Steam generator

Abstract

This utility model provides a steam generating device, relating to the field of steam generating equipment. The steam generating device includes a heating element, a water pump, and a water storage tank. The water storage tank has a steam outlet and is equipped with a first water level probe, a second water level probe, and a third water level probe. The steam generating device has a first steam generating stage and a second steam generating stage. In the first steam generating stage, the water pump starts when the first water level probe does not detect water; when the first water level probe detects water, the heating element heats up; when the second water level probe detects water, the water pump shuts off. After generating steam, the steam generating device enters the second steam generating stage, where the water pump starts when the second water level probe does not detect water; and shuts off when the third water level probe detects water. The steam generating device provided by this utility model features rapid heating, rapid steam output, dry steam, and safe operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of steam generating equipment technology, and more specifically, to a steam generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Current steam-type products all require a preheating period before use, meaning the water needs to be heated to a sufficient temperature before steam is emitted. Insufficient preheating time will result in incomplete vaporization and water spraying out, or the steam not being dry enough and condensing after its first pass through the pipes, causing the emitted steam to contain a large number of water droplets and wet clothes. For example, current electric irons and garment steamers require waiting from tens of seconds to several minutes before use.

[0003] Long preheating time is a major pain point for users. To shorten the preheating time and avoid water spraying, the ironing industry often uses the following methods: Method 1 is to reduce the initial water intake, but this reduces the amount of steam and affects the product's performance; Method 2 is to use diaphragm-type and wound wire-type instant heating products commonly used in the water heater industry, but because these instant heating products heat up too quickly and the temperature is difficult to control, they are prone to dry burning, causing the instant heating product to fail and burn out.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a steam generator that heats up quickly, produces steam rapidly, dries the steam, and is safe to use. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a steam generating device and a steam generating device that features rapid heating, rapid steam output, dry steam, and safe use.

[0006] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a steam generating device, comprising:

[0008] A heating element having an internal heating cavity for containing water, the heating element being configured to generate heat to heat the water within the heating cavity;

[0009] A water pump is connected to the heating element and is used to supply water to the heating element;

[0010] A water storage tank is connected above the heating element. The water storage tank has a steam outlet. A first water level probe, a second water level probe, and a third water level probe are arranged sequentially from bottom to top on the water storage tank.

[0011] The steam generating device has a first steam generating stage and a second steam generating stage. In the first steam generating stage, when the first water level probe does not detect water, the water pump starts; when the first water level probe detects water, the heating element heats up; when the second water level probe detects water, the water pump stops.

[0012] After generating steam, the steam generator enters the second steam generation stage. When the second water level probe does not detect water, the water pump starts; when the third water level probe detects water, the water pump shuts down.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the heating element includes a substrate, a heating element, an inner insulating layer, and an outer insulating layer. The substrate surrounds to form the heating cavity, and the inner insulating layer, the heating element, and the outer insulating layer are sequentially disposed on the back side of the substrate from the inside to the outside.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the bottom of the water tank has a connecting end and an inclined surface, the connecting end is connected to the heating element, and the steam outlet is located on the side above the inclined surface away from the connecting end.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, a first temperature sensing probe is provided between the water pump and the heating element.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, a second temperature sensor is provided on the water storage tank and on one side of the steam outlet.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the steam generator further includes a power supply board, which is electrically connected to both the heating element and the water pump.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, a temperature fuse is provided on the heating element, and the temperature fuse is electrically connected to the power board.

[0019] In an optional embodiment, a scale storage tank is provided at the lower end of the heating element in communication with the heating chamber, and a scale discharge valve is connected to the scale storage tank.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the steam generating device provided in this embodiment of the present invention include:

[0021] By setting a first water level probe, a second water level probe, and a third water level probe on the water storage tank, with the first water level probe positioned above and close to the heating element, the water level is controlled between the heights of the first and second water level probes during the first steam generation stage. At this stage, the water volume is small, achieving the goal of quickly generating steam with a small amount of water entering the heating element, and the steam temperature is high. After steam is generated, the device enters the second steam generation stage, where the water level is controlled between the heights of the second and third water level probes. A larger volume of water is used to maintain the temperature balance of the heating element, preventing the heating element from heating up too quickly and entering a dry-burning state without water. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator provided in this embodiment from a first-view perspective;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator provided in this embodiment from a second perspective.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the steam generator provided in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the heating element provided in this embodiment.

[0027] Icons: 100-Heating element; 110-Heating chamber; 120-Base material; 130-Heating element; 140-Inner insulation layer; 150-Outer insulation layer; 200-Water pump; 300-Water storage tank; 310-Steam outlet; 320-First water level probe; 330-Second water level probe; 340-Third water level probe; 350-Connection end; 360-Sloping surface; 400-First temperature sensor; 500-Second temperature sensor; 600-Power board; 610-Temperature fuse; 700-Scale storage tank; 710-Scale discharge valve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0029] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0034] Current steam-generating products all require a preheating process before use, meaning the water needs to be heated to a sufficient temperature before steam is emitted. Existing ironing products use heating elements made of materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and copper. The heating element is a resistance wire heating tube, which is connected to the heating element using processes like die casting or brazing to heat the water and produce steam. The heat transfer in these heaters is through the resistance wire, which is then transferred to the metal material. However, the distance from the resistance wire to different locations varies, resulting in uneven heating rates and varying distances to the water. This leads to lower heat conversion efficiency and a longer preheating time, resulting in longer steam delivery times.

[0035] Insufficient preheating time can result in incomplete vaporization and water spraying, or the steam not being dry enough and condensing after its first pass through the pipes, causing the steam to spray out with a large number of water droplets and wet clothes. For example, current electric irons and garment steamers require waiting from tens of seconds to several minutes before use.

[0036] To shorten preheating time and avoid water spraying, the ironing industry often uses the following methods: Method 1 is to reduce the initial water intake, but this method reduces the amount of steam generated, affecting the product's performance.

[0037] Method two involves using diaphragm-type and wound wire-type instant heating products commonly used in the water heater industry, which achieve rapid heating and boiling of water. However, the current water heating temperature can only reach 97℃. Furthermore, because these instant heating products heat up too quickly and the temperature is difficult to control, they are prone to dry burning and damage.

[0038] Based on this, the present invention provides a steam generating device to solve the problems of slow heating, slow steam output, and water spraying into the steam of existing heaters. The following detailed description, through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, details the overall structure, working principle, and technical effects of the steam generating device provided by the present invention, as well as the detailed steps, implementation principles, and technical effects of the supporting control method.

[0039] This invention provides a steam generator for use in steam-powered household appliances, such as electric irons and garment steamers. The steam generator provided by this invention has the advantages of rapid heating, fast steam output, and efficient steam drying.

[0040] For details, please refer to Figures 1-3The steam generating device provided by this utility model includes a heating element 100, a water pump 200, and a water storage tank 300. The heating element 100 has a heating chamber 110 for containing water. The heating element 100 generates heat to heat the water contained in the heating chamber 110 to generate steam. The water storage tank 300 is connected above the heating element 100 and has a steam outlet 310 for outputting the generated steam. A first water level probe 320, a second water level probe 330, and a third water level probe 340 are sequentially arranged on the water storage tank 300 from bottom to top. The steam generating device also has a first steam generation stage and a second steam generation stage. When the steam generator starts, it enters the first steam generation stage. During this stage, if the first water level probe 320 does not detect water, the water pump 200 starts and continuously supplies water to the heating element 100. If the first water level probe 320 detects water, the heating element 100 starts and heats the water in the heating chamber 110. If the second water level probe 330 detects water, the water pump 200 stops supplying water to the heating element 100. After steam is generated in the first steam generation stage, the steam generator enters the second steam generation stage. During this stage, if the second water level probe 330 does not detect water, the water pump 200 starts and continues to supply water to the heating element 100. If the third water level probe 340 detects water, the water pump 200 shuts down to stop supplying water to the heating element 100.

[0041] By setting a first water level probe 320, a second water level probe 330, and a third water level probe 340 on the water storage tank 300, with the first water level probe 320 located above and close to the heating element 100, the water level is controlled between the height of the first water level probe 320 and the height of the second water level probe 330 during the first steam generation stage. At this time, the water volume is small, which facilitates rapid heating and rapid steam generation, and the steam temperature is high. After steam is generated, the device enters the second steam generation stage, where the water level is controlled between the height of the second water level probe 330 and the height of the third water level probe 340. A larger volume of water is used to maintain the temperature balance of the heating element 100, preventing the heating element 100 from heating up too quickly and entering a dry-burning state without water.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 4In some optional embodiments, the heating element 100 includes a substrate 120, a heating element 130, an inner insulating layer 140, and an outer insulating layer 150. The substrate 120 is made of stainless steel and surrounds and forms a heating cavity 110 for containing water. The inner insulating layer 140, the heating element 130, and the outer insulating layer 150 are sequentially arranged from the inside to the outside on the back side of the substrate 120. The heating element 130 is formed by high-temperature sintering of a slurry conductor. Both the heating element 130 and the stainless steel substrate 120 are thin and lightweight, with a total thickness of less than 3 mm. This minimizes heat storage and allows the generated heat to be quickly transferred to the water. Furthermore, the heating element 130 is evenly distributed on the substrate 120, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the entire substrate 120 in contact with the water, preventing localized overheating and temperature control deviations. In other optional embodiments, the heating element 100 may also be an alloy heating wire bent, wound, and sintered onto the stainless steel substrate 120.

[0043] Furthermore, a support is provided on the outside of the heating element 100. The support is used to fix the steam generator and other parts, and the support also serves as heat insulation to prevent heat energy from radiating to the surroundings, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the steam generator and reducing the temperature rise of the parts around the heating element 100.

[0044] Please refer to Figures 1-3 In this embodiment, the bottom of the water storage tank 300 has a connecting end 350 and an inclined surface 360, making the water storage tank 300 generally in an inverted L-shape. The connecting end 350 is used to connect to the heating element 100, and the steam outlet 310 is located above the inclined surface 360 ​​and on the side away from the connecting end 350. By offsetting the steam outlet 310 from the connecting end 350, the steam outlet 310 is prevented from being directly above the heating element 100, thereby reducing the boiling of water and increasing the humidity of the steam. Furthermore, the inclined surface 360 ​​below the steam outlet 310 facilitates the return of condensate to the heating chamber.

[0045] Please refer to Figures 1-3 In some optional embodiments, a first temperature sensor 400 is provided between the water pump 200 and the heating element 100 to detect the water temperature entering the heating element 100. This allows for adjustment of the output power of the heating element 100 based on the water temperature, ensuring effective heating of the water and preventing excessively rapid water temperature rise and dry burning. Furthermore, a second temperature sensor 500 is provided on the water storage tank 300, located on one side of the steam outlet 310. This second temperature sensor 500 monitors the steam temperature generated by the steam generator in real time, allowing for adjustment of the heating element 100's power to ensure the output steam temperature meets requirements.

[0046] Please refer to Figures 1-3The steam generator provided in this embodiment also includes a power supply board 600, which is electrically connected to the heating element 100 and the water pump 200. The power supply board 600 supplies power to the heating element 100 and the water pump 200, and controls the start and stop of the heating element 100 and the water pump 200. Furthermore, a temperature fuse 610 and a temperature controller are also provided on the heating element 100. The temperature controller is used to balance the temperature of the heating element 100, and the temperature fuse 610 is used to cut off the power in time to protect the safety of the whole machine when other components fail.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1-3 In some optional embodiments, a scale storage tank 700 is provided at the bottom of the heating element 100. The scale storage tank 700 is connected to the heating chamber 110. During the use of the steam generator, the scale will sink to the bottom of the scale storage tank 700 under its own weight, preventing scale from adhering to the inner wall of the heating element 100 and causing the heating element 100 to overheat and burn out. Furthermore, a scale discharge valve 710 is also provided at the bottom of the scale storage tank 700 for periodically discharging the scale and impurities deposited at the bottom of the scale storage tank 700. Specifically, the scale discharge valve 710 can be opened by manual rotation or opened and closed automatically by electric means. In this embodiment, the specific opening and closing structure of the scale discharge valve 710 is not limited.

[0048] In summary, the implementation principle of the steam generating device provided by this utility model is as follows: by setting a first water level probe 320, a second water level probe 330, and a third water level probe 340 on the water storage tank 300, and with the first water level probe 320 located above and close to the heating element 100, the water level is controlled between the height of the first water level probe 320 and the height of the second water level probe 330 during the first steam generation stage. At this time, the water volume is small, achieving the purpose of quickly generating steam with a small amount of water entering the heating element 100, and the steam temperature is high. After steam is generated, the device enters the second steam generation stage, where the water level is controlled between the height of the second water level probe 330 and the height of the third water level probe 340, using a larger amount of water to maintain the temperature balance of the heating element 100, and preventing the heating element 100 from heating up too quickly and entering a dry-burning state.

[0049] The above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, characterized by, include: A heating element having an internal heating cavity for containing water, the heating element being configured to generate heat to heat the water within the heating cavity; A water pump is connected to the heating element and is used to supply water to the heating element; A water storage tank is connected above the heating element. The water storage tank has a steam outlet. A first water level probe, a second water level probe, and a third water level probe are arranged sequentially from bottom to top on the water storage tank. The steam generating device has a first steam generating stage and a second steam generating stage. In the first steam generating stage, when the first water level probe does not detect water, the water pump starts; when the first water level probe detects water, the heating element heats up; when the second water level probe detects water, the water pump stops. After generating steam, the steam generator enters the second steam generation stage. When the second water level probe does not detect water, the water pump starts; when the third water level probe detects water, the water pump shuts down.

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized by The heating element includes a substrate, a heating element, an inner insulating layer, and an outer insulating layer. The substrate surrounds to form the heating cavity, and the inner insulating layer, the heating element, and the outer insulating layer are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside on the back side of the substrate.

3. The steam generating device of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the water tank has a connecting end and an inclined surface. The connecting end is connected to the heating element, and the steam outlet is located on the side above the inclined surface away from the connecting end.

4. The steam generating device of claim 1, wherein, A first temperature sensing probe is installed between the water pump and the heating element.

5. The steam generating device of claim 1, wherein, A second temperature sensor is installed on the water storage tank and on one side of the steam outlet.

6. The steam generating device of claim 1, wherein, The steam generator also includes a power supply board, which is electrically connected to the heating element and the water pump.

7. The steam generating device of claim 6, wherein, The heating element is equipped with a temperature fuse, which is electrically connected to the power board.

8. The steam generating device of claim 1, wherein, The lower end of the heating element is connected to the heating chamber and a scale storage tank is provided, and a scale discharge valve is connected to the scale storage tank.

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