Steam generator with high steam generation efficiency and cooking equipment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a steam generator with high steam generation efficiency and cooking equipment. The steam generator comprises a shell and a top cover, and the shell and the top cover are matched to form a steam generating cavity; at least one heating plate and at least one spray pipe used for spraying water to the heating plate to generate steam are arranged in the steam generation cavity, and an air outlet used for leading out the steam is formed in the top cover; each heating plate comprises a first metal plate, a second metal plate and a heating piece arranged between the first metal plate and the second metal plate; at least one end of the spray pipe is connected with a water source, and a plurality of water spray holes are formed in the spray pipe. Compared with the prior art, the steam generator and the cooking equipment have the advantages that the steam generation efficiency is obviously improved, the energy consumption is reduced, and the steam generation speed is also improved.

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 with high steam generation efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing steam generators use a boiling-water heating method to produce steam by directly heating the water surface. However, this method can have several operational problems. Firstly, water droplets are often carried into the steam pipes, affecting steam quality and consequently cooking quality. Secondly, boiling-water heating has low heat transfer efficiency; the water needs to travel a long path to heat, resulting in slow steam generation and low energy efficiency. Thirdly, the heating power of boiling-water heating is often limited by its size; the limited power is insufficient to quickly heat large volumes of water, leading to a long response time and a slower heating process.

[0003] Furthermore, traditional steam generators struggle to achieve multi-level power adjustment, and their steam output fluctuates significantly during heating, failing to meet the precise steam quantity and temperature requirements of different cooking modes (such as steaming, baking, and cleaning). The heating element of traditional steam generators is located on the inner wall of the pipes, where scale buildup reduces the pipe diameter, narrows the water flow channel, and can even cause blockages. This not only affects the stability of steam output but can also lead to poor water flow within the generator, impacting steam quality.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems existing in the traditional steam generators mentioned above, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of steam generator suitable for cooking equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam generator and cooking equipment with high steam generation efficiency to solve at least one of the problems of low steam generation efficiency, slow speed and easy scale buildup in existing steam generators.

[0006] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] This utility model first provides a steam generator with high steam generation efficiency. The steam generator includes a shell and a top cover, and the shell and the top cover are fitted together to form a steam generation chamber.

[0008] The steam generation chamber is provided with at least one heating plate and at least one nozzle for spraying water onto the heating plate to generate steam, and the top cover is provided with an outlet for discharging steam.

[0009] Each heating plate includes a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a heating element disposed between the two; at least one end of the nozzle is used to connect to a water source, and the nozzle has a plurality of spray holes.

[0010] Furthermore, the housing is provided with an external water inlet for supplying water into the housing and a drain outlet for draining water.

[0011] Furthermore, the housing is equipped with a liquid level sensor, which includes a first liquid level sensor for monitoring the lowest water level and a second liquid level sensor for monitoring the highest water level.

[0012] Furthermore, the outer wall surfaces of the first and second metal plates are evaporation surfaces, which are arranged vertically or at an angle.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating element includes any one of a heating film, a heating plate, a heating tube, or a heating mesh.

[0014] Furthermore, the heating film includes any one of polyimide film, high-temperature silicone film, carbon fiber film, and ceramic heating film.

[0015] Furthermore, a sealing element is provided at the joint between the first metal plate and the second metal plate.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing element is preferably a sealing strip.

[0017] Furthermore, the heating element is connected to a thermostat for monitoring the temperature of the heating element.

[0018] Furthermore, the steam generation chamber is provided with a first heating plate and a second heating plate, as well as a first nozzle, a second nozzle and a third nozzle.

[0019] Furthermore, the first heating plate and the second heating plate are connected in parallel and controlled by the control system to operate individually or together.

[0020] Furthermore, the first nozzle and the third nozzle are respectively located on the outer sides of the first heating plate and the second heating plate, and the second nozzle is located between the first heating plate and the second heating plate.

[0021] Furthermore, both the first and third nozzles are single-sided openings, while the second nozzle is double-sided opening.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the nozzle is 2-4 mm, the outer diameter is 5-7 mm, and the diameter of the water spray hole is 0.5-1 mm.

[0023] This utility model also provides a cooking device, which includes a steam generator and further includes: a main body for mounting the steam generator; a cooking inner pot disposed within the main body; the cooking inner pot having a steam hole for introducing steam and an inner pot temperature sensor for detecting temperature; a water tank disposed on the main body; a water system for conveying water flow; and a gas system for conveying steam.

[0024] Furthermore, the water system includes a water pump, water pipes, and water pipe fittings for distributing water flow.

[0025] Furthermore, the water pipe includes a first water pipe connecting the water tank and the steam generator cavity, a second water pipe connecting the steam generator cavity and the water pump, a third water pipe connecting the water pump and the water pipe connector, and a distribution water pipe connecting the water pipe connector and the nozzle.

[0026] Furthermore, both the first water pipe and the distribution water pipe are equipped with solenoid valves.

[0027] Furthermore, the airway system includes an air tube connector and an air tube.

[0028] Furthermore, the gas pipe connector is connected to the gas outlet of the steam generator, one end of the gas pipe is connected to the gas pipe connector, and the other end is connected to the steam hole of the cooking inner pot.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] (1) The steam generator of this utility model is based on the falling film evaporation principle. Water is evenly distributed on the evaporation surface in the form of a thin film, which increases the evaporation area and makes water quickly turn into steam, significantly improving the steam generation efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0031] (2) The steam generator of this utility model aims to solve the problem of excessively long response time of existing steam generators. By introducing falling film evaporation technology, the evaporation process of water is accelerated, and stable steam is generated quickly, thereby greatly shortening the steam generation time, improving cooking efficiency, and meeting users' needs for rapid heating and efficient cooking.

[0032] (3) The steam generator of this utility model can work independently or together in single heating plate or dual heating plate mode, and can select multiple power modes to flexibly meet the needs of different ingredients and cooking methods. The steam generator can provide different steam outputs according to actual cooking needs. In high power mode, it can provide high temperature and large flow of steam to ensure cooking quality, while in low power mode, it avoids unnecessary energy waste and significantly improves the energy efficiency ratio of the equipment.

[0033] (4) The steam generator of this invention maintains the evaporation surface in the steam generation chamber within the ideal liquid film thickness range through a combination of liquid level control and circulating water design, thereby achieving stable steam generation. This avoids the steam fluctuation problem common in traditional evaporation methods, improves the precise control of temperature and humidity during the cooking process, and ensures the uniformity of food heating and cooking quality.

[0034] (5) The steam generator of this utility model combines falling film evaporation technology and circulating water design. It uses a vertical or inclined stainless steel plane as the evaporation surface, which makes the water flow less likely to stagnate, effectively reducing the deposition of scale, making it easy to clean and maintain, improving the long-term reliability and stability of the equipment, and reducing the occurrence rate of equipment failure. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator of this utility model.

[0036] Figure 2 These are side views and sectional views of the steam generator of this utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a front view of the steam generator of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the heating plate in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0039] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the heating plate of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second metal plate in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0041] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the steam generator of Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first nozzle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second nozzle in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the cooking device according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a front view of the cooking device according to Embodiment 4 of this utility model.

[0046] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the cooking device according to Embodiment 5 of this utility model.

[0047] Figure 13 This is a rear perspective view of the cooking equipment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model.

[0048] Figure 14 This is an exploded view of the cooking equipment of Embodiment 5 of this utility model.

[0049] Figure 15 This is an exploded view of the water system and gas system of Embodiment 5 of this utility model.

[0050] Explanation of markings in the diagram:

[0051] 1-Steam generator; 11-Housing; 111-Steam outlet; 112-External water inlet; 113-Drain outlet; 12-Top cover; 13-Heating plate; 131-First metal plate; 132-Second metal plate; 133-Heating element; 134-Sealing element; 135-Thermostat; 13a-First heating plate; 13b-Second heating plate; 14-Nozzle; 141-Water spray hole; 14a-First nozzle; 14b-Second nozzle; 14c-Third nozzle; 15-Level sensor; 151-First level sensor; 152-Second level sensor;

[0052] 2-Main body of the equipment;

[0053] 3-Cooking inner pot, 31-Steam hole, 311-First steam hole, 312-Second steam hole, 32-Inner pot temperature sensor;

[0054] 4-Water tank;

[0055] 5-Water system, 51-Water pump, 52-Water pipe, 521-First water pipe, 522-Second water pipe, 523-Third water pipe, 524-Distribution water pipe, 5241-Fourth water pipe, 5242-Fifth water pipe, 5243-Sixth water pipe, 53-Water pipe connector, 54-Solenoid valve, 541-First solenoid valve, 542-Second solenoid valve, 543-Third solenoid valve, 544-Fourth solenoid valve;

[0056] 6-Airway system, 61-Air pipe connector, 62-Air pipe, 621-First air pipe, 622-Second air pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is based on the technical solution of the present invention and provides detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0058] In this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 utility model; the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can be mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; they can be internal connections between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] 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.

[0060] Example 1:

[0061] This embodiment provides a steam generator with high steam generation efficiency. For example... Figure 1-3 As shown, the steam generator 1 in this embodiment includes a housing 11 and a top cover 12, which cooperate to form a steam generation chamber.

[0062] In this embodiment, the steam generation chamber is provided with at least one heating plate 13 and at least one nozzle 14 for spraying water onto the heating plate 13 to generate steam. The top cover 12 is provided with a corresponding air outlet 111 for discharging steam, through which the steam generated in the steam generation chamber is quickly discharged for subsequent use.

[0063] In this embodiment, the heating plate 13 includes a first metal plate 131, a second metal plate 132, and a heating element 133 disposed between the two. Placing the heating element 133 between the two metal plates effectively prevents moisture from affecting the heating element 133. In this embodiment, at least one end of the nozzle 14 is used to connect to a water source. The nozzle 14 has a plurality of water spray holes 141, through which the nozzle 14 can spray water onto the heating plate 13 for rapid falling film evaporation.

[0064] The steam generator in this embodiment is based on the falling film evaporation principle. By setting a heating plate 13 and a spray pipe 14 for spraying water in the steam generation chamber of the steam generator 1, water can be rapidly filmed and evaporated on the heating plate 13, thereby quickly converting water into usable steam. This can effectively improve the heating efficiency of the steam generator, shorten the steam generation time, and reduce the formation of scale. It can be widely used in various equipment with steam heating functions.

[0065] Example 2:

[0066] This embodiment provides a steam generator with high steam generation efficiency. The steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 11 and a top cover 12, which cooperate to form a steam generation chamber.

[0067] In this embodiment, the housing 11 is provided with an external water inlet 112 for supplying water into the housing 11 and a drain outlet 113 for draining water. The external water inlet 112 introduces water to ensure that a certain amount of water is always maintained inside the housing 11 to prevent dry burning; the drain outlet 113 drains the water stored in the cavity and the water that has not been completely evaporated.

[0068] In this embodiment, the steam generation chamber is provided with at least one heating plate 13 and at least one nozzle 14 for spraying water onto the heating plate 13 to generate steam. The top cover 12 is provided with a corresponding air outlet 111 for discharging steam, through which the steam generated in the steam generation chamber is quickly discharged for subsequent use.

[0069] At least one end of the nozzle 14 in this embodiment is used to connect to a water source. The nozzle 14 has several spray holes 141, through which water can be sprayed onto the heating plate 13 for rapid falling film evaporation. The housing 11 in this embodiment also includes a liquid level sensor 15, which includes a first liquid level sensor 151 for monitoring the lowest water level and a second liquid level sensor 152 for monitoring the highest water level.

[0070] like Figure 4-6As shown, the heating plate 13 in this embodiment includes a first metal plate 131, a second metal plate 132, and a heating element 133 disposed between them. The outer wall surfaces of the first metal plate 131 and the second metal plate 132 are evaporation surfaces, which are vertically or inclined to form a liquid film and achieve efficient falling film evaporation. The joint between the first metal plate 131 and the second metal plate 132 is also provided with a sealing element 134, which can be a conventional sealing element such as a sealing strip or a sealing ring, to prevent moisture leakage and ensure the safe operation of the steam generator 1. The heating element 133 includes any one of a heating film, a heating plate, or a heating mesh, and can specifically be a high-efficiency heating material such as a polyimide heating film or a high-temperature silicone heating film. The heating element 133 in this embodiment is also connected to a temperature controller 135 to monitor the temperature of the heating element 133 and ensure that the heating element 133 operates within a safe range.

[0071] Example 3:

[0072] This embodiment provides a steam generator with high steam generation efficiency. The steam generator 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 11 and a top cover 12, which cooperate to form a steam generation chamber.

[0073] The difference from Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 is that the steam generator 1 in this embodiment is multi-level adjustable. Specifically, as shown... Figure 7-9 As shown, the steam generation chamber of this embodiment is provided with two heating plates 13, namely a first heating plate 13a and a second heating plate 13b, and three nozzles 14, namely a first nozzle 14a, a second nozzle 14b, and a third nozzle 14c. The first nozzle 14a and the third nozzle 14c are respectively located on the outer sides of the first heating plate 13a and the second heating plate 13b, and both the first nozzle 14a and the third nozzle 14c are single-sided openings used to spray water onto the outer walls of the corresponding heating plates 13. The second nozzle 14b is located between the first heating plate 13a and the second heating plate 13b, and the second nozzle 14b is double-sided openings used to spray water onto the inner walls of the first heating plate 13a and the second heating plate 13b. The inner diameter of each of the three nozzles 14 is 2-4 mm, the outer diameter is 5-7 mm, and the diameter of the water spray hole 141 is 0.5-1 mm.

[0074] The working principle of the multi-level adjustment in this embodiment is as follows: At level 1, only the first nozzle 14a is used, spraying water from one side to the first heating plate 13a to meet low-power heating requirements. At level 2, in addition to the first nozzle 14a, the second nozzle 14b also starts working, spraying water from both sides to the first and second heating plates 13a and 13b to support medium-power heating. At level 3, the first, second, and third nozzles 14a and 14b are all activated. The first nozzle 14a sprays water from one side to the first heating plate 13a, the second nozzle 14b sprays water from both sides to the first and second heating plates 13a and 13b, and the third nozzle 14c sprays water from one side to the second heating plate 13b, collectively meeting high-power heating requirements. This multi-level adjustment enables efficient and flexible steam generation at different levels.

[0075] Example 4:

[0076] This embodiment provides a cooking device. For example... Figure 10-11 As shown, the cooking device of this embodiment includes the steam generator 1 described in Embodiment 1, and also includes a device body 2 for mounting the steam generator 1, a cooking inner pot 3 disposed in the device body 2, a water tank 4 disposed on the device body 2, a water system 5 for conveying water flow, and a gas system 6 for conveying steam.

[0077] In this embodiment, the steam generator 1 can be mounted on the side wall of the main body 2. The cooking pot 3 is the core cooking cavity of the cooking equipment, used to hold and heat food. In this embodiment, the cooking pot 3 is provided with a steam hole 31 for introducing steam and a pot temperature sensor 32 for detecting temperature. The steam hole 31 is used to introduce steam from the steam generator 1 into the cooking pot 3, ensuring that the steam is evenly distributed within the cooking pot 3 to meet different cooking needs. The pot temperature sensor 32 is used to monitor the temperature changes inside the cooking pot 3 in real time and provide temperature data.

[0078] Example 5:

[0079] This embodiment provides a cooking device, specifically including a steam generator 1, a main body 2, a cooking inner pot 3, a water tank 4, a water system 5, and a gas system 6.

[0080] The difference from Example 4 is that, as Figure 12-15As shown, the water system 5 in this embodiment is responsible for transporting water from the water tank 4 to the steam generator 1, and forming a water flow circulation through the inlet and outlet on the cavity under the action of the water pump 51 outside the cavity to support steam generation. Specifically, the water system 5 in this embodiment includes a water pump 51, water pipes 52, and water pipe connectors 53 for distributing the water flow. The water pipes 52 include a first water pipe 521 connecting the water tank 4 to the cavity of the steam generator 1, a second water pipe 522 connecting the cavity of the steam generator 1 to the water pump 51, a third water pipe 523 connecting the water pump 51 to the water pipe connector 53, and a distribution water pipe 524 connecting the water pipe connector 53 to the nozzle 14. Both the first water pipe 521 and the distribution water pipe 524 are equipped with solenoid valves 54 to control the on / off state of the water pipes 52, thereby cooperating with the flow control system to achieve precise water flow regulation.

[0081] The gas system 6 in this embodiment includes a gas pipe connector 61 and a gas pipe 62. The gas pipe connector 61 is connected to the gas outlet 111 of the steam generator 1, and one end of the gas pipe 62 is connected to the gas pipe connector 61, and the other end is connected to the steam hole 31 of the cooking inner pot 3, for conveying the steam generated in the steam generator 1 to the cooking inner pot 3.

[0082] Example 6:

[0083] This embodiment provides a high-efficiency steam generator 1 and a specific cooking device including the steam generator 1.

[0084] In this embodiment, the steam generator 1 is the core unit for steam generation, responsible for heating water to the temperature required to produce steam, and rapidly generating stable steam through efficient falling film evaporation technology. The steam generator 1 mainly includes a housing 11, a top cover 12, a heating plate 13, a nozzle 14, and a liquid level sensor 15. The housing 11 is equipped with an external water inlet 112 and a drain outlet 113, while the top cover 12 is equipped with a steam outlet 111.

[0085] The housing 11 is used to cover the heating plate 13, ensuring its structural integrity and providing necessary protection, while sealing it with the top cover 12 to form a cavity, preventing steam leakage and improving system safety.

[0086] The top cover 12 and the housing 11 cooperate to form a sealed cavity, preventing steam leakage and facilitating the installation and maintenance of internal components. The evaporation heating plate 13 is fixed to the top cover 12, maintaining a certain distance from other components inside the cavity.

[0087] The external water inlet 112 is used to introduce water from the water tank 4 into the sealed cavity. The water flows through the external water inlet 112 into the steam generator 1 and supplies the heating plate 13 for evaporation. The water flows steadily into the system through the external water inlet 112 connected to the first water pipe 521, providing the necessary water volume for steam generation.

[0088] The drain outlet 113 is located at the bottom of the cavity, where water entering from the external water inlet 112 is discharged and sent to the spray pipe 14 by the water pump 51. The water is sprayed onto the heating plate 13 in the spray pipe 14, where some of the water is converted into steam, and the unevaporated water returns to the bottom to continue circulating, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of steam generation.

[0089] The vent 111 is located on the top cover 12 and is used to discharge the generated steam into the cooking pot 3 of the cooking equipment through the vent pipe 62. The vent 111 ensures that the steam can be smoothly discharged from the steam generator 1 and enter the cooking pot 3 for cooking.

[0090] In this embodiment, the nozzle 14 is used to spray water onto the heating plate 13 to promote steam generation. In operation at setting 1, only the first nozzle 14a is used, spraying water from one side onto the first heating plate 13a to meet low-power heating requirements. In operation at setting 2, in addition to the first nozzle 14a, the second nozzle 14b also starts working, spraying water from both sides onto the first and second heating plates 13b to support medium-power heating. In operation at setting 3, all three nozzles 14 (first nozzle 14a, second nozzle 14b, and third nozzle 14c) are activated. The first nozzle 14a sprays water from one side onto the first heating plate 13a, the second nozzle 14b sprays water from both sides onto both heating plates 13a and 13b, and the third nozzle 14c sprays water from one side onto the second heating plate 13b, collectively meeting high-power heating requirements. By coordinating the operating states of the nozzle 14 with the flow rate adjustment of the water pump 51 and the power adjustment of the heating plate 13, efficient and flexible steam generation can be achieved at different speeds. The inner diameter of the nozzle 14 ranges from 2mm to 4mm, preferably 3mm; the outer diameter ranges from 5mm to 7mm, preferably 6mm; the orifice diameter of the nozzle 141 ranges from 0.5mm to 1mm, preferably 0.5mm, and the material is food-grade stainless steel.

[0091] In this embodiment, the nozzles 14 are of two types: the first nozzle 14a and the third nozzle 14c are located outside the heating plate 13, with a single-sided opening design, and can be arranged in single or double configurations as needed to provide uniform or non-uniform water spray. The second nozzle 14b is located between the two heating plates 13, with a double-sided opening design, and can be arranged in single or double configurations. It can adjust the water flow distribution according to needs, ensuring that the steam generation effect is adjustable, and optimizing the uniformity of steam according to actual requirements.

[0092] The level sensor 15 is used to monitor the water level in the steam generator 1 to ensure that the water level is within the normal range. The level sensor 15 is placed in two locations.

[0093] The first liquid level sensor 151 is located at the bottom of the steam generator 1, approximately 10 mm from the bottom, and is used to detect the minimum water level. When the water level is below this position, the liquid level sensor 151 will stop the heating plate 13 from being powered on and issue an alarm through the control system to prevent dry burning. The first liquid level sensor 151 can be used in conjunction with the water pump 51 or the solenoid valve 54 as needed. In this embodiment, the water tank 4 is placed above the steam generator 1, and the water flows into the steam generator 1 by gravity. The solenoid valve 54 is mainly used to control the water flow.

[0094] The second liquid level sensor 152 is located at the lowest water level below the heating plate 13 and is used to control the highest water level. When the water level reaches this position, the system stops water intake to prevent excessive water flow into the system and submerge the heating plate 13, ensuring stable heating. This sensor can also be used in conjunction with the water pump 51 or the solenoid valve 54; in this embodiment, the solenoid valve 54 is used. When the water level reaches the highest point, the solenoid valve 54 opens, stopping water intake and preventing the water level from becoming too high.

[0095] The heating plate 13 is a key heating component in the steam generator 1. In this embodiment, two heating plates 13 are configured and installed inside the cavity of the steam generator 1. The two heating plates 13 operate independently and are connected in parallel. They are managed by a control system (such as a microcontroller) and dynamically adjusted through logic control. They can operate individually or together as needed, thereby achieving flexible adjustment of multiple power levels. For example, the power of the two heating plates 13 can be 1000W and 1200W respectively. The system can select to activate one heating plate 13 individually (1000W or 1200W) or both heating plates 13 to work simultaneously (total 2200W) as needed. This multi-power configuration allows for flexible adjustment of steam output. In this embodiment, the shape, structure, or layout of the heating plates 13 can be adjusted. For example, heating plates 13 of different thicknesses or shapes can be used, or adjustable surfaces can be designed to improve heat exchange efficiency, such as surface grooves or micropores.

[0096] The heating plate 13 in this embodiment mainly consists of a first metal plate 131, a second metal plate 132, a heating film, a temperature controller 135, and a sealing element 134.

[0097] The heating film, serving as the heating element 133 of the heating plate 13, is responsible for providing heat. The heating film can be directly adhered to the first metal plate 131 using a back adhesive. The heating film may be made of high-efficiency heating materials such as polyimide film or high-temperature silicone film; alternatively, carbon fiber film, ceramic heating film, or a heating tube may be used instead of the heating film to achieve the desired heating effect.

[0098] The first metal plate 131 serves as the supporting substrate for the heating film and is made of food-grade stainless steel or other high-temperature resistant and corrosion-resistant metal materials. Its main function is to provide stable support for the heating film and act as a medium for heat conduction. Heat is transferred from the heating film to the metal plate, preventing water from directly contacting the heating film. Water can be sprayed directly onto the surface of the metal plate through the spray pipe 14, utilizing the heat of the metal plate to complete the falling film evaporation process.

[0099] The second metal plate 132 is connected to the first metal plate 131 via threaded fasteners, forming a sealed structure. The two metal plates completely enclose the heating film, protecting it and preventing damage from water or steam. To accommodate the installation requirements of the thermostat 135 and the space requirements of the heating film interface and wiring, the surface of the second metal plate 132 is specially designed with corresponding raised structures, providing installation and operating space for the thermostat 135 and wiring.

[0100] The thermostat 135 is a bimetallic thermostat used to monitor the temperature of the heating film. The thermostat 135 operates in series with the heating film, ensuring that the heating film operates within a safe range by detecting temperature changes. When the temperature of the heating film exceeds a set threshold, the thermostat 135 automatically cuts off the power to the heating circuit to prevent overheating and ensure system safety.

[0101] The rubber strip, as a sealing element 134, is located at the joint between the heating plate 13 and the metal plate, mainly used to prevent moisture leakage. The rubber strip has good sealing performance, effectively isolating the water flow inside the heating plate 13 from the external environment, ensuring the safe operation of the steam generator 1.

[0102] The cooking apparatus of this embodiment includes a water system 5 and a gas system 6 connected to a steam generator 1. The water system 5 is responsible for transporting water from the water tank 4 to the steam generator 1 and forming a circulation within the cavity to support steam generation. The gas system 6 is used to connect to the steam outlet of the steam generator 1 and transport the steam generated within the steam generation cavity to the cooking inner pot 3.

[0103] The water system 5 includes a water pump 51, water pipes 52, and water pipe connectors 53. Among them, the water pipes 52 include a first water pipe 521, a second water pipe 522, a third water pipe 523, a fourth water pipe 5241, a fifth water pipe 5242, and a sixth water pipe 5243, and the water pipe connectors 53 are four-way water pipe connectors.

[0104] The first water pipe 521 transports water from the water tank 4 to the evaporator cavity, serving as the basic water source for heating and steam generation. The first water pipe 521 is responsible for transporting water from the water tank 4 to the evaporator cavity by gravity. Based on the gravity-driven characteristics of water flow, the inner diameter range is 6mm-8mm, preferably 7mm; the outer diameter range is 10mm-12mm, preferably 10mm. The second water pipe 522 introduces water from the bottom of the cavity into the water pump 51. The recommended pipe diameter range is 4mm-6mm inner diameter and 6mm-8mm outer diameter, preferably 5mm inner diameter and 7mm outer diameter. The third water pipe 523 transports water from the water pump 51 to the four-way water pipe connector. This pipe is responsible for transporting water pressurized by the water pump 51 to the four-way water pipe connector. The pipe diameter range is 4mm-6mm inner diameter and 6mm-8mm outer diameter, preferably 5mm inner diameter and 7mm outer diameter. The fourth water pipe 5241 is responsible for distributing water from the four-way water pipe joint to the first nozzle 14a. The pipe diameter ranges from 3mm to 5mm inner diameter and 5mm to 7mm outer diameter, preferably 4mm inner diameter and 6mm outer diameter. The fifth water pipe 5242 is responsible for distributing water from the four-way water pipe joint to the second nozzle 14b. The pipe diameter ranges from 3mm to 5mm inner diameter and 5mm to 7mm outer diameter, preferably 4mm inner diameter and 6mm outer diameter. The sixth water pipe 5243 is responsible for distributing water from the four-way water pipe joint to the third nozzle 14c. The pipe diameter ranges from 3mm to 5mm inner diameter and 5mm to 7mm outer diameter, preferably 4mm inner diameter and 6mm outer diameter.

[0105] The main function of water pump 51 is to provide water flow power, delivering water from water tank 4 into the evaporator cavity and distributing it to each nozzle 14. At different speeds, the operating state of water pump 51 is adjusted based on feedback from the inner tank temperature sensor 32 and changes in heating power, thereby controlling the flow rate of water pump 51. The flow rate range of water pump 51 is adjustable between 200ml / min and 600ml / min as needed to ensure that the water flow rate matches the steam generation requirements under different operating conditions. A four-way water pipe connector is used to evenly distribute water from the steam generator 1 cavity to the fourth water pipe 5241, the fifth water pipe 5242, and the sixth water pipe 5243, ensuring that water flow can effectively supply each nozzle 14.

[0106] In this embodiment, a solenoid valve 54 is provided on the water pipe 52 to control the on / off state of the water pipe 52 and to regulate the water flow in conjunction with the flow control system. In low-power operation (such as when the single heating plate 13 is working), the solenoid valve 54 optimizes the steam generation efficiency by adjusting the water supply state of the nozzle 14. Specifically, the first solenoid valve 541 controls the on / off state of the first water pipe 521 to regulate the amount of water supplied from the water tank 4 into the steam generator 1 cavity by gravity, ensuring that the water level in the cavity is maintained within a suitable range; the second solenoid valve 542 controls the on / off state of the fourth water pipe 5241 to manage the opening and closing of the water flow to the first nozzle 14a; the third solenoid valve 543 controls the on / off state of the fifth water pipe 5242 to manage the opening and closing of the water flow to the second nozzle 14b; and the fourth solenoid valve 544 controls the on / off state of the sixth water pipe 5243 to manage the opening and closing of the water flow to the third nozzle 14c.

[0107] The gas system 6 of this embodiment includes a gas pipe 62 and a gas pipe connector 61. The gas pipe 62 includes a first gas pipe 621 and a second gas pipe 622. The first gas pipe 621 connects the steam generator 1 to the first steam hole 311 of the cooking inner pot 3, and is used to deliver steam to the upper part of the cooking inner pot 3. The second gas pipe 622 connects the steam generator 1 to the second steam hole 312 of the cooking inner pot 3, and is used to deliver steam to the lower part of the cooking inner pot 3. The gas pipe connector 61 is a three-way gas pipe connector, which distributes the steam in the cavity of the steam generator 1 to the first gas pipe 621 and the second gas pipe 622, ensuring that steam is delivered to the upper second steam hole 312 of the cooking inner pot 3.

[0108] This embodiment also provides a cooking device equipped with an adjustable power steam generator 1, which can flexibly adjust the steam output according to different cooking needs to suit different ingredients or different working states. The cooking device mainly includes a main body 2, a cooking inner pot 3, a water tank 4, and the water system 5 and gas system 6 mentioned above.

[0109] The main body 2, serving as the external structure of the equipment, primarily functions to protect and support the internal components. It may also be equipped with a control panel or user interface for convenient operation. The inner cooking pot 3 is the core cooking cavity of the equipment, used to hold and heat food. It is made of food-grade stainless steel with a thickness ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm, preferably 1.5mm. The internal dimensions range from a height of 190mm to 210mm, preferably 200mm; a width of 340mm to 360mm, preferably 350mm; and a depth of 240mm to 260mm, preferably 250mm. The surface of the inner cooking pot 3 may be polished or coated with a non-stick coating for easy cleaning and to reduce food adhesion.

[0110] Water tank 4 is the water source for steam generator 1, responsible for storing the water needed for cooking and supplying it to the evaporation chamber of steam generator 1 via gravity or water pump 51 to ensure continuous steam generation. When water tank 4 is placed above the evaporator, water is supplied by gravity; if placed at the bottom of the device, an additional water pump 51 is required to provide the water supply power. Water tank 4 is typically made of food-grade plastic. The dimensions of water tank 4 range from 240mm to 260mm in height, preferably 250mm; 70mm to 90mm in width, preferably 80mm; and 40mm to 60mm in depth, preferably 50mm. Water tank 4 features a removable design for easy water addition, cleaning, and maintenance.

[0111] Steam holes 31 are used to introduce steam from the steam generator 1 into the cooking inner pot 3, ensuring that the steam is evenly distributed in the cavity to meet different cooking needs. Among them, the first steam hole 311 is located on the upper right back of the cooking inner pot 3 and is responsible for delivering steam to the upper area of ​​the cooking inner pot 3; the second steam hole 312 is located on the lower left back of the cooking inner pot 3 and is responsible for delivering steam to the lower area of ​​the cooking inner pot 3.

[0112] The inner pot temperature sensor 32 is used to monitor the temperature changes inside the cooking inner pot 3 in real time and provide temperature data. The inner pot temperature sensor 32 feeds back the collected temperature signal to the PLC control system to adjust the heating power of the steam generator 1 or the flow rate of the water pump 51, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity inside the steam generator 1 cavity and optimizing the cooking effect.

[0113] The method of using the cooking equipment in this embodiment is as follows:

[0114] During cooking, water in tank 4 is transported to the steam generation chamber via the first water pipe 521 by gravity. When the water level rises to the position of the second liquid level sensor 152, the first solenoid valve 541 closes the first water pipe 521, stopping the water supply. Water in the chamber and water that has not fully evaporated flow into the water pump 51 through the drain port 113, and are then pressurized and transported to the nozzle system by the water pump 51. Water is evenly distributed on the evaporation surface of the stainless steel heating plate 13 through the first nozzle 14a, the second nozzle 14b, and the third nozzle 14c, forming a dynamic thin water film to promote efficient steam generation. When the water level in the evaporation chamber drops below the first liquid level sensor 151, the first solenoid valve 541 reopens the first water pipe 521, restoring the water supply. This process is repeated to ensure continuous steam generation. After the heating film in the heating plate 13 is energized, heat is transferred to the surface of the heating plate 13 through the first metal plate 131 and the second metal plate 132, rapidly heating the thin water film and converting it into steam. Steam is discharged through the vent 111 and enters the cooking inner pot 3 through the first steam hole 311 and the second steam hole 312 respectively, so as to heat the food evenly.

[0115] During operation, the temperature controller 135 monitors the temperature of the heating film in real time to ensure that the equipment remains within a safe operating range. When the temperature exceeds the set threshold, the temperature controller 135 cuts off the power to the heating film to prevent overheating; once the temperature returns to normal, the temperature controller 135 recloses the circuit to resume the heating function. Furthermore, the inner tank temperature sensor 32 transmits real-time temperature signals to the PLC control system. The PLC control system adjusts the operating status of the water pump 51 based on the temperature feedback signal to maintain the optimal liquid film thickness on the heating plate 13, thereby ensuring a stable steam generation process.

[0116] In this embodiment, the steam generator 1 independently controls the operating states of the heating plate 13 and the water pump 51 to achieve multiple power modes, efficiently generating steam according to different cooking needs and providing flexible heating solutions. Specifically, at different power levels, by adjusting the number of working nozzles 14 and the power configuration of the heating plate 13 (single or double heating plates), low, medium, and high power heating needs can be flexibly met. Simultaneously, the flow rate of the water pump 51 is automatically adjusted based on feedback from the inner tank temperature sensor 32 to ensure that the water flow rate matches the steam generation requirements.

[0117] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A steam generator with high steam generation efficiency, characterized in that, The steam generator (1) includes a housing (11) and a top cover (12), and the housing (11) and the top cover (12) cooperate to form a steam generation chamber; The steam generating chamber is provided with at least one heating plate (13) and at least one nozzle (14) for spraying water onto the heating plate (13) to generate steam, and the top cover (12) is provided with an outlet (111) for discharging steam. Each heating plate (13) includes a first metal plate (131), a second metal plate (132), and a heating element (133) disposed between the two; at least one end of the nozzle (14) is used to connect to a water source, and a plurality of water spray holes (141) are provided on the nozzle (14).

2. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (11) is provided with an external water inlet (112) for supplying water into the housing (11) and a drain outlet (113) for draining water.

3. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (11) is provided with a liquid level sensor (15), which includes a first liquid level sensor (151) for monitoring the lowest water level and a second liquid level sensor (152) for monitoring the highest water level.

4. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall surfaces of the first metal plate (131) and the second metal plate (132) are evaporation surfaces, which are arranged vertically or inclined. The heating element (133) includes any one of a heating film, a heating plate, a heating tube, or a heating mesh.

5. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, A sealing element (134) is provided at the joint between the first metal plate (131) and the second metal plate (132); The heating element (133) is connected to a thermostat (135) for monitoring the temperature of the heating element (133).

6. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generation chamber is provided with a first heating plate (13a) and a second heating plate (13b), as well as a first nozzle (14a), a second nozzle (14b) and a third nozzle (14c); The first nozzle (14a) and the third nozzle (14c) are respectively located on the outside of the first heating plate (13a) and the second heating plate (13b), and the second nozzle (14b) is located between the first heating plate (13a) and the second heating plate (13b).

7. A high-efficiency steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first nozzle (14a) and the third nozzle (14c) are both single-sided openings, while the second nozzle (14b) is double-sided opening; The inner diameter of the nozzle (14) is 2-4 mm, the outer diameter is 5-7 mm, and the diameter of the water spray hole (141) is 0.5-1 mm.

8. A cooking device, characterized in that, The cooking apparatus includes the steam generator (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, and further includes: Equipment body (2) for mounting steam generator (1); A cooking liner (3) is provided inside the main body (2) of the equipment; the cooking liner (3) is provided with a steam hole (31) for introducing steam and a liner temperature sensor (32) for detecting temperature; A water tank (4) is installed on the main body (2) of the equipment; Waterway system for transporting water (5); Gas path system for transporting steam (6).

9. A cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water system (5) includes a water pump (51), a water pipe (52), and a water pipe connector (53) for distributing water flow; The water pipe (52) includes a first water pipe (521) connecting the water tank (4) and the steam generator (1) cavity, a second water pipe (522) connecting the steam generator (1) cavity and the water pump (51), a third water pipe (523) connecting the water pump (51) and the water pipe joint (53), and a distribution water pipe (524) connecting the water pipe joint (53) and the nozzle (14). Solenoid valves (54) are provided on both the first water pipe (521) and the distribution water pipe (524).

10. A cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air system (6) includes an air pipe connector (61) and an air pipe (62); The gas pipe connector (61) is connected to the gas outlet (111) of the steam generator (1), one end of the gas pipe (62) is connected to the gas pipe connector (61), and the other end is connected to the steam hole (31) of the cooking inner pot (3).

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