WO2021027751A1

WO2021027751A1 - Multifunction Sterilizer

Info

Publication number: WO2021027751A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/108083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chao Ma
Original assignee: Zhejiang Shaoxing Supor Domestic Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2019-08-14
Filing date: 2020-08-10
Publication date: 2021-02-18

Abstract

A multifunction sterilizer (100) comprises: a base (10) comprising a heating member (11); a housing (20) provided to cover the base (10); and a spraying tube (40); wherein the housing (20) and the base (10) together enclose and form a receiving space comprising a heating chamber (31), a working chamber (32) and a waste water chamber (33) that are provided in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other, the spraying tube (40) being provided inside the working chamber (32) and being in communication with the heating chamber (31) via a spraying passage (50) passing through the waste water chamber (33), the heating chamber (31) and the waste water chamber (33) being isolated from each other, the heating chamber (31) being located at the bottom of the receiving space, the waste water chamber (33) being located above the heating chamber (31). The multifunction sterilizer (100) can be used as a cooking appliance, or a baby bottle warmer, or a general sterilizing appliance. The multifunction sterilizer (100) has a good cleaning effect.

Description

Multifunction Sterilizer

Field of the Invention

The present application relates to the field of small electrical home appliances, and relates in particular to a multifunction sterilizer.

Background of the Invention

As the quality of life increases day by day, people have higher and higher requirements regarding hygiene. There are sterilizing appliances for cleaning and sterilizing utensils or containers such as baby bottles, bottle nipples, tea cups and bowls on the market. They generally clean and sterilize a utensil or container to be sterilized using a simple water steaming pot. But the effect of cleaning and sterilization is not good enough and cannot meet people’s needs.

Summary of the Invention

An objective of the present application is to provide a multifunction sterilizer having a good effect of cleaning and sterilization.

An aspect of the present application provides a multifunction sterilizer. The multifunction sterilizer comprises: a base comprising a heating member; a housing provided to cover the base; and, a spraying tube; wherein, the housing and the base together enclose and form a receiving space comprising a heating chamber, a working chamber and a waste water chamber that are provided in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other, the spraying tube being provided inside the working chamber and being in communication with the heating chamber via a spraying passage passing through the waste water chamber, the waste water chamber being used for receiving waste water produced after cleaning and/or sterilizing, the heating chamber and the waste water chamber being isolated from each other, the heating chamber being located at a bottom of the receiving space, the waste water chamber being located above the heating chamber.

Optionally, the waste water chamber comprises a bottom wall covering the heating chamber and an outer wall cooperating with an inner wall of the base. Thus, steam produced inside the heating chamber can be fully used to sterilize the waste water chamber.

Optionally, a side wall of the spraying passage protrudes from the bottom wall of the waste water chamber and extends into the heating chamber. While in use, a lower end of the side wall of the spraying passage is immersed in water inside the heating chamber. Thus, an enclosed cavity is formed between the level of the liquid inside the heating chamber and the bottom wall of the waste water chamber. By providing a sealing ring further described below, it is ensured that the cavity is well sealed. In the course of heating water until it boils, water produces a great amount of steam, which enters the cavity and rapidly increases the pressure of the cavity. The pressure inside the cavity makes boiling water enter the spraying tube via the spraying passage and spray onto an inner wall of a baby bottle via the spraying tube. Waste water produced after the spraying and cleaning flows into the waste water chamber along the inner wall of the baby bottle. When the level of the liquid inside the heating chamber is lower than the lower end of the side wall of the spraying passage, the cavity is no longer sealed and can no longer make boiling water enter the spraying tube. At this time, steam produced by water enters the spraying tube via the spraying passage and sprays onto the inner wall of the baby bottle via the spraying tube, so as to further clean and sterilize the baby bottle. Steam condenses into liquid on the inner wall of the baby bottle, which also flows into the waste water chamber along the inner wall of the baby bottle.

Optionally, the height at which the side wall of the spraying passage protrudes from the bottom wall of the waste water chamber is not greater than 200 mm. Thus, enough time and a sufficient amount of water for cleaning the baby bottle can be ensured.

Optionally, the height at which the side wall of the spraying passage protrudes from the bottom wall of the waste water chamber is comprised between 5 mm and 80 mm. Thus, not only can space be saved, but also enough time and a sufficient amount of water for cleaning the baby bottle can be ensured.

Optionally, the waste water chamber, the spraying passage and the spraying tube are removably mounted inside the receiving space. After the waste water chamber, the spraying passage and the spraying tube are removed, the multifunction sterilizer can cook or heat food as a cooking appliance, and a steam tray can be placed inside the receiving space; the multifunction sterilizer can also be used as a baby bottle warmer to heat a baby bottle containing breast milk; the multifunction sterilizer can also be used as a general sterilizing appliance, that is to say, used for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a baby bottle, by adding a certain amount of water inside the receiving space, then placing the object into the water and heating to sterilize the object. The multifunction sterilizer can have functions other than those listed above. Thus, the multifunction sterilizer has multiple functions.

Optionally, at the top of the waste water chamber is further provided an upper cover to cover the outer wall of the waste water chamber, and the upper cover is provided with a water inlet hole for waste water to pass through and a through hole cooperating with the spraying passage. Thus, an object to be cleaned such as a baby bottle is not easily polluted by waste water.

Optionally, the spraying tube and the spraying passage are formed integrally; and/or, the spraying passage and the waste water chamber are formed integrally.

Optionally, sealing is formed between the outer wall of the waste water chamber and the inner wall of the base, and/or, between the upper cover and the inner wall of the base, by means of a sealing ring. By providing the sealing ring, waste water produced during cleaning and sterilizing cannot flow into the heating chamber through the space between the outer wall of the waste water chamber and the inner wall of the base. Thus, water inside the heating chamber is kept clean and hygienic, and a good cleaning effect is further ensured.

Optionally, the outer wall of the waste water chamber is provided at the outer side with a groove inside which the sealing ring is mounted. Thus, the sealing ring can be reliably and stably mounted inside the groove and not susceptible to come off.

Optionally, the inner wall of the base is provided with a step part on which the waste water chamber is supported. Thus, the waste water chamber can be rapidly and reliably mounted inside the receiving space.

Optionally, the height of the spraying tube is not greater than 1000 mm. Thus, adequate cleaning of a baby bottle that has a relatively great height is ensured.

Optionally, the height of the spraying tube is comprised between 100 mm and 400 mm. Thus, not only can space be saved, but also a baby bottle that has a relatively great height can be adequately cleaned.

Optionally, the spraying tube comprises a water storing section and a spraying section, the water storing section being connected with the spraying passage, the spraying section comprising an upper opening provided at a top end and/or a plurality of spraying holes provided in a tube wall. In the course of heating, steam produced enters the cavity and gradually increases the pressure inside the cavity, causing water inside the heating chamber to be pressed into the spraying tube via the spraying passage. But before the water inside the heating chamber boils, the pressure inside the cavity is not sufficient to cause water to be sprayed to the inner wall of the baby bottle through the spraying holes, thus the water can only flow downwards along the outer wall of the spraying tube. By providing the water storing section, water can be maintained inside the water storing section, without spilling out of the spraying holes and resulting in waste.

Optionally, the area of a lower opening of the spraying passage is larger than that of an upper opening of the spraying tube. Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that more boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube via the lower opening and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening is more powerful.

Optionally, the area of the upper opening of the spraying tube is comprised between 0 mm ² and 5000 mm ², and the area of the lower opening of the spraying passage is comprised between 78 mm ² and 282600 mm ². Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that sufficient boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube via the lower opening of the spraying passage, and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening of the spraying tube is powerful enough.

Optionally, the area of the upper opening of the spraying tube is comprised between 12 mm ² and 3500 mm ², and the area of the lower opening of the spraying passage is comprised between 100 mm ² and 235600 mm ². Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that more boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube via the lower opening of the spraying passage, and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening of the spraying tube is more powerful.

Optionally, the upper opening of the spraying tube is a single through hole; or, the upper opening comprises a plurality of through holes, the area of the upper opening being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes.

Optionally, the lower opening of the spraying passage is a single through hole; or, the lower opening comprises a plurality of through holes, the area of the lower opening being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes.

Optionally, the tube wall of the spraying section is inclined inwards from bottom to top, and the angle of inclination is not greater than 85 degrees. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better.

Optionally, the angle of inclination of the tube wall of the spraying section is comprised between 2 degrees and 30 degrees. Thus, boiling water or steam entering the spraying section can be sprayed, with a sufficient power, to an inner wall of an object to be sterilized via the upper opening or the spraying holes of the spraying tube, and the effect of cleaning and spaying is better. In the meanwhile, it can also be ensured that the spraying tube has a relatively great height so that baby bottles of different heights can be adequately sprayed and cleaned.

Optionally, the area of a single spraying hole is comprised between 0.13 mm ² and 314 mm ².

Optionally, the area of a single spraying hole is comprised between 7 mm ² and 100 mm ².

Optionally, the number of the spraying holes of the spraying section is comprised between 2 and 120. Thus, adequate cleaning and/or sterilizing of an object to be sterilized can be achieved.

Optionally, the height of the water storing section is not greater than 200 mm. Thus, before water boils and is sprayed, water entering the spraying tube under the pressure of the cavity can be maintained in the water storing section, not resulting in waste.

Optionally, the height of the water storing section is comprised between 30 mm and 120 mm.Thus, not only can space be saved, but also no water is wasted.

Optionally, the shape of the spraying passage includes any one of the following: cylindrical, conical, inverted conical.

Optionally, the spraying tube can comprise one or more spraying tubes, and the spraying passage can comprise one or more spraying passages.

Optionally, the number of the spraying tube is the same as the number of the spraying passage, and the spraying tube is in communication with the corresponding spraying passage.

Optionally, there are a plurality of spraying tubes and one spraying passage, and the spraying passage is in communication with the plurality of spraying tubes via a connecting passage.

Optionally, the spraying tubes are arranged in a plurality of rows or provided to surround the spraying passage, and the spraying passage is in communication with each row of spraying tubes respectively via different connecting passages.

Optionally, the connecting passage and the spraying tube are formed integrally.

Optionally, the multifunction sterilizer further comprises a waste water receiving tank that is in communication with the waste water chamber via a conduit. Thus, treatment of waste water is further facilitated, and the receiving space is cleaner and more hygienic.

Optionally, the multifunction sterilizer further comprises a water tank and a pump, the pump being used for transferring water inside the water tank to the heating chamber. Thus, addition of water to the heating chamber is facilitated.

Optionally, when one spraying tube is provided inside the working chamber, the volume of the heating chamber is between 25 ml and 3500 ml; when a plurality of spraying tubes are provided inside the working chamber, the volume of the heating chamber is between 100 ml and 5000 ml. Thus, it can be ensured that the heating chamber can be filled with a sufficient amount of water, so as to produce enough boiling water or steam to clean baby bottles.

Optionally, when one spraying tube is provided inside the working chamber, the volume of the heating chamber is between 100 ml and 2000 ml; when a plurality of spraying tubes are provided inside the working chamber, the volume of the heating chamber is between 200 ml and 4000 ml. Thus, not only can it be ensured that the heating chamber can be filled with a sufficient amount of water so as to produce enough boiling water or steam to clean baby bottles, but also the heating chamber does not take up excessive space.

Optionally, when one spraying tube is provided inside the working chamber, the power of the heating member is between 150 watts and 1000 watts; when a plurality of spraying tubes are provided inside the working chamber, the power of the heating member is between 300 watts and 3000 watts. Thus, it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of steam and enough steam pressure are produced to clean baby bottles. The power of the heating member is further preferably between 300 watts to 900 watts. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better.

Optionally, when one spraying tube is provided inside the working chamber, the power of the heating member is between 300 watts and 900 watts; when a plurality of spraying tubes are provided inside the working chamber, the power of the heating member is between 400 watts and 2000 watts. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better.

Optionally, the volume of the waste water chamber is greater than or equal to the volume of the heating chamber. Thus, during use, it is large enough to accommodate waste water produced without spilling out, thus preventing an object to be sterilized such as a baby bottle from being polluted by the spilled waste water.

With the multifunction sterilizer of the present application, by providing the heating chamber, the working chamber and the waste water chamber in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other, waste water produced after cleaning and sterilizing flows into the waste water chamber and will not flow into the heating chamber again. Thus, objects to be sterilized such as baby bottles are prevented from being polluted due to repeatedly heating waste water. Thereby it can be ensured that the effect of cleaning and sterilization is better and that a user’s needs are effectively met. In the meanwhile, because the waste water chamber is located above the heating chamber, the waste water chamber is also in high temperature steam at the same time in the course of sterilizing baby bottles. In other words, the waste water chamber is also sterilized simultaneously, preventing bacteria from growing inside the waste water chamber and thus ensuring the cleanness and hygiene of the course of cleaning and sterilizing.

Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of the multifunction sterilizer of the present application;

Figure 2 shows a schematic view in perspective of the spraying tube, the spraying passage and the waste water chamber shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a working state view of the multifunction sterilizer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the lower opening of the spraying passage shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 to Figure 7 show sectional views of the spraying passage shown in Figure 1;

Figure 8 shows another working state view of the multifunction sterilizer shown in Figure 1;

Figure 9 shows a working state view of another embodiment of the multifunction sterilizer of the present application;

Figure 10 shows a working state view of another embodiment of the multifunction sterilizer of the present application;

Figure 11 shows a working state view of yet another embodiment of the multifunction sterilizer of the present application;

Figure 12 shows a working state view of a further embodiment of the multifunction sterilizer of the present application.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Exemplary embodiments, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, will be described in detail here. In the description below related to figures, unless otherwise indicated, the same reference signs in different figures refer to the same or similar elements. The modes of realization described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all modes of realization in accordance with the present application. Instead, they are merely examples of appliances in accordance with some aspects of the present application described in detail in the appended claims.

The terms used in the present application are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, instead of being intended to limit the present application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in the present application shall have the common meanings as understood by an ordinary person skilled in the art to which the present application relates. Words such as “first” , “second” and so on used in the description and claims of the present application do not represent any order, quantity or significance, but are used only to distinguish different constituent parts. In the same way, words such as “one” and so on do not represent any quantity limitation either, but mean that there is at least one. Words such as “aplurality of” or “several” mean two or more than two. Unless otherwise indicated, words such as “front” , “back” , “lower” and/or “upper” and so on are merely for facilitating description, but are not limited to a position or a spatial orientation. Words such as “comprise” or “include” and so on mean that the element or object preceding “comprise” or “include” contains the element or object listed after “comprise” or “include” and equivalents thereof, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Words such as “connect” or “connected” and so on are not limited to a physical or mechanical connection, and can include an electrical connection, whether direct or indirect. Singular forms such as “a/an” , “the” and “this” used in the description and appended claims of the present application are intended to also include plural forms, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context. It should be also understood that, the term “and/or” used herein means any and all possible combinations including one or more of the related listed items.

By reference to Figure 1 to Figure 12, a multifunction sterilizer 100 is used for cleaning and sterilizing objects to be sterilized. The objects to be sterilized include tea cups, baby bottles, bottle nipples, etc. and are not limited to them. In the illustrated embodiments, description is given by taking a baby bottle 91 and bottle nipple 92 as examples. The multifunction sterilizer 100 comprises a base 10, a housing 20 and a spraying tube 40.

By reference to Figure 1, the base 10 comprises a heating member 11 and a control circuit board (not illustrated) , the control circuit board being electrically connected with the heating member 11 and used to control the working of the heating member 11. The heating member 11 can be provided at a bottom wall of the base 10, or can be provided at a side wall of the base 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the heating member 11 is provided at a bottom wall of the base 10. The heating member 11 can be a brazed heating plate or an aluminium condenser plate fixed to the bottom wall of the base 11, but is not limited to them.

The housing 20 is provided to cover the base 10. The housing 20 and the base 10 together enclose and form a receiving space. The receiving space comprises a heating chamber 31, a working chamber 32 and a waste water chamber 33 provided in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other. Here, “provided in a compartmentalized manner” means that the three of the heating chamber 31, the working chamber 32 and the waste water chamber 33 are provided respectively at different zones in the receiving space.

By reference to Figure 1 and Figure 3 in combination, the heating chamber 31 is used to accommodate water, and to heat the water in the heating chamber 31 by means of the heating member 11. The spraying tube 40 is provided in the working chamber 32, and is in communication with the heating chamber 31. An object to be sterilized such as a baby bottle 91 is placed in the working chamber 32 and put to sleeve the spraying tube 40. The cleaning and sterilizing of the baby bottle 91 is done in the working chamber 32. The waste water chamber 33 is used to receive waste water produced after cleaning and/or sterilizing. The heating member 11 heats the water in the heating chamber 31. The boiling water or steam thus produced is sprayed onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the spraying tube 40, dissolves fats, proteins and so on remaining on the inner wall of the baby bottle 91, and flows into the waste water chamber 33 along the inner wall of the baby bottle 91, thus completing the cleaning and sterilizing of the baby bottle 91.

Because the heating chamber 31, the working chamber 32 and the waste water chamber 33 are provided in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other, waste water produced after cleaning and sterilizing flows into the waste water chamber 33 and will not flow into the heating chamber 31 again. Thus, an object to be sterilized such as the baby bottle 91 is prevented from being polluted due to repeatedly heating waste water. Thereby it can be ensured that the effect of cleaning and sterilization is better and that a user’s needs are effectively met.

Still by reference to Figure 1, the heating chamber 31 is located at the bottom of the receiving space. The waste water chamber 33 is located above the heating chamber 31. The spraying tube 40 is in communication with the heating chamber 31 via a spraying passage 50 passing through the waste water chamber 33. Here, “passing through” means that a side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 passes through the waste water chamber 33 along an up-down direction, and separates the cavity of the spraying passage 50 from the waste water chamber 33. Because the waste water chamber 33 is located above the heating chamber 31, in the course of cleaning and/or sterilizing the baby bottle 91, the waste water chamber 33 is in high temperature steam at the same time. In other words, the waste water chamber 33 is also sterilized simultaneously, preventing bacteria from growing inside the waste water chamber 33 and thus ensuring the cleanness and hygiene of the course of cleaning and sterilizing.

In some embodiments, the waste water chamber 33 is located below the heating chamber 31, in other words, the heating chamber 31 is located between the working chamber 32 and the waste water chamber 33. Waste water produced after cleaning and/or sterilizing an object to be sterilized flows into the waste water chamber 33 from the working chamber 32 via a conduit that can pass through the heating chamber 31 or can be located at an outer side of the heating chamber 31. In some other embodiments, the waste water chamber 33 is located at an outer side of the heating chamber 31, which includes the following situations: the waste water chamber 33 is provided at one side, two sides, or three sides of the heating chamber 31; the waste water chamber 33 surrounds the heating chamber 31; the waste water chamber 33 half-surrounds the heating chamber 31; the waste water chamber 33 partially surrounds the heating chamber 31; and it is not limited to them.

The volume of the waste water chamber 33 is greater than or equal to the volume of the heating chamber 31. Thus, during use, it is large enough to accommodate the waste water produced without spilling out, thus preventing an object to be sterilized such as a baby bottle from being polluted by spilled waste water.

The waste water chamber 33, the spraying passage 50 and the spraying tube 40 are removably mounted inside the receiving space. Thus, after the waste water chamber 33, the spraying passage 50 and the spraying tube 40 are removed, the multifunction sterilizer 100 can cook or heat food as a cooking appliance, and a steam tray can be placed inside the receiving space; the multifunction sterilizer 100 can also be used as a baby bottle warmer to heat a baby bottle containing breast milk; the multifunction sterilizer 100 can also be used as a general sterilizing appliance, that is to say, used for sterilizing an object to be sterilized such as a baby bottle, by adding a certain amount of water inside the receiving space, then placing the object into the water and heating to sterilize the object. The multifunction sterilizer 100 can have functions other than those listed above. Thus, the multifunction sterilizer 100 has multiple functions.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the three of the waste water chamber 33, the spraying passage 50 and the spraying tube 40 are formed integrally. Thus, the three can be mounted inside the receiving space together, making it convenient and fast to use the sterilizer. In other embodiments, the two of the spraying passage 50 and the waste water chamber 33 are formed integrally; or, the spraying passage 50 is formed integrally with the spraying tube 40.

The waste water chamber 33 comprises a bottom wall 331 covering the heating chamber 31 and an outer wall 332 cooperating with an inner wall of the base 10. Thus, steam produced inside the heating chamber 31 can be fully used to sterilize the waste water chamber 33. In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom wall 331 is formed by extending integrally outwards radially from the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50, and the outer wall 332 is formed by extending integrally upwards from an outer edge of the bottom wall 331.

By reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 in combination, at the top of the waste water chamber 33 is further provided an upper cover 34 to cover the outer wall 332, and the upper cover 34 is provided with a water inlet hole 341 for waste water to pass through and a through hole 342 cooperating with the spraying passage 50. Thus, an object to be cleaned such as the baby bottle 91 is not easily polluted by waste water. By reference to Figure 1, the baby bottle 91 can be supported on the upper cover 34, and waste water produced by washing the baby bottle 91 flows onto the upper cover 34 and, via the water inlet hole 341, into the waste water chamber 33.

Sealing is formed between the outer wall 332 of the waste water chamber 33 and the inner wall of the base 10, and/or, between the upper cover 34 and the inner wall of the base 10, by means of a sealing ring 333. By providing the sealing ring 333, waste water produced during cleaning and sterilizing cannot flow into the heating chamber 31 through the space between the outer wall 332 of the waste water chamber 33 and the inner wall of the base 10.Thus, water inside the heating chamber 31 is kept clean and hygienic, and a good cleaning effect is further ensured.

Still by reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the outer wall 332 is provided at the outer side with a groove 3321 inside which the sealing ring 333 is mounted. Thus, the sealing ring 333 can be reliably and stably mounted inside the groove 3321 and not susceptible to come off. In this embodiment, the sealing ring 333 comprises an annular body 3331 and a protruding rib 3332 provided to protrude outwards from the body 3331. The protruding rib 3332 protrudes outwards from the outer side face of the outer wall 332 so as to cooperate in a sealing way with the inner wall of the base 10. In the embodiment illustrated, there are three protruding ribs 3332 distributed uniformly along an up-down direction on the outer side of the body 3331, but it is not limited thereto.

The inner wall of the base 10 is provided with a step part 15 on which the waste water chamber 33 is supported. Thus, the waste water chamber 33 can be rapidly and reliably mounted inside the receiving space. The heating chamber 31 is formed right below the bottom wall 331 of the waste water chamber 33. The size of the heating chamber 31 can be adjusted by adjusting the height of the step part 15.

By reference to Figure 5 to Figure 7, the shape of the spraying passage 50 can be any one of the following: cylindrical, conical, inverted conical, but it is not limited thereto.

The side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 protrudes from the bottom wall 331 of the waste water chamber 33 and extends into the heating chamber 31. By reference to Figure 1, while in use, a lower end of the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 is immersed in water inside the heating chamber 31. Thus, an enclosed cavity 36 is formed between the level of the liquid inside the heating chamber 31 and the bottom wall 331 of the waste water chamber 33. By providing the above-mentioned sealing ring 333, it is ensured that the cavity 36 is well sealed. In the course of heating water until it boils, water produces a great amount of steam, which enters the cavity 36 and rapidly increases the pressure of the cavity 36. The pressure inside the cavity 36 makes boiling water enter the spraying tube 40 via the spraying passage 50 and spray onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the spraying tube 40. Waste water produced after the spraying and cleaning flows into the waste water chamber 33 along the inner wall of the baby bottle 91. When the level of the liquid inside the heating chamber 31 is lower than the lower end of the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50, the cavity 36 is no longer sealed and can no longer make boiling water enter the spraying tube 40. At this time, steam produced by water enters the spraying tube 40 via the spraying passage 50 and sprays onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the spraying tube 40, so as to further clean and sterilize the baby bottle 91. Steam condenses into liquid on the inner wall of the baby bottle 91, which also flows into the waste water chamber 33 along the inner wall of the baby bottle 91.

The height H1 at which the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 protrudes from the bottom wall 331 is not greater than 200 mm, in other words, the height H1 at which the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 protrudes from the bottom wall 331 is comprised between 0 mm and 200 mm, so that the depth at which the spraying passage 50 is immersed in water can be close to 200 mm. Thus, enough time and a sufficient amount of water for cleaning the baby bottle 91 can be ensured. Preferably, the height H1 at which the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 protrudes from the bottom wall 331 is comprised between 5 mm and 80 mm. Thus, not only can space be saved, but also enough time and a sufficient amount of water for cleaning the baby bottle 91 can be ensured.

The height H2 of the spraying tube 40 is not greater than 1000 mm, in other words, the height H2 of the spraying tube 40 is comprised between 0 mm and 1000 mm, so as to ensure adequate cleaning of a baby bottle that has a relatively great height. In some preferred embodiments, the height H2 of the spraying tube 40 is comprised between 100 mm and 400 mm. Thus, not only can space be saved, but also a baby bottle that has a relatively great height can be adequately cleaned.

By reference to Figure 8, the multifunction sterilizer 100 comprises two spraying tubes 40, the height of the spraying tubes 40 is within the above-described range, for example 150 mm.Not only can the multifunction sterilizer 100 clean two baby bottles 91 simultaneously, but also it can clean two bottle nipples simultaneously. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, one of the spraying tubes 40 cleans and sterilizes the baby bottle 91 while another spraying tube 40 cleans and sterilizes the bottle nipple 92. Because the size of the bottle nipple 92 is relatively small, boiling water or steam sprayed out of the spraying tube 40 which cleans the bottle nipple 92 can also clean and sterilize the outer side of the baby bottle 91.

The spraying tube 40 comprises a water storing section 41 and a spraying section 42, the water storing section 41 being connected with the spraying passage 50, the spraying section 42 comprising an upper opening 421 provided at a top end and/or a plurality of spraying holes 422 provided at a tube wall. The tube wall of the water storing section 41 is not provided with a spraying hole. By reference to Figure 1, the whole formed by integrally forming the waste water chamber 33, the spraying passage 50 and the spraying tube 40 is placed into the receiving space. The whole continues to go downwards after the lower end of the side wall 51 of the spraying passage 50 is immersed into water inside the heating chamber 31, at this time, the pressure in the cavity 36 increases gradually, making the water inside the heating chamber 31 to be pressed into the spraying tube 40 via the spraying passage 50. Thus, by providing the water storing section 41, water pressed upwards during this process can be maintained in the water storing section 41, so as to prevent water from spilling out of the spraying holes 422 and resulting in waste. In addition, in the course of heating, steam thus produced enters into the cavity 36 and gradually increases the pressure inside the cavity 36, causing water inside the heating chamber 31 to be pressed into the spraying tube 40 via the spraying passage 50. But before the water inside the heating chamber 31 boils, the pressure in the cavity 36 is not sufficient to cause water to be sprayed to the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 through the spraying holes. The water can only flow downwards along the outer wall of the spraying tube 40.

In the embodiment illustrated, the tube wall of the water storing section 41 is inclined inwards from bottom to top, so that in the course of spraying, water can enter the spraying section 42 from the water storing section 41 more smoothly. Of course, the tube wall of the water storing section 41 can also be straight, i.e., not provided in an inclined manner.

The height H3 of the water storing section 41 is not greater than 200 mm, in other words, the height H3 of the water storing section 41 is between 0 mm and 200 mm. Thus, before water boils and is sprayed, water entering the spraying tube 40 under the pressure of the cavity 36 can be maintained in the water storing section 41, not resulting in waste. The height of the water storing section 41 can be selected according to needs. Preferably, the height of the water storing section 41 is comprised between 30 mm and 120 mm. Thus, not only can space be saved, but also no water is wasted.

The tube wall of the spraying section 42 is inclined inwards from bottom to top, and the angle of inclination is not greater than 85 degrees. Because the tube wall of the spraying section 42 is inclined inwards from bottom to top, boiling water or steam entering the spraying section 42 is subject to the pressure of the tube wall, so as to be sprayed, with a relatively great power, onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the upper opening 421 or the spraying holes 422. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better.

Preferably, the angle of inclination of the tube wall of the spraying section 42 is comprised between 2 degrees and 30 degrees. Thus, boiling water or steam entering the spraying section 42 can be sprayed, with a sufficient power, onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the upper opening 421 or the spraying holes 422, providing a better effect of spraying and cleaning. In the meanwhile, it can also be ensured that the spraying tube 40 has a relatively great height so that baby bottles of different heights can be adequately sprayed and cleaned.

The plurality of spraying holes 422 are distributed uniformly or non-uniformly on the tube wall of the spraying section 42. The area of a single spraying hole 422 is comprised between 0.13 mm ² and 314 mm ². Within this range, boiling water or steam entering the spraying section 42 can be sprayed relatively well onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the spraying holes 422 and in the meanwhile, it can be ensured that the spraying section 42 has a certain strength. Preferably, the area of a single spraying hole 422 is comprised between 7 mm ² and 100 mm ². Within this range, boiling water or steam entering the spraying section 42 can be sprayed, with a sufficient amount, onto the inner wall of the baby bottle 91 via the spraying holes 422 and in the meanwhile, it can be ensured that the spraying section 42 has a certain strength.

On a single spraying tube 40, the number of spraying holes 422 of the spraying section 42 is comprised between 2 and 120. Thus, adequate cleaning and/or sterilizing of an object to be sterilized can be achieved.

The area of a lower opening 55 of the spraying passage 50 is greater than the area of the upper opening 421 of the spraying tube 40. Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that more boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube 40 via the lower opening 55, and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening 421 is relatively powerful. In an embodiment, the spraying tube 40 is not provided with any upper opening, and is only provided with the spraying holes 422.

The area of the upper opening 421 is comprised between 0 mm ² and 5000 mm ², and the area of the lower opening 55 is comprised between 78 mm ² and 282600 mm ². Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that sufficient boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube 40 via the lower opening 55, and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening 421 is powerful enough. Preferably, the area of the upper opening 421 is comprised between 12 mm ² and 3500 mm ², and the area of the lower opening 55 is comprised between 100 mm ² and 235600 mm ². Thus, in the course of cleaning and sterilizing, it can be ensured that more boiling water or steam enters the spraying tube 40 via the lower opening 55, and that the boiling water or stream sprayed out of the upper opening 421 is more powerful.

The upper opening 421 is a single through hole; or, the upper opening 421 comprises a plurality of through holes, the area of the upper opening 421 being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes. The through hole (s) can be of a regular or irregular shape such as circle, square, polygon and so on. In the embodiment illustrated, the upper opening 421 is a single through hole.

The lower opening 55 is a single through hole; or, the lower opening 55 comprises a plurality of through holes (see Figure 4) , the area of the lower opening 55 being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes. The through hole (s) can be of a regular or irregular shape such as circle, square, polygon and so on. By reference to Figure 1, the lower opening 55 is a single through hole.

The spraying tube 40 can be one or more. When there is one single spraying tube 40, the multifunction sterilizer 100 can clean only one baby bottle 91 at a time. In this situation, the power of the heating member 11 is comprised between 150 watts and 1000 watts. Thus, it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of steam and enough steam pressure are produced for cleaning the baby bottle 91. The power of the heating member 11 is further preferably comprised between 300 watts and 900 watts. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better.

When there are more than one (including two and more than two) spraying tubes 40, the multifunction sterilizer 100 can clean a plurality of baby bottles 91 at a time. In this case, the power of the heating member 11 is comprised between 300 watts and 3000 watts. Thus, it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of steam and enough steam pressure are produced to clean the baby bottles 91. The power of the heating member 11 is further preferably comprised between 400 watts and 2000 watts. Thus, the effect of spraying and cleaning is better. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the multifunction sterilizer 100 comprises two spraying tubes 40. The number of the spraying tube (s) 40 can be determined according to specific design needs. The power of the heating member 11 can be selected in the above-described ranges.

When there is one spraying tube 40 provided inside the working chamber 32, the volume of the heating chamber 31 is between 25 ml and 3500 ml; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes 40 provided inside the working chamber 32, the volume of the heating chamber 31 is between 100 ml and 5000 ml. Thus, it can be ensured that the heating chamber 31 can be filled with a sufficient amount of water, so as to produce enough boiling water or steam to clean the baby bottle (s) 91.

When there is one spraying tube 40 provided inside the working chamber 32, the volume of the heating chamber 31 is between 100 ml and 2000 ml; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes 40 provided inside the working chamber 32, the volume of the heating chamber 31 is between 200 ml and 4000 ml. Thus, not only can it be ensured that the heating chamber 31 can be filled with a sufficient amount of water so as to produce enough boiling water or steam to clean the baby bottle (s) 91, but also the heating chamber 31 does not take up excessive space.

In some embodiments, by reference to Figure 1, Figure 3 and Figure 8, the number of the spraying tube 40 is the same as the number of the spraying passage 50, and the spraying tube 40 is in communication with the corresponding spraying passage 50. Thus, it can be ensured that each spraying tube 40 can receive a sufficient amount of boiling water or steam so that the effect of spraying and cleaning is better. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, there are two spraying tubes 40, and correspondingly, there are two spraying passages 50. Of course, in other embodiments, there can be one, three, four, five or six spraying tubes 40, and correspondingly, there can be one, three, four, five or six spraying passages 50. The above are merely some examples, and it is not limited thereto.

In some other embodiments, the number of the spraying passage 50 is less than the number of the spraying tube 40. By reference to Figure 9 to Figure 12, there are a plurality of spraying tubes 40, but the number of the spraying passage 50 is one, and the spraying passage 50 is in communication with the plurality of spraying tubes 40 via a connecting passage 60.

By reference to Figure 9, there are two spraying tubes 40 and one spraying passage 50. The two spraying tubes 40 are connected by means of a connecting wall 61 below which the connecting passage 60 is formed. Two ends of the connecting passage 60 are respectively in communication with the two spraying tubes 40. A bottom end of the connecting passage 60 is in communication with the spraying passage 50. The two spraying tubes 40 are provided to respectively protrude outwards to form a supporting wall 46. The two baby bottles 91 are respectively supported on the supporting wall 46 and the connecting wall 61.

By reference to Figure 10, there are four spraying tubes 40 and one spraying passage 50. The connecting passage 60 comprises a first passage 66 in communication with the two spraying tubes 40 on the left side and a second passage 67 in communication with the two spraying tubes 40 on the right side. The first passage 66 comprises a first section 661 connecting the two spraying tubes 40 and a second section 662 connecting the first section 661 and the spraying passage 50. The first section 661 extends horizontally, and the second section 662 extends vertically. The first passage 66 and the second passage 67 are provided symmetrically, and not described further here. The heights of the four spraying tubes 40 can be the same or different.

The spraying tubes 40 are arranged in a plurality of rows or provided to surround the spraying passage 50, and the spraying passage 50 is in communication with each row of spraying tubes 40 respectively via different connecting passages. By reference to Figure 11, the spraying tubes 40 are arranged in two rows along an up and down direction, each row comprising four spraying tubes 40 respectively. The connecting passage in communication with the four spraying tubes 40 of the lower row has the same structure as the connecting passage 60 in Figure 10. The connecting passage in communication with the four spraying tubes 40 of the upper row, when compared to the connecting passage 60 in Figure 10, has an additional vertical passage 63 extending along an up and down direction.

In the embodiments shown in Figure 9 to Figure 11, the connecting passage 60 is formed integrally with the spraying tube 40 and supported on the upper cover 34 of the waste water chamber 33. The bottom wall 331 and the outer wall 332 of the waste water chamber 33 are formed integrally with the spraying passage 50.

By reference to Figure 12, the multifunction sterilizer 100 further comprises a waste water receiving tank 70 that is in communication with the waste water chamber 33 via a conduit 75. Waste water falling into the waste water chamber 33 in the course of cleaning and sterilizing can flow into the waste water receiving tank 70 via the conduit 75. Thus, treatment of waste water is further facilitated, and the receiving space is cleaner and more hygienic. In the embodiment illustrated, one end of the conduit 75 is in communication with the waste water receiving tank 70, and the other end is in communication with the waste water chamber 33 by passing through the bottom wall 331.

The multifunction sterilizer 100 further comprises a water tank 81 and a pump 82, the pump 82 being used for transferring water inside the water tank 81 to the heating chamber 31, then water in the heating chamber 31 is heated by means of the heating member 11. Thus, addition of water to the heating chamber 31 is facilitated.

What have been described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present application, and not for the purpose of limiting the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement or improvement made within the spirit and principles of the present application should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

A multifunction sterilizer, characterized in that the multifunction sterilizer (100) comprises:

a base (10) comprising a heating member (11) ;

a housing (20) provided to cover the base (10) ; and,

a spraying tube (40) ;

wherein the housing (20) and the base (10) together enclose and form a receiving space comprising a heating chamber (31) , a working chamber (32) and a waste water chamber (33) that are provided in a compartmentalized manner relative to each other, the spraying tube (40) being provided inside the working chamber (32) and being in communication with the heating chamber (31) via a spraying passage (50) passing through the waste water chamber (33) , the waste water chamber (33) being used for receiving waste water produced after cleaning and/or sterilizing, the heating chamber (31) and the waste water chamber (33) being isolated from each other, the heating chamber (31) being located at the bottom of the receiving space, the waste water chamber (33) being located above the heating chamber (31) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 1, characterized in that, the waste water chamber (33) comprises a bottom wall (331) covering the heating chamber (31) and an outer wall (332) cooperating with an inner wall of the base (10) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 2, characterized in that, a side wall (51) of the spraying passage (50) protrudes from the bottom wall (331) of the waste water chamber (33) and extends into the heating chamber (31) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 3, characterized in that, the height at which the side wall (51) of the spraying passage (50) protrudes from the bottom wall (331) is not greater than 200 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 4, characterized in that, the height at which the side wall (51) of the spraying passage (50) protrudes from the bottom wall (331) is comprised between 5 mm and 80 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, the waste water chamber (33) , the spraying passage (50) and the spraying tube (40) are removably mounted inside the receiving space.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, at the top of the waste water chamber (33) is further provided an upper cover (34) to cover the outer wall (332) , and the upper cover (34) is provided with a water inlet hole (341) for waste water to pass through and a through hole (342) cooperating with the spraying passage (50) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 3, characterized in that, the spraying tube (40) and the spraying passage (50) are formed integrally; and/or, the spraying passage (50) and the waste water chamber (33) are formed integrally.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 7, characterized in that, sealing is formed between the outer wall (332) of the waste water chamber (33) and the inner wall of the base (10) , and/or, between the upper cover (34) and the inner wall of the base (10) , by means of a sealing ring (333) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 9, characterized in that, the outer wall (332) is provided at the outer side with a groove inside which the sealing ring (333) is mounted.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, an inner wall of the base (10) is provided with a step part (15) on which the waste water chamber (33) is supported.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, the height of the spraying tube (40) is not greater than 1000 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 12, characterized in that, the height of the spraying tube (40) is comprised between 100 mm and 400 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, the spraying tube (40) comprises a water storing section (41) and a spraying section (42) , the water storing section (41) being connected with the spraying passage (50) , the spraying section (42) comprising an upper opening (421) provided at a top end and/or a plurality of spraying holes (422) provided at a tube wall.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 14, characterized in that, the area of a lower opening (55) of the spraying passage (50) is larger than the area of the upper opening (421) of the spraying tube (40) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 15, characterized in that, the area of the upper opening (421) of the spraying tube (40) is comprised between 0 mm ² and 5000 mm ², and the area of the lower opening (55) of the spraying passage (50) is comprised between 78 mm ² and 282600 mm ².
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 16, characterized in that, the area of the upper opening (421) of the spraying tube (40) is comprised between 12 mm ² and 3500 mm ², and the area of the lower opening (55) of the spraying passage (50) is comprised between 100 mm ² and 235600 mm ².
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that, the upper opening (421) of the spraying tube (40) is a single through hole; or, the upper opening (421) comprises a plurality of through holes, the area of the upper opening (421) being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes of the upper opening (421) .
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that, the lower opening (55) of the spraying passage (50) is a single through hole; or, the lower opening (55) comprises a plurality of through holes, the area of the lower opening (55) being the sum of the areas of the plurality of through holes of the lower opening (55) .
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, the tube wall of the spraying section (42) is inclined inwards from bottom to top, and the angle of inclination is not greater than 85 degrees.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 20, characterized in that, the angle of inclination of the tube wall of the spraying section (42) is comprised between 2 degrees and 30 degrees.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that, the area of a single spraying hole (422) is comprised between 0.13 mm ² and 314 mm ².
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 22, characterized in that, the area of a single spraying hole (422) is comprised between 7 mm ² and 100 mm ².
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that, the number of the spraying holes (422) of the spraying section (42) is comprised between 2 and 120.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that, the height of the water storing section (41) is not greater than 200 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 25, characterized in that, the height of the water storing section (41) is comprised between 30 mm and 120 mm.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that, the shape of the spraying passage (50) includes any one of the following: cylindrical, conical, inverted conical.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that, the spraying tube (40) can comprise one or more spraying tubes (40) , and the spraying passage (50) can comprise one or more spraying passages (50) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 28, characterized in that, the number of the spraying tube (40) is the same as the number of the spraying passage (50) , and the spraying tube (40) is in communication with the corresponding spraying passage (50) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 28, characterized in that, there are a plurality of spraying tubes (40) and one spraying passage (50) , and the spraying passage (50) is in communication with the plurality of spraying tubes (40) via a connecting passage (60) .
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 30, characterized in that, the spraying tubes (40) are arranged in a plurality of rows or provided to surround the spraying passage (50) , and the spraying passage (50) is in communication with each row of spraying tubes (40) respectively via different connecting passages.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 30, characterized in that, the connecting passage (60) and the spraying tubes (40) are formed integrally.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that, the multifunction sterilizer (100) further comprises a waste water receiving tank (70) that is in communication with the waste water chamber (33) via a conduit (75) .
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that, the multifunction sterilizer (100) further comprises a water tank (81) and a pump (82) , the pump (82) being used for transferring water inside the water tank (81) to the heating chamber (31) .
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that, when there is one spraying tube (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the volume of the heating chamber (31) is between 25 ml and 3500 ml; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the volume of the heating chamber (31) is between 100 ml and 5000 ml.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 35, characterized in that, when there is one spraying tube (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the volume of the heating chamber (32) is between 100 ml and 2000 ml; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the volume of the heating chamber (31) is between 200 ml and 4000 ml.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that, when there is one spraying tube (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the power of the heating member (11) is between 150 watts and 1000 watts; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the power of the heating member (11) is between 300 watts and 3000 watts.
The multifunction sterilizer of claim 37, characterized in that, when there is one spraying tube (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the power of the heating member (11) is between 300 watts and 900 watts; when there are a plurality of spraying tubes (40) provided inside the working chamber (32) , the power of the heating member (11) is between 400 watts and 2000 watts.
The multifunction sterilizer of any one of claims 1 to 38, characterized in that, the volume of the waste water chamber (33) is greater than or equal to the volume of the heating chamber (31) .