Steam generator and steamer

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a steam generator and a garment steamer, wherein the steam generator comprises a heat transfer piece, a water pipe and a heating assembly; the water pipe and the heating assembly are arranged on the heat transfer piece and contact the heat transfer piece; and the heat transfer piece transmits heat generated by the heating assembly to the water pipe. The steam generator of the embodiment of the present application can expand the heat transfer area through the heat transfer piece, so that the heat transfer efficiency can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical equipment, and in particular to a steam generator and a garment steamer. Background Art

[0002] Steam generators are now widely used in home appliances such as cooking and clothing care. They serve as the core heating module for products like garment steamers, steam rice cookers, steam pressure cookers, steam wall breakers, instant water kettles, and coffee makers. When a steam generator is operating, its water tank is typically filled with water, which is then pumped into the steam generator body via a pump or gravity, where it evaporates and forms steam. The steam is then piped into the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance or the spray nozzle of a clothing care product.

[0003] However, the steam generator in the related art has a complex structure and a relatively low heat transfer efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application hope to provide a steam generator and a garment steamer that can improve heat transfer efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the present application provides a steam generator, comprising:

[0006] heat transfer components;

[0007] a water pipe having a water channel, the water pipe being disposed on the heat transfer element and in contact with the heat transfer element;

[0008] A heating component is arranged on the heat transfer element, and the heating component contacts the heat transfer element so that the heat transfer element transfers heat generated by the heating component to the water pipe.

[0009] In one embodiment, the heating component is in contact with the water pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the water pipe includes a sub-pipe and a pipe joint, the number of the sub-pipes is multiple, and two adjacent sub-pipes are connected by the pipe joints respectively; or,

[0011] The water pipe is an integrally formed structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the water pipe is arranged on an end surface of one side of the heat transfer element and contacts the end surface; or,

[0013] The heat transfer element has a first end face and a second end face arranged opposite to each other, and the water pipe extends from a side where one of the first end face and the second end face is located to a side where the other one of the first end face and the second end face is located, and the water pipe contacts at least one of the first end face and the second end face.

[0014] In one embodiment, the projection of the area where the water pipe contacts the heat transfer element on the heat transfer element is curved; and / or,

[0015] A partial area of ​​the water pipe is bent in a direction away from the heat transfer element.

[0016] In one embodiment, the water pipe is welded or fastened to the heat transfer element; and / or,

[0017] The heating component is welded or fastened to the heat transfer element.

[0018] In one embodiment, the heat transfer element is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; and / or,

[0019] The water pipe is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; or, the water pipe comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe sleeved inside the outer pipe, the outer pipe is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the inner pipe is made of stainless steel; and / or,

[0020] The water pipe is a heating pipe, and the shell of the heating pipe is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; or, the shell of the heating pipe includes an outer shell and an inner shell sleeved inside the outer shell, the outer shell is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the inner shell is made of stainless steel.

[0021] In one embodiment, the water pipe and the heat transfer element are in surface contact; and / or,

[0022] The heating component and the heat transfer element are in surface contact; and / or,

[0023] The cross-sectional area of ​​the water channel is greater than or equal to 18 square millimeters.

[0024] In one embodiment, the steam generator further includes a temperature controller;

[0025] The temperature controller is arranged on the heat transfer element; and / or,

[0026] The thermostat is arranged at a position adjacent to the inlet of the water channel.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least part of the contour line of the cross section of the water channel is a straight line segment.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the water channel is trapezoidal or triangular; or,

[0029] The contour line of the cross section of the waterway includes a curved segment and three straight segments, and the curved segment and the three straight segments are sequentially connected end to end; or,

[0030] The contour line of the cross section of the waterway includes two straight segments and two curved segments, and the straight segments and the curved segments are arranged alternately and connected end to end in sequence.

[0031] In one embodiment, the side walls of the water channel are provided with ribs extending linearly or spirally along the direction of water flow; or,

[0032] A groove extending linearly along the direction of water flow is provided on the side wall of the water channel.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the rib is in any one of a triangle, a semicircle, and a trapezoid.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present application provides a garment steamer, comprising:

[0035] a casing, the casing comprising a receiving chamber and a steam port communicating with the receiving chamber;

[0036] The steam generator described above is arranged in the casing;

[0037] a water supply assembly disposed within the housing, the water supply assembly comprising a water tank, a water pump, a first water inlet pipe, and a second water inlet pipe, the first water inlet pipe communicating with a water outlet of the water tank and a water inlet of the water pump, the second water inlet pipe communicating with a water outlet of the water pump and an inlet of the waterway;

[0038] A steam distributor is arranged in the casing, wherein the steam inlet of the steam distributor is communicated with the outlet of the water channel, and the steam outlet of the steam distributor is communicated with the steam port.

[0039] In one embodiment, the casing includes a main shell, a handle shell and a panel having the steam port, the main shell, the handle shell and the panel are arranged to form the accommodating cavity, the steam generator, the water pump and the steam distributor are arranged between the main shell and the handle shell, and the water tank is arranged in the handle shell.

[0040] In one embodiment, the garment steamer further comprises a protective shell disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the steam generator is disposed in the protective shell; and / or,

[0041] The end face of the steam distributor located on the side of the steam outlet is sealed against the inner wall of the accommodating chamber located on the side of the steam outlet, so that a pressure-stabilizing chamber is defined between the steam distributor and the inner wall. Pressure-stabilizing ribs located in the pressure-stabilizing chamber are also formed on the inner wall. The pressure-stabilizing ribs separate a pressure-stabilizing channel in the pressure-stabilizing chamber. The steam inlet is connected to the starting end of the pressure-stabilizing channel along the steam flow direction, and the steam outlet is connected to the end of the pressure-stabilizing channel along the steam flow direction.

[0042] An embodiment of the present application provides a steam generator and a garment steamer. The steam generator arranges a water pipe and a heating component on a heat transfer element and contacts the heat transfer element. The heat generated by the heating component is transferred to the water pipe through the heat transfer element. Thus, the heat transfer area can be expanded through the heat transfer element, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0044] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Exploded diagram;

[0045] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A front view of the steam generating device shown;

[0046] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Bottom view of the figure, part of the position is cross-sectional, the cutting position is Figure 3 AA position;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a second steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Exploded diagram;

[0049] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A front view of the steam generating device shown;

[0050] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Bottom view of the figure, part of the position is cross-sectional, the cutting position is Figure 7 BB position;

[0051] Figure 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a third steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] Figure 10 A schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a fourth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a fifth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a sixth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0055] Figure 13is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a seventh steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of an eighth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a ninth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a water channel of a tenth steam generating device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0059] Figure 17 This is a structural diagram of a garment steamer according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] Figure 18 for Figure 17 A half-section view of the garment steamer shown;

[0061] Figure 19 for Figure 18 A partial enlarged view of point C in the middle;

[0062] Figure 20 for Figure 18 DD cross-sectional view;

[0063] Figure 21 for Figure 20 An exploded view of the panel and the structure shown in the receiving cavity.

[0064] Description of Reference Numerals

[0065] Steam generator 100; water pipe 10; water channel 10a; inlet 10b; outlet 10c; straight section 10d; curved section 10e; rib 10f; sub-pipe 11; pipe joint 12; heat transfer element 20; first end face 20a; second end face 20b; heating assembly 30; casing 200; accommodating chamber 200a; steam port 200b; pressure-stabilizing rib 200c; pressure-stabilizing channel 200d; main casing 210; handle casing 220; panel 230; water supply assembly 300; water tank 310; water pump 320; first water inlet pipe 330; second water inlet pipe 340; steam distributor 400; protective casing 500; first half shell 510; second half shell 520; sealing ring 600; connecting joint 700. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] It should be noted that, unless there is a conflict, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and the detailed description in the specific implementation method should be understood as an explanation of the purpose of this application and should not be regarded as an improper restriction on this application.

[0067] An embodiment of the present application provides a steam generator 100, see Figures 1 to 4 The steam generator 100 includes a heat transfer element 20, a water pipe 10, and a heating assembly 30. The water pipe 10 has a water channel 10a and is disposed on and in contact with the heat transfer element 20. The heating assembly 30 is also disposed on the heat transfer element 20 and in contact with the heat transfer element 20, so that the heat transfer element 20 transfers heat generated by the heating assembly 30 to the water pipe 10. In other words, direct contact heat transfer is used between the heating assembly 30 and the heat transfer element 20, with the heat transfer element 20 then transferring the heat to the water pipe 10.

[0068] Another embodiment of the present application also provides a garment steamer. Figures 17 to 21 The hanging steamer includes a casing 200, a water supply component 300, a steam distributor 400 and the steam generator 100 provided in any embodiment of the present application; the casing 200 includes a accommodating chamber 200a and a steam port 200b connected to the accommodating chamber 200a; the water supply component 300, the steam distributor 400 and the steam generator 100 are all arranged in the accommodating chamber 200a, the water supply component 300 includes a water tank 310, a water pump 320, a first water inlet pipe 330 and a second water inlet pipe 340, the first water inlet pipe 330 connects the water outlet of the water tank 310 and the water inlet of the water pump 320, and the second water inlet pipe 340 connects the water outlet of the water pump 320 and the inlet of the waterway; the steam inlet of the steam distributor 400 is connected to the outlet of the waterway, and the steam outlet of the steam distributor 400 is connected to the steam port 200b.

[0069] Specifically, see Figure 20 and Figure 21 The steam inlet of the steam distributor 400 and the outlet of the water channel 10a can be connected through the connecting joint 700, and the steam inlet of the steam distributor 400 and the outlet of the water channel 10a can also be directly connected.

[0070] When the garment steamer is working, the water pump 320 pumps the water in the water tank 310 from the inlet 10b into the water channel 10a. The water in the water channel 10a is heated into steam after heat exchange with the heat transferred to the water pipe 10 through the heat transfer element 20. The steam flows out from the outlet 10c and flows into the steam distributor 400 for distribution and then flows out from the steam port 200b to care for the clothes.

[0071] The steam generator 100 of the embodiment of the present application sets the water pipe 10 and the heating component 30 on the heat transfer element 20 and contacts the heat transfer element 20. The heat generated by the heating component 30 is transferred to the water pipe 10 through the heat transfer element 20. As a result, the heat transfer area can be expanded through the heat transfer element 20, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0072] In addition, the steam generator 100 according to the embodiment of the present application has a simple structure, which is convenient for processing and manufacturing and can also save production costs.

[0073] It should be noted that the steam generator 100 of the embodiment of the present application is not limited to being used in a garment steamer. The steam generator 100 can be used in any electrical device that requires the use of the steam generator 100.

[0074] The heat transfer element 20 of the embodiment of the present application is not limited in structure. For example, the heat transfer element 20 can be a heat transfer plate, a heat transfer net, a heat transfer bracket, etc. The heat transfer element 20 can be made of a material with good heat transfer properties, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc.

[0075] The water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can be fixed together by welding. The welding method is simple and convenient, and can ensure that the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 are in close contact.

[0076] Likewise, the heating assembly 30 and the heat transfer element 20 may also be fixed together by welding.

[0077] In some embodiments, other connection methods can also be used between the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 and / or between the heating component 30 and the heat transfer element 20. For example, the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 and between the heating component 30 and the heat transfer element 20 can be fastened together using fasteners such as screws and bolts, or they can be fixed together by snapping, plugging, etc.

[0078] The type of the heating component 30 is not limited, as long as it can transfer heat through contact with the heat transfer element 20. For example, the heating component 30 can be a heating tube, a PTC heating sheet or a film heater.

[0079] The contact between the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can be surface contact. For example, the contact surfaces between the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can be both flat (see Figure 4 ), or, the contact surface of one of the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 is an outwardly convex curved surface, and the other is an inwardly concave curved surface. The surface contact is conducive to more uniform heating of the water pipe 10, thereby improving the heat transfer effect.

[0080] In some embodiments, the contact between the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can also be line contact. For example, the contact surfaces of the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can both be outwardly convex curved surfaces, or the contact surface of one of the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20 can be a curved surface, and the other contact surface can be a flat surface.

[0081] Likewise, the contact between the heating component 30 and the heat transfer element 20 may be surface contact or line contact.

[0082] Further, see Figure 8 In one embodiment, the heating component 30 may also be in contact with the water pipe 10. Specifically, the contact between the heating component 30 and the water pipe 10 may be surface contact or line contact. That is, while the heating component 30 transfers heat to the water pipe 10 through the heat transfer element 20, it may also transfer part of the heat to the water pipe 10 by directly contacting the water pipe 10, thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0083] The water pipe 10 can be a single-layer water pipe 10 or a double-layer water pipe 10 having an outer tube and an inner tube. The double-layer water pipe 10 can be produced by assembling the inner tube and the outer tube and then pressing them from the outside or expanding them from the inside. The expansion can be done by mechanical expansion (such as pushing a steel ball, pulling with a cone head, etc.), water expansion, etc.

[0084] The water pipe 10 can be made of a material with good heat conductivity. For example, a single-layer water pipe 10 can be made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc. The outer pipe of a double-layer water pipe 10 can be made of aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc., and the inner pipe can be made of stainless steel. The steam generator 100 using a stainless steel water pipe 10 or a stainless steel inner pipe can also be used in cooking appliances where the generated steam needs to come into direct contact with food.

[0085] In addition, when the heating component 30 is a heating tube, the shell of the heating tube can also be a single-layer shell or a double-layer shell having an outer shell and an inner shell sleeved in the outer shell. The material of the single-layer shell can be aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, etc., the material of the outer shell of the double-layer shell can be aluminum, aluminum alloy, etc., and the material of the inner shell can be stainless steel.

[0086] When the heat transfer element 20, the water pipe 10 or the outer tube of the water pipe 10, the shell of the heating pipe or the outer shell of the shell are all made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, aluminum-aluminum heat transfer can be achieved with high heat transfer efficiency and low cost.

[0087] There are many ways to process the water pipe 10. For example, the water pipe 10 can be an integrally formed structure. For example, the water pipe 10 can be integrally formed by casting, extrusion molding, etc. The water channel 10a of the integrally formed water pipe 10 is smoother and has a stronger ability to prevent scale.

[0088] In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the water channel 10a may also be greater than or equal to 18 square millimeters, thereby further improving the anti-scaling capability.

[0089] See also Figures 1 to 3 In another embodiment, the water pipe 10 can also be composed of a sub-pipe 11 and a pipe joint 12. The number of the sub-pipe 11 is multiple, and two adjacent sub-pipes 11 are connected by a pipe joint 12 respectively.

[0090] Specifically, the number of sub-pipes 11 can be two or more, and the number of pipe joints 12 needs to be adjusted according to the number of sub-pipes 11, as long as there is a pipe joint 12 between each two adjacent sub-pipes 11. The sub-pipes 11 and pipe joints 12 can also be processed separately by casting, extrusion, etc. The processing method of interconnecting the sub-pipes 11 and pipe joints 12 can facilitate the connection of the water pipe 10 into structures with unique overall shapes, especially those that are difficult to form through integrated molding. As a result, the water pipe 10 can meet various usage requirements.

[0091] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the water pipe 10 is arranged on the end surface of one side of the heat transfer element 20 and contacts the end surface, that is, the water pipe 10 can be arranged on only one side of the heat transfer element 20, for example, Figure 4 The heat transfer element 20 has a first end face 20a and a second end face 20b that are arranged opposite to each other. The water pipe 10 is arranged on the first end face 20a and contacts the first end face 20a. In some embodiments, the water pipe 10 can also be arranged on the second end face 20b and contacts the second end face 20b.

[0092] In another embodiment, the water pipe 10 may also extend from the side where one of the first end surface 20a and the second end surface 20b is located to the side where the other is located, and the water pipe 10 contacts at least one of the first end surface 20a and the second end surface 20b. In other words, the water pipe 10 may extend from the side where the first end surface 20a is located to the side where the second end surface 20b is located (refer to Figures 5 to 8 ), or it can extend from the side where the second end face 20b is located to the side where the first end face 20a is located, which is equivalent to the water pipe 10 extending from one side of the heat transfer element 20 to the other side of the heat transfer element 20. In this way, the length of the water pipe 10 can be increased, and the flow process of water in the waterway 10a can be extended so that the water can be fully heated in the waterway 10a. In addition, the water pipe 10 can only contact the first end face 20a, or only contact the second end face 20b, or can also be as follows Figure 8 As shown, the water pipe 10 contacts the first end face 20a and the second end face 20b at the same time. When the water pipe 10 contacts the first end face 20a and the second end face 20b at the same time, it is equivalent to increasing the contact area between the water pipe 10 and the heat transfer element 20, thereby greatly improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0093] Further, see Figure 4 and Figure 8When the water pipe 10 is arranged on the first end surface 20a, or when the water pipe 10 extends from the side where the first end surface 20a is located to the side where the second end surface 20b is located, the heating component 30 can be arranged on the second end surface 20b and in contact with the second end surface 20b. In this way, it is convenient to fully utilize the space on the side where the first end surface 20a is located to arrange the water pipe 10, and it is also convenient to set the heating component 30.

[0094] It is understood that, in some embodiments, the heating assembly 30 may also be disposed on the first end surface 20 a and in contact with the first end surface 20 a.

[0095] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 1 to 3 、 Figures 5 to 7 The projection of the area where the water pipe 10 contacts the heat transfer element 20 on the heat transfer element 20 is curved, that is, the water pipe 10 can bend on the heat transfer element 20, thereby increasing the length of the water pipe 10 and extending the flow of water in the waterway 10a.

[0096] In another embodiment, see Figures 1 to 4 , a portion of the water pipe 10 may be bent away from the heat transfer element 20. The portion of the water pipe 10 bent away from the heat transfer element 20 does not contact the heat transfer element 20, but can also increase the length of the water pipe 10. In particular, when the projection of the contact area of ​​the water pipe 10 with the heat transfer element 20 on the heat transfer element 20 is curved, bending the portion of the water pipe 10 away from the heat transfer element 20 can also facilitate the bending of the water pipe 10 on the heat transfer element 20, thereby making the overall arrangement of the water pipe 10 on the heat transfer element 20 more compact.

[0097] In one embodiment, the steam generator 100 further includes a temperature controller, which is disposed on the heat transfer element 20 .

[0098] Specifically, the thermostat is primarily used to control the heating temperature. The type of thermostat is not limited. For example, the thermostat can be an electronic thermostat, such as an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) thermistor, or a mechanical thermostat, such as a snap-action mechanical thermostat. The thermostat is disposed on the heat transfer element 20 for ease of installation.

[0099] In some embodiments, the temperature controller may not be disposed on the heat transfer element 20 . For example, a mounting bracket may be provided on the steam generator 100 , and the temperature controller may be fixed on the mounting bracket.

[0100] Furthermore, the thermostat may be disposed adjacent to the inlet 10b of the water channel 10a.

[0101] Specifically, generally speaking, the closer to the inlet 10b of the water channel 10a, the lower the temperature within the water channel 10a, and vice versa. When the heating assembly 30 is powered on, if the steam generator 100 is in a dry-burning state due to a lack of water, or if the power of the heating assembly 30 exceeds the heat required to boil water / generate steam, the surface of the heating assembly 30 will heat up rapidly. When the heating assembly 30 is powered off and not working, if water continues to flow into the inlet 10b, the temperature within the water channel 10a near the inlet 10b will drop faster than at other locations within the water channel 10a, resulting in a larger temperature difference. Therefore, by utilizing the above characteristics, placing the thermostat near the inlet 10b of the water channel 10a can easily sense the temperature near the inlet 10b of the water channel 10a and the temperature on the surface of the heating assembly 30, thereby achieving precise electronic or mechanical temperature control.

[0102] In addition, a temperature limiter can be provided on the steam generator 100. The temperature limiter can be provided on the heat transfer element 20 or on other mounting brackets. The type of temperature limiter is not limited. For example, the temperature limiter can be a resettable jump temperature limiter, a manual reset temperature limiter, a thermal fuse, etc. The temperature limiter can play a safety protection role to improve the safety of the use of the steam generator 100.

[0103] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 9 to 12 At least part of the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a is a straight line segment 10d.

[0104] Specifically, when the evaporation component is an integrally formed water pipe 10, the cross-section of the water channel 10a refers to the cross-section of the water channel 10a at any position in the entire water pipe 10. When the evaporation component is a combined structure of the sub-pipe 11 and the pipe joint 12 as described in the previous embodiment, the cross-section of the water channel 10a mainly refers to the cross-section of the water channel 10a in the sub-pipe 11. In some embodiments, it may also include the cross-section of the water channel 10a in the pipe joint 12.

[0105] That at least a portion of the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a is a straight line segment 10d means that at least a portion of the side wall of the water channel 10a is a plane extending along the direction of water flow.

[0106] The cross-sectional shape of the water channel 10a, in which at least part of the contour line is a straight line segment 10d, can be various. For example, see Figure 9 The cross section of the water channel 10a may be in the shape of a triangle, that is, the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a may be formed by connecting three straight line segments 10d (the rounded corners in the figure are negligible).

[0107] For example, see Figure 10The cross-section of the water channel 10a may be in the shape of a trapezoid, that is, the contour line of the cross-section of the water channel 10a may be formed by connecting four straight line segments 10d (the rounded corners in the figure are negligible).

[0108] For example, see Figure 11 The contour line of the cross section of the waterway 10a may also include a curved segment 10e and three straight segments 10d, where the curved segment 10e and the three straight segments 10d are connected end to end in sequence. Figure 11 The curved segment 10e shown is arc-shaped. The curved segment 10e protrudes in a direction away from the three straight segments 10d. The curved segment 10e and the three straight segments 10d roughly form the shape of the letter "D". It can be understood that in other embodiments, the curved segment 10e and the three straight segments 10d may not form the shape of the letter "D". For example, the angle between two adjacent straight segments 10d may not be 90 degrees, the curved segment 10e may also protrude in a direction close to the three straight segments 10d, or the curved segment 10e may not be arc-shaped.

[0109] For example, see Figure 12 The contour line of the cross section of the waterway 10a may also include two straight segments 10d and two curved segments 10e, and the straight segments 10d and the curved segments 10e are alternately arranged and connected end to end in sequence. Figure 12 The two straight segments 10d shown are of equal length and parallel to each other, and the two curved segments 10e are in the shape of arcs with equal arc lengths and the same curvature. At the same time, the two curved segments 10e protrude in directions away from each other. The cross-section of the waterway 10a enclosed by the two straight segments 10d and the two curved segments 10e is roughly runway-shaped. It can be understood that in other embodiments, the cross-section of the waterway 10a enclosed by the two straight segments 10d and the two curved segments 10e may not be runway-shaped. For example, the two straight segments 10d may be of unequal lengths and / or non-parallel, and the two curved segments 10e may be arcs with unequal arc lengths and / or different curvatures. The two curved segments 10e may also protrude in directions approaching each other, or at least one of the two curved segments 10e may not be arc-shaped.

[0110] At least part of the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a is set as a straight line segment 10d, which can increase the heat transfer area of ​​the side wall of the water channel 10a and improve the heat transfer efficiency.

[0111] It is understandable that the shape of the cross section of the water channel 10a whose contour line at least partially consists of straight line segments 10d is not limited to the above shapes, as long as the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a at least partially consists of straight line segments 10d.

[0112] In some embodiments, the contour line of the cross section of the water channel 10a may also be composed of only curves. For example, the shape of the cross section of the water channel 10a may also be circular, elliptical, etc.

[0113] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 13 to 15 The sidewalls of water channel 10a are provided with ribs 10f extending linearly along the direction of water flow. Ribs 10f can be one or more. If water pipe 10 is extruded, ribs 10f can also be formed by extrusion. Alternatively, regardless of whether water pipe 10 is extruded, ribs 10f can be machined. Ribs 10f extending linearly along the direction of water flow increase the heat transfer area of ​​the sidewalls of water channel 10a, improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0114] In another embodiment, see Figure 16 The sidewalls of the water channel 10a may also be provided with ribs 10f that extend helically along the direction of water flow. In other words, the sidewalls of the water channel 10a may be provided with ribs 10f having a structure similar to an internal thread. The number of the helically extending ribs 10f may also be one or more. If the water pipe 10 is extruded, the helically extending ribs 10f that extend helically along the direction of water flow may be formed by rotary extrusion. Alternatively, regardless of whether the water pipe 10 is extruded, the helically extending ribs 10f may be formed by machining.

[0115] The ribs 10f spirally extending along the direction of water flow can also increase the heat transfer area of ​​the side wall of the water channel 10a, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency.

[0116] In addition, the shape of the cross section of the rib 10f is not limited. For example, the shape of the cross section of the rib 10f can be Figure 13 The triangle shown, Figure 14 The semicircle shown, Figure 15 Trapezoidal, etc.

[0117] In some embodiments, grooves extending linearly along the direction of water flow may be provided on the sidewalls of the water channel 10a. The number of grooves may be one or more, and the grooves may be formed by extrusion or machining. Grooves extending linearly along the direction of water flow may also increase the heat transfer area of ​​the sidewalls of the water channel 10a, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0118] It should be noted that when the evaporation component is a combined structure of the sub-tube 11 and the pipe joint 12 as described in the previous embodiment, the above-mentioned ribs 10f or grooves are mainly arranged in the sub-tube 11, that is, the ribs 10f or grooves can be arranged in the pipe joint 12, or the ribs 10f or grooves can be not arranged.

[0119] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 18 and Figure 20 The casing 200 includes a main shell 210, a handle shell 220 and a panel 230 with a steam port 200b. The main shell 210, the handle shell 220 and the panel 230 are arranged to form a accommodating cavity 200a. The steam generator 100, the water pump 320 and the steam distributor 400 are arranged between the main shell 210 and the handle shell 220. The water tank 310 is arranged in the handle shell 220. That is to say, the garment steamer can be a handheld garment steamer.

[0120] Specifically, the steam generator 100 can be placed roughly horizontally between the main shell 210 and the handle shell 220. At the same time, the outlet 10c of the water channel 10a can face the steam inlet of the steam distributor 400. This setting method is not only conducive to saving installation space within the accommodating cavity 200a, but also can shorten the length of the connecting pipe 700 to reduce steam condensation.

[0121] The water tank 310 can be fixed in the handle shell 220 using components such as buckles. The water tank 310 is set in the handle shell 220 and can form the handle of the handheld garment steamer together with the handle shell 220 to effectively save the installation space in the accommodating cavity 200a.

[0122] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 18 、 Figure 20 and Figure 21 The garment steamer may further include a protective shell 500 disposed in the accommodating cavity 200 a , and the steam generator 100 is disposed in the protective shell 500 to protect the steam generator 100 .

[0123] The structure of the protective shell 500 is not limited. For example, see Figure 21 The protective shell 500 can be spliced ​​together by a first half shell 510 and a second half shell 520.

[0124] In one embodiment, please refer to Figures 18 to 21 The end face of the steam distributor 400 located on the side of the steam outlet is sealed against the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 200a located on the side of the steam outlet 200b, so that a pressure-stabilizing chamber is defined between the steam distributor 400 and the inner wall. A pressure-stabilizing rib 200c is also formed on the inner wall and is located in the pressure-stabilizing chamber. The pressure-stabilizing rib 200c separates a pressure-stabilizing channel 200d in the pressure-stabilizing chamber. The steam inlet is connected to the starting end of the pressure-stabilizing channel 200d along the steam flow direction, and the steam outlet 200b is connected to the end of the pressure-stabilizing channel 200d along the steam flow direction.

[0125] Specifically, the width of the pressure stabilizing channel 200d is not limited. For example, the width of the pressure stabilizing channel 200d may be 0.5 mm.

[0126] A sealing ring 600 can be sandwiched between the end face of the steam distributor 400 located on the side around the steam outlet and the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 200a located on the side around the steam outlet 200b to achieve sealing. The end face of the steam distributor 400 located on the side around the steam outlet can also directly rest against the inner wall of the accommodating chamber 200a located on the side around the steam outlet 200b.

[0127] When steam enters the pressure stabilizing chamber from the steam inlet of the steam distributor 400, the pressure stabilizing rib 200c blocks the steam, so that the steam can fill the pressure stabilizing channel 200d and then flow out from the steam port 200b, thereby obtaining stable steam.

[0128] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this application can be combined with each other without causing any contradiction.

[0129] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A steam generator, characterized in that: include: a heat transfer element, the heat transfer element having a first end surface and a second end surface disposed opposite to each other; a water pipe having a water channel, the water pipe extending from a side where one of the first end surface and the second end surface is located to a side where the other one of the first end surface and the second end surface is located, and the water pipe contacts the first end surface and the second end surface; A heating component is arranged on the second end surface, and the heating component contacts the second end surface and the water pipe respectively, so that the heat generated by the heating component is transferred to the water pipe.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The water pipe includes a sub-pipe and a pipe joint, the number of the sub-pipes is multiple, and two adjacent sub-pipes are connected by the pipe joints respectively; or, The water pipe is an integrally formed structure.

3. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The projection of the area where the water pipe contacts the heat transfer element on the heat transfer element is curved; and / or, A partial area of ​​the water pipe is bent in a direction away from the heat transfer element.

4. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The water pipe is connected to the heat transfer element by welding or fastening; and / or, The heating component is welded or fastened to the heat transfer element.

5. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat transfer element is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; and / or, The water pipe is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; or, the water pipe comprises an outer pipe and an inner pipe sleeved inside the outer pipe, the outer pipe is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the inner pipe is made of stainless steel; and / or, The water pipe is a heating pipe, and the shell of the heating pipe is made of any one of aluminum, aluminum alloy and stainless steel; or, the shell of the heating pipe includes an outer shell and an inner shell sleeved inside the outer shell, the outer shell is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, and the inner shell is made of stainless steel.

6. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that There is surface contact between the water pipe and the heat transfer element; and / or, The heating component and the heat transfer element are in surface contact; and / or, The cross-sectional area of ​​the water channel is greater than or equal to 18 square millimeters.

7. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The steam generator also includes a temperature controller; The temperature controller is arranged on the heat transfer element; and / or, The thermostat is arranged at a position adjacent to the inlet of the water channel.

8. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that At least part of the contour line of the cross section of the water channel is a straight line segment.

9. The steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that The cross-section of the water channel is in the shape of a trapezoid or a triangle; or The contour line of the cross section of the waterway includes a curved segment and three straight segments, and the curved segment and the three straight segments are sequentially connected end to end; or, The contour line of the cross section of the waterway includes two straight segments and two curved segments, and the straight segments and the curved segments are arranged alternately and connected end to end in sequence.

10. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that The side walls of the water channel are provided with ribs extending linearly or spirally along the direction of water flow; or, A groove extending linearly along the direction of water flow is provided on the side wall of the water channel.

11. The steam generator according to claim 10, characterized in that The cross-section of the rib is in any one of a triangle, a semicircle and a trapezoid.

12. A garment steamer, characterized in that: include: a casing, the casing comprising a receiving chamber and a steam port communicating with the receiving chamber; The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the steam generator is arranged in the casing; a water supply assembly disposed within the housing, the water supply assembly comprising a water tank, a water pump, a first water inlet pipe, and a second water inlet pipe, the first water inlet pipe communicating with a water outlet of the water tank and a water inlet of the water pump, the second water inlet pipe communicating with a water outlet of the water pump and an inlet of the waterway; A steam distributor is arranged in the casing, wherein the steam inlet of the steam distributor is communicated with the outlet of the water channel, and the steam outlet of the steam distributor is communicated with the steam port.

13. The garment steamer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The casing includes a main shell, a handle shell and a panel with the steam port. The main shell, the handle shell and the panel are arranged to form the accommodating cavity. The steam generator, the water pump and the steam distributor are arranged between the main shell and the handle shell, and the water tank is arranged in the handle shell.

14. The garment steamer according to claim 12, characterized in that: The garment steamer further includes a protective shell disposed in the accommodating cavity, and the steam generator is disposed in the protective shell; and / or, The end face of the steam distributor located on the side of the steam outlet is sealed against the inner wall of the accommodating chamber located on the side of the steam outlet, so that a pressure-stabilizing chamber is defined between the steam distributor and the inner wall. Pressure-stabilizing ribs located in the pressure-stabilizing chamber are also formed on the inner wall. The pressure-stabilizing ribs separate a pressure-stabilizing channel in the pressure-stabilizing chamber. The steam inlet is connected to the starting end of the pressure-stabilizing channel along the steam flow direction, and the steam outlet is connected to the end of the pressure-stabilizing channel along the steam flow direction.

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