Steam generating device with pressure relief structure and household appliance

Abstract

This utility model discloses a steam generator with a pressure relief structure and a household appliance. The steam generator with a pressure relief structure includes: a flow channel plate, which has an opening, a first water inlet, a steam outlet, and a connecting port, and a flow channel is provided inside the flow channel plate; a heating plate, including a plate body and a heating element disposed on one side of the plate body, with the side of the plate body opposite to the heating element covered by the opening; and a pressure relief structure connected to the flow channel plate, which has a pressure relief port connected to the connecting port. The steam generator with a pressure relief structure in this utility model, by setting the pressure relief structure, can discharge excessively high-pressure steam, ensuring safe use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of steam generators with pressure relief structures, and in particular to a steam generator and a household appliance with a pressure relief structure. Background Technology

[0002] Steam-powered household appliances, such as electric irons, heat water to evaporate it into steam. As the water flows through the channels, scale builds up and blocks the channels with prolonged use, gradually increasing the steam pressure and preventing its escape, potentially leading to an explosion. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address at least one problem existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, a steam generator with a pressure relief structure is provided, comprising:

[0004] The flow channel plate is provided with an opening, a first water inlet, a steam outlet and a connecting port, and a flow channel is provided inside the flow channel plate;

[0005] A heating plate includes a plate body and a heating element disposed on one side of the plate body, with the side of the plate body opposite to the heating element covering the opening;

[0006] A pressure relief structure is connected to the flow channel plate and has a pressure relief port, which is connected to the interface.

[0007] In some embodiments, the heating plate and the pressure relief structure are disposed on opposite sides of the flow channel plate along the thickness direction of the flow channel plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the pressure relief structure includes a valve seat, a seal, and an elastic element. The valve seat is connected to the flow channel plate. The valve seat is provided with a pressure relief pipe. The pressure relief pipe is provided with the pressure relief port. The seal and the elastic element are disposed inside the pressure relief pipe. The two ends of the elastic element abut against the end of the pressure relief pipe and the seal, respectively. The seal is used to open the interface when a preset air pressure is reached.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressure relief structure is provided with a second water inlet, which is connected to the first water inlet.

[0010] In some embodiments, the flow channel includes at least a first sub-flow channel and a second sub-flow channel that are connected to each other;

[0011] The flow channel plate includes a main body and a curved rib disposed within the main body. The main body forms a cavity, and the curved rib is disposed within the cavity. A first sub-flow channel is formed within the curved rib, and a second sub-flow channel is formed between the curved rib and the main body. The first sub-flow channel is connected to the water inlet, and the second sub-flow channel is connected to the steam outlet.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flow channel includes a third sub-flow channel;

[0013] The flow channel plate includes two curved ribs that are separated from each other, and the third sub-flow channel is formed between the two curved ribs;

[0014] The flow channel plate is provided with two first water inlets, and each first water inlet corresponds to one first sub-flow channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the body includes adjacent first and second sidewalls, and the curved ribs and the second sidewalls enclose a second sub-channel;

[0016] The curved rib has a first end and a second end, with the outlet of the first sub-channel located between the first end and the second end. The first end is connected to the first sidewall, and the second end is bent toward the second sidewall.

[0017] In some implementations, the first end bends toward the second end.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heating element is a heating film;

[0019] The heating plate includes a plurality of heating films, which are arranged in parallel on the surface of the plate; or the heating plate includes a single heating film, which is sheet-shaped and covers the surface of the plate.

[0020] In one aspect, this utility model provides a household appliance, including the steam generator with a pressure relief structure described above.

[0021] In summary, the steam generator and household appliance with a pressure relief structure provided by this utility model have the following technical effects:

[0022] The water flowing in the flow channel plate is heated by the heating element in the heating plate. The steam generated after heating is discharged from the steam outlet. When the steam pressure in the flow channel plate is too high, it can be discharged from the pressure relief port to avoid the accumulation of steam in the flow channel plate, which could cause excessive gas pressure and explosion in the heating plate, thus ensuring safe use. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator with a pressure relief structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a steam generator with a pressure relief structure;

[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A top view of a steam generator with a pressure relief structure;

[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0027] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along the BB direction;

[0028] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the heating plate in the middle;

[0029] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the heating element;

[0030] Figure 8 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the heating element;

[0031] Figure 9 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the flow channel plate in the middle;

[0032] Figure 10 for Figure 9 Top view of the flow channel plate.

[0033] Attached Figure: 100-Steam generator with pressure relief structure, 10-Flow channel plate, 11-Opening, 12-First water inlet, 13-Steam outlet, 14-Matching interface, 15-Flow channel, 151-First sub-flow channel, 152-Second sub-flow channel, 153-Third sub-flow channel, 16-Main body, 161-Cavity, 162-First sidewall, 163-Second sidewall, 17-Bent rib, 171-Arc segment, 172-First straight segment, 173-Second straight segment, 174-First end, 17 5-Second end, 1751-Second curved section, 1752-Third straight section, 176-Glue tank, 177-First curved section, 18-Slot, 20-Heating plate, 21-Plate body, 22-Heating element, 23-Inner insulation layer, 24-Outer insulation layer, 30-Pressure relief structure, 31-Pressure relief port, 32-Valve seat, 321-Pressure relief pipe, 33-Seal, 331-Sealing gasket, 332-Mounting pad, 34-Elastic element, 35-Sealing ring, 36-Water inlet pipe, 37-Second water inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation 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.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0037] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Please see Figures 1 to 10 The steam generator 100 with a pressure relief structure provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes a flow channel plate 10, a heating plate 20 and a pressure relief structure 30.

[0039] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5The flow channel plate 10 is provided with an opening 11, a first water inlet 12, a steam outlet 13 and a connecting port 14, and a flow channel 15 is provided inside the flow channel plate 10; the heating plate 20 includes a plate body 21 and a heating element 22 provided on one side of the plate body 21, and the side of the plate body 21 away from the heating element 22 is covered by the opening 11; the pressure relief structure 30 is connected to the flow channel plate 10 and is provided with a pressure relief port 31, which is connected to the connecting port 14.

[0040] The steam generator 100 with the aforementioned pressure relief structure heats the water flowing in the flow channel plate 10 through the heating element 22 in the heating plate 20. The steam generated after heating is discharged from the steam outlet 13. When the steam pressure in the flow channel plate 10 is too high, it can be discharged from the pressure relief port 31, avoiding the accumulation of steam in the flow channel plate 10, which could cause excessive gas pressure in the heating plate 20 and lead to an explosion, thus ensuring safe use.

[0041] When the flow channel plate 10 is provided with an opening 11, the opening 11 can be provided on one side in the thickness direction or on both sides in the thickness direction. In this way, when there are openings 11 on both sides, the heat transfer to the water flow is increased by providing heating plates 20 on both sides, the evaporation efficiency of the water flow is accelerated, the user's waiting time is reduced, and the user's user experience is improved.

[0042] Furthermore, when a first water inlet 12 and a steam outlet 13 are provided on the flow channel plate 10, the first water inlet 12 and the steam outlet 13 can be provided on the end sidewalls at opposite ends of the flow channel plate 10, or they can be provided simultaneously on the sidewalls in the thickness direction of the flow channel plate 10.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 The heating element 22 can be an electric heating wire or a heating film. Since the heating wire, being filamentous, has a small coverage area when heating water, its heating efficiency is low, resulting in slow vaporization. Therefore, this embodiment uses a heating film. The heating film can be installed in parallel on the plate 21 to avoid affecting the normal use of others if one fails, or it can be installed in a sheet-like manner to cover as much of the surface of the plate 21 as possible, ensuring uniform heat transfer and improving vaporization efficiency.

[0044] It should be noted that the heating film needs to be connected to an input electrode and an output electrode. The input electrode and the output electrode have their own pins. The external power supply is connected through the pins to realize the input of current, thereby realizing the heating function of the heating film.

[0045] Furthermore, the structure of the heating film may include a multi-layer structure such as a polyimide base material, a metal foil (e.g., nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr), copper or silver) or carbon material as a conductive layer, and an insulating protective layer covering the conductive layer.

[0046] Understandably, since the heating film can conduct heat or electricity, in order to ensure safety, the heating plate 20 also includes at least an outer insulating layer 24, which covers the outer periphery of the heating film; when the plate body 21 is made of conductive material, the cover plate also includes an inner insulating layer 23, which is disposed between the heating film and the plate body 21 to electrically insulate the plate body 21 and the heating film, so as to prevent leakage of electricity from the plate body 21.

[0047] Furthermore, when setting various insulating layers and heating films on the plate 21, processes such as printing sintering or vapor deposition can be used.

[0048] Understandably, in order to monitor the temperature of the heating plate 20 in real time, a temperature monitoring sensor can be installed on the side of the heating plate 20 away from the flow channel plate 10, so that the temperature can be monitored in real time and avoid the temperature from being too high or too low.

[0049] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, when setting the pressure relief structure 30 and the heating plate 20, in order to avoid the setting of the pressure relief structure 30 affecting the setting area of ​​the heating plate 20, the heating plate 20 and the pressure relief structure 30 are set on opposite sides of the flow channel plate 10 along the thickness direction of the flow channel plate 10, so that the heating plate 20 can have a larger heating area and avoid the setting of the pressure relief structure 30 affecting the covering area of ​​the heating element 22.

[0050] Specifically, the pressure relief structure 30 of this embodiment includes a valve seat 32, a sealing gasket 331, and an elastic element 34. The valve seat 32 is connected to the flow channel plate 10. The valve seat 32 is provided with a pressure relief pipe 321, and the pressure relief pipe 321 is provided with a pressure relief port 31. The sealing element 33 and the elastic element 34 are disposed in the pressure relief pipe 321, and the two ends of the elastic element 34 respectively abut against the end of the pressure relief pipe 321 and the sealing element 33. The sealing element 33 is used to open the interface 14 when the preset air pressure is reached. It can be understood that the elastic pressure of the elastic element 34 is much smaller than the pressure resistance safety value in the flow channel plate 10. Specifically, the pressure relief value range of this embodiment is between 1 Bar and 6 Bar. When the steam pressure reaches 1 bar, the pushing force applied to the sealing element 33 is greater than the elastic pressure of the elastic element 34. At this time, the sealing element 33 moves away from the interface 14, and the steam can be released from the pressure relief port 31, thereby achieving the effect of safe use.

[0051] Understandably, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5To prevent water leakage at the connection between the valve seat 32 and the flow channel plate 10, the pressure relief structure 30 also includes a sealing ring 35. The sealing ring 35 is sandwiched between the flow channel plate 10 and the valve seat 32. Specifically, a groove 18 is provided on the flow channel plate 10, and the sealing ring 35 is snapped into the groove 18. The valve seat 32 and the sealing ring 35 abut against each other, thus achieving a sealing effect at the connection between the two. In another embodiment, a groove can also be provided on the valve seat 32; or in another embodiment, grooves can be provided on both, so that the sealing ring 35 is sandwiched between the flow channel plate 10 and the valve seat 32 and clamped by both, thereby achieving a sealing effect.

[0052] Further, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 In this embodiment, the sealing element 33 includes a sealing gasket 331 and a mounting gasket 332. The sealing gasket 331 is used to open or seal the interface 14. The hardness of the mounting gasket 332 is greater than that of the sealing gasket 331. The mounting gasket 332 is used to mount the elastic element 34, so that the hard mounting gasket 332 can exert a pushing force on the sealing gasket 331 to push the sealing gasket 331 against the interface 14. When the air pressure increases, a pushing force is applied to the sealing gasket 331 to push the sealing gasket 331 away from the interface 14.

[0053] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 In this embodiment, when the pressure relief structure 30 is disposed on the flow channel plate 10, the pressure relief structure 30 is provided with a second water inlet 37, which is connected to the first water inlet 12. Thus, by setting the pressure relief structure 30 to the position corresponding to the first water inlet 12, that is, setting the pressure relief structure 30 on the side of water inlet, when the steam pressure increases, pressure relief can be performed at the position where steam is generated at the beginning of water flow. Compared with setting the pressure relief component in other positions on the flow channel 15, the situation where the high-pressure steam cannot be discharged due to blockage in the flow channel 15 is avoided. Furthermore, by setting the pressure relief structure 30 to the position corresponding to the first water inlet 12, the structural characteristics of the pressure relief structure 30 are fully utilized to set the water inlet position, avoiding the need to set a separate water inlet structure.

[0054] Further, please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10When a flow channel 15 is provided within the flow channel plate 10, in order to fully utilize heat, the flow channel 15 includes at least a first sub-flow channel 151 and a second sub-flow channel 152 that are connected. The flow channel plate 10 includes a main body 16 and a curved rib 17 disposed within the main body 16. The main body 16 forms a cavity 161, and the curved rib 17 is disposed within the cavity 161. A first sub-flow channel 151 is formed within the curved rib 17, and a second sub-flow channel 152 is formed between the curved rib 17 and the main body 16. The first sub-flow channel 151 is connected to the first inlet 12, and the second sub-flow channel 152 is connected to the first inlet 12. The sub-channel 152 is connected to the steam outlet 13. By providing a cavity 161 within the main body 16 and bending ribs 17 within the cavity 161, the entire flow channel plate 10 can have a certain thickness, thereby holding a certain amount of water and ensuring the steam output. When the water is heated, the area within the first sub-channel 151 is a heat absorption zone. After the water flows out of the first sub-channel 151, it flows into the second sub-channel 152, is heated again, absorbs heat, rises in temperature, and rapidly vaporizes, so as to be discharged from the steam outlet 13. In other embodiments, for example, the main body 16 includes a bottom plate, which is recessed in the direction away from the cavity 161 of the main body 16 to form a flow channel 15. The heating plate 20 is covered on the flow channel 15, which can also achieve the effect of introducing water and heating it to generate steam.

[0055] Please see Figure 9 and Figure 10 To further improve vaporization efficiency, the flow channel 15 includes a third sub-flow channel 153; the flow channel plate 10 includes two separately arranged curved ribs 17, forming the third sub-flow channel 153 between the two curved ribs 17; the flow channel plate 10 is provided with two first inlets 12, each first inlet 12 corresponding to one first sub-flow channel 151, so that after the water flows in from the second inlet 37 of the pressure relief structure 30, it impacts the wall surface of the flow channel plate 10 and is dispersed to flow sequentially from the two first inlets 12 into the first sub-flow channel 151, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the water initially absorbs heat in the first sub-channel 151, then flows into the second sub-channel 152, where it undergoes initial vaporization. In this area, the water is a mixture of steam and water. The water then flows into the third sub-channel 153, where it undergoes complete vaporization, and finally exits from the steam outlet 13. Furthermore, by setting two curved ribs 17, not only can the two ribs cooperate to form the third sub-channel 153, but each of them can also heat the water flow to generate steam, increasing the amount of steam produced.

[0056] Furthermore, to enhance the vaporization effect, the main body 16 includes adjacent first sidewalls 162 and second sidewalls 163. A second sub-channel 152 is formed between the curved rib 17 and the second sidewall 163. The curved rib 17 has a first end 174 and a second end 175. The outlet of the first sub-channel 151 is between the first end 174 and the second end 175. The first end 174 is connected to the first sidewall 162, and the second end 175 bends toward the second sidewall 163. That is, the outlet of the first sub-channel 151 is formed between the first end 174 and the second end 175. Thus, when the water flows from the first sub-channel 151 toward the second sub-channel 152, the second end 175 bends toward the second sub-channel 152, creating an obstruction to the inflow of water into the second sub-channel 152. This prevents the water from flowing smoothly into the second sub-channel 152, increasing the contact time between the water and heat and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0057] Specifically, the curved rib 17 in this embodiment includes at least a first curved segment 177, an arc segment 171, a first straight segment 172 and a second straight segment 173 disposed at both ends of the arc segment 171. The first curved segment 177 is connected to the second straight segment 173 and serves as the second end 175 of the curved rib 17. The first straight segment 172 has a first end 174. The arc segment 171, the first straight segment 172 and the second straight segment 173 enclose a first sub-channel 151 that is approximately U-shaped.

[0058] Furthermore, to prevent scale from clogging the steam outlet 13, following the bending direction of the second end 175, the first end 174 bends towards the second end 175. Since a third sub-channel 153 is formed between the two bent ribs 17, by bending the first end 174 towards the second end 175, the outlet of the third sub-channel 153 can be expanded, which means that the scale can diffuse at the outlet of the third sub-channel 153, thus preventing the scale from clogging the steam outlet 13.

[0059] Specifically, the curved rib 17 also includes a second curved segment 1751 and a third straight segment 1752. The second curved segment 1751 and the first curved segment 177 have the same bending direction, and the third straight segment 1752 is connected to the first sidewall 162.

[0060] When the first sub-channel 151 is set, the longest distance L2 between the first sidewall 162 and the arc segment 171 is 2 / 3 to 4 / 5 of the length L1 of the cavity 161. That is, the first straight segment 172 and the second straight segment 173 have a certain extension length, so that the water flow can be heated in an orderly manner.

[0061] Furthermore, since the flow channel plate 10 and the heating plate 20 have a certain extension length and a certain cross-sectional area, in order to ensure the fit between the heating plate 20 and the flow channel plate 10, the bent rib 17 is provided with a glue-containing groove 176. The glue-containing groove 176 is used to contain the glue. The extension direction of the glue-containing groove 176 is the same as the extension direction of the length of the bent rib 17. Thus, when the flow channel plate 10 and the heating plate 20 are installed, the glue can be injected into the glue-containing groove 176. It is installed not only through the boundary of the heating plate 20 and the flow channel plate 10, but also through the middle area of ​​the heating plate 20 and the flow channel plate 10, increasing the connection points and connection area, and ensuring the connection strength.

[0062] The steam generator 100 with the aforementioned pressure relief structure avoids the pressure relief structure 30 occupying the installation area of ​​the heating element 22 and affecting the heating efficiency by setting the heating plate 20 and the pressure relief structure 30 on opposite sides of the flow channel plate 10. By providing a second water inlet 37 to input water flow to the first water inlet 12 through the second water inlet 37, the pressure relief structure 30 is set on the water inlet side, which can timely discharge the generated high-pressure steam and prevent scale in the flow channel 15 from affecting the steam flow channel 15 and causing excessive gas pressure and explosion hazard. By setting two curved ribs 17 in the flow channel plate 10, a third sub-flow channel 153 can be formed between the two, which increases the heat exchange efficiency of the water flow and ensures the vaporization efficiency.

[0063] In another embodiment of this utility model, a household appliance is also provided, including the steam generator 100 with a pressure relief structure described above. The household appliance may be, for example, a handheld iron or a hanging iron.

[0064] The aforementioned household appliances, due to the steam generator 100 with a pressure relief structure, can quickly heat water into steam, shortening the user's waiting time and improving the user experience; and with the pressure relief structure 30, high-pressure steam can be discharged in time to avoid the risk of explosion caused by excessive pressure.

[0065] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. Steam generating device (100) with pressure relief structure, characterized in that, include: The flow channel plate (10) is provided with an opening (11), a first water inlet (12), a steam outlet (13) and a connecting port (14), and a flow channel (15) is provided inside the flow channel plate (10); The heating plate (20) includes a plate body (21) and a heating element (22) disposed on one side of the plate body (21), wherein the side of the plate body (21) facing away from the heating element (22) covers the opening (11); A pressure relief structure (30) is connected to the flow channel plate (10) and is provided with a pressure relief port (31), which is connected to the docking port (14).

2. The steam generating device (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 1, characterized in that The heating plate (20) and the pressure relief structure (30) are disposed on opposite sides of the flow channel plate (10) along the thickness direction of the flow channel plate (10).

3. The steam generating device (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The pressure relief structure (30) includes a valve seat (32), a seal (33), and an elastic element (34). The valve seat (32) is connected to the flow channel plate (10). The valve seat (32) is provided with a pressure relief pipe (321). The pressure relief pipe (321) is provided with a pressure relief port (31). The seal (33) and the elastic element (34) are located inside the pressure relief pipe (321). The two ends of the elastic element (34) abut against the end of the pressure relief pipe (321) and the seal (33), respectively. The seal (33) is used to open the interface (14) when the preset air pressure is reached.

4. The steam generating apparatus (100) having a pressure relief structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, The pressure relief structure (30) is provided with a second water inlet (37), which is connected to the first water inlet (12).

5. The steam generator (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow channel (15) includes at least a first sub-flow channel (151) and a second sub-flow channel (152) that are connected to each other; The flow channel plate (10) includes a main body (16) and a curved rib (17) disposed within the main body (16). The main body (16) forms a cavity (161). The curved rib (17) is disposed within the cavity (161). A first sub-flow channel (151) is formed within the curved rib (17). A second sub-flow channel (152) is formed between the curved rib (17) and the main body (16). The first sub-flow channel (151) is connected to the water inlet, and the second sub-flow channel (152) is connected to the steam outlet (13).

6. The steam generator (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The flow channel (15) includes a third sub-flow channel (153); The flow channel plate (10) includes two curved ribs (17) separated from each other, and the third sub-flow channel (153) is formed between the two curved ribs (17); The flow channel plate (10) is provided with two first water inlets (12), and each first water inlet (12) corresponds to one first sub-flow channel (151).

7. The steam generator (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, The main body (16) includes an adjacent first sidewall (162) and a second sidewall (163), and the second sub-channel (152) is formed between the curved rib (17) and the second sidewall (163); The curved rib (17) has a first end (174) and a second end (175), with the outlet of the first sub-channel (151) between the first end (174) and the second end (175). The first end (174) is connected to the first sidewall (162), and the second end (175) is bent toward the second sidewall (163).

8. The steam generating device (100) with pressure relief structure according to claim 7, characterized in that The first end (174) bends toward the second end (175).

9. The steam generator (100) with a pressure relief structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating element (22) is a heating film; The heating plate (20) includes a plurality of heating films, which are arranged in parallel on the surface of the plate body (21); or the heating plate (20) includes one heating film, which is sheet-shaped and covers the surface of the plate body (21).

10. Household appliance, characterized in that Includes a steam generator (100) with a pressure relief structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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