Ironing equipment and ironing control method

Abstract

The invention provides ironing equipment and an ironing control method, and relates to the technical field of ironing. The ironing equipment comprises a main machine steam generating device, a secondary steam generating device and a water-steam separating device. The water-steam separation device is enclosed by an upper cover and a shell to form a backflow cavity, and the backflow cavity is communicated with the main machine steam outlet end and the secondary steam inlet end. A baffle structure is arranged in the backflow cavity and used for changing the flow direction of steam and promoting liquid water drops in the steam to be separated, and separated water flows back to the main machine under the action of gravity to be recycled. The dryness of the steam is improved after the steam is subjected to water-vapor separation treatment, and the steam is easier to vaporize after entering the secondary steam generation device, so that the heating burden is relieved, the water spraying phenomenon is avoided, and the use safety and user experience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ironing technology, and more specifically, to an ironing device and an ironing control method. Background Technology

[0002] As a common garment care device in modern households, the core function of a household ironing machine is to convert water into high-temperature steam through a heating element, and then use the heat and humidity of the steam to smooth out wrinkles on clothes.

[0003] However, the inventors discovered that the steam generated by the main unit's steam generator was not dry enough and contained a lot of water droplets. These water droplets, under pressure, entered the secondary steam generator at the curling head along with the steam, causing water spraying and affecting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an ironing device and an ironing control method that can effectively intercept liquid water droplets carried in steam and return them to the main steam generator for reheating, while only delivering steam with higher dryness to the secondary steam generator, thereby reducing the vaporization burden on the secondary steam generator and avoiding water spraying caused by water droplet residue.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an ironing device, including a main steam generator, a secondary steam generator, and a water vapor separation device. The water vapor separation device includes an upper cover and a shell connected to each other, and the upper cover and the shell enclose a reflux chamber. The reflux chamber is connected to the steam outlet of the main steam generator and the steam inlet of the secondary steam generator. A baffle structure is installed in the reflux chamber to block the steam output from the main steam generator, thereby separating the liquid water droplets carried in the steam from the airflow.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the baffle structure includes a plurality of baffles spaced apart on the top cover and / or the housing.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, when the baffle is provided in the housing, the reflux chamber is divided into multiple water chambers; the baffle is provided with channels for connecting two adjacent water chambers.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the ironing device further includes a circuit board, and the water vapor separation device further includes a first water level probe and a second water level probe, both of which are disposed on the housing and electrically connected to the circuit board. The first water level probe is located near the main steam generator and is used to detect whether the water level in the reflux chamber is lower than the preset minimum water level; the second water level probe is located near the secondary steam generator and is used to detect whether the water level in the reflux chamber exceeds the preset maximum water level.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the upper cover is provided with a steam outlet channel, which connects the secondary steam generator and the return chamber; the shell is provided with a steam inlet channel, which connects the main steam generator and the return chamber; in the vertical direction, the distance between the second water level probe and the lower end of the steam outlet channel is not less than 15mm.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the main steam generator includes a first heating component, which includes a water pipe and a first heating element. The water pipe is used to store and transport water to be heated, and one end is connected to the return chamber. The first heating element is sleeved on the outer wall of the water pipe and is used to heat the water in the water pipe to generate steam.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the first heating component includes at least two independent first heating elements.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the secondary steam generator includes a second heating element and an ironing element. The ironing element includes a base plate and a surrounding plate disposed on the base plate. The surrounding plate surrounds the base plate to form a secondary heating chamber. The opening end of the secondary heating chamber cooperates with the heating element, and the base plate is provided with multiple steam outlet holes at the part located inside the secondary heating chamber.

[0013] In an optional implementation, the second heating component includes at least two independent second heating elements.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an ironing control method, applied to an ironing device as described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the method comprising: The main steam generator is controlled to operate at a first power, while the secondary steam generator is controlled to operate at a maximum power; wherein, the first power is less than the maximum power of the main steam generator. When the preset running time is reached, the main steam generator is switched to maximum power operation, while the secondary steam generator is switched to second power operation; the sum of the operating power of the main steam generator and the secondary steam generator remains constant before and after the switch.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the ironing equipment and ironing control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention include: This invention provides an ironing device and ironing control method, including a main steam generator, a secondary steam generator, and a water-vapor separator. The water-vapor separator is formed by a top cover and a shell, creating a return chamber that connects the main steam outlet to the secondary steam inlet. A baffle structure within the return chamber alters the steam flow direction and promotes the separation of liquid water droplets. The separated water flows back to the main unit for recycling under gravity. The steam's dryness is improved after water-vapor separation, making it easier to vaporize upon entering the secondary steam generator. This reduces the heating load, prevents water spraying, and enhances safety and user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ironing equipment provided in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main steam generator and water vapor separator provided in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water vapor separation device provided in this embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the shell structure of the water vapor separation device provided in this embodiment; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the main steam generator and the water vapor separation device provided in this embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the secondary steam generator provided in this embodiment; Figure 7 This is another structural schematic diagram of the secondary steam generator provided in this embodiment; Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the ironing control method provided in this embodiment.

[0018] Icons: 10-Ironing equipment; 100-Main steam generator; 110-First heating element; 111-Water pipe; 113-First heating element; 131-First temperature control; 133-First thermistor; 150-Water inlet connector; 170-Water pump; 190-Heat insulation cover; 200-Water vapor separator; 210-Top cover; 211-Steam outlet channel; 220-Return chamber; 221-Baffle; 223-Channel; 225-Water cavity; 230-Shell; 231- Steam inlet channel; 251-First water level probe; 253-Second water level probe; 300-Steam guide pipe; 400-Secondary steam generator; 410-Second heating element; 411-Second heating element; 413-Heating plate; 414-Heat-conducting layer; 415-Heat dissipation plate; 416-Second temperature control; 417-Second thermistor; 430-Ironing assembly; 431-Sole plate; 432-Secondary heating chamber; 433-Enclosure panel; 500-Circuit board; 600-Control system. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In related technologies, the steam generated by the main steam generator is not dry enough and contains a lot of water droplets. These water droplets enter the secondary steam generator at the hair curler along with the steam under pressure. Because they are not fully vaporized, they cause water spraying, which affects the user experience.

[0020] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an ironing device and / or an ironing control method that can effectively intercept liquid water droplets carried in the steam and return them to the main steam generator for reheating, while only delivering drier steam to the secondary steam generator, thereby reducing the vaporization burden on the secondary steam generator and avoiding water spraying caused by water droplet residue.

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0022] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0023] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0024] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the product of this invention is usually placed, they are only for the convenience of describing this 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0026] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0027] The following describes in detail the overall structure, working principle, and technical effects of the ironing equipment provided by the present invention, as well as the detailed steps, implementation principles, and technical effects of the supporting ironing control method, through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This invention provides an ironing device 10, specifically a garment steamer, which includes a main steam generator 100, a secondary steam generator 400, and a water-vapor separator 200. The water-vapor separator 200 includes an upper cover 210 and a housing 230 connected to each other, forming a return chamber 220 between the upper cover 210 and the housing 230. It should be noted that the return chamber 220 is connected to the steam outlet of the main steam generator 100 and simultaneously to the steam inlet of the secondary steam generator 400, ensuring that steam must pass through the return chamber 220 before entering the secondary steam generator 400.

[0029] Based on the above, a baffle structure is provided in the reflux chamber 220. The baffle structure is used to block the steam output from the main steam generator 100, causing the steam to change direction and generate disturbance as it flows through the baffle structure, thereby separating the liquid water droplets carried in the steam from the airflow. The separated liquid water droplets fall under the action of gravity and flow back from the reflux chamber 220 to the main steam generator 100, realizing the circulation, heating, and reuse of water.

[0030] Based on the above configuration, the steam undergoes water-vapor separation treatment before entering the secondary steam generator 400, effectively removing any liquid water droplets and thus improving the dryness of the steam. Furthermore, since the dry steam is more easily heated and vaporized after entering the secondary steam generator 400, the ironing device provided by this invention reduces the vaporization burden on the secondary steam generator 400, avoids water spraying caused by excessively high steam moisture content, and improves the user experience.

[0031] In addition, it should be noted that, such as Figure 1 As shown, the ironing equipment 10 also includes a steam pipe 300, through which the water vapor separation device 200 is connected to the secondary steam generator 400 to achieve steam transmission. In an optional embodiment, the steam pipe 300 is made of a rubber tube with an inner diameter of 4 mm and multiple power cords braided together.

[0032] Further, as shown in Figure 3, the baffle structure includes multiple baffles 221, which are spaced apart on the upper cover 210 and / or the housing 230 to form a multi-stage steam blocking path in the reflux chamber 220. Specifically, the baffles 221 may be disposed on the inner surface of the upper cover 210, the inner wall of the housing 230, or both, and arranged sequentially along the steam flow direction.

[0033] When steam enters the return chamber 220 from the main steam generator 100, it passes through multiple spaced baffles 221 during its flow. Due to the obstruction effect of the baffles 221, the steam flow direction changes multiple times, causing disturbances in the flow field. This causes liquid water droplets carried in the steam to detach from the airflow due to inertia or collision, adhering to the surface of the baffles 221 or falling directly to the bottom of the return chamber 220. The liquid water adhering to the surface of the baffles 221 gradually converges under gravity and slides down the baffles 221 or the inner wall of the chamber to the bottom of the return chamber 220, finally returning to the main steam generator 100 through the return channel, thus achieving water recycling.

[0034] Optionally, multiple baffles 221 are arranged in a staggered, inclined or staggered manner to form a serpentine channel, so as to extend the flow path of steam in the chamber and thereby improve the separation efficiency of liquid water droplets.

[0035] See also Figure 4With the baffle 221 installed on the housing 230, the return chamber 220 is divided into multiple water chambers 225. Since the multiple water chambers 225 are independent of each other, in order to prevent liquid water from accumulating in each water chamber 225 and to achieve its effective return, the baffle 221 is provided with a channel 223. The channel 223 is used to connect two adjacent water chambers 225, so that liquid water droplets that slide down the inner wall of the baffle 221 or the return chamber 220 to the bottom of the chamber can return to the main steam generator 100.

[0036] It should be understood that the location of the channel 223 is not limited to a specific area of ​​the baffle 221. It can be located in the middle of the baffle 221 or at the connection between the baffle 221 and the housing 230, as long as it can enable communication between adjacent water cavities 225.

[0037] Furthermore, the ironing device 10 also includes a circuit board 500, and the water vapor separation device 200 further includes a first water level probe 251 and a second water level probe 253. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the first water level probe 251 and the second water level probe 253 are both mounted on the housing 230 and electrically connected to the circuit board 500, and are used to detect the water level status of liquid water in the reflux chamber 220.

[0038] The first water level probe 251 is located near the main steam generator 100 and is used to detect whether the water level in the return chamber 220 exceeds the preset maximum water level, so as to prevent the water-steam separation effect from decreasing or the risk of dry burning due to insufficient water. The second water level probe 253 is located near the secondary steam generator 400 and is used to detect whether the water level in the return chamber 220 is lower than the preset minimum water level, so as to prevent the water level from being too high and causing the steam to carry water into the secondary steam generator 400, thereby causing water spraying.

[0039] It should be understood that the positions of the first water level probe 251 and the second water level probe 253 correspond to the preset minimum and maximum water levels, respectively. Based on this setting, by dual monitoring of the water level range within the return chamber 220, the corresponding control logic can be triggered in a timely manner when the water level is too high or too low. When any water level probe detects an abnormal water level, the circuit board 500 can control the start / stop of the water pump 170 in the main steam generator 100, adjust the heating power of the main steam generator 100, or issue a warning according to the feedback signal, thereby improving the safety and stability of equipment operation.

[0040] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover 210 is provided with a steam outlet channel 211, which connects the secondary steam generator 400 and the return chamber 220, so that the dried steam after water-steam separation treatment can be transported to the secondary steam generator 400. The housing 230 is provided with a steam inlet channel 231, which connects the main steam generator 100 and the return chamber 220, so that the steam generated by the main unit can enter the water-steam separator 200 for processing.

[0041] It should be noted that the lower end of the steam outlet channel 211 is the starting point for steam to enter the secondary steam generator 400 from the return chamber 220. If liquid water accumulates near this position, the steam may carry water droplets into the secondary steam generator 400 during its flow, thereby causing water spraying.

[0042] Therefore, in the vertical direction, the distance between the second water level probe 253 and the lower end of the steam outlet channel 211 is not less than 15mm. Based on this setting, the equipment can detect water level anomalies in advance before the liquid water level rises to near the steam outlet channel 211 and respond in a timely manner, thereby effectively preventing water spraying.

[0043] It should also be noted that the steam inlet channel 231 is connected to the steam outlet of the main steam generator 100. Near this location, the aqueous solution is in a boiling state, which easily generates bubbles and surface fluctuations. Therefore, if... Figure 2 As shown, a baffle 221, mentioned in the previous embodiment, is provided between the first water level probe 251 and the steam inlet channel 231 to isolate the disturbance caused by steam flow and boiling, thereby ensuring the stability and accuracy of water level detection.

[0044] Please refer to it again. Figure 5 The main steam generator 100 includes a first heating element 110, which comprises a water pipe 111 and a first heating element 113. The water pipe 111 stores and transports water to be heated, and one end is connected to the return chamber 220 (this end is the steam outlet of the main steam generator 100 in the aforementioned embodiment). The first heating element 113 is sleeved on the outer wall of the water pipe 111 and is used to heat the water in the water pipe 111 to generate steam. It is understood that the first heating element 113 is electrically connected to the circuit board 500 in the aforementioned embodiment, thereby achieving precise control of the heating process.

[0045] Through the above structural design, the main steam generator 100 can not only continuously and stably generate steam, but also work in conjunction with the water vapor separator 200 to achieve efficient drying of steam and recycling of liquid water, thereby effectively reducing the water content in the steam and preventing water spraying from subsequent components.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be noted that the first heating component 110 includes at least two independent first heating elements 113. In this embodiment, each first heating element 113 may have the same or different power parameters and can be independently connected to the circuit board 500 for individual control, or they can be linked for control via the circuit board 500 to adapt to different operating modes and heating requirements. For example, one of the first heating elements 113 may have a power of 1600W, and the other may have a power of 300W. Based on this, the main steam generator 100 operates at full power at 1900W.

[0047] Furthermore, the main steam generator 100 also includes at least two first temperature control units 131 electrically connected to the circuit board 500 and connected in series with the first heating element 113. One first temperature control unit 131 is used to provide over-temperature protection for the first heating element, preventing it from burning out or causing other safety hazards due to excessive temperature. The other first temperature control unit 131 is used to ensure its operation within a safe temperature range, extending its service life. In this embodiment, the tripping temperature of this first temperature control unit 131 can be configured to be no greater than 150°C.

[0048] In some embodiments, the temperature control device may be a manually reset type temperature controller. In other embodiments, the temperature control device may also be a temperature fuse. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations, and the choice can be made according to actual needs.

[0049] Furthermore, the inlet end of water pipe 111 is connected to inlet connector 150 to allow water to enter from the bottom. This structural design facilitates the drainage of scale and residual water from the bottom of water pipe 111 during shutdown or maintenance, thereby improving the cleanliness and ease of maintenance of the equipment. In addition, the inlet end of water pipe 111 may also be equipped with a first thermistor 133 electrically connected to circuit board 500 for detecting the water temperature entering water pipe 111.

[0050] Furthermore, the first heating element 113 is externally provided with a heat insulation cover 190. The heat insulation cover 190 is made of metal or other heat-resistant materials with a temperature resistance of not less than 150℃, so as to effectively prevent the heat generated by the heating element from diffusing outward, improve thermal efficiency, and ensure the safety of equipment operation. The heat insulation cover 190 can be a one-piece structure or it can be composed of two interlocking semi-cylindrical structures to facilitate assembly and maintenance.

[0051] Please refer to it again. Figure 6 The secondary steam generator 400 includes a second heating element 410 and an ironing element 430, which are used to further heat and vaporize the steam output from the main steam generator 100 and after water-steam separation treatment, and output it to the surface of the clothes through the ironing element 430 to achieve efficient ironing.

[0052] The ironing assembly 430 includes a base plate 431 and a surrounding plate 433. The surrounding plate 433 forms a secondary heating chamber 432 around the base plate 431. The opening of the secondary heating chamber 432 engages with the heating element, allowing the steam to be reheated before entering the secondary heating chamber 432, thereby improving the dryness and temperature of the steam. Multiple steam outlets are provided on the portion of the base plate 431 located within the secondary heating chamber 432. The heated steam is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the clothing through these outlets, achieving a good ironing effect.

[0053] Furthermore, the second heating component 410 includes at least two independent second heating elements 411. Similarly, in this embodiment, each second heating element 411 may have the same or different power parameters and can be independently connected to the circuit board 500 for individual control, or they can be linked and controlled via the circuit board 500 to adapt to different operating modes and heating requirements. For example, both second heating elements 411 may have a power of 300W. Based on this, the secondary steam generator 400 operates at full power at 1900W.

[0054] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, points A, B, C, and D all represent electrical connection points. By selectively connecting points A and B, an independent heating circuit can be formed, thereby driving one of the second heating elements 411 to work; or connecting points C and D can form another independent heating circuit, thereby driving another second heating element 411 to work.

[0055] It should be noted that both the first heating element 113 and the second heating element 411 can adopt a heating film structure, or selectively adopt an electric heating wire structure. The above-mentioned structural forms have the advantages of rapid heat transfer and fast temperature rise, and can achieve efficient heating.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that the heating power of all first heating elements 113 is greater than the heating power of all second heating elements 411. This is understandable because the main steam generator 100 is primarily used to heat and vaporize liquid water, requiring a larger heat energy input; therefore, it is equipped with higher-power first heating elements 113. In contrast, the second heating elements 411 are mainly used for secondary heating and drying of the generated steam, requiring relatively less heat energy; therefore, lower-power heating elements are sufficient to meet the needs.

[0057] Additionally, it should be noted that the second heating element 410 includes a heat dissipation plate 415 that mates with the opening of the secondary heating chamber 432, and a heating plate 413 disposed on the heat dissipation plate 415. A second heating element 411 is disposed on the heating plate 413 for further heating and drying the steam before it enters the secondary heating chamber 432. The heat dissipation plate 415 has multiple heat dissipation fins on the side opposite to the opening of the secondary heating chamber 432 to enhance heat exchange efficiency and improve the uniformity of steam heating and drying performance.

[0058] In other alternative embodiments, the heating plate 413 and the heat sink 415 can be designed as an integral structure, that is, the independent heating plate 413 substrate is omitted, and the second heating element 411 is directly placed on the heat sink 415.

[0059] Furthermore, the second heating element 410 also includes a heat-conducting layer 414, which is disposed between the heating plate 413 and the heat sink 415 to fill the gap between them, achieving full coverage of the thermal contact surface, thereby effectively improving heat transfer efficiency and ensuring that the heat generated by the heating element can be efficiently conducted to the steam heating area, improving heating performance and response speed. Optionally, the heat-conducting layer 414 includes a graphite layer.

[0060] Based on the above configuration, it should be noted that the heating plate 413 has an extremely high power density, achieving a heating power of up to 60W per unit area (per square centimeter), significantly higher than the approximately 25W power density of traditional tubular heating tubes. This characteristic allows the heating plate 413 to be smaller and lighter while maintaining the same heating capacity, thereby effectively reducing the overall weight of the ironing device 10, improving the comfort of handheld operation, and reducing user fatigue during prolonged use.

[0061] In addition, similar to the aforementioned, the second heating assembly also includes at least two second temperature control devices 416 electrically connected to the circuit board 500 and connected in series with the second heating element 411. One second temperature control device 416 is used to provide over-temperature protection for the second heating element, preventing it from burning out or causing other safety hazards due to excessive temperature. The other second temperature control device 416 is used to ensure its operation within a safe temperature range, extending its service life.

[0062] In addition, the heating element also includes a second thermistor 417 for connection to the circuit board 500. The second thermistor 417 is disposed on the heating plate 413 and serves as a temperature sensing element to acquire the temperature information of the heating plate 413 in real time and feed the temperature signal back to the control chip of the circuit board 500. Through this feedback signal, the control system 600 included in the ironing equipment 10 can dynamically adjust the temperature of the heating plate 413 in real time.

[0063] In summary, this invention provides an ironing device 10, including a main steam generator 100, a secondary steam generator 400, and a water-vapor separator 200. The water-vapor separator 200 is formed by a top cover 210 and a housing 230, creating a return chamber 220 that connects the main steam outlet to the secondary steam inlet. The return chamber 220 is equipped with a baffle structure to change the steam flow direction and promote the separation of liquid water droplets. The separated water flows back to the main unit for recycling under gravity. After water-vapor separation, the steam becomes drier and more easily vaporizes upon entering the secondary steam generator 400, thus reducing the heating load, preventing water spraying, and improving safety and user experience.

[0064] In addition, the present invention also provides an ironing control method, applied to the ironing device 10 in the foregoing embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the method includes: In step S100, the main steam generator 100 is controlled to operate at the first power, while the secondary steam generator 400 is controlled to operate at the maximum power.

[0065] Before step S100, the system performs a self-check on the power of each heating element, the resistance of the thermistor, and the connectivity between the heating element, the thermistor, the temperature control, and the circuit board 500 to ensure that each component is working properly. Simultaneously, the water level in the return chamber 220 is detected by the first water level probe 251. If no water is detected, a pumping command is sent to the water pump 170, which begins pumping water while simultaneously heating; if sufficient water is detected in the return chamber 220, the system directly enters the heating stage.

[0066] In step S100, it should be noted that the first power is less than the maximum power of the main steam generator 100. This means that the ironing equipment 10 is in the initial startup phase at this time. The main steam generator 100 operates at a lower power, producing a smaller amount of steam to avoid excessive steam entering the secondary steam generator 400, which has not yet completed preheating. Simultaneously, the secondary steam generator 400 starts synchronously with the main steam generator 100 and operates at full power, enabling it to rapidly heat up to above 100°C in a short time. This ensures that the secondary steam generator 400 has sufficient temperature and heat energy to immediately reheat and vaporize the steam when the main steam arrives.

[0067] Combining the efficient separation of liquid water droplets in steam by the water-vapor separator 200 in the aforementioned embodiments, this control strategy not only achieves a rapid response from equipment startup to steam output, but also significantly reduces the heating burden on the secondary steam generator 400, improves the dryness of the steam, effectively reduces the occurrence of water spraying, and enhances the safety of equipment operation and user experience.

[0068] It should be further explained that, since the steam pipe 300 is at a low temperature during the initial startup of the equipment, the high-temperature steam generated by the main unit is prone to producing a large amount of condensate due to the temperature difference. Based on the above control strategy, the rapid preheating of the secondary steam generator 400 can create a high-temperature environment around it, thereby effectively vaporizing this condensate, preventing the condensate from accumulating and being output with the steam, further reducing the risk of water spraying, and improving the stability of the overall operation.

[0069] In step S200, after the preset running time is reached, the main steam generator 100 is switched to maximum power operation, while the secondary steam generator 400 is reduced to the second power operation.

[0070] In step S200, after the equipment has run for a preset time and the overall system temperature has risen and stabilized, the main steam generator 100 switches to full power operation to generate more steam to meet the needs of high-intensity ironing. At this time, the steam pipe 300 has been preheated, and the condensate generated during steam transmission is significantly reduced. Only a small amount of condensate enters the secondary steam generator 400, so it is not necessary to maintain full power operation. Accordingly, the heating power of the secondary steam generator 400 is reduced from full power to second power to maintain continuous heating and drying of the steam.

[0071] Furthermore, it should be noted that the combined operating power of the main steam generator 100 and the secondary steam generator 400 remains constant before and after switching, ensuring that the total energy consumption of the system remains consistent across different operating stages. This control strategy effectively avoids current fluctuations caused by sudden power changes, reduces the risk of impact on the power supply system, and improves the stability and safety of the overall system operation.

[0072] For example, one of the selected first heating elements 113 may have a power of 1600W, and the other may have a power of 300W. Therefore, when the main steam generator 100 operates at full power, the total power is 1900W. Both selected second heating elements 411 may have a power of 300W, therefore, when the secondary steam generator 400 operates at full power, its total power is also 600W.

[0073] During the initial startup phase of the ironing equipment 10, the main steam generator 100 operates at a power of 1600W, producing a small amount of steam to avoid impacting the secondary steam generator 400, which has not yet been fully preheated. At the same time, the secondary steam generator 400 operates at full power of 600W to achieve rapid heating.

[0074] When the equipment has been running for the preset time and the overall system temperature has risen and stabilized, the main steam generator 100 switches to full power 1900W to provide sufficient steam output; correspondingly, the power of the secondary steam generator 400 is reduced to 300W to maintain only the necessary heating and drying of the steam.

[0075] The entire control logic is based on the principle of a constant total power of 2200W. By dynamically adjusting the power distribution combination between the main unit and the secondary steam generator 400, the system achieves a smooth transition and efficient control.

[0076] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ironing device, characterized in that, It includes a main steam generator (100), a secondary steam generator (400), and a water vapor separator (200). The water vapor separator (200) includes an upper cover (210) and a shell (230) connected to each other. The upper cover (210) and the shell (230) enclose a reflux chamber (220). The reflux chamber (220) is connected to the steam outlet of the main steam generator (100) and to the steam inlet of the secondary steam generator (400). A baffle structure is provided in the reflux chamber (220) to block the steam output from the main steam generator (100), thereby separating the liquid water droplets carried in the steam from the airflow.

2. The ironing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The baffle structure includes a plurality of baffles (221), which are spaced apart on the upper cover (210) and / or the housing (230).

3. The ironing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the baffle (221) is provided on the housing (230), the reflux chamber (220) is divided into multiple water chambers (225); the baffle (221) is provided with a channel (223) for connecting two adjacent water chambers (225).

4. The ironing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ironing device (10) also includes a circuit board (500), and the water vapor separation device (200) also includes a first water level probe (251) and a second water level probe (253), and the first water level probe (251) and the second water level probe (253) are both disposed on the housing (230) and electrically connected to the circuit board (500); The first water level probe (251) is located near the main steam generator (100) and is used to detect whether the water level in the reflux chamber (220) is lower than the preset minimum water level; the second water level probe (253) is located near the secondary steam generator (400) and is used to detect whether the water level in the reflux chamber (220) exceeds the preset maximum water level.

5. The ironing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The upper cover (210) is provided with a steam outlet channel (211), which connects the secondary steam generator (400) and the return chamber (220); the housing (230) is provided with a steam inlet channel (231), which connects the main steam generator (100) and the return chamber (220); in the vertical direction, the distance between the second water level probe (253) and the lower end of the steam outlet channel (211) is not less than 15mm.

6. The ironing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The main steam generator (100) includes a first heating component (110), which includes a water pipe (111) and a first heating element (113). The water pipe (111) is used to store and transport water to be heated, and one end is connected to the return chamber (220). The first heating element (113) is sleeved on the outer wall of the water pipe (111) and is used to heat the water in the water pipe (111) to generate steam.

7. The ironing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first heating component (110) includes at least two independent first heating elements (113).

8. The ironing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The secondary steam generator (400) includes a second heating element (410) and an ironing element (430). The ironing element (430) includes a base plate (431) and a surrounding plate (433) disposed on the base plate (431). The surrounding plate (433) surrounds the base plate (431) to form a secondary heating chamber (432). The opening end of the secondary heating chamber (432) cooperates with the heating element, and the part of the base plate (431) located in the secondary heating chamber (432) is provided with multiple steam outlet holes.

9. The ironing device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second heating component (410) includes at least two independent second heating elements (411).

10. An ironing control method, applied to the ironing apparatus (10) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method comprises: The main steam generator (100) is controlled to operate at a first power, while the secondary steam generator (400) is controlled to operate at a maximum power; wherein the first power is less than the maximum power of the main steam generator (100); When the preset running time is reached, the main steam generator (100) is controlled to switch to maximum power operation, while the secondary steam generator (400) is controlled to reduce to second power operation; wherein, the sum of the operating power of the main steam generator (100) and the secondary steam generator (400) remains constant before and after the switching.

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