A steamer based on a direct current pump and a control circuit thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a garment steamer based on a DC pump and its control circuit. The control circuit includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, a pump drive unit, a DC pump unit, and a heating unit. The power conversion unit is used to connect to an external AC power source and convert the AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the power input terminals of the control unit and the pump drive unit, respectively. The control unit is electrically connected to both the pump drive unit and the heating unit. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit, and the output terminal is connected to the DC pump unit to output a second DC voltage to drive the DC pump unit according to the control signal from the control unit. The DC pump unit is connected to a water tank and the heating unit to deliver water from the tank to the heating unit. This invention avoids excessive heating of the pump, ensures stable water flow, and effectively improves the ironing efficiency of the garment steamer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of garment steamer technology, and in particular to a garment steamer based on a DC pump and its control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Existing portable garment steamers use AC water pumps for water extraction and AC power supply. Unstable voltage causes unstable water flow. In addition, the frequency of voltage fluctuations in the AC water pump can cause the pump to overheat, further affecting the stability of the water flow and ultimately reducing the ironing efficiency of the portable garment steamer.

[0003] The above background information is provided only to aid in understanding the concept and technical solution of this utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed on the filing date of this patent application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model proposes a garment steamer based on a DC pump and its control circuit, which can avoid the problems of excessive water pump heating and unstable water flow, and effectively improve the ironing efficiency of the garment steamer.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, this utility model discloses a control circuit for a garment steamer based on a DC pump, comprising a power conversion unit, a control unit, a pump drive unit, a DC pump unit, and a heating unit. The power conversion unit is used to connect to an external AC power source and convert the AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the power input terminals of the control unit and the pump drive unit respectively to supply power to the control unit and the pump drive unit. The control unit is electrically connected to both the pump drive unit and the heating unit to control them respectively. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit, and its output terminal is connected to the DC pump unit to output a second DC voltage according to the control signal from the control unit to drive the DC pump unit. The DC pump unit is connected to a water tank and to the heating unit to deliver water from the water tank to the heating unit.

[0006] Preferably, the control circuit further includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the heating unit.

[0007] Preferably, the control unit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, which is used to connect to the external AC power supply to detect the zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply.

[0008] Preferably, the control unit includes an input voltage detection circuit, which is connected to the external AC power supply to detect the input voltage of the external AC power supply.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit further includes a temperature sensing unit disposed on the heating unit for detecting the temperature of the heating unit, and the temperature sensing unit is electrically connected to the control unit for sending the temperature of the heating unit to the control unit.

[0010] Preferably, the control unit further includes a safety protection component connected in series in the power supply circuit of the heating unit. The safety protection component includes a fuse, and the rated fusing temperature of the fuse is higher than the normal operating temperature of the heating unit.

[0011] Preferably, the control unit further includes a switch control element electrically connected to the control unit.

[0012] Preferably, the control unit further includes a status indicator light, which is electrically connected between the power conversion unit and the control unit.

[0013] Preferably, the DC pump unit is a DC electromagnetic water pump.

[0014] Secondly, this utility model discloses a garment steamer based on a DC pump, including a water tank and the control circuit described in the first aspect.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The garment steamer and its control circuit based on a DC pump proposed in this utility model solve the problems of high heat generation and unstable water flow caused by power supply frequency and voltage fluctuations of AC water pumps by using a DC pump unit and configuring a corresponding pump drive unit; furthermore, the stable water flow combined with the heating unit precisely controlled by the control unit synergistically achieves stable and efficient ironing steam output, thereby ultimately improving the ironing efficiency and reliability of the whole machine.

[0016] Other beneficial effects of the embodiments of this utility model will be further described below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the control circuit of a garment steamer based on a DC pump, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 10. Power conversion unit; 20. Control unit; 21. Input voltage detection circuit; 22. Zero-crossing detection circuit; 30. Pump drive unit; 40. DC pump unit; 50. Heating unit; 60. SCR unit; 70. Temperature sensing unit; 80. Safety protection components; 90. Switch control components; 100. Status indicator light; 200. External AC power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope and application of this utility model.

[0020] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component. Furthermore, a connection can be used for both fixing and circuit / signal connectivity.

[0021] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] like Figure 1As shown in the figure, a preferred embodiment of this utility model discloses a control circuit for a garment steamer based on a DC pump, including a power conversion unit 10, a control unit 20, a pump drive unit 30, a DC pump unit 40, and a heating unit 50. The power conversion unit 10 is used to connect to an external AC power supply 200 and convert the AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power conversion unit 10 is connected to the power input terminals of the control unit 20 and the pump drive unit 30 respectively to supply power to the control unit 20 and the pump drive unit 30. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the pump drive unit 30 and the heating unit 50 respectively to control the pump drive unit 30 and the heating unit 50 respectively. The controlled terminal of the pump drive unit 30 is connected to the first control output terminal of the control unit 20, and the output terminal is electrically connected to the DC pump unit 40 to output a variable second DC voltage according to the control signal of the control unit 20 to drive the DC pump unit 40. The DC pump unit 40 is connected to a water tank and to the heating unit 50 to transport water from the water tank to the heating unit 50.

[0024] Specifically, the power conversion unit 10, for example, uses an AC-DC power management chip to generate a DC-5V voltage (i.e., the first DC voltage) and supply power to the control unit 20 and the pump drive unit 30.

[0025] The pump drive unit 30 receives a first DC voltage from the power conversion unit 10 and outputs a variable second DC voltage according to the instructions of the control unit 20. The DC pump unit 40 draws water from the water tank and delivers it to the heating unit 50 according to the second DC voltage. The pump drive unit 30, for example, uses a DC / DC power step-down management chip to output a certain DC voltage to the DC pump unit 40. The heating unit 50, for example, uses a heating wire to generate heat for ironing clothes. The DC pump unit 40, for example, uses a low-noise, low-heat DC electromagnetic water pump to draw water from the water tank and deliver it to the heating unit 10. The control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit 30 to output a stable DC voltage to power the DC electromagnetic water pump, achieving stable water output. The DC pump unit 40, as a replacement for the AC water pump, has advantages such as small size, low noise, low heat generation, and no heat generation during long-term operation, allowing for stable water output and solving problems such as unstable water flow and excessive heat generation caused by unstable AC power supply voltage in AC water pumps.

[0026] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit 60, which is electrically connected between the control unit 20 and the heating unit 50, and is used to control the on / off state of the heating unit 50 according to the heating control signal issued by the control unit 20. Further, the control unit 20 includes an input voltage detection circuit 21 and a zero-crossing detection circuit 22, which are respectively connected to an external AC power supply to detect the input voltage signal and zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply. The control unit 20 can adjust the heating power of the heating unit 50 according to the input voltage signal of the input voltage detection circuit 21 and the zero-crossing signal of the zero-crossing detection circuit 22. Specifically, when the zero-crossing detection circuit detects the AC peak crossing zero, the control unit 20 outputs a low level to turn off the SCR unit 60; when it does not cross zero, the control unit 20 outputs a high level to turn on the SCR unit 60. Furthermore, the control unit 20 is configured to: when the input voltage is determined by the input voltage detection circuit 21 to be a first voltage value (110V), output a control signal to turn on the thyristor unit 60 so that the heating unit 50 operates in full power mode; when the input voltage is determined to be a second voltage value (220V), output a control signal to turn on the thyristor unit 60 so that the heating unit 50 operates in half power mode.

[0027] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a temperature sensing unit 70, which is disposed on the heating unit 50 to detect the temperature of the heating unit 50. The temperature sensing unit 70 is electrically connected to the control unit 20 to send the temperature of the heating unit 50 to the control unit 20. This allows the control unit 20 to coordinate the output voltage of the pump drive unit 30 and the on / off state of the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit 60 based on the temperature of the heating unit 50 fed back by the temperature sensing unit 70 and / or user input commands, thereby realizing various ironing operation modes. The control unit 20 is also configured to control the SCR unit 60 to turn off and trigger an alarm when an open circuit or short circuit is detected in the temperature sensing unit 70. The temperature sensing unit 70 may be, for example, an NTC.

[0028] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a safety protection element 80, which is connected in series in the power supply circuit of the heating unit 50. The safety protection element 80 includes a fuse with a rated melting temperature higher than the normal operating temperature of the heating unit 50. This prevents the control unit 20 from failing. When the heating unit 50 is under abnormal heating, the fuse melts irreversibly when it reaches the rated melting temperature, and the product can stop all abnormal operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the control circuit further includes a switch control element 90 and a status indicator light 100. The switch control element 90 is electrically connected to the control unit 20, and the status indicator light 100 is electrically connected between the power conversion unit 10 and the control unit 20.

[0030] The control unit 20, for example, uses a microcontroller to detect zero-crossing signals and input voltage signals. Specifically, it is configured to: control the operation or shutdown of the thyristor unit 60; control the status indicator 100 (low steam mode / high steam mode / dry ironing mode) to indicate different states; control the pump drive unit 30 to output different voltages to the DC pump unit 40; and detect the temperature of the heating unit 50 through the temperature sensing unit 70, and control the heating unit 50 to stop or start after reaching a certain temperature value.

[0031] The control unit 20 is configured to cycle through multiple operating modes in response to user operation via the switch control element 90. Specifically, the operating modes include at least: low steam mode, where the product operates at low temperature heating and low water pump output, the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit 30 to output an EN-L signal to make the DC pump unit 40 operate at low pressure and low water output, and controls the heating unit 50 to heat at low power; high steam mode, where the product operates at high temperature heating and high water pump output, the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit 30 to output an EN-H signal to make the DC pump unit 40 operate at high pressure and high water output, and controls the heating unit 50 to heat at high power; and dry ironing mode, where the control unit 20 controls the pump drive unit 30 to stop outputting voltage and controls the heating unit 50 to heat. For example, clicking the switch control element 90 once operates the garment steamer in low steam mode, clicking the switch control element 90 again operates the garment steamer in high steam mode, and clicking the switch control element 90 again operates the garment steamer in dry ironing mode. When the control unit 20 detects no user operation on the switch control component 90, the garment steamer will automatically shut down and enter sleep standby mode after about 10 minutes, and will need to be turned on again to work.

[0032] Another preferred embodiment of this utility model discloses a garment steamer based on a DC pump, including a water tank and the control circuit described in the above preferred embodiment.

[0033] This utility model discloses a garment steamer based on a DC pump and its control circuit. The control circuit controls the heating unit 50 to generate heat and the DC pump unit 40 to draw water from the water tank. The DC pump unit 40 pumps water to the heating unit 50, which can then iron clothes. The heating unit 50 is equipped with a temperature sensing unit 70, which provides temperature feedback to the control unit 20 to control the on / off state of the heating unit 50 and the DC pump unit 40. This preferred embodiment of the garment steamer based on a DC pump and its control circuit solves the problems of high heat generation and unstable water flow caused by AC water pumps due to power supply frequency and voltage fluctuations by using a DC pump unit and configuring a corresponding pump drive unit. Furthermore, the stable water flow combined with the precisely controlled heating unit by the control unit synergistically achieves stable and efficient steam output, ultimately improving the overall ironing efficiency and reliability of the machine.

[0034] The background section of this utility model may include background information about the problems or circumstances surrounding the present utility model, rather than a description of prior art by others. Therefore, the content included in the background section is not an admission of prior art by the applicant.

[0035] The above description, in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of the present invention to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various substitutions or modifications can be made to these described embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such substitutions or modifications should be considered within the protection scope of the present invention. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples. Although embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control circuit for a garment steamer based on a DC pump, characterized in that, It includes a power conversion unit, a control unit, a pump drive unit, a DC pump unit, and a heating unit, among which, The power conversion unit is used to connect to an external AC power source and convert the AC power into a first DC voltage. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the power input terminals of the control unit and the pump drive unit respectively to supply power to the control unit and the pump drive unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the pump drive unit and the heating unit respectively to control the pump drive unit and the heating unit respectively; The controlled end of the pump drive unit is connected to the first control output end of the control unit, and the output end is connected to the DC pump unit, so as to output a second DC voltage according to the control signal of the control unit to drive the DC pump unit. The DC pump unit is used to connect a water tank and the heating unit to deliver water from the water tank to the heating unit.

2. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit, which is electrically connected between the control unit and the heating unit.

3. The control circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit includes a zero-crossing detection circuit, which is used to connect to the external AC power supply to detect the zero-crossing signal of the external AC power supply.

4. The control circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control unit includes an input voltage detection circuit, which is connected to the external AC power supply to detect the input voltage of the external AC power supply.

5. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensing unit, which is disposed on the heating unit to detect the temperature of the heating unit, and the temperature sensing unit is electrically connected to the control unit to send the temperature of the heating unit to the control unit.

6. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a safety protection component connected in series in the power supply circuit of the heating unit. The safety protection component includes a fuse, and the rated fusing temperature of the fuse is higher than the normal operating temperature of the heating unit.

7. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a switch control element, which is electrically connected to the control unit.

8. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a status indicator light, which is electrically connected between the power conversion unit and the control unit.

9. The control circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The DC pump unit uses a DC electromagnetic water pump.

10. A garment steamer based on a DC pump, characterized in that, It includes a water tank and the control circuit as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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