A steam generator

Abstract

The application discloses a steam generator and relates to the field of steam generating devices.The steam generator comprises a heating body and a shell formed on the periphery of the heating body, the top of the shell is sealingly provided with an upper cover plate, a water inlet and a steam outlet are formed in the outer wall of the shell, an inner cavity is formed in the shell below the upper cover plate, a ring-shaped separation rib is arranged on the shell outside the heating body, and the inner cavity is separated into a heating chamber and a pressurizing chamber; the heating chamber is located on the inner side of the separation rib and is communicated with the water inlet; the pressurizing chamber surrounds the periphery of the separation rib, is used for pressurizing, heating low-temperature steam to generate high-temperature steam, and comprises a plurality of pressurizing areas which are sequentially communicated, the pressurizing area located at the foremost end is communicated with the heating chamber, the pressurizing area located at the terminal end is communicated with the steam outlet, and the pressurizing area located at the foremost end is relatively sealed with the pressurizing area located at the terminal end. The steam generator can generate high-temperature steam of 140 DEG C at the steam outlet through multiple continuous pressurizing and heating, and the effect of steam sterilization, disinfection and cleaning of a home environment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of steam generating devices, and more specifically to a steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is an increasing demand for steam in the home appliance industry. For example, adding a steam cooking function to ovens can improve the taste of food; adding a steam function to cleaning products can achieve sterilization, disinfection, and removal of stubborn stains.

[0003] Chinese patent document (CN106090860A) discloses a steam generator, including a pipeline with a liquid inlet and a steam outlet. The pipeline is composed of heating tubes connected in series or parallel, and the outer surface of each heating tube is partially or completely covered with a continuous heating element that can be independently controlled for power supply and disconnection. This invention heats liquid into steam through heating tubes, achieving high heating efficiency and speed. Liquid flowing through the heating tubes is quickly and completely converted into steam without residue. Under normal operation, steam can be obtained in 3-10 seconds, meeting the requirement for rapid steam production. Each heating tube can be independently controlled, allowing the appropriate number of heating tubes to be activated according to the steam demand, providing flexibility and meeting the requirements of different applications.

[0004] Taking this technical solution as an example, most steam generating equipment on the market currently uses single heating, and the steam temperature produced is mostly around 100℃. Moreover, the generated steam is a mixture of water and steam (with a high water content), which cannot meet the customer's psychological expectations for the product. The effect of low-temperature steam sterilization and decontamination is poor.

[0005] A steam mop is a household cleaning device that uses heated water to generate pressure and high temperature steam to disinfect, sterilize, and clean the home environment. Existing steam generators cannot adequately meet the high-temperature, high-pressure steam requirements of steam mops, therefore it is necessary to develop a steam generator capable of producing such high-temperature, high-pressure steam. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a steam generator that can generate high-temperature steam of 140°C at the steam outlet through multiple continuous pressurization and heating, thereby improving the effect of steam disinfection, sterilization and cleaning of the home environment.

[0007] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: This steam generator includes a heating element and a shell formed around the periphery of the heating element. A top cover plate is sealed on the top of the shell. An inlet and an outlet are formed on the outer wall of the shell. An inner cavity is formed below the top cover plate. A ring-shaped partition rib is provided on the outer shell of the heating element. The partition rib cooperates with the top cover plate to divide the inner cavity into a heating chamber and a pressurization chamber. The heating chamber is located inside the partition rib and communicates with the inlet, used to heat the evaporation water introduced through the inlet to generate low-temperature steam. The pressurization chamber surrounds the outer periphery of the partition rib and is used to pressurize and heat the low-temperature steam to generate high-temperature steam. The pressurization chamber includes several sequentially connected pressurization zones. The foremost pressurization zone communicates with the heating chamber and is used to introduce the low-temperature steam. The end pressurization zone communicates with the outlet to discharge the high-temperature steam, and the foremost pressurization zone and the end pressurization zone are relatively sealed.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the heating chamber includes a preheating zone arranged near the water inlet and one or more heating zones arranged away from the water inlet. One end of the preheating zone is connected to the water inlet. When there is only one heating zone, the other end of the preheating zone is connected to the heating zone, and the heating zone is connected to the frontmost pressurization zone. When there are multiple heating zones, the heating zones are connected sequentially. The other end of the preheating zone is connected to the nearest heating zone, and the heating zone farthest from the preheating zone is connected to the frontmost pressurization zone.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the heating zone and the preheating zone, as well as adjacent heating zones, are separated by water-blocking ribs. The water-blocking ribs have openings to allow steam to flow through them, and the separating ribs also have openings near the frontmost pressurization zone.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the pressurization chamber includes a first continuous pressurization zone, a transition zone, a second continuous pressurization zone, and a stabilization zone connected in sequence. Several pressurization zones are arranged in sequence in both the first and second continuous pressurization zones. Adjacent pressurization zones are separated by pressurization ribs, and pressurization ports are opened on the pressurization ribs for steam to flow through. The stabilization zone is connected to the steam outlet.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the partition rib has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The first sidewall is adjacent to the first continuous pressurization zone and is inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell, so that the area of ​​each pressurization port in the first continuous pressurization zone decreases. The second sidewall is adjacent to the second continuous pressurization zone and is also inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell, so that the area of ​​each pressurization port in the second continuous pressurization zone decreases.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the pressurization zone and the stabilization zone at the foremost end are separated by a partition rib.

[0013] As a further technical solution, a heating body shell is formed on the periphery of the heating body at the bottom of the housing, and partition ribs are provided on the heating body shell, and several heat-conducting protrusions are provided on the surface of the heating body shell.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0015] 1. A heating chamber and a pressurization chamber are set inside the shell. The low-temperature steam generated in the heating chamber enters the pressurization chamber and undergoes continuous pressurization and heating to ensure that the high-temperature and high-pressure steam output from the steam outlet can reach 140℃.

[0016] 2. Multiple auxiliary heating zones are set up in the heating chamber to assist in heating the steam. The preheating zone is separated from each heating zone by water-blocking ribs, but is also connected by gaps, which can prevent the evaporation water from entering the pressurization chamber.

[0017] 3. The pressurization chamber is equipped with a first continuous pressurization zone and a second continuous pressurization zone, which are connected by multiple pressurization zones. The area of ​​each pressurization port in the continuous pressurization zone decreases, so that the steam pressure gradually increases after the steam passes through the continuous pressurization zone and the temperature rises accordingly. Based on the heat conduction of the heating element, the principle of heating by compressed gas is also used to further increase the steam temperature, thereby improving the energy utilization efficiency and steam heating rate.

[0018] 4. The surface of the heating element's outer shell (shell) is provided with heat-conducting protrusions, which can effectively increase the heat-conducting area of ​​the heating element and improve heating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention (with the top cover plate hidden).

[0022] Figure 4 This is a top view of the structure of the present invention (with the top cover plate hidden).

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Shell; 2. Heating element; 3. Inner cavity; 4. Top cover; 5. Water inlet; 6. Steam outlet; 7. Separating rib; 7. First pressurization zone; 71. Second pressurization zone; 72. Third pressurization zone; 73. Fourth pressurization zone; 74. Fifth pressurization zone; 75. Sixth pressurization zone; 76. Seventh pressurization zone; 77. First sidewall; 78. Second sidewall; 79. First pressurization rib; 81. Second pressurization rib; 82. Third pressurization rib; 83. Fourth pressurization rib; 84. Fifth pressurization rib; 85. Pressure rib 85, sixth pressure rib 86, seventh pressure rib 87, eighth pressure rib 88, first pressure inlet 91, second pressure inlet 92, third pressure inlet 93, fourth pressure inlet 94, fifth pressure inlet 95, sixth pressure inlet 96, seventh pressure inlet 97, eighth pressure inlet 98, preheating zone 10, water-blocking rib 11, notch 12, first heating zone 13, second heating zone 14, transition zone 15, stabilizing zone 16, partition rib 17. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Example: As attached Figures 1-4 As shown, this steam generator includes a shell 1, a heating element 2, an inner cavity 3, a top cover 4, a water inlet 5, a steam outlet 6, a partition rib 7, a first pressurization zone 71, a second pressurization zone 72, a third pressurization zone 73, a fourth pressurization zone 74, a fifth pressurization zone 75, a sixth pressurization zone 76, a seventh pressurization zone 77, a first side wall 78, a second side wall 79, a first pressurization rib 81, a second pressurization rib 82, a third pressurization rib 83, and a fourth pressurization rib 84. Fifth pressure-increasing rib 85, sixth pressure-increasing rib 86, seventh pressure-increasing rib 87, eighth pressure-increasing rib 88, first pressure-increasing port 91, second pressure-increasing port 92, third pressure-increasing port 93, fourth pressure-increasing port 94, fifth pressure-increasing port 95, sixth pressure-increasing port 96, seventh pressure-increasing port 97, eighth pressure-increasing port 98, preheating zone 10, water-blocking rib 11, notch 12, first heating zone 13, second heating zone 14, transition zone 15, stabilizing zone 16 and partition rib 17.

[0026] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, a top cover plate 4 is bolted to the top of the housing 1. Water inlets 5 and steam outlets 6 are respectively opened on both sides of the outer wall of the housing 1. The housing 1 is injection molded around the heating element 2. An inner cavity 3 is opened in the housing 1 below the top cover plate 4. (See attached diagram) Figure 3 A heating element shell 21 is formed around the heating element 2 at the bottom of the housing 1. Several circular heat-conducting protrusions 22 are provided on the surface of the heating element shell 21 (housing 1). The heat-conducting protrusions 22 can effectively increase the heat conduction area of ​​the heating element 2 and improve the heating efficiency. A ring-shaped partition rib 7 is provided on the heating element shell 21. The partition rib 7 cooperates with the upper cover plate 4 to divide the inner cavity 3 into a heating chamber and a pressurization chamber.

[0027] Reference Appendix Figure 3 , 4 The heating chambers are located inside the partition ribs 7. Each heating chamber includes a preheating zone 10 located near the inlet 5 and two heating zones, a first heating zone 13 and a second heating zone 14 located away from the inlet 5. The inlet 5 is connected to the preheating zone 10, introducing evaporation water into it. After initial heating, low-temperature steam is formed. Water-blocking ribs 11 are installed between the preheating zone 10 and the first heating zone 13, and between the first heating zone 13 and the second heating zone 14, to separate them. Notches 12 are formed on the water-blocking ribs 11, which cooperate with the upper cover plate 4, allowing the low-temperature steam to pass sequentially through the preheating zone 10, the first heating zone 13, and the second heating zone 14. The first heating zone 13 and the second heating zone 14 provide auxiliary heating for the steam and isolate the evaporation water, preventing it from flowing into the pressurization chamber. The pressurization chamber pressurizes and heats the low-temperature steam, ultimately generating high-temperature steam.

[0028] Furthermore, the pressurization chamber surrounds the outer periphery of the partition rib 7 (heating body 2), specifically located between the outer wall of the partition rib 7 and the inner wall of the shell 1. Within the pressurization chamber, a first pressurization zone 71, a second pressurization zone 72, a third pressurization zone 73, a fourth pressurization zone 74, a transition zone 15, a fifth pressurization zone 75, a sixth pressurization zone 76, a seventh pressurization zone 77, and a stabilization zone 16 are sequentially arranged. A notch 12 is also provided on the partition rib 7 near the first pressurization zone 71, allowing low-temperature steam to flow from the second heating zone 14 to the first pressurization zone 71. A first pressurization rib 81 is provided between the first pressurization zone 71 and the second pressurization zone 72 to separate them, and a first pressurization port 91 for steam flow is provided on the first pressurization rib 81. A second pressurization rib 82 is provided between the second pressurization zone 72 and the third pressurization zone 73 to separate them, and a second pressurization port 92 for steam flow is provided on the second pressurization rib 82. A third pressurizing rib 83 separates the third pressurizing zone 73 and the fourth pressurizing zone 74, and a third pressurizing port 93 for steam flow is provided on the third pressurizing rib 83. A fourth pressurizing rib 84 separates the fourth pressurizing zone 74 and the transition zone 15, and a fourth pressurizing port 94 for steam flow is provided on the fourth pressurizing rib 84. The first to fourth pressurizing zones constitute the first continuous pressurizing zone. A fifth pressurizing rib 85 separates the transition zone 15 and the fifth pressurizing zone 75, and a fifth pressurizing port 95 for steam flow is provided on the fifth pressurizing rib 85. A sixth pressurizing rib 86 separates the fifth pressurizing zone 75 and the sixth pressurizing zone 76, and a sixth pressurizing port 96 for steam flow is provided on the sixth pressurizing rib 86. A seventh pressurizing rib 87 separates the sixth pressurizing zone 76 and the seventh pressurizing zone 77, and a seventh pressurizing port 97 for steam flow is provided on the seventh pressurizing rib 87. An eighth pressurizing rib 88 separates the seventh pressurizing zone 77 from the stabilizing zone 16, and an eighth pressurizing port 98 is provided on the eighth pressurizing rib 88 for steam flow. The stabilizing zone 16 (i.e., the pressurizing zone at the end) is separated from the first pressurizing zone 71 (i.e., the pressurizing zone at the foremost end) by a partition rib 17. The fifth to seventh pressurizing zones constitute the second continuous pressurizing zone.

[0029] Further, see attached document. Figure 4 The partition rib 7 has a first sidewall 78 (located in...) Figure 4 The upper part) and the second sidewall 79 opposite the first sidewall 78 (located in Figure 4The lower part of the shell 1 has a first sidewall 78 adjacent to the first continuous pressurization zone, and the first sidewall 78 is inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell 1, so that the area of ​​the first continuous pressurization zone from the first pressurization port 91 to the fourth pressurization port 94 decreases step by step. According to the ideal gas law pV = nRT, the temperature of a constant mass of gas will increase in a certain volume when the pressure increases. Therefore, when steam passes through the first continuous pressurization zone, the volume of steam is constant, the pressure gradually increases, and the corresponding temperature also gradually increases. At the same time, the steam is also heated by heat conduction from the heating body 2. The second sidewall 79 is adjacent to the second continuous pressurization zone, and the second sidewall 79 is also inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell 1, so that the area of ​​the second continuous pressurization zone from the fifth pressurization port 95 to the eighth pressurization port 98 decreases step by step. Similarly, when steam passes through the second continuous pressurization zone, the volume of steam is constant, the pressure gradually increases, and the corresponding temperature also gradually increases. At the same time, the steam is also heated by heat conduction from the heating body 2. The transition zone 15, located between the fourth pressurization zone 74 and the fifth pressurization zone 75, acts as a buffer, effectively buffering the steam pressure and preventing unstable steam output from outlet 6 due to continuous pressurization. Ultimately, the steam temperature discharged from outlet 6 reaches 140℃.

[0030] The working process of this invention is as follows: When the steam generator is working, evaporation water is introduced into the preheating zone 10 through the inlet 5. The heating element 2 conducts heat with the shell 1, forming low-temperature steam after initial heating. The low-temperature steam passes through the notch in the first heating zone 13 and the second heating zone 14 in sequence, which assists in heating and isolates the evaporation water, preventing it from flowing into the pressurization chamber. Subsequently, the steam enters the first pressurization zone 71 through the notch 12 on the partition rib 7, and gradually passes through the first continuous pressurization zone. During this process, the volume of the steam remains constant, the pressure gradually increases, and the corresponding temperature also gradually rises. At the same time, the steam continues to heat up due to heat conduction from the heating element 2. Next, the steam after the first continuous pressurization passes through the transition zone 15. The transition zone 15 acts as a buffer, effectively buffering the steam pressure and preventing unstable steam output from the steam outlet 6 due to continuous pressurization. The buffered steam enters the fifth pressurization zone 75 and gradually passes through the second continuous pressurization zone. During this process, the volume of the steam remains constant, the pressure gradually increases, and the corresponding temperature also gradually rises. At the same time, the steam continues to heat up due to heat conduction from the heating element 2. Finally, after a second round of continuous pressurization, the steam is discharged from the stable zone 16, and the steam temperature at the outlet 6 reaches 140℃.

[0031] Compared to existing technologies that only heat steam through a heating element, this invention utilizes the principle of compressed gas heating, enabling the steam generator to produce steam at higher temperatures and pressures, and achieving higher energy utilization efficiency of the heating element and a faster steam heating rate.

[0032] It is understood that, for those skilled in the art, any equivalent substitutions or modifications to the technical solutions and inventive concepts of this invention should fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam generator, characterized in that: The device includes a heating element (2) and a shell (1) formed on the outer periphery of the heating element (2). The top of the shell (1) is sealed with a top cover plate (4). A water inlet (5) and a steam outlet (6) are opened on the outer wall of the shell (1). An inner cavity (3) is opened in the shell (1) below the top cover plate (4). A ring-shaped partition rib (7) is provided on the shell (1) outside the heating element (2). The partition rib (7) cooperates with the top cover plate (4) to divide the inner cavity (3) into a heating chamber and a pressurization chamber. The heating chamber is located inside the partition rib (7) and communicates with the water inlet (5). It is used to heat the evaporation water introduced by the water inlet (5) to generate low-temperature steam. The pressurization chamber surrounds the outer periphery of the partition rib (7). It is used to pressurize and heat the low-temperature steam to generate high-temperature steam. The pressurization chamber includes several pressurization zones that are connected in sequence. The pressurization zone at the front end is connected to the heating chamber and is used to introduce the low-temperature steam. The pressurization chamber includes a first continuous pressurization zone, a transition zone (15), a second continuous pressurization zone, and a stabilization zone (16) connected in sequence. Several pressurization zones are arranged in sequence in both the first and second continuous pressurization zones. Adjacent pressurization zones are separated by pressurization ribs, and pressurization ports are opened on the pressurization ribs for steam to flow. The stabilization zone (16) is connected to the steam outlet (6). The partition rib (7) has a first sidewall (78) and a second sidewall (79) opposite to the first sidewall (78). The first sidewall (78) is adjacent to the first continuous pressurization zone and is inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell (1), so that the area of ​​each pressurization port in the first continuous pressurization zone decreases, thereby increasing the gas pressure when the steam passes through the first continuous pressurization zone. The second sidewall (79) is adjacent to the second continuous pressurization zone and is also inclined relative to the inner wall of the shell (1), so that the area of ​​each pressurization port in the second continuous pressurization zone decreases, thereby increasing the gas pressure when the steam passes through the second continuous pressurization zone. The heating element (2) at the bottom of the housing (1) has a heating element shell (21) formed on its outer periphery. The partition rib (7) is set on the heating element shell (21), and several heat-conducting protrusions (22) are set on the surface of the heating element shell (21).

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating chamber includes a preheating zone (10) arranged near the water inlet (5) and one or more heating zones arranged away from the water inlet (5). One end of the preheating zone (10) is connected to the water inlet (5). When there is only one heating zone, the other end of the preheating zone (10) is connected to the heating zone. The heating zone is also connected to the frontmost pressurization zone. When there are multiple heating zones, each heating zone is connected in sequence. The other end of the preheating zone (10) is connected to the nearest heating zone. The heating zone farthest from the preheating zone (10) is connected to the frontmost pressurization zone.

3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heating zone and the preheating zone (10) are separated by water-blocking ribs (11), and the adjacent heating zones are separated by water-blocking ribs (11). A notch (12) is opened on the water-blocking ribs (11) to allow steam to flow. A notch (12) is also opened on the partition ribs (7) near the frontmost pressurization zone.

4. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressurization zone and the stabilization zone (16) at the foremost end are separated by a partition rib (17).

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