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: spiral steam generation cavity and heating element, heating element sets up in steam generation cavity, forms along the same center spiral axis arrangement's double spiral concentric nested structure, sets up the water inlet in one end of steam generation cavity, sets up the gas outlet in the other end, when using, liquid water passes through water inlet from one end of steam generation cavity enters, in steam generation cavity, through heating element heating, vaporization produces water vapor, and discharges through the gas outlet of the other end of steam generation cavity, steam generator and clothes treatment equipment of the utility model have the advantages of high heat exchange efficiency, steam generation stable.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the field of garment care equipment, washing machine functions have evolved from traditional cleaning and washing to diversified care. Among these, steam care functions, which provide added value such as sterilization, deodorization, and fabric softening, have become one of the core competitive advantages of mid-to-high-end washing machine products. This function primarily relies on a built-in steam generator, which heats and vaporizes the introduced water using an electric heating element. This steam is then delivered into the washing tub to contact the clothes. The high temperature of the steam destroys the cell structure of microorganisms, achieving a sterilization effect. Simultaneously, the moisturizing effect of the steam softens the fabric fibers, achieving deodorization and fabric softening, greatly enhancing the comprehensiveness and practicality of garment care. However, existing washing machine steam generators still have significant technical shortcomings, making it difficult for the performance and reliability of steam care functions to meet users' increasingly demanding needs. The main deficiencies are as follows: The low heat exchange efficiency of steam generators restricts the steam generation rate and nursing efficiency. Currently, most mainstream steam generator chambers adopt a simple cylindrical or flat design. The internal space of these chambers is regular and uniform. When water enters, it flows along the smooth walls, and the contact with the heating element is mostly simple surface-to-surface or line-to-surface contact, making it difficult to form complex flow paths to increase contact opportunities. For example, in a cylindrical chamber, the water may flow directly from one end to the other, only briefly contacting a local surface of the heating element; in a flat chamber, the water tends to spread into a thin layer, similarly failing to fully envelop the heating element. This results in a limited contact area between the water and the heating element, and the efficiency of heat transfer directly depends on this contact area. The smaller the contact area, the less heat is transferred from the heating element to the water per unit time, leading to insufficient heat transfer into the water. Therefore, in actual operation, a large amount of heat generated by the electric heating element is not effectively used for water vaporization. Some heat is lost through heat dissipation from the cavity walls, resulting in insufficient steam generation per unit time. When users need to quickly care for their clothes, the steam supply speed cannot match the care requirements, prolonging the overall care cycle and reducing the user experience of the equipment.

[0003] The aforementioned technical deficiencies mean that existing garment processing equipment with steam care functions has room for improvement in terms of care efficiency and equipment reliability. Therefore, it is urgent to optimize and improve the structure and control logic of the steam generator.

[0004] In view of the above, this application is hereby submitted. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to solve the problems of low heat exchange efficiency, low steam generation rate and low care efficiency of existing steam generators, and proposes a steam generator with high heat exchange efficiency and high energy utilization rate, as well as its control method and clothing treatment equipment.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides a steam generator, comprising: A spiral-shaped steam generating chamber and heating element; The heating element is disposed in the steam generating chamber, forming a double-helix concentric nested structure arranged along the same central helical axis; A water inlet is provided at one end of the steam generating chamber, and a steam outlet is provided at the other end; In use, liquid water enters from one end of the steam generating chamber through the inlet. Inside the steam generating chamber, it is heated and vaporized by the heating element to generate water vapor, which is then discharged through the outlet at the other end of the steam generating chamber.

[0007] Furthermore, an exhaust cover is provided on the air outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, one side of the exhaust cover is rotatably connected to the side wall of the air outlet, allowing the exhaust cover to be opened and closed by rotation.

[0009] Furthermore, the air outlet has an upward opening, and the exhaust cover plate covers the air outlet in a horizontal direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the exhaust cover automatically opens and closes under the pressure difference on both sides.

[0011] Furthermore, the cross-section of the steam generating chamber is rectangular.

[0012] A garment processing device, the garment processing device including the steam generator described above.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the steam generator and clothing treatment equipment of this utility model have the following advantages: High heat exchange efficiency: The design of the spiral steam generating chamber and the heating element greatly increases the contact area between water and the heating element, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency compared to traditional designs. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram 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; The markings in the diagram are as follows: 1. Steam generating chamber; 101. Inner wall; 102. Outer wall; 103. Spiral baffle; 104. Cross section; 2. Heating element; 3. Water inlet; 4. Air outlet; 5. Exhaust cover. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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.

[0016] It should be noted that all directional and positional terms used in this utility model, such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," "outer," "top," "lower," "lateral," "longitudinal," and "center," are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and connection arrangements between components in a specific state (as shown in the accompanying drawings). They are merely for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not require that this utility model be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., in this utility model 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.

[0017] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0018] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0019] like Figures 1-2 As shown, a steam generator includes: A spiral-shaped steam generating chamber 1 and a heating element 2; The heating element 2 is disposed in the steam generating chamber 1, forming a double helix concentric nested structure arranged along the same central helical axis; A water inlet 3 is provided at one end of the steam generating chamber 1, and a steam outlet 4 is provided at the other end; In use, liquid water enters from one end of the steam generating chamber 1 through the water inlet 3. Inside the steam generating chamber 1, it is heated and vaporized by the heating element 2 to generate water vapor, which is then discharged through the air outlet 4 at the other end of the steam generating chamber 1.

[0020] In the steam generator described in this utility model, the spiral flow channel of the steam generating chamber 1 serves as the fluid carrier, and the heating element 2 forms a concentric nested spiral along the same central axis, creating a coupling form in which the spiral flow channel wraps around the spiral heat source. The spiral flow channel naturally has the characteristic of guiding the fluid to form a rotating flow. The double spiral nesting enables the heat source and the fluid to form a heat exchange interface that combines surface contact and spiral extension, breaking the limitations of traditional straight cylindrical or flat plate structures and achieving higher heat exchange efficiency.

[0021] Furthermore, in traditional cylindrical steam generator chambers, the contact between the heating element and the water flow is mostly line-to-surface or partial surface-to-surface, with the effective heat exchange area limited to the exposed surface of the heating element. However, in the coupling structure of the spiral flow channel enveloping the spiral heat source described in this invention, the spiral inner wall of the steam generator chamber 1 and the spiral outer wall of the heating element 2 form a continuous spiral annular gap flow channel. The water flow must follow the spiral path, and its flow trajectory length is significantly increased compared to a cylindrical steam generator chamber of the same volume, resulting in better heat exchange. Furthermore, the spiral shape of the heating element 2 causes its heat dissipation surface to extend three-dimensionally, significantly increasing the effective heat dissipation area compared to a straight rod-shaped heating element of the same power. Based on this, the concentric nesting design of both ensures that the water flow can fully envelop the surface of the heating element 2, avoiding the short-circuit problem of some water flowing out directly without contacting the heat source, as seen in traditional structures, ultimately achieving a significant increase in heat exchange area.

[0022] Furthermore, the spiral flow channel formed by this invention can force the water flow to generate centrifugal rotation, creating a secondary flow effect. The water flow not only flows axially within the annular gap but also rotates around the central axis. This composite flow further enhances the turbulence of the fluid, causing the rotating water flow to continuously scour the surface of the heating element 2, disrupting the laminar boundary layer attached to the surface of the heating element 2. This is the main source of heat transfer resistance, reducing the boundary layer thickness and increasing the convective heat transfer coefficient. Simultaneously, compared to a straight cylindrical cavity with the same flow rate, the spiral path extends the residence time of the water flow in the steam generating chamber 1, allowing sufficient heat exchange time between the water flow and the heating element 2, avoiding localized overheating and vaporization, and uneven heating where the overall temperature does not reach the boiling point. At the same time, the rotating water flow can uniformly remove heat from the surface of the heating element 2, preventing instantaneous high-pressure steam caused by localized overheating and reducing the amplitude of steam pressure fluctuations at the outlet 4.

[0023] Furthermore, the annular gap channel in the coupling structure of the spiral heat source provided by this utility model has self-distribution characteristics. Even if the water flow rate fluctuates slightly, the rotating water flow can still evenly cover the surface of the heating element 2, avoiding local dry burning.

[0024] Preferably, the steam generating chamber 1 has a rectangular cross-section 104, which is a cross-section perpendicular to the central helical axis of the steam generating chamber 1.

[0025] In this invention, the cross-section 104 of the steam generating chamber 1 is set as a rectangle, so that the steam generating chamber 1 can be flexibly set according to the equivalent diameter and flow velocity distribution of the spiral flow channel during processing. For example, for high-power heating element 2, a wide and flat rectangular cross-section 104 can be selected. In this case, the flow velocity can be increased by reducing the height of the flow channel, thereby strengthening the scouring effect of the water flow on the surface of the heating element 2. For use with a large inlet water flow, a "slender and tall" rectangular cross-section 104 can be designed to increase the height of the flow channel and reduce the flow resistance, thereby avoiding the flow rate attenuation caused by excessive pressure loss in the spiral flow channel.

[0026] More importantly, the rectangular cross-section 104 design in the steam generating chamber 1 can utilize its right-angled structure to form a geometric disturbance source in the spiral flow channel. When the water flows along the spiral path, local vortices are generated at the four right angles of the rectangular cross-section 104. On the one hand, this micro-scale disturbance can optimize heat transfer when it continuously washes the surface of the heating element 2; on the other hand, this local vortex effect can make the water flow form a three-dimensional flow with rotation and lateral mixing within the cross-section 104. While promoting heat transfer, it can improve the balance of water temperature distribution in different areas and avoid local overheating or insufficient heating.

[0027] Furthermore, the rectangular cross-section 104 is more compatible with existing processing technology, which can reduce the processing difficulty of the steam generating chamber 1 and enhance structural stability and fatigue resistance.

[0028] As some examples of this utility model, the steam generating chamber 1 includes: The inner wall 101, the outer wall 102, and the spiral partition 103 are provided, wherein the inner wall 101 and the outer wall 102 are cylindrical structures, and the spiral partition 103 is a spirally extended plate structure.

[0029] As some examples of this utility model, the preparation process of the steam generator is as follows: First, a cylindrical inner wall 101 and an outer wall 102, as well as a spiral heating element 2, are prepared. After the heating element 2 is sleeved on the outer side of the inner wall 101, a spiral baffle 103 is formed on the outer wall of the inner wall 101 by welding or other methods. Then, the outer wall 102 is sleeved on the periphery of the spiral baffle 103. It should be noted that in the steam generator, it is only necessary to ensure that the joints of the inner wall 101, the outer wall 102, and the spiral baffle 103 exposed on the outer surface are seamlessly connected and that no water leakage occurs. For the spiral baffle 103 located inside the steam generating chamber 1, its main function is to divide the internal space of the steam generating chamber 1 according to the design, and there is no mandatory requirement for its sealing connection with other components.

[0030] Furthermore, an exhaust cover 5 is provided on the air outlet 4. The exhaust cover 5 covers the air outlet 4 and can be opened when exhaust is needed and closed when exhaust is not needed.

[0031] Furthermore, one side of the exhaust cover 5 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the air outlet 4, so that the exhaust cover 5 can be opened and closed by rotation.

[0032] Preferably, the exhaust cover 5 is closed onto the air outlet 4 by means of torsion spring, self-weight, magnetic attraction, etc., and can be automatically opened and closed under the action of pressure difference on both sides.

[0033] As some examples of this utility model, the exhaust cover 5 on the air outlet 4 is normally closed. When a certain amount of steam is generated in the steam generating chamber 1, the exhaust cover 5 will be lifted up to release the steam.

[0034] More preferably, the opening of the air outlet 4 faces upward, and the exhaust cover 5 covers the air outlet 4 in a horizontal direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the central area of ​​the steam generating chamber 1 is hollow and no other components are installed there.

[0036] Furthermore, the steam generator also includes a control module, which can dynamically adjust the steam generation process, such as adjusting parameters like electric heating power and water flow rate during the steam generation process, so that the actual water flow rate m and electric heating power P always maintain the optimal ratio, the steam generation rate is stable, the heating element 2 is prevented from burning dry and damaged, and the equipment life is extended.

[0037] As some examples of this utility model, the steam generator also includes several temperature detectors, such as temperature detectors installed at the water inlet 3 of the steam generator and inside the steam generating chamber 1, to detect the water temperature entering the water inlet 3 and the steam generating chamber 1.

[0038] Furthermore, the heating element 2 is a variable current electric heating element, and its operating current can be adjusted according to usage requirements.

[0039] As some examples of this utility model, the steam generator also includes a current detection device for detecting the operating current of the heating element 2 in the steam generator.

[0040] In addition, this utility model also provides a clothing processing device, which includes the steam generator described above.

[0041] As some examples of this utility model, the clothing processing equipment can be a washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, etc.

[0042] The working principle of the steam generator and the clothing processing equipment having the present invention is as follows: When the steam care function needs to be activated, the control module first turns on the water inlet pump, sending water into the steam generating chamber 1. Simultaneously, the heating element 2 starts working, heating the water. Because both the steam generating chamber 1 and the heating element 2 are spiral-shaped, the contact area between the water and the heating element 2 is large, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency and rapid conversion of water into steam. The steam then enters the washing machine drum from the steam outlet 4, completing the garment care process.

[0043] The advantages of the steam generator and clothing treatment equipment described in this utility model are: High heat exchange efficiency: The design of the spiral steam generating chamber and the heating element greatly increases the contact area between water and the heating element, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency compared to traditional designs.

[0044] 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, characterized in that, include: A spiral-shaped steam generating chamber (1) and a heating element (2); The heating element (2) is disposed in the steam generating chamber (1) to form a double helix concentric nested structure arranged along the same central helical axis; A water inlet (3) is provided at one end of the steam generating chamber (1), and an air outlet (4) is provided at the other end. In use, liquid water enters from one end of the steam generating chamber (1) through the water inlet (3). In the steam generating chamber (1), it is heated and vaporized by the heating element (2) to generate water vapor, which is then discharged through the air outlet (4) at the other end of the steam generating chamber (1).

2. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, An exhaust cover plate (5) is provided on the air outlet (4).

3. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the exhaust cover (5) is rotatably connected to the side wall of the air outlet (4), so that the exhaust cover (5) can be opened and closed by rotation.

4. The steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening of the air outlet (4) faces upward, and the exhaust cover (5) covers the air outlet (4) in a horizontal direction.

5. The steam generator according to claim 2, 3, or 4, characterized in that, The exhaust cover (5) opens and closes automatically under the pressure difference on both sides.

6. The steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section (104) of the steam generating chamber (1) is rectangular.

7. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes the steam generator described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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