A steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of temperature sensor technology and discloses a steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer. The invention includes a detection cover assembly, which presents different states depending on the operating conditions. When the detection cover assembly is in a moving state, its lower opening expands, allowing for rapid replacement of the internal steam. When the detection cover assembly is in the detection area, it is in a closed state, effectively eliminating external interference. In addition to the conventional detection of steam in the steam outlet pipe by the temperature sensor, the detection cover assembly periodically covers part of the steam, forming a sealed space for the temperature sensor to perform sealed temperature measurement, effectively avoiding interference from steam-water mixing in the pipe. Simultaneously, when the temperature sensor probe passes through the wiping assembly, the wiping assembly wipes the temperature sensor probe, improving temperature measurement accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of temperature sensor technology, and in particular to a steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer. Background Technology

[0002] A temperature sensor is a device that can sense temperature and convert it into a usable output signal. Its core principle is to utilize the physical properties of materials as a function of temperature. Common types include thermocouples, thermistors, and resistance temperature detectors. They are widely used in industrial control, home appliances, medical equipment, and environmental monitoring to achieve accurate temperature measurement and control.

[0003] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN222231890U discloses a temperature detection mechanism for a heating plate of a steam sterilizer, relating to the field of steam sterilizer technology. The steam sterilizer has a steam sterilization chamber for accommodating products to be sterilized, including a water-filled heating plate corresponding to the steam sterilization chamber, a mounting frame, and a temperature probe. An electric heating element is installed on the mounting frame to heat the side of the water-filled heating plate facing away from the steam sterilization chamber. An elastic element is also installed on the mounting frame to elastically press the temperature probe against the side of the water-filled heating plate facing away from the steam sterilization chamber. The design uses this elastic element to create elastic pressure on the temperature probe, absorbing vibrations when the steam sterilizer is subjected to vibration, effectively reducing vibration damage to the temperature probe. Furthermore, the elastic pressure of the elastic element ensures good contact between the temperature probe and the water-filled heating plate after vibration, effectively guaranteeing accurate and timely temperature detection.

[0004] The existing technologies mentioned above and related technologies have the following drawbacks: When the existing steam outlet temperature detection device for steam sterilizers is in use, the steam is transported from bottom to top in the pipeline, and the condensate flows downward along the pipe wall, resulting in steam-water convection in the steam pipeline. Under long-term use, this will cause the detection accuracy of the temperature sensor to decrease. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that the existing technology has the disadvantage that steam-water convection leads to a decrease in the detection accuracy of temperature sensors. To this end, we propose a steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: a steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer, comprising: a steam sterilizer body, a steam outlet pipe fixedly connected inside the steam sterilizer body, a steam generator fixedly connected to the bottom of the steam outlet pipe, a temperature sensor fixedly connected to one side of the steam outlet pipe, an electric telescopic rod fixedly connected to the other side of the steam outlet pipe, a detection cover assembly provided at the output end of the electric telescopic rod, the detection cover assembly being used to cover the steam in a sealed space for detection by the temperature sensor, the detection cover assembly including a detection cover side plate, the detection cover side plate being fixedly connected to the electric telescopic rod, a wiping assembly being provided inside the detection cover side plate, the wiping assembly being used to wipe the probe of the temperature sensor, a first sealing plate being slidably connected inside the steam outlet pipe, a telescopic rod slot being provided inside the first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate being slidably connected to the side of the telescopic rod slot.

[0007] Preferably, the steam generator and the steam sterilizer body are fixedly connected, and the steam generator is connected to the steam sterilizer body through a steam outlet pipe.

[0008] Preferably, the temperature sensor and the wiping assembly are located on the same horizontal line, and the size of the wiping assembly is larger than the size of the temperature sensor probe.

[0009] Preferably, the No. 2 sealing plate is slidably connected to the steam outlet pipe, and the No. 2 sealing plate is symmetrically arranged about the horizontal centerline of the electric telescopic rod.

[0010] Preferably, both the No. 1 sealing plate and the No. 2 sealing plate are driven by a motor, and the No. 1 sealing plate has the same size as the No. 2 sealing plate.

[0011] Preferably, a top electric rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the top of the side plate of the detection cover, a top plate of the detection cover is rotatably connected to the top of the top electric rotating shaft, a movable plate of the detection cover is slidably connected to the inside of the side plate of the detection cover, a bottom electric rotating shaft is rotatably connected to the bottom of the side plate of the detection cover, and a bottom plate of the detection cover is rotatably connected to the bottom of the bottom electric rotating shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the movable plate of the detection cover is inclined, and the outer wall of the movable plate of the detection cover is provided with a locking block, which serves to limit the movement.

[0013] Preferably, when the detection cover assembly is in the detection position, both the detection cover movable plate and the detection cover top plate are closed, forming a sealed space.

[0014] Preferably, the wiping assembly includes a food-grade silicone rubber layer, which is fixedly connected to the side plate of the detection cover. An inner high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric is fixedly connected to one side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer, and an outer high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric is fixedly connected to the other side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer.

[0015] Preferably, four food-grade silicone rubber layers are provided inside the side panel of the detection cover, and the food-grade silicone rubber layers are arranged in a fan shape.

[0016] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0017] In this invention, a detection cover assembly is provided. The detection cover assembly presents different states depending on the operating conditions. When the detection cover assembly is in a moving state, its lower opening expands, allowing for rapid replacement of internal steam. When the detection cover assembly is in the detection area, it is in a closed state, effectively eliminating external interference. In addition to the routine detection of steam in the steam outlet pipe by the temperature sensor, the detection cover assembly periodically covers part of the steam, forming a sealed space for the temperature sensor to perform sealed temperature measurement, effectively avoiding interference from steam-water mixing in the pipe. Simultaneously, as the temperature sensor probe passes through the wiping assembly, the wiping assembly wipes the temperature sensor probe, improving temperature measurement accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The disclosure of this invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same parts:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view structural diagram of the steam sterilizer of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the steam sterilizer of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the steam outlet pipe section of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the detection cover assembly of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the horizontal movement of the detection cover assembly of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 For the present invention Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure at point A;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the closed structure of the No. 1 sealing plate of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the closed detection cover assembly of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the wiping component of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the wiping component of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 This is an exploded structural diagram of the sealing plate portion of the present invention.

[0030] Legend: 1. Steam sterilizer body; 2. Steam outlet pipe; 3. Steam generator; 4. Temperature sensor; 5. Electric telescopic rod; 6. Detection cover assembly; 601. Detection cover side plate; 602. Top electric rotating shaft; 603. Detection cover top plate; 604. Detection cover movable plate; 605. Bottom electric rotating shaft; 606. Detection cover bottom plate; 7. Wiping assembly; 701. Food-grade silicone rubber layer; 702. Inner high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric; 703. Outer high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric; 8. No. 1 sealing plate; 9. Telescopic rod slot; 10. No. 2 sealing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this invention, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this invention and should not be considered as the entirety of the invention or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this invention.

[0032] According to the embodiments of the present invention, Figures 1 to 11 As shown.

[0033] A temperature sensor is a measuring device that converts the physical quantity of temperature into an electrical or digital signal output based on a thermistor. Its core principle relies on the repeatable and calibrable physical characteristics of materials when temperature changes. Thermocouples utilize the Seebeck effect, forming a closed loop with two different conductors, generating a thermoelectric potential when there is a temperature difference between the two ends. Thermistors utilize the characteristic that the resistance of semiconductor materials changes drastically with temperature, exhibiting high sensitivity but nonlinearity. Resistance temperature detectors are based on the characteristic that the resistance of metals increases with temperature, offering excellent linearity and stability. Modern temperature sensors often integrate signal conditioning circuits, analog-to-digital converters, and microprocessors, directly outputting standardized voltage, current, or digital bus signals. Depending on the measurement range and accuracy requirements, sensors can cover a wide temperature range from near absolute zero to thousands of degrees Celsius. In industrial process control, HVAC, automotive engine management, medical sterilization equipment, aerospace environmental monitoring, and smart home systems, temperature sensors play a crucial role in temperature sensing, compensation, protection, and feedback regulation, making them an indispensable basic component for achieving accurate measurement and closed-loop control of thermal parameters.

[0034] In existing steam sterilizer steam outlet temperature detection devices, high-temperature sterilization steam is typically transported from bottom to top within the pipe. During this process, the steam comes into contact with the relatively low-temperature inner wall of the pipe, inevitably undergoing phase change and condensation. The resulting condensate film flows downwards along the pipe wall under gravity, creating a reverse steam-water two-way flow condition with the upward-moving steam body. Under prolonged continuous operation, this effect intensifies, leading to a decrease in the detection accuracy of temperature sensor 4. To address this issue, the present invention incorporates the following design in the steam sterilizer steam outlet temperature detection device:

[0035] A steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer includes: a steam sterilizer body 1, which uses water as the working medium and generates high-temperature saturated steam through a steam generator 3. Utilizing the thermal penetrability and bactericidal effect of the high-temperature steam, it efficiently sterilizes medical devices, tableware, and other items, effectively killing bacteria, viruses, spores, and other microorganisms, ensuring the hygiene and safety of the items. It is a commonly used sterilization device in the medical and catering fields. A steam outlet pipe 2 is fixedly connected inside the steam sterilizer body 1, and a steam generator 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the steam outlet pipe 2. The steam generator is the core steam-generating component of the steam sterilizer. Through its internal heating structure, it heats and vaporizes liquid water, continuously generating high-temperature saturated steam to provide a stable heat source for sterilization operations. It boasts high steam generation efficiency and precise temperature control, rapidly outputting high-temperature steam that meets sterilization requirements. It is a key functional component ensuring efficient sterilization in the steam sterilizer. A temperature sensor 4 is fixedly connected to one side of the steam outlet pipe 2. This sensor is a detection element that senses ambient temperature and converts the temperature signal into an electrical signal. In the steam sterilizer, it is mainly used to monitor the steam outlet temperature in real time, accurately collect steam temperature data, and feed it back to the control system. Its fast temperature response and strong stability provide crucial data support for equipment temperature monitoring, sterilization effect assessment, and safe operation. An electric telescopic rod 5 is fixedly connected to the other side of the steam outlet pipe 2. This electric telescopic rod 5 is an actuator that uses a motor as a power source to convert rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion. It features a compact structure, stable operation, and controllable stroke. In this steam sterilizer's temperature measurement device, it is mainly used to drive the detection hood assembly 6 to complete horizontal movement, positioning, and resetting actions, providing stable power for the detection hood to enter and exit the steam pipe, thus improving the automation and operation of the device. For accuracy, the output end of the electric telescopic rod 5 is equipped with a detection cover assembly 6. The detection cover assembly 6 is used to cover the steam in a sealed space for the temperature sensor 4 to detect. The detection cover assembly 6 includes a detection cover side plate 601, which is fixedly connected to the electric telescopic rod 5. The inside of the detection cover side plate 601 is equipped with a wiping assembly 7, which is used to wipe the probe of the temperature sensor 4. A first sealing plate 8 is slidably connected inside the steam outlet pipe 2. The first sealing plate 8 has a telescopic rod slot 9 inside, and a second sealing plate 10 is slidably connected to the side of the telescopic rod slot 9.

[0036] The steam generator 3 is fixedly connected to the steam sterilizer body 1. The steam generator 3 is connected to the steam sterilizer body 1 through the steam outlet pipe 2. The temperature sensor 4 and the wiping assembly 7 are located on the same horizontal line. The size of the wiping assembly 7 is larger than the size of the temperature sensor 4 probe. The second sealing plate 10 is slidably connected to the steam outlet pipe 2. The second sealing plate 10 is symmetrically arranged about the horizontal central axis of the electric telescopic rod 5. Both the first sealing plate 8 and the second sealing plate 10 are driven by a motor. The size of the first sealing plate 8 is the same as the size of the second sealing plate 10.

[0037] The top of the side plate 601 of the detection cover is rotatably connected to a top electric shaft 602, and the top of the top electric shaft 602 is rotatably connected to a top plate 603 of the detection cover. The inside of the side plate 601 of the detection cover is slidably connected to a movable plate 604 of the detection cover. The bottom of the side plate 601 of the detection cover is rotatably connected to a bottom electric shaft 605, and the bottom of the bottom electric shaft 605 is rotatably connected to a bottom plate 606 of the detection cover. The movable plate 604 of the detection cover is inclined, and a locking block is provided on the outer wall of the movable plate 604 of the detection cover. The locking block plays a limiting role. When the detection cover assembly 6 is in the detection position, both the movable plate 604 and the top plate 603 of the detection cover are closed to form a sealed space. The electric shaft is an actuator driven by a motor that can precisely control the rotation angle and start / stop state. It can convert electrical energy into rotational power to realize the smooth rotation and positioning of the component. It is used to drive the top plate 603 and the bottom plate 606 of the detection cover to open and close, and cooperate to complete the steam replacement and sealing temperature measurement process. The action is precise and reliable, which effectively improves the automation level and structural stability of the device.

[0038] The wiping assembly 7 includes a food-grade silicone rubber layer 701. This layer is a flexible structure made of silicone rubber that meets food contact safety standards. It features high temperature resistance, water vapor resistance, non-toxicity, odorlessness, and excellent elasticity. As an intermediate layer in the wiping assembly 7, it enables flexible wiping of the temperature sensor 4 probe without damaging it, and is also adaptable to high-temperature steam environments, meeting the hygiene, safety, and long-term stable use requirements of the disinfection equipment. The food-grade silicone rubber layer 701 is fixedly connected to the detection cover side plate 601. An inner high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric 702 is fixedly connected to one side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer 701. On the other side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer 701, an outer high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric 703 is fixedly connected. Four food-grade silicone rubber layers 701 are arranged inside the side plate 601 of the detection cover. The food-grade silicone rubber layers 701 are arranged in a fan shape. The high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric is a fiber nonwoven fabric material that can withstand high-temperature steam environment and has good water absorption performance. It has the characteristics of high temperature resistance, no shedding, fast moisture absorption and soft material. In the wiping component 7, it is used to adsorb the condensate medium on the surface of the temperature sensor 4 probe. Together with the silicone rubber layer, it can clean the probe without damaging the probe and is suitable for the high-temperature working conditions of the disinfection equipment, ensuring temperature measurement accuracy and hygiene safety.

[0039] When using the device, open the cabinet door of the steam sterilizer body 1, place the items inside, and then close the cabinet door. Then start the device; the steam generator 3 produces sterilizing steam, which is delivered to the steam sterilizer body 1 through the steam outlet pipe 2. The steam is transported from bottom to top within the steam outlet pipe 2. At this time, the temperature sensor 4 monitors the temperature of the steam within the steam outlet pipe 2 in real time. The second sealing plate 10 is in a closed state. The electric telescopic rod 5 is periodically activated, pushing the detection cover assembly 6 horizontally. At this time, the second sealing plate 10 opens. When the detection cover assembly 6 is completely inside the steam outlet pipe 2, the first sealing plate 8 begins to close, and the telescopic rod slot 9 engages with the outer wall of the electric telescopic rod 5. Both the first sealing plate 8 and the second sealing plate 10 are driven by motors. At this time, under the action of the bottom electric rotating shaft 605, the detection cover bottom plate 606 begins to rotate, and the two sides of the detection cover bottom plate 606 slowly open, expanding the steam inlet and causing the steam to flow into the detection cover assembly 6. The steam in the part is rapidly replaced. When the probe of the temperature sensor 4 comes into contact with the wiping assembly 7, the top plate 603 of the detection cover starts to rotate under the action of the top electric rotating shaft 602. The adjacent top plates 603 of the detection cover slowly converge. When the probe of the temperature sensor 4 passes through the wiping assembly 7, the wiping assembly 7, which is composed of a food-grade silicone rubber layer 701, an inner high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric 702, and an outer high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric 703, wipes the temperature sensor 4 once under the action of the food-grade silicone rubber layer 701, the inner high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric 702, and the outer high-temperature absorbent non-woven fabric 703. At the same time, the bottom plate 606 of the detection cover pushes the movable plate 604 of the detection cover to slide upward. When the detection cover assembly 6 is in the detection position, both the movable plate 604 and the top plate 603 of the detection cover are closed. At this time, the detection cover assembly 6 is in a sealed state. The temperature sensor 4 detects the temperature of the steam inside the detection cover assembly 6 in the sealed state. After the detection is completed, the device returns to its initial position and state.

[0040] The system is equipped with a detection hood assembly 6, which operates in different states depending on the working conditions. When the detection hood assembly 6 is in a moving state, its lower opening expands, allowing for rapid replacement of the internal steam and timely discharge of any residual condensate, ensuring that the steam entering the detection area is pure and at a uniform temperature. When the detection hood assembly 6 is in the detection area, it is in a closed state, effectively eliminating external interference. In addition to the routine detection of steam in the steam outlet pipe 2 by the temperature sensor 4, the detection hood assembly 6 periodically covers part of the steam, forming a sealed space for the temperature sensor 4 to perform sealed temperature measurement. This structurally isolates the steam outlet pipe 2 from external interference such as reverse convection of steam and water and low-temperature condensate, allowing the temperature sensor 4 to be freed from the influence of complex flow and temperature fields and directly and accurately measure the temperature of stable and pure steam. This fundamentally solves the problem of temperature measurement distortion caused by steam-water mixing. At the same time, when the temperature sensor 4 probe passes through the wiping assembly 7, the wiping assembly 7 wipes the temperature sensor 4 probe, which helps to improve the temperature measurement accuracy.

[0041] The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the content described above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the above embodiments without departing from the technical concept of this invention, and all such modifications and variations should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer, characterized in that, include: The steam sterilizer body has a steam outlet pipe fixedly connected inside. A steam generator is fixedly connected to the bottom of the steam outlet pipe. A temperature sensor is fixedly connected to one side of the steam outlet pipe, and an electric telescopic rod is fixedly connected to the other side. A detection cover assembly is provided at the output end of the electric telescopic rod. The detection cover assembly is used to cover the steam in a sealed space for the temperature sensor to detect. The detection cover assembly includes a detection cover side plate, which is fixedly connected to the electric telescopic rod. A wiping assembly is provided inside the detection cover side plate for wiping the probe of the temperature sensor. A first sealing plate is slidably connected inside the steam outlet pipe. A telescopic rod slot is opened inside the first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate is slidably connected to the side of the telescopic rod slot.

2. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam generator is fixedly connected to the main body of the steam sterilizer, and the steam generator is connected to the main body of the steam sterilizer through a steam outlet pipe.

3. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature sensor and the wiping assembly are located on the same horizontal line, and the size of the wiping assembly is larger than the size of the temperature sensor probe.

4. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second sealing plate is slidably connected to the steam outlet pipe, and the second sealing plate is symmetrically arranged about the horizontal central axis of the electric telescopic rod.

5. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the No. 1 sealing plate and the No. 2 sealing plate are driven by a motor, and the No. 1 sealing plate has the same size as the No. 2 sealing plate.

6. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the side panel of the detection cover is rotatably connected to a top electric rotating shaft, the top of the top electric rotating shaft is rotatably connected to a top plate of the detection cover, the inside of the side panel of the detection cover is slidably connected to a movable plate of the detection cover, the bottom of the side panel of the detection cover is rotatably connected to a bottom electric rotating shaft, and the bottom of the bottom electric rotating shaft is rotatably connected to a bottom plate of the detection cover.

7. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The movable plate of the detection cover is inclined, and a locking block is provided on the outer wall of the movable plate of the detection cover, which serves to limit the movement.

8. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the detection cover assembly is in the detection position, both the detection cover movable plate and the detection cover top plate are closed, forming a sealed space.

9. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wiping assembly includes a food-grade silicone rubber layer, which is fixedly connected to the side plate of the detection cover. An inner high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric is fixedly connected to one side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer, and an outer high-temperature absorbent nonwoven fabric is fixedly connected to the other side of the food-grade silicone rubber layer.

10. The steam outlet temperature detection device for a steam sterilizer according to claim 9, characterized in that: Four food-grade silicone rubber layers are provided inside the side panel of the detection cover, and the food-grade silicone rubber layers are arranged in a fan shape.

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