Heating structure for steam generator, steam generator, and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a heating structure for a steam generator, comprising a heating structure body fixed to the bottom of a shell of the generator body; the heating structure body includes a tubular heater provided with a channel for forming a heating area; the channel communicates with a cavity of the shell; a fixing member in the form of a sleeve; the fixing member has a tubular hollow area and is sleeved around the outer periphery of the tubular heater; a wiring assembly is fixed to the fixing member to electrically connect the tubular heater to the circuit of the generator body. The present invention also provides a steam generator and a washing machine. A tubular heater is used, provided with a channel as the heating area, the inner surface area of ​​the channel is large, and heating is fast; a fixing member is sleeved around the outer periphery of the tubular heater, the fixing member being in the form of a sleeve and easy to install; the fixing member fixes the wiring assembly, which is easy to install and convenient for wiring.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Clothes treatment devices use steam generators to provide steam decontamination, steam drying, steam wrinkle removal, and steam sterilization. To increase heating speed, the heating surface area of ​​the tubular heater needs to be increased, which in turn affects the size of the evaporator. This application proposes a tubular heating structure, which requires further design and optimization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a heating structure for a steam generator, including a tubular heater, which is provided with a channel to form a heating area. The inner surface area of ​​the channel is large and the heating is fast; it also includes a fixing part, which is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater, and the wiring assembly is conveniently fixed.

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

[0005] The present invention provides a heating structure for a steam generator, comprising a heating structure body fixed to the bottom of a shell of the generator body; the heating structure body comprises:

[0006] A tubular heater having a channel for forming a heating area; the channel is connected to the cavity of the shell;

[0007] The fixing member is in a sleeve structure; the fixing member is provided with a tubular hollow area so as to be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater;

[0008] A wiring assembly is fixed to the fixing member to electrically connect the tubular heater with the circuit of the generator body.

[0009] Preferably, the fixing member is provided with a first fixing portion for engaging with the wiring assembly.

[0010] Preferably, the fixing member includes a first cover body and a second cover body; the first cover body and the second cover body are detachably connected to form the hollow area.

[0011] Preferably, the inner contour of the hollow region abuts against the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater.

[0012] Preferably, the first cover body and the second cover body are respectively provided with a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion; the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion abut against each other and are connected by a fastener.

[0013] Preferably, the fixing member is provided with two first notches, so as to allow the side ears on both sides of the flange located in the hollow area to pass through and be fixed on the shell.

[0014] Preferably, the first cover body and the second cover body are respectively provided with a second notch and a third notch; the second notch and the third notch are positioned relative to each other to form a first fixing portion for fixing the wiring assembly, so as to be respectively engaged with the first card slots on both sides of the wiring assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the heater structure body further includes a temperature control switch fixed to the second fixing portion of the fixing member.

[0016] Preferably, the second fixing portion includes:

[0017] a fourth notch for the detection end of the temperature control switch to extend into so as to approach the tubular heater;

[0018] The mounting hole is used for fixed connection with the temperature control switch.

[0019] Preferably, the number of the first fixing parts is at least two.

[0020] Preferably, the number of the second fixing parts is at least two, so as to install at least two temperature-controlled switches with different temperature thresholds.

[0021] Preferably, at least two of the second fixing parts are located on both sides of the tubular heater.

[0022] The heating structure body further comprises a sealing cover fixed to the open end of the tubular heater away from the shell.

[0023] The second object of the present invention is to provide a steam generator, comprising a generator body arranged in a clothing processing device, the generator body comprising a shell; and also comprising a heating structure for a steam generator as described above; the shell is provided with a cavity for containing steam; the cavity is connected to the channel so that water in the cavity flows into the channel and is heated to form steam.

[0024] Preferably, the channel is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0025] The third object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, comprising a housing, in which a steam generator as described above is provided; the water inlet of the generator body is connected to the water pipe in the washing machine housing, and the air outlet of the generator body is connected to the inner drum of the washing machine to provide steam to the inner drum of the washing machine.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The present invention provides a heating structure for a steam generator, which adopts a tubular heater and is provided with a channel as a heating area. The inner surface area of ​​the channel is large and the heating is fast. A fixing piece is sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater. The fixing piece is a shell structure and is easy to install. The fixing piece is fixed with a wiring assembly, the wiring assembly is easy to install, and the wiring arrangement is reasonable.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing member includes a first cover body and a second cover body, and the first cover body and the second cover body are detachably connected to facilitate the fixing member to be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing member is provided with two first notches, so that the two side ears of the flange located in the hollow area of ​​the fixing member can pass through and be fixed on the shell, thereby fixing the fixing member on the shell. The installation is convenient, and the fixing member can be firmly installed without the hollow area contour of the fixing member clamping the outer peripheral side surface of the tubular heater, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembly.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first cover body and the second cover body are respectively provided with a second notch and a third notch. When the first cover body and the second cover body are aligned and close to each other, the second notch and the third notch are respectively engaged with the first slots on both sides of the wiring assembly, making the wiring assembly easy to assemble.

[0031] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it according to the contents of the description, the following preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific implementation methods of the present invention are given in detail by the following embodiments and the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0033] Figure 1 An exploded view of the assembly structure of the fixing member, tubular heater, wiring assembly, and temperature control switch of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the fixing member of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the generator body of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the generator body of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first shell of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the second shell of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the thick film heating component of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the generator body of the present invention.

[0041] In the picture:

[0042] 1. Generator body;

[0043] 10. Housing; 11. Cavity; 12. First baffle; 13. Second baffle; 14. Water inlet; 15. Air outlet; 161. First flow restrictor; 1611. First cavity; 1612. Fifth notch; 162. Second flow restrictor; 1621. Second cavity; 1622. Sixth notch; 1623. Diversion channel; 171. First housing; 172. Second housing.

[0044] 20. Thick film heating element; 21. Channel; 22. Heat conducting plate; 23. Inner insulating dielectric layer; 24. Resistance heating layer; 25. Electrode end;

[0045] 30. Liquid level sensor;

[0046] 40. Flange; 41. Side ear;

[0047] 50. Wiring assembly; 51. First card slot;

[0048] 60. Sealing tube;

[0049] 70. Sealing cover;

[0050] 80. Sealing ring;

[0051] 91. Automatic temperature control switch; 92. Manual temperature control switch;

[0052] 193, mounting slot;

[0053] 100, fixing member; 1001, first cover; 10011, first abutting portion; 10012, second notch; 1002, second cover; 10021, second abutting portion; 10022, third notch; 1003, first notch; 1004, fourth notch; 1005, mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present invention will be described in further detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above-mentioned and other purposes, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent so that those skilled in the art can implement them with reference to the text of the specification. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity, shapes and sizes may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals will be used in all figures to indicate the same or similar parts. In the following description, words such as center, thickness, height, length, front, back, rear, left, right, top, bottom, top, bottom, etc. are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. In particular, "height" is equivalent to the size from top to bottom, "width" is equivalent to the size from left to right, and "depth" is equivalent to the size from front to back. These relative terms are for the sake of convenience of explanation and are generally not intended to require a specific orientation. Terms related to attachment, connection, etc. (e.g., "connection" and "attachment") refer to the relationship between these structures that are directly or indirectly fixed or attached to each other through an intermediate structure, as well as movable or rigid attachment or relationship, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0055] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. It should be noted that, under the premise of no conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0056] Example 1

[0057] The present invention provides a heating structure for a steam generator, such as Figures 1 to 4 、 Figure 8 As shown, the heating structure body includes a heating structure body fixed to the bottom of the shell 10 of the generator body 1; the heating structure body includes:

[0058] The tubular heater is provided with a channel 21 for forming a heating area; the channel 21 is connected to the cavity 11 of the housing 10; the generator body 1 is disposed in a clothing treatment device. When the clothing treatment device starts a program requiring steam, liquid water is introduced into the cavity 11 of the housing 10. The liquid water flows from the cavity 11 into the channel 21, contacts the surface of the channel 21, and is heated to form steam.

[0059] The fixing member 100 is a sleeve structure; the fixing member 100 is provided with a tubular hollow area so as to be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater;

[0060] The wiring assembly 50 is fixed to the fixing member 100 to electrically connect the tubular heater to the circuit of the generator body 1. This allows the tubular heater to be switched on and off to open or close the generator body 1, thereby providing steam to the clothing holding drum of the laundry treatment device for steam drying, steam wrinkle removal, steam deodorization, and other laundry treatment operations. The provision of the fixing member 100 avoids the need for a corresponding fixing structure on the tubular heater to secure the wiring assembly, thereby reducing the tubular heater's manufacturing cost and facilitating wiring of the heating structure body. Furthermore, the wiring assembly 50 serves as a terminal block.

[0061] In one embodiment, the fixing member 100 has a first fixing portion for engaging with the wiring assembly 50 to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the wiring assembly 50. Furthermore, the first fixing portion and the wiring assembly 50 are assembled by engaging with the first engaging groove and the engaging protrusion.

[0062] In one embodiment, the fixture 100 includes a first housing 1001 and a second housing 1002. The first housing 1001 and the second housing 1002 are detachably connected to form a hollow region. The first housing 1001 and the second housing 1002 are respectively inserted from opposite sides of the tubular heater. After the first housing 1001 and the second housing 1002 are secured, the tubular heater is clamped within the hollow region of the fixture 100. This allows the fixture to be positioned around the outer periphery of the tubular heater, facilitating assembly.

[0063] Furthermore, the inner contour of the hollow region abuts against the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater to increase the friction between the inner contour of the fixing member 100 and the outer surface of the tubular heater, thereby stabilizing the installation of the fixing member 100 .

[0064] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the first cover 1001 and the second cover 1002 are respectively provided with a first abutting portion 10011 and a second abutting portion 10021. The first abutting portion 10011 and the second abutting portion 10021 abut against each other and are connected by fasteners. The first abutting portion 10011 extends from the side wall of the first cover 1001, and the second abutting portion 10021 extends from the side wall of the second cover 1002. This makes it easy to align the first abutting portion 10011 and the second abutting portion 10021 for connection, reducing the difficulty of assembling the first and second cover 1001 and 1002.

[0065] In one embodiment, the fixing member 100 is provided with two first notches 1003, for respectively allowing the side ears 41 on both sides of the flange 40 located in the hollow area to pass through and be fixed on the shell 10 of the generator body 1, thereby fixing the fixing member on the shell. The installation is convenient, and the fixing member can be firmly installed without the hollow area contour of the fixing member clamping the outer peripheral side surface of the tubular heater, thereby reducing the difficulty of assembly.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first cover 1001 and the second cover 1002 are respectively provided with a second notch 10012 and a third notch 10022. The second notch 10012 and the third notch 10022 are positioned relative to each other to form a first fixing portion for engaging with the first retaining grooves 51 on either side of the terminal assembly 50. When the first cover 1001 and the second cover 1002 are aligned and approached from opposite sides of the tubular heater, the second notch and the third notch engage with the first retaining grooves 51 on either side of the terminal assembly 50, facilitating assembly of the terminal assembly 50.

[0067] In one embodiment, the heater structure body further includes a temperature control switch fixed to the second fixing portion of the fixing member 100. Specifically, the fixing member 100 is provided with a second fixing portion for mounting the temperature control switch of the generator body 1, for cutting off the power supply to the tubular heater when the temperature of the tubular heater exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8 As shown, the second fixing portion includes a fourth notch 1004 for the temperature-controlled switch's detection terminal to extend into close proximity with the tubular heater, and a mounting hole 1005 for securely connecting the temperature-controlled switch. The arrangement of fourth notch 1004 and mounting hole 1005 allows for quick and easy installation of the temperature-controlled switch on fixing member 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, the number of the first fixing portions is at least two, so as to install a plurality of wiring assemblies to meet the wiring requirements of the tubular heater.

[0070] Furthermore, at least two first fixing portions are located on the same side of the fixing member 100 to facilitate the linear arrangement of the generator body 1 and avoid entanglement of the wire harness.

[0071] In one embodiment, there are at least two second fixing portions to accommodate at least two temperature-controlled switches with different temperature thresholds. Furthermore, the temperature-controlled switches include an automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 and a manual temperature-controlled switch 92. The automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 and the manual temperature-controlled switch 92 correspond to the positions of the thick-film heating assembly 20. In one embodiment, the automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 includes a bendable bimetallic strip. When the bimetallic strip reaches a certain temperature, it bends and deforms, disconnecting the power supply. When the bimetallic strip's temperature falls below the lower limit of its bending deformation, the bimetallic strip returns to its original shape, reconnecting the power supply and activating the thick-film heating assembly 20. Furthermore, the automatic temperature-controlled switch is a 140°C automatic temperature-controlled switch. When the bimetallic strip reaches 140°C, it bends and deforms, disconnecting the power supply. The manual temperature-controlled switch 92 is manually operated to activate and deactivate the power supply if the automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 fails to activate due to malfunction or other factors when the temperature of the detection object reaches the set temperature threshold. If the manual temperature control switch 92 is not turned on at 140°C when the temperature of the detection object reaches 160°C, the power is manually turned off.

[0072] Furthermore, at least two second fixing parts are located on both sides of the tubular heater, which is beneficial for miniaturizing the design of the generator body 1. The fixing part 100 is small in size, avoiding mutual interference caused by the close arrangement of multiple second fixing parts and the small distance between adjacent temperature control switches.

[0073] In one embodiment, the outer contour of the fixing member 100 is square, which is aesthetically pleasing and has four side walls for disposing the first fixing portion and / or the second fixing portion, and the structures on different side walls do not interfere with each other.

[0074] In one embodiment, the heating structure body further comprises a sealing cover 70, which is fixed to the open end of the tubular heater away from the housing 10 to close the open end, and the sealing cover 70 wraps around the end of the channel 21 away from the cavity 11, that is, the sealing cover 70 wraps around the bottom end of the channel 21. When the scale deposited at the bottom of the channel 21 reaches a preset amount, the sealing cover 70 can be removed from the tubular heater, and the inner wall of the sealing cover 70 and the inner surface of the channel 21 can be cleaned, which is convenient for cleaning. Furthermore, the sealing cover 70 is provided with a second card slot, and the bottom of the tubular heater is engaged in the second card slot to be fixed to the sealing cover 70 and easy to disassemble. Furthermore, the tubular heater is a thick film heating component 20 with a pipe structure. The sealing cover 70 seals the end of the thick film heating component 20 away from the cavity 11, and the dirt in the channel 21 and the inner wall of the sealing cover 70 can be cleaned by removing the sealing cover 70.

[0075] In one embodiment, in one embodiment, as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the tubular heater is a thick film heating component 20 with a tubular structure. Specifically, as Figure 7As shown, the thick film heating assembly 20 includes a heat conducting plate 22, an inner insulating dielectric layer 23, a resistive heating layer 24, and an outer insulating layer (not shown), which are arranged in sequence. The side of the heat conducting plate 22 faces the cavity 11. The thick film heating assembly 20 also includes an electrode end 25 electrically connected to the resistive heating layer 24, which is electrically connected to the control circuit of the clothing processing device. The resistive heating layer 24 is switched on or off by turning the control circuit on and off, that is, the heating of the resistive heating layer 24 is turned on or off by turning the control circuit on and off. When the thick film heating assembly 20 is energized, the resistive heating layer 24 emits heat, which is transferred to the heat conducting plate 22, causing the temperature of the heat conducting plate 22 to increase, thereby heating the water in contact with the heat conducting plate 22. In addition, the increased temperature of the heat conducting plate 22 increases the temperature of the ambient air around the heat conducting plate 22, indirectly heating the water in the housing 10. The heat conducting plate 22 is an insulating member with a high thermal conductivity coefficient. In one embodiment, the heat conducting plate 22 is a stainless steel substrate. The inner insulating dielectric layer 23 protects the heat conducting plate 22 from becoming electrically charged, preventing the water within the housing 10 from becoming electrically charged. The outer insulating layer insulates the outer surface of the resistive heating layer 24 from the outside world, ensuring electrical safety. The heat conducting plate 22 forms the inner wall of the pipe structure, i.e., the channel 21; the outer insulating layer forms the outer wall of the pipe structure.

[0076] Furthermore, conventional heating components currently on the market include conventional heating tubes, quartz heating tubes, nickel-chromium alloy heating wires, and electromagnetic induction heating components. Conventional heating tubes are prone to scaling and burning, making them unsafe and having a short lifespan. Quartz heating tubes are fragile, have low pressure tolerances, conduct heat slowly, and have a short lifespan. Nickel-chromium alloy heating wires have strict water quality requirements. Electromagnetic induction heating components emit strong electromagnetic radiation, which can be harmful to human health and may interfere with electronic equipment or systems within the clothing treatment device, resulting in reduced performance. If the heating components of steam generators currently used in clothing treatment devices are prone to scaling, disassembling the device to remove the steam generator for cleaning is impractical and difficult. Fragile heating components are also impossible to replace. Furthermore, since clothing treatment devices are used to treat clothing, the water quality is not as good as drinking water. Controlling the water quality based on the heating components' requirements is costly and impractical. In this embodiment, the thick film heating component 20 is formed by printing an inner insulating dielectric layer 23, a resistive heating layer 24, and an outer insulating layer on the heat conducting plate 22 in sequence using screen printing technology. The heat conduction distance from the resistive heating layer 24 to the heat conducting plate 22 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, and it is safe to use. It is not easy to scale and has low requirements for water quality. The thick film heating component 20 uses screen printing technology to print the inner insulating dielectric layer 23, the resistive heating layer 24, and the outer insulating layer on the heat conducting plate 22, and is formed by high-temperature sintering. The process is mature and reliable, the structure is compact, and it is easy to clean. The shape and size of the thick film heating component 20 can be set according to demand, and it can be achieved by changing the shape and size of the heat conducting plate 22. The design is flexible, the temperature rises quickly during heating, and heating can be carried out as soon as power is turned on, and the heating efficiency is fast.

[0077] In one embodiment, the channel 21 is cylindrical, and the surface of the channel 21 is smooth and not prone to scale accumulation.

[0078] Example 2

[0079] The present invention provides a steam generator, such as Figure 3 As shown, the apparatus comprises a generator body 1 disposed within a clothing treatment device. The generator body 1 includes a housing 10 and a heating structure for a steam generator as described above. The housing 10 is provided with a cavity 11 for containing steam. The cavity 11 is connected to a channel 21, so that water within the cavity 11 flows into the channel 21 and is heated to form steam. Specifically, liquid water is introduced into the cavity 11 through a water inlet 14 of the housing 10. The liquid water flows from the cavity 11 into the channel 21, contacts the surface of the channel 21, and is heated to form steam.

[0080] Furthermore, the tubular heater extends vertically so that the residue on the surface of the channel 21 falls under gravity, and scale is not easily accumulated on the surface of the tubular heater, so the surface is kept clean, thereby ensuring the heating effect and service life.

[0081] The cross-sectional area of ​​channel 21 is small to increase the water level in channel 21 when the same amount of liquid water is introduced into channel 21, thereby ensuring that the liquid water in channel 21 fully contacts the heating end of the tubular heater, thereby accelerating heating. When the clothing treatment device is used for steam drying, steam decontamination, steam wrinkle removal, steam sterilization, or other operations requiring steam treatment, liquid water introduced through the water inlet 14 of the generator body 1 first enters the cavity 11, then flows from the cavity 11 into channel 21. The liquid water in channel 21 contacts the tubular heater, heating the liquid water to form steam. The steam is then discharged from the air outlet 15 on the housing 10 and ultimately enters the clothing holding drum of the clothing treatment device, providing steam to the clothing in the clothing holding drum.

[0082] In one embodiment, at least one flow restriction is provided within cavity 11 to slow the rate at which the water level within cavity 11 decreases, thereby reducing the noise generated by the liquid water within cavity 11 flowing into channel 21. Specifically, generator body 1 is provided with a water inlet 14, which communicates with cavity 11 to allow liquid water to enter generator body 1; and a gas outlet 15 is provided within generator body 1 to discharge steam within cavity 11 and / or channel 21 out of generator body 1. Liquid water is injected into the cavity 11 from the water inlet 14, and the liquid water in the cavity 11 flows into the channel 21. When the liquid water is injected and part of the liquid water is located in the cavity 11, the tubular heater is turned on, the liquid water forms steam and is consumed, and the water level in the cavity 11 drops. By setting at least one flow limiting portion, the flow rate of the water flow in the cavity 11 is blocked to a certain extent, thereby reducing the flow rate of the water flow into the channel 21, thereby reducing the vortex generated when the water flow flows into the channel 21 near the entrance of one end of the cavity 11, so as to reduce the decibels of noise caused by the vortex. Specifically, the flow limiting portion and the inner contour of the cavity 11 form a cavity, and the cavity has a gap for water to flow out. When the water level in the cavity 11 drops, the water in the cavity needs to flow out through the gap, so that the flow rate can be controlled. Furthermore, by controlling the number and size of the gaps in the flow limiting portion, the flow limiting force of the water flow can be controlled. Further, as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 6As shown, the number of flow limiting parts in the cavity 11 is at least two, and the flow limiting part structures in different parts can be the same or different. Specifically, the cavity 11 is provided with at least a first flow limiting part 161 and a second flow limiting part 162. The first flow limiting part 161 includes a first cavity 1611 and a fifth notch 1612. When the water level in the cavity 11 drops, the water in the first cavity 1611 flows out through the fifth notch 1612 and flows to the channel 21, and the fifth notch 1612 limits the speed at which the water in the first cavity 1611 flows out, thereby controlling the flow rate of the water in the cavity 11 into the channel 21. The second flow limiting part 162 includes a second cavity 1621 and two sixth notches 1622. The increase in the number of sixth notches 1622 increases the outflow speed of the water in the second cavity 1621 to a certain extent. Furthermore, the second flow limiting portion 162 further includes two guide channels 1623 , each of which is in communication with a sixth notch 1622 . By limiting the inner contour dimensions of the guide channels 1623 , the speed at which water flows out of the second cavity 1621 is controlled.

[0083] In one embodiment, if Figure 4 、 Figure 8 As shown, the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 of the generator body 1 are located on one side of the cavity 11, rationally planning the structural design of the housing 10 and miniaturizing the housing 10. Furthermore, the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 are located near the top of the housing 10, increasing the distance between the water inlet 14 and the bottom wall of the cavity 11, so that the cavity 11 can accommodate more liquid water.

[0084] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the generator body 1 is provided with a mounting groove 193 for installing the liquid level sensor 30. The detection end of the liquid level sensor 30 extends from the mounting groove 193 into the cavity 11 of the shell 10 and is snapped into the mounting groove 193. The current water level information in the shell 10 is obtained through the liquid level sensor 30.

[0085] Furthermore, the installation groove 193 of the generator body 1 for installing the liquid level sensor 30 is arranged away from the water inlet 14 and / or the air outlet 15 to reduce the impact of water injection from the water inlet 14 on the accuracy of the detection results of the liquid level sensor 30, or to reduce the damage effect of the steam temperature around the air outlet 15 on the liquid level sensor 30.

[0086] In one embodiment, cavity 11 communicates with mounting slot 193 ; several second baffles 13 are disposed within cavity 11 , forming a second wall structure that, together with the inner contour of cavity 11 , surrounds the outer contour of mounting slot 193 . This prevents steam within cavity 11 from contacting liquid level sensor 30 , as high steam temperature could affect the service life of liquid level sensor 30 . A gap is left between the bottom of the second baffles 13 and the inner wall of the housing 10 to allow liquid water to enter, facilitating water level detection by liquid level sensor 30 . The gap between the bottom of the second baffles 13 and the inner wall of the housing 10 is controlled to ensure liquid water contact with liquid level sensor 30 while minimizing the impact of steam on the sensor 30 .

[0087] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, the cavity 11 is connected to the gas outlet 15 of the generator body 1; a plurality of first baffles 12 are provided in the cavity 11, forming a first surrounding wall structure partially surrounding the gas outlet 15 together with the inner contour of the cavity 11;

[0088] The steam formed by heating the liquid water with the tubular heater is a mixture of gaseous and liquid water molecules. If it is directly discharged from the gas outlet 15, the steam humidity is high, and contact with clothing will be detrimental to the clothing drying process. Therefore, a first surrounding wall structure is provided. The steam in the cavity 11 contacts the first surrounding wall structure. After the heat of the steam is transferred through the first surrounding wall structure, the liquid water molecules condense on the surface of the first surrounding wall structure, separating the liquid water molecules in the steam from the gaseous water molecules, thereby reducing the liquid water molecules discharged from the gas outlet 15. By reducing the content of liquid water molecules in the steam discharged from the gas outlet 15, the steam may still contain liquid water molecules, but the amount of liquid water molecules has been reduced, thereby reducing their impact on the clothing drying process.

[0089] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, the first baffle 12 is disposed vertically; the first baffle 12 is positioned opposite the at least one flow restriction provided in the cavity 11. As the liquid water heated by the tubular heater forms vapor, a mixture of gaseous and liquid water molecules, flows toward the gas outlet 15. This mixture contacts the first surrounding wall structure formed by the first baffle 12 and the inner wall of the housing 10, causing the liquid water molecules to cool and condense, forming liquid water that is then removed from the mixture. By arranging the first baffle 12 opposite the at least one flow restriction, the mixture of gaseous and liquid water molecules flowing toward the gas outlet 15 contacts the flow restriction, causing the liquid water molecules to cool and condense, thereby enhancing the water vapor separation effect of the mixture of gaseous and liquid water molecules near the gas outlet 15. Furthermore, the sidewall structure corresponding to the first baffle 12 and the flow restriction is longitudinally offset to leave sufficient space for steam to pass through and flow into the gas outlet 15. Specifically, the first baffle 12 and the first flow limiting portion 161 are opposite to each other and are staggered.

[0090] Furthermore, channel 21 is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal plane, allowing any residue on the surface of channel 21 to fall under its own gravity. As liquid water turns into vapor, the amount of liquid water within cavity 11 gradually decreases, the water level drops, and the liquid water flows downward along the contours of channel 21. Simultaneously, the water remaining on the surface of channel 21 above the water level gradually flows downward under its own gravity until it merges with the water at the bottom of channel 21. This rapidly removes the water droplets that have accumulated on the surface of channel 21 due to the drop in the water level, reducing the amount of liquid water accumulated on the surface of channel 21 and, to a certain extent, minimizing the amount of scale formed on the surface of channel 21. Furthermore, any scale that has already formed on the surface of channel 21 falls under its own gravity, removing some of the scale from the thick surface of channel 21. In addition, when the shell 10 is replenished with liquid water, the water enters the cavity 11 from the water inlet 14 of the shell 10 and then flows into the channel 21. During the downward flow of the water, it can flush the surface of the vertically arranged channel 21, clean the surface of the channel 21 to a certain extent, and improve the cleanliness of the surface of the channel 21, so as to reduce the impact of contamination on the heating performance of the channel 21.

[0091] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the generator body 1 includes a housing 10, with a cavity 11 disposed within the housing 10. The housing 10 and the tubular heater together form the outer shell structure of the generator body 1. This allows the internal space of the generator body 1 to meet the steam requirements of the laundry processing device, while also reducing the overall size of the generator body 1 to a certain extent, reducing the space occupied by the generator body 1 within the laundry processing device, and increasing the applicability of the generator body 1. In one embodiment, the tubular heater is a cylindrical pipe structure, secured to the housing 10 via a flange 40. The tubular heater is sleeved within the flange 40, and a plurality of fixing holes are evenly distributed around the flange 40 for securing it to the housing 10.

[0092] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, the housing 10 is rectangular, with the water inlet 14 and air outlet 15 located on the same side of the housing 10. The water inlet 14 is positioned opposite the liquid level sensor 30, and the liquid level sensor 30 is fixed to the top wall of the housing 10, away from the water inlet 14. The housing 10 is provided with two flow restrictors, namely a first flow restrictor 161 and a second flow restrictor 162. The first flow restrictor 161 is positioned opposite the first baffle 12, and the second flow restrictor 162 is positioned opposite the liquid level sensor 30. This arrangement of the first and second flow restrictors 161, 162 is rationally arranged to limit flow while reducing the flow disturbance effect of the flow restrictors. The number of sixth notches 1622 in the second flow restrictor 162, corresponding to the position of the liquid level sensor 30, is greater than the number of fifth notches 1612 in the first flow restrictor 161. This increases the water outflow velocity of the second chamber 1621 to a certain extent, preventing the water outflow velocity from being too low, which would affect the detection results of the liquid level sensor 30.

[0093] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8 As shown, the housing 10 includes a first housing 171 and a second housing 172, which are clamped together to form a cavity 11. Furthermore, the first housing 171 and the second housing 172 are detachably connected to facilitate cleaning of the cavity 11.

[0094] In one embodiment, the housing 10 is further provided with a pressure relief port (not shown in the figure), which is used to open the pressure relief port to reduce the pressure inside the housing 10 when the pressure inside the housing 10 reaches a preset upper limit. Furthermore, the pressure relief port is provided with a pressure relief valve. When the pressure inside the housing 10 exceeds a pressure threshold set by the pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve automatically opens to relieve pressure, ensuring that the pressure inside the housing 10 is below the pressure threshold; when the pressure inside the housing 10 is less than or equal to the pressure threshold set by the pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve automatically closes to relieve pressure.

[0095] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the generator body 1 further includes a sealing tube 60 for sealing the connection between the shell 10 and one end of the tubular heater, so that the cavity 11 and the channel 21 form a sealed space within the generator body 1 for containing liquid water and / or steam.

[0096] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4 、 Figure 8As shown, the generator body 1 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 30 to obtain information about the current water level within the housing 10. The detection end of the liquid level sensor 30 extends from the mounting slot 193 of the housing 10 into the cavity 11 and is installed within the mounting slot 193. Specifically, the liquid level sensor 30 is a high-low level sensor, with its detection end extending into the cavity 11 to detect the water level within the housing 10. Furthermore, the liquid level sensor 30 is electrically connected to an alarm module. When the current water level within the housing 10 reaches a high or low level threshold set by the liquid level sensor 30, an alarm is generated, prompting the user to adjust the water level within the generator body 1. In one embodiment, the liquid level sensor 30 is a three-pin water level switch. The three-pin water level switch is an electrode-type liquid level switch with three electrodes of different heights. When water within the housing 10 contacts the electrodes of the three-pin water level switch, electrical conductivity is generated, a signal is detected, and the current water level information within the housing 10 is also output to the user. Furthermore, a second sealing ring 80 is provided at the assembly point between the three-pin water level switch and the mounting groove 193 for sealing, thereby improving the sealing performance inside the housing 10 .

[0097] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the generator body 1 is equipped with a temperature-controlled switch that disconnects the power supply to the tubular heater when the temperature exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, the tubular heater is a thick-film heating assembly 20. Furthermore, the temperature-controlled switch includes an automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 and a manual temperature-controlled switch 92. The automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 and the manual temperature-controlled switch 92 correspond to the positions of the thick-film heating assembly 20. In one embodiment, the automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 includes a flexible bimetallic strip. When the temperature of the bimetallic strip reaches a certain temperature, the bimetallic strip bends and deforms, disconnecting the power supply. When the temperature of the bimetallic strip falls below the lower limit of its bending deformation, the bimetallic strip returns to its original shape, reconnecting the power supply and activating the thick-film heating assembly 20. Furthermore, the automatic temperature-controlled switch is a 140°C automatic temperature-controlled switch. When the bimetallic strip reaches 140°C, the bimetallic strip bends and deforms, disconnecting the power supply. The manual temperature-controlled switch 92 is manually operated to disconnect the power supply when the temperature of the detection object reaches a set threshold and the automatic temperature-controlled switch 91 fails due to malfunction or other factors. For example, if the manual temperature control switch 92 is not turned on at 140°C when the temperature of the detected object reaches 160°C, the power is manually turned off. Furthermore, a temperature sensor is provided in the housing 10 to detect the temperature inside the housing 10. When the temperature of the thick film heating component 20 exceeds the temperature threshold, the thick film heating component 20 is dry-burning, and the temperature inside the housing 10 is too high, the user is notified to determine whether to manually turn off the power.

[0098] The wiring assembly 50 of the heating structure body is used to electrically connect the electrode end 25 of the thick film heating assembly 20 to the control circuit of the clothing processing device. The resistive heating layer 24 of the thick film heating assembly 20 is switched on or off by controlling the on and off of the circuit to facilitate the wiring of the thick film heating assembly 20.

[0099] Example 3

[0100] The present invention provides a washing machine, comprising a housing, in which a steam generator for a laundry treatment device as described above is mounted. A water inlet 14 of the generator body 1 is connected to a water pipe within the washing machine housing, and an air outlet 15 of the generator body 1 is connected to the washing machine's inner drum to supply steam to the inner drum. When a user activates the washing machine's steam cleaning, steam drying, steam wrinkle removal, or steam sterilization mode, a preset amount of water begins to flow through the water inlet 14 of the generator body 1. Simultaneously, a tubular heater is activated for heating. Water, upon contact with the tubular heater, is heated to form steam, which is then supplied to the inner drum of the washing machine to achieve the cleaning, drying, wrinkle removal, or sterilization functions.

[0101] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the present invention in any form. Any ordinary technician in this industry can smoothly implement the present invention as shown in the drawings and the above. However, any equivalent changes, modifications and evolutions made by technicians familiar with this profession without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention using the technical content disclosed above are all equivalent embodiments of the present invention. At the same time, any equivalent changes, modifications and evolutions made to the above embodiments based on the essential technology of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating structure for a steam generator, comprising a heating structure body fixed to the bottom of a shell (10) of a generator body (1); characterized in that: The heating structure body comprises: A tubular heater is provided with a channel (21) for forming a heating area; the channel (21) is connected to the cavity (11) of the shell (10); The fixing member (100) is in a sleeve structure; the fixing member (100) is provided with a tubular hollow area so as to be sleeved on the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater; the fixing member (100) comprises a first cover body (1001) and a second cover body (1002); the first cover body (1001) and the second cover body (1002) are detachably connected to form the hollow area; The fixing member (100) is provided with two first notches (1003) for allowing the side ears (41) on both sides of the flange (40) located in the hollow area to pass through and be fixed to the shell (10); wherein the tubular heater is a cylindrical pipe structure, the tubular heater is fixed to the shell (10) through the flange (40), the tubular heater is sleeved in the flange (40), and a plurality of fixing holes are evenly distributed around the flange (40) to be fixed to the shell (10); A wiring assembly (50) is fixed to the fixing member (100) to electrically connect the tubular heater to the circuit of the generator body (1).

2. A heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing member (100) is provided with a first fixing portion for clamping with the wiring assembly (50).

3. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner contour of the hollow region abuts against the outer peripheral side of the tubular heater.

4. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cover body (1001) and the second cover body (1002) are respectively provided with a first abutting portion (10011) and a second abutting portion (10021); the first abutting portion (10011) and the second abutting portion (10021) are in abutment with each other and are connected via a fastener.

5. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cover body (1001) and the second cover body (1002) are respectively provided with a second notch (10012) and a third notch (10022); the second notch (10012) and the third notch (10022) are positioned relative to each other to form a first fixing portion for fixing the wiring assembly (50), so as to be respectively engaged with the first clamping grooves (51) on both sides of the wiring assembly (50).

6. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating structure body also includes a temperature control switch, which is fixed to the second fixing portion of the fixing member (100).

7. A heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second fixing portion includes: a fourth notch (1004) for the detection end of the temperature control switch to extend into so as to approach the tubular heater; A mounting hole (1005) is provided for fixed connection with the temperature control switch.

8. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the first fixing parts is at least two.

9. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The number of the second fixing parts is at least two, so as to install at least two temperature-controlled switches with different temperature thresholds.

10. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least two of the second fixing parts are located on both sides of the tubular heater.

11. The heating structure for a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating structure body further comprises a sealing cover (70) fixed to the open end of the tubular heater away from the shell (10).

12. A steam generator comprising a generator body (1) arranged in a clothes processing device, characterized in that: The generator body (1) includes a shell (10); and further includes a heating structure for a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11; the shell (10) is provided with a cavity (11) for containing steam; the cavity (11) is communicated with the channel (21), so that water in the cavity (11) flows into the channel (21) and is heated to form steam.

13. A steam generator according to claim 12, characterized in that: The channel (21) is arranged perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

14. A washing machine, comprising a housing, characterized in that: The box body is provided with a steam generator as claimed in claim 12 or 13; the water inlet (14) of the generator body (1) is connected to the water pipe in the washing machine box body, and the air outlet (15) of the generator body (1) is connected to the inner drum of the washing machine to provide steam to the inner drum of the washing machine.

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