Steam generator and washing machine of a clothing care device

Abstract

The present invention provides a steam generator for a clothing care device. The generator body of the clothing care device includes a housing and a heating component; the housing is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet; a plate-like structure is provided between the steam outlet and the heating component; the plate-like structure is provided with a passage for steam to pass through; liquid water enters the cavity of the housing, and the heating component heats the liquid water to form a mixed gas flow. The mixed gas flow flows upward and contacts the plate-like structure, and the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure to separate the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow, so as to reduce the liquid water molecules led out from the steam outlet. The present invention also provides a washing machine. The steam generator provided by the present invention separates the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow formed by heating through the heating component by arranging a plate-like structure between the heating component and the steam outlet, reduces the liquid water mixed in the obtained steam, and provides high-purity steam to the clothing care device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a steam generator and a washing machine of a clothing care device. Background Art

[0002] The steam generator is used to provide steam. When used in a washing machine, steam can be introduced into the inner drum to remove wrinkles, dry, and sterilize the washed clothes, so as to make the washed clothes odorless, stretched, and clean. The steam generator heats water through a heating component, and the water evaporates to form steam. However, the steam at this time contains unvaporized liquid water, that is, the evaporated steam is a water-vapor mixture. If the water-vapor mixture is directly introduced into the inner drum, the clothes will absorb more water, resulting in difficulty in drying the clothes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a steam generator with high-purity steam discharged into the clothing care device and few liquid water molecules.

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is realized through the following technical solutions.

[0005] The first object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator, including a generator body disposed in a clothing care device, the generator body including a housing and a heating component disposed in the cavity of the housing; the housing is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet; wherein,

[0006] A plate-like structure is further provided between the steam outlet and the heating component, and the plate-like structure is a metal part; the plate-like structure is provided with a channel for steam to pass through;

[0007] Liquid water enters the cavity of the housing from the water inlet, and the heating component heats the liquid water to form a mixed gas flow of vaporized liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules. The mixed gas flow flows upward and contacts the plate-like structure. After the heat of the liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow is conducted through the plate-like structure, the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure to separate the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow, reducing the liquid water molecules led out from the steam outlet.

[0008] Preferably, the number of the plate-like structures is at least two; at least two of the plate-like structures are arranged in sequence along the flowing direction of the mixed gas flow.

[0009] Preferably, the cross-sectional areas of at least two of the plate-like structures perpendicular to the flowing direction of the mixed gas flow are different.

[0010] Preferably, one of the plate-like structures far from the heating component is disposed close to the steam outlet.

[0011] Preferably, the periphery of the plate-like structure abuts against the inner periphery of the inner wall of the housing cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the plate-like structure includes a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure arranged in sequence along the flow direction of the mixed air flow; a first space is formed by the heating assembly, the first plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the housing cavity; a second space is formed by the first plate-like structure, the second plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the housing cavity; a third space is formed by the outer surface of the second plate-like structure facing the steam outlet and the inner wall of the housing cavity; wherein,

[0013] The volumes of the first space, the second space, and the third space decrease in sequence.

[0014] Preferably, the plate-like structure is a filter screen; the filter holes of the filter screen form the passage.

[0015] Preferably, the filter screen facing the heating assembly is in a flat structure, an inner concave structure, or an outer convex structure.

[0016] Preferably, when the filter screen facing the heating assembly is in an inner concave structure or an outer convex structure, the density of the filter holes at the part of the filter screen close to the heating assembly is lower than the density of the filter holes at the part of the filter screen far from the heating assembly.

[0017] Preferably, when the filter screen facing the heating assembly is in an inner concave structure or an outer convex structure, the aperture of the filter holes at the part of the filter screen close to the heating assembly is larger than the aperture of the filter holes at the part of the filter screen far from the heating assembly.

[0018] Preferably, a connecting column protrudes from the inner wall of the housing towards the plate-like structure to be fixed to the plate-like structure through a fastener.

[0019] Preferably, the heating assembly includes a heating tube assembly or a thick film heating assembly.

[0020] Preferably, the heating assembly and the plate-like structure are arranged in parallel.

[0021] Preferably, when the heating assembly is a thick film heating assembly, the side of the heat conduction substrate of the thick film heating assembly facing away from the inner insulating dielectric layer of the thick film heating assembly faces the steam outlet; the periphery of the heat conduction substrate of the thick film heating assembly abuts against the inner wall of the housing.

[0022] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided on the periphery of the heat conduction substrate.

[0023] Preferably, the generator body is provided with a temperature control switch for cutting off the power supply of the heating assembly when the temperature of the heating assembly exceeds the temperature threshold.

[0024] Preferably, a liquid level sensor is provided on the generator body to obtain the current water level information in the housing.

[0025] The second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, including a washing machine cabinet. A generator body of a steam generator of a clothing care device as described above is provided in the washing machine cabinet. The water inlet of the generator body is connected to a water pipe in the washing machine cabinet, and the steam outlet of the generator body is connected to the inner drum of the washing machine to supply steam to the inner drum of the washing machine.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0027] A steam generator provided by the present invention separates liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas stream formed by heating through a heating component by arranging a plate-like structure between the heating component and the steam outlet, reduces the liquid water molecules mixed in the obtained steam, and provides high-purity steam to the clothing storage cylinder of the clothing care device, avoiding an increase in the environmental humidity in the clothing storage cylinder.

[0028] In a preferred solution, the number of plate-like structures is at least two to improve the separation effect of the mixed gas stream. Further, at least two plate-like structures are arranged in parallel to stabilize the separation effect of the mixed gas stream. Further, the cross-sectional areas of at least two plate-like structures perpendicular to the flow direction of the mixed gas stream are different, so as to reasonably plan the separation effect of the multi-layer plate-like structure on the mixed gas stream while saving the space occupied by the plate-like structure in the housing, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the generator body.

[0029] In a preferred solution, the plate-like structure is a filter screen, which has a simple structure and is easy to install. Further, the filter screen is concave or convex facing the heating component, so that the liquid water attached to the surface of the filter screen can move with an acceleration, reducing the probability of the filter holes being blocked by liquid water.

[0030] In a preferred solution, heating is carried out by a thick film heating component. The thick film heating component has a small size and occupies a small space, so the overall size of the generator body can be relatively reduced. Thus, the installation space occupied by the generator body in the clothing treatment device is also reduced, increasing the applicable range of the generator body. Further, the peripheral side of the heat conduction substrate of the thick film heating component abuts against the inner wall of the housing, and the side of the heat conduction substrate facing away from the resistance heating layer faces the steam outlet, so that the water entering the inside of the housing through the water inlet can only contact the insulating heat conduction substrate to be heated, preventing the water from contacting the side of the thick film heating component provided with the resistance heating layer, and preventing the water from contacting the resistance heating layer when the outer insulating layer is abnormal, thus improving the use safety of the product.

[0031] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and implement it according to the content of the specification, the following provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific implementation manners of the present invention are given in detail by the following embodiments and their accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form a part of this application. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the generator body of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the generator body of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the first filter screen with an inward concave structure facing the heating component of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the second filter screen with an inward concave structure facing the heating component of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the thick film heating component of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 is a bottom view of the generator body of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the outer shell of the present invention.

[0040] In the figure: 1. Generator body;

[0041] 10. Housing; 11. Water inlet; 12. Steam outlet; 13. First through groove; 14. Second through groove; 15. Outer shell; 151. Second card slot; 16. Base; 161. Support part; 17. Pressure relief port; 18. Connecting column;

[0042] 20. Thick film heating component; 21. Heat conduction substrate; 22. Inner insulating dielectric layer; 23. Resistance heating layer; 24. Electrode end; 25. Sealing ring; 26. Grounding part;

[0043] 30. Filter screen; 31. First filter screen; 311. First inward concave part; 312. First connecting part; 32. Second filter screen; 321. Second inward concave part; 322. Second connecting part;

[0044] 40. Automatic temperature control switch;

[0045] 50. Manual temperature control switch;

[0046] 60. Three - pin water level switch. Detailed implementation manner

[0047] The following further describes the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent, so that those skilled in the art can implement it according to the description in the specification. In the drawings, for clarity, the shapes and dimensions may be enlarged, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout all the figures to indicate the same or similar components. In the following description, terms such as center, thickness, height, length, front, back, rear, left, right, top, bottom, upper, lower, etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. In particular, "height" corresponds to the dimension from the top to the bottom, "width" corresponds to the dimension from the left to the right, and "depth" corresponds to the dimension from the front to the back. These relative terms are for convenience of description and generally do not intend to require a specific orientation. Terms related to attachment, connection, etc. (e.g., "connect" and "attach") refer to the relationship in which these structures are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure, and the relationship of movable or rigid attachment, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0048] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings and the detailed implementation manner, the present invention will be further described. It should be noted that, on the premise of no conflict, the following described embodiments or technical features can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0049] Embodiment 1

[0050] The present invention provides a steam generator for a clothing care device, including a generator body 1 arranged in the clothing care device. The generator body 1 includes a housing 10 and a heating component arranged in the cavity of the housing 10. The housing 10 is provided with a cavity for accommodating liquid water, and the heating component is used to heat the water in the housing 10; the housing 10 is provided with a water inlet 11 and a steam outlet 12; wherein,

[0051] A plate-like structure is also provided between the steam outlet 12 and the heating component. The plate-like structure is provided with a channel for steam to pass through. That is, the steam outlet 12, the plate-like structure, and the heating component are arranged in sequence from top to bottom, so that the mixed gas flow formed by heating the heating component contacts the plate-like structure first during the process of flowing towards the steam outlet 12, and after the mixed gas flow is separated, it continues to flow towards the steam outlet 12 through the channel until steam containing no or a small amount of liquid water molecules is provided outward through the steam outlet 12. The plate-like structure is a metal part. The metal part has heat conduction performance. When the mixed gas flow contacts the plate-like structure, the heat of the liquid water molecules is conducted through the plate-like structure, and the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure due to the reduction of heat. Moreover, the metal part is not easily deformed or damaged when heated, which is convenient for the handling of the clothing treatment device. Further, the plate-like structure is a stainless steel plate-like structure. The stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity, which can ensure the condensation effect on the liquid water molecules while preventing the temperature from being lost too quickly from the steam outlet 12 after being transferred through the plate-like structure after being heated by the heating component.

[0052] Liquid water enters the cavity of the housing 10 from the water inlet 11. The heating component heats the liquid water to form a mixed gas flow of vaporized liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules. Usually, the volatiles formed by heating water are not completely gaseous water (i.e., gaseous water molecules), but also mixed with liquid water molecules. The mixed gas flow is a mixture of liquid water molecules and gaseous water. The mixed gas flow flows upward and contacts the plate-like structure. After the heat of the liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow is conducted through the plate-like structure, the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure to separate the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow. The steam mixed with part of the liquid water molecules passes through the channel and is then led out from the steam outlet 12 into the clothing storage cylinder of the clothing care device to provide steam for the clothes in the clothing storage cylinder for steam drying, steam wrinkle removal, or steam sterilization, reducing the liquid water molecules led out from the steam outlet 12. By using the fact that the particle sizes of gaseous water and liquid water molecules are different, when the two are mixed and flow together and contact the plate-like structure, the liquid water molecules are intercepted and attached to the outer surface of the plate-like structure and fall under the action of gravity, while the gaseous water flows through the channel provided in the plate-like structure towards the steam outlet 12.

[0053] In one embodiment, the number of plate-like structures is at least two, and the at least two plate-like structures are arranged in sequence along the direction of the mixed gas flow to perform multiple separations of the mixed gas flow formed by heating through the heating component, so as to obtain gaseous water with a higher purity. Further, the plane where the plate-like structure is located is parallel to the horizontal plane, so as to reduce the size of the plate-like structure while enabling the plate-like structure to face the steam flow comprehensively. Further, the at least two plate-like structures are arranged in parallel, and the distances between the longitudinal parts of the two plate-like structures arranged in parallel are the same or similar, so that the effects of separating the mixed gas flow of the parts of the two plate-like structures located in the same longitudinal plane are similar, so as to provide a stable mixed gas flow separation effect. The mixed gas flow formed by heating through the heating component contacts the first plate-like structure, and part of the liquid water molecules are separated and removed. There are still some liquid water molecules mixed in the separated gaseous water, which continues to flow upward and contacts the second plate-like structure for the second separation of the mixed gas flow, and so on. The rising mixed gas flow contacts multiple plate-like structures in sequence, and the mixed gas flow separation is repeated to gradually separate and remove the liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow and retain the water vapor.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the direction of the mixed gas flow of at least two plate-like structures arranged in sequence along the direction towards the steam outlet 12 are the same, and they can be installed at any part in the lateral space of the cavity of the housing 10 with a similar size.

[0055] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the direction of the mixed gas flow of at least two plate-like structures are different, so as to reasonably plan the lateral space occupied by the at least two plate-like structures in the housing 10, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the generator body 1.

[0056] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the flow direction of the mixed gas flow of at least two plate-like structures arranged successively in the direction towards the steam outlet 12 decrease successively. Since the content of liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow mixture separated by the first plate-like structure that is first contacted is greatly reduced, the size of the second plate-like structure contacted subsequently is appropriately reduced, which can save costs and the space occupied by the corresponding plate-like structure in the housing 10 while ensuring the effect of separating the mixed gas flow. By analogy, it includes a third plate-like structure and a fourth plate-like structure with decreasing sizes. The lateral space of the cavity of the housing 10 decreases successively from bottom to top, so as to reasonably plan the size of the generator body 1, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the generator body 1. In one embodiment, the generator body 1 includes a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure. The first plate-like structure and the second plate-like structure are arranged in parallel in the direction towards the steam outlet 12. The structures of the first plate-like structure and the second plate-like structure are similar, and the size of the second plate-like structure is smaller than that of the first plate-like structure. In another embodiment, the cross-sectional areas perpendicular to the flow direction of the mixed gas flow of at least two plate-like structures arranged successively in the direction towards the steam outlet 12 increase successively, and the lateral space of the cavity of the housing 10 increases successively from bottom to top, so as to reasonably plan the size of the generator body 1, which is beneficial to the miniaturization of the generator body 1.

[0057] In one embodiment, a plate-like structure far from the heating component is arranged close to the steam outlet 12. After the mixed gas flow mixture is separated by the plate-like structure far from the heating component, it can be quickly discharged from the steam outlet 12, so as to avoid the large distance between the plate-like structure farthest from the heating component arranged from bottom to top and the steam outlet 12, resulting in part of the liquid water molecules in the high-purity steam obtained after the mixed gas flow is separated by the last plate-like structure liquefying due to cold during the upward flow towards the steam outlet 12, so that the steam discharged from the steam outlet 12 is mixed with liquid water molecules or the amount of steam discharged from the steam outlet 12 is reduced.

[0058] In one embodiment, the periphery of the plate-like structure abuts against the inner periphery of the housing 10, so that the mixed gas flow must first contact the plate-like structure before flowing towards the steam outlet 12, ensuring the effect of separating the mixed gas flow.

[0059] Furthermore, the plate-like structure includes a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure arranged in sequence along the flowing direction of the mixed gas stream. A first space is formed by the heating component, the first plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing 10. A second space is formed by the first plate-like structure, the second plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing 10. A third space is formed by an outer surface of the second plate-like structure facing the steam outlet 12 and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing 10. Among them, the volumes of the first space, the second space, and the third space decrease in sequence. The mixed gas stream formed by heating the liquid water by the heating component sequentially contacts the first plate-like structure and the second plate-like structure during the upward flow of the mixed gas stream. The amount of liquid water molecules mixed in the mixed gas stream before contacting the first plate-like structure is the largest. After two separations of the mixed gas stream by the first plate-like structure and the second plate-like structure respectively, the amount of liquid water molecules mixed in the mixed gas stream gradually decreases, that is, the amounts of the mixed gas stream contained in the first space, the second space, and the third space also decrease in sequence. Therefore, in order to effectively reduce the size of the steam generator, the volumes of the first space, the second space, and the third space decrease in sequence. While reducing the cavity space of the housing 10, the first space, the second space, and the third space all have sufficient space to accommodate the mixed gas stream, and it will not cause the liquid water molecules in the accommodated mixed gas stream to collide with the gaseous water or the gaseous water molecules to collide with each other to form liquid water due to the small space, resulting in a decrease in the gaseous water.

[0060] Specifically, a gap is left between two adjacent plate-like structures to provide space for the mixed gas stream located between the two adjacent plate-like structures to disperse, so as to prevent the distance between two adjacent plate-like structures from being too small, resulting in the mixed gas stream with a reduced content of liquid water molecules obtained after passing through the first plate-like structure from aggregating in the too small space between the two adjacent plate-like structures, and causing the gaseous water to accelerate the formation of liquid water due to the collision between the gaseous water and / or the collision between the gaseous water and the liquid water molecules, affecting the separation effect of the mixed gas stream.

[0061] In order to ensure that the first plate-like structure adjacent to the heating component can quickly separate and remove a part of the liquid water molecules, the distance between the first plate-like structure and the heating component should not be too small, so as to prevent the mixed gas stream formed by heating the heating component from contacting the surface of the corresponding first plate-like structure in a large amount in a short time, and the liquid water formed by condensation cannot be separated from the surface of the first plate-like structure in time, which is not conducive to the separation of the mixed gas stream. And the content of liquid water molecules in the mixed gas stream mixture that continues to flow upward after the first separation of the mixed gas stream by the first plate-like structure is relatively low, so the space between two adjacent plate-like structures does not need to be too large to smoothly perform the second, third, or even more separations of the mixed gas stream, thereby saving the size of the generator body 1.

[0062] In one embodiment, the plate-like structure is the filter screen 30, and the filter holes of the filter screen 30 constitute the channels of the plate-like structure; the filter screen 30 has a simple structure and is easy to install. When the mixed gas stream contacts the filter screen, the gaseous water can pass through the filter holes of the filter screen, and the liquid water molecules are intercepted and adhered to the surface of the filter screen 30, condensing to form liquid water, which falls into the water contained in the housing 10 under the gravity of the liquid water, thereby realizing the separation of the mixed gas stream. Further, multiple layers of filter screens 30 are arranged in the housing 10 along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10, and the steam outlet 12 is located at the top of the housing 10 or near the top of the housing 10 to improve the separation effect of the mixed gas stream.

[0063] In another embodiment, a gap is provided between the plate-like structure and at least one inner wall of the cavity of the housing 10 to form the channel. The rising mixed gas stream contacts the outer wall of the plate-like structure, and the liquid water molecules adhere to the outer wall of the plate-like structure and condense to form liquid water and then fall. The gaseous water changes the flow direction of the gas stream after contacting the plate-like structure, flows into the channel, and flows to the steam outlet 12 through the channel.

[0064] In one embodiment, the filter screen 30 is a flat structure, and the liquid water molecules are intercepted and adhered to the surface of the filter screen 30 and condense to form liquid water and then naturally fall. In another embodiment, the filter screen 30 is concave or convex facing the heating component.

[0065] When the filter screen 30 is concave facing the heating component, the liquid water molecules are intercepted and adhered to the surface of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 and then condense to form liquid water. The liquid water adhering to the middle portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 flows along the direction towards the outer peripheral side of the concave portion. Since the concave portion to which the liquid water adheres when flowing has a slope, the liquid water moves at an accelerated speed on the surface of the concave portion. Part of the liquid water falls during the process of flowing towards the outer peripheral side of the concave portion, and the other part of the water flows to the edge near the outer peripheral side of the concave portion and converges and falls under the action of acceleration. The liquid water moves at an accelerated speed on the concave portion and is not easily retained on the surface of the filter holes of the filter screen 30 due to the surface tension of the liquid water, accelerating the separation speed of the mixed gas stream. Further, a connecting portion extends from the outer peripheral side of the concave portion, and the plane where the connecting portion is located is perpendicular to the direction of the gravity of the liquid water. The liquid water flowing from the middle portion of the concave portion to the outer peripheral side edge of the concave portion extends and adheres to the surface of the connecting portion, so as to prevent the liquid water converging at the outer peripheral side edge of the concave portion from being too much and blocking the filter holes on the peripheral side of the outer peripheral side edge of the concave portion, reducing the effective area of the plate-like structure for separating the mixed gas stream and avoiding affecting the separation of the mixed gas stream. As Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, specifically, a first filter screen 31 and a second filter screen 32 are sequentially arranged in the housing 10 from bottom to top along the longitudinal direction of the housing 10. The first filter screen 31 and the second filter screen 32 are arranged in parallel in the direction towards the steam outlet 12, and the size of the second filter screen 32 is smaller than that of the first filter screen 31; and both the first filter screen 31 and the second filter screen 32 are concave structures facing the heating component. A first connection portion 312 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first concave portion 311 of the first filter screen 31, and a second connection portion 322 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the second concave portion 321 of the second filter screen 32.

[0066] When the filter screen 30 is a convex structure facing the heating component, liquid water molecules are intercepted and adhere to the surface of the convex portion of the filter screen 30 and condense into liquid water. Then, the liquid water adhering to the peripheral side of the convex portion of the filter screen 30 flows along the direction towards the middle portion of the convex portion. Similarly, since the convex portion where the liquid water adheres has a slope during the flow of the liquid water, the liquid water moves with an acceleration on the surface of the convex portion. Part of the liquid water falls during the process of flowing towards the middle portion of the convex portion, and another part of the water converges to the convex corner portion of the convex portion under the action of acceleration, and the convergence increases the size of the liquid water droplets, and the gravity increases and the falling speed is accelerated. The liquid water moves with an acceleration on the convex portion and is not likely to stay on the filter holes of the filter screen 30 due to the surface tension of the liquid water, accelerating the separation speed of the mixed air flow. However, since the liquid water flows from the peripheral side of the convex portion to the middle portion of the convex portion and converges at the middle portion, and the area of the middle portion of the convex portion is relatively small, the liquid water droplets become larger, which may block some of the filter holes in the middle portion of the convex portion, reducing the effective area of the plate-like structure for separating the mixed air flow, and to a certain extent affecting the separation of the mixed air flow, and the effect is slightly weaker than the separation effect of the mixed air flow when the filter screen 30 is a concave structure facing the heating component. Further, the convex structure of the filter screen 30 includes a first convex portion and a second convex portion (not shown in the figure). The first convex portion is located on the outer peripheral side of the second convex portion. The angle between the first convex portion and the horizontal plane is greater than the angle between the second convex portion and the horizontal plane, and the first convex portion and the second convex portion are connected by a connecting portion in an arc shape. The acceleration of the liquid water adhering to the first convex portion flowing towards the second convex portion is greater than the acceleration of the liquid water on the peripheral side of the second convex portion flowing towards the middle portion of the second convex portion. During the process of the liquid water adhering to the first convex portion flowing towards the second convex portion, part of the liquid water falls, and another part of the water flows to the second convex portion, and converges with the liquid water originally adhering to the second convex portion and continues to flow along the peripheral side of the second convex portion towards the middle portion of the second convex portion. During the flow process, part of the liquid water falls, and finally the amount of liquid water flowing to the middle portion of the second convex portion is less, reducing the probability of the liquid water blocking the filter holes in the middle portion of the second convex portion and improving the separation effect of the mixed air flow.

[0067] Further, the pore density of the filter screen 30 with an inwardly concave structure or an outwardly convex structure near the heating component is lower than that of the filter screen 30 away from the heating component. Further, the pore diameter of the filter screen 30 with an inwardly concave structure or an outwardly convex structure near the heating component is larger than that of the filter screen 30 away from the heating component.

[0068] When the filter screen 30 faces the heating component and has an inwardly concave structure, in one embodiment, the peripheral portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 is closer to the heating component than its middle portion, the middle portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 is farther from the heating component than its peripheral portion, and the pore density of the peripheral portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 is lower than that of the middle portion of the concave portion. The liquid water moves with acceleration on the concave portion and flows to gather at the outer peripheral edge near the concave portion. Since the pore density of the peripheral portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 is low, the outer surface area for the liquid water to adhere to on the peripheral portion of the concave portion is large, avoiding the liquid water from aggregating into large-sized water droplets and blocking the peripheral pores. Further, the pore diameter of the peripheral portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30 is larger than that of the middle portion of the concave portion of the filter screen 30; the liquid water moves with acceleration on the concave portion and flows from the middle portion of the outer surface facing the heating component of the concave portion to gather at the outer peripheral edge near the concave portion. The moving speed of the liquid water on the outer wall of the peripheral portion of the concave portion facing the heating component decreases. Since the pore diameter of the peripheral portion of the concave portion is large, the liquid water with a reduced moving speed is not likely to block the pores of the peripheral portion of the concave portion, which is beneficial for the liquid water gathered at the peripheral portion of the concave portion to fall timely and avoid excessive water accumulating at the peripheral portion of the concave portion and blocking the pores. In another embodiment, a connecting portion extends from the outer periphery of the concave portion, the plane where the connecting portion is located is perpendicular to the gravity direction of the liquid water, the connecting portion is closer to the heating component relative to the concave portion, and the pore density of the connecting portion is lower than that of the concave portion, so that the liquid water flowing to the connecting portion can fall smoothly without blocking the pores.

[0069] When the filter screen 30 faces the heating component and is in a convex structure (not shown in the figure), in one embodiment, the middle part of the convex part of the filter screen 30 is closer to the heating component than the peripheral part of the convex part, and the peripheral part of the convex part of the filter screen 30 is farther from the heating component than the middle part of the convex part. The pore density of the middle part of the convex part of the filter screen 30 is lower than that of the peripheral part of the convex part, increasing the surface area for liquid water to adhere to in the middle part of the convex part. The liquid water flows from the peripheral side of the convex part to the middle part of the convex part and converges in the middle part, spreading out on the surface of the middle part of the convex part, and then falling under gravity, preventing the liquid water from aggregating into large-sized water droplets and blocking the peripheral pores. Further, the pore diameter of the filter holes in the middle part of the convex part of the filter screen 30 is larger than that of the filter holes in the peripheral part of the convex part of the filter screen 30; the liquid water moves with acceleration on the outer wall of the convex part and flows from the peripheral side of one outer surface of the convex part facing the heating component to the middle part of this outer surface to converge. When flowing to the middle part of this outer surface, due to the larger pore diameter of the filter holes in the middle part of the convex part, the liquid water is not likely to block the filter holes in the middle part of the convex part, which is beneficial for the liquid water converging in the middle part of the convex part to fall in time, preventing too much water from accumulating in the middle part of the convex part and blocking the filter holes. In another embodiment, the convex structure of the filter screen 30 includes a first convex part and a second convex part. The first convex part is located on the outer peripheral side of the second convex part. The angle between the first convex part and the horizontal plane is greater than the angle between the second convex part and the horizontal plane, and the first convex part and the second convex part are connected by a connecting part in an arc shape; the second convex part is closer to the heating component relative to the first convex part, and the pore density of the second convex part is lower than that of the first convex part, so that the liquid water finally converging in the second convex part can spread out, preventing the liquid water from aggregating into large-sized water droplets and blocking the peripheral pores.

[0070] In one embodiment, a connecting post 18 protrudes from the inner wall of the housing 10 towards the plate-like structure to be fixed to the plate-like structure through a fastener. The plate-like structure is provided with a channel (not marked in the figure), and a nut is passed through the channel on the plate-like structure and then fixed to the connecting post 18.

[0071] In one embodiment, the heating component includes a heating tube assembly. The water in contact with the heating tube assembly is heated by the heat transferred from the heating unit in the heating tube to the surface of the heating tube, and the heating end of the heating component is formed on the surface of the heating tube. If the water only submerges a partial part of the heating tube, the heat on the surface of the heating tube exposed above the water surface is dissipated to the space outside the water surface inside the housing 10, heating the mixed air flow in this part, and further causing part of the liquid water to vaporize into gaseous water.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the heating assembly includes a thick film heating assembly 20; the thick film heating assembly 20 and the plate-like structure are arranged in parallel. Further, the thick film heating assembly 20 and the plate-like structure are parallel to the horizontal plane. The thick film heating assembly 20 is in a flat plate shape, thin and small in volume, and ensures a sufficient heat conduction area. Further, the thick film heating assembly 20 is arranged at the bottom inside the housing 10, and the water inlet 11 can be arranged at any position on the housing 10 along the direction of the thick film heating assembly 20 towards the steam outlet 12. After water is introduced from the water inlet 11, it falls onto the thick film heating assembly 20 at the bottom of the housing 10 due to the gravity of the water to contact the thick film heating assembly 20 for heating, that is, the position selection range of the water inlet 11 is expanded.

[0073] Further, as Figure 5 shown, the thick film heating assembly 20 includes a heat conduction substrate 21, an inner insulating dielectric layer 22, a resistive heating layer 23, and an outer insulating layer (not shown in the figure) arranged in sequence; the thick film heating assembly 20 further includes an electrode terminal 24 electrically connected to the resistive heating layer 23 to be electrically connected to the control circuit of the clothing treatment device, and the control circuit is electrically connected to the power supply module in the clothing care device. By turning on and off the control circuit, the resistive heating layer 23 can be switched between the energized and de-energized modes, that is, by turning on and off the control circuit, the heating of the resistive heating layer 23 can be started or stopped. After the thick film heating assembly 20 is energized, the resistive heating layer 23 generates heat, and the heat is conducted to the heat conduction substrate 21, causing the temperature of the heat conduction substrate 21 to rise to heat the water in contact with the heat conduction substrate 21. In addition, the heat conduction substrate 21 with an increased temperature causes the ambient air temperature around the heat conduction substrate 21 to rise, indirectly heating the water inside the housing 10. The heat conduction substrate 21 forms the heating end of the heating assembly. The heat conduction substrate 21 is an insulating part with a high thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, the heat conduction substrate 21 is a stainless steel substrate. The inner insulating dielectric layer 22 protects the heat conduction substrate 21 from being charged to prevent the water inside the housing 10 from being charged. The outer insulating layer insulates the outside of the resistive heating layer 23 from the outside.

[0074] In addition, the conventional heating components on the market at present include ordinary heating tubes, quartz heating tubes, nickel-chromium alloy heating wires, and electromagnetic induction heating components. Among them, the ordinary heating tubes are prone to scale formation, the heating wires are prone to burnout, they are unsafe to use and have a short service life; the quartz heating tubes are fragile, have low pressure resistance, slow heat conduction, and a short life; the nickel-chromium alloy heating wires have strict requirements for water quality; the electromagnetic induction heating components have strong electromagnetic radiation, which harms human health and may interfere with the electronic devices or systems in the clothing care device, resulting in a decline in its use performance. For the steam generator currently used in the clothing treatment device, if the heating component is prone to scale formation, it is unrealistic and difficult to disassemble the clothing treatment device to take out the steam generator for cleaning. If the heating component is fragile, it cannot be replaced either. And since the clothing treatment device is used to treat clothes, the water quality is not as good as that of drinking water, and it is costly and unrealistic to control the water quality due to the requirements of the heating component for water quality. In this embodiment, the thick film heating component 20 is formed by sequentially printing an inner insulating dielectric layer 22, a resistive heating layer 23, and an outer insulating layer on a heat-conducting substrate 21 by screen printing technology. The heat conduction distance from the resistive heating layer 23 to the heat-conducting substrate 21 is short, so the thermal resistance is small, the thermal response speed is fast, and the heat can be conducted away in time. The surface temperature of the entire thick film heating component 20 will not be too high, the use safety is high, it is not easy to scale, and the requirements for water quality are not high.

[0075] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 5 shown, the side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 of the thick film heating component 20 facing away from the inner insulating dielectric layer 22 of the thick film heating component 20 faces the steam outlet 12, so that the side with the largest exposed surface area of the heat-conducting substrate 21 faces the steam outlet 12, and the side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 with the fastest heat transfer faces the steam outlet 12, and preferentially heats the water near the steam outlet 12 of the thick film heating component 20.

[0076] Further, the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 of the thick-film heating assembly 20 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 10, so that the water entering the housing 10 from the water inlet 11 can only contact the heat-conducting substrate 21 of the thick-film heating assembly 20. The heat generated by the resistance heating layer 23 of the thick-film heating assembly 20 is conducted to the heat-conducting substrate 21, and then the heat-conducting substrate 21 heats the water in the housing 10. This can prevent electric leakage when the water contacts the resistance heating layer 23 after the outer insulating layer of the thick-film heating assembly 20 is damaged. At the same time, the water entering the housing 10 from the water inlet 11 contacts the side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 with the largest exposed surface area, and the water is heated quickly. In one embodiment, the thick-film heating assembly 20 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 10. Since the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 of the thick-film heating assembly 20 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 10, the heat-conducting substrate 21 divides the internal cavity of the housing 10 into two independent spaces. After the external water enters the housing 10 from the water inlet 11 and contacts the heat-conducting substrate 21, it is blocked and no longer continues to fall downward. Therefore, when the thick-film heating assembly 20 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 10, the space in the internal cavity of the housing 10 for accommodating water is increased; that is, for the generator body 1 filled with the same amount of water, the size of the generator body 1 when the thick-film heating assembly 20 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 10 is relatively small, which saves space.

[0077] Further, the thick-film heating assembly 20 further includes a grounding member 26, and the grounding member 26 is electrically connected to the ground wire to prevent electric leakage when the thick-film heating assembly 20 is working. Further, the grounding member 26 is a grounding spring piece, which is disposed on the side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 facing away from the steam outlet 12. In one embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with two first through grooves 13 corresponding to the positions of the two electrode ends 24 of the thick-film heating assembly 20 respectively, and a second through groove 14 corresponding to the position of the grounding member 26; the two electrode ends 24 are respectively electrically connected to the control circuit of the clothing care device through the corresponding first through grooves 13, and the grounding member 26 is electrically connected to the ground wire through the second through groove 14.

[0078] In one embodiment, a sealing ring 25 is provided on the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 to increase the sealing performance between the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 and the inner wall of the housing 10, and prevent the water on the side of the thick-film heating assembly 20 facing the steam outlet 12 from penetrating into the space between the heat-conducting substrate 21 and the bottom wall of the housing 10 from the abutting portion between the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 and the inner wall of the housing 10. Further, the sealing ring 25 is provided with a first clamping groove for clamping the peripheral side of the heat-conducting substrate 21 to firmly fix the heat-conducting substrate 21.

[0079] In one embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 7As shown, the housing 10 includes an outer shell 15 and a base 16, and the outer shell 15 and the base 16 are fixed by fasteners. One end of the outer shell 15 facing the base 16 is provided with a second card slot 151 for clamping the sealing ring 25. When installing the thick film heating component 20, the sealing ring 25 on the periphery of the thick film heating component 20 is clamped in the second card slot 151 of the outer shell 15, and then the base 16 is installed on the outer shell 15. Further, a support portion 161 is provided on one side of the base 16 facing the thick film heating component 20 to support one side of the thick film heating component 20 facing the base 16. When water enters the housing 10 from the water inlet 11, the gravity of the water acts on the thick film heating component 20, and the provision of the support portion 161 enables the sealing ring 25 of the thick film heating component 20 to be firmly clamped in the second card slot 151. Further, a first through groove 13 and a second through groove 14 are provided on the base 16.

[0080] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 , Figure 6 shown, the generator body 1 is provided with a temperature control switch for cutting off the power supply of the thick film heating component 20 when the temperature of the thick film heating component 20 exceeds the temperature threshold. Further, the temperature control switch includes an automatic temperature control switch 40 and a manual temperature control switch 50. The automatic temperature control switch 40 and the manual temperature control switch 50 are provided on the housing 10. In one embodiment, the automatic temperature control switch 40 is provided with a bimetallic strip that can be bent and deformed. When the temperature of the bimetallic strip reaches a certain temperature, the bimetallic strip bends and deforms to cut off the power supply; when the temperature of the bimetallic strip is lower than the lower limit of the temperature at which the bimetallic strip bends and deforms, the bimetallic strip returns to its original state after bending and deforms to energize, and the heating component starts. Further, the automatic temperature control switch 40 is a 160°C automatic temperature control switch; when the temperature of the bimetallic strip reaches 160°C, the bimetallic strip bends and deforms to cut off the power supply. The manual temperature control switch 50 is for manually operating the temperature control switch to cut off the power when the temperature of the detection object reaches the set temperature threshold and the 160°C automatic temperature control switch fails to start due to malfunction or other factors. For example, the manual temperature control switch 50 is for manually cutting off the power when the temperature of the detection object reaches 180°C and the 160°C automatic temperature control switch does not turn on. Further, a temperature sensor is provided inside the housing 10 to detect the temperature inside the housing 10. When the temperature of the heating component exceeds the temperature threshold and the heating component dries out, and the temperature inside the housing 10 is too high, the user is notified to determine whether to manually cut off the power.

[0081] In one embodiment, the housing 10 is provided with a pressure relief port 17 for opening the pressure relief port 17 to reduce the pressure inside the housing 10 when the pressure inside the cavity of the housing 10 reaches the preset upper limit; further, the pressure relief port 17 is provided with a pressure relief valve, which automatically opens to relieve pressure when the pressure inside the cavity of the housing 10 exceeds the pressure threshold set by the pressure relief valve, ensuring that the pressure inside the cavity of the housing 10 is below the pressure threshold; and automatically closes to relieve pressure when the pressure inside the cavity of the housing 10 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold set by the pressure relief valve.

[0082] In one embodiment, the generator body 1 is provided with a liquid level sensor to obtain the current water level information in the housing 10. Specifically, in one embodiment, the generator body 1 further includes a high liquid level sensor and a low liquid level sensor (not shown in the figure). Both the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor are disposed in the housing 10 to respectively detect the water level condition in the housing 10. Further, the high liquid level sensor and the low liquid level sensor are electrically connected to the alarm module respectively, so as to alarm when it is detected that the current water level in the housing 10 reaches the high liquid level threshold set by the high liquid level sensor or the low liquid level threshold set by the low liquid level sensor, reminding the user to adjust the water level condition in the generator body 1. In yet another embodiment, as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 shown, the generator body 1 is provided with a three-pin water level switch 60. The three-pin water level switch 60 is an electrode type liquid level switch and has three pole rods with different heights. When the water in the housing 10 touches the pole rods of the three-pin water level switch 60 and conducts electricity to detect a signal, it also outputs the current water level information in the housing 10 to the user.

[0083] Embodiment 2

[0084] The present invention provides a washing machine, which includes a washing machine cabinet. The washing machine cabinet is provided with the generator body 1 of a steam generator as described above. The water inlet 11 of the generator body 1 is connected to the water pipe in the washing machine cabinet, and the steam outlet 12 of the generator body 1 is communicated with the inner drum of the washing machine to provide steam to the inner drum of the washing machine; wherein,

[0085] The water pipe in the washing machine cabinet introduces water into the housing 10 from the water inlet 11. The heating component heats the liquid water to form a mixed gas flow of vaporized liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules. The mixed gas flow flows upward and contacts the plate-like structure. The outer wall of the plate-like structure blocks part of the liquid water in the mixed gas flow from rising. After the heat of the liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow is conducted through the plate-like structure, the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure to separate the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow, reducing the liquid water molecules led out from the steam outlet 12. The steam of the mixed part of the liquid water is led out from the steam outlet 12 to the clothes storage barrel of the clothes care device through the channel. When the user turns on the steam drying or steam wrinkle removal or steam sterilization mode of the washing machine, the water inlet 11 of the generator body 1 starts to introduce a preset amount of water, and at the same time the heating component is turned on for heating. The water is heated by contacting the heating component to form steam, so as to provide steam to the inner drum of the washing machine to achieve the functions of drying or wrinkle removal or sterilization.

[0086] Compared with the prior art, the steam generator provided by the present invention separates the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas stream formed by heating through the heating component by arranging a plate-like structure between the heating component and the steam outlet, reducing the liquid water mixed in the separated steam. When the steam generator of the present invention is applied to a washing machine, it can provide dry steam to the inner drum of the washing machine, providing functions such as steam drying, steam wrinkle removal or steam sterilization for the washed clothes in the inner drum of the washing machine, without excessively increasing the humidity of the washed clothes.

[0087] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not impose any form of limitation on the present invention; any ordinary technician in the industry can smoothly implement the present invention according to the instructions in the accompanying drawings and the above; however, any minor changes, modifications and equivalent changes made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention by using the technical content disclosed above are equivalent embodiments of the present invention; at the same time, any equivalent changes, modifications and evolutions made to the above embodiments based on the essence of the present invention still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam generator for a clothing care device, comprising a generator body (1) disposed within the clothing care device, characterized in that, The generator body (1) includes a housing (10) and a heating component disposed in the cavity of the housing (10); the housing (10) is provided with a water inlet (11) and a steam outlet (12); wherein, A plate-like structure is further provided between the steam outlet (12) and the heating component, and the plate-like structure is a metal part; the plate-like structure is provided with a channel for steam to pass through; Liquid water enters the cavity of the housing (10) from the water inlet (11), and the heating component heats the liquid water to form a mixed gas flow of vaporized liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules. The mixed gas flow flows upward and contacts the plate-like structure. After the heat of the liquid water molecules in the mixed gas flow is conducted through the plate-like structure, the liquid water molecules condense on the plate-like structure to separate the liquid water molecules and gaseous water molecules in the mixed gas flow, and reduce the liquid water molecules led out from the steam outlet (12); The number of the plate-like structures is at least two; at least two of the plate-like structures are arranged in sequence along the flowing direction of the mixed gas flow; the cross-sectional areas of at least two of the plate-like structures perpendicular to the flowing direction of the mixed gas flow are different; wherein, the cross-sectional areas of at least two plate-like structures arranged in sequence along the direction towards the steam outlet (12) perpendicular to the flowing direction of the mixed gas flow decrease in sequence; The plate-like structure is a filter screen (30); the filter holes of the filter screen (30) form the channel; multiple layers of filter screens (30) are arranged in the housing (10) along the longitudinal direction of the housing (10), and the steam outlet (12) is located at the top end of the housing (10) or near the top end of the housing (10); The filter screen (30) is in an inward concave structure or an outward convex structure facing the heating component; When the filter screen (30) is in an inward concave structure or an outward convex structure facing the heating component, the filter hole density of the part of the filter screen (30) close to the heating component is lower than that of the part of the filter screen (30) far from the heating component; the filter hole diameter of the part of the filter screen (30) close to the heating component is larger than that of the part of the filter screen (30) far from the heating component; The heating component includes a heating tube component or a thick film heating component (20); the heating component and the plate-like structure are arranged in parallel; When the heating component is the thick film heating component (20), the side of the heat conduction substrate (21) of the thick film heating component (20) facing away from the inner insulating medium layer (22) of the thick film heating component (20) faces the steam outlet (12); the periphery of the heat conduction substrate (21) of the thick film heating component (20) abuts against the inner wall of the housing (10).

2. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the plate-like structures far from the heating component is arranged close to the steam outlet (12).

3. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The periphery of the plate-like structure abuts against the periphery of the inner wall of the cavity of the housing (10).

4. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plate-like structure includes a first plate-like structure and a second plate-like structure arranged in sequence along the flow direction of the mixed gas flow; the heating component, the first plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing (10) form a first space; the first plate-like structure, the second plate-like structure, and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing (10) form a second space; an outer surface of the second plate-like structure facing the steam outlet (12) and the inner wall of the cavity of the housing (10) form a third space; wherein, the volumes of the first space, the second space, and the third space decrease in sequence.

5. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the housing (10) protrudes with connecting columns (18) towards the plate-like structure to be fixed to the plate-like structure through fasteners.

6. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing ring (25) is provided on the periphery of the heat-conducting substrate (21).

7. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The generator body (1) is provided with a temperature control switch for cutting off the power supply of the heating component when the temperature of the heating component exceeds a temperature threshold.

8. The steam generator of a clothing care device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The generator body (1) is provided with a liquid level sensor to obtain the current water level information in the housing (10).

9. A washing machine, comprising a washing machine body, characterized in that, The generator body (1) of a steam generator of a clothing care device as described in any one of claims 1-8 is provided in the washing machine cabinet, the water inlet (11) of the generator body (1) is connected to a water pipe in the washing machine cabinet, and the steam outlet (12) of the generator body (1) is communicated with the washing machine inner drum to supply steam to the washing machine inner drum.

Images