Steam generator and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The utility model belongs to steam generator technical field especially relates to a steam generator and clothes treatment equipment, include: the shell body of forming closed chamber, the shell body includes the water storage box, and the water storage box stores liquid water in, the water wheel disc of dipping in the liquid water partly, heating device to the water wheel disc of dipping is heated, and, drive device that drives the water wheel disc of dipping carries out periodic motion, drive device drives the water wheel disc of dipping to carry out periodic motion when using, the area on the water wheel disc of dipping is immersed in the liquid water constantly along with periodic motion, then separates from the water surface, and forms the water film on its surface and is attached, heating device heats the water wheel disc of dipping, so that the water film on it is heated and produces water vapor, the steam generator and clothes treatment equipment can realize fast, efficient produce a large amount of water vapor simultaneously, make the yield of steam stable, adjustable, and the preparation process of steam is energy -conserving and environment -friendly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of steam generator technology, and in particular relates to a steam generator and clothing processing equipment. 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 clothing processing equipment, which achieves 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 invention is to address the aforementioned technical problems by providing a steam generator and clothing processing equipment that can quickly and efficiently generate a large amount of water steam while ensuring stable and adjustable steam output, and making the steam preparation process 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; A water-dipping wheel partially submerged in the liquid water; A heating device for heating the water-dipping wheel; And a drive device for driving the water-dipping wheel to perform periodic motion; In use, the driving device drives the dipping wheel to perform continuous periodic motion. The area on the dipping wheel is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box with the periodic motion, and then 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, driven by the drive device, the water-dipping wheel performs a periodic eccentric rotational motion.

[0009] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel is vertically positioned above the water storage box.

[0010] Furthermore, driven by the driving device, the water-dipping wheel performs a periodic eccentric rotation in the vertical plane.

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

[0012] Furthermore, in the initial state before starting the steam generator, the water level in the water storage box is detected by the water level detection device to ensure that when the water-dipping wheel is at its highest point, 2 / 3 of its total volume is submerged in the liquid water.

[0013] Furthermore, the heating device is positioned directly over the area in the water-dipping wheel that needs to be heated.

[0014] Furthermore, the steam generator includes multiple dipping discs arranged in parallel.

[0015] Furthermore, a heating device is installed between two adjacent dipping discs.

[0016] This utility model also provides a clothing processing device, which is equipped with the steam generator described above.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: The steam generator and clothing treatment equipment described in this utility model have the following advantages: 1. The steam generator of this utility model drives the dipping wheel to perform a periodic eccentric rotation through a driving device. This allows the portion of the dipping wheel immersed in liquid water to continuously detach from the water surface as it rotates, forming a water film on its surface. Simultaneously, the heating device heats the dipping wheel, causing the water film on it to generate steam. 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 transform from a liquid to a gaseous state upon contact with the dipping wheel. Furthermore, the dipping wheel is made of a material with high thermal conductivity, which enhances heat transfer. Compared to the traditional method of heating an entire tank of water, the steam generation speed is significantly increased. 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.

[0018] 4. The steam generator described in 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.

[0019] 5. This invention optimizes the working process of the steam generator. Based on the amount of water ΔV that the water-dipping wheel picks up per unit time and the loss of steam during the generation and transportation process, the amount of steam that the steam generator can produce is calculated. Based on this, the steam generation process is controlled. This invention has the advantages of being simple, effective and easy to implement.

[0020] 6. During use, the steam generator of this utility model can flexibly adjust the amount of steam generated by adjusting parameters such as the rotation speed of the dipping wheel and the heating time of the heating device. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the steam generator described in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the steam generator described in this utility model from another perspective; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the steam generator described in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water-dipping wheel described in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water storage box described in this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box lid described in this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heating device described in this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection method between the drive device and the water-dipping wheel in this utility model; The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Water storage box; 101. Water inlet; 102. Clearance groove one; 2. Water dipping wheel; 201. Protrusion; 202. Second connecting hole; 3. Heating device; 301. Electric heating tube; 302. Mounting plate; 4. Drive device; 401. Drive shaft; 5. Box cover; 501. Sloping side plate; 502. Steam vent; 503. Clearance groove two; 504. Top surface; 6. Water level detection device; 7. Transmission component; 701. First connecting hole; 702. Drive shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] It should be noted that in the specification and claims of this application, "and / or" means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] like Figures 1-8 As shown, this utility model provides a 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; A heating device 3 for heating the water-dipping wheel 2; And a drive device 4 that drives the water-dipping wheel 2 to perform periodic motion; In use, the driving device 4 drives the dipping wheel 2 to perform continuous periodic motion. The area on the dipping wheel 2 is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1 with the periodic motion, and then 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.

[0028] Preferably, the water-dipping wheel 2 performs periodic eccentric rotation under the drive of the drive device 4.

[0029] In the steam generator described in this utility model, steam is mainly generated through a synergistic mechanism of "periodic eccentric rotation - immersion in water - film formation - heating and steam generation". The process of generating water vapor mainly includes the following stages: (1) Periodic eccentric rotation: After receiving the working signal, the driving device 4 drives the water-dipping wheel 2 to perform eccentric rotation. During the eccentric rotation, the driving device 4 can drive the water-dipping wheel 2 to move periodically towards or away from the water storage box 1 through the eccentric rotation. This stage is the premise of all subsequent actions. By performing controllable eccentric rotation, the water-dipping wheel 2 can continuously contact the liquid water in the water storage box 1, and at the same time create physical conditions for "forming a water film after leaving the water surface", avoiding the problems of "continuous soaking" or "inability to form a film" caused by the water-dipping wheel 2 being stationary.

[0030] (2) Immersion and dipping stage: When the drive device 4 drives the dipping wheel 2 to move closer to the water storage box 1 through eccentric rotation, the lower area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 (or other preset dipping area) gradually enters the liquid water in the water storage box 1 until the set state of "partial immersion or complete immersion" is reached. In this stage, the liquid water is adsorbed and combined with the surface of the dipping wheel 2, and the surface of the dipping wheel 2 is initially attached with water, completing the "water film raw material reserve" and laying the foundation for subsequent film formation.

[0031] (3) Film-forming stage: After the water-dipping wheel 2 is fully immersed in water, the driving device 4 drives it to move away from the water storage box 1 by eccentric rotation. During this process, the area on the water-dipping wheel 2 that was originally immersed in liquid water gradually detaches from the water surface. After the immersed area on the water-dipping wheel 2 detaches from the water surface, due to the effects of adhesion and surface tension, a uniform water film can naturally form on the surface of the immersed area. Note that this is not a large volume of water. (4) Heating and steam generation stage: The heating device 3 heats the 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 thickness in a traditional water storage box, the heat can quickly penetrate the water film, causing the water to reach the boiling point in a short time and rapidly vaporize 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.

[0032] Subsequently, during prolonged use, the water-dipping wheel 2 continuously performs a periodic eccentric rotational motion, with a portion of its surface periodically immersed in and detached from the liquid water in the water storage box 1. This allows the water film on its surface to continuously generate new water films at high frequency through the periodic eccentric rotational motion after being heated and vaporized. These new water films are continuously formed and heated, creating a continuous steam output cycle.

[0033] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel 2 can be set above, to the side of, or in other positions that can realize this utility model of the present invention. It is only necessary that the water-dipping wheel 2 can perform periodic eccentric rotation under the drive of the drive device 4, and can achieve immersion and film formation through eccentric rotation.

[0034] Preferably, in this invention, the water-dipping wheel 2 is positioned above the water storage box 1.

[0035] As some examples of this utility model, the movement trajectory of the water-dipping wheel 2 is circular under the drive of the driving device 4.

[0036] As some other examples of this utility model, the motion trajectory of the dipping wheel 2 can also be set as a straight line, an arc, etc. When the motion trajectory of the dipping wheel 2 is a straight line, the motion mode of the dipping wheel 2 can be a reciprocating motion in the vertical direction, such as a vertical downward and vertical upward reciprocating motion; when the motion trajectory of the dipping wheel 2 is an arc, the motion mode of the dipping wheel 2 can be an arc swing around a fixed center.

[0037] As some examples of this utility model, the shape of the water-dipping wheel 2 can be polygonal, such as rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, circular, elliptical or other shapes.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Preferably, the water-dipping wheel 2 is circular in shape.

[0040] As some examples of this utility model, the dipping wheel 2 can be set in a horizontal, vertical, or inclined direction. Preferably, the dipping wheel 2 is set in a vertical direction. More preferably, the dipping wheel 2 is set in a vertical direction above the water storage box 1. When the dipping wheel 2 is close to the water storage box 1, part or all of the area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 can be immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box 1.

[0041] As a preferred example of this utility model, the dipping wheel 2 is vertically positioned above the water storage box 1, and under the drive of the driving device 4, the dipping wheel 2 performs a periodic eccentric rotational motion in the vertical plane. When the dipping wheel 2 rotates out of the water, due to gravity, excess water will naturally drip back into the water storage box 1, leaving only a thin water film on the surface of the dipping wheel 2 due to surface tension. This "natural water control" method avoids the risk of unvaporized water being output with steam due to the dipping wheel 2 carrying excessive water, and eliminates the need for additional channels and structures for guiding and collecting the liquid water dripping from the dipping wheel 2.

[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] As some examples of this utility model, one or more water level sensors can be installed in the water storage box 1 as the water level detection device 6, which are used to detect the water level of the liquid water in the water storage box 1 at multiple levels or to detect the water level infinitely.

[0045] Preferably, in the initial state before starting the steam generator, the water level detection device 6 can detect the water level in the water storage box 1 to ensure that when the dipping wheel 2 is at its highest point, 2 / 3 of its total volume is submerged in the liquid water. At this time, most of the surface of the dipping wheel 2 is submerged in the liquid water in the water storage box 1, which ensures sufficient dipping area without causing the dipping wheel 2 to fail to emerge from the water surface during subsequent rotation due to excessive submersion.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Furthermore, the water-dipping wheel 2 has a rough surface that allows liquid water to adhere and form a water film.

[0048] In this invention, 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.

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

[0050] As examples of this invention, the surface roughness Ra of the dipping wheel 2 is 1.0~10μm. The core function of the dipping wheel 2 in this invention is to draw water from the water storage box 1 through periodic movement 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 dipping wheel 2 and the water is weak, and the water is easily dripped off rapidly due to centrifugal force during movement, resulting in an excessively thin water film or even local breakage, leading to low or unstable steam output. If its surface roughness is too high, too much water will accumulate on the surface of the dipping wheel 2, forming localized "water clumps" rather than a uniform water film. These water clumps are difficult to vaporize quickly during heating and are easily output with the steam, reducing the steam purity.

[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 4 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] 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).

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In practical use, the steam generator can be set by comprehensively considering factors such as the thickness of the water film, the movement 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Furthermore, the heating device 3 described in this utility model can be positioned near the dipping wheel 2, such as being positioned directly opposite the area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 that is exposed above the water surface, heating the dipping wheel 2 and the water film on it through thermal radiation, or being embedded inside the dipping wheel 2, directly heating the dipping wheel 2 and the water film on it through heat conduction.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Furthermore, the steam generator of this utility model also includes: The lid 5 covers the water storage box 1, forming 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] As a preferred example of this utility model, such as Figure 6 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] As an example of this utility model, such as Figure 7 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.

[0074] Specifically, as an example of this utility model, such as Figure 5 and 6 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.

[0075] As an example of this utility model, such as Figure 5 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.

[0076] Furthermore, it should be noted that this utility model does not specifically limit the connection and transmission structure between the drive device 4 and the dipping wheel 2, as long as it can drive the dipping wheel 2 to rotate eccentrically. Generally, the drive device 4 includes a power source and an eccentric transmission mechanism, such as a motor with an eccentric shaft, a combination of a motor and an eccentric gear transmission, a combination of a motor and a crank-connecting rod mechanism, a pneumatic motor with an eccentric shaft, a combination of a cylinder and a crank-connecting rod mechanism, etc.

[0077] As some specific examples of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, a drive shaft 401 is provided at the center of the drive device 4. Correspondingly, a drive connection hole is provided eccentrically on the dipping wheel 2. The drive shaft 401 is inserted into the drive connection hole to realize the connection between the drive device 4 and the dipping wheel 2. When the drive shaft 401 rotates, it can drive the dipping wheel 2 to rotate eccentrically around the drive shaft 401.

[0078] As other examples of this utility model, such as Figure 8 As shown, a transmission component 7 is provided between the driving device 4 and the dipping wheel 2, and the transmission component 7 is provided with a first connecting hole 701 and a transmission shaft 702. Correspondingly, a driving shaft 401 is eccentrically provided on the driving device 4, and a second connecting hole 202 is provided on the dipping wheel 2. The driving shaft 401 is inserted into the first connecting hole 701, and the transmission shaft 702 is connected to the second connecting hole 202. When the driving shaft 401 rotates, it can drive the transmission component 7 to rotate synchronously, thereby driving the dipping wheel 2 to rotate eccentrically through the transmission shaft 702 on the transmission component 7.

[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 volume 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 rotates 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 motion state (such as rotation speed) of the water-dipping wheel 2, the heating power of the heating device 3, the heating time, and other parameters.

[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] As examples of this utility model, the working process of the steam generator described in this utility model is described in detail below: (1) Parameter description: First, let the rotational speeds of the motor that drives the water-dipping wheel 2 be denoted as r1 and r2, respectively, where r2 > r1; After 2 / 3 of the area of ​​the water-dipping wheel 2 is submerged in the water storage box 1, the liquid level height of the water storage box 1 when it is full of water is recorded as h; The change in water level in water storage box 1 after the water-dipping wheel 2 rotates one revolution is recorded as ΔH. The heating time of the heating device 3 is recorded as t1 and t2, respectively, where t2 > t1; The amount of steam generated by one rotation of the water-dipping wheel 2 is denoted as S; (2) Control process description: Initially, 2 / 3 of the area of ​​the dipping wheel 2 is submerged in the water in the water storage box 1. The initial liquid level in the water storage box 1 is H1. The motor in the drive device 4 can rotate in both directions to control the area on the dipping wheel 2 to be exposed above the water surface or submerged in the water storage box 1 through eccentric rotation. The surface structure of the dipping wheel 2 is rough. When the dipping wheel 2 rotates, the structure that was originally submerged in the water is brought out of the water surface. After being brought out of the water surface, a water film is formed on the surface of the dipping wheel 2. During use, the user selects the care mode, and the main control board sends a signal to power the energized components of the steam generator to execute the care program. The main control board then controls the motor to rotate at a speed of r1, causing the two water-dipping discs 2 on the motor shaft to rotate. The heating device 3 is located between the two water-dipping discs 2, which are sandwiched between them. Initially, 2 / 3 of the volume of the water-dipping disc 2 is submerged in water, and it begins to rotate upwards, carrying some water out. After one rotation, water forms a film on the remaining 1 / 3 of the volume of the water-dipping disc 2 above the liquid surface. At this point, the water level sensor 6 detects the change in liquid level ΔH in the water storage box 1 (ΔH = H1 - H2, where H1 is the initial liquid level and H2 is the liquid level after one rotation of the water-dipping disc 2). The water level sensor 6 detects the change in the water level in the water storage box 1 from the initial level to the measured level and feeds the signal back to the main control board. After receiving the signal from the water level sensor 6, the main control board can obtain the change in water level ΔH in the water storage box 1. Then, based on ΔH and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water storage box 1, it calculates the amount of water ΔV that the dipping wheel 2 picks up per unit time. After obtaining ΔV, the main control board starts to estimate the amount of steam generated in the water storage box 1 and determine whether it meets the requirements, taking into account the weight of the clothes in the drum. The amount of steam generated in normal mode is S=2 / 3ΔV. This is because it takes into account the loss of steam after condensation in the path of steam entering the drum after steam is generated, as well as the loss of a small amount of water remaining on the dipping wheel 2. If it is determined that the amount of water △V dipped by the water-dipping wheel 2 in a unit time is sufficient to generate the required amount of steam, and the amount of steam required by the load is satisfied, the heating device 3 will start working. The working time of the heating device 3 is t1 each time, so as to generate the corresponding steam through heating. Then, the steam is blown into the cylinder by the fan to start caring for the clothes. A camera is installed in the cylinder at the same time to detect the wrinkles of the clothes in the cylinder.

[0085] If the amount of water △V dipped by the dipping wheel 2 in a unit time cannot generate enough steam to meet the usage requirements, then the rotation speed r1 of the motor cannot generate enough steam. At this time, the motor starts to adjust its speed to r2, which is greater than r1. By increasing the speed, the dipping wheel 2 can carry more water and form a larger water film on it. At this point, after the dipping wheel 2 is rotated by speed r2, the water film hanging on the dipping wheel 2 should have more water than the water at speed r1. At this time, the water level detection device 6 detects the water level in the water storage box 1 again and obtains the water level change ΔH in the water storage box 1. Then, based on ΔH and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water storage box 1, the amount of water ΔV dipped by the dipping wheel 2 per unit time is calculated, and it is determined whether the amount of steam generated by the amount of water ΔV dipped by the dipping wheel 2 per unit time can meet the usage requirements. If it can, the care begins, and the camera installed inside the tube begins to judge the wrinkles of the clothes in the tube. If it cannot meet the requirements, the heating time of the heating device 3 is changed from the original t1 to t2, where t2 is greater than t1, in order to accelerate the evaporation rate of the water film on the dipping wheel 2 and make the steam generation rate v faster. At the same time, the dipping wheel 2 is rotated again by the motor to form a water film again and heat the water on the water film again to continuously generate steam until the amount of steam required in the tube is met.

[0086] In summary, the steam generator and clothing processing equipment described in this utility model have the following advantages: 1. The steam generator of this utility model drives the dipping wheel to rotate eccentrically and periodically through a driving device. This allows the part of the dipping wheel that is submerged in liquid water to 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 steam. 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.

[0087] 4. The steam generator described in 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.

[0088] 5. This utility model optimizes the working process of the steam generator. Based on the amount of water ΔV that the water-dipping wheel picks up per unit time and the loss of steam during the generation and transportation process, the amount of steam that the steam generator can produce is calculated. Based on this, the steam generation process is controlled. It has the advantages of simple process, effectiveness and good implementability.

[0089] 6. During use, the steam generator of this utility model can flexibly adjust the amount of steam generated by adjusting parameters such as the rotation speed of the dipping wheel and the heating time of the heating device.

[0090] 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 characteristic is that it further includes: A water-dipping wheel (2) partially submerged in the liquid water; A heating device (3) for heating the water-dipping wheel (2); And a drive device (4) that drives the water-spraying wheel (2) to perform periodic motion; When in use, the driving device (4) drives the water-dipping wheel (2) to continuously perform periodic movements. The area on the water-dipping wheel (2) is continuously immersed in the liquid water in the water storage box (1) with the periodic movement, and then it leaves the water surface and forms a water film on its surface. The heating device (3) heats the water-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, Driven by the driving device (4), the water-dipping wheel (2) performs periodic eccentric rotational motion.

3. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-dipping wheel (2) is arranged vertically above the water storage box (1).

4. The steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that, Driven by the driving device (4), the water-dipping wheel (2) performs periodic eccentric rotation in the vertical plane.

5. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator also includes a water level detection device (6) for detecting the water level of liquid water in the water storage box (1).

6. The steam generator according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the initial state before starting the steam generator, the water level in the water storage box (1) is detected by the water level detection device (6) to ensure that when the water dipping wheel (2) is at the highest position of the center of gravity, 2 / 3 of the total volume is submerged in the liquid water.

7. 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.

8. The steam generator according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The steam generator includes multiple water-dipping discs (2) arranged in parallel.

9. The steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that, A heating device (3) is installed between two adjacent dipping discs (2).

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

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