Steam generator and cooking equipment

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steam generator and cooking equipment, and the steam generator comprises a heating structure which comprises a heated container and a heating part, and the heated container is internally provided with a heating cavity; the water-steam separation structure is used for discharging steam generated by the heating structure; the communication structure can be used for supplying water to the heating structure and the water-vapor separation structure; the water flow control structure can be used for supplying water to the communicating structure; the heating structure further comprises a temperature monitoring structure used for monitoring temperature changes, and water supply of the water flow control structure is controlled through the monitored temperature changes. One side of the temperature monitoring structure is attached to the heated container or the heating piece; water supply of the water flow control structure is controlled by monitoring temperature change detection of the heating structure through the temperature monitoring structure, water supply of the water flow control structure is controlled after the heating structure reaches the preset temperature, a good water supply control effect is guaranteed, excessive dry burning caused by too little water in the heating structure is avoided, and the service life of the heating structure can be prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steam generator technology, and in particular to a steam generator and cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Current steam cooking equipment, such as steam ovens, steam ovens, and steam boxes, mostly uses a separate water tank to generate steam. Water is pumped into a steam generator equipped with an electric heating element, and the steam generated by the generator is then introduced into the cooking chamber of the steam cooking equipment. Within the steam generation module, water level control is usually achieved indirectly by a water level control module that determines the water level in the pipeline. These modules are typically float-type or water level probe-type. In practical use, the small space within the water tank makes float-type systems prone to jamming, leading to inaccurate water level readings. Water level probes, on the other hand, require water rich in ions, resulting in a higher false alarm rate when used with pure water. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam generator and cooking equipment that can reliably and accurately determine the water level.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is provided:

[0005] This utility model provides a steam generator, comprising:

[0006] A heating structure, comprising a heated container and a heating element, wherein the heated container is provided with a heating chamber;

[0007] A water vapor separation structure is used to discharge the steam generated by the heating structure;

[0008] The connecting structure can be used to supply water to the heating structure and the water vapor separation structure;

[0009] A water flow control structure is available for supplying water to the connected structure.

[0010] The heating structure also includes a temperature monitoring structure for monitoring temperature changes, and controls the water flow control structure to supply water based on the monitored temperature changes; one side of the temperature monitoring structure is attached to the heated container or heating element.

[0011] Preferably, the heated container is provided with a first water inlet and a first steam outlet that communicate with the heating chamber;

[0012] The water-vapor separation structure is provided with a separation chamber, and the water-vapor separation structure is provided with a second water inlet, a second steam outlet and a first steam inlet connected to the separation chamber; the second steam outlet is used to output steam.

[0013] The connecting structure has a connecting cavity, and the connecting structure has a first water outlet, a second water outlet, and a third water inlet connected to the connecting cavity; the third water inlet is connected to a water flow control structure, which can be used to inject water into the connecting cavity.

[0014] The first water outlet is connected to the first water inlet, the first steam outlet is connected to the first steam inlet, and the second water inlet is connected to the second water outlet.

[0015] Preferably, the water flow control structure includes a first water pump, the outlet of the first water pump is connected to the third water inlet, the water inlet of the first water pump is connected to a water source, and the first water pump sends water from the water source into the connecting cavity.

[0016] Preferably, the connecting structure is further provided with a third water outlet connected to the connecting cavity, and the water flow control structure further includes a second water pump; the third water outlet is also connected to the water inlet of the second water pump, and the water outlet of the second water pump is connected to the water receiving container, and the second water pump sends water from the connecting cavity into the water receiving container.

[0017] Preferably, the water vapor separation structure is further provided with an overflow port connected to the separation chamber, and the overflow port is located below the second steam outlet.

[0018] Preferably, at least a portion of the heating element's heating surface is attached to the outside of the heated container, and the heating element is arranged around the heated container.

[0019] Preferably, it also includes a housing, wherein the heating structure, the water vapor separation structure and the communication structure are all located inside the housing, and an insulation layer is provided on the housing.

[0020] Preferably, the housing is provided with a temperature controller, one side of which is attached to the heated container or heating element, and the temperature controller can be used to control the heating structure.

[0021] This utility model also provides a cooking device, including the steam generator described above.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0023] This utility model discloses a steam generator and cooking equipment. The water supply is controlled by a water flow control structure by detecting the temperature change of the heating structure through a temperature monitoring structure. Once the heating structure reaches the preset temperature, the water supply is controlled to ensure a better water supply control effect, avoid excessive dry burning due to insufficient water in the heating structure, and extend the service life of the heating structure. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the steam generator of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the steam generator part of this utility model.

[0028] Figure label:

[0029] 1-Heating structure; 11-Heated container; 12-Heating element; 13-Heating chamber; 14-Temperature monitoring structure; 15-First water inlet; 16-First steam outlet;

[0030] 2-Water vapor separation structure; 21-Separation chamber; 22-Second water inlet; 23-Second steam outlet; 24-First steam inlet; 25-Overflow outlet;

[0031] 3-Connecting structure; 31-Connecting cavity; 32-First outlet; 33-Second outlet; 34-Third inlet; 35-Third outlet;

[0032] 4-Water flow control structure; 41-First water pump; 42-Second water pump;

[0033] 5-Housing; 51-Thermostat. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the technical problem solved by this utility model, the technical solution adopted, and the technical effect achieved clearer, the technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this utility model, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are merely used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0038] This application provides a cooking device that includes a steam generator; wherein the cooking device can be a steam oven, a steam oven, an integrated stove, or other equipment that requires steam.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a steam generator includes:

[0040] Heating structure 1 includes a heating container 11 and a heating element 12, and a heating chamber 13 is provided inside the heating container 11;

[0041] The water vapor separation structure 2 is used to discharge the steam generated by the heating structure 1;

[0042] The connecting structure 3 can be used to supply water to the heating structure 1 and the water vapor separation structure 2;

[0043] The water flow control structure 4 can be used to supply water to the connecting structure 3;

[0044] The heating structure 1 also includes a temperature monitoring structure 14 for monitoring temperature changes, and controls the water flow control structure 4 to supply water by monitoring the temperature changes; one side of the temperature monitoring structure 14 is attached to the heated container 11 or the heating element 12.

[0045] This application uses a temperature monitoring structure 14 to monitor the temperature change of the heating structure 1 and control the water supply of the water flow control structure 4. Once the heating structure reaches the preset temperature, the water flow control structure 4 is controlled to supply water, ensuring a better water supply control effect, avoiding excessive dry burning due to insufficient water in the heating structure 1, and also extending the service life of the heating structure 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the temperature monitoring structure 14 is an NTC device embedded in the heating element 12, which directly monitors the temperature change of the heating element 12 and has high monitoring accuracy. In other embodiments, the NTC device can also be embedded in the heated container 11. Since the temperature of the heated container 11 is transferred by the heating element 12, it is easily affected by environmental factors and has lower monitoring accuracy. In another embodiment, the temperature monitoring structure 14 can also be an infrared temperature sensor, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector (RTD), thermistor, temperature sensing chip, thermometer, etc.

[0047] In this embodiment, the temperatures of the highest and lowest water levels in the heating chamber 13 during the operation of the heating structure 1 are first preset, forming a temperature threshold range. The maximum value of the temperature threshold range is the preset temperature when the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at the lowest level, and the minimum value of the temperature threshold range is the preset temperature when the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at the highest level. Therefore, when the heating structure 1 is working, the temperature data monitored by the temperature monitoring structure 14 is maintained within the temperature threshold range. When the temperature monitored by the monitoring structure 14 is greater than or equal to the maximum value of the temperature threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 is controlled to supply water. When the temperature monitored by the monitoring structure 14 is less than or equal to the minimum value of the temperature threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 is stopped from supplying water. Thus, by monitoring temperature changes, the water level in the heating chamber is monitored, reducing the dry burning of the heating structure, ensuring better steam generation, and extending the service life.

[0048] In this application, the highest water level refers to the highest position where the water level in the heating chamber of the steam generator meets the working requirements under normal operating conditions; the lowest water level refers to the lowest position where the water level in the heating chamber of the steam generator meets the working requirements under normal operating conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, at least a portion of the heating element 12 has its heating surface attached to the outside of the heated container 11, and the heating element 12 is arranged around the heated container 11.

[0050] The heating surface of the heating element 12 is attached to the outside of the heated container 11, which can better heat the heated container 11 and reduce heat loss.

[0051] In this embodiment, the heating element 12 is a thin-film heating sheet, and the thin-film heating sheet is wrapped around the outside of the heated container 11 to ensure better heating effect. In other embodiments, the heating element 12 can also be a heating structure such as a heating tube.

[0052] Furthermore, the heated container 11 is provided with a first water inlet 15 and a first steam outlet 16 that are connected to the heating chamber 13;

[0053] The water-vapor separation structure 2 is provided with a separation chamber 21. The water-vapor separation structure 2 is provided with a second water inlet 22, a second steam outlet 23 and a first steam inlet 24 that are connected to the separation chamber 21. The second steam outlet 23 is used to output steam.

[0054] The second steam outlet 23 needs to be higher than the highest water level in the heating chamber 13.

[0055] In other embodiments, a baffle or filter can be installed at the first steam inlet 24 to intercept condensate droplets in the steam flow, thereby improving the water-steam separation effect, reducing the condensate content in the steam output from the second steam outlet 23, and ensuring better steam quality.

[0056] The connecting structure 3 has a connecting cavity 31, and the connecting structure 3 has a first water outlet 32, a second water outlet 33 and a third water inlet 34 connected to the connecting cavity 31; the third water inlet 34 is connected to the water flow control structure 4, and the water flow control structure 4 can be used to inject water into the connecting cavity 31.

[0057] The first outlet 32 ​​is connected to the first inlet 15, the first steam outlet 16 is connected to the first steam inlet 24, and the second inlet 22 is connected to the second outlet 33.

[0058] The water-vapor separation structure 2 can separate the condensed water droplets in the steam from the steam when the steam flows through the separation chamber 21, thereby improving the steam quality. The heating chamber and the separation chamber are both connected to the connecting chamber, and the first steam outlet 16 is connected to the first steam inlet 24. The principle of the connecting vessel between the heating chamber and the separation chamber ensures that the water level in the heating chamber and the water level in the separation chamber are always consistent.

[0059] Furthermore, the water flow control structure 4 includes a first water pump 41, the outlet of the first water pump 41 is connected to the third water inlet 34, the inlet of the first water pump 41 is connected to the water source, and the first water pump 41 sends water from the water source into the connecting cavity 31.

[0060] The connecting structure 3 is also provided with a third water outlet 35 connected to the connecting cavity 31. The water flow control structure 4 also includes a second water pump 42. The third water outlet 35 is also connected to the inlet of the second water pump 42, and the outlet of the second water pump 42 is connected to the water receiving container. The second water pump 42 sends water from the connecting cavity 31 into the water receiving container.

[0061] Water is supplied to the connecting cavity 31 by the first water pump 41, and then the water is sent into the heating cavity 13 and the separation cavity 21 through the connecting cavity 31, thus realizing the water supply function of the water flow control structure 4; water is pumped out of the connecting cavity 31 by the second water pump 42. As the water volume in the connecting cavity 31 decreases, the water in the heating cavity 13 and the separation cavity 21 will be replenished into the connecting cavity 31 until the heating cavity 13 and the separation cavity 21 are empty, thus realizing the water pumping function of the water flow control structure 4.

[0062] After the steam generator is used, the water is pumped away by the second water pump 42 to prevent water from remaining in the connecting cavity 31, heating cavity 13 and separation cavity 21 for a long time, which would lead to bacterial growth, odor and other problems, thus improving the user experience. In addition, water that remains in the connecting cavity 31, heating cavity 13 and separation cavity 21 for a long time is prone to forming scale, especially in the heating cavity 13, where scale is easily generated when heating water. Scale adhering to the cavity wall not only affects the heating effect, but also leads to a decrease in the accuracy of temperature monitoring.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the water can be repeatedly injected by the first water pump 41 and pumped by the second water pump 42 to clean the connecting cavity 31, heating cavity 13 and separation cavity 21, which can remove most of the scale. More stubborn scale can be removed by adding acidic detergent.

[0064] Furthermore, the water vapor separation structure 2 is also provided with an overflow port 25 connected to the separation chamber 21, and the overflow port 25 is located below the second steam outlet 23.

[0065] The overflow port 25 is higher than the highest water level in the heating chamber 13, and at least part of the overflow port 25 is lower than the second steam outlet 23; this ensures that the water level in the heating chamber 13 can reach the highest water level line, but if the water flow control structure 4 does not stop water injection when the temperature monitoring structure 14 malfunctions or the water level in the heating chamber 13 exceeds the highest water level line for other reasons, water will be discharged through the second steam outlet 23, affecting the steam quality and user experience.

[0066] In this embodiment, the lowest point at the overflow outlet 25 is level with the highest water level. In other embodiments, the lowest point at the overflow outlet 25 may be higher than the highest water level.

[0067] In this embodiment, the overflow port 25 is connected to the water receiving container via a pipe; in other embodiments, the overflow port 25 can be connected to one of the connecting cavity 31, the heating cavity 13, and the separating cavity 21 via a pipe.

[0068] In other embodiments, the overflow port 25 may be provided with a blocking structure to prevent steam leakage; for example, a float plate may be provided at the overflow port 25, and the float plate may be able to move in the vertical direction. When water flows through the overflow port 25, the water will lift the float plate, thus preventing the water from overflowing; and when the water does not overflow, the float plate will close the overflow port 25, and steam will not leak from the overflow port 25.

[0069] This application also includes a housing 5, in which the heating structure 1, the water vapor separation structure 2 and the connecting structure 3 are all located, and an insulation layer is provided on the housing 5.

[0070] The insulation layer reduces heat loss and lowers power consumption.

[0071] Furthermore, a temperature controller 51 is provided on the housing, and one side of the temperature controller 51 is attached to the heated container 11 or the heating element 12. The temperature controller 51 can be used to control the heating structure 1.

[0072] When the temperature on the heated container 11 or the heating element 12 exceeds the temperature controller limit, the power supply to the steam generator will be directly cut off to ensure safety during use. In this embodiment, the temperature controller is attached to the heated container 11 on one side. In other embodiments, the temperature controller is attached to the heating element 12 on one side.

[0073] This application also provides a control method for the above-mentioned steam generator, including the following steps:

[0074] In response to a command to generate steam in the steam generator, water is injected into the heating chamber 13;

[0075] Once the heating start-up conditions are met, control heating structure 1 to perform the heating operation;

[0076] The temperature of the heating structure 1 is monitored, and the water flow control structure 4 is used to inject water into the heating chamber 13 according to the temperature until a stop signal is received. At this point, the heating structure 1 stops working, and the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13.

[0077] The temperature of the heating structure inside the steam generator is monitored, and water is injected into the heating chamber 13 according to the temperature control water flow control structure 4 to ensure that there is enough water in the heating chamber 13 of the steam generator, avoid dry burning due to insufficient water, and ensure a better steam generation effect.

[0078] In this embodiment, the heating start condition is that the water level in the heating chamber 13 reaches the highest water level. The step of determining that the water level in the heating chamber 13 has reached the highest water level includes:

[0079] Calculate the required water injection volume V1 based on the highest water level in the heating chamber 13;

[0080] Then, calculate the time t0 required for water injection based on the water injection volume V1 and the water injection rate;

[0081] The water injection time is recorded as t1. When t1 = t0, the water level in the heating chamber 13 reaches the highest water level, and the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13.

[0082] For the first time, the water injection time is calculated based on the required water volume V1, and the water injected into the heating chamber 13 is precisely controlled. This not only prevents water from overflowing from the second steam outlet 23 into the steam generator due to excessive water volume, thus affecting the user experience and potentially causing malfunctions in other components due to water ingress, but also prevents the heating structure 1 from dry burning due to insufficient water volume, thereby affecting the service life of the heating structure 1 and making it easier for scale to form in the heating chamber 13, hindering heat transfer and affecting the steam generation effect.

[0083] Furthermore, after the heating start-up conditions are met, the heating start-up conditions include the water level in the heating chamber 13 reaching its highest level, including:

[0084] When the overflow detection device detects water flowing out through the overflow port 25, it stops the water flow control structure 4 from injecting water into the heating chamber 13.

[0085] When the water injected into the heating chamber 13 and the separation chamber 21 exceeds the maximum water level, at least part of the water exceeding the maximum water level will flow out from the overflow port 25, thereby lowering the water level in the heating chamber 13 and the separation chamber 21. This ensures that no water overflows from the second steam outlet 23, ensuring a better user experience and preventing water overflowing from the second steam outlet 23 from affecting the normal operation of other electronic components.

[0086] When the overflow detection device detects water flowing out of the overflow port 25, it means that the water level in the heating chamber 13 has exceeded the maximum water level. It then directly controls the water flow control structure 4 to stop water injection, thus ensuring the water injection process.

[0087] In this embodiment, the process of monitoring the temperature of the heating structure 1 and controlling the water flow control structure 4 to inject water into the heating chamber 13 according to the temperature until a stop signal is received includes:

[0088] The temperature monitoring structure monitors the temperature of heating structure 1 and records it as Ta;

[0089] Based on the temperature Ta of the heating structure 1, the water flow control structure 4 injects water into the heating chamber 13, thereby maintaining the temperature Ta of the heating structure 1 within the temperature threshold range until a stop signal is received.

[0090] When Ta ≥ the maximum value of the temperature threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 is activated to inject water into the heating chamber 13 until Ta ≤ the minimum value of the temperature threshold range, at which point the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13.

[0091] This application employs intermittent water injection to maintain the water level in the heating chamber 13 between the highest and lowest levels. During periods when water injection is stopped, this ensures a better steam generation rate and quality. While achieving good steam quality and generation rate, it also reduces the water injection pressure on the water flow control structure 4, extending its service life. In contrast, a continuous water injection scheme would require adjusting the injection rate to match the water consumption rate, placing significant computational pressure on the controller. Furthermore, continuous water injection would lead to unstable water temperature in the heating chamber 13, affecting the steam generation rate and resulting in poorer steam quality.

[0092] In this embodiment, when the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at its highest level, the heating structure 1 needs to raise the water temperature to the boiling point. Heat is transferred from the heating structure 1 to the water, but heat is lost during the transfer process. Furthermore, water has a high specific heat capacity, resulting in a lower temperature for the heating structure 1 at this time. This detected temperature is recorded as Td. When the water level in the heating chamber 13 is between the highest and lowest levels, the water temperature has reached its upper limit. As some water is converted into steam and discharged, the water volume decreases, and some parts of the heating structure 1 cannot directly transfer heat to the water, leading to heat accumulation. The temperature of the heating structure 1 will rise, and the accumulated heat will increase as the water level decreases. When the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at its lowest level, the accumulated heat is the greatest. This detected temperature is recorded as Te, where Te > Td. Therefore, the position of the water level in the heating chamber 13 can be determined by monitoring the temperature change of the heating structure 1 (Ta). This method is less affected by other factors, and the controller can calculate the water level position based on the temperature value, thus more accurately determining the time to inject water into the heating chamber 13 and better maintaining the water level in the heating chamber 13 between the highest and lowest levels.

[0093] Furthermore, when Ta ≤ the minimum value of the temperature threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13, including the following steps:

[0094] When the temperature monitoring structure detects that the temperature Ta of the heating structure 1 is less than or equal to the minimum value of the temperature threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13 after maintaining the water injection time t2.

[0095] When the controller determines that the water level in the heating chamber 13 has reached the highest water level, it continues to inject water for t2 time. This can effectively avoid the influence of the low temperature of the heating structure 1 caused by the low temperature of the injected water on the water level determination, and better ensure that the water level when water injection stops is closer to the highest water level, thus reducing the impact on steam generation.

[0096] In another embodiment, the process of monitoring the temperature of the heating structure 1 and controlling the water flow control structure 4 to inject water into the heating chamber 13 according to the temperature until a stop signal is received includes:

[0097] The temperature monitoring structure monitors the temperature of heating structure 1, denoted as Tb;

[0098] The temperature of heating structure 1 before a unit time t3 is retrieved and denoted as Tc.

[0099] The rate of temperature change within unit time t3 is calculated based on Tb, Tc and unit time t3, and denoted as v1.

[0100] According to the temperature change rate v1 of the heating structure 1, the water flow control structure 4 injects water into the heating chamber 13, thereby maintaining the temperature change rate v1 of the heating structure 1 within the temperature change threshold range until a stop signal is received.

[0101] When v1 ≥ the maximum value of the temperature change threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 is activated to inject water into the heating chamber 13 until v1 ≤ the minimum value of the temperature change threshold range, at which point the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at its highest level, the heating structure 1 needs to raise the water temperature to the boiling point. Heat is transferred from the heating structure 1 to the water, but heat is lost during the transfer process. Furthermore, water has a high specific heat capacity, resulting in a slow overall temperature rise. The detected rate of temperature change is recorded as v2. When the water level in the heating chamber 13 is between the highest and lowest levels, the water temperature has reached its upper limit. Because some water is converted into steam and discharged, the water volume decreases, and some parts of the heating structure 1 cannot directly transfer heat to the water, leading to heat accumulation. Additionally, the heating structure 1... The temperature will rise and the heat will accumulate more and more as the water level drops. When the water level in the heating chamber 13 is at its lowest level, the heat accumulation is the greatest. The detected rate of temperature change is recorded as v3, where v3 > v2. Therefore, the position of the water level in the heating chamber 13 can be determined by monitoring the temperature Ta of the heating structure 1. This method is less affected by other factors. The controller can calculate the position of the water level based on the rate of temperature change, thereby more accurately determining the time to inject water into the heating chamber 13 and better maintaining the water level in the heating chamber 13 between the highest and lowest water levels.

[0103] Furthermore, when v1 ≤ the minimum value of the temperature change threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13, including the following steps:

[0104] When v1 ≤ the minimum value of the temperature change threshold range, the water flow control structure 4 stops injecting water into the heating chamber 13 after maintaining water injection for t4 time.

[0105] When the controller determines that the water level in the heating chamber 13 has reached the highest water level, it continues to inject water for t4 time. This can effectively avoid the influence of the low temperature of the heating structure 1 caused by the low temperature of the injected water on the water level determination, and better ensure that the water level when water injection stops is closer to the highest water level, thus reducing the impact on steam generation.

[0106] Furthermore, in this application, upon receiving a stop signal, the water flow control structure 4 discharges water from the steam generator.

[0107] After the steam generator is finished, the water is pumped out to prevent water from remaining in the connecting cavity 31, heating cavity 13 and separation cavity 21 for a long time, which could lead to bacterial growth, odor and other problems, thus improving the user experience. In addition, water that remains in the connecting cavity 31, heating cavity 13 and separation cavity 21 for a long time is prone to forming scale, especially in the heating cavity 13, where scale is easily generated when heating water. Scale adhering to the cavity wall not only affects the heating effect, but also leads to a decrease in the accuracy of temperature monitoring.

[0108] Note that in the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "in other embodiments," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0109] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam generator, characterized in that, include: Heating structure (1), the heating structure (1) includes a heating container (11) and a heating element (12), the heating container (11) is provided with a heating cavity (13); A water vapor separation structure (2) is used to discharge the steam generated by the heating structure (1); The connecting structure (3) can be used to supply water to the heating structure (1) and the water vapor separation structure (2); The water flow control structure (4) can be used to supply water to the connecting structure (3); The heating structure (1) also includes a temperature monitoring structure (14) for monitoring temperature changes, and controls the water flow control structure (4) to supply water by monitoring the temperature changes; one side of the temperature monitoring structure (14) is attached to the heated container (11) or the heating element (12).

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heated container (11) is provided with a first water inlet (15) and a first steam outlet (16) that are connected to the heating chamber (13). The water-vapor separation structure (2) is provided with a separation chamber (21), and the water-vapor separation structure (2) is provided with a second water inlet (22), a second steam outlet (23) and a first steam inlet (24) connected to the separation chamber (21); the second steam outlet (23) is used to output steam; The connecting structure (3) is provided with a connecting cavity (31), and the connecting structure (3) is provided with a first outlet (32), a second outlet (33) and a third inlet (34) connected to the connecting cavity (31); the third inlet (34) is connected to a water flow control structure (4), and the water flow control structure (4) can be used to inject water into the connecting cavity (31); The first outlet (32) is connected to the first inlet (15), the first steam outlet (16) is connected to the first steam inlet (24), and the second inlet (22) is connected to the second outlet (33).

3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water flow control structure (4) includes a first water pump (41), the outlet of the first water pump (41) is connected to the third water inlet (34), the inlet of the first water pump (41) is connected to the water source, and the first water pump (41) sends water from the water source into the connecting cavity (31).

4. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting structure (3) is also provided with a third outlet (35) connected to the connecting cavity (31), and the water flow control structure (4) also includes a second water pump (42); the third outlet (35) is also connected to the inlet of the second water pump (42), and the outlet of the second water pump (42) is connected to the water receiving container, and the second water pump (42) sends water from the connecting cavity (31) into the water receiving container.

5. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water vapor separation structure (2) is also provided with an overflow port (25) connected to the separation chamber (21), and the overflow port (25) is located below the second steam outlet (23).

6. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least a portion of the heating element (12) has its heating surface attached to the outside of the heated container (11), and the heating element (12) is arranged around the heated container (11).

7. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a shell (5), the heating structure (1), the water vapor separation structure (2) and the connecting structure (3) are all located inside the shell (5), and a heat insulation layer is provided on the shell (5).

8. The steam generator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a temperature controller (51), one side of which is attached to the heated container (11) or the heating element (12). The temperature controller (51) can be used to control the heating structure (1).

9. A cooking device, characterized in that, Includes the steam generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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