Steam generator and washing machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to clothes treatment technical field, and more specifically, it relates to a steam generator and washing machine, wherein steam generator, include: steam production room, it is set up with first exhaust port on it, gas liquid separation nozzle is set up on first exhaust port for separating water and steam that exhaust port exports, makes steam export outward, wherein, gas liquid separation nozzle is open-close type structure, and it realizes opening and closing according to the pressure size of the steam that is passed into. The utility model discloses through the sealing effect of gas liquid separation nozzle, makes steam production room keep closed in the heating process, and the internal temperature rising rate accelerates, and steam production time is shortened significantly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more specifically, to a steam generator and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of washing machine technology, as consumers' demands for more refined garment care increase, washing machines with steam care functions have become one of the mainstream products in the mid-to-high-end market. The core component of this type of washing machine is the steam generator, which converts liquid water into high-temperature steam through an electric heating device. The steam is then introduced into the drum, utilizing the high-temperature properties of steam to sterilize clothes (such as killing common pathogens like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus), remove odors (such as sweat odor, hot pot smell, and other persistent odors), and soften clothes (reducing fiber wrinkles and the need for ironing), greatly enhancing the overall value of the washing machine.

[0003] However, the steam generator technology currently used in washing machines on the market has the following shortcomings due to limitations in structural design and control logic: 1. In the process of generating steam, traditional steam generators are constantly connected to other components, which results in a slow rate of temperature rise inside the steam generator and a slow rate of steam generation. 2. In the process of generating steam, traditional steam generators contain a large amount of unevaporated liquid water, which causes the steam to be mixed with moisture, affecting the steam treatment effect and potentially causing condensation on the inner wall of the drum.

[0004] 3. Traditional designs lack a precise control mechanism for steam supply. When a small amount of steam is needed, there is a tendency to oversupply, wasting energy; when a large amount of steam is needed, there is a tendency to undersupply, affecting nursing efficiency.

[0005] Chinese invention patent application CN120384404A discloses a garment processing device and a control method for the garment care device. The garment processing device includes a cabinet and a steam generator. The steam generator is equipped with a gas-liquid separator to separate moisture and steam. The control module can control the opening and closing of the exhaust pipe. Although this solution can solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the structure is relatively complex and the cost is relatively high. Therefore, it is necessary to improve it. Utility Model Content

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a steam generator and a washing machine to solve at least one technical problem in the background art.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, on the one hand, this utility model proposes a steam generator, comprising: A steam generation chamber with a first exhaust port on top; A gas-liquid separator nozzle, installed on the first exhaust port, is used to separate the water and steam discharged from the first exhaust port, allowing the steam to be discharged outwards; wherein, The gas-liquid separator nozzle has an open-close structure, which opens and closes according to the pressure of the introduced steam.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the gas-liquid separation nozzle can be opened and closed under the action of steam thrust and its own gravity; When the steam volume in the steam generation chamber reaches a preset value, the steam thrust pushes the gas-liquid separation nozzle upward to open the steam outlet; conversely, the gas-liquid separation nozzle moves downward under its own gravity to reseal the steam generation chamber.

[0009] In any of the above technical solutions, the gas-liquid separation nozzle further includes: The stator end is located on the first exhaust port, and a limiting cavity is formed thereon; The moving end is provided with a guide rod that is adapted to the limiting cavity; The stator end is also provided with a first port and a second port. The first port is used to connect the first exhaust port to the limiting cavity, and the second port is used to connect the limiting cavity to the outside. Under the influence of gravity, the guide rod closes the channel between the first and second ports; when subjected to an external force of steam greater than gravity, the guide rod moves upward along the limiting cavity, connecting the channel between the first and second ports.

[0010] In any of the above technical solutions, the limiting cavity further includes: The piston chamber is located inside the stator end; A through hole is formed on the upper end face of the stator and is connected to the piston cavity; The guide rod includes: The rod is slidably disposed within the through hole; The piston is mounted on the rod and slides vertically within the piston chamber.

[0011] In any of the above technical solutions, further, the gas-liquid separation nozzle has two or more sets, and the steam pressure required to open each set of gas-liquid separation nozzle is different. This also includes: The switching module controls each gas-liquid separator nozzle to allow only one set of gas-liquid separator nozzles to be opened at most.

[0012] In any of the above technical solutions, the switching module further includes: The switching section has a second exhaust port. And a drive unit for driving the switching unit to move so that the second exhaust port is opposite to the target gas-liquid separation nozzle; In this process, after the second exhaust port is aligned with the target gas-liquid separation nozzle, the moving end of the target gas-liquid separation nozzle can move upward under the action of steam, allowing the steam to be discharged outward, while the moving ends of other gas-liquid separation nozzles are blocked by the switching part.

[0013] In any of the above technical solutions, the switching unit further includes: The receiving cavity contains all gas-liquid separation nozzles. And a limiting plate, which is set on the upper port of the receiving cavity; The drive unit is used to drive the limit plate to move in order to adjust the position of the second exhaust port.

[0014] On the other hand, a washing machine is also proposed, which includes a steam generator of any of the above. The steam discharged from the gas-liquid separation nozzle is delivered into the washing machine drum.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Compared with existing technologies, 1. Through the sealing effect of the gas-liquid separation nozzle, the steam generation chamber remains closed during the heating process, the internal temperature rise rate is accelerated, and the steam generation time is significantly shortened.

[0016] 2. The gas-liquid separation nozzle only opens to exhaust when there is sufficient steam, effectively preventing unevaporated liquid water from being output with the steam, avoiding water carried by the steam, improving the care effect and preventing condensation on the roller.

[0017] 3. Multiple sets of gas-liquid separation nozzles of different weights can be used to precisely adjust the steam supply according to nursing needs, avoiding energy waste. At the same time, the control method is simple and practical, which can reduce costs and improve stability. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas-liquid separation nozzle of this utility model when it is closed; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas-liquid separation nozzle of this utility model when it is turned on.

[0020] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 100. Steam generator body; 1. Steam generation chamber; 11. First exhaust port; 2. Gas-liquid separation nozzle; 201. Primary gas-liquid separation nozzle; 202. Secondary gas-liquid separation nozzle; 203. Tertiary gas-liquid separation nozzle; 21. Stator end; 211. Piston chamber; 212. Second port; 22. Mover end; 221. Rod; 222. Piston; 223. First port; 3. Switching module; 311. Receiving cavity; 312. Limiting plate; 313. Second exhaust port; 32. Drive unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments according to this application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments of this application. It should be understood that this application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] It should be noted that, as shown in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of explicitly identified steps and elements, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list; the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0023] If the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0025] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0026] The steam generator and washing machine of this application will be described in detail below through the following embodiments.

[0027] Example 1: like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment proposes a steam generator, including: a steam generator body 100, which has a steam generation chamber 1 inside, and a first exhaust port 11 is provided on the steam generation chamber 1; a gas-liquid separation nozzle 2, which is disposed on the first exhaust port 11, for separating the water and steam discharged from the first exhaust port 11, so that the steam is discharged outward. Among them, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is an open-closed structure, which opens and closes according to the pressure of the introduced steam.

[0028] When the steam generator body 100 is working, it generates steam and discharges it to the outside through the first exhaust port 11 of the steam generation chamber 1. Since the steam generation chamber 1 discharges small liquid water droplets at the same time as steam, a gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is provided to ensure steam quality. The gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 blocks the small water droplets so that only steam can be discharged. At the same time, in order to avoid the problem of slow heating inside the steam generation chamber 1, resulting in slow steam generation rate, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is set to an open and close structure. The opening and closing is determined by the pressure of the steam. That is, when the pressure inside the steam generation chamber 1 is too low, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 will not be opened. Only when the set pre-value is reached will the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 open and the steam be discharged to the outside.

[0029] Example 2: This embodiment is a further improvement based on Embodiment 1.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 can be opened and closed under the action of steam thrust and its own gravity; When the amount of steam in the steam generation chamber 1 reaches a preset value, the steam thrust pushes the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 upward to open the steam outlet; conversely, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 moves downward under its own gravity to reseal the steam generation chamber 1.

[0031] The gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is automatically closed by gravity. Specifically, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 includes: a stator end 21, which is disposed on the first exhaust port 11 and has a limiting cavity thereon; and a mover end 22, which is provided with a guide rod adapted to the limiting cavity. The stator end 21 is provided with a first port 223 and a second port 212. The first port 223 is used to connect the first exhaust port 11 to the limiting cavity, and the second port 212 is used to connect the limiting cavity to the outside. Under the action of gravity, the guide rod closes the channel between the first port 223 and the second port 212. After being subjected to a steam external force greater than gravity, the guide rod moves upward along the limiting cavity, so that the channel between the first port 223 and the second port 212 is connected.

[0032] Under normal conditions, the mover end 22 moves downwards onto the stator end 21 under its own gravity. At this time, the guide rod closes the inner port of the first port 223 or the inner port of the second port 212, ensuring that the channel between the first exhaust port 11, the first port 223, the limiting cavity, and the second port 212 is closed, preventing steam from escaping from the steam generation chamber 1. As the temperature inside the steam generation chamber 1 gradually rises and the amount of steam increases, the internal pressure gradually increases, pushing the mover end 22 upwards. This opens the channel between the first exhaust port 11, the first port 223, the limiting cavity, and the second port 212, allowing steam to escape through this channel. This solution is simple to implement, meets practical needs, and is highly feasible.

[0033] In this embodiment, the limiting cavity includes: a piston cavity 211 located inside the stator end 21; and a through hole formed on the upper end face of the stator end 21 and connected to the piston cavity 211. The guide rod includes: a rod portion 221, which is slidably disposed in the through hole; and a piston 222, which is disposed on the rod portion 221 and slidably disposed in the piston chamber 211 in the vertical direction.

[0034] To ensure smooth vertical movement of the mover end 22 on the stator end 21, a piston chamber 211, a through hole, a rod 221, and a piston 222 are provided. The upper end of the rod 221 is connected to the bottom of the mover end 22, and its lower end passes through the through hole and extends into the piston chamber 211, where it connects with the piston 222. The piston 222 and the piston chamber 211 are in clearance fit to facilitate sliding of the piston 222 within the piston chamber 211. Under normal conditions, the mover end 22, the rod 221, and the piston 222 move downwards under their own weight, and the piston 222 covers the inner port of the first port 223. As the amount of steam discharged from the first exhaust port 11 gradually increases, it will push the piston 222 upwards, connecting the first port 223 with the second port 212. At this time, steam can be discharged outwards through the first port 223, the piston chamber 211, and the second port 212.

[0035] Example 3: This embodiment is a further improvement based on any of the above embodiments.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 has two or more sets, and the steam pressure required to open each set of gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is different. It also includes a switching module 3, which controls each gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 so that at most one set of gas-liquid separation nozzles 2 can be opened.

[0037] By setting multiple sets of gas-liquid separation nozzles 2, each set of gas-liquid separation nozzles 2 adjusts the steam generation state based on its own weight (e.g., lighter nozzles prioritize generating a small amount of steam, while heavier nozzles prioritize generating a large amount of steam). According to this scheme, the gas-liquid separation nozzles 2 can be sequentially divided into first-stage gas-liquid separation nozzles 2012, second-stage gas-liquid separation nozzles 2022, third-stage gas-liquid separation nozzles 2032, ..., n-stage gas-liquid separation nozzles 2, where the weight of each stage of gas-liquid separation nozzle 2012 gradually increases. When the switching module 3 switches to the first-stage gas-liquid separation nozzle 2012, because the weight of the first-stage gas-liquid separation nozzle 2012 is relatively low, when the steam generation chamber 1 generates a small amount of steam, the first-stage gas-liquid separation nozzle 2012 can be opened and discharged outwards; when a large amount of steam is required, the switching module 3 simply switches the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 to the required level, which is very convenient and practical, achieving precise control of the steam supply.

[0038] The opening and closing of different gas-liquid separation nozzles 2 are controlled by a limiting structure, thereby achieving precise control of the steam supply, improving nursing efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0039] In this embodiment, the switching module 3 includes: a switching part having a second exhaust port 313 thereon; and a driving part 32 for driving the switching part to move so that the second exhaust port 313 is opposite to the target gas-liquid separation nozzle 2. When the second exhaust port 313 is opposite to the target gas-liquid separation nozzle 2, the moving end 22 on the target gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 can move upward under the action of steam, so that the steam can be discharged outward, while the moving end 22 on other gas-liquid separation nozzles 2 is blocked by the switching part.

[0040] When it is necessary to open a gas-liquid separator nozzle 2 and deliver steam to the outside, the switching unit is driven by the driving unit 32 to move, so that the second exhaust port 313 is opposite to the target gas-liquid separator nozzle 2. At this time, the lock of the gas-liquid separator nozzle 2 is released, and other gas-liquid separator nozzles 2 continue to be locked by the switching unit. When steam is not required to be supplied externally, the switching unit is driven by the drive unit 32 to move, so that the second exhaust port 313 does not correspond to each gas-liquid separation nozzle 2. At this time, each gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is locked by the switching unit and cannot be opened.

[0041] In this embodiment, the switching unit includes: a receiving cavity 311, in which each gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is located; and a limiting plate 312, which is disposed on the upper port of the receiving cavity 311. The drive unit 32 is used to drive the limit plate 312 to move so as to adjust the position of the second exhaust port 313.

[0042] By setting up a receiving cavity 311 and then combining it with a limiting plate 312, the steam can be discharged from the second exhaust port 313 when each gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 discharges steam, thereby facilitating the delivery of steam to a specific location.

[0043] Example 4: This embodiment presents a washing machine.

[0044] In this embodiment, a steam generator from any of the above embodiments is included; wherein steam discharged from the gas-liquid separation nozzle 2 is delivered into the washing machine drum.

[0045] Under normal conditions, the moving end 22 of the gas-liquid separator nozzle 2 is sealed to the stator end 21 by gravity, and the steam generation chamber 1 is in a closed state. When heated, the internal temperature rises rapidly, accelerating steam generation. When the steam volume reaches the preset value, the steam thrust overcomes the gravity of the moving end 22, pushing it upward and opening the steam outlet. The steam is then transported to the washing machine drum through the first exhaust port 11, the first port 223, the piston chamber 211, the second port 212, and the second exhaust port 313. After the steam is transported, the moving end 22 moves downward under its own gravity, re-sealing with the stator end 21, and entering the next steam generation and transport cycle.

[0046] The various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. These descriptions are exemplary and not exhaustive, and are not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is chosen to best explain the principles, practical application, or improvement of the technology in the market, or to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A steam generator, comprising: A steam generation chamber (1) is provided with a first exhaust port (11); A gas-liquid separator nozzle (2) is disposed on the first exhaust port (11) for separating the water and steam discharged from the first exhaust port (11) so that the steam is discharged outward; characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) has an open-close structure, which opens and closes according to the pressure of the introduced steam.

2. The steam generator as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) can be opened and closed under the action of steam thrust and its own gravity; When the amount of steam in the steam generation chamber (1) reaches a preset value, the steam thrust pushes the gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) upward to open the steam outlet; conversely, the gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) moves downward under its own gravity to reseal the steam generation chamber (1).

3. The steam generator as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) includes: The stator end (21) is disposed on the first exhaust port (11) and a limiting cavity is formed thereon; The moving end (22) is provided with a guide rod that is adapted to the limiting cavity; The stator end (21) is provided with a first port (223) and a second port (212). The first port (223) is used to connect the first exhaust port (11) to the limiting cavity, and the second port (212) is used to connect the limiting cavity to the outside. Under the influence of gravity, the guide rod closes the channel between the first port (223) and the second port (212); after being subjected to a steam force greater than gravity, the guide rod moves upward along the limiting cavity, so that the channel between the first port (223) and the second port (212) is connected.

4. The steam generator as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The limiting cavity includes: The piston chamber (211) is located inside the stator end (21); A through hole is formed on the upper end face of the stator end (21) and is connected to the piston cavity (211); The guide rod includes: The rod (221) is slidably disposed within the through hole; The piston (222) is disposed on the rod (221) and is slidably disposed in the piston chamber (211) in the vertical direction.

5. The steam generator according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) has two or more sets, and the steam pressure required to open each set of gas-liquid separation nozzles (2) is different; This also includes: The switching module (3) is used to control each of the gas-liquid separation nozzles (2) to allow at most one set of the gas-liquid separation nozzles (2) to be opened.

6. The steam generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The switching module (3) includes: The switching unit has a second exhaust port (313). And a drive unit (32) for driving the switching unit to move so that the second exhaust port (313) is opposite to the target gas-liquid separation nozzle (2); When the second exhaust port (313) is opposite to the target gas-liquid separation nozzle (2), the moving end (22) on the target gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) can move upward under the action of steam, so that the steam can be discharged outward, while the moving end (22) on other gas-liquid separation nozzles (2) is blocked by the switching part.

7. The steam generator as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The switching unit includes: The receiving cavity (311) contains each of the gas-liquid separation nozzles (2). And a limiting plate (312) is disposed on the upper port of the receiving cavity (311); The driving unit (32) is used to drive the limiting plate (312) to move in order to adjust the position of the second exhaust port (313).

8. A washing machine, characterized in that, Includes the steam generator as described in any one of claims 1-7; The steam discharged from the gas-liquid separation nozzle (2) is delivered into the washing machine drum.

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