Steam generator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a steam generator which comprises a shell, a heating cavity is formed in the shell, a water inlet communicated with the heating cavity is formed in one side of the shell, and an air outlet communicated with the heating cavity is formed in the top of the other side of the shell; a heating source is arranged in the heating body, the heating body is connected into the heating cavity, a lower gap is formed between the bottom surface of the heating body and the bottom surface of the heating cavity, an upper gap is formed between the top surface of the heating body and the top surface of the heating cavity, a side gap is formed between the side wall of the heating body and the side wall of the heating cavity, and the upper gap is communicated with the side wall of the heating cavity. According to the water heater, an area where water can flow on the outer side of the heating body is formed in the heating cavity, the heat utilization rate and the water heating efficiency are improved, the risk that the shell is damaged by hot melting is reduced, and the overall use stability in long-time work is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a heating device, and more particularly to a steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] Steam mops, floor scrubbers, and similar products require an internal steam generator to heat incoming water and supply steam. Current steam generators, limited by production costs, typically use plastic casings. When the heating source inside the plastic casing heats the incoming water, heat is transferred to the casing. Especially when a large volume of steam is needed, the required heating temperature is higher, which can melt the plastic casing, causing damage or deformation, affecting its sealing performance, and reducing the lifespan of the steam generator. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a steam generator that minimizes the impact on the casing structure during steam generation. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam generator to solve one or more technical problems existing in the prior art, and at least provide a beneficial option or create conditions.

[0004] The solution to the technical problem of this utility model is:

[0005] A steam generator includes: a shell having a heating chamber inside, a water inlet communicating with the heating chamber on one side of the shell, and an air outlet communicating with the heating chamber on the top of the other side of the shell; a heating element having a heating source inside, the heating element being connected to the heating chamber, a lower gap being provided between the bottom surface of the heating element and the bottom surface of the heating chamber, an upper gap being provided between the top surface of the heating element and the top surface of the heating chamber, and a side gap being provided between the side wall of the heating element and the side wall of the heating chamber, the side gap communicating with the upper gap and the lower gap.

[0006] This technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: External water can be input into the heating chamber through the inlet. The lower gap between the bottom surface of the heating element and the bottom surface of the heating chamber creates a water flow area; the upper gap between the top surface of the heating element and the top surface of the heating chamber creates a water flow area; and the side gap between the side wall of the heating element and the side wall of the heating chamber creates a water flow area. Water fills from bottom to top into the lower, side, and upper gaps, surrounding the outside of the heating element. When the heating source is working, it heats the heating element, and the heat from the heating element is transferred to the heating chamber, heating the external water surrounding it. During this process, the heating element… The heat directly heats the water in the lower, side, and upper gaps, and the resulting water vapor is discharged from the vent. This creates an area in the heating chamber where water can flow outside the heating element. The heat from the heating element can be directly used to heat the water, improving heat utilization and water heating efficiency. While achieving the required steam volume, the heating temperature required by the heating source can be reduced, increasing vaporization rate and heating efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and lowering the risk of thermally melting the outer shell. In addition, the area connecting the outer side of the heating element and the heating chamber is less prone to scale buildup, improving the overall stability during long-term operation.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the outer shell includes an upper cover, a connecting frame, and a lower cover connected sequentially from top to bottom. The upper cover, the connecting frame, and the lower cover enclose the heating chamber. The water inlet and the heating element are respectively disposed on the connecting frame, and the air outlet is disposed on the upper cover. The upper cover is connected to the top side of the connecting frame, sealing the space above the connecting frame. At this time, an upper gap is formed between the upper cover and the heating element disposed inside the connecting frame. Similarly, the lower cover is connected to the bottom side of the connecting frame, sealing the space below the connecting frame. At this time, a lower gap is formed between the lower cover and the heating element. The side gap formed between the heating element and the inner side of the connecting frame allows the upper gap and the lower gap to communicate with each other. In this way, water flows from the connecting frame into the area formed between the lower cover and the heating element, and gradually fills the area between the connecting frame and the heating element, as well as the area formed between the upper cover and the heating element. The water vapor generated after heating flows in the area formed between the upper cover and the heating element and is discharged from the air outlet.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a temperature protector is provided on the bottom side of the lower cover, and the temperature protector is electrically connected to the heating source. The sensing end of the temperature protector can be pressed against the lower cover, the heating chamber, or the heating element to measure the temperature of the lower cover, the heating chamber, or the heating element. When the temperature of the lower cover, the heating chamber, or the heating element exceeds a set value, the temperature protector can cut off the power to the heating source to prevent the heating source from overheating.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a boss is provided on the top surface of the middle part of the lower cover. The boss has an installation channel running vertically through it. The sensing end of the temperature protector extends into the installation channel. A connecting protrusion is formed on the bottom side of the heating element, directly opposite the installation channel. The connecting protrusion is fitted into the installation channel and abuts against the sensing end of the temperature protector. When installing the lower cover, the connecting protrusion on the bottom side of the heating element is aligned with the installation channel, so that the connecting protrusion fits into the installation channel, improving the efficiency and structural stability of the lower cover installation. When installing the temperature protector, the sensing end of the temperature protector is extended into the installation channel. The installation channel allows for quick positioning of the temperature protector, improving the installation efficiency and structural stability of the temperature protector. In addition, by abutting the sensing end of the temperature protector against the connecting protrusion, the heating temperature of the heating element can be directly detected, thus improving the accuracy of temperature monitoring and thereby improving the precision of steam output control.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the top surface of the boss abuts against the heating element, and a first sealing ring is provided between the boss and the heating element, the first sealing ring being located around the connecting protrusion. The top surface of the boss abuts against the heating element, forming a seal through mutual contact, and the first sealing ring between the boss and the heating element further enhances the sealing structure around the connecting protrusion. This effectively reduces the infiltration of water or moisture into the installation channel, thus minimizing its impact on the normal operation of the temperature protector.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a second sealing ring is provided at the connection between the upper cover and the connecting frame, and a third sealing ring is provided at the connection between the lower cover and the connecting frame. The second sealing ring can fill the assembly gap between the upper cover and the connecting frame, enhancing the sealing performance between the upper cover and the connecting frame. Similarly, the third sealing ring can fill the assembly gap between the lower cover and the connecting frame, enhancing the sealing performance between the lower cover and the connecting frame.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, a reinforcing rib is provided between the heating element and the inner sidewall of the connecting frame. The reinforcing rib enhances the stability of the heating element during installation within the connecting frame, reduces the stress on the heating element when subjected to water flow impact at the connection point, and makes the overall structure more reliable.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the heating source includes a heating tube, which is U-shaped and disposed within the heating body. Both ends of the heating tube extend out of the heating body and are connected to silicone connectors. The U-shaped heating tube extends the total length within the heating source, improving the efficiency of heating the heating body. The silicone connectors further seal the connection points between the external electrical components and the ends of the heating tube, thereby improving waterproofing and preventing electrical leakage.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the bottom side of the upper cover is provided with a plurality of first protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions on the bottom side of the upper cover can block the water flow passing between the upper cover and the heating element, slow down the flow speed of the water inside, increase the heat exchange time with the heating element, and thus further improve the heating efficiency of the water in the heating chamber.

[0015] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the top side of the lower cover is provided with multiple second protrusions. Similarly, the multiple second protrusions on the top side of the lower cover can block the water flow between the lower cover and the heating element, slow down the water flow speed inside, increase the heat exchange time with the heating element, and thus further improve the heating efficiency of water in the heating chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly explained below. Obviously, the described drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Those skilled in the art can obtain other design schemes and drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the entire utility model.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an overall exploded view of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the connecting frame of this utility model.

[0020] In the attached diagram: 100-outer shell, 110-water inlet, 120-air outlet, 130-top cover, 140-connecting frame, 141-reinforcing rib, 150-bottom cover, 151-protrusion, 152-installation channel, 153-second protrusion, 210-heating element, 211-connecting protrusion, 220-heating tube, 221-silicone connector, 300-temperature protector, 410-first sealing ring, 420-second sealing ring, 430-third sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0024] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A steam generator includes a housing 100 and a heating element 210. The housing 100 has a heating chamber inside. One side of the housing 100 has a water inlet 110 communicating with the heating chamber, and the top of the other side of the housing 100 has a steam outlet 120 communicating with the heating chamber. The heating element 210 has a heating source inside and is connected to the heating chamber. A lower gap is provided between the bottom surface of the heating element 210 and the bottom surface of the heating chamber, and an upper gap is provided between the top surface of the heating element 210 and the top surface of the heating chamber. The sidewalls of the heating element 210 are connected to the heating chamber. Side gaps are provided between the side walls of the heating chamber. The side gaps are interconnected with the upper gap and the lower gap. In practical applications, one side of the heating body 210 is connected to one side wall inside the heating chamber. Multiple side gaps that allow water to flow through are formed between the other side walls of the heating body 210 and the heating chamber. That is, a side area that allows water to flow through is formed between the side wall of the heating body 210 and the inner side of the heating chamber. Similarly, an upper area that allows water to flow is formed between the top side of the heating body 210 and the top side of the heating chamber, and a lower area that allows water to flow is formed between the bottom side of the heating body 210 and the bottom side of the heating chamber.

[0026] As described above, external water can be input into the heating chamber through the inlet 110. The lower gap between the bottom surface of the heating element 210 and the bottom surface of the heating chamber, the upper gap between the top surface of the heating element 210 and the top surface of the heating chamber, and the side gap between the side wall of the heating element 210 and the side wall of the heating chamber all create areas for water flow. Water is filled from bottom to top into the lower, side, and upper gaps, surrounding the outside of the heating element 210. When the heating source is working, it heats the heating element 210, and the heat from the heating element 210 is transferred to the heating chamber, heating the external water surrounding it. During this process, the heat from the heating element 210... The water in the lower, side, and upper gaps is directly heated, and the generated steam is discharged from the outlet 120. This creates an area in the heating chamber where water can flow outside the heating element 210. The heat from the heating element 210 can be directly used to heat the water, improving heat utilization and heating efficiency. While achieving the required steam volume, the heating temperature required by the heating source can be reduced, increasing vaporization rate and heating efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and reducing the risk of thermally melting the outer shell 100. In addition, the area connecting the outer side of the heating element 210 and the heating chamber is less prone to scale buildup, improving the overall stability during long-term operation.

[0027] The outer casing 100 may include multiple modularly assembled parts. Specifically, the outer casing 100 includes an upper cover 130, a connecting frame 140, and a lower cover 150 connected sequentially from top to bottom. The upper cover 130, the connecting frame 140, and the lower cover 150 form the heating chamber. The water inlet 110 and the heating element 210 are respectively disposed on the connecting frame 140, and the air outlet 120 is disposed on the upper cover 130. The upper cover 130 is connected to the top side of the connecting frame 140, sealing the space above the connecting frame 140. At this time, an upper gap is formed between the upper cover 130 and the heating element 210 located inside the connecting frame 140. Similarly, the lower cover 150 is connected to the bottom side of the connecting frame 140, sealing the space below the connecting frame 140. At this time, a lower gap is formed between the lower cover 150 and the heating element 210. The side gap formed between the heating element 210 and the inner side of the connecting frame 140 can connect the upper gap and the lower gap. In this way, water flows from the connecting frame 140 into the area formed between the lower cover 150 and the heating element 210, and gradually fills the area between the connecting frame 140 and the heating element 210, as well as the area formed between the upper cover 130 plate and the heating element 210. The water vapor generated after heating flows in the area formed between the upper cover 130 plate and the heating element 210, and is discharged from the air outlet 120.

[0028] In practical applications, the heating element 210 can be directly formed inside the connecting frame 140. At this time, the heating element 210 and the connecting frame 140 are made of metal, such as die-cast aluminum alloy. The upper cover 130 and the lower cover 150 can be made of the same material as the connecting frame 140. However, in order to reduce production costs, the upper cover 130 and the lower cover 150 can be made of plastic.

[0029] To better control the heating temperature, in this embodiment, a temperature protector 300 is provided on the bottom side of the lower cover 150, and the temperature protector 300 is electrically connected to the heating source. The sensing end of the temperature protector 300 can abut against the lower cover 150, the heating chamber, or the heating element 210 to measure the temperature of the lower cover 150, the heating chamber, or the heating element 210. When the temperature of the lower cover 150, the heating chamber, or the heating element 210 exceeds the set value, the temperature protector can cut off the power to the heating source to prevent the heating source from overheating. In practical applications, the heating source and the temperature protector 300 are electrically connected to the controller. The controller determines whether the temperature measured by the temperature protector 300 exceeds the set value. When the measured temperature exceeds the set value, the controller controls the temperature protector 300 to disconnect, thereby stopping the heating source from continuing to work.

[0030] The temperature protector 300 can have multiple temperature measuring points. For example, it can be installed on the lower cover 150 to directly measure the temperature of the lower cover 150. To make the heating and temperature measurement more intuitive, in this embodiment, a boss 151 is provided on the top surface of the middle part of the lower cover 150. The boss 151 is provided with a mounting channel 152 that runs through the vertical direction. The sensing end of the temperature protector 300 extends into the mounting channel 152. A connecting protrusion 211 is formed on the bottom side of the heating element 210 opposite to the mounting channel 152. Figure 3 As shown, the connecting protrusion 211 is fitted into the mounting channel 152 and abuts against the sensing end of the temperature protector 300. When installing the lower cover 150, the connecting protrusion 211 on the bottom side of the heating element 210 is aligned with the mounting channel 152, allowing the connecting protrusion 211 to fit into the mounting channel 152, improving the efficiency and structural stability of the lower cover 150 installation. When installing the temperature protector 300, the sensing end of the temperature protector 300 is inserted into the mounting channel 152. The mounting channel 152 allows for quick positioning of the temperature protector 300, improving installation efficiency and structural stability. Furthermore, by abutting the sensing end of the temperature protector 300 against the connecting protrusion 211, the heating temperature of the heating element 210 can be directly detected, thus improving the accuracy of temperature monitoring and consequently, the precision of steam output control.

[0031] In the above embodiment, the mounting channel 152 is sealed by the cooperation between the connecting protrusion 211 and the mounting channel 152. To further improve the sealing effect inside the mounting channel 152, in this embodiment, the top surface of the protrusion 151 abuts against the heating element 210, and a first sealing ring 410 is provided between the protrusion 151 and the heating element 210. The first sealing ring 410 is located around the connecting protrusion 211. In practical applications, a first groove for installing the first sealing ring 410 can be provided on the top side of the heating element 210, which facilitates the installation and positioning of the first sealing ring 410. The top surface of the protrusion 151 abuts against the heating element 210, and a seal is formed between them through mutual contact. The first sealing ring 410 is provided between the protrusion 151 and the heating element 210, forming a further sealing structure around the connecting protrusion 211. This effectively reduces the infiltration of water or moisture into the mounting channel 152, thus reducing the impact on the normal operation of the temperature protector 300.

[0032] To improve the sealing effect at the connections between the upper cover 130 and the lower cover 150 and the connecting frame 140, in this embodiment, a second sealing ring 420 is provided at the connection between the upper cover 130 and the connecting frame 140, and a third sealing ring 430 is provided at the connection between the lower cover 150 and the connecting frame 140. In practical applications, a second groove for installing the second sealing ring 420 can be provided on the top side of the connecting frame 140, thus facilitating the installation and positioning of the second sealing ring 420. Similarly, a third groove for installing the third sealing ring 430 can be provided on the top side of the lower cover 150, thus facilitating the installation and positioning of the third sealing ring 430. The second sealing ring 420 can fill the assembly gap between the upper cover 130 and the connecting frame 140, enhancing the sealing performance between the upper cover 130 and the connecting frame 140. Similarly, the third sealing ring 420 can fill the assembly gap between the lower cover 150 and the connecting frame 140, enhancing the sealing performance between the lower cover 150 and the connecting frame 140.

[0033] The upper cover 130, the lower cover 150 and the connecting frame 140 can be connected by buckles, or screws can be passed through the upper cover 130 and the connecting frame 140 and then connected to the lower cover 150. In this embodiment, screws can be passed through the upper cover 130, the connecting frame 140 and the lower cover 150 and then connected with nuts. The nuts are used to clamp and fix the upper cover 130, the connecting frame 140 and the lower cover 150 together.

[0034] In some embodiments, a reinforcing rib 141 is provided between the heating element 210 and the inner wall of the connecting frame 140. The reinforcing rib 141 can enhance the stability of the heating element 210 installed in the connecting frame 140, reduce the stress on the heating element 210 when subjected to water flow impact at the connection point of the connecting frame 140, and make the overall structure more reliable.

[0035] As a specific structural embodiment of the heating source, the heating source includes a heating tube 220, which is U-shaped and arranged inside the heating body 210. Both ends of the heating tube 220 extend out of the heating body 210 and are connected to silicone connectors 221. The heating tube 220 can be an electric heating element or a pipe for introducing high-temperature refrigerant. The U-shaped heating tube 220 extends the total length inside the heating source, improving the efficiency of heating the heating body 210. The portions of the heating tube 220 extending out of the heating body 210 are connected to the silicone connectors 221, which further seal the connection points between the external electrical components and the ends of the heating tube 220, thereby improving the waterproof and leakage-proof effect.

[0036] To improve the heating effect of external water in the heating chamber, in this embodiment, the bottom side of the upper cover 130 is provided with a plurality of first protrusions. The plurality of first protrusions on the bottom side of the upper cover 130 can block the water flow passing between the upper cover 130 and the heating element 210, slow down the flow speed of the water inside, increase the heat exchange time with the heating element 210, and thus further improve the heating efficiency of the water in the heating chamber.

[0037] Similarly, the top side of the lower cover 150 is provided with a plurality of second protrusions 153. Likewise, the plurality of second protrusions 153 on the top side of the lower cover 150 can block the water flow between the lower cover 150 and the heating element 210, slow down the flow speed of the water inside, increase the heat exchange time with the heating element 210, and thus further improve the heating efficiency of the water in the heating chamber.

[0038] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A steam generator, characterized in that: include: The outer shell (100) has a heating chamber inside. A water inlet (110) communicating with the heating chamber is provided on one side of the outer shell (100), and an air outlet (120) communicating with the heating chamber is provided on the top of the other side of the outer shell (100). A heating element (210) is provided with a heating source inside. The heating element (210) is connected to the heating chamber. A lower gap is provided between the bottom surface of the heating element (210) and the bottom surface of the heating chamber. An upper gap is provided between the top surface of the heating element (210) and the top surface of the heating chamber. A side gap is provided between the side wall of the heating element (210) and the side wall of the heating chamber. The side gap is connected to the upper gap and the lower gap.

2. A steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer casing (100) includes an upper cover (130), a connecting frame (140), and a lower cover (150) connected sequentially from top to bottom. The upper cover (130), the connecting frame (140), and the lower cover (150) enclose the heating chamber. The water inlet (110) and the heating element (210) are respectively disposed on the connecting frame (140), and the air outlet (120) is disposed on the upper cover (130).

3. A steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A temperature protector (300) is provided on the bottom side of the lower cover (150), and the temperature protector (300) is electrically connected to the heating source.

4. A steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top surface of the lower cover (150) is provided with a boss (151), and the boss (151) is provided with an installation channel (152) that runs through the vertical direction. The sensing end of the temperature protector (300) extends into the installation channel (152). The bottom side of the heating element (210) is provided with a connecting protrusion (211) facing the installation channel (152). The connecting protrusion (211) is connected to the installation channel (152) and abuts against the sensing end of the temperature protector (300).

5. A steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The top surface of the boss (151) abuts against the heating body (210), and a first sealing ring (410) is provided between the boss (151) and the heating body (210). The first sealing ring (410) is located around the connecting protrusion (211).

6. A steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second sealing ring (420) is provided at the connection between the upper cover (130) and the connecting frame (140), and a third sealing ring (430) is provided at the connection between the lower cover (150) and the connecting frame (140).

7. A steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: A reinforcing rib (141) is connected between the heating element (210) and the inner wall of the connecting frame (140).

8. A steam generator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The heating source includes a heating tube (220), which is U-shaped and located inside the heating body (210). Both ends of the heating tube (220) extend out of the heating body (210) and are connected to silicone connectors (221).

9. A steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bottom side of the upper cover (130) is provided with a plurality of first protrusions.

10. A steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The top side of the lower cover (150) is provided with a plurality of second protrusions (153).

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