Steam generating device and household appliance

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steam generating device and a household appliance, and relates to the field of steam generating devices, the technical scheme is that the steam generating device comprises a steam generator, a water tank and a connecting pipe, the connecting pipe internally comprises a first part and a second part which are mutually independent, the first part is a hollow pipe, and the second part is a hollow pipe. The second portion is a wick that circulates working fluid through a porous structure. The hollow pipe part is responsible for conveying steam, and the wick part is responsible for circulating liquid working fluid. According to the double-channel design, reverse interference of bubbles to water flow is effectively prevented, and flowing paths of the bubbles and the water flow do not interfere with each other, so that the whole process is continuous, obstruction of countercurrent steam to water replenishing of the water tank is reduced, and water flow reverse or interruption possibly caused by the bubbles is prevented. The continuous generation of steam benefits from the independence and stability of the two fluid flows. The steam generator can continuously generate steam, so that the efficiency of the whole system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of steam generating devices, and particularly relates to a steam generating device and a household appliance. Background Art

[0002] Steam generators are widely used in various household appliances, such as steam cleaners, steam irons, steam ovens, etc. A steam generator is usually configured with a water tank for replenishing water to the steam generator, and is connected to the steam generator through a pipeline.

[0003] When the steam generator is in use, the water inside is heated and boiled into steam. A part of the steam generated by boiling will enter the pipeline, forming reverse-flowing bubbles in the pipeline, increasing the resistance of the water tank to flow and replenish water to the steam generator side. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a steam generating device, which has the advantage of reducing the water replenishing resistance of the water tank.

[0005] The above technical purpose of the utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A steam generating device includes a steam generator, a water tank and a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe includes a first part and a second part filled with different media respectively, and the air flow resistance of the first part is less than that of the second part.

[0007] Further setting: The medium in the first part is air.

[0008] Further setting: The medium in the second part is a liquid-absorbing core with a porous structure.

[0009] Further setting: The porous structure of the liquid-absorbing core is one or more composite structures of porous media, wire meshes, grooves, sintered metal powders.

[0010] Further setting: The second part is located inside the first part.

[0011] Or: The second part is located above the first part.

[0012] Or: The second part is located outside the first part.

[0013] Further setting: The second part is integrally provided with or detachably connected to the first part.

[0014] Further setting: It further includes a connecting plate. The connecting pipe is arranged on the connecting plate, and the connecting plate is located between the water tank and the steam generator.

[0015] Further setting: The highest point of the installation position of the connecting pipe is not higher than 50% of the height of the steam generator.

[0016] Another object of the present utility model is to provide a household appliance with the above-mentioned steam generating device.

[0017] Further setting: The household appliance is one of a clothes dryer, a clothes iron, a humidifier, a steam cleaner, a steam iron, and a steam oven.

[0018] In summary, the present utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0019] First, in the present utility model, the air flow resistance of the first part is less than that of the second part. For example, the medium in the first part of the connecting pipe is air, that is, an empty pipe. The medium in the second part is a liquid absorption core that circulates the working fluid through a porous structure. When the steam generator works, steam flows from the empty pipe in the first part to the water tank in the form of bubbles. At the same time, the water in the water tank will flow back to the steam generator from the liquid absorption core in the second part. The empty pipe part is responsible for transporting steam, while the liquid absorption core part is responsible for circulating the liquid working fluid. This dual-channel design effectively prevents the reverse interference of bubbles on the water flow. Their flow paths do not interfere with each other, reducing the obstruction of the countercurrent steam to the water replenishment of the water tank. Bubbles enter the water tank from the steam generator, and water flows from the water tank to the steam generator. By physically isolating the flow paths of gas and liquid, the interference of bubbles on the water flow is effectively avoided. This makes the whole process continuous and prevents the reverse or interruption of the water flow that may be caused by bubbles. The continuous generation of steam benefits from the independence and stability of the flow of the two fluids. The steam generator can continuously generate steam, thereby improving the efficiency of the overall system.

[0020] Second, in the present utility model, a liquid absorption core that circulates the working fluid through a porous structure is adopted, and the water in the water tank flows back to the steam generator through the porous structure of the liquid absorption core. This porous structure supports the spontaneous upward movement of the water flow, overcomes gravity, and continuously supplies water through capillary action. By improving the adsorption efficiency, the efficiency of the overall system is further improved.

[0021] Third, in the present utility model, setting the highest point of the connecting pipe below 50% of the height of the steam generator helps to effectively control the situation where boiling water is ejected with the steam. When the steam generator works, the generated steam may carry some moisture. If the highest point of the connecting pipe is set too high, the boiling water may be ejected with the steam, causing unnecessary energy loss and safety hazards. Therefore, restricting it below this height can effectively avoid the occurrence of this situation.

[0022] Fourth, the water replenished into the water tank in the prior art is usually normal temperature water. The working temperature of the steam generator needs to be close to the boiling temperature. The normal temperature water replenished is likely to cause a sudden drop in the working temperature of the steam generator, affecting the continuous steam injection. The connecting pipe of the present application can connect the water tank and the steam generator. The two parts of water replenishment and steam backflow are respectively located in the first part and the first part in the connecting pipe, and their paths do not interfere with each other. The steam backflow brings the heat of the steam generator into the water tank on the first part. After the temperature of the water tank rises, the heat flow at the bottom replenishes water into the steam generator from the second part, so as to quickly reach the boiling temperature, and thus continuously output steam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the steam generating device;

[0024] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the connecting plate;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the first preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the first preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the second preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of the third preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic structural diagram of the third preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0031] Figure 9 is a schematic structural diagram of the fourth preferred embodiment of the connecting pipe;

[0032] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the liquid flow direction of the steam generating device.

[0033] In the figure, 100, steam generator; 200, water tank;

[0034] 300, connecting pipe; 301, first part; 302, second part; 303, connecting plate; 400, valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the description of the present utility model, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present utility model.

[0037] A steam generating device, as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, includes a steam generator 100 and a water tank 200. The interior of the steam generator 100 has a water storage cavity, that is, a water storage type steam generator 100. The steam generator 100 can store a certain amount of water inside to continuously boil and generate steam. A connecting pipe 300 is provided between the steam generator 100 and the water tank 200. The connecting pipe 300 has a first part 301 and a second part 302 filled with different media respectively, and the air flow resistance of the first part is less than that of the second part.

[0038] There is no specific limitation on the specific installation position of the connecting pipe 300. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 300 can be an independent pipe provided between the steam generator 100 and the water tank 200, or can be integrally provided on the steam generator 100, or integrally provided on the water tank 200. There is no specific limitation on the specific shape of the connecting pipe 300. The cross-section of the connecting pipe is a regular continuous geometric figure, such as a triangle, a strip, a circle, a semi-circle, a square, a rectangle, a trapezoid, a polygon.

[0039] There is no specific limitation on the installation positions of the first part 301 and the second part 302 in the connecting pipe 300. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the second part 302 is located above the first part 301. Here, at least a part of the second part 302 can be located above the first part 301, or the whole is located above the first part 301. The second part 302 and the first part 301 are integrally provided, and the first part 301 and the second part 302 together form the structure of the connecting pipe 300. As an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 5 the first part 301 and the second part 302 are independently pipes with detachable connection, and are respectively provided inside the connecting pipe 300.

[0040] As an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 6 andFigure 7 , the second part 302 is located inside the first part 301. The second part 302 can be located at the middle position of the first part 301 or at the lower position of the first part 301. In this embodiment, the second part 302 is integrally provided with or detachably connected to the first part 301.

[0041] As an alternative embodiment, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the second part 302 is located outside the first part 301. In this embodiment, the second part 302 is integrally provided with or detachably connected to the first part 301.

[0042] There is no limitation on the specific shapes of the first part 301 and the second part 302. In this embodiment, the cross-sections of the first part 301 and the second part 302 are regular continuous geometric figures, such as triangles, bars, circles, semi-circles, squares, rectangles, trapezoids, polygons.

[0043] There is no specific limitation on the medium in the first part 301. In this embodiment, the medium in the first part 301 is air. There is no specific limitation on the medium in the second part 302. In this embodiment, the medium in the second part 302 is a liquid-absorbing core with a porous structure. The second part 302 is a liquid-absorbing core for circulating the working fluid through the porous structure. There is no limitation on the specific structure of the liquid-absorbing core. The porous structure of the liquid-absorbing core is one of porous media, wire meshes, grooves, sintered metal powders. As an alternative embodiment, the porous structure of the liquid core is at least two or more composite structures.

[0044] Generally, a water pump needs to be set as a power source between the water tank 200 and the steam generator 100 to drive water replenishment. And a valve 400 is set on the connecting pipe 300 of the water pump. When the steam generator 100 generates a large amount of steam and water replenishment is needed when the water volume is insufficient, the valve 400 needs to be opened and the water pump is started for water replenishment. During the water replenishment process, the resistance formed by the steam countercurrent can be solved by the first part 301 and the second part 302 in different zones. For example, the first part 301 and the second part 302 of the connecting pipe 300 form two independent channels, so that during the water replenishment process, the water replenishment water flow part and the steam reflux part in the connecting pipe 300 are separated in different channels, and the resistance of the steam reflux becomes smaller, so that the continuity of the water replenishment water flow is better.

[0045] Furthermore, the water replenishment of the water tank 200 can also be in a way without a water pump, such as Figure 2 and Figure 10As shown, the water replenishment process of the water tank 200 and the steam generator 100: when the water tank 200 is installed to replenish the steam generator 100, the water in the water tank 200 enters the steam generator 100 through the connecting pipe 300, and the water in the water storage chamber of the steam generator 100 reaches the highest point of the connecting pipe 300, which is the highest water level. The water pressure on both sides of the water tank 200 and the water storage chamber reaches a balanced state near this water level line, and the highest water level of the water storage chamber will stabilize near this height. At this time, the liquid level in the water tank 200 is not lower than the liquid level of the water in the evaporator.

[0046] When the steam generator 100 is powered on and heated, the water inside is heated and boiled to become steam. When it just starts working, the high pressure inside the steam generator 100 will suppress the water in the water tank 200 from entering. As the water inside the steam generator 100 continues to evaporate over the working time, the liquid water gradually turns into steam, the water storage inside the steam generator 100 decreases, and the air pressure inside the steam generator 100 decreases accordingly, and then the water in the water tank 200 flows into the steam generator 100 to replenish water. In this process, the water storage inside the steam generator 100 decreases, and the liquid level of the steam generator 100 drops below the first part 301 of the connecting pipe 300. During the boiling process, the steam generator 100 generates a certain amount of bubbles on the surface, and the bubbles flow from the first part 301 to the side of the water tank 200, and the water in the water tank 200 enters the steam generator 100 from the second part 302 of the connecting pipe 300 to replenish water. This dual-channel design effectively prevents bubbles from interfering with the water flow in the opposite direction. The flow paths of the two do not interfere with each other. This process is continuous and the water flow will not be interrupted due to the formation of bubbles. Therefore, the steam generation can maintain continuity, thus solving the problem of discontinuous steam generation.

[0047] In one embodiment, the steam generating device of the above embodiment is applied to a clothes dryer to provide steam for the steam care function of the clothes dryer. In order to reduce the thickness of the module, the height of the steam generator 100 has certain limitations. In order to ensure sufficient supply of steam, there needs to be enough water in the steam generator 100. And the height of the connecting pipe 300 determines the highest water level in the steam generator 100. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ratio of the height of the connecting pipe 300 located on the steam generator 100 to the overall height of the steam generator 100 is greater than 0% and less than or equal to 60%. In another alternative embodiment, the ratio of the height of the connecting pipe 300 located on the evaporator to the overall height of the evaporator exceeds 60%. At this time, the water droplets boiling and splashing in the water storage cavity are likely to overflow, and thus are ejected onto the clothes along with the steam. On the basis of the above embodiments, as a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the height of the connecting pipe 300 located on the steam generator 100 to the overall height of the steam generator 100 is 50%. At this time, it can ensure sufficient water supply and avoid the water droplets from splashing and overflowing outside the steam generator 100.

[0048] Generally, the water storage height of a conventional evaporator can be approximately equal to the height of the evaporator. In the case where the wall thickness of a special evaporator is relatively thick, based on the water storage height, at this time, the position of the connecting pipe 300 should be understood as the ratio of the water storage height.

[0049] On the basis of the above embodiments, as a further limited embodiment, as Figure 10 shown, the water tank 200 is detachably configured on the steam generator 100. The steam generating device further includes a connecting plate 301, and the connecting pipe 300 is arranged on the connecting plate 301. The connecting plate 301 is located between the water tank 200 and the steam generator 100. With such a setting, an existing water storage type steam generator 100 can be directly adopted. There is no need to customize the water storage type steam generator 100. By arranging the connecting pipe 300 on the connecting plate 301 and adding a connecting plate 301 for transition, the required docking function can be completed. The cost investment in improving the water storage type steam generator 100 is reduced. As an alternative embodiment, the connecting pipe 300 is integrally connected to the water tank 200 and the steam generator 100 respectively. As an alternative embodiment, the connecting pipe 300 is integrally connected to the water tank 200 and detachably connected to the steam generator 100. As an alternative embodiment, the connecting pipe 300 is integrally connected to the steam generator 100 and detachably connected to the water tank 200.

[0050] On the basis of the above embodiments, as a further limited embodiment, the steam generating device further includes a valve 400, which has a first position for closing the connecting pipe 300 and a second position for opening the connecting pipe 300. No specific limitation is imposed on the specific structure of the valve 400. The valve 400 can be a mechanical pressing type valve 400 or an electronic valve 400.

[0051] There are no specific restrictions on the specific application scenarios and application methods of the steam generating device in the above embodiments. This embodiment also provides a household appliance with the above steam generating device. The household appliance is one of a clothes dryer, a steam iron, a humidifier, a steam cleaner, a steam iron, and a steam oven.

[0052] The above embodiments are merely explanations of the present invention, and they do not limit the present invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without creative contributions as needed, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention, they are protected by the patent law.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, comprising a steam generator, a water tank and a connecting pipe, characterized in that: The connecting pipe (300) comprises a first part (301) and a second part (302) filled with different media respectively, and the air flow resistance of the first part (301) is smaller than that of the second part (302).

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The medium in the first part (301) is air.

3. The steam generating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The medium in the second part (302) is a liquid-absorbing core with a porous structure.

4. The steam generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The porous structure of the liquid wick is one or more composite structures of porous media, wire mesh, grooves, and sintered metal powder.

5. The steam generating device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The second portion (302) is located inside the first portion (301).

6. The steam generating device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The second part (302) is located on the upper side of the first part (301).

7. The steam generating device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The second portion (302) is located outside the first portion (301).

8. The steam generating device according to claim 1, 2 or 4, characterized in that: The second part (302) is integrally formed with the first part (301) or is detachably connected to the first part (301).

9. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a connecting plate (303), the connecting pipe (300) is arranged on the connecting plate (303), and the connecting plate (303) is located between the water tank (200) and the steam generator (100).

10. The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1-2, 4 and 9, characterized in that: The highest point of the setting position of the connecting pipe (300) is no higher than 50% of the height of the steam generator (100).

11. A household appliance, characterized in that: A steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The household appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that: The household appliance is one of a clothes drying machine, a hanging iron, a humidifier, a steam cleaner, a steam iron, and a steam oven.

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