Steam generator and laundry treating apparatus having the same

Abstract

The utility model belongs to steam generator technical field especially relates to a steam generator and have its clothes processing equipment, include: the shell body of forming closed chamber, the shell body includes the water storage box, its inside storage liquid water, dip water wheel disc, its partial immersion in the liquid water in water storage box, heating device, it is used to dip water wheel disc heating, drive arrangement, it is used to drive dip water wheel disc rotation, when using, drive arrangement drives dip water wheel disc continues rotation, the area on dip water wheel disc is constantly immersed in the liquid water in water storage box along with rotation, then separates water surface along with rotation, and forms water film on its surface and is attached, heating device heats dip water wheel disc, so that its water film is heated and produces water vapor, the steam generator and have its clothes processing equipment of the utility model realize fast, efficient produce a large amount of water vapor at the same time, can make the yield of steam stable, adjustable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of steam generator technology, and in particular relates to a steam generator and a clothing processing device having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Clothing treatment equipment refers to various devices used for washing, drying, ironing, and other garment processing steps, widely used in homes, laundries, garment factories, and other places. Many clothing treatment devices require the use of steam generated by a steam generator to treat clothes. For example, in a washing machine, the high-temperature, high-pressure steam generated by the steam generator can penetrate the clothing fibers, softening stubborn stains in the fiber gaps. Simultaneously, the "impact" of the steam helps to remove stains, enhancing cleaning power and reducing detergent dependence. Furthermore, the high-temperature steam can also destroy the protein structure of bacteria, mites, and allergens, thus killing bacteria and mites. In addition, steam can pre-soften clothes before washing, and during the washing process, steam helps maintain moderate fluffiness of the fibers, reducing tangling and knotting. After washing, clothes are smoother and require less frequent ironing. Compared to traditional high-temperature boiling washing, the "moist heat" of steam is gentler, effectively cleaning while protecting delicate fabrics and preventing damage. For example, the steam generator in a dryer can introduce steam during the later stages of drying. On one hand, the steam balances the humidity inside the drum, preventing fibers from hardening due to over-drying. On the other hand, the heat of the steam accelerates the evaporation of residual moisture, especially for thicker garments like down jackets and jeans, shortening drying time and preventing localized overheating and scorching of the fabric. Furthermore, after drying, the steam acts on the garment again, using the high-temperature steam to soften wrinkles. Combined with the dryer's "reverse shaking" function, it smooths out wrinkles created during drying, achieving a near-light ironing effect, allowing the garment to be worn directly without additional ironing. In garment processing equipment, the high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator can penetrate fibers, decomposing odor molecules and sterilizing, restoring freshness to garments without washing and avoiding the aging caused by frequent washing, thus achieving steam cleaning and deodorizing functions. For fabrics such as wool sweaters, down jackets, and cushions, steam can fluff up the fibers again, preventing clumping and making the dried garments softer, warmer, and more aesthetically pleasing. In addition, some garment processing equipment also uses high-temperature steam generated by a steam generator to rinse the inner wall of the drum, filter and air duct, remove residual fiber debris, dissolve detergent residue, prevent bacterial growth, achieve self-cleaning of the equipment, reduce dirt accumulation, extend the service life of garment processing equipment, and prevent dirt from adhering to the clothes during subsequent use.

[0003] In existing garment processing equipment, the steam generators mainly have two structures. One type involves placing an electric heating device in a water tank, which heats the water to produce steam. The other type controls the water flow rate, for example, setting it to 30 mg / min, allowing a small amount of water to be electrically heated and vaporized as it passes through a long pipeline to generate steam. The first type of steam generator requires heating a large volume of water to boiling, and each steam generation requires a complete heating process, resulting in a 3-5 minute "waiting period" for steam output. In garment processing scenarios, this lag affects the immediate user experience, leading to significant steam generation delays and slow response times. Furthermore, this type of steam generator requires heating the entire water tank to boiling, consuming the energy needed to heat all the water even when only a small amount of steam is needed, resulting in significant energy waste and low heating efficiency. Moreover, in the initial stage of steam generation, the water temperature is low, resulting in almost no steam output. However, after boiling, a large amount of steam is generated, potentially leading to an unadjustable steam output and excessive fluctuations in internal steam pressure, negatively impacting garment processing effectiveness. The second type of steam generator mentioned above is limited by a fixed water intake and heating power, which severely restricts the steam output. It cannot adjust the output according to the needs of clothing processing, resulting in low and unadjustable steam output, making it difficult to meet diverse needs. At the same time, the steam generation in this type of steam generator depends on the instantaneous vaporization of water flowing through the heating tube, so it is highly dependent on the heating path and is easily affected by water quality and scaling. More problematic is that this type of steam generator requires precise water control components to ensure the stability of the water intake. If the water pressure fluctuates, the actual amount of water entering the heating tube will be unstable. When there is too much water, the heating is insufficient, resulting in "spraying" phenomenon. When there is too little water, the steam output drops sharply, and the generator may even shut down due to the heating tube dry burning, triggering the protection mechanism.

[0004] In actual use, the steam demand of clothing processing equipment changes dynamically at different stages of clothing processing. For example, the "pre-softening" stage of a washing machine requires a large amount of steam quickly, while the "deep cleaning" stage requires a stable and moderate amount of steam. However, existing steam generators are limited by their own structure and steam generation methods, and cannot dynamically adjust the rate and total amount of steam output. This limits the flexibility of the equipment function and makes it difficult for existing steam generators to balance the multiple relationships between "output, efficiency, energy saving, stability, and adjustability".

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a steam generator and a clothing processing device having the same, so as to achieve the goal of rapidly generating a large amount of water vapor while ensuring stable and adjustable steam output, and achieving energy saving and environmental protection in the steam preparation process. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to address the aforementioned technical problems by providing a steam generator and a clothing processing device having the same, which can quickly and efficiently generate a large amount of water steam while ensuring stable and adjustable steam output, and the steam preparation process is energy-saving and environmentally friendly.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention provides a steam generator, comprising: an outer shell forming a closed chamber, the outer shell including a water storage box, the water storage box storing liquid water; Also includes: The water-dipping wheel is partially submerged in liquid water within a water storage tank; A heating device for heating the dipping wheel; A drive unit for driving the water-dipping wheel to rotate; In use, the driving device drives the dipping wheel to rotate continuously. The area on the dipping wheel is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box as it rotates. Then, as it rotates, it leaves the water surface and forms a water film on its surface. The heating device heats the dipping wheel, so that the water film on it is heated and generates water vapor.

[0008] Furthermore, the lower part of the water-dipping wheel is immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box.

[0009] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel is circular in shape.

[0010] Furthermore, the circular surface of the water-dipping wheel is arranged in the vertical direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the steam generator also includes a water level detection device, which detects the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box.

[0012] Furthermore, during use, the water level in the water storage box is controlled to be less than or equal to the center point of the dipping wheel by a water level detection device.

[0013] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel is made of a heat-conducting material and can be heated by the heating device, causing the water film on the water-dipping wheel to generate water vapor.

[0014] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel has a rough surface that allows liquid water to adhere and form a water film.

[0015] Furthermore, the surface of the water-dipping wheel is provided with multiple protrusions or multiple pits.

[0016] Furthermore, the heating device is positioned directly over the area in the water-dipping wheel that needs to be heated.

[0017] Furthermore, the steam generator includes multiple dipping discs arranged in parallel.

[0018] Furthermore, a heating device is installed between two adjacent dipping discs.

[0019] Furthermore, the outer casing also includes a cover, and a vent is provided on the water storage box and / or the cover.

[0020] Furthermore, the vent is located on the top surface of the lid.

[0021] Furthermore, the lid also includes a sloping side plate, the upper end of which is connected to the edge of the top surface, and the sloping side plate is inclined outward from top to bottom, so that the space inside the lid gradually decreases in cross-sectional area from bottom to top.

[0022] This utility model also provides a clothing processing device, which is equipped with a steam generator, and the steam generator is the steam generator described above.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. The steam generator of this utility model drives the dipping wheel to rotate via a drive device, so that a portion of the dipping wheel immersed in liquid water can continuously detach from the water surface as it rotates and form a water film on its surface. At the same time, the heating device heats the dipping wheel, causing the water film on it to generate water vapor. During this process, because the water film formed on the surface of the dipping wheel is relatively thin when it rotates, the heat from the heating device can quickly penetrate the water film, allowing the water to quickly change from liquid to gaseous state after contacting the dipping wheel. In addition, the dipping wheel is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, which can enhance heat transfer. Compared with the traditional method of heating an entire tank of water, the steam generation speed is greatly improved. 2. During the rotation of the water-dipping wheel described in this utility model, a portion of it is always immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box, which can continuously dip into water and form a water film. Combined with the continuous heating of the heating device, it can achieve uninterrupted steam production. On this basis, by controlling parameters such as the rotation speed of the water-dipping wheel, a high frequency of water film renewal per unit time can be achieved. After heating, a large amount of water vapor is generated to meet the demand for large steam volume. 3. The steam generator described in this utility model can monitor the water level in the water storage box in real time through a water level detection device to ensure that the immersion depth of the impeller meets the requirements, thus ensuring the stability of the water film volume and steam generation per unit time from the source; at the same time, the use of a chamber that gradually narrows from bottom to top, combined with the top steam vent, allows the steam to be discharged stably along a fixed path, avoiding output fluctuations caused by steam stagnation.

[0024] 4. The steam generator described in this utility model can achieve flexible adjustment of the steam production volume by adjusting parameters such as the area of ​​the dipping wheel immersed in liquid water, the rotation speed, and the heating power of the heating device.

[0025] 5. The steam generator of this utility model generates steam by heating a thin water film on the surface of the dipping wheel. The heat acts directly on the water to be vaporized, greatly reducing heat loss. At the same time, the high thermal conductivity dipping wheel and the close-range heating method further improve the heat transfer efficiency and reduce the energy consumption per unit of steam, thus having the advantages of energy saving and low consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the structure of the steam generator described in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water-dipping wheel described in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water storage box described in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box lid described in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device described in this utility model; The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Water storage box; 101. Water inlet; 102. Clearance groove one; 103. Fixing hole; 2. Water dipping wheel; 201. Protrusion; 3. Heating device; 301. Electric heating tube; 302. Mounting plate; 4. Drive device; 5. Box cover; 501. Sloping side plate; 502. Steam vent; 503. Clearance groove two; 504. Top surface; 6. Water level detection device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. For ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following drawings denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one drawing, it need not be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0029] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" 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 application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 on the scope of protection of this application. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0030] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a steam generator, the steam generator comprising: An outer shell forming a closed chamber, the outer shell including a water storage box 1, the water storage box 1 storing liquid water; The water-dipping wheel 2 is partially submerged in the liquid water in the water storage box 1; Heating device 3, which is used to heat the water-dipping wheel 2; Drive device 4, which is used to drive the water-dipping wheel 2 to rotate; In use, the driving device 4 drives the dipping wheel 2 to rotate continuously. The area on the dipping wheel 2 is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1 as it rotates. Then, as it rotates, it leaves the water surface and forms a water film on its surface. The heating device 3 heats the dipping wheel 2, so that the water film on it is heated and generates water vapor.

[0032] In the steam generator described in this utility model, steam is mainly generated through a synergistic mechanism of "dipping-rotation-heating," and the process of generating water vapor mainly includes the following stages: (1) Water film formation stage: Liquid water is stored in the water storage box 1, and part of the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 is immersed in the water. When the driving device 4, such as the motor, drives the water-dipping wheel 2 to rotate continuously, the part of the water-dipping wheel 2 immersed in the water will be lifted off the water surface as it rotates. Due to the adhesion and surface tension, a uniform water film can be naturally formed on its surface. Note that this is not a large volume of water. (2) Water film heating and vaporization stage: The heating device 3 heats the rotating water-dipping wheel 2 and transfers the heat to the water film on its surface. At this time, since the water film is extremely thin, much thinner than the water body thickness in the traditional water storage box, the heat can quickly penetrate the water film, so that the water reaches the boiling point in a short time and quickly vaporizes into water vapor, thus achieving the purpose of the steam generator of this utility model to output water vapor quickly in a short time after startup.

[0033] (3) Steam output stage: The water vapor generated by the vaporization of the water film expands due to heat and will be "thrown out" or naturally diffused to the output channel of the steam generator as the dipping wheel 2 rotates. Finally, it is delivered to the working chamber of the clothing processing equipment, such as the inner drum of a washing machine or the drum of a dryer, to achieve functions such as steam cleaning and wrinkle removal. At the same time, the dipping wheel 2 continues to rotate, and new areas are constantly immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1 as it rotates. Then, it leaves the water surface as it rotates and generates a water film. Through the continuous formation and heating of new water films, a continuous steam output cycle is formed.

[0034] As some examples of this utility model, the water-dipping wheel 2 can be vertically positioned above the water storage box 1, in which case the lower part of the water-dipping wheel 2 can be immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1. Alternatively, the water-dipping wheel 2 can be horizontally positioned on the side of the water storage box 1, with the lower surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 immersed in water. A driving device drives the wheel to rotate, causing its lower surface to be wetted and form a water film.

[0035] Of course, based on the technical concept provided by this utility model, those skilled in the art can also use a nozzle spraying method to form a water film on the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2, but the water film formed in this way has poor uniformity and is difficult to control the thickness of the water film, and the implementation effect is inferior to that of this utility model.

[0036] Furthermore, based on the technical concept provided by this utility model, the dipping wheel 2 can also form a water film adhering to the surface of the dipping wheel 2 by indirectly contacting the liquid water in the water storage box 1. Specifically, a water trough roller can be set in the water storage box 1, with part of the water trough roller immersed in water. The dipping wheel 2 and the water trough roller are always in contact, and both rotate in the same direction and at the same speed. The water drawn up in the water trough roller is carried away by the dipping wheel 2, thereby forming a water film on its surface. However, the water film formed in this way also has the disadvantages of poor uniformity and difficulty in controlling the thickness of the water film, and the implementation effect is inferior to that of this utility model.

[0037] Therefore, preferably, the water-dipping wheel 2 of this invention is located above the water storage box 1, and the lower part of the water-dipping wheel 2 is immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1. At this time, when the water-dipping wheel 2 is rotated out of the water, due to the influence of gravity, the excess water will naturally drip back into the water storage box 1, leaving only a thin water film on the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 due to surface tension. This "natural water control" method avoids the risk of the water-dipping wheel 2 carrying excessive water, resulting in unvaporized water being output with steam, and does not require additional channels and structures for guiding and collecting the liquid water dripping from the water-dipping wheel 2.

[0038] As some examples of this utility model, the water-dipping wheel 2 can rotate around its geometric central axis or rotate eccentrically under the drive of the driving device 4.

[0039] As some examples of this utility model, the shape of the water-dipping wheel 2 can be polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, circular, elliptical or other shapes.

[0040] It should be noted that the shape of the water-dipping wheel 2 described in this utility model refers to the shape of its cross-section perpendicular to its axial direction.

[0041] Preferably, the dipping wheel 2 is circular in shape, and its circular surface is arranged vertically or nearly vertically. During rotation, the circular dipping wheel 2 can be immersed in water with a constant area and then rotate out of the water. During this process, the area of ​​the water film formed per unit time remains constant, thus ensuring a relatively stable amount of steam generated by the steam generator and preventing pulse-like changes in steam production.

[0042] Furthermore, the steam generator also includes a water level detection device 6, which is installed in the water storage box 1 and can detect the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box 1 to prevent the water level in the water storage box 1 from being too high, which would reduce the steam generation efficiency, or too low, which would cause the equipment to burn dry and be damaged.

[0043] As examples of this utility model, the water level detection device 6 can be a float-type water level sensor, a probe-type water level sensor, a capacitive water level sensor, an infrared water level sensor, an ultrasonic water level sensor, etc. For example, if the water level detection device 6 is a capacitive water level sensor, it determines the liquid level in the water storage box 1 by the change in capacitance caused by the different heights of water at the two poles of the capacitor; the water level detection device 6 can also be a pneumatic liquid level sensor, which determines the water level by the change in the output signal of the pneumatic liquid level sensor caused by the pressure generated in the air tube of the pneumatic liquid level sensor by the water level height; in addition, the water level detection device 6 can also be a probe-type water level sensor, which can be set with multiple water level height settings during use.

[0044] Furthermore, one or more water level sensors can be installed inside the water storage box 1. The water level detection device 6 can detect the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box 1 at multiple levels or perform stepless water level detection.

[0045] Preferably, during use, the water level in the water storage box 1 can be controlled by the water level detection device 6 to be ≤ the center point of the water dipping wheel 2.

[0046] As some examples of this utility model, during use, the water level detection device 6 can stabilize the water level in the water storage box 1 at the center point of the dipping wheel 2. At this time, half of the total area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 is immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1, which ensures sufficient dipping area without causing excessive water to be carried out by the dipping wheel 2 due to excessive immersion area.

[0047] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel 2 is a wheel with a rough surface made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The high thermal conductivity of the water-dipping wheel 2 can quickly transfer heat to the water film, achieving efficient vaporization, while the roughened surface can enhance the adhesion of the water film and prevent water from dripping quickly.

[0048] Specifically, the water-dipping wheel 2 has a rough surface that allows liquid water to adhere and form a water film.

[0049] Furthermore, the surface roughness Ra of the water-dipping wheel 2 is ≥1.0μm.

[0050] As some examples of this utility model, the surface roughness Ra of the water-dipping wheel 2 is 1.0~10μm. The core function of the water-dipping wheel 2 in this utility model is to dip water from the water storage box 1 by rotating and form a uniform and stable thin water film on its surface. If its surface roughness is too low, the adhesion between the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 and the water is weak. When rotating, the water is easy to drip quickly due to centrifugal force, resulting in an excessively thin water film or even local breakage, and the steam output is low or unstable. If its surface roughness is too high, too much water will accumulate on the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2, forming local "water clumps" instead of a uniform water film. When heated, these water clumps are difficult to vaporize quickly and are easily output with the steam, reducing the purity of the steam.

[0051] As some examples of this utility model, a water-dipping wheel 2 with a suitable surface roughness can be prepared by surface sandblasting, chemical etching, knurling, mold shaping, etc.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple protrusions 201 or multiple pits can be provided on the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 to increase its surface roughness.

[0053] Preferably, the protrusions 201 or pits are arranged in an array on the surface of the water-dipping wheel 2 in a predetermined manner.

[0054] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel 2 is made of a heat-conducting material and can be heated by the heating device 3, so that the water film on the water-dipping wheel 2 is heated to generate water vapor.

[0055] As some examples of this utility model, the water-dipping wheel 2 can be made of a material with a thermal conductivity ≥10W / (m・K), preferably a material with a thermal conductivity ≥50W / (m・K), and more preferably a material with a thermal conductivity ≥120W / (m・K).

[0056] As some examples of this utility model, the water-dipping wheel 2 is made of materials such as aluminum alloy, copper alloy, nickel-based alloy, titanium alloy, stainless steel, ceramic, and polymer materials.

[0057] As further examples of this invention, the dipping wheel 2 can also be made of a metal-ceramic composite material, such as a metal base with a ceramic coating sprayed onto the surface, wherein the thickness of the ceramic coating can be 5-10 μm. A porous, rough structure is naturally formed through processes such as plasma spraying, achieving surface roughening of the dipping wheel 2. This structure of the dipping wheel 2 ensures efficient heat transfer through its inner core, forms a rough surface through the ceramic coating, and provides excellent anti-fouling properties.

[0058] As further examples of this invention, the water-dipping wheel 2 can also be made of a metal-plastic composite material, such as a metal base with an outer layer of high-temperature resistant engineering plastic. The plastic shell can be molded to form a rough surface. This structure of the water-dipping wheel 2 ensures efficient heat transfer through its inner core, creates a rough surface through the plastic shell, and reduces costs.

[0059] It should be noted that the thickness of the water film in this invention is determined by the surface material of the water-dipping wheel 2, such as hydrophilicity, roughness and rotation speed. The thickness of the water film is usually maintained at the micrometer to millimeter level to ensure subsequent heating efficiency.

[0060] In practical use, the steam generator can be set by comprehensively considering factors such as the thickness of the water film, the rotation speed of the dipping wheel 2, and the heating power of the heating device 3. Specifically, it is advisable to ensure that the water film on the surface of the dipping wheel 2 can achieve good and basically complete evaporation.

[0061] As some examples of this utility model, the heating device 3 can be an electric heating wire, an electromagnetic heating coil, or an infrared heater, etc.

[0062] Preferably, the heating device 3 includes a housing and a heating element located inside the housing. The housing of the heating device 3 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity and water corrosion resistance, such as stainless steel or ceramic material.

[0063] As some examples of this utility model, the heating device 3 includes an electric heating tube 301, the surface of which is provided with a ceramic shell, and the interior of which is provided with an electric heating wire.

[0064] Furthermore, the heating device 3 described in this utility model can be positioned near the dipping wheel 2, such as being positioned directly above the dipping wheel 2 to heat the dipping wheel 2 and the water film on it through thermal radiation, or being embedded inside the dipping wheel 2 to directly heat the dipping wheel 2 and the water film on it through heat conduction.

[0065] Preferably, the heating device 3 is positioned directly opposite the area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 that needs to be heated. For example, when the lower part of the dipping wheel 2 is submerged in liquid water, the heating device 3 can be positioned directly opposite the upper part of the dipping wheel 2.

[0066] Furthermore, the steam generator of this utility model may include one or more dipping discs 2 arranged in parallel. When the steam generator includes multiple dipping discs 2 arranged in parallel, the heating device 3 may be arranged between two adjacent dipping discs 2.

[0067] Furthermore, the steam generator of this utility model also includes: The outer shell also includes a cover 5, which covers the water storage box 1 to form a closed chamber; A steam vent 502 is provided on the cover 5 and / or the water storage box 1, and the steam in the chamber is discharged through the steam vent 502.

[0068] Preferably, the vent 502 is located on the top surface 504 of the cover 5. Since steam is less dense than air, it naturally flows upward and accumulates at the top of the chamber after generation. By placing the vent 502 on the top surface 504 of the cover 5, this invention directly utilizes this physical characteristic to reduce venting resistance. This allows steam to be quickly discharged from the vent 502 at the top of the chamber along the shortest path without changing its natural flow direction, avoiding stagnation within the chamber. This aligns with the natural diffusion characteristics of steam, achieving efficient and stagnation-free venting. Simultaneously, if steam comes into contact with the cooler chamber walls during its flow within the chamber, it easily condenses into liquid water. Placing the vent 502 on the top surface 504 also allows for natural separation of condensate, structurally reducing the possibility of condensate mixing with steam and improving steam dryness.

[0069] Furthermore, the box cover 5 also includes a sloping side plate 501, the upper end of which is connected to the edge of the top surface 504, and the sloping side plate 501 is inclined inward from bottom to top. The space enclosed by the box cover 5 is defined by the sloping side plate 501 as a space that gradually narrows from bottom to top and gradually decreases in cross-sectional area.

[0070] As a preferred example of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the box cover 5 includes a set of two inclined side plates 501 arranged opposite each other. Of course, the box cover 5 may also include two or more sets of two inclined side plates 501 arranged opposite each other. In essence, the space enclosed by the box cover 5 is limited to a space that gradually narrows from bottom to top and gradually decreases in cross-sectional area.

[0071] In this invention, the inclined side plate 501 defines the space enclosed by the cover 5 as a space that gradually narrows from bottom to top and has a gradually decreasing cross-sectional area. This provides a channel for steam flow. In the chamber formed by the water storage box 1 and the cover 5, the larger lower cross-sectional area accommodates a large amount of steam generated by the rotating water-dipping wheel 2; the gradually decreasing upper cross-sectional area allows the steam to be compressed and gathered by the inclined side plate 501 as it flows upward, naturally concentrating towards the exhaust port 502 on the top surface 504, guiding the steam to escape smoothly. Simultaneously, the chamber's wider lower and narrower upper structure creates a slight throttling effect as the steam flows upward. A large amount of steam continuously flows upward from below, while the narrow upper space maintains a slight positive pressure within the chamber, propelling the steam quickly to the exhaust port 502 and preventing stagnation within the chamber due to slow steam diffusion. On the other hand, it can provide a channel for condensate. When steam flows in the cavity formed by the water storage box 1 and the cover 5, the inclined side plate 501, which has a lower contact temperature, will condense into liquid water. If the condensate drips randomly, it can easily damage the uniform water film on the water-dipping wheel 2 or damage the heating device 3. The retractable cavity provided by this utility model can achieve directional management of condensate through the tilt angle of the inclined side plate 501, so that the condensate will flow downward along the inclined side plate 501 under the action of gravity, and finally fall back into the water storage box 1 along the side wall, making it less likely to drip towards the center of the cavity. In this retractable cavity disclosed in this utility model, steam flows towards the center, and condensate flows towards the two side walls. The path of condensate flowing back along the inclined side plate 501 is separated from the path of steam converging upward, which can prevent condensate from being carried by the upward flowing steam to the exhaust port 502, further ensuring the purity of steam and ensuring that the steam delivered to the clothing processing equipment is dry and uniform.

[0072] Furthermore, this converging chamber design, wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, saves internal space in the steam generator, achieving efficient matching between component layout and space. The large cross-sectional area at the bottom of the chamber fully accommodates the rotation trajectory of the dipping wheel 2, while providing ample installation space for the heating device 3 without compressing component dimensions. The reduced cross-sectional area at the top of the chamber minimizes the size of the top surface 504, requiring only the coverage of the exhaust port 502 and necessary sealing structures, thus reducing the overall volume of the cover 5 and consequently shrinking the space occupied by the steam generator, meeting the compact design requirements of clothing processing equipment. Simultaneously, compared to vertical side plates, this inclined side plate 501 exhibits stronger resistance to deformation, preventing deformation of the cover 5 due to internal steam pressure or external vibrations, such as dents in the top surface 504 or bending of the side walls, extending the service life of the steam generator.

[0073] Furthermore, the heating device 3 of this utility model also includes a mounting plate 302, on which the electric heating tube 301 is mounted and installed between the water storage box 1 and the box cover 5 via the mounting plate 302.

[0074] As an example of this utility model, such as Figure 5 As shown, the electric heating tube 301 is U-shaped, and one end of the electric heating tube 301 passes through and is installed on the mounting plate 302. Correspondingly, a clearance groove is provided on the water storage box 1 and / or the box cover 5, and the mounting plate 302 is installed in the clearance groove.

[0075] Specifically, as an example of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and 4 As shown, a first clearance groove 102 is provided on the side wall of the water storage box 1, and a second clearance groove 503 is provided on the side wall of the box cover 5. After the box cover 5 is closed on the water storage box 1, the first clearance groove 102 and the second clearance groove 503 together define the accommodating space of the mounting plate 302. The mounting plate 302 can be installed in the first clearance groove 102 and the second clearance groove 503 by means of plugging, snapping, screw connection, etc. This split-type clearance groove design makes it easier to install and remove the mounting plate 302, and at the same time, it can ensure the airtightness of the space formed by the water storage box 1 and the box cover 5.

[0076] As an example of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, an inlet 101 is provided on the water storage box 1. The inlet 101 is connected to a water supply device and is used to deliver liquid water into the water storage box 1.

[0077] As an example of this utility model, such as Figure 3 As shown, a fixing hole 103 is provided on the water storage box 1, and the water-dipping wheel 2 is rotatably mounted in the water storage box 1 through the fixing hole 103.

[0078] Furthermore, it should be noted that this utility model does not specifically limit the detailed structure of the driving device 4, as long as it can drive the dipping wheel 2 to rotate continuously. The driving device 4 can be a DC motor, a stepper motor, a single-phase asynchronous motor, a three-phase asynchronous motor, etc., and the transmission method between the driving device 4 and the dipping wheel 2 can be direct shaft connection, gear transmission, belt transmission, etc.

[0079] Preferably, the rotational speed at which the driving device 4 drives the dipping wheel 2 is adjustable, and the rotational speed of the dipping wheel 2 can be adjusted as needed during use.

[0080] Furthermore, during the use of the steam generator described in this utility model, the water level in the water storage box 1 can be detected by the water level detection device 6, and the water level in the water storage box 1 can be adjusted by the water inlet 101, thereby controlling the area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 immersed in the liquid water and the area of ​​the water film attached to the surface of the dipping wheel 2 after it is rotated out of the liquid water to adjust the amount of steam generated.

[0081] Furthermore, during the use of the steam generator described in this utility model, the amount of steam generated can be adjusted by regulating the rotation speed of the dipping wheel 2 and the power of the heating device 3.

[0082] This utility model also provides a garment processing device, which can be a washing machine, dryer, washer-dryer combo, iron, or other equipment that requires a steam generator. The garment processing device includes the aforementioned steam generator, and the exhaust port 502 of the steam generator is connected to the steam input channel of the garment processing device, enabling it to supply steam to the garment processing device.

[0083] Of course, the steam generator provided by this utility model can also be used in other equipment that requires a steam generator, besides clothing processing equipment.

[0084] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A steam generator comprising an outer shell forming a closed chamber, the outer shell including a water storage box (1) containing liquid water; Its features are, Also includes: The water-dipping wheel (2) is partially submerged in the liquid water in the water storage box (1); A heating device (3) is used to heat the water-dipping wheel (2); Drive device (4), which drives the water-dipping wheel (2) to rotate; When in use, the driving device (4) drives the dipping wheel (2) to rotate continuously. The area on the dipping wheel (2) is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box (1) as it rotates. Then, it leaves the water surface as it rotates and forms a water film on its surface. The heating device (3) heats the dipping wheel (2), so that the water film on it is heated and generates water vapor.

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower part of the water-dipping wheel (2) is immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box (1).

3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water-dipping wheel (2) is circular in shape, and the circular surface of the water-dipping wheel (2) is arranged in the vertical direction.

4. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator also includes a water level detection device (6), which is used to detect the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box (1). During use, the water level detection device (6) controls the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box (1) to be less than or equal to the center point of the water-dipping wheel (2).

5. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the water-dipping wheel (2) is provided with multiple protrusions (201) or multiple pits.

6. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device (3) is positioned directly opposite the area in the water-dipping wheel (2) that needs to be heated.

7. The steam generator according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The steam generator includes multiple dipping discs (2) arranged in parallel, and a heating device (3) is provided between two adjacent dipping discs (2).

8. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing also includes a cover (5), on which a vent (502) is provided, the vent (502) being located on the top surface (504) of the cover (5).

9. The steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The lid (5) also includes a sloping side plate (501), the upper end of which is connected to the edge of the top surface (504), and the sloping side plate (501) is inclined outward from top to bottom, so that the space inside the lid (5) gradually decreases in cross-sectional area from bottom to top.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment is equipped with a steam generator, which is the steam generator described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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