquid separation module of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the gas-liquid separation module of the present disclosure from another angle;

[0023] Figure 10 is a top view of the gas-liquid separation module of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a gas-liquid separation module in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a gas-liquid separation module in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 13 It is an exploded view of the gas-liquid separation module from another angle in another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figures 1 to 13 The one-to-one correspondence between the component names and the reference numerals is as follows:

[0028] 1. Floor brush housing; 2. Roller brush; 3. Roller brush cover assembly; 31. Roller brush cover body; 310. Roller brush chamber; 311. First receiving tank; 312. Drain channel; 32. Steam output; 321. Steam channel; 322. Jet element; 3221. Steam nozzle; 33. Steam baffle; 4. Steam generating module; 40. Heating chamber; 41. Exhaust valve; 411. Valve core; 412. Elastic element; 42. Seal; 43. Inlet Liquid port; 5. Gas-liquid separation module; 501. Channel cavity; 502. Separation cavity; 51. Housing; 511. First matching part; 512. Second accommodating groove; 52. Gas outlet; 53. Liquid discharge port; 54. Docking part; 541. Pushing member; 55. Floating member; 56. Floating cavity; 561. Flow spoiler; 562. Opening; 57. Blocking part; 58. Limiting part; 6. Water spray plate; 7. Clean water tank; 71. Liquid injection part; 8. Sewage suction port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0031] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0032] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0033] In this document, “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, etc. are only used to indicate the relative position relationship between related parts, rather than to limit the absolute positions of these related parts.

[0034] In this article, "first", "second", etc. are only used to distinguish each other, and do not indicate the importance and order, or the prerequisite for each other's existence.

[0035] In this document, “equal”, “same”, etc. are not strictly limited in a mathematical and / or geometric sense, but also include errors that can be understood by those skilled in the art and are allowed in manufacturing or use.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 The present disclosure provides a cleaning device, which may be a steam scrubber, steam mop, fabric cleaner, or other intelligent cleaning device requiring steam. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the cleaning device is a handheld cleaning device, such as a handheld cleaning machine, a handheld vacuum cleaner, a handheld floor scrubber, or other handheld cleaning devices well known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the cleaning device may also be a self-propelled cleaning device, such as a sweeping robot, a mopping robot, or a sweeping and mopping robot.

[0037] The cleaning device in this embodiment is a handheld steam floor scrubber. It comprises a main body, a handle, and a floor brush assembly attached to the underside of the main body. Specifically, the handle is attached to the main body, allowing the user to manually control the cleaning device. The floor brush assembly is rotatably connected to the main body, ensuring that the brush maintains contact with the work surface while the cleaning device is cleaning, thereby removing dirt from the surface.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the floor brush assembly includes a floor brush housing 1, a roller brush 2, a roller brush cover assembly 3, and a steam unit. The floor brush housing 1 is provided with a sewage suction port 8, which can be connected to the sewage bucket on the body through a sewage suction channel, so that the cleaning device can suck dirt from the sewage suction port 8 into the sewage bucket. The roller brush 2 is rotatably connected to the floor brush housing 1 and is configured to clean the work surface. During use, the roller brush 2 rotates relative to the work surface, thereby achieving cleaning of the work surface.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The roller brush cover assembly 3 includes: a roller brush cover body 31 and a steam output portion 32, wherein Figure 5As shown, the roller brush cover body 31 and the floor brush housing 1 enclose a roller brush chamber 310 for engaging the roller brush 2. The roller brush chamber 310 can have a shape that matches the roller brush 2. The roller brush 2 extends from the lower end of the roller brush chamber 310 to contact the work surface. The roller brush chamber 310 protects the roller brush 2 and prevents dirt from being thrown out during rotation.

[0040] The steam output portion 32 is provided on the roller brush cover body 31 and is configured to provide steam to the working surface. The high-temperature steam can soften stubborn stains and have a good sterilization effect, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the roller brush 2 on the working surface. Figure 1 、 Figures 4 to 6 The steam output portion 32 includes a steam channel 321 located within the roller brush cover body 31, and an injection member 322 having at least two steam injection holes 3211, which are configured to face the work surface. The roller brush cover body 31 may include a main body that encloses the roller brush chamber 310 and a decorative cover plate exposed to the outside. The steam channel 321 may be an arc-shaped pipe disposed between the main body and the decorative cover plate.

[0041] The steam channel 321 is used to transport steam to the injection member 322, such as Figure 5 As shown, the multiple steam spray holes 3211 on the jet element 322 can be arranged along the axis of the roller brush 2. The distance between adjacent steam spray holes 3211 should not be too large, and the spacing between each steam spray hole 3211 can be basically consistent, so that the steam sprayed by the jet element 322 is continuous and the steam can cover the roller brush 2 and / or the working surface as evenly as possible. In addition, the steam sprayed by the two steam spray holes 3211 that are farthest apart can exceed the edge positions on both sides of the roller brush 2, thereby improving the steam coverage range. Furthermore, when the cleaning device is cleaning close to the edge, the dead corners that are difficult to clean, such as the wall and cabinet edges, can also be covered by steam, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning device.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 The steam unit includes: a steam generating module 4, a gas-liquid separation module 5, wherein the steam generating module 4 is used to deliver steam to the steam output portion 32, and further, the steam generating module 4 is used to heat the liquid and form steam and / or hot water. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to Figure 3 The steam generation module 4 includes a heating chamber 40, which holds a certain amount of liquid and heats the liquid to form steam and / or hot water. The steam flowing out of the steam generation module is typically mixed with a certain amount of liquid water. During steam transportation, as the ambient temperature decreases, some of the steam condenses, causing the water content in the steam to increase. To reduce the water content in the steam, the present disclosure provides a gas-liquid separation module 5.

[0043] The gas-liquid separation module 5 is configured to connect the steam generation module 4 with the steam output portion 32. Specifically, the gas-liquid separation module 5 is configured to receive the steam generated by the steam generation module 4, perform gas-liquid separation, and then transmit it to the steam output portion 32. As can be appreciated, the water content of the steam obtained after gas-liquid separation is significantly reduced. The steam separated by the gas-liquid separation module 5 is configured to be transmitted to the steam spray holes 3211 through the steam channel 321. The steam is then sprayed onto the working surface through the steam spray holes 3211, effectively reducing the content of liquefied condensed water in the steam.

[0044] Furthermore, the gas-liquid separation module 5 has at least two regions of different cross-sectional areas arranged along the direction of steam flow, and the cross-sectional area of the region located upstream of the steam flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the region located downstream of the steam flow path. Based on Bernoulli's principle, when a fluid flows from a region with a smaller cross-sectional area into a region with a larger cross-sectional area, the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture will decrease. The mixture can stay in the region with a larger cross-sectional area for a certain period of time and achieve gas-liquid separation under the action of gravity. This thereby improves the gas-liquid separation effect. The cross-sectional area of the internal chamber of the gas-liquid separation module 5 of the present disclosure is suddenly enlarged, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0045] The present disclosure utilizes a gas-liquid separation module 5, which separates the steam generated by the steam generation module 4 into a gas-liquid separation module 5 before delivering it to the steam output unit 32. This significantly reduces the liquid content of the steam ejected from the steam output unit 32. During the cleaning process, the steam output unit 32 can spray steam onto the work surface, thereby enhancing the cleaning and sterilization effect. Due to the low liquid content in the steam, liquefied dripping is effectively avoided, allowing the cleaned work surface to dry quickly and with minimal residual water marks, thereby improving the user experience.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 1 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The floor brush assembly further includes a clean water tank 7 provided on the floor brush housing 1. The clean water tank 7 can store clean water or cleaning liquid, which can at least supply liquid to the roller brush 2 and the steam generating module 4. Figure 5As shown, the gas-liquid separation module 5 and the roller brush cover assembly 3 are configured to be fixedly connected to the clean water tank 7. The gas-liquid separation module 5 is configured to be detachably connected to the floor brush housing 1 together with the clean water tank 7 and the roller brush cover assembly 3. Specifically, the gas-liquid separation module 5 and the roller brush cover assembly 3 can be fixed to the clean water tank 7 by means of screws, ultrasonic welding, snap fastening, or interference fastening, thereby forming an integrated structure of the three components. This integrated structure can be detachably connected to the floor brush housing 1, and the user can manually disassemble it to manually refill the clean water tank 7 and manually clean the roller brush cover assembly 3 and the gas-liquid separation module 5.

[0047] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas-liquid separation module 5 is constructed to be located between the clean water tank 7 and the roller brush cover body 31, the clean water tank 7 is located above the gas-liquid separation module 5, the roller brush cover body 31 is located below part of the gas-liquid separation module 5, and the gas-liquid separation module 5 is at least partially clamped between the clean water tank 7 and the roller brush cover body 31. Figure 4 As shown, a first receiving groove 311 is provided on the top of the roller brush cover body 31. Figure 7 As shown, the bottom of the gas-liquid separation module 5 has a first mating portion 511 that extends into the first receiving groove 311. The first mating portion 511 can be a stepped structure formed by the bottom of the gas-liquid separation module housing 51. When the gas-liquid separation module 5 and the roller brush cover assembly 3 are respectively fixedly connected to the clean water tank 7, the first mating portion 511 is accommodated in the first receiving groove 311, thereby optimizing the component layout of the cleaning device and improving the compactness of the assembly between the roller brush cover body 31 and the gas-liquid separation module 5.

[0048] There may be an assembly gap between the first mating portion 511 and the first receiving groove 311, so that the gas-liquid separation module 5 can have a certain degree of freedom of movement relative to the roller brush cover body 31. When the user installs the overall structure consisting of the clean water tank 7, the roller brush cover assembly 3 and the gas-liquid separation module 5 on the floor brush housing 1, in addition to installing the structure in place, it is also necessary to ensure that the gas-liquid separation module 5 can be accurately docked to the steam generation module 4. The gas-liquid separation module 5 of this embodiment has a certain degree of freedom of movement, which facilitates the installation of the interface of the gas-liquid separation module 5 and the corresponding steam interface, thereby reducing the installation accuracy requirements, and the user can complete the docking and installation simply and quickly.

[0049] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 8A second receiving groove 512 is provided at the top of the housing 51 of the gas-liquid separation module 5, and an assembly groove adapted to the upper portion of the housing 51 and a second mating portion located within the assembly groove may be provided at the bottom of the clean water tank 7. When the gas-liquid separation module 5 and the roller brush cover assembly 3 are respectively fixedly connected to the clean water tank 7, the upper portion of the housing 51 is accommodated in the assembly groove, and the second mating portion is accommodated in the second receiving groove 512, thereby optimizing the component layout of the cleaning device and improving the compactness of the assembly between the roller brush cover body 31 and the gas-liquid separation module 5.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The steam generation module 4 includes a liquid inlet 43 and an exhaust valve 41, which are arranged adjacent to each other. The liquid inlet 43 is used to communicate with the clean water tank 7, and the exhaust valve 41 is used to communicate with the gas-liquid separation module 5. When the user installs the entire assembly consisting of the clean water tank 7, the roller brush cover assembly 3, and the gas-liquid separation module 5, the clean water tank 7 needs to be docked to the liquid inlet 43, and the gas-liquid separation module 5 needs to be docked to the exhaust valve 41. The present disclosure arranges the liquid inlet 43 and the exhaust valve 41 adjacent to each other, which improves the compactness of the two and facilitates the user's docking operation.

[0051] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 A liquid injection portion 71 is provided at the bottom of the clean water tank 7 , and the liquid injection portion 71 may protrude relative to the bottom surface of the clean water tank 7 , so as to be connected to the liquid inlet 43 to supply liquid to the steam generation module 4 .

[0052] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the gas-liquid separation module 5 is provided with a docking portion 54, and a push member 541 is provided in the docking portion 54. During the installation process of the gas-liquid separation module 5, the exhaust valve 41 is constructed to extend into the docking portion 54 so that the push member 541 opens the exhaust valve 41. The docking portion 54 can be an inverted funnel-shaped opening formed by the outer shell 51. During the installation process, the flared inclined surface of the docking portion 54 can play a guiding role, thereby facilitating the upwardly protruding exhaust valve 41 to accurately extend into the docking portion 54. A sealing member 42 is provided outside the exhaust valve 41. The sealing member 42 can be a silicone sealing ring that is sleeved on the exhaust valve 41. After the exhaust valve 41 is inserted into the docking portion 54, the sealing member 42 can cooperate with the flared inclined surface of the docking portion 54 to form an airtight structure, thereby preventing the steam output by the exhaust valve 41 from leaking.

[0053] like Figure 3As shown, the exhaust valve 41 includes a valve core 411 and an elastic member 412 pre-pressed under the valve core 411. In a natural state, the valve core 411 can have a tendency to move upward under the elastic force of the elastic member 412, thereby sealing the steam in the heating chamber 40. After the exhaust valve 41 is extended into the docking portion 54, a push-button member 541 provided on the top inner wall of the outer shell 51 and extending downward can push the valve core 411 and make it move downward, thereby opening the exhaust valve 41; the elastic member 412 is compressed and deformed during this process, and the steam can flow into the gas-liquid separation module 5 under the action of the air pressure in the heating chamber 40. When the gas-liquid separation module 5 is detached from the floor brush housing 1 together with the clean water tank 7 and the roller brush cover assembly 3, the push-button member 541 is separated from the valve core 411, and the valve core 411 is reset under the elastic force of the elastic member 412, thereby closing the exhaust valve 41 and preventing steam from overflowing and scalding the user.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the steam generating module 4 is configured to be arranged in the floor brush housing 1, and the liquid inlet 43 and the exhaust valve 41 are configured to be exposed through the top surface of the floor brush housing 1. The liquid inlet 43 and the exhaust valve 41 can be arranged in the axial direction of the roller brush 2, relative to which, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the liquid injection portion 71 and the docking portion 54, which are used to dock with the liquid inlet 43 and the exhaust valve 41 respectively, are also arranged in the direction of the axis of the roller brush 2. When the entire structure consisting of the clean water tank 7, the roller brush cover assembly 3, and the gas-liquid separation module 5 is installed on the floor brush housing 1, the liquid injection portion 71 and the liquid inlet 43, and the docking portion 54 and the exhaust valve 41 can be docked simultaneously, thereby simplifying the installation process and improving the user experience.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 7 The gas-liquid separation module 5 includes a shell 51, and the shell 51 can be formed by buckling an upper cover and a lower cover. A channel cavity 501 and a separation cavity 502 that are interconnected are provided in the shell 51, wherein the channel cavity 501 is connected to the steam generating module 4, and the separation cavity 502 is connected to the steam output portion 32. The steam generated by the steam generating module 4 is configured to enter the steam output portion 32 through the channel cavity 501 and the separation cavity 502 in sequence. The steam generating module 4 is connected to the channel cavity 501 through the docking portion 54. Since there is a large air pressure in the steam generating module 4, the gas-liquid mixture can naturally flow toward the separation cavity 502 after entering the channel cavity 501 (refer to Figure 7 view direction, i.e. flow from right to left).

[0056] The cross-sectional area of the separation chamber 502 along the direction perpendicular to the steam flow is constructed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the channel chamber 501 along the direction perpendicular to the steam flow. Based on Bernoulli's principle, when the fluid flows from the channel chamber 501 with a smaller cross-sectional area into the separation chamber 502 with a larger cross-sectional area, the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture will decrease. In the separation chamber 502, the liquid phase in the low-speed fluid will be separated to the bottom of the separation chamber 502 under the action of gravity, while the steam will continue to flow in the upper position of the separation chamber 502. The flow rate difference between the gas and liquid phases is obvious, thereby achieving gas-liquid separation. The cross-sectional area of the internal chamber of the gas-liquid separation module 5 of the present invention is suddenly expanded, thereby improving the effect of gas-liquid separation.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 10 , the axial direction of the channel cavity 501 is recorded as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and located in the same horizontal plane is recorded as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the gas-liquid separation module 5 is recorded as the Z-axis direction; the separation cavity 502 is constructed so that the size in the Y-axis direction is larger than the size of the channel cavity 501 in the Y-axis direction; and / or, the separation cavity 502 is constructed so that the size in the Z-axis direction is larger than the size of the channel cavity 501 in the Z-axis direction. It can be understood that the cross-sectional area of the channel cavity 501 and the separation cavity 502 is the cross-sectional area on the YZ plane, and the size of the separation cavity 502 in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions is larger than that of the channel cavity 501. In this way, the separation cavity 502 has a larger cross-sectional area than the channel cavity 501, so as to significantly reduce the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the separation cavity 502 and improve the effect of gas-liquid separation.

[0058] Furthermore, the volume of the separation chamber 502 can be larger than that of the channel chamber 501, allowing the gas-liquid mixture to remain in the separation chamber 502 for a longer period of time, thereby ensuring effective gas-liquid separation. The gas-liquid mixture entering the separation chamber 502 does not flow into the steam output portion 32 before separation is complete, but is fully separated within the separation chamber 502, thereby reducing the liquid content in the steam. The cleaned work surface can dry quickly and is less likely to retain water marks.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 8 and Figure 10 The gas-liquid separation module 5 is provided with an outlet 52 on the wall of the separation chamber 502 for discharging steam. The outlet 52 is used to communicate with the steam channel 321, thereby transporting the steam obtained from gas-liquid separation to the injection element 322 through the steam channel 321. A pipe joint for connecting to the steam channel 321 can be provided on the housing 51 at a position corresponding to the outlet 52. The steam channel 321 can be sleeved onto the pipe joint to form a strong and secure gas connection.

[0060] like Figure 10As shown, the gas outlet 52 is staggered with respect to the channel cavity 501 in the extension direction (X-axis direction) of the channel cavity 501. In this embodiment, the center of the docking portion 54 is located on the axis of the channel cavity 501, that is, the gas outlet 52 is located at a position offset from the docking portion 54. The gas outlet 52 does not directly face the channel cavity 501, and the gas-liquid mixture from the channel cavity 501 does not directly flow to the gas outlet 52. Instead, it needs to stay in the separation cavity 502 for a period of time to be fully separated before flowing to the gas outlet 52, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 As shown, the side wall of the housing 51 provided with the air outlet 52 is constructed as an arc surface. The fluid in the separation chamber 502 can bend along the wall when reaching the arc surface, thereby achieving a cyclonic separation effect in the separation chamber 502, thereby improving the gas-liquid separation effect. Specifically, the separation chamber 502 and the channel chamber 501 share the same side wall extending straight along the X-axis direction in the Y-axis direction, referring to Figure 10 The arc-shaped side wall with the air outlet 52 is connected to the side wall extending straight along the X-axis direction, and the air outlet 52 is arranged away from the straight extending side wall in the Y-axis direction, thereby forming the above-mentioned cyclone separation effect in the separation chamber 502.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 7 A barrier 57 is provided in the separation chamber 502 adjacent to the channel chamber 501. The barrier 57 is located in the X-axis direction of the channel chamber 501; in the Z- and Y-axis directions, the dimensions of the barrier 57 are configured to be no smaller than the dimensions of the channel chamber 501. At least a portion of the gas-liquid mixture flowing from the channel chamber 501 into the separation chamber 502 can pass through the barrier 57. Because the area of the barrier 57 is no smaller than the area of the opening of the channel chamber 501 toward the separation chamber 502, the barrier 57 can block the fluid flowing into the separation chamber 502. The barrier 57 can reduce the flow rate of the fluid, thereby blocking a portion of the liquid mixed in the vapor. The liquid can condense into droplets on the barrier 57 and naturally drip down the barrier 57 into the separation chamber 502.

[0063] Preferably, the blocking portion 57 can be provided on the top inner wall of the housing 51. The blocking portion 57 can be a baffle extending downward, and its lower end can extend to a position exceeding the horizontal plane of the bottom wall of the channel cavity 501. It is understood that the gas-liquid mixture will basically float in the upper position of the chamber, so arranging the blocking portion 57 on the top wall can improve the blocking effect. Figure 7As shown, the bottom wall of the separation chamber 502 is lower than the bottom wall of the channel chamber 501. After the gas-liquid mixture flowing along the channel chamber 501 enters the separation chamber 502, part of the gas-liquid mixture concentrated in the upper position will be intercepted by the blocking portion 57, thereby separating part of the liquid mixed in the steam. Although the gas-liquid mixture diffused to the lower position will not be intercepted by the blocking portion 57, its flow path is lengthened because it bypasses the blocking portion 57, thereby increasing the residence time in the separation chamber 502 and helping to achieve sufficient separation.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A drain port 53 is provided at the bottom of the separation chamber 502, and an automatic drain device is provided in the separation chamber 502, which includes a sealing member for sealing the drain port 53. The automatic drain device can detect the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 by means of a float, a liquid level sensor, etc. When the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 rises to a first liquid level threshold, the sealing member is configured to disengage from the drain port 53 to drain the liquid. Specifically, too much liquid cannot accumulate in the separation chamber 502, but needs to be drained in time to prevent the liquid from flowing into the steam output part 32. When the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 drops to a second liquid level threshold, the sealing member is configured to seal the drain port 53. Specifically, the drain port 53 needs to be sealed in time after draining, otherwise the separation chamber 502 will be depressurized, which is not conducive to continuing gas-liquid separation.

[0065] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figures 7 to 9 The blocking member is a floating member 55, which can be in various shapes such as a cylinder or a sphere, and the present disclosure does not limit this. Preferably, Figure 8 As shown, the floating member 55 is a sphere. The spherical floating member 55 can be located on the drain port 53 and can open the drain port 53 by only slightly floating up. In addition, the spherical floating member 55 has a large mass and its spherical shape can prevent the floating member 55 from being blown up by steam turbulence, thereby preventing the drain port 53 from being opened and pressure released due to being blown up before the liquid in the separation chamber 502 accumulates, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0066] The cleaning equipment can selectively enter steam mode or non-steam mode. In non-steam mode or non-working state, the separation chamber 502 is in a static state. When the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 drops to the second liquid level threshold, the gravity of the spherical floating member 55 and the buoyancy provided by the residual water reach a balance, thereby sealing the drain port 53. However, at this time, condensed water will still remain in the separation chamber 502, and the residual amount of condensed water matches the gravity of the floating member 55.

[0067] When the cleaning device is in steam mode, the edge of drain port 53 and spherical float 55 form a line contact seal. Under the action of steam pressure, the pressure area of spherical float 55 is smaller than that of liquid water, resulting in a pressure less than the water pressure under the same conditions. The tension of condensed water at the line contact location is broken by the steam pressure. This prevents condensed water from draining out of the line contact location due to water surface tension, even in non-steam modes. However, in steam mode, condensed water can be drained through the line contact gap due to steam pressure. Furthermore, due to the buoyancy of spherical float 55, even when the condensed water level drops below the second liquid level threshold of separation chamber 502 in non-steam mode or non-operating conditions, float 55 does not yet block drain port 53, allowing condensed water to continue draining from drain port 53 and the water level to continue to drop. As the liquid level of the condensed water decreases, the buoyancy of the floating member 55 decreases. Under the action of steam, when the gravity and buoyancy of the floating member 55 reach a dynamic balance, sealing is achieved, thereby ensuring that in the steam working mode, the steam pressure is used to reduce the amount of residual water in the separation chamber 502 when the drain port 53 is sealed.

[0068] The automatic liquid drainage device also includes a float chamber 56, which is positioned along the floating path of the float member 55. At least a portion of the float member 55 is confined within the float chamber 56. The float chamber 56 restricts the float member 55 to vertical movement, preventing it from drifting with the fluid to other locations within the separation chamber 502. Furthermore, even when inverted (such as during factory transportation of the cleaning equipment), the float member 55 remains confined within the float chamber 56, preventing it from deviating from the drain port 53 and causing pressure loss.

[0069] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 7 and Figure 11 The top wall of the separation chamber 502 is provided with a downwardly extending limiter 58. The limiter 58 is configured to be located above the floating member 55, that is, on the floating path of the floating member 55. The floating member 55 has a maximum floating height under the limiting action of the limiter 58. The limiter 58 can be a column provided on the inner wall of the upper cover. When the floating member 55 floats and hits the limiter 58, the floating member 55 cannot float further, thereby achieving height limitation. Specifically, the floating height of the floating member 55 is 2-4.5 mm. Under the action of the limiter 58, the floating member 55 will not float to an excessively high position.

[0070] The limiting portion 58 and the floating chamber 56 jointly limit the range of movement of the floating member 55, thereby ensuring that the floating member 55 can float up and drain the liquid in time when the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 reaches the first liquid level threshold, and can remain in the position of blocking the drain port 53 when the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 drops to the second liquid level threshold. During the cleaning process of the cleaning equipment, the floating member 55 may be driven to shake together, but the floating member 55 will not move to the position of being away from the drain port 53 during this process, thereby avoiding pressure relief.

[0071] The present disclosure does not limit the specific arrangement of the floating cavity 56. As mentioned above, the housing 51 can be formed by buckling the upper cover and the lower cover. Figures 7 to 9 The floating cavity 56 can be provided on the upper cover and extend downward from the inner wall of the upper cover. In this embodiment, the limiting portion 58 can be located in the floating cavity 56. Figure 7 As shown, the diameter of the float cavity 56 is slightly larger than the diameter of the floating member 55, so that the floating member 55 will not get stuck in the float cavity 56 and can move up and down within the float cavity 56. The float cavity 56 extends downward beyond the stop portion 58, and the sidewall of the float cavity 56 at least partially covers the floating member 55. As a result, the floating member 55 is limited in the circumferential direction by the float cavity 56 and in the vertical direction by the stop portion 58 located within the float cavity 56.

[0072] refer to Figures 11 to 13 The floating cavity 56 can also be provided in the lower cover and extend upward from the inner wall of the lower cover. In this embodiment, the drain port 53 can be located at the center of the floating cavity 56. Figure 11 As shown, the diameter of the floating cavity 56 is slightly larger than the diameter of the floating member 55, so that the floating member 55 will not get stuck in the floating cavity 56 and can move up and down in the floating cavity 56. The stopper 58 can extend downward to extend into the floating cavity 56, or be flush with the upper opening of the floating cavity 56, or slightly higher than the upper opening of the floating cavity 56, thereby preventing the floating member 55 from falling out of the floating cavity 56.

[0073] It is understood that in the separation chamber 502, the separated steam will float at the upper position, while the liquid will drip to the bottom. Based on this, as shown in Figures 7 to 8, Figure 9 As shown, when the floating chamber 56 is provided on the upper cover, the side wall of the floating chamber 56 is constructed to have a gap with the inner wall of the separation chamber 502, thereby preventing the floating chamber 56 from forming a dead angle of airflow with the side wall of the separation chamber 502, and allowing steam to bypass the floating chamber 56 through the gap, thereby avoiding air entrapment in the separation chamber 502 and preventing cyclone separation from being hindered in the separation chamber 502.

[0074] like Figures 11 to 13As shown, when the float chamber 56 is disposed on the lower cover, an opening 562 is provided on at least one side of the float chamber 56. Liquid dripping onto the bottom wall of the separation chamber 502 can flow through the opening 562 to the drain port 53 located within the float chamber 56. Without the opening 562, a large amount of liquid would be unable to enter the float chamber 56 and, consequently, be unable to be drained through the drain port 53, resulting in excessive liquid accumulation within the separation chamber 502.

[0075] In a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 9 and Figure 12 , spoiler ribs 561 are provided on the inner wall of the floating chamber 56. A plurality of spoiler ribs 561 can be provided, and the plurality of spoiler ribs 561 are distributed on the inner wall along the circumferential direction of the floating chamber 56. The spoiler ribs 561 can extend in the vertical direction, or can be constructed into other shapes such as wavy shapes or curved shapes. When the air flow or gas-liquid mixed fluid passes through the floating member 55, the floating member 55 may be blown up before the liquid level in the separation chamber 502 reaches the first liquid level threshold, resulting in pressure relief. This embodiment reduces the impact of the fluid on the floating member 55 by providing a plurality of spoiler ribs 561 on the inner wall of the floating chamber 56.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a drainage member is further provided on the floor brush housing 1, and the drainage member is interference-fitted with the roller brush 2, such as Figure 2 As shown, the drainage member can be a water spray plate 6 arranged on the rear side of the roller brush 2 on the floor brush housing 1. The water spray plate 6 can be connected to the clean water tank 7 to wet the roller brush 2. The water spray plate 6 has an interference fit with the roller brush 2. In addition to facilitating the wetting effect, the water spray plate 6 can also act as a scraper. As the roller brush 2 rotates, the water spray plate 6 can scrape the roller brush 2 and scrape off the dirt carried by the roller brush 2, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sewage suction port 8 is located below the water spray plate 6, so the dirt scraped off can be directly sucked away by the sewage suction port 8 without falling to the ground. In other embodiments, the water spray plate 6 does not directly contact the roller brush 2, but directly contacts the roller brush 2 through a wiper provided below the water spray plate 6. Liquid dripping onto the top of the water spray plate 6 can be directed by the water spray plate 6 to the wiper in contact with the roller brush 2.

[0077] Continue to refer Figure 2, a drainage channel 312 is provided on the roller brush cover body 31, and the drainage channel 312 is constructed to connect the drainage port 53 and the drainage piece. It should be noted that the "connection" here is not limited to a structure that is docked with each other. As long as there is a liquid passage between the drainage port 53, the drainage channel 312, and the drainage piece, it can be understood that the drainage channel 312 connects the drainage port 53 and the drainage piece. For example: there may be a gap between the drainage channel 312 and the drainage port 53, and the drainage channel 312 is located below the drainage port 53, and the liquid flowing out of the drainage port 53 can flow into the drainage channel 312 under the action of gravity. Of course, the drainage port 53, the drainage channel 312, and the drainage piece can also be connected together in sequence by means of pipeline docking. The liquid separated by the gas-liquid separation module 5 is configured to flow to the roller brush 2 through the drainage port 53, the drainage channel 312, and the drainage piece in sequence. The liquid exiting the drain port 53 is the liquid separated by the gas-liquid separation module 5. This liquid can be directed to the spray plate 6, where it flows to the roller brush 2, thereby preventing it from dripping onto the ground and forming residual water stains. In other embodiments, the spray plate 6 does not directly contact the roller brush 2, but rather directly contacts the roller brush 2 via a wiper disposed below the spray plate 6. Liquid discharged from the separation chamber 502 flows through the drain channel 312 to the spray plate 6, where it is then directed to the wiper in contact with the roller brush 2, and then to the roller brush 2 by the wiper.

[0078] During the operation of the cleaning device, steam will be ejected from the jet element 322 located at the front side of the roller brush 2, and part of the steam will flow along the gap between the roller brush 2 and the roller brush cover body 31 (refer to Figure 1 The steam flows in a clockwise direction and is sucked away by the sewage suction port 8, which reduces the amount of steam sprayed on the ground and causes a certain amount of waste. Figure 2 and Figure 5 A steam baffle 33 is disposed inside the roller brush cover body 31. It extends from the roller brush cover body 31 to form an interference fit with the roller brush 2. The steam baffle 33 can be made of a flexible material such as silicone or rubber, allowing it to rest against the roller brush 2 without creating a rigid barrier to its rotation. Steam is blocked at the steam baffle 33 and prevented from continuing its clockwise flow. Consequently, it is not drawn away by the suction port 8, thereby increasing the amount of steam sprayed onto the ground and preventing steam waste.

[0079] Application Scenario

[0080] In a household cleaning scenario, the cleaning device is a steam floor scrubber. The steam floor scrubber includes a floor brush assembly, which comprises a floor brush housing 1, a roller brush 2, a roller brush cover assembly 3, a steam generating module 4, and a gas-liquid separation module 5. The gas-liquid separation module 5 has a housing 51 within which are interconnected channel cavities 501 and separation cavities 502.

[0081] During operation of the steam scrubber, steam generated by the steam generation module 4 enters the gas-liquid separation module 5 through the exhaust valve 41 and the docking portion 54. The steam generation module 4 is connected to the channel cavity 501 via the docking portion 54. Due to the high pressure within the steam generation module 4, the gas-liquid mixture naturally flows toward the separation cavity 502 after entering the channel cavity 501. The cross-sectional area of the separation cavity 502, perpendicular to the direction of steam flow, is configured to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the channel cavity 501, perpendicular to the direction of steam flow. As fluid flows from the smaller cross-sectional area of the channel cavity 501 into the larger cross-sectional area of the separation cavity 502, the flow rate of the gas-liquid mixture decreases, and the gas-liquid mixture remains within the separation cavity 502 for a certain period of time, thereby enhancing the gas-liquid separation effect.

[0082] The gas-liquid separation module 5 is provided with an outlet 52 for discharging steam on the wall of the separation chamber 502. The outlet 52 is used to communicate with the steam channel 321, thereby transporting the steam obtained by gas-liquid separation to the injection element 322 through the steam channel 321. The injection element 322 is provided with a plurality of steam injection holes 3211, which are directed toward the working surface.

[0083] The present disclosure utilizes a gas-liquid separation module 5, which separates the steam generated by the steam generation module 4 into a gas-liquid separation module 5 before delivering it to the steam output unit 32. This significantly reduces the liquid content of the steam ejected from the steam output unit 32. During the cleaning process, the steam output unit 32 can spray steam onto the work surface, thereby enhancing the cleaning and sterilization effect. Due to the low liquid content in the steam, liquefied dripping is effectively avoided, allowing the cleaned work surface to dry quickly and with minimal residual water marks, thereby improving the user experience.

[0084] A drain port 53 is provided at the bottom of the separation chamber 502. A spherical floating member 55 for sealing the drain port 53 and a floating cavity 56 are provided in the separation chamber 502 on the floating path of the floating member 55. At least part of the floating member 55 is confined in the floating cavity 56. The floating cavity 56 restricts the floating member 55 from moving up and down in the vertical direction, and does not drift to other positions in the separation chamber 502 with the fluid.

[0085] When the liquid level in separation chamber 502 rises to a first threshold, float 55 disengages from drain port 53, allowing for timely liquid drainage and preventing excessive accumulation of liquid in separation chamber 502. When the liquid level in separation chamber 502 drops to a second threshold, float 55 seals drain port 53 to prevent pressure release in separation chamber 502. The present disclosure achieves both automatic drainage and a watertight seal by providing float 55.

[0086] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. The above description is exemplary, not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or technical improvements in the marketplace, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, comprising a floor brush assembly, the floor brush assembly comprising: Floor brush housing (1); A roller brush (2), the roller brush (2) being rotatably connected to the floor brush housing (1) and being configured to clean a working surface; A roller brush cover assembly (3) comprises a roller brush cover body (31) and a steam output portion (32), wherein the roller brush cover body (31) and the floor brush housing (1) enclose a roller brush cavity (310) for cooperating with the roller brush (2); the steam output portion (32) is arranged on the roller brush cover body (31) and is configured to provide steam to a working surface; A steam unit comprising a steam generating module (4) for delivering steam to a steam output (32), The invention is characterized in that the steam unit further comprises a gas-liquid separation module (5), wherein the gas-liquid separation module (5) is configured to receive the steam generated by the steam generation module (4), perform gas-liquid separation, and then transport the steam to the steam output portion (32), wherein the gas-liquid separation module (5) has at least two regions with different cross-sectional areas arranged along the steam flow direction, and the cross-sectional area of the region located upstream of the steam flow path is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the region located downstream of the steam flow path.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas-liquid separation module (5) comprises a channel cavity (501) and a separation cavity (502) that are interconnected; the steam generated by the steam generation module (4) is configured to enter the steam output portion (32) through the channel cavity (501) and the separation cavity (502) in sequence; wherein the cross-sectional area of the separation cavity (502) along a direction perpendicular to the steam flow is constructed to be larger than the cross-sectional area of the channel cavity (501) along a direction perpendicular to the steam flow.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The axial direction of the channel cavity (501) is recorded as the X-axis direction, the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and located in the same horizontal plane is recorded as the Y-axis direction, and the thickness direction of the gas-liquid separation module (5) is recorded as the Z-axis direction; the separation cavity (502) is constructed so that the size in the Y-axis direction is larger than the size of the channel cavity (501) in the Y-axis direction; And / or, the separation chamber (502) is constructed to have a size in the Z-axis direction that is larger than a size of the channel chamber (501) in the Z-axis direction.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 3, characterized in that A blocking portion (57) is provided in the separation chamber (502) adjacent to the channel chamber (501), and the size of the blocking portion (57) in the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is constructed to be no smaller than the size of the channel chamber (501).

5. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that The gas-liquid separation module (5) is provided with an air outlet (52) for discharging steam on the wall surface of the separation cavity (502), and the air outlet (52) is staggered with the channel cavity (501) in the extension direction of the channel cavity (501).

6. The cleaning device according to claim 2, characterized in that A liquid discharge port (53) is provided at the bottom of the separation chamber (502), and an automatic liquid discharge device is provided in the separation chamber (502); the automatic liquid discharge device comprises a sealing member for sealing the liquid discharge port (53).

7. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that The blocking member is a floating member (55), and the automatic liquid discharge device further comprises a floating cavity (56). The floating cavity (56) is arranged on a floating path of the floating member (55), and at least a portion of the floating member (55) is constructed to be confined within the floating cavity (56).

8. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that The side wall of the floating cavity (56) is constructed to have a gap with the inner wall of the separation cavity (502), and / or, a spoiler rib (561) is provided on the inner wall of the floating cavity (56), and / or, the floating member (55) is constructed as a sphere.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that The top wall of the separation chamber (502) is provided with a downwardly extending limiting portion (58), and the limiting portion (58) is located above the floating member (55).

10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, characterized in that The floating height of the floating member (55) is 2-4.5 mm.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 6, characterized in that The floor brush housing (1) is further provided with a drainage piece, which is interference-fitted with the roller brush (2); the roller brush cover body (31) is provided with a drainage channel (312), which is configured to communicate with the drainage port (53) and the drainage piece; the liquid separated by the gas-liquid separation module (5) is configured to flow to the roller brush (2) through the drainage port (53), the drainage channel (312), and the drainage piece in sequence.

12. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The floor brush assembly further comprises a clean water tank (7) arranged on the floor brush housing (1); the gas-liquid separation module (5) and the roller brush cover assembly (3) are configured to be connected to the clean water tank (7); the gas-liquid separation module (5) is configured to be detachably connected to the floor brush housing (1) together with the clean water tank (7) and the roller brush cover assembly (3).

13. The cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that The gas-liquid separation module (5) is constructed to be located between the clean water tank (7) and the roller brush cover body (31); a first receiving groove (311) is provided on the top of the roller brush cover body (31); the bottom of the gas-liquid separation module (5) has a first matching portion (511) extending into the first receiving groove (311); and an assembly gap is provided between the first matching portion (511) and the first receiving groove (311).

14. The cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that The steam generation module (4) comprises a liquid inlet (43) and an exhaust valve (41) arranged adjacent to each other; the liquid inlet (43) is used to communicate with the clean water tank (7), and the exhaust valve (41) is used to communicate with the gas-liquid separation module (5); the steam generation module (4) is configured to be arranged in the floor brush housing (1).

15. The cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam output portion (32) comprises a steam channel (321) located in the roller brush cover body (31), and a jet element (322) provided with at least two steam jet holes (3221), wherein the steam jet holes (3221) are configured to face the working surface.

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