A plunger-type steam generator and steam boiler

Abstract

This invention relates to a plunger-type steam generator and steam boiler, comprising a generator cavity, a steam channel located at the central axis of the generator cavity, a heating element located outside the steam channel and embedded in the generator cavity, and a water inlet pipe located outside the heating element. The heating element is spirally coiled around the outside of the steam channel, and the water inlet pipe is correspondingly located outside the heating element. The water inlet pipe includes an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end connected to the air inlet end of the steam channel. The heating process within the generator cavity includes primary heating within the water inlet pipe and secondary heating within the steam channel, ultimately generating steam which is ejected from the air outlet end of the steam channel. This invention utilizes two heating processes to generate steam, resulting in stable and highly dry steam; the high temperature of the heating element is easily controlled; and the steam generator has a simple structure, with steam ejected directly from the steam outlet without passing through intermediate pipes, resulting in higher energy efficiency and higher energy utilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device for generating steam, and more specifically, to a plunger-type steam generator and a steam boiler. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional steam generators on the market generally operate by expanding water directly through a heating element to produce steam, which is then quickly expelled from the generator for use. The steam quality is typically low, containing a large amount of moisture, and insufficient for cooking. To achieve the required steam volume for cooking, methods such as reducing water volume and allowing the heating element to dry-burn are commonly used. The negative consequences of this are: excessively high temperatures in the heating element and the generator body, easily damaging the heating element; and when the temperature inside the heating element cavity reaches a certain level, adding water causes the mixed water to heat up too quickly at the front end, resulting in excessive pressure at the rear end. This necessitates a higher-pressure water pump, which can damage the pump body and valve core, leading to premature equipment failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a plunger-type steam generator and steam boiler to solve the problems of high moisture content in steam produced by traditional steam generators and easy damage to steam generating equipment.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0005] A plunger-type steam generator includes a generator cavity, a steam channel located at the central axis of the generator cavity, a heating element located outside the steam channel and embedded in the generator cavity, and a water inlet pipe located outside the heating element. The heating element is spirally coiled around the outside of the steam channel, and the water inlet pipe is correspondingly located outside the heating element. The water inlet pipe includes an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end connected to the air inlet end of the steam channel. The heating process within the generator cavity includes primary heating within the water inlet pipe and secondary heating within the steam channel, ultimately forming steam which is ejected from the air outlet end of the steam channel. The generator cavity can be made of die-cast aluminum and serves both heat conduction and insulation functions. The heat required for both heating processes is provided by the heating element. The water inlet pipe is located outside the heating element. When water is injected into the generator, due to the heat conduction effect of the generator cavity, the heating element heats the water inlet pipe to a certain temperature. The liquid water flows within the water inlet pipe and is heated initially, producing a high-temperature, high-pressure steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture enters the steam channel and is heated a second time. The outer wall of the steam channel and the heating element are integrated by die-cast aluminum, so that the steam channel and the heating element are in direct contact and heated, thereby forming a completely stable steam, which is then sprayed out from the steam channel for use by external actuators such as the steam boiler.

[0006] The steam channel includes an inner core and an outer core of the generator, with the outer core fitted over the inner core. A gap channel exists between the inner and outer cores, connecting to the outlet. When the steam-water mixture flows into the steam channel, the high-energy steam carries water droplets directly into the inner and outer cores. Within this cavity, the water droplets enter the top of the inner core and then turn back, before entering the gap channel between the inner and outer cores. The direction of movement changes multiple times, the purpose of which is to prolong the vaporization time and trajectory length of the steam inside the generator. After the steam is completely vaporized, it is discharged from the top. The steam treated in this way has high dryness, low water content, better steam saturation, and higher overall steam quality.

[0007] The heating element is in direct contact with the outer wall of the generator core. The heating element continuously provides heat, which heats the generator core, further vaporizing the steam-water mixture flowing through the gap between the inner and outer cores into complete steam, which is then stably output from the top of the generator core.

[0008] The plunger-type steam generator also includes a water pump connected to the inlet end of the water inlet pipe. The water pump provides the power for water injection, and the inlet end of the water inlet pipe is located at the very top of the plunger-type steam generator. The advantage of placing the inlet at the top of the generator is that when liquid water is pumped into the plunger-type steam generator, the water enters from the top. Under the influence of gravity, the pump pressure is reduced, and the increased surface area of ​​the pipes due to scale buildup leads to a more uniform distribution of scale, thus delaying the time it takes for the inlet pipe to become clogged with scale, ultimately extending the service life of the plunger-type steam generator.

[0009] The plunger-type steam generator also includes a steam transfer pipe, which connects the outlet end of the water inlet pipe to the lower part of the steam channel. The steam transfer pipe connects the water inlet pipe and the steam channel inlet, and is mainly used to transport the steam-water mixture after primary heating to the steam channel for secondary heating.

[0010] The plunger-type steam generator also includes a steam valve core, which is connected to the top of the outer core of the generator. The lower end of the steam valve core has a transverse vent. The steam valve core is used to transmit steam, and the transverse vent can change the direction of steam movement, slowing down the movement of high-pressure steam and making the output more stable.

[0011] A check ball is installed above the transverse vent. The function of the check ball is to make the steam valve a one-way valve, preventing the condensate and steam-water mixture generated during the steam discharge process from flowing back.

[0012] The plunger-type steam generator also includes a nozzle, with a steam nozzle at the bottom and a nozzle seat at the top. The steam nozzle is connected to the steam outlet of the steam channel. The steam nozzle and nozzle seat guide the output steam from inside the generator to the external actuator. The steam output does not pass through intermediate pipes, resulting in higher energy efficiency and greater energy utilization.

[0013] The plunger-type steam generator also includes a temperature control system front-end element located outside the generator chamber. This front-end element is connected to the heating element and is used to control its temperature. The front-end element's connection to the heating element ensures stable high-temperature operation and prevents damage due to temperature runaway. Furthermore, its location outside the generator chamber allows for timely observation and repair in case of heating element malfunctions.

[0014] A steam cooker containing a plunger-type steam generator is disclosed. The steam cooker further includes a circuit assembly, a base, a steam cooker appliance, a circuit board protection board, a cooling fan, a temperature sensor, a pressure relief valve, and a water inlet connector. The steam cooker appliance is connected above the base, which is connected above the plunger-type steam generator. The circuit assembly, circuit board protection board, cooling fan, temperature sensor, pressure relief valve, and water inlet connector are located at the lower end of the steam cooker. The plunger-type steam generator produces steam to supply the steam cooker. A steam nozzle draws steam from inside the plunger-type steam generator and guides it into the steam cooker through a nozzle seat for cooking. The plunger-type steam generator can stably provide the steam cooker with steam that is highly dry and has low moisture content.

[0015] The circuit components within the steam cooker of this technical solution are used to control the working process and operating mode of the steam cooker. The circuit components include a main circuit board, temperature control unit, main power supply, steam generator control unit, water flow control unit, operating unit, pressure relief unit, and other electrical control units. A circuit board protection board is installed between the steam generator and the circuit components for dry and wet separation, isolating the generator from the circuit components and protecting each electrical control unit.

[0016] The steam boiler circuit assembly of this technical solution is equipped with a cooling fan. Since the control element of the steam generator control unit is a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), it will generate a lot of heat when working. The cooling fan must be used to remove the heat in time so that the steam generator can work for a long time.

[0017] To ensure the generator functions properly and continuously produces high-quality steam, the steam boiler of this invention is also equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor generator temperature changes and adjust the heating element power and water flow as needed. It also features a high-temperature trip switch that cuts off the generator's power supply when the temperature reaches a set value, protecting other components within the machine. Furthermore, a high-temperature fuse is included to cut off the main power supply when the front temperature control unit fails, thus protecting the product.

[0018] The steam boiler in this technical solution is also equipped with a pressure relief valve. When the generator is blocked, it continues to produce steam, but the outlet is blocked by scale and other substances, which will increase the pressure of the generator. When the pressure reaches the limit of the inlet pipe, there is a risk of pipe bursting. In order to avoid such danger, an automatic pressure relief unit is specially set up. When the generator pressure exceeds the set limit value, the pressure relief valve will be opened automatically to release some steam, reduce the air pressure in the generator, and ensure the normal operation of the generator. At the same time, the pressure sensor will detect and report an error, thereby protecting the safety of the product.

[0019] All electrical control units in this technical solution are installed inside a plastic base shell, which meets safety regulations and product manufacturability requirements.

[0020] The steam pot of the present invention is also provided with a water inlet connector at the bottom for water pump inlet, and a hidden power cord inlet for easy embedded installation.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] (1) The two heating processes can stably provide steam and the resulting steam has high dryness, low moisture content, and high overall quality;

[0023] (2) The high temperature of the heating element in the plunger-type steam generator is easy to control;

[0024] (3) The structure is simple, and the steam is directly ejected from the steam port without passing through the intermediate pipe, which makes it more energy efficient and has a higher energy utilization rate. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a front view of the plunger-type steam generator of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a top view of the plunger-type steam generator of Example 1.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the plunger-type steam generator of Example 1.

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the steam pot in Example 2.

[0029] The diagram includes: 1-generator cavity; 2-steam channel; 3-air inlet; 4-air outlet; 5-generator inner core; 6-generator outer core; 7-gap channel; 8-heating tube; 9-water inlet pipe; 10-steam adapter pipe; 11-steam valve core; 12-horizontal air outlet; 13-check valve ball; 14-plunger-type steam generator; 15-steam nozzle; 16-nozzle holder; 17-temperature control system front-end component; 18-base; 19-steam cooker; 20-water pump; 21-circuit main board; 22-circuit board protection board; 23-cooling fan; 24-pressure relief valve; 25-plastic bottom shell; 26-water inlet connector. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. To better illustrate the following embodiments, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual product dimensions; it is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] like Figure 1 The image shown is a front view of the plunger-type steam generator of this embodiment 1.

[0033] The front-end component 17 of the temperature control system is located outside the generator cavity 1, and steam is ejected through the steam valve core 11 and the steam nozzle 15.

[0034] like Figure 2 The image shown is a top view of the plunger-type steam generator of Embodiment 1.

[0035] The water inlet pipe 9 introduces liquid water into the plunger-type steam generator 14 through a water pump. The heating pipe 8 enters the plunger-type steam generator 14 from the outside. The steam transfer pipe 10 is located on the side of the plunger-type steam generator 14.

[0036] like Figure 3 The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the plunger-type steam generator of this embodiment 1.

[0037] In this embodiment 1, the steam generation process of the plunger-type steam generator 14 involves two heating processes, both of which occur within the generator cavity 1. A steam channel 2 is located at the central axis of the generator cavity 1. A heating element 8 is located outside the steam channel 2 and embedded within the generator cavity 1. A water inlet pipe 9 is located outside the heating element 8. The heating element 8 is spirally coiled around the outside of the steam channel 2, and the water inlet pipe 9 is correspondingly spirally coiled around the outside of the heating element 8. The water inlet pipe 9 includes an inlet end and an outlet end, with the outlet end connected to the air inlet end 3 of the steam channel 2. The heating process within the generator cavity 1 includes primary heating within the water inlet pipe 9 and secondary heating within the steam channel 2, ultimately resulting in steam being ejected from the air outlet end 4 of the steam channel 2. The generator cavity 1 is made of die-cast aluminum.

[0038] When liquid water is injected into the plunger-type steam generator 14, the heating element 8 has already heated the inlet pipe 9 to a certain temperature. The liquid water flows in the inlet pipe 9 and is heated once, converting it into a high-temperature, high-pressure steam-water mixture. The steam transfer pipe 10 then introduces this steam-water mixture into the steam channel 2 for secondary heating. Both the inner core 5 and outer core 6 of the generator within the steam channel 2 are cylindrical, with their openings facing the direction of the steam-water mixture. The outer core 6 has a larger diameter than the inner core 5, and a gap channel 7 exists between them. When the steam-water mixture enters the steam channel 2, the pressure causes most of it to flow into the inner core 5. Since the top of the inner core 5 is closed, the mixture flows back down from the top, with a small portion entering the gap channel 7. The heating element 8 is in direct contact with the outer wall of the outer core 6. The heating element 8 is continuously heated by the front-end element 17 of the temperature control system, raising the temperature of the outer core 6 and further vaporizing the steam-water mixture flowing through the gap channel 7 into complete steam, which is then discharged from the outlet 4 of the steam channel 2. The steam changes direction through the transverse outlet 12 of the steam valve core 11, and the high-pressure steam slows down, resulting in a stable output. A check valve ball 13 is located above the transverse outlet 12. The check ball 13, due to its own weight, makes the steam valve a one-way valve. The nozzle is connected to the top of the steam valve core 11. The lower part of the nozzle is the steam nozzle 15, and the upper part is the nozzle seat 16. The steam nozzle 15 is connected to the upper part of the steam valve core 11. The steam nozzle 15 and the nozzle seat 16 guide the output steam from inside the generator to the external actuator for use.

[0039] The plunger-type steam generator 14 in this embodiment 1 includes a generator cavity 1, a steam channel 2 located at the central axis of the generator cavity 1, a heating tube 8 located outside the steam channel 2 and embedded in the generator cavity 1, and a water inlet pipe 9 located outside the heating tube 8. The heating tube 8 is spirally coiled around the outside of the steam channel 2, and the water inlet pipe 9 is correspondingly located outside the heating tube 8. The water inlet pipe 9 includes an inlet end and an outlet end, and the outlet end is connected to the air inlet end 3 of the steam channel 2. The heating process in the generator cavity 1 includes primary heating in the water inlet pipe 9 and secondary heating in the steam channel 2, and finally, steam is generated and ejected from the air outlet end 4 of the steam channel 2. The generator cavity 1 can be a die-cast aluminum body, and the generator cavity 1 has the functions of heat conduction and heat preservation. The heat required for both heating processes is provided by the heating element 8. The water inlet pipe 9 is located outside the heating element 8. When water is injected into the plunger-type steam generator 14, the heating element 8 heats the water inlet pipe 9 to a certain temperature due to the heat conduction effect of the generator cavity 1. The liquid water flows in the water inlet pipe 9 and is heated once, producing a high-temperature, high-pressure steam-water mixture. The steam-water mixture enters the steam channel 2 and is heated a second time. The outer wall of the steam channel 2 is integrated with the heating element 8 through die-cast aluminum, allowing the steam channel 2 to directly contact and be heated by the heating element 8, thereby forming completely stable steam. This steam is then ejected from the steam channel 2 for use by external actuators such as the steam boiler.

[0040] Steam channel 2 includes an inner core 5 and an outer core 6. The outer core 6 is fitted over the inner core 5, and a gap channel 7 exists between the inner core 5 and the outer core 6, connecting to the outlet end 4. When the steam-water mixture flows into steam channel 2, the high-energy steam carries water droplets directly into the inner and outer core walls. Within this cavity, the water droplets enter the top of the inner core 5 and then turn back, before entering the gap channel 7 between the inner and outer cores. The direction of movement changes multiple times, the purpose of which is to prolong the vaporization time and trajectory length of the steam inside the generator. After the steam is completely vaporized, it is discharged from the top. Steam treated in this way has high dryness, low water content, better steam saturation, and higher overall steam quality.

[0041] The heating element 8 is in direct contact with the outer wall of the generator outer core 6. The heating element 8 continuously provides heat, which heats the generator outer core 6 in contact with it, further vaporizing the steam-water mixture flowing through the inner and outer core gap channel 7 into complete steam, which is then stably output from the top of the generator outer core 6.

[0042] The plunger-type steam generator 14 also includes a steam transfer pipe 10, which connects the outlet end of the water inlet pipe 9 to the lower part of the steam channel 2. The steam transfer pipe 10 connects the water inlet pipe 9 and the inlet of the steam channel 2, and is mainly used to transport the steam-water mixture after primary heating to the steam channel 2 for secondary heating.

[0043] The plunger-type steam generator 14 also includes a steam valve core 11, which is connected to the top of the outer core 6 of the generator. The lower end of the steam valve core 11 is provided with a transverse vent 12. The steam valve core 11 is used to transmit steam, and the transverse vent 12 can change the direction of steam movement, so that the high-pressure steam moves slower and the output is more stable.

[0044] A check ball 13 is provided above the horizontal vent 12. The function of the check ball 13 is to make the steam valve a one-way valve, so that the condensate and steam-water mixture generated during the steam discharge process does not flow back.

[0045] The plunger-type steam generator 14 also includes a nozzle, with a steam nozzle 15 at the bottom and a nozzle seat 16 at the top. The steam nozzle 15 is connected to the steam outlet 4 of the steam channel 2. The steam nozzle 15 and the nozzle seat 16 guide the output steam from inside the generator to the external actuator. The steam output does not pass through an intermediate pipe, resulting in higher energy efficiency and higher energy utilization.

[0046] The plunger-type steam generator 14 also includes a temperature control system front-end element 17 located outside the generator chamber 1. The temperature control system front-end element 17 is connected to the heating element 8 and is used to control the temperature of the heating element 8. The temperature control system front-end element 17, connected to the heating element 8, controls the temperature of the heating element 8, ensuring stable high-temperature operation and preventing damage due to temperature runaway. Simultaneously, the location of the temperature control system front-end element 17 outside the generator chamber 1 allows for timely observation and repair when the heating element 8 malfunctions.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a schematic of the steam pot in Embodiment 2.

[0049] The plunger-type steam generator 14 includes a water pump 20, which is connected to the inlet end of the water inlet pipe 9. The water pump 20 provides the power for water injection, and the inlet end of the water inlet pipe 9 is located at the very top of the plunger-type steam generator 14. The advantage of placing the inlet at the very top of the generator is that when liquid water is supplied to the plunger-type steam generator 14 by the water pump 20, the water enters from the top. Under the action of gravity, the pressure of the water pump 20 can be reduced, and the increased surface area of ​​the pipe due to scale buildup can increase the uniformity of scale distribution, thereby delaying the time before the water inlet pipe 9 is blocked by scale, and ultimately extending the service life of the plunger-type steam generator 14.

[0050] The steam cooker includes a circuit assembly, a plunger-type steam generator 14, a base 18, a steam cooker 19, a circuit board protection board 22, a cooling fan 23, a temperature sensor, a pressure relief valve 24, and a water inlet connector 26. The steam cooker 19 is connected above the base 18, and the base 18 is connected above the plunger-type steam generator 14. The circuit assembly, circuit board protection board 22, cooling fan 23, temperature sensor, pressure relief valve 24, and water inlet connector 26 are located at the lower end of the steam cooker. The plunger-type steam generator 14 generates steam for use in the steam cooker 19. The steam nozzle 15 draws steam from inside the plunger-type steam generator 14 and guides it into the steam cooker 19 through the nozzle seat 16 for cooking. The plunger-type steam generator 14 can stably provide the steam cooker with steam that is highly dry and has low moisture content.

[0051] The circuit components within the steam cooker of this embodiment 2 are used to control the steam cooker's working process and operating mode. The circuit components include a main circuit board 21, a temperature control unit, a main power supply, a steam generator control unit, a water flow control unit, a control unit, a pressure relief unit, and other electrical control units. A circuit board protection board 22 is installed between the steam generator and the circuit components for dry / wet separation, isolating the generator from the circuit components and protecting each electrical control unit.

[0052] In this embodiment 2, a cooling fan 23 is provided below the steam pot circuit assembly. Since the control element of the steam generator control unit is a silicon controlled rectifier, it will generate a lot of heat when working. The cooling fan 23 must be used to remove the heat in time so that the steam generator can work for a long time.

[0053] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the technical solution of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the specific implementation of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the claims of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plunger-type steam generator, comprising: a generator cavity, a steam passage located at the central axis of the generator cavity, a heating tube located outside the steam passage and embedded in the generator cavity, and a water inlet pipe located outside the heating tube; The heating element is spirally coiled around the outside of the steam channel, and the water inlet pipe is correspondingly spirally coiled around the outside of the heating element. The water inlet pipe includes: The inlet and outlet ends are connected, with the outlet end connected to the inlet end of the steam passage. The heating process inside the generator cavity includes: primary heating of liquid water in the inlet pipe to form a high-temperature and high-pressure steam-water mixture, secondary heating of the high-pressure steam-water mixture in the steam channel, and finally steam being ejected from the steam outlet of the steam channel; The steam passage includes an inner core of a generator and an outer core of a generator. The top of the inner core of the generator is closed. The outer core of the generator is sleeved over the inner core of the generator. There is a gap channel between the inner core of the generator and the outer core of the generator, and the gap channel is connected to the gas outlet. The plunger-type steam generator also includes a steam transfer pipe that connects the outlet end of the water inlet pipe to the lower part of the steam passage.

2. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element is in direct contact with the outer wall of the generator core.

3. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger-type steam generator also includes a water pump connected to the inlet end of the water inlet pipe.

4. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger-type steam generator also includes a steam valve core, which is connected to the top of the outer core of the generator, and the lower end of the steam valve core is provided with a transverse air outlet.

5. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, A check valve ball is provided above the transverse air outlet.

6. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger-type steam generator also includes a nozzle, the lower part of which is a steam nozzle and the upper part is a nozzle seat. The steam nozzle is connected to the steam outlet of the steam channel, and the nozzle seat is connected to an external actuator system.

7. The plunger-type steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plunger-type steam generator also includes a temperature control system front-end element located outside the generator cavity. The temperature control system front-end element is connected to the heating element and is used to control the temperature of the heating element.

8. A steam boiler comprising a plunger-type steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The steam cooker also includes a circuit assembly, a base, a steam cooker, a circuit board protection board, a cooling fan, a temperature sensor, a pressure relief valve, and a water inlet connector. The steam cooker is connected to the top of the base, and the base is connected to the top of the plunger-type steam generator. The circuit assembly, circuit board protection board, cooling fan, temperature sensor, pressure relief valve, and water inlet connector are located at the bottom of the steam cooker. The plunger-type steam generator generates steam to supply the steam cooker.

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