A steam generator and a cooking apparatus using the same

Abstract

The present application relates to a steam generator and a cooking device using the same, comprising a water pipe, one end of which is a water inlet and the other end is a steam outlet; a heating element for heating water in the water pipe; further comprising a descaling element, which is a rope-shaped element arranged in the water pipe along the length direction; a driving structure, which is constrained in the water pipe and connected with the descaling element, and can be deformed under the action of temperature difference inside the water pipe to drive the descaling element to move along the length direction in the water pipe and scrape the inner surface of the water pipe. In the present application, the driving structure can be deformed under the action of temperature difference to drive the descaling element to move along the length direction in the water pipe and scrape the inner surface of the water pipe, thereby removing the scale deposited on the inner surface of the water pipe and avoiding the accumulation of scale inside the water pipe. Compared with the existing descaling method, the present application realizes self-adaptive descaling according to the temperature difference inside the water pipe, without the need for manual descaling, and completely avoids the problem of chemical residue caused by chemical descaling agent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooking equipment, and more particularly to a steam generator and a cooking device using the steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] Electric steam ovens, steam ovens, and other cooking appliances with steaming functions are generally equipped with steam generators. These generators produce steam for heating food. Common steam generator structures are typically made of die-cast aluminum. A die-cast aluminum steam generator includes a heating element and a stainless steel water pipe. The principle of steam generation is that the heat generated by the heating element is conducted to the stainless steel water pipe, heating the water inside and producing steam. Examples include Chinese invention application CN201811543859.1 (publication number CN109681855A) and Chinese utility model patent ZL201020261341.1 (authorization announcement number CN201748387U).

[0003] Furthermore, in order to enhance the heat exchange efficiency of the steam generator and thus improve the steam generation efficiency, stainless steel water pipes are usually designed with a multi-ring structure to increase the contact area between the stainless steel and the die-cast aluminum structure used to transfer heat. However, as the length of the stainless steel water pipe increases, scale is easily deposited inside the stainless steel water pipe, and scale deposition will cause the following problems: (1) Scale is a poor conductor of heat, and scale deposition will affect the working efficiency of the steam generator; (2) As the working time of the steam generator increases, more and more scale will accumulate, eventually clogging the stainless steel water pipe and causing the steam generator to malfunction.

[0004] Currently, descaling agents are commonly used to remove scale. For example, citric acid is used to decompose the main components of scale into water-soluble substances to achieve descaling. However, the main problems with using descaling agents are as follows: (1) Users cannot determine the scale deposition inside stainless steel water pipes, and the hardness of water varies from place to place. The scale deposition inside the steam generator will also be different under the same working time, so descaling can only be carried out within a certain time period; (2) The descaling process is time-consuming, the descaling efficiency is low, and the operation is relatively cumbersome; (3) Chemical descaling agents pose certain health and safety hazards. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a steam generator that does not require manual descaling, in contrast to the prior art.

[0006] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an adaptive descaling steam generator based on changes in the internal temperature of the water pipe, in contrast to the prior art.

[0007] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a steam generator that can completely avoid the residue of chemical descaling agents compared with the prior art.

[0008] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: a steam generator, including a water pipe, one end of which is a water inlet and the other end is a steam outlet;

[0009] A heating element, used to heat the water in the aforementioned water pipe;

[0010] Its characteristic is that it also includes

[0011] The descaling component is a rope-shaped component that is threaded through the aforementioned water pipe along its length.

[0012] The driving structure is constrained in the water pipe and connected to the descaling component. It can deform under the action of temperature difference inside the water pipe to drive the descaling component to move along the length direction in the water pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive structure is connected to one end of the aforementioned descaling component. This allows the drive structure to better drive the entire descaling component to move along its length within the water pipe.

[0014] Furthermore, the drive structure is radially constrained within the water pipe. This allows the deformation of the drive structure to better drive the descaling component to move along the length of the water pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the drive structure is constrained within the water inlet or steam outlet of the water pipe. This allows the deformation of the drive structure to remove accumulated scale from the water inlet or steam outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, the drive structure is constrained within the steam outlet of the water pipe. Initially, the drive structure closes the steam outlet, while in operation, it deforms to open it, and then returns to its original position and closes again after operation. Compared to the water inlet, the temperature difference between the steam outlet and the initial state is greater, thus amplifying the deformation of the drive structure and increasing the driving force on the descaling component, allowing it to more effectively scrape the inner surface of the water pipe.

[0017] Furthermore, the drive structure includes a baffle that matches the size of the steam outlet and can shield the steam outlet. The descaling component is fixed to the inner end face of the baffle, and elongated deformation plates are fixed at intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner side of the baffle. Each deformation plate is arranged along the length of the water pipe.

[0018] Furthermore, in the initial state, the aforementioned baffles block the steam outlet, and the free ends of each deformation plate abut against the inner surface of the water pipe.

[0019] During operation, each deformation plate expands along its length due to heat, pushing the baffle outward away from the steam outlet, while the free end of each deformation plate always abuts against the inner surface of the water pipe. This allows the drive structure to be stably constrained within the steam outlet and enables better opening and closing of the steam outlet. At the same time, the deformation of each deformation plate allows the descaling component to move better along the water pipe.

[0020] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned deformation plates possesses a certain degree of elasticity. When the aforementioned drive structure is installed in the water pipe, the free ends of each deformation plate tend to move outward relative to the central axis of the stop block. This not only allows the drive structure to be more firmly constrained within the steam outlet, but also enables the deformation energy of each deformation plate to be better converted into driving force for the descaling component.

[0021] Furthermore, the free ends of each of the deformation plates are respectively inclined outward from their fixed ends relative to the descaling component, and the ends of the free ends of each deformation plate are respectively bent inward and tightly attached to the inner surface of the water pipe. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the drive structure in the water pipe, improves the stability of the drive structure during installation in the water pipe, and, through the guidance between the free ends of each deformation plate and the inner surface of the water pipe, allows each deformation plate to deform better along its length, thereby better driving the descaling component to move along the length of the water pipe.

[0022] Furthermore, in the initial state, the baffle is embedded in the steam outlet. This allows the baffle to better open and close the steam outlet, and also helps to better clean the scale at the steam outlet.

[0023] Furthermore, the cross-sectional size of the baffle increases from the inside to the outside. In the initial state, the small end of the baffle is blocked in the steam outlet. In this way, under the deformation force of each deformation plate, the baffle can smoothly detach from the steam outlet, ensuring smooth steam output, and at the same time, it can further improve the descaling effect at the steam outlet.

[0024] Furthermore, the outer surface of the descaling component is irregularly shaped along its length. This increases the friction between the outer surface of the descaling component and the inner surface of the water pipe, thereby improving the descaling effect.

[0025] Furthermore, the surface of the descaling component is provided with spiral protrusions along its length, thereby further improving the descaling effect.

[0026] Furthermore, the descaling component is a high-temperature resistant metal rope.

[0027] Furthermore, the descaling component is made of stainless steel or food-grade aluminum alloy. The materials are widely available, safe, and reliable, ensuring the user's health.

[0028] Furthermore, the stop block of the drive structure is a high-temperature resistant metal block, and each deformation plate is a heat-memory metal plate. In this way, each deformation plate can deform under the action of temperature difference, thereby causing the drive structure to drive the descaling component to operate.

[0029] Furthermore, all the deformation plates are made of nickel-titanium alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy has different crystal structures around 40°C, thus it can maintain different shapes at high and low temperatures, thereby exhibiting shape memory function.

[0030] Furthermore, it also includes a heat-conducting component for transferring the heat generated by the heating element to the water pipe, and both the water pipe and the heating element are mounted on the heat-conducting component. This enables the heating element to efficiently heat the water in the water pipe, improving steam generation efficiency.

[0031] Furthermore, the heat-conducting component is a metal block, while the heating component is a heating pipe, and both the heating pipe and the water pipe are embedded in the heat-conducting component. This improves the heat conduction efficiency of the heat-conducting component, thereby further enhancing the steam generation efficiency.

[0032] The technical solution adopted to further solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a cooking device, characterized in that it uses a steam generator as described above.

[0033] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: A descaling component is installed in the water pipe. The driving structure deforms under temperature difference, driving the descaling component to move along the length of the water pipe. On one hand, it scrapes the inner surface of the water pipe, thereby removing scale deposited on the inner surface and preventing scale accumulation inside the pipe. On the other hand, it disturbs the water flow in the pipe, further preventing scale deposition. Compared with existing descaling methods, this invention achieves adaptive descaling based on changes in temperature inside the water pipe, eliminating the need for manual descaling and completely avoiding the problem of chemical residues caused by chemical descaling agents. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (in its initial state);

[0036] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention in another state (operating state);

[0037] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view (initial state) of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view (in the working state) of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention in another state;

[0039] Figure 6This is another partial structural diagram of the steam generator in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view (initial state) of the steam generator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view (in the working state) of the steam generator in another state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 9 This is another partial structural diagram of the steam generator in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different directions, these terms indicating direction are only for illustration and should not be regarded as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity. In addition, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features.

[0045] A cooking appliance has a steaming function, such as a steam oven or steam oven, and the cooking appliance has the following features: Figures 1-6 The steam generator shown.

[0046] The aforementioned steam generator includes a heat-conducting component 1, a water pipe 3, and a heating component 2. The heat-conducting component 1 is used to transfer the heat generated by the heating component 2 to the water pipe 3, and both the water pipe 3 and the heating component 2 are disposed on the heat-conducting component 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat-conducting component 1 is a metal block (specifically an aluminum casting block), and the aforementioned heating component 2 is a heating pipe. Furthermore, both the heating pipe and the aforementioned water pipe 3 are embedded in the aforementioned heat-conducting component 1, wherein the water pipe 3 is bent and coiled and embedded in the heat-conducting component 1.

[0047] Furthermore, a descaling component 4, which is rope-shaped, is inserted along the length of the water pipe 3. A driving structure 5 is also included, which is constrained within the water pipe 3 and connected to the descaling component 4. This driving structure 5 deforms under the influence of temperature differences within the water pipe 3, thus driving the descaling component 4 to move along its length within the water pipe 3. Therefore, on the one hand, the descaling component 4 can scrape away scale deposited on the inner surface of the water pipe 3, preventing scale accumulation inside the water pipe 3; on the other hand, it disturbs the water flow within the water pipe 3, thus preventing scale deposition. Compared with existing descaling methods, this invention achieves adaptive descaling based on changes in temperature differences within the water pipe 3, eliminating the need for manual descaling and completely avoiding the problem of chemical residues caused by chemical descaling agents.

[0048] The aforementioned drive structure 5 can be connected to the middle or end of the descaling component 4. Preferably, in order to enable the drive structure 5 to better drive the entire descaling component 4 to move along the length direction in the water pipe 3, the aforementioned drive structure 5 is connected to one end of the aforementioned descaling component 4.

[0049] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned drive structure 5 is radially constrained within the water pipe 3, so that the deformation of the drive structure 5 can better drive the descaling component 4 to move along the length of the water pipe 3. In addition, in this invention, the aforementioned drive structure 5 is constrained within the water inlet 31 or steam outlet 32 ​​of the water pipe 3, thereby removing accumulated scale at the water inlet 31 or steam outlet 32 ​​through the deformation of the drive structure 5. Preferably, the aforementioned drive structure 5 is constrained within the steam outlet 32 ​​of the water pipe 3, and in the initial state, the drive structure 5 closes the steam outlet 32, while in the working state, the drive structure 5 deforms to open the steam outlet 32, and can return to its original position and close the steam outlet 32 ​​again after operation. Compared to the water inlet 31 of the water pipe 3, the temperature difference between the steam outlet 32 ​​of the water pipe 3 and the working state is greater, which can amplify the deformation of the drive structure 5, thereby increasing the driving force on the descaling component 4, so that the descaling component 4 can more effectively scrape the inner surface of the water pipe 3, and more violently disturb the water flow in the water pipe 3.

[0050] There are various specific implementations of the aforementioned drive structure 5. Preferably, the drive structure 5 includes a stop block 51 that matches the size of the steam outlet 32 ​​and can cover the steam outlet 32. The descaling component 4 is fixed to the inner end face of the stop block 51, and elongated deformation plates 52 are fixed circumferentially on the inner side of the stop block 51. Each deformation plate 52 is arranged along the length direction of the water pipe 3. In the initial state, the stop block 51 covers the steam outlet 32, and the free ends of each deformation plate 52 abut against the inner surface of the water pipe 3. In the working state, each deformation plate 52 expands along the length direction due to heat, pushing the stop block 51 outward away from the steam outlet 32, and the free ends of each deformation plate 52 always abut against the inner surface of the water pipe 3. This allows the drive structure 5 to be stably constrained in the steam outlet 32 ​​and to open and close the steam outlet 32 ​​better. At the same time, the deformation of each deformation plate 52 allows the descaling component 4 to move better along the water pipe 3.

[0051] Preferably, each of the aforementioned deformation plates 52 has a certain degree of elasticity. When the driving structure 5 is installed in the water pipe 3, the free ends of each deformation plate 52 tend to move outward relative to the central axis of the stop block 51. This allows the driving structure 5 to be more firmly constrained in the steam outlet 32, and also allows the deformation energy of each deformation plate 52 to be better converted into driving force for the descaling component 4. More preferably, the free ends of each of the aforementioned deformation plates 52 are respectively inclined outward relative to the descaling component 4 from their fixed ends, and the ends of the free ends of each deformation plate 52 are respectively bent inward and tightly attached to the inner surface of the water pipe 3. This facilitates the installation and removal of the driving structure 5 in the water pipe 3, while improving the stability of the driving structure 5 installed in the water pipe 3. Furthermore, the guide between the free ends of each deformation plate 52 and the inner surface of the water pipe 3 allows each deformation plate 52 to deform better along the length direction, thereby better driving the descaling component 4 to move along the length direction of the water pipe 3.

[0052] In this embodiment, the radius of the baffle 51 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the steam outlet 32. In the initial state, the baffle 51 is embedded in the steam outlet 32. This allows the baffle 51 to better open and close the steam outlet 32, and also allows for better cleaning of the scale at the steam outlet 32.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the descaling component 4 is preferably a high-temperature resistant metal rope, specifically made of stainless steel or food-grade aluminum alloy. Stainless steel and food-grade aluminum alloy are widely available and safe and reliable, ensuring the health of users. Meanwhile, the stop block 51 of the driving structure 5 is a high-temperature resistant metal block, and each deformation plate 52 is a heat-memory metal plate. Thus, each deformation plate 52 can deform under temperature difference, causing the driving structure 5 to drive the descaling component 4. In addition, each of the aforementioned deformation plates 52 is made of nickel-titanium alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy has different crystal structures around 40°C, therefore it can maintain different shapes at high and low temperatures, thus possessing shape memory function.

[0054] Example 2:

[0055] like Figures 7-9 As shown, unlike Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional size of the baffle 51 increases from the inside to the outside. In the initial state, the small end of the baffle 51 is blocked in the steam outlet 32. In this way, under the action of the deformation force of each deformation plate 52, the baffle 51 can be smoothly disengaged from the steam outlet 32, ensuring smooth steam output, and at the same time, it can further improve the descaling effect at the steam outlet 32.

[0056] Furthermore, preferably, the outer surface of the descaling component 4 is irregularly shaped along its length, thereby increasing the friction between the outer surface of the descaling component 4 and the inner surface of the water pipe 3, and thus improving the descaling effect. Specifically, the surface of the descaling component 4 is provided with spiral protrusions 41 along its length, thereby further improving the descaling effect.

Claims

1. A steam generator, comprising: Water pipe (3), one end of which is a water inlet (31) and the other end is a steam outlet (32); Heating element (2) is used to heat the water in the water pipe (3) mentioned above; Its features are, Also includes The descaling component (4) is a rope-shaped component that is threaded through the water pipe (3) along its length. The driving structure (5) is constrained in the water pipe (3) and connected to the descaling component (4), and can deform under the action of temperature difference to drive the descaling component (4) to move along the length direction in the water pipe (3); The drive structure (5) is connected to one end of the descaling component (4); The drive structure (5) is radially constrained in the water pipe (3); The drive structure (5) is constrained in the steam outlet (32) of the water pipe (3). In the initial state, the drive structure (5) closes the steam outlet (32), while in the working state, the drive structure (5) deforms and opens the steam outlet (32), and can be restored and closed again after the work is completed. The drive structure (5) includes a baffle (51) that matches the size of the steam outlet (32) and can shield the steam outlet (32). The descaling component (4) is fixed to the inner end face of the baffle (51), and long strip-shaped deformation plates (52) are fixed circumferentially on the inner side of the baffle (51). Each deformation plate (52) is arranged along the length of the water pipe (3). Furthermore, in the initial state, the aforementioned baffle (51) blocks the steam outlet (32), and the free ends of each deformation plate (52) abut against the inner surface of the water pipe (3). In the working state, each deformation plate (52) expands along the length direction when heated, pushing the baffle (51) outward away from the steam outlet (32), and the free end of each deformation plate (52) is always in contact with the inner surface of the water pipe (3).

2. The steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned deformation plates (52) has a certain degree of elasticity. When the aforementioned driving structure (5) is installed in the water pipe (3), the free ends of each deformation plate (52) tend to move outward relative to the central axis of the stop block (51).

3. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The free ends of each of the deformation plates (52) are respectively inclined outward relative to the descaling component (4) from its fixed end, and the ends of the free ends of each deformation plate (52) are respectively bent inward and closely attached to the inner surface of the water pipe (3).

4. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the initial state, the baffle (51) is embedded in the steam outlet (32).

5. The steam generator as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional size of the baffle (51) increases from the inside to the outside. In the initial state, the small end of the baffle (51) is embedded in the steam outlet (32).

6. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the descaling component (4) is irregular along its length.

7. The steam generator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the descaling component (4) is provided with spiral protrusions (41) along the length direction.

8. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The descaling component (4) is a high-temperature resistant metal rope.

9. The steam generator as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The descaling component (4) is made of stainless steel or food-grade aluminum alloy.

10. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The stop (51) of the drive structure (5) is a high-temperature resistant metal block, while each deformation plate (52) is a thermal memory metal plate.

11. The steam generator as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, All the deformation plates (52) are made of nickel-titanium alloy.

12. The steam generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a heat-conducting component (1) for transferring the heat generated by the heating element (2) to the water pipe (3), and both the water pipe (3) and the heating element (2) are installed on the heat-conducting component (1).

13. The steam generator as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The heat-conducting component (1) is a metal block, and the heating component (2) is a heating pipe. Both the heating pipe and the water pipe (3) are embedded in the heat-conducting component (1).

14. A cooking appliance, characterized in that, The application includes a steam generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 13.

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