Cleaning device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cleaning device which comprises a cleaning main machine, a water pump, a steam generator and a removable clean water tank, and the steam generator is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet; the fluid output path is used for fluid communication between the exterior of the cleaning device and the clean water tank, and the water pump and the steam generator are arranged on the fluid output path; and the liquid backflow device is connected among the clear water tank, the water pump and the steam generator, and the liquid backflow device is constructed to be capable of extracting liquid from the fluid output path by means of the water pump and sending the liquid back into the clear water tank. According to the cleaning device, the liquid backflow device is arranged, so that the liquid staying in the fluid output path can be pumped back into the clear water tank, the situation that steam is output together with too much water in the cleaning device is avoided, and the cleaning effect of the steam is guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of surface cleaning technology, and in particular to a cleaning apparatus capable of using steam as a cleaning medium. Background Technology

[0002] Household steam cleaning equipment, such as handheld steam cleaners, steam mops, and suction steam cleaners, is suitable for cleaning various surfaces in the home, such as kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and furniture. They typically come with a small water tank, generate steam through electric heating, and spray it onto the surface to be cleaned through nozzles. Because steam can penetrate deep into surface crevices and pores, it removes stubborn stains that ordinary cleaning methods cannot remove, making it especially suitable for surfaces with stubborn substances such as oil, grime, and mold. Furthermore, suction steam cleaners that integrate suction and steam sterilization functions not only spray steam outwards but also collect debris and dirt from the outside into the device and temporarily store it in a collection tank, resulting in even better cleaning results.

[0003] When a steam cleaning device is turned off or its operating mode is switched, any water or steam that was not output will remain in the fluid output line. When the steam cleaning device is used again, at the point where steam is output, this water or condensed water from the fluid output line will be output along with the steam to the target surface. This water not only affects the output temperature of the steam, but it can also easily drip directly onto the target surface, contaminating it. If the operator is only using steam to sterilize the target surface, this water will greatly affect the sterilization effect, thus impacting the operator's user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, the purpose of this application is to provide a cleaning device that does not carry water with it when outputting steam.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a cleaning device comprising: a cleaning unit including a water pump, a steam generator, and a removable clean water tank, the steam generator having a water inlet and a steam outlet; a fluid output path for fluid communication between the exterior of the cleaning device and the clean water tank, the water pump and the steam generator being arranged on the fluid output path; and a liquid return device connected between the clean water tank, the water pump, and the steam generator, the liquid return device being configured to draw liquid from the fluid output path by means of the water pump and return it to the clean water tank.

[0006] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the liquid reflux device includes a multi-way valve and a reflux pipe. The multi-way valve has a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port. The first port is in fluid communication with the clean water tank through an outlet pipe. The second port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the steam generator. The third port is in fluid communication with the clean water tank through a reflux pipe. The fourth port is in communication with the inlet of the water pump. The fifth port is in communication with the outlet of the water pump. The first port can be selectively closed or connected to the fourth port. The second port can be selectively connected to either the fourth or the fifth port. The third port can be selectively closed or connected to the fifth port.

[0007] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the liquid reflux device includes: a three-way connector, the liquid outlet pipe and the reflux pipe are both connected to the three-way connector, and the three-way connector is in fluid communication with the clean water tank through a connecting pipe.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the multi-way valve is a five-way two-position solenoid valve.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the five-way two-position solenoid valve is connected to a controller, and the controller is simultaneously connected to the water pump and the steam generator.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the cleaning host further includes a suction motor and a removable wastewater tank, the wastewater tank being configured to be fluidly connected to the suction motor, the cleaning device further includes a recovery path configured to fluidly communicate with the exterior of the cleaning device and the wastewater tank, and the controller is controlled to be connected to the suction motor.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the cleaning host is provided with a working mode selector corresponding to multiple working modes. The working mode selector is signal-connected to the controller, and the controller can control the operation of the five-way two-position solenoid valve based on the working mode currently selected by the working mode selector.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the cleaning host is configured to be supported on a surface.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the above technical solution, the cleaning device further includes: a flexible hose having a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from each other, the first end being configured to be fluidly connected to the cleaning host, the other end of the flexible hose being connected to a cleaning head tool, and both the fluid output path and the recovery path passing through the flexible hose.

[0014] In the cleaning device of this application, by setting a liquid return device, the liquid remaining in the fluid output path can be drawn back into the clean water tank, thereby preventing the cleaning device from outputting steam with too much water, thus ensuring the cleaning effect of the steam. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the cleaning device taken along the left and right directions;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the cleaning device along the front-to-back direction;

[0018] Figure 4 This application provides a schematic diagram of the fluid flow path inside a cleaning device;

[0019] Figure 5 This application provides a schematic diagram of a five-way two-position solenoid valve outputting water or steam when it is in the first working position.

[0020] Figure 6 This application provides a schematic diagram of a five-way two-position solenoid valve drawing liquid from the fluid output path back to the clean water tank when it is in the second working position.

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing another fluid reflux device configured in a cleaning device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control principle of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, achieved objectives and effects of the utility model, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0024] This application relates to a cleaning apparatus. The cleaning apparatus includes a steam generator capable of using steam as a cleaning medium. An exemplary cleaning apparatus is configured to both output steam to clean or sterilize a target surface and extract debris or dirt from the target surface and store it in a waste tank within the cleaning apparatus.

[0025] See Figure 1 The figure illustrates a schematic example of a cleaning device 100. As shown, the cleaning device 100 is configured as a horizontal cleaning device, which includes a cleaning unit 1, a flexible hose 2, and a cleaning head tool 3. The cleaning unit 1 is manually portable by the user, and the cleaning head tool 3 is attached to the flexible hose 2 and is replaceable.

[0026] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 The cleaning unit 1 can be supported on a surface and includes a body 11 with handles 111, a clean water tank 12 and a wastewater tank 13 arranged on the left and right sides of the body 11. The body 11 also has a suction motor 14, a water pump 15 and a steam generator 16 inside.

[0027] See Figure 4 The cleaning device 100 may include a fluid output path 101 and a recovery path 102. The fluid output path 101 provides fluid communication between the exterior of the cleaning device 100 and the clean water tank 12. A water pump 15 and a steam generator 16 are arranged on the fluid output path. The recovery path 102 is configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the cleaning device 100 and the wastewater tank 13. Both the fluid output path 101 and the recovery path 102 pass through a flexible hose 2.

[0028] Water or steam flowing through fluid outlet path 101 (the direction of water or steam flow is...) Figure 4 (Indicated by a hollow single arrow) can be delivered to the surface to be cleaned via the cleaning head tool 3. Debris and dirt from the surface to be cleaned (the flow direction of the debris and dirt is...) Figure 4 (Indicated by a solid single arrow) can be fed into the recycling path 102 via the cleaning head tool 3 and further pumped into the wastewater tank 13.

[0029] The cleaning device 100 may also include a liquid return device 103. The liquid return device 103 is connected between the clean water tank 12, the water pump 15, and the steam generator 16. The liquid return device 103 is configured to draw liquid from the fluid output path 101 and return it to the clean water tank 12 by means of the water pump 15.

[0030] The liquid return device 103 includes a five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 and a return pipe 61. One end of the return pipe 61 is connected to the clean water tank 12. By operating the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4, liquid can be drawn from the fluid output path 101 and returned to the clean water tank 12 by means of the water pump 15.

[0031] The five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 has a first port 41, a second port 42, a third port 43, a fourth port 44, and a fifth port 45. The first port 41 is fluidly connected to the clean water tank 12 through an outlet pipe 62; the second port 42 is connected to the inlet 161 of the steam generator 16; the third port 43 is fluidly connected to the clean water tank 12 through a return pipe 61; the fourth port 44 is connected to the inlet 151 of the water pump 15; and the fifth port 45 is connected to the outlet 152 of the water pump 15. The first port 41 can be selectively closed or connected to the fourth port 44; the second port 42 can be selectively connected to either the fourth port 44 or the fifth port 45; and the third port 43 can be selectively closed or connected to the fifth port 45.

[0032] The five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 has two operating positions. For example... Figure 5 As shown, in the first working position, the first interface 41 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, the second interface 42 and the fifth interface 45 are connected, and the third interface 43 is closed. Figure 6 As shown, in the second working position, the first interface 41 is closed, the second interface 42 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, and the third interface 43 and the fifth interface 45 are connected.

[0033] When the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 is in the first working position and the water pump 15 is started, it can satisfy the requirement of pumping water from the clean water tank 12 or steam heated by the evaporator 16 (the flow direction of water or steam is...) Figure 5 (Represented by a hollow single arrow) is transmitted to the outside world.

[0034] When the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 is in the second working position and the water pump 15 is started, it can satisfy the requirement of transferring liquid in the fluid output path 101 (the liquid flow direction is...) Figure 6 (Indicated by a hollow double arrow) It is pumped back to the clean water tank 12 via the return pipe 61.

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid reflux device 1030 includes a five-way two-position solenoid valve 40 and a reflux pipe 610, as well as a three-way connector 50. The three-way connector 50 provides a first interface end 51, a second interface end 52, and a third interface end 53. The first interface end 51 is fluidly connected to the opening 121 of the clean water tank 12 via a connecting pipe 54, and the reflux pipe 610 is fluidly connected to the third interface end 53. The outlet pipe 620 is fluidly connected to the second interface end 52. This liquid reflux device scheme, compared to... Figure 4 The liquid reflux device 103 in the design can have only a docking opening in the clean water tank 120.

[0036] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning host 1 is equipped with a working mode selector 7 corresponding to multiple working modes. The working mode selector 1 is connected to a controller signal. The controller can control the operation of the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 based on the working mode currently selected by the working mode selector 7.

[0037] like Figure 8 The diagram shows a control block diagram of the cleaning device 100 of this application. The controller 8 is simultaneously connected to the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4, the suction motor 14, the water pump 15, the steam generator 16, and the operating mode selector 7.

[0038] The multiple working modes corresponding to the working mode selector 7 may include: steam suction mode, ambient temperature water suction mode, and steam cleaning mode.

[0039] When the working mode selector 7 selects the steam suction mode, the controller 8 will control the suction motor 14, water pump 15 and steam generator 16 to be powered on and put into operation.

[0040] When the working mode selector 7 selects the normal temperature water suction mode, the controller 8 will control the suction motor 14 and water pump 15 to be powered on, while the steam generator 16 will not be powered on.

[0041] When the working mode selector 7 selects the steam cleaning mode, the controller 8 will control the water pump 15 and the steam generator 16 to be powered on, while the suction motor 14 will not be powered on.

[0042] If the user switches from the ambient temperature water suction mode to the steam cleaning mode using the operating mode selector 7, the operating mode selector 7 will briefly switch the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 to the second working position and start the water pump 15 for a few seconds until all the liquid in the fluid output path 101 is sent back to the clean water tank 12. Then, the water pump 15 and the steam generator 16 will be powered on so that the cleaning device operates in the steam cleaning mode.

[0043] If the user has just used the cleaning device 100 and selected the steam cleaning mode using the working mode selector 7, the working mode selector 7 will also briefly switch the five-way two-position solenoid valve 4 to the second working position and start the water pump 15 for a few seconds until all the liquid in the fluid output path 101 is sent back to the clean water tank 12. Then, the water pump 15 and the steam generator 16 will be powered on to make the cleaning device operate in the steam cleaning mode.

[0044] In the above technical solution, the five-way two-position solenoid valve allows the water pump to both transport water from the clean water tank to the outside and pump water present in the fluid output path back into the clean water tank, thus preventing water residue in the fluid output path from affecting steam output. The aforementioned liquid reflux device solution can be used not only in suction-type cleaning devices but also in equipment that only uses steam for wiping or disinfection; there are no limitations on its application.

[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims, specification, and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cleaning device, characterized in that, The cleaning device comprises: a cleaning main body comprising a water pump, a steam generator, and a removable clean water tank, the steam generator having a water inlet and a steam outlet; a fluid output path for fluidly connecting an outside of the cleaning device with the clean water tank, the water pump and the steam generator being arranged on the fluid output path; and a liquid return device connected between the clean water tank, the water pump, and the steam generator, the liquid return device being configured to draw liquid from the fluid output path by means of the water pump and return the liquid to the clean water tank.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein, The liquid return device comprises a multi-way valve and a return pipe, the multi-way valve having a first port, a second port, a third port, a fourth port, and a fifth port, the first port being in fluid communication with the clean water tank through a liquid outlet pipe, the second port being in fluid communication with the water inlet of the steam generator, the third port being in fluid communication with the clean water tank through a return pipe, the fourth port being in fluid communication with an inlet end of the water pump, and the fifth port being in fluid communication with an outlet end of the water pump, wherein the first port is selectively closed or in communication with the fourth port, the second port is selectively in communication with the fourth port or the fifth port, and the third port is selectively closed or in communication with the fifth port.

3. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein, The liquid return device comprises a tee joint, the liquid outlet pipe and the return pipe being connected to the tee joint, and the tee joint being in fluid communication with the clean water tank through a connecting pipe.

4. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein, The multi-way valve is a five-way two-position solenoid valve.

5. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein, The five-way two-position solenoid valve is in control connection with a controller, and the controller is in control connection with the water pump and the steam generator.

6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein, The cleaning main body further comprises a suction motor and a removable dirty water tank, the dirty water tank being configured to be fluidly coupled to the suction motor, and the cleaning device further comprises a recovery path configured to fluidly connect an outside of the cleaning device with the dirty water tank, and the controller is in control connection with the suction motor.

7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein, The cleaning main body is provided with a working mode selector corresponding to a plurality of working modes, the working mode selector is in signal connection with the controller, and the controller is capable of controlling the working of the five-way two-position solenoid valve based on a working mode currently selected by the working mode selector.

8. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein, The cleaning main body is configured to be supported on a surface.

9. The cleaning device of claim 8, wherein, Further comprising: a flexible hose having a first end and a second end away from each other, the first end being configured to be fluidly coupled to the cleaning main body, and the other end of the flexible hose being connected to a cleaning head tool, the fluid output path and the recovery path both passing through the flexible hose.

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