Steam heating device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a steam heating device and a control method thereof, wherein the steam heating device comprises a steam generator, a clean water box with a water inlet and a water outlet, the water outlet of the clean water box being communicated with the steam generator, a waste water box with a waste water outlet, and a water purifier with one end communicated with the waste water outlet of the waste water box and the other end communicated with the steam generator. The residual water after use of the steam generator can be purified by the water purifier and then returned to the waste water box, so as to be purified and recycled. When water needs to be supplied to the steam generator, the water in the waste water box can enter the steam generator again through the water purifier, so as to be recycled. Therefore, the steam heating device can fully utilize the residual water after use of the steam generator, without pouring waste water, so as to fully utilize water and improve user satisfaction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a steam heating device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for the nutrition and taste of food are also gradually increasing. Steaming food results in less nutrient loss and preserves its original flavor, leading to the increasing popularity of steam heating devices in households. Existing steam heating devices generally include a steam generator, a steam heating element for supplying water to the generator, and a wastewater tank to hold the excess water. However, existing steam heating devices require frequent emptying of the wastewater tank, resulting in a poor user experience and water waste. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of existing steam heating devices that require users to frequently pour out wastewater and are prone to wasting water, thereby providing a steam heating device and its control method that does not require pouring out wastewater and can make full use of water.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the first aspect of the present invention provides a steam heating device, comprising: a steam generator; a water purification box having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet of the water purification box being connected to the steam generator; a wastewater box having a wastewater outlet; and a water purifier having one end connected to the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box and the other end connected to the steam generator.

[0005] Furthermore, the steam heating device also includes a water circuit switching structure, which has a first state in which the outlet of the clean water box is connected to the steam generator and a second state in which the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box is connected to the steam generator.

[0006] Furthermore, the outlet of the water purification box is connected to the inlet of the steam generator via a water purification pipe, and the outlet of the wastewater box is connected to the outlet of the steam generator via a wastewater pipe. The water circuit switching structure includes a water supply pump installed on the water purification pipe and a drainage pump installed on the wastewater pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, the water circuit switching structure includes a solenoid valve, which is installed in the purified water pipe. The inlet of the solenoid valve is connected to the outlet of the purified water box, and the outlet of the solenoid valve is connected to the input of the drain pump.

[0008] Furthermore, the wastewater box is equipped with a water level detection mechanism, and the steam heating device also includes a control module. The control module is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve, water supply pump, drainage pump and water level detection mechanism. The control module can control the drainage pump to open when the water level detection mechanism detects that the water level in the wastewater box has reached the preset water level.

[0009] Furthermore, water level monitoring agencies include:

[0010] A float is installed inside the wastewater box;

[0011] The proximity switch, which is installed inside the wastewater box and communicates with the control module, can detect the float when the water in the wastewater box reaches the preset water level.

[0012] Furthermore, the water purification box and the wastewater box are integrated into one unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the wastewater box includes a first box body and a first box cover detachably disposed on the first box body;

[0014] And / or, the water purification box includes a second box body and a second box cover removably disposed on the second box body.

[0015] Furthermore, the water inlet of the water purification box is located on the second box cover, and a sealing gasket is provided at the water inlet.

[0016] Furthermore, the steam heating device is a dual-function steam and bake appliance.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a steam heating device, the steam heating device including a steam generator, a wastewater box, and a drain pump. The control method includes:

[0018] Determine if there is water in the wastewater box;

[0019] When there is water in the wastewater box, the drain pump is controlled to drive the water in the wastewater box into the steam generator.

[0020] Furthermore, the steam generator also includes a clean water box and a water supply pump. After the step of determining whether there is water in the wastewater box, it also includes:

[0021] When it is determined that there is no water in the wastewater box, the water supply pump is controlled to drive the water in the clean water box into the steam generator.

[0022] Furthermore, the control methods also include:

[0023] Determine whether the evaporation operation of the steam generator has ended;

[0024] After the evaporation operation is completed, control the drain pump to drive the residual water in the steam generator into the wastewater box.

[0025] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0026] 1. As can be seen from the above technical solution, the steam heating device of the first aspect of the present invention mainly includes a steam generator, a clean water box, a wastewater box, and a water purifier. The residual water after the steam generator is used can be purified by the water purifier and then returned to the wastewater box, thus being purified and recycled. When water needs to be supplied to the steam generator, the water in the wastewater box can be purified and then re-enter the steam generator, thus being recycled. Therefore, the steam heating device of the present invention can fully utilize the residual water generated after the steam generator is used, eliminating the need to dump wastewater and enabling full utilization of water.

[0027] 2. The wastewater box is equipped with a water level detection mechanism. The steam heating device also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve, water supply pump, drain pump, and water level detection mechanism. The control module can control the drain pump to open when the water level detection mechanism detects that the water level in the wastewater box has reached a preset level. The control module can be set to: when the water level in the wastewater box reaches the preset level, control the drain pump to drive the water in the wastewater box into the steam generator; when no water is detected in the wastewater box, open the solenoid valve and control the water inlet pump to drive the water in the clean water box into the steam generator.

[0028] 3. The control method of the steam heating device of the second aspect of the present invention can preferentially use the water in the wastewater box when there is water in the wastewater box, so that the residual water generated by the steam generator after the evaporation operation can be fully utilized and the water in the wastewater box can be stored for a long time and deteriorate. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific implementation methods or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 The steam heating device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The steam heating device in the middle includes a water purification box, a wastewater box, and a water purifier;

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view of the water purification box and wastewater box in the middle;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method of the steam heating device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0035] 100. Steam heating device; 1. Steam generator; 2. Clean water box; 21. Second box body; 22. Second box cover; 23. Sealing gasket; 3. Wastewater box; 31. First box body; 32. First box cover; 4. Water purifier; 5. Water circuit switching structure; 51. Water supply pump; 52. Drain pump; 53. Solenoid valve; 6. Clean water pipe; 7. Wastewater pipe; 8. Water level detection mechanism; 81. Float; 82. Proximity switch. Specific implementation methods

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0039] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Figure 1 The steam heating device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The steam heating device includes a clean water box, a waste water box, and a water purifier. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, Embodiment 1 relates to a steam heating device, including a steam generator 1, a purified water box 2, a wastewater box 3, and a water purifier 4. The purified water box 2 has an inlet and an outlet. The outlet is connected to the steam generator 1. The wastewater box 3 has a wastewater outlet. One end of the water purifier 4 is connected to the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box 3, and the other end is connected to the steam generator 1. Although in... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the steam heating device 100 is a steam-bake dual-function appliance. However, in other embodiments, the steam heating device 100 may also be a steam oven or other device that uses steam to heat items. The steam generator 1 is preferably, but not limited to, devices capable of heating water and generating steam, such as an evaporator and a water boiler. The water purifier 4 preferably includes, but is not limited to, a housing and an adsorbent disposed within the housing. The adsorbent may be a non-toxic porous material such as activated carbon.

[0042] As can be seen from the above technical solution, the steam heating device 100 of this embodiment mainly includes a steam generator 1, a clean water box 2, a wastewater box 3, and a water purifier 4. The residual water after the steam generator 1 is used can be purified by the water purifier 4 and then returned to the wastewater box 3, thus being purified and recycled. When water needs to be supplied to the steam generator 1, the water in the wastewater box 3 can re-enter the steam generator 1 through the water purifier 4, thus being recycled. Therefore, the steam heating device 100 of this embodiment can fully utilize the residual water generated after the steam generator 1 is used, without the need to dump wastewater, and can fully utilize the water.

[0043] Furthermore, when the steam generator 1 has a clean water tank 2 and a wastewater tank 3, unused fresh water can be separated from used purified water. Users can choose to use either the fresh water in the clean water tank 2 or the purified water in the wastewater tank 3, thus meeting the needs of different users.

[0044] Preferably, the steam heating device 100 further includes a water path switching structure 5. The water path switching structure 5 has a first state in which the outlet of the purified water box 2 is connected to the steam generator 1, and a second state in which the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box 3 is connected to the steam generator 1. When the water path switching structure 5 is in the first state, the purified water box 2 can supply water to the steam heating device 100. When the water path switching structure 5 is in the second state, the residual water generated after use by the steam generator 1 can pass through a purifier into the wastewater box 3, thereby purifying and recycling the residual water. The water in the wastewater box 3 can also pass through a purifier before entering the steam generator 1, so as to generate steam using the purified residual water.

[0045] In this embodiment, the outlet of the purified water box 2 is connected to the inlet of the steam generator 1 via the purified water pipe 6. The wastewater outlet of the wastewater box 3 is connected to the outlet of the steam generator 1 via the wastewater pipe 7. The water circuit switching structure 5 includes a water supply pump 51 installed on the purified water pipe 6 and a drain pump 52 installed on the wastewater pipe 7. The water supply pump 51 can drive water from the purified water box 2 into the steam generator 1. The drain pump 52 can drive residual water in the steam generator 1 into the wastewater box 3, and can also drive water from the wastewater box 3 into the steam generator 1.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the water switching structure 5 includes a solenoid valve 53. The solenoid valve 53 is disposed in the purified water pipe 6. The inlet of the solenoid valve 53 is connected to the outlet of the purified water box 2, and the outlet is connected to the input of the drain pump 52. When water needs to be supplied from the purified water box 2 to the steam generator 1, the solenoid valve 53 opens, allowing the water supply pump 51 to drive the water in the purified water box 2 into the steam generator 1. When water is not needed in the purified water box 2, the solenoid valve 53 closes, preventing water from flowing out of the purified water box 2. Optionally, a second solenoid valve 53 may also be provided in the wastewater pipe 7. The inlet of the second solenoid valve 53 is connected to the outlet of the wastewater box 3, and the inlet is connected to the input of the wastewater pump. The second solenoid valve 53 prevents water from flowing down the wastewater box 3. In this embodiment, since the amount of water in the wastewater box 3 is small and it is not easy for it to flow directly when not in use, in order to save the cost of the steam heating device 100, the solenoid valve 53 may not be installed in the wastewater pipe 7.

[0047] In this embodiment, a water level detection mechanism 8 is provided inside the wastewater box 3. The steam heating device 100 also includes a control module, which is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve 53, the water supply pump 51, the drain pump 52, and the water level detection mechanism 8. The control module can control the drain pump 52 to open when the water level detection mechanism 8 detects that the water level in the wastewater box 3 has reached a preset water level. The control module can be configured to control the drain pump 52 to drive the water in the wastewater box 3 into the steam generator 1 when the water level in the wastewater box 3 is detected to have reached the preset water level. The control module may include a programmable logic controller (PLC or CPU), a memory, and electronic components connected to the programmable logic controller, which are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0048] When no water is detected in the wastewater box 3, the solenoid valve 53 is opened, and the water inlet pump is controlled to drive the water in the clean water box 2 into the steam generator 1.

[0049] The water level detection mechanism 8 preferably includes, but is not limited to, a combination of a level sensor, a float 81, and a micro switch, or a combination of a float 81 and a proximity switch 82. Preferably, such as... Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the water level detection mechanism 8 includes a float 81 and a proximity switch 82. The float 81 is disposed inside the wastewater box 3. The proximity switch 82 is disposed inside the wastewater box 3 and is communicatively connected to the control module. The proximity switch 82 can detect the float 81 when the water in the wastewater box 3 reaches a preset water level.

[0050] The purified water box 2 and the wastewater box 3 can be configured as separate units or as a single unit. When the purified water box 2 and the wastewater box 3 are a single unit, the space occupied by the purified water box 2 and the wastewater box 3 can be reduced to a certain extent. The purified water box 2 and the wastewater box 3 can be installed on the base, side wall, top, or door of the steam heating device 100. For example, in this embodiment, both the purified water box 2 and the wastewater box 3 are installed on the top of the steam heating device 100.

[0051] In this embodiment, the wastewater box 3 preferably includes a first box body 31 and a first box cover 32 detachably mounted on the first box body 31. The first box cover 32 can be opened to facilitate the installation of the water level detection mechanism 8 into the first box body 31. Simultaneously, when the steam heating device 100 is not used for a long period, the first box cover 32 can be opened, allowing the user to replace the water in the wastewater box 3 and use clean, fresh water for cooking. Preferably, the purified water box 2 can also be selected as including a second box body 21 and a second box cover 22 detachably mounted on the second box body 21. The user can open the purified water tank and clean it by removing the second box cover 22. Preferably, the water inlet of the purified water box 2 is located on the second box cover 22, and a sealing gasket 23 is provided at the water inlet. The sealing gasket 23 can be selected to completely seal the water inlet, allowing the user to manually add water to the purified water box 2 by removing the sealing gasket 23. The sealing gasket 23 prevents external dust from entering the water tank, making the cooking process more hygienic.

[0052] Example 2

[0053] Example 2 relates to a control method for a steam heating device 100, wherein the steam heating device 100 includes a steam generator 1, a wastewater box 3, a water supply pump 51, and a drainage pump 52.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the control methods mainly include:

[0055] Step S1: Determine if there is water in wastewater box 3.

[0056] Step S2: When there is water in the wastewater box 3, control the water in the wastewater box 3 to enter the steam generator 1.

[0057] The control module can prioritize using the water in wastewater box 3 when there is water in wastewater box 3, thereby preventing the water in wastewater box 3 from being stored for a long time and deteriorating.

[0058] Preferably, the steam generator 1 further includes a purified water box 2. Step S3 is included after step S1.

[0059] Step S3 is as follows: When it is determined that there is no water in the wastewater box 3, the water supply valve 51 is controlled to drive the water in the clean water box 2 into the steam generator 1.

[0060] This allows the control module to control the water supply pump 51 when there is no water in the wastewater box 3, so that the water in the clean water box 2 is input into the steam generator 1, thereby ensuring the smooth progress of the cooking operation.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control method may also include step S4.

[0062] Step S4 is as follows: After the evaporation operation of the steam generator 1 is completed, control the water supply pump 51 to drive the residual water in the steam generator 1 into the wastewater box 3.

[0063] This allows the residual water from the steam generator 1 after the evaporation operation to be fed into the wastewater box 3 for purification and recycling.

[0064] In summary, the control methods of the steam heating device 100 in Embodiment 1 and the steam heating device 100 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention can overcome the defects of the existing steam heating device 100, which requires users to frequently empty wastewater and is prone to water waste, thereby making full use of water and improving user experience.

[0065] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all implementation methods here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A steam heating device, characterized in that, include: Steam generator (1); A water purification box (2) has an inlet and an outlet, and the outlet of the water purification box (2) is connected to the steam generator (1); Wastewater box (3), which has a wastewater outlet; The water purifier (4) has one end connected to the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box (3), and the outlet of the other end connected to the inlet of the steam generator (1) through the water purification pipe (6). Water circuit switching structure (5) has a first state in which the outlet of the water purification box (2) is connected to the steam generator (1) and a second state in which the wastewater outlet of the wastewater box (3) is connected to the steam generator (1). When the water circuit switching structure (5) is in the second state, the water in the wastewater box (3) can enter the steam generator (1) through the water purifier (4). The wastewater outlet of the wastewater box (3) is connected to the outlet of the steam generator (1) through the wastewater pipe (7). The water circuit switching structure (5) includes a water supply pump (51) installed on the clean water pipe (6) and a drainage pump (52) installed on the wastewater pipe (7). The water circuit switching structure (5) includes a solenoid valve (53), which is installed in the water purification pipe (6). The inlet of the solenoid valve (53) is connected to the outlet of the water purification box (2), and the outlet of the solenoid valve (53) is connected to the input end of the drain pump (52). The wastewater box (3) is equipped with a water level detection mechanism (8). The steam heating device (100) also includes a control module. The control module is communicatively connected to the solenoid valve (53), the water supply pump (51), the drainage pump (52) and the water level detection mechanism (8). The control module can control the drainage pump (52) to open when the water level detection mechanism (8) detects that the water level in the wastewater box (3) has reached the preset water level. The drainage pump (52) drives the water in the wastewater box (3) to enter the steam generator (1). When it is detected that there is no water in the wastewater box (3), the solenoid valve (53) is opened and the water supply pump (51) is controlled to drive the water in the water purification box (2) into the steam generator (1).

2. The steam heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection mechanism (8) includes: A float (81) is disposed inside the wastewater box (3); A proximity switch (82) is installed inside the wastewater box (3) and communicates with the control module, and can detect the float (81) when the water in the wastewater box (3) reaches a preset water level.

3. The steam heating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The water purification box (2) and the wastewater box (3) are an integrated structure.

4. The steam heating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wastewater box (3) includes a first box body (31) and a first box cover (32) detachably disposed on the first box body (31). And / or, the water purification box (2) includes a second box body (21) and a second box cover (22) detachably disposed on the second box body (21).

5. The steam heating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water inlet of the water purification box (2) is located on the second box cover (22), and a sealing gasket (23) is provided at the water inlet.

6. The steam heating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The steam heating device (100) is a steam-bake dual-function machine.

7. A control method for a steam heating device, characterized in that, The control method for the steam heating device is implemented using the steam heating device according to claim 1, and the control method includes: Determine whether there is water in the wastewater box (3); When there is water in the wastewater box (3), the drain pump (52) is controlled to drive the water in the wastewater box (3) into the steam generator (1).

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steam generator (1) also includes a clean water box (2) and a water supply pump (51). After the step of determining whether there is water in the wastewater box (3), the following steps are also included: When it is determined that there is no water in the wastewater box (3), the water supply pump (51) is controlled to drive the water in the clean water box (2) into the steam generator (1).

9. The control method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, Also includes: Determine whether the evaporation operation of the steam generator (1) has ended; After the evaporation operation is completed, the drain pump (52) is controlled to drive the residual water in the steam generator (1) into the wastewater box (3).

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