Steam generator shell structure and washing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a shell structure for a steam generator, wherein the shell body includes a cavity for containing steam, a water inlet, and an air outlet; the water inlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the cavity; an opening is provided at the bottom of the shell body, and the water inlet and the air outlet are both located above the opening; the opening is used to connect to a tubular heating area formed by a heating element of the generator body, so that water flows through the opening to the heating area to form steam. The present invention also provides a steam generator and a washing machine. The shell body is provided with an opening to connect to the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element, so that the shell body and the heating element are jointly clamped to form the outer shell structure of the generator body, replacing the traditional solution of arranging the heating element inside the shell, reducing the influence of the size of the heating element itself on the size of the shell body, thereby reducing the overall size of the generator body to a certain extent, reducing the space occupied by the steam generator in the clothing care device, and having a wide range of applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a shell structure of 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. Existing steam generators typically include a housing and a heating element. The housing secures the heating element and forms a cavity for liquid water and steam. Existing steam generators require ample space to accommodate the heating element, liquid water, and steam. This results in a larger housing and, consequently, a larger steam generator. Given the limited internal space of a washing machine, oversized steam generators have limited practical applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a shell structure of a steam generator, in which the shell body is provided with an opening, which is connected to the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element, so that the shell body and the heating element are jointly clamped to form the outer shell structure of the generator body, replacing the traditional solution of arranging the heating element inside the shell, reducing the influence of the size of the heating element itself on the size of the shell body, and thereby reducing the overall size of the generator body to a certain extent.

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

[0005] A first object of the present invention is to provide a shell structure for a steam generator, comprising a shell body for forming a shell wall structure of the generator body, the shell body comprising a cavity for containing steam, a water inlet, and an air outlet; the water inlet and the air outlet are respectively connected to the cavity; wherein an opening is provided at the bottom of the shell body, and the water inlet and the air outlet are both located above the opening;

[0006] The opening is used to communicate with the tubular heating area formed by the heating element of the generator body, so that water flows through the opening to the heating area to form steam.

[0007] Preferably, the outer contour of the opening extends toward the heating element to form a first connecting portion to be connected to one end of the heating element.

[0008] Preferably, a second connecting portion is provided on a side of the shell body facing the heating element to be connected to a fixing member fixed to the outer peripheral side of the heating element.

[0009] Preferably, the number of the second connecting parts is at least two.

[0010] Preferably, at least two second connection portions are evenly distributed around the heating element.

[0011] Preferably, the shell body is a box-type structure.

[0012] Preferably, the water inlet and the air outlet are arranged on one side of the shell body.

[0013] Preferably, the shell body includes a first shell and a second shell; the first shell and the second shell are clamped together to form the cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the housing body is provided with a mounting groove for mounting a liquid level sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the shell body is provided with a groove; the installation groove is arranged in the groove, so that the side wall of the liquid level sensor installed in the installation groove and the inner wall of the groove jointly form a space for accommodating the sealing ring.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting groove is arranged away from the water inlet and / or the air outlet of the shell body.

[0017] Preferably, the cavity is provided with a plurality of second baffles, which together with the inner wall of the shell body form a second surrounding wall structure surrounding the outer peripheral side of the liquid level sensor, so as to prevent the steam in the cavity from contacting the liquid level sensor.

[0018] The second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, comprising a housing, in which a generator body for generating steam is provided; the generator body comprises a shell structure of a steam generator as described above; the water inlet of the generator body is connected to a 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.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a shell structure of a steam generator, in which the shell body is provided with an opening to communicate with the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element, so that the shell body and the heating element are clamped together to form the outer shell structure of the generator body, replacing the traditional solution of arranging the heating element inside the shell, reducing the influence of the size of the heating element itself on the size of the shell body, and thus reducing the overall size of the generator body to a certain extent, reducing the space occupied by the steam generator in the clothing care device, and having a wide range of applications.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the shell body is a box-shaped structure, which further reduces the size of the shell body.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the shell body includes a first shell and a second shell, and the first shell and the second shell are clamped together to form a cavity, so that the cavity can be cleaned after the first shell and the second shell are disassembled.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the housing body of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the generator body of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of the generator body of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the first shell of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the second shell of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the thick film heating component of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the generator body of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 1. Generator body;

[0034] 10. Housing; 11. Cavity; 12. First baffle; 13. Second baffle; 14. Water inlet; 15. Air outlet; 161. First flow restrictor; 1611. First cavity; 1612. First notch; 162. Second flow restrictor; 1621. Second cavity; 1622. Second notch; 1623. Diversion channel; 171. First housing; 172. Second housing; 18. Opening; 191. First connecting portion; 192. Second connecting portion; 193. Mounting slot; 194. Recess;

[0035] 20. Thick film heating element; 21. Channel; 22. Heat conducting plate; 23. Inner insulating dielectric layer; 24. Resistance heating layer; 25. Electrode end;

[0036] 30. Liquid level sensor;

[0037] 40. Flange;

[0038] 50. Terminal blocks;

[0039] 60. Sealing tube;

[0040] 70. Sealing cover;

[0041] 80. Sealing ring;

[0042] 91. Automatic temperature control switch; 92. Manual temperature control switch;

[0043] 1001. A first cover body; 1002. A second cover body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] The present invention provides a shell structure of a steam generator, comprising a shell body 10 for forming a shell wall structure of a generator body 1, such as Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown, the shell body 10 includes a cavity 11 for containing steam, a water inlet 14, and an air outlet 15; the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 are respectively connected to the cavity 11; the water inlet 14 is used to introduce liquid water into the cavity 11; the air outlet 15 is used to discharge the steam in the cavity 11 out of the shell body 10, wherein an opening 18 is provided at the bottom of the shell body 10, and the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 are both located above the opening 18;

[0048] Opening 18 is used to connect to the tubular heating area formed by the heating element of generator body 1, allowing water to flow through opening 18 to the heating area to form steam. Cavity 11 and the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element together form a space within generator body 1 for containing liquid water and / or steam. This allows the space within generator body 1 to meet the steam requirements of the clothing processing device, while also reducing the overall size of generator body 1 to a certain extent, reducing the space occupied by generator body 1 within the clothing processing device, and increasing the applicability of generator body 1. In addition, water inlet 14 and air outlet 15 are both located above opening 18 to prevent liquid water within the tubular heating area 1 of the heating element from flowing toward water inlet 14 and / or air outlet 15. Specifically, when the clothing treatment device starts steam drying, steam decontamination, steam wrinkle removal, steam sterilization and other operations requiring steam treatment, the liquid water introduced by the water inlet 14 of the generator body 1 first enters the cavity 11, and flows from the cavity 11 into the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element. The liquid water located in the tubular heating area of ​​the heating element contacts the heating element, and the liquid water is heated to form steam. The steam is discharged from the air outlet 15 on the shell body 10, and finally enters the clothing holding drum of the clothing treatment device to provide steam to the clothes in the clothing holding barrel. Specifically, the heating element of the generator body 1 is a pipe structure and is provided with a channel 21 to form a tubular heating area.

[0049] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the outer contour of the opening 18 extends toward the heating element to form a first connecting portion 191 to connect to one end of the heating element, so as to facilitate the assembly of the housing body 10 and the heating element, that is, to reduce the difficulty of assembling the housing body 10 and the heating element. Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 As shown, the outer side of the first connecting portion 191 is sleeved within the sealing tube 60, which secures the first connecting portion 191 to one end of the heating element and seals the connection between the first connecting portion 191 and the end of the heating element. Furthermore, the connection between the first connecting portion 191 and the sealing tube 60 includes, but is not limited to, a snap connection and a threaded connection.

[0050] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown, the housing body 10 is provided with a second connecting portion 192 on the side facing the heating element, which is connected to a fixing member fixed to the outer periphery of the heating element. This further stabilizes the connection between the housing body 10 and the heating element. Furthermore, the heating element does not need to have a mounting structure for fixing to the housing body 10, thereby reducing the processing steps and processing costs of the heating element. Specifically, in one embodiment, the heating element is a cylindrical pipe structure, and the fixing member fixed to the outer periphery of the heating element is a flange 40. The flange 40 is mounted on the outer periphery of the heating element and has a plurality of fixing holes evenly distributed around the flange 40. The flange 40 is fixed to the second connecting portion 192 by fasteners.

[0051] Furthermore, the number of the second connection portions 192 is at least two to firmly fix the housing body 10 and the flange 40 .

[0052] Furthermore, at least two second connection portions 192 are evenly distributed around the heating element to evenly distribute the connection force between the second connection portions 192 and the flange 40 , thereby stabilizing the connection between the housing body 10 and the heating element.

[0053] In one embodiment, the housing body 10 is a box-shaped structure, and the housing body 10 is compact. Furthermore, the box-shaped structure of the housing body 10 is flat. Typically, the laundry drum in a laundry treatment device occupies a large space, leaving little usable space. The flat box-shaped structure of the housing body 10 reduces the height of the housing body 10, which facilitates the arrangement of the installation position of the generator body 1 in the laundry treatment device.

[0054] In one embodiment, if Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 As shown, the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 are provided on one side of the housing body 10 to rationally plan the structural design of the housing body 10 and make the housing body 10 miniaturized. Furthermore, the water inlet 14 and the air outlet 15 are located close to the top of the housing body 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.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing body 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 .

[0056] In one embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the shell body 10 is provided with a mounting groove 193 for mounting a liquid level sensor 30 , and the liquid level sensor 30 is used to obtain current water level information in the shell body 10 .

[0057] In one embodiment, the housing body 10 is provided with a groove 194; the mounting groove 193 is provided in the groove 194, so that the side wall of the liquid level sensor 30 installed in the mounting groove 193 and the inner wall of the groove 194 together form a space for accommodating the sealing ring 80. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the generator body 1 includes a sealing ring 80, and the liquid level sensor 30 is sleeved in the sealing ring 80. The sealing ring 80 is inserted into the space between the liquid level sensor 30 and the side wall of the groove 194 to seal the assembly point between the liquid level sensor 30 and the mounting groove 193.

[0058] In one embodiment, the mounting groove 193 is arranged away from the water inlet 14 and / or the air outlet 15 of the shell body 10 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.

[0059] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of second baffles 13 are provided within the housing body 10. Together with the inner wall of the housing body 10, they form a second wall structure surrounding the outer periphery of the liquid level sensor 30 mounted in the mounting groove 193. This structure prevents steam within the cavity 11 from contacting the liquid level sensor 30. The high steam temperature prevents the service life of the liquid level sensor 30 from being affected. A gap is left between the bottom of the second baffles 13 and the inner wall of the housing body 10 to allow liquid water to enter, facilitating water level detection by the liquid level sensor 30. The gap between the bottom of the second baffles 13 and the inner wall of the housing body 10 is controlled to allow liquid water to contact the liquid level sensor 30 while minimizing the impact of steam on the liquid level sensor 30.

[0060] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of first baffles 12 are provided in the housing body 10, forming a first surrounding wall structure with the inner wall of the housing body 10 to partially surround the air outlet 15 of the housing body 10;

[0061] The steam formed by heating the liquid water by the heating element is a mixture of gaseous water molecules and liquid water molecules. If it is directly discharged from the gas outlet 15, the steam humidity is high, and after contacting the clothes, it is not conducive to the drying process of the clothes. 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 drying process of the clothes.

[0062] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 5 As shown, at least one flow restrictor is provided within the housing body 10 to slow the rate of water level drop within the cavity 11. When water is fully injected from the water inlet 14 and some water remains within the cavity 11, the heating element turns on and heats the liquid water, converting it into steam and consuming it. The water level within the cavity 11 then drops. To further control the flow rate of water from the cavity 11 into the channel 21, at least one flow restrictor is provided within the housing body 10. This flow restrictor, located within the cavity 11, blocks the flow rate to a certain extent, thereby reducing the flow of water from the end of the channel 21 into the water within the channel 21. This in turn reduces the noise level generated by vortices when the water flows into the end of the channel 21. Specifically, the flow restrictor forms a cavity with the inner wall of the housing body 10. The cavity has a notch for water to flow out. When the water level within the cavity 11 drops, the water within the cavity must flow out through the notch, thereby controlling the flow rate. Furthermore, the flow restriction strength of the flow restrictor can be controlled by controlling the number and size of the notches. Furthermore, 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 flow limiting part includes 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 first notch 1612. When the water level in the cavity 11 drops, the water in the first cavity 1611 flows out through the first notch 1612 and flows to the channel 21, and the first 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 second notches 1622. The increase in the number of second 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 second 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.

[0063] Furthermore, if Figure 2As shown, the housing body 10 is provided with a first baffle 12 disposed vertically; the first baffle 12 opposes at least one flow restriction provided on the housing body 10. As the liquid water heated by the thick-film heating assembly 20 forms a vapor mixture of gaseous and liquid water molecules and flows toward the outlet 15, the mixture contacts the first surrounding wall structure formed by the first baffle 12 and the inner wall of the housing body 10, causing the liquid water molecules to cool and condense into liquid water, which 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 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 outlet 15. Furthermore, the first baffle 12 is longitudinally offset from the sidewall structure corresponding to the flow restriction to leave sufficient space for steam to pass through and flow into the outlet 15. Specifically, the first baffle 12 and the first flow limiting portion 161 are opposite to each other and are staggered.

[0064] Specifically, in one embodiment, Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 10 is rectangular, with the water inlet 14 and air outlet 15 located on the same side of the housing body 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 body 10, away from the water inlet 14. The housing body 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 second notches 1622 in the second flow restrictor 162, corresponding to the position of the liquid level sensor 30, is greater than the number of first 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.

[0065] In one embodiment, the housing body 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 body 10 when the pressure inside the housing body 10 reaches a preset upper limit. Furthermore, the pressure relief port is provided with a pressure relief valve. When the pressure inside the housing body 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 body 10 remains below the pressure threshold. When the pressure inside the housing body 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.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] The present invention provides a steam generator, comprising a generator body 1 arranged in a clothes processing device, such as Figure 2 、 Figure 7 As shown, the generator body 1 includes a heating element and a shell body 10 of a shell structure of a steam generator as described above; the heating element is provided with a channel 21 to communicate with the opening 18;

[0068] Liquid water injected into the cavity 11 from the water inlet 14 enters the channel 21, is heated by the heating element to form steam, and is discharged into the clothing holding drum of the clothing care device through the outlet 15;

[0069] Channel 21 is arranged vertically. As liquid water is consumed, the water level drops, and any remaining material on the surface of channel 21 falls under its own gravity. As the 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 remaining water 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 quickly 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 body 10 is replenished with liquid water, the water enters the cavity 11 from the water inlet 14 of the shell body 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.

[0070] Furthermore, the channel 21 is vertically arranged, which is conducive to the objects retained on the surface of the channel 21 falling under their own gravity.

[0071] Furthermore, the heating element has a pipe structure; the pipe structure of the heating element can have various shapes, including but not limited to square, round, and special-shaped pipe structures. To facilitate processing and assembly of the heating element, the heating element has a square or round pipe structure. Furthermore, the heating element has a cylindrical shape. The channel 21 has a cylindrical outline, and the inner surface of the channel 21 has no corners to prevent scale from accumulating and becoming difficult to remove.

[0072] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 As shown, the generator body 1 also includes a sealing tube 60 for sealing the connection between the first connecting portion 191 of the shell body 10 and one end of the heating element, so that the cavity 11 and the channel 21 form a sealed space inside the generator body 1 for containing liquid water and / or steam.

[0073] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the heating element is a thick film heating component 20. Specifically, as Figure 6 As 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), 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 body 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3As 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 shell body 10 .

[0076] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 7 As shown, the generator body 1 is equipped with a temperature-controlled switch that disconnects the power supply to the heating element when the temperature of the heating element exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, the heating element 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 disconnects the power supply. The manual temperature-controlled switch 92 is manually operated to disconnect 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 a set threshold. 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 body 10 to detect the temperature inside the housing body 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 body 10 is too high, the user is notified to determine whether to manually turn off the power.

[0077] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7As shown, the generator body 1 is provided with a terminal 50 for electrically connecting the electrode end 25 of the thick film heating component 20 to the control circuit of the clothing processing device. The resistive heating layer 24 of the thick film heating component 20 is switched on or off by turning on and off the control circuit to facilitate the wiring of the thick film heating component 20.

[0078] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 As shown, the generator body 1 also includes a fixing member for fixing the temperature control switch and the terminal block. Furthermore, the fixing member is a housing structure, through which the heating element passes. Specifically, the fixing member includes a first housing 1001 and a second housing 1002, which are clamped together to form the housing structure.

[0079] In one embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the end of the heating element away from the cavity 11 is fixed on the sealing cover 70. The sealing cover 70 wraps the end of the channel 21 away from the cavity 11, that is, the sealing cover 70 wraps 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 heating element, 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 card slot, and the bottom of the heating element is snapped into the card slot to be fixed with the sealing cover 70 and easy to disassemble. Furthermore, the heating element is a thick film heating component 20 in a pipe structure, and the end of the thick film heating component 20 away from the cavity 11 is sealed by the sealing cover 70, 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.

[0080] Example 3

[0081] The present invention provides a washing machine, comprising a housing, in which a steam generator for a clothes processing device as described above is installed; the water inlet 14 of the generator body 1 is connected to a water pipe in the washing machine housing, and the air outlet 15 of the generator body 1 is connected to the washing machine inner drum to provide steam to the washing machine inner drum. When a user turns on the steam cleaning, steam drying, steam wrinkle removal, or steam sterilization mode of the washing machine, the water inlet 14 of the generator body 1 begins to flow in a preset amount of water, and at the same time, the heating element turns on and heats the water. The water contacts the heating element and is heated to form steam, thereby providing steam to the washing machine inner drum to achieve the cleaning, drying, wrinkle removal, or sterilization functions. As the liquid water forms steam and is consumed, the liquid water level drops and falls along the surface of the channel 21. At the same time, the water retained on the surface of the channel 21 moves downward along its surface until it merges into the water body, thereby reducing the water retained on the surface of the channel 21 and reducing the formation of scale on its surface to a certain extent.

[0082] Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a shell structure of a steam generator, in which the shell body is provided with an opening to communicate with a channel vertically arranged in the heating element, so that the shell body and the heating element are jointly clamped to form the outer shell structure of the generator body, replacing the traditional solution of arranging the heating element inside the shell, reducing the influence of the size of the heating element itself on the size of the shell body, and thereby reducing the overall size of the generator body to a certain extent.

[0083] 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 shell structure of a steam generator, comprising a shell body (10) for forming a shell wall structure of a generator body (1), characterized in that: The shell body (10) comprises a cavity (11) for containing steam, a water inlet (14), and an air outlet (15); the water inlet (14) and the air outlet (15) are respectively connected to the cavity (11); wherein an opening (18) is provided at the bottom of the shell body (10), and the water inlet (14) and the air outlet (15) are both located above the opening (18); The opening (18) is used to communicate with a tubular heating area formed by a heating element of the generator body (1), so that water flows through the opening (18) to the heating area to form steam; A plurality of vertically arranged first baffles (12) are provided in the shell body (10), and together with the inner wall of the shell body (10) form a first surrounding wall structure that partially surrounds the air outlet (15) of the shell body (10), so that the steam in the cavity (11) contacts the first surrounding wall structure, and after the heat of the steam is conducted through the first surrounding wall structure, liquid water molecules condense on the surface of the first surrounding wall structure; At least one flow limiting portion is provided in the shell body (10) for blocking the speed at which the water level in the cavity (11) decreases; the first baffle (12) is opposite to the at least one flow limiting portion provided in the shell body (10); and the side wall structure corresponding to the position of the first baffle (12) and the flow limiting portion is longitudinally staggered.

2. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer contour of the opening (18) extends toward the heating element to form a first connecting portion (191) for connecting to one end of the heating element.

3. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second connecting portion (192) is provided on a side of the shell body (10) facing the heating element, so as to be connected to a fixing member fixed to the outer peripheral side of the heating element.

4. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of the second connecting parts (192) is at least two.

5. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least two of the second connection portions (192) are evenly distributed around the heating element.

6. A shell structure of a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The housing body (10) is a box-shaped structure.

7. A shell structure of a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The water inlet (14) and the air outlet (15) are arranged on one side of the shell body (10).

8. A shell structure of a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The shell body (10) comprises a first shell (171) and a second shell (172); the first shell (171) and the second shell (172) are clamped together to form the cavity (11).

9. A shell structure of a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The housing body (10) is provided with a mounting groove (193) for mounting a liquid level sensor (30).

10. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The housing body (10) is provided with a groove (194); the mounting groove (193) is arranged in the groove (194), so that the side wall of the liquid level sensor (30) installed in the mounting groove (193) and the inner wall of the groove (194) jointly form a space for accommodating the sealing ring (80).

11. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The mounting groove (193) is arranged away from the water inlet (14) and / or the air outlet (15) of the shell body (10).

12. The shell structure of a steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that: The cavity (11) is provided with a plurality of second baffles (13), which together with the inner wall of the shell body (10) form a second surrounding wall structure surrounding the outer peripheral side of the liquid level sensor (30), so as to prevent the steam in the cavity (11) from contacting the liquid level sensor (30).

13. A washing machine, comprising a housing, characterized in that: A generator body (1) for generating steam is provided in the box; the generator body (1) comprises a shell structure of a steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a water inlet (14) of the generator body (1) is connected to a water pipe in the box of the washing machine, and an air outlet (15) of the generator body (1) is connected to an inner drum of the washing machine to provide steam to the inner drum of the washing machine.

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