Steam generator and cooking appliance

Abstract

The application provides a steam generator and a cooking appliance. The steam generator comprises a shell, the shell having a heat-conducting part; a flow guide pipe arranged in the shell, at least a part of the flow guide pipe being located in the shell, the part of the flow guide pipe located in the shell comprising a saturated steam section and a superheated steam section, the flow guide pipe further comprising an inlet part and an outlet part, the saturated steam section being connected between the inlet part and the superheated steam section, and the superheated steam section being connected to the outlet part; and a heating element arranged in the shell, at least a part of the heating element being located in the shell, the heat-conducting part covering any part of the flow guide pipe and the heating element located in the shell, and the heat-conducting part filling the gap between the flow guide pipe and the heating element; wherein the heating element is used to supply heat to the flow guide pipe. The steam generator can generate superheated steam, and the high temperature of the superheated steam can be used to rapidly and uniformly heat vegetable food materials, so as to ensure the high nutrition of the food materials, and the high temperature of the superheated steam can also be used to reduce salt and remove fat of meat food materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steam generator technology, and more specifically, to a steam generator and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] The cooking appliance includes a steam generator, which produces saturated steam for cooking food. This setup results in long cooking times, making it unsuitable for quickly processing thickly cut meats and other similar ingredients. Furthermore, it fails to ensure even heating of the food, affecting the cooking results, and the appliance consumes a lot of energy. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application aims to address at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art or related technologies.

[0004] Therefore, the first aspect of this application proposes a steam generator.

[0005] The second aspect of this application proposes a cooking utensil.

[0006] In view of the above, the first aspect of this application provides a steam generator, comprising: a housing having a heat-conducting portion; a flow guide pipe disposed in the housing, at least a portion of which is located within the housing, the portion of which includes a saturated steam section and a superheated steam section, the flow guide pipe further including an inlet and an outlet, the saturated steam section being connected between the inlet and the superheated steam section, and the superheated steam section being connected to the outlet; and a heating element disposed in the housing, at least a portion of which is located within the housing, the heat-conducting portion covering the portion of either the flow guide pipe or the heating element located within the housing, and the heat-conducting portion filling the gap between the flow guide pipe and the heating element; wherein the heating element is used to heat the flow guide pipe.

[0007] The steam generator provided in this application includes a housing, a guide pipe, and a heating element.

[0008] The housing has a heat-conducting part, a flow guide tube is disposed in the housing, at least a portion of the flow guide tube is located inside the housing, and a heating element is disposed in the housing, at least a portion of the heating element is located inside the housing. That is, the housing serves as a mounting carrier for the flow guide tube and the heating element, and has the function of installing and fixing the flow guide tube and the heating element, and can ensure the matching dimensions of the heat-conducting part, the flow guide tube and the heating element.

[0009] The portion of the guide tube located within the shell includes a saturated steam section and a superheated steam section. The guide tube also includes an inlet and an outlet. The saturated steam section connects the inlet and the superheated steam section, and the superheated steam section connects to the outlet. The medium enters the guide tube through the inlet, flows sequentially through the saturated steam section and the superheated steam section, and then exits the guide tube through the outlet.

[0010] The heat-conducting part covers the portion of either the guide tube or the heating element located within the shell, and fills the gap between the guide tube and the heating element. The heat generated by the heating element during operation can be conducted to the guide tube via the heat-conducting part to heat the medium inside the guide tube. Filling the gap between the guide tube and the heating element increases the thermally conductive contact area between them, which is beneficial for improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heating element and thus enhancing the operating efficiency of the steam generator.

[0011] When the steam generator is working, the medium enters the guide tube through the inlet. The heating element generates heat, which is transferred to the medium inside the guide tube via heat conduction through the heat-conducting part. In the saturated steam section of the guide tube, the medium flows and absorbs heat, gradually becoming saturated steam. In the superheated steam section, the saturated steam is continuously heated, further becoming superheated steam. Then, the superheated steam flows out of the guide tube through the outlet for use in cooking food. The high temperature of the superheated steam can be used to quickly and evenly heat vegetables, ensuring their high nutritional value. It can also be used to reduce the salt and fat content of meat.

[0012] Understandably, superheated steam has a higher temperature than saturated steam. High temperature can significantly shorten the cooking time of food, making it especially suitable for food that needs to be processed quickly (such as thick-cut meat). At the same time, high temperature can destroy microorganisms, improving the safety and reliability of food. In addition, high temperature can shorten cooking time to reduce the dissolution and loss of nutrients, thus increasing the amount of nutrients retained in food.

[0013] It is understandable that saturated steam has a higher humidity, which makes the food moist, while superheated steam has a relatively lower humidity, which can meet the eating needs of crispy outside and tender inside, and can retain more juice inside the food while forming a crispy crust.

[0014] Understandably, compared to saturated steam, the high temperature and fluidity of superheated steam allow it to penetrate food more quickly, distribute heat evenly across different parts of the food, ensure even heating, shorten cooking time, improve cooking efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0015] Specifically, the medium includes liquids, or a combination of liquids and gases. When the medium is a liquid, it can be water.

[0016] In some technical solutions, optionally, the heating element includes a heating tube with radius r1, length l, and heat flux density q. The guide tube has radius r2, the latent heat of vaporization of the medium flowing through the guide tube is γ, the flow velocity of the medium is v, and the density of the medium is ρ, where 2×π×r1×l×q≥π×r2. 2 ×γ×v×ρ.

[0017] In this technical solution, the relationship between the heating element, the guide tube, and the medium flowing through the guide tube is further defined.

[0018] The radius of the heating element is denoted as r1, the length of the heating element as l, the heat flux density of the heating element as q, the radius of the guide tube as r2, the latent heat of vaporization of the medium flowing through the guide tube as γ, the flow velocity of the medium as v, and the density of the medium as ρ. Wherein, r1, l, q, r2, γ, v, and ρ satisfy: 2 × π × r1 × l × q ≥ π × r2 2 ×γ×v×ρ.

[0019] This setting defines the relationship between the heat provided by the heating element and the heat required for the medium to convert into steam per unit time. Specifically, the heat provided by the heating element per unit time is greater than or equal to the heat required for the medium to convert into steam. Therefore, the excess heat provided by the heating element can further heat the steam to a superheated state, forming superheated steam. This provides structural support for the steam generator to produce superheated steam, ensuring the cooking taste and results of the food, while also minimizing heat waste and maintaining the steam generator's energy efficiency.

[0020] In some technical solutions, optionally, the portion of the guide tube located inside the shell extends in a spiral shape, with the superheated steam section stacked on one side of the saturated steam section.

[0021] In this technical solution, the structure of the guide tube is defined.

[0022] The portion of the guide tube located within the casing extends in a spiral shape, with the superheated steam section overlapping one side of the saturated steam section. In other words, both the superheated and saturated steam sections extend spirally, with the superheated steam section overlapping one side of the saturated steam section. This design defines the shape and location of the superheated and saturated steam sections. This arrangement makes efficient use of the internal space of the casing, ensuring sufficient volume for the portion of the guide tube within the casing, thus providing structural support for the steam generator's efficiency. Simultaneously, this structural design allows the medium to flow along the spirally extending tube wall when passing through it. The spiral shape eliminates dead zones in the medium's flow, preventing medium accumulation in certain areas and thus avoiding scale buildup that could block the guide tube. This provides structural support for the steam generator's efficiency, reduces maintenance frequency, and improves product performance.

[0023] In some technical solutions, optionally, the portion of the heating element located inside the housing extends in a spiral shape; the spirally extended portion of one of the guide tube and the heating element is fitted onto the radially outer side of the spirally extended portion of the other.

[0024] In this technical solution, the matching structure of the heating element and the flow guide tube is defined.

[0025] The portion of the heating element located inside the casing extends in a spiral shape.

[0026] One of the flow guide tubes and the heating element has a spirally extending portion that is fitted radially outward of the spirally extending portion of the other. That is, the spirally extending portion of the flow guide tube is fitted radially outward of the spirally extending portion of the heating element, or vice versa. This arrangement ensures the proper fit between the flow guide tube and the heating element, increasing their mating area and ensuring that there is a matching heating element at different locations on the flow guide tube. This guarantees the evenness of heating of the medium at different locations on the flow guide tube, providing structural support for the effective output of superheated steam. Simultaneously, this structural arrangement helps reduce the overall dimensions of the flow guide tube and the heating element, reducing the occupancy rate of the internal space of the casing, and consequently reducing the internal space occupancy rate of the cooking appliance, facilitating the rational layout of other components of the cooking appliance.

[0027] In some technical solutions, optionally, the number of stacked layers of the spiral-extended portion of the heating tube is n1, and the number of stacked layers of the spiral-extended portion of the guide tube is n2; wherein, n1≤n2, n2≥3.

[0028] In this technical solution, the matching structure of the heating element and the flow guide tube is further defined.

[0029] The number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the heating element is denoted as n1, and the number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the guide tube is denoted as n2. The relationship between n1 and n2 satisfies: n1≤n2, n2≥3. This design ensures effective superheated steam output while taking into account the overall dimensions of the heating element and the guide tube, thereby improving the product's performance.

[0030] Understandably, as the number of superheated steam sections increases, the temperature at the outlet of the guide pipe increases accordingly.

[0031] Understandably, the number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the guide tube can be adjusted according to the required steam superheat. As the number of stacked layers increases, the steam superheat increases accordingly.

[0032] In some technical solutions, optionally, the axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the heating element is collinear with the axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the guide tube.

[0033] In this technical solution, the matching structure of the heating element and the flow guide tube is further defined.

[0034] The axis corresponding to the spiral extension of the heating element is denoted as the first axis.

[0035] The axis corresponding to the spiral extension of the guide tube is denoted as the second axis.

[0036] The first axis and the second axis are collinear. This setting limits the matching dimensions of the heating tube and the guide tube, ensuring the uniformity of the matching gap between the heating tube and the guide tube at different positions. This ensures that heating tubes are equipped at different positions of the guide tube, guaranteeing the effectiveness of heating the medium inside the guide tube and enabling the effective output of superheated steam.

[0037] In some technical solutions, optionally, the gap between the guide tube and the heating element is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0038] In this technical solution, the matching structure of the heating element and the flow guide tube is further defined.

[0039] The gap between the flow guide tube and the heating element is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the range of values ​​for the gap between the flow guide tube and the heating element is limited.

[0040] The closer the gap between the guide tube and the heating element, the better the thermal conductivity. However, if the gap is too small, cavities will form between the shell, the heating element, and the guide tube during the die-casting process, thus worsening the thermal conductivity. Conversely, if the gap is too large, it will not only worsen the thermal conductivity but also increase the overall size of the steam generator, increasing production costs. Therefore, by limiting the range of the gap between the guide tube and the heating element, it is possible to ensure both thermal conductivity and the overall size of the steam generator, thus guaranteeing its performance.

[0041] In some technical solutions, optionally, the distance between the portion of the heating element located inside the housing and the housing is greater than or equal to 3mm.

[0042] In this technical solution, the mating structure of the shell and the heating element is further defined, such that the distance between the portion of the heating element located inside the shell and the shell is greater than or equal to 3mm; that is, the distance between the outer surface of the portion of the heating element located inside the shell and the inner surface of the shell is greater than or equal to 3mm. This arrangement ensures the effectiveness of generating superheated steam while also preventing damage to the shell due to excessively high temperatures.

[0043] If the distance between the part of the heating element located inside the housing and the housing is less than 3mm, the housing will be damaged due to excessively high local temperature, thus reducing the service life of the steam generator.

[0044] In some technical solutions, optionally, at least a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe gradually decreases along the direction from the saturated steam section to the superheated steam section.

[0045] In this technical solution, the structure of the guide tube is defined such that, along the direction from the saturated steam section to the superheated steam section, at least a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube gradually decreases. That is, along the direction from the saturated steam section to the superheated steam section, a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube gradually decreases. Alternatively, along the direction from the saturated steam section to the superheated steam section, the overall flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube gradually decreases.

[0046] In other words, by setting the changing trend of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube, the heat exchange efficiency between the tube wall and the medium inside the tube can be improved, the heating time can be shortened, the time to generate superheated steam can be reduced, and the energy consumption of the steam generator can be further reduced. At the same time, the gradual reduction of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the guide tube helps to reduce eddies and energy loss, which can reduce the operating noise of the steam generator during operation and further improve the performance of the product.

[0047] It is understandable that when the guide tube is cross-sectioned along the extension direction perpendicular to the guide tube, the area enclosed by the inner contour line of the guide tube in the cross-section is the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide tube.

[0048] In some technical solutions, optionally, when a portion of the guide tube is located inside the housing, the housing is located between the inlet and the outlet; the heating element includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end, and when a portion of the heating element is located inside the housing, the housing is located between the first connecting end and the second connecting end, the first connecting end is disposed opposite to the inlet, and the second connecting end is disposed opposite to the outlet.

[0049] In this technical solution, the guide pipe includes an inlet and an outlet. When a portion of the guide pipe is located inside the housing, the housing is situated between the inlet and the outlet. That is, both the inlet and the outlet are located outside the housing.

[0050] The heating element includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end. When a portion of the heating element is located inside the housing, the housing is situated between the first connecting end and the second connecting end. That is, both the first connecting end and the second connecting end are located outside the housing.

[0051] The first connecting end is positioned opposite the inlet, and the second connecting end is positioned opposite the outlet.

[0052] When the steam generator is placed inside the cooking appliance, the inlet of the guide pipe is connected to the liquid storage box of the cooking appliance, and the outlet of the guide port is connected to the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance.

[0053] When the steam generator is placed inside the cooking appliance, both the first and second connection terminals of the heating element are electrically connected to the controller, which is used to control the operation of the heating element.

[0054] This design facilitates the assembly of the steam generator, improves the ease of assembling cooking appliances, enhances assembly efficiency, and ultimately reduces production costs.

[0055] In some technical solutions, optionally, the shell is integrally formed with a heat-conducting part; the shell includes two end plates, an inner ring plate and an outer ring plate, the inner ring plate and the outer ring plate are both connected between the two end plates, and either the flow guide tube and the heating tube have a spirally extended portion that surrounds between the inner ring plate and the outer ring plate.

[0056] In this technical solution, the heat-conducting part is integrally formed on the shell. This structural design eliminates the assembly process between the shell and the heat-conducting part, thus simplifying the molding process of both parts and improving product processing efficiency. Furthermore, the integral formation of the heat-conducting part on the shell ensures the proper dimensional alignment of the heat-conducting part, the guide tube, and the heating element, guaranteeing effective heat conduction.

[0057] The casing includes two end plates, an inner ring plate, and an outer ring plate, with the inner and outer ring plates spaced apart, and the two end plates also spaced apart. Both the inner and outer ring plates are connected between the two end plates. A spirally extending portion of either the guide tube or the heating tube surrounds the inner and outer ring plates. It is understood that the inner ring plate encloses a weight-reducing hole, which reduces the amount of material used in the casing, thus lowering the production cost and weight of the steam generator. Simultaneously, this design reduces heat loss within the casing, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the steam generator.

[0058] The second aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, including a steam generator as described in the first aspect.

[0059] The cooking appliance provided in this application includes a steam generator as described in the first aspect, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the aforementioned steam generator, which will not be described in detail here.

[0060] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent in the following description or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0061] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a steam generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0063] Figure 2 A partial structural schematic diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0064] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the flow guide tube and heating element according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0065] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a guide tube according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0066] Figure 5 A simulation diagram showing the volume fraction and static temperature at the outlet of a steam generator with a flow guide tube stacking number of 3, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 6 A simulation diagram showing the volume fraction and static temperature at the outlet of a steam generator with a flow guide tube stacking number of 4, according to an embodiment of this application;

[0068] in, Figures 1 to 6 The correspondence between the reference numerals and component names in the attached drawings is as follows:

[0069] 10 Steam generator, 100 Shell, 110 Heat conduction section, 120 End plate, 130 Inner ring plate, 140 Outer ring plate, 200 Guide tube, 210 Saturated steam section, 220 Superheated steam section, 230 Inlet section, 240 Outlet section, 250 Second axis, 300 Heating element, 300a Heating tube, 310 First connecting end, 320 Second connecting end, 330 First axis. Detailed Implementation

[0070] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0071] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0072] The following reference Figures 1 to 6 This application describes a steam generator 10 and a cooking appliance according to some embodiments.

[0073] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a steam generator 10 according to some embodiments of this application includes a housing 100, a flow guide pipe 200, and a heating element 300.

[0074] The housing 100 has a heat-conducting part 110.

[0075] The flow guide 200 is located in the housing 100.

[0076] At least a portion of the flow guide 200 is located within the housing 100.

[0077] The portion of the guide pipe 200 located within the casing 100 includes a saturated steam section 210 and a superheated steam section 220.

[0078] The flow guide 200 also includes an inlet 230 and an outlet 240.

[0079] The saturated steam section 210 is connected between the inlet section 230 and the superheated steam section 220.

[0080] The superheated steam section 220 is connected to the outlet section 240.

[0081] The heating element 300 is located in the housing 100.

[0082] At least a portion of the heating element 300 is located within the housing 100.

[0083] The heat-conducting part 110 covers the portion of either the flow guide tube 200 or the heating element 300 located within the housing 100, and the heat-conducting part 110 fills the gap between the flow guide tube 200 and the heating element 300.

[0084] The heating element 300 is used to heat the guide tube 200.

[0085] The steam generator 10 provided in this application includes a housing 100, a guide pipe 200, and a heating element 300.

[0086] The housing 100 has a heat-conducting part 110, a flow guide tube 200 disposed in the housing 100, at least a portion of the flow guide tube 200 being located inside the housing 100, and a heating element 300 disposed in the housing 100, at least a portion of the heating element 300 being located inside the housing 100. That is, the housing 100 serves as a mounting carrier for the flow guide tube 200 and the heating element 300, and has the function of mounting and fixing the flow guide tube 200 and the heating element 300, ensuring the matching dimensions of the heat-conducting part 110, the flow guide tube 200, and the heating element 300.

[0087] The portion of the guide pipe 200 located within the casing 100 includes a saturated steam section 210 and a superheated steam section 220. The guide pipe 200 also includes an inlet section 230 and an outlet section 240. The saturated steam section 210 connects the inlet section 230 and the superheated steam section 220, and the superheated steam section 220 connects to the outlet section 240. The medium enters the guide pipe 200 through the inlet section 230, flows sequentially through the saturated steam section 210 and the superheated steam section 220, and then flows out of the guide pipe 200 through the outlet section 240.

[0088] The heat-conducting portion 110 covers the portion of either the guide tube 200 or the heating element 300 located within the housing 100, and fills the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300. The heat generated by the heating element 300 during operation can be conducted to the guide tube 200 via the heat-conducting portion 110 to heat the medium within the guide tube 200. The heat-conducting portion 110 filling the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 increases the thermally conductive contact area between them, which is beneficial for improving the heat transfer efficiency of the heating element 300 and thus enhancing the operating efficiency of the steam generator 10.

[0089] When the steam generator 10 is working, the medium enters the guide pipe 200 through the inlet 230. The heating element 300 generates heat, which is transferred to the medium in the guide pipe 200 via heat conduction through the heat conduction part 110. In the saturated steam section 210 of the guide pipe 200, the medium flows within the guide pipe 200 and absorbs heat, gradually being heated into saturated steam. In the superheated steam section 220 of the guide pipe 200, the saturated steam is continuously heated within the guide pipe 200, further heated into superheated steam. Then, the superheated steam flows out of the guide pipe 200 through the outlet 240 for use in cooking food. The high temperature of the superheated steam can achieve rapid and uniform heating of vegetables, ensuring high nutritional value. It can also be used to reduce the salt and fat content of meat.

[0090] Understandably, superheated steam has a higher temperature than saturated steam. High temperature can significantly shorten the cooking time of food, making it especially suitable for food that needs to be processed quickly (such as thick-cut meat). At the same time, high temperature can destroy microorganisms, improving the safety and reliability of food. In addition, high temperature can shorten cooking time to reduce the dissolution and loss of nutrients, thus increasing the amount of nutrients retained in food.

[0091] It is understandable that saturated steam has a higher humidity, which makes the food moist, while superheated steam has a relatively lower humidity, which can meet the eating needs of crispy outside and tender inside, and can retain more juice inside the food while forming a crispy crust.

[0092] Understandably, compared to saturated steam, the high temperature and fluidity of superheated steam allow it to penetrate food more quickly, distribute heat evenly across different parts of the food, ensure even heating, shorten cooking time, improve cooking efficiency, and reduce energy consumption.

[0093] Specifically, the medium includes liquids, or a combination of liquids and gases. When the medium is a liquid, it can be water.

[0094] In some embodiments, the heating element 300 may optionally include a heating tube 300a.

[0095] The radius of the heating element 300a is r1.

[0096] The length of the heating element 300a is l.

[0097] The heat flux density of the heating element 300A is q.

[0098] The radius of the guide tube 200 is r2.

[0099] The latent heat of vaporization of the medium flowing through the guide pipe 200 is γ.

[0100] The flow velocity of the medium is v.

[0101] The density of the medium is ρ.

[0102] 2×π×r1×l×q≥π×r2 2 ×γ×v×ρ.

[0103] In this embodiment, the relationship between the heating element 300, the guide tube 200, and the medium flowing through the guide tube 200 is further defined.

[0104] Let r1 be the radius of heating element 300a, l be the length of heating element 300a, q be the heat flux density of heating element 300a, r2 be the radius of guide tube 200, γ be the latent heat of vaporization of the medium flowing through guide tube 200, v be the flow velocity of the medium, and ρ be the density of the medium. Wherein, r1, l, q, r2, γ, v, and ρ satisfy: 2×π×r1×l×q≥π×r2 2 ×γ×v×ρ.

[0105] This setting limits the relationship between the heat provided by the heating element 300a per unit time and the heat required for the medium to convert into steam. Specifically, the heat provided by the heating element 300a per unit time is greater than or equal to the heat required for the medium to convert into steam. Therefore, the excess heat provided by the heating element 300a can further heat the steam to a superheated state, forming superheated steam. This provides structural support for the steam generator 10 to produce superheated steam, ensuring the cooking taste and effect of the food, while also minimizing the waste of heat from the heating element 300a and maintaining the energy efficiency of the steam generator 10.

[0106] In some other embodiments, the heating element 300 includes a heating plate.

[0107] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 4 As shown, the portion of the guide tube 200 located inside the housing 100 extends in a spiral shape.

[0108] The superheated steam section 220 is stacked on one side of the saturated steam section 210.

[0109] In this embodiment, the structure of the flow guide 200 is defined.

[0110] The portion of the guide pipe 200 located within the housing 100 extends in a spiral shape, with the superheated steam section 220 stacked on one side of the saturated steam section 210. In other words, both the superheated steam section 220 and the saturated steam section 210 extend spirally, with the superheated steam section 220 stacked on one side of the saturated steam section 210. This design defines the shape and location of the superheated steam section 220 and the saturated steam section 210. This arrangement makes efficient use of the internal space of the housing 100, ensuring the volume of the portion of the guide pipe 200 within the housing 100, and providing structural support for ensuring the operating efficiency of the steam generator 10. Meanwhile, this structural design allows the medium to flow along the spiral-shaped wall of the guide pipe 200 when it flows through it. The spiral-shaped guide pipe 200 eliminates dead zones in the flow of the medium, preventing the medium from accumulating in any part of the guide pipe 200. This avoids the situation where scale formed by the medium due to heating accumulates in the dead zones of the guide pipe 200 and blocks it. This provides structural support for ensuring the working efficiency of the steam generator 10, helps reduce the maintenance frequency of the steam generator 10, and improves the performance of the product.

[0111] In some embodiments, the portion of the heating element 300a located within the housing 100 may extend in a spiral shape.

[0112] One of the flow guide tube 200 and the heating tube 300a has a spirally extending portion, which is fitted onto the radially outer side of the spirally extending portion of the other.

[0113] In this embodiment, the mating structure of the heating element 300a and the flow guide tube 200 is defined.

[0114] The portion of the heating element 300a located inside the housing 100 extends in a spiral shape.

[0115] One of the flow guide pipe 200 and the heating pipe 300a has a spirally extending portion that is fitted radially outside the spirally extending portion of the other. That is, the spirally extending portion of the flow guide pipe 200 is fitted radially outside the spirally extending portion of the heating pipe 300a, or vice versa. This arrangement ensures the proper fit between the flow guide pipe 200 and the heating pipe 300a, increasing their mating area. This ensures that there is a matching heating pipe 300a at different locations on the flow guide pipe 200, guaranteeing uniform heating of the medium at different locations on the flow guide pipe 200 and providing structural support for effectively producing superheated steam. At the same time, this structural design helps to reduce the overall size of the guide tube 200 and the heating tube 300a, which helps to reduce the occupancy rate of the internal space of the housing 100, thereby reducing the occupancy rate of the internal space of the cooking appliance and facilitating the rational layout of other components of the cooking appliance.

[0116] In some embodiments, optionally, the number of stacked layers of the spirally extended portion of the heating tube 300a is n1.

[0117] The number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the guide tube 200 is n2.

[0118] Where n1≤n2, n2≥3.

[0119] In this embodiment, the mating structure of the heating element 300a and the flow guide tube 200 is further defined.

[0120] The number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the heating element 300a is denoted as n1, and the number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the guide tube 200 is denoted as n2. The relationship between n1 and n2 satisfies: n1≤n2, n2≥3. This design ensures effective superheated steam output while also considering the overall dimensions of the heating element 300a and the guide tube 200, thereby improving the product's performance.

[0121] Understandably, as the number of superheated steam sections 220 increases, the temperature at the outlet 240 of the guide pipe 200 increases accordingly.

[0122] For example, when the number of stacked layers of the spiral extension portion of the guide tube 200 is greater than or equal to 4, the temperature at the outlet portion 240 of the guide tube 200 reaches 184°C.

[0123] Understandably, the number of stacked layers in the spiral extension of the guide tube 200 can be adjusted according to the required steam superheat. As the number of stacked layers increases, the steam superheat increases accordingly.

[0124] Examples include n² = 4, n² = 5, and n² = 6, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0125] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 2 As shown, the axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the heating tube 300a is collinear with the axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the guide tube 200.

[0126] In this embodiment, the mating structure of the heating element 300a and the flow guide tube 200 is further defined.

[0127] The axis corresponding to the spiral extension of the heating element 300a is denoted as the first axis 330.

[0128] The axis corresponding to the spiral extension of the guide tube 200 is designated as the second axis 250.

[0129] The first axis 330 and the second axis 250 are collinear. This arrangement limits the matching dimensions of the heating tube 300a and the guide tube 200, ensuring the balance of the matching gap between the heating tube 300a at different positions and the guide tube 200. This ensures that the heating tube 300a is equipped at different positions of the guide tube 200, which can guarantee the effectiveness of heating the medium in the guide tube 200 and effectively produce superheated steam.

[0130] In some embodiments, the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 is optionally greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

[0131] In this embodiment, the mating structure of the heating element 300 and the guide tube 200 is further defined.

[0132] The gap between the flow guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. That is, the range of values ​​for the gap between the flow guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 is limited.

[0133] The closer the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300, the better the thermal conductivity. However, if the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 is too small, a cavity will be generated between the shell 100, the heating element 300, and the guide tube 200 during the die-casting process, which will deteriorate the thermal conductivity. At the same time, if the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 is too large, it will not only deteriorate the thermal conductivity but also increase the overall size of the steam generator 10, thus increasing the production cost of the steam heater. Therefore, by limiting the range of the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300, the thermal conductivity can be guaranteed while taking into account the size of the steam generator 10, thus ensuring the performance of the steam generator 10.

[0134] It is understandable that the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 refers to the distance between the outer surface of the guide tube 200 and the outer surface of the heating element 300.

[0135] For example, the gap between the guide tube 200 and the heating element 300 includes 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm and 4.6mm, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0136] In some embodiments, optionally, the distance between the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the housing 100 is greater than or equal to 3 mm.

[0137] In this embodiment, the mating structure of the housing 100 and the heating element 300 is further defined such that the distance between the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the housing 100 is greater than or equal to 3 mm. That is, the distance between the outer surface of the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the inner surface of the housing 100 is greater than or equal to 3 mm. This arrangement ensures the effectiveness of generating superheated steam while also preventing damage to the housing 100 due to excessively high temperatures.

[0138] If the distance between the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the housing 100 is less than 3mm, the housing 100 will be damaged due to excessively high local temperature, thus reducing the service life of the steam generator 10.

[0139] Optionally, the distance between the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the housing 100 is greater than or equal to 3.5 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm.

[0140] For example, the distance between the portion of the heating element 300 located inside the housing 100 and the housing 100 includes 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.4 mm and 5.8 mm, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0141] In some embodiments, optionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the guide pipe 200 gradually decreases along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220.

[0142] In this embodiment, the structure of the guide pipe 200 is defined such that, along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220, at least a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 200 gradually decreases. That is, along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220, a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 200 gradually decreases. Alternatively, along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220, the overall flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 200 gradually decreases.

[0143] In other words, by setting the changing trend of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 200, the heat exchange efficiency between the pipe wall and the medium inside the guide pipe 200 can be improved, the heating time can be shortened, the time for generating superheated steam can be shortened, and the energy consumption of the steam generator 10 can be further reduced. At the same time, the gradual reduction of the flow cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the guide pipe 200 helps to reduce eddies and energy loss, which can reduce the operating noise of the steam generator 10 during operation and further improve the performance of the product.

[0144] It is understandable that when the guide pipe 200 is cross-sectioned along the extension direction perpendicular to the guide pipe 200, the area enclosed by the inner contour line of the guide pipe 200 in the cross-section is the flow cross-sectional area of ​​the guide pipe 200.

[0145] For example, along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the superheated steam section 220 gradually decreases.

[0146] For example, along the direction from saturated steam section 210 to superheated steam section 220, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of saturated steam section 210 gradually decreases.

[0147] For example, along the direction from the saturated steam section 210 to the superheated steam section 220, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the saturated steam section 210 gradually decreases, and the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the superheated steam section 220 gradually decreases.

[0148] In some embodiments, optionally, such as Figure 1 As shown, when a portion of the guide tube 200 is located inside the housing 100, the housing 100 is located between the inlet portion 230 and the outlet portion 240.

[0149] The heating element 300 includes a first connecting end 310 and a second connecting end 320.

[0150] When a portion of the heating element 300 is located inside the housing 100, the housing 100 is located between the first connecting end 310 and the second connecting end 320.

[0151] The first connecting end 310 is positioned opposite to the inlet 230.

[0152] The second connection end 320 is positioned opposite to the outlet part 240.

[0153] In this embodiment, the guide tube 200 includes an inlet portion 230 and an outlet portion 240. When a portion of the guide tube 200 is located inside the housing 100, the housing 100 is located between the inlet portion 230 and the outlet portion 240. That is, both the inlet portion 230 and the outlet portion 240 are located outside the housing 100.

[0154] The heating element 300 includes a first connecting end 310 and a second connecting end 320. When a portion of the heating element 300 is located inside the housing 100, the housing 100 is located between the first connecting end 310 and the second connecting end 320. That is, both the first connecting end 310 and the second connecting end 320 are located outside the housing 100.

[0155] The first connecting end 310 is disposed opposite to the inlet 230, and the second connecting end 320 is disposed opposite to the outlet 240.

[0156] When the steam generator 10 is placed inside the cooking appliance, the inlet 230 of the guide pipe 200 is connected to the liquid storage box of the cooking appliance, and the outlet 240 of the guide port is connected to the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance.

[0157] When the steam generator 10 is placed inside the cooking appliance, the first connection end 310 and the second connection end 320 of the heating element 300 are both electrically connected to the controller, which is used to control the operation of the heating element 300.

[0158] This setup facilitates the assembly of the steam generator 10, improves the ease of assembling cooking appliances, enhances assembly efficiency, and ultimately reduces production costs.

[0159] In some embodiments, the housing 100 may optionally have an integrally formed heat-conducting portion 110.

[0160] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 100 includes two end plates 120, an inner ring plate 130, and an outer ring plate 140.

[0161] Both the inner ring plate 130 and the outer ring plate 140 are connected between the two end plates 120.

[0162] The portion of either the flow guide tube 200 or the heating tube 300a extends in a spiral shape and surrounds between the inner ring plate 130 and the outer ring plate 140.

[0163] In this embodiment, the housing 100 integrally forms a heat-conducting part 110. This structural design eliminates the assembly process between the housing 100 and the heat-conducting part 110, thus simplifying the molding process of the housing 100 and the heat-conducting part 110 and improving product processing efficiency. Furthermore, the integral formation of the heat-conducting part 110 on the housing 100 ensures the proper fit of the heat-conducting part 110, the guide tube 200, and the heating element 300, guaranteeing effective heat conduction.

[0164] For example, the heat-conducting part 110 is integrally die-cast in the housing 100. Both the housing 100 and the heat-conducting part 110 are cast aluminum parts. Alternatively, both the housing 100 and the heat-conducting part 110 are cast iron parts.

[0165] The housing 100 includes two end plates 120, an inner ring plate 130, and an outer ring plate 140, with the inner ring plate 130 and outer ring plate 140 spaced apart, and the two end plates 120 also spaced apart. Both the inner ring plate 130 and outer ring plate 140 are connected between the two end plates 120. A spirally extending portion of either the guide pipe 200 or the heating pipe 300a surrounds the inner ring plate 130 and outer ring plate 140. It is understood that the inner ring plate 130 encloses a weight-reducing hole, which reduces the material input of the housing 100, thus lowering the production cost and weight of the steam generator 10. Simultaneously, this design reduces heat loss in the housing 100, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the steam generator 10.

[0166] A cooking appliance according to some embodiments of this application includes: a steam generator 10 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0167] The cooking appliance provided in this application includes a steam generator 10 as described in any of the above embodiments, and therefore has all the beneficial effects of the steam generator 10, which will not be described in detail here.

[0168] For example, cooking appliances include steam ovens, steam ovens, and microwave ovens, etc., which will not be listed here.

[0169] Exemplarily, the steam generator 10 of this application includes a housing 100, a guide pipe 200, and a heating element 300. At least a portion of the guide pipe 200 is located within the housing 100, and the portion of the guide pipe 200 within the housing 100 includes a saturated steam section 210 and a superheated steam section 220. By extending a superheated steam section 220 after the saturated steam section 210, the saturated steam is further heated into superheated steam.

[0170] This application enables the conversion of a liquid medium into superheated steam. Superheated steam, when used for cooking vegetables, allows for more even heating, shorter cooking times, and reduced nutrient loss. When used for cooking meat, superheated steam can meet the requirements for reducing salt and fat content.

[0171] Using superheated steam can shorten the cooking time of food and at the same time improve the retention of nutrients.

[0172] For example, taking a die-cast aluminum shell as the housing 100, a water pipe as the guide pipe 200, a heating element 300 as a heating tube 300a, and water as the medium flowing through the guide pipe 200, the die-cast aluminum shell has a heat-conducting part 110, which encloses the heating tube 300a and the water pipe inside, and conducts the heat generated by the heating tube 300a to the water in the water pipe.

[0173] For example, the water pipe and the heating element 300a are arranged in concentric circles. The heating element 300a can convert the input electrical energy into heat energy and heat the liquid water in the water pipe into water vapor through heat conduction via the heat-conducting part 110 of the die-cast aluminum shell.

[0174] Both the water pipes and heating element 300a adopt a coiled layout, or in other words, both extend in a spiral shape. The number of stacked layers of the water pipes and heating element 300a can be adjusted according to the required steam superheat; as the number of stacked layers increases, the steam superheat increases accordingly. For example, based on actual operating conditions, a stacking layer of 4 layers can be selected.

[0175] Specifically, when the steam generator 10 is working, liquid water enters the water pipe through the inlet 230. The heating element 300a continuously converts the input electrical energy into heat energy, and raises the temperature of the die-cast aluminum shell through heat conduction. The heat is then transferred to the liquid water in the water pipe through the heat-conducting part 110 of the die-cast aluminum shell. In the saturated steam section 210, the liquid water flows in the water pipe and absorbs heat, gradually being heated into saturated steam. In the superheated steam section 220, the saturated steam is continuously heated in the water pipe, further heated into superheated steam for cooking. The high temperature of the superheated steam enables rapid and uniform heating of vegetables, improves nutrient retention, and reduces salt and fat in meat.

[0176] Depend on Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the guide tube 200 of this application includes a saturated steam section 210 and a superheated steam section 220, and in conjunction with the shell 100, the guide tube 200, and the heating element 300, the temperature of the outlet 240 of the guide tube 200 increases accordingly. In particular, when the number of stacked layers of the guide tube 200 increases to 4 turns, the temperature at the outlet 240 reaches 184°C. The number of stacked layers of the heating element 300a and the guide tube 200 in this application can be adjusted according to the required steam superheat; as the number of stacked layers increases, the steam superheat increases accordingly.

[0177] In this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; "linking" can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0178] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. 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. The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A steam generator, characterized in that, include: The housing has a heat-conducting portion; A flow guide pipe is disposed in the housing, at least a portion of which is located inside the housing. The portion of the flow guide pipe located inside the housing includes a saturated steam section and a superheated steam section. The flow guide pipe also includes an inlet and an outlet. The saturated steam section is connected between the inlet and the superheated steam section, and the superheated steam section is connected to the outlet. A heating element is disposed in the housing, at least a portion of the heating element is located inside the housing, and a heat-conducting portion covers the portion of either the guide tube or the heating element located inside the housing, and the heat-conducting portion fills the gap between the guide tube and the heating element; The heating element is used to supply heat to the guide tube.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element includes a heating tube with radius r1, length l, and heat flux density q. The guide tube has radius r2, the latent heat of vaporization of the medium flowing through it is γ, the flow velocity is v, and the density is ρ. The equation 2×π×r1×l×q≥π×r2 is also relevant. 2 ×γ×v×ρ.

3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The portion of the guide tube located inside the housing extends in a spiral shape, and the superheated steam section is stacked on one side of the saturated steam section.

4. The steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, The portion of the heating element located inside the housing extends in a spiral shape; One of the flow guide tubes and the heating tubes has a spirally extending portion, which is fitted onto the radially outer side of the spirally extending portion of the other.

5. The steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of stacked layers of the spiral-extended portion of the heating tube is n1, and the number of stacked layers of the spiral-extended portion of the guide tube is n2. Where n1≤n2, n2≥3.

6. The steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the heating tube is collinear with the axis corresponding to the spirally extended portion of the guide tube.

7. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The gap between the flow guide tube and the heating element is greater than or equal to 2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm.

8. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The distance between the portion of the heating element located inside the housing and the housing is greater than or equal to 3 mm.

9. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Along the direction from the saturated steam section to the superheated steam section, the cross-sectional area of ​​at least a portion of the guide pipe gradually decreases.

10. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, When a portion of the guide tube is located within the housing, the housing is situated between the inlet and the outlet. The heating element includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end. When a part of the heating element is located inside the housing, the housing is located between the first connecting end and the second connecting end. The first connecting end is disposed opposite to the inlet, and the second connecting end is disposed opposite to the outlet.

11. The steam generator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that, The heat-conducting part is integrally formed on the housing. The housing includes two end plates, an inner ring plate, and an outer ring plate. The inner ring plate and the outer ring plate are both connected between the two end plates. The spiral extension of either the flow guide tube or the heating tube surrounds the inner ring plate and the outer ring plate.

12. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The steam generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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