Steam generating device and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a steam generating device and a clothes processing device, which comprise a water inlet box and an electrolytic element. A water conveying channel is arranged in the water inlet box, and the water conveying channel is in communication with a water inlet and a water outlet. An electrode sheet of the electrolytic element is arranged in the water conveying channel, and the electrolytic element is configured to be capable of electrolyzing water. The water is electrolyzed by the electrolytic element to generate a sterilization active factor, plays a role of sterilization and disinfection, and makes steam sprayed onto clothes contain the sterilization active factor, so that clothes care effect is improved. In addition, the electrode sheet arranged in the water conveying channel can make the water electrolysis process and the water delivery process to the outside of the water inlet box be performed in cooperation, and water containing the sterilization active factor can be continuously provided in the working process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a steam generator and clothing treatment equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Washer-dryer combos can wash and dry clothes, saving the time of air-drying and reducing the burden of housework for users. Washer-dryer combos typically have a steam wrinkle-removal function to care for clothes and further enhance the user experience. During steam wrinkle removal, high-temperature steam is sprayed onto the clothes, making the fibers soft and loose. Combined with the rotation of the inner drum of the washer-dryer combo, the fibers are stretched and relaxed to eliminate wrinkles. However, its care effect still needs further improvement. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a steam generator and a garment treatment device to improve the care effect on garments.

[0004] This application provides a steam generating apparatus, comprising: A water inlet box, which has a water inlet and a water outlet, and a water delivery channel inside the water inlet box, which is connected to both the water inlet and the water outlet; An electrolytic element, wherein the electrode plates of the electrolytic element are disposed within the water conveying channel, and the electrolytic element is configured to electrolyze water.

[0005] According to one embodiment of this application, the water inlet box is further provided with a water storage area, which is connected to the water inlet and the water delivery channel.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the water inlet box is provided with a partition, which divides the water inlet box into the water storage area and the water delivery channel.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the partition is connected to both the top and bottom walls of the water inlet box.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the partition extends along the length of the water inlet box, the water storage area and the water delivery channel are connected near one end of the partition, and the water outlet is near the other end of the partition.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, in the length direction of the water inlet box, the water inlet box has a first sidewall, the water inlet is disposed on the first sidewall, and the water outlet is disposed on the top of the water inlet box and is disposed close to the first sidewall.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the length of the water conveying channel is L0, the distance between the electrolytic element and the water outlet is L1, and 1 / 5×L0≤L1≤1 / 2×L0.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, at least one first guide plate is provided on the side wall of the water conveying channel.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the first guide plate protrudes from the side wall of the water conveying channel and is inclined toward the direction of the water outlet.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, there are at least two first guide plates, which are spaced apart along the length of the water conveyance channel.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the steam generating device further includes a heating element connected to the water outlet, the heating element being configured to heat the liquid to generate steam.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this application, a fixing plate is provided on the top outer side of the water inlet box, the fixing plate extends upward and forms an installation area, and the heating element is disposed in the installation area.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, a water pump is also included, the water pump being connected between the water outlet and the heating element.

[0017] According to one embodiment of this application, a water storage box is also included, which is in communication with the water storage area.

[0018] This application also provides a garment processing device, comprising: The main body has an inner cylinder; The steam generating device described above is connected to the inner cylinder.

[0019] The steam generator and clothing treatment equipment described in this application have the following advantages: The steam generator of this application embodiment, by installing an electrolytic element on a water inlet box and providing a water storage area and a water delivery channel within the water inlet box, and with the electrode plates of the electrolytic element disposed within the water delivery channel, electrolyzes a portion of the water within the water delivery channel to generate bactericidal active factors. These bactericidal active factors disinfect and sterilize the water, and the steam sprayed onto clothing contains these bactericidal active factors, improving the clothing care effect. Furthermore, the electrode plates being disposed within the water delivery channel allow the water electrolysis process and the water delivery process to the heating element to proceed simultaneously, continuously providing water containing bactericidal active factors during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the steam generator provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0021] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the steam generator provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0022] Figure 3 This is one of the internal structural diagrams of the water inlet box provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0023] Figure 4 This is the second schematic diagram of the internal structure of the water inlet box provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the water inlet box provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure label: 110. Water inlet box; 111. Water inlet; 112. Water outlet; 113. Partition; 114. Water storage area; 1141. Second guide plate; 115. Water delivery channel; 1151. First guide plate; 116. First side wall; 117. Fixing plate; 118. Installation area; 120. Heating element; 130. Electrolytic element; 131. Electrode plate; 132. Cathode plate; 133. Anode plate; 140. Water storage box; 150. Water pump; 160. Water inlet pipe; 161. Water outlet pipe; 162. Steam transmission pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this application, but are not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0027] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., 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 the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0028] In the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0030] Washer-dryer combos can wash and dry clothes, saving the time of air-drying and reducing the burden of housework for users. Washer-dryer combos usually have a steam wrinkle-removal function to care for clothes and further enhance the user experience. During steam wrinkle removal, high-temperature steam is sprayed onto the clothes, making the fibers soft and loose. Combined with the rotation of the inner drum of the washer-dryer combo, the fibers are stretched and relaxed to eliminate wrinkles. In related technologies, the water used to generate steam for wrinkle removal in washing machines is usually either manually added purified water or tap water directly supplied to the steam module's water tank to heat the steam. The former method requires manual addition of a measured amount of purified water each time the steam wrinkle removal function is used, which is cumbersome, time-consuming, and inconvenient. The latter method uses an automatic water inlet valve, but due to the needs of the steam module, water usually remains in the water tank. This remaining water may breed bacteria, which may eventually enter the drum and contaminate the clothes, reducing the washing effect.

[0031] A garment processing device according to an embodiment of this application can be a washer-dryer combo, a clothes dryer, etc. The garment processing device includes a main body and a steam generating device as described below. The main body is provided with an inner drum for holding garments for washing, wrinkle removal, etc. The steam generating device can heat water to generate high-temperature steam. The steam generating device is connected to the inner drum to deliver steam into the inner drum and spray it onto the garments to remove wrinkles.

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a steam generating device according to an embodiment of this application includes a water inlet box 110 and an electrolysis unit 130.

[0033] Specifically, the water inlet box 110 is provided with an inlet 111 and an outlet 112. The inlet 111 is configured to communicate with a water source to supply water into the water inlet box 110. The water inlet box 110 is provided with a water delivery channel 115, which communicates with the outlet 112. The steam generator may further include a heating element 120, which is communicated with the outlet 112 and configured to heat the liquid to generate steam. The outlet of the heating element 120 is communicated with the inner cylinder, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the heating element 120 can be connected to the inner cylinder through the steam pipe 162. The electrode plate 131 of the electrolytic element 130 is disposed in the water supply channel 115, and the electrolytic element 130 is configured to electrolyze water.

[0034] The water inlet 111 is connected to a water source via an inlet pipe 160. The water source can be a municipal water supply pipe to automatically supply water to the steam generator. The heating element 120 is connected to the water outlet 112, which heats the water to generate high-temperature steam. The electrode plates 131 of the electrolysis element 130 are disposed in the water inlet box 110. When energized, the electrolysis element 130 electrolyzes water to generate bactericidal active factors, such as O3, OH, O, OOH, and O2. These bactericidal active factors disperse and dissolve in the water to disinfect it. The electrolysis element 130 actively disinfects the water input to the steam generator, eliminating the need for users to manually inject purified water each time, thus reducing the user's operational burden. The water mixed with bactericidal active factors is then transported to the heating element 120 for high-temperature heating to generate steam. Next, water vapor mixed with antibacterial active ingredients is sprayed onto the clothes to care for them. When the garment care device is a washing machine, the water vapor mixed with antibacterial active ingredients is delivered into the inner drum of the washing machine and sprayed directly onto the clothes that need care along with a strong airflow. The steam penetrates deep into the fibers of the clothes, caring for and removing wrinkles while oxidizing and removing stains. The antibacterial active ingredients adhere to the residual pigments on the clothes, forming a color protective film that can prevent color bleeding.

[0035] A water storage area 114 and a water delivery channel 115 are provided within the water inlet box 110. The water storage area 114 is connected to the water inlet 111, and the water delivery channel 115 is connected to the water outlet 112. The electrode plates 131 of the electrolytic element 130 are disposed within the water delivery channel 115. The electrode plates 131 are used to contact water and electrolyze the water. During the process of water entering the water inlet box 110 from the water inlet 111 and flowing to the water outlet 112, the water contacts the electrode plates 131 within the water delivery channel 115, and is subsequently partially electrolyzed to generate bactericidal active factors. This allows the water electrolysis process and the water delivery process to the heating element 120 to proceed synergistically, continuously providing the heating element 120 with water containing bactericidal active factors during operation. In some embodiments, the electrolytic element 130 may include at least two electrode plates 131, and the electrode plates 131 are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. For example, as... Figure 5As shown, the electrolytic element 130 includes three electrode plates 131, two of which are cathode plates 132, and the other is an anode plate 133. The anode plate 133 is disposed between the two cathode plates 132. When the three electrode plates 131 are energized, the water between the anode plate 133 and the cathode plate 132 can be electrolyzed, generating bactericidal active factors such as hydroxyl radicals. Electrolytic elements 130 of different sizes and powers can be selected according to the flow rate and velocity of the water in the water supply channel 115. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, at least two electrode plates 131 can be arranged in parallel intervals along the center line of the water supply channel 115, and the flat surface of the electrode plate 131 is perpendicular to the center line of the water supply channel 115, so that the flat surface of the electrode plate 131 faces the direction of water flow, thereby reducing the water flow rate and allowing the water flow to fully contact the electrode plate 131, thereby improving the electrolysis effect.

[0036] According to the steam generator of this application embodiment, an electrolytic element 130 is provided on the water inlet box 110, and a water supply channel 115 is provided inside the water inlet box 110. The electrode plate 131 of the electrolytic element 130 is located inside the water supply channel 115, thereby electrolyzing a portion of the water supplied to the heating element 120 to generate bactericidal active factors, achieving the effect of disinfection and sterilization. This eliminates the need for manual addition of treated water during operation, saving user effort. Furthermore, the steam sprayed onto clothing contains bactericidal active factors, improving the clothing care effect. In addition, the electrode plate 131 located inside the water supply channel 115 allows the water electrolysis process and the water supply process to the heating element 120 to proceed simultaneously, continuously providing the heating element 120 with water containing bactericidal active factors during operation.

[0037] According to some embodiments of this application, the water inlet box 110 is further provided with a water storage area 114 connected to the water inlet 111, and the water storage area 114 is connected to the water conveying channel 115. Water is input from the water inlet 111 into the water storage area 114, flows through the water storage area 114 to the water conveying channel 115, and finally flows out from the water outlet 112, and flows to the heating element 120 through the connecting pipe. After passing through the water storage area 114, the water flows to the water conveying channel 115 where the electrode plate 131 is provided, which plays a buffering role, so that the flow rate of water slows down when it comes into contact with the electrode plate 131, so as to fully contact the electrode plate 131 and improve the electrolysis effect.

[0038] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, a partition 113 is provided inside the water inlet box 110. The partition 113 is connected to both the top and bottom walls of the water inlet box 110, and divides the water inlet box 110 into a water storage area 114 and a water delivery channel 115. The partition 113 can be integrally formed on the bottom wall of the water inlet box 110. The partition 113 can be provided with through holes to connect the water storage area 114 and the water delivery channel 115. Alternatively, there can be a gap between the partition 113 and the side wall of the water inlet box 110 to connect the water storage area 114 and the water delivery channel 115 for water supply. As shown in the figure, in some embodiments, the partition 113 extends along the length of the water inlet box 110, the water storage area 114 and the water delivery channel 115 are connected at one end near the partition 113, and the water outlet 112 is located at the other end near the partition 113, so that the water delivery channel 115 is made as long as possible within the limited space of the water inlet box 110, which plays a buffering role for the water flow.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, in the length direction of the water inlet box 110 as follows Figure 4 In the left-right direction shown, the water inlet box 110 has a first sidewall 116, with a water inlet 111 located on the first sidewall 116 and a water outlet 112 located on the top of the water inlet box 110, close to the first sidewall 116. One end of a partition 113 near the first sidewall 116 is connected to the first sidewall 116, while the other end of the partition 113 away from the first sidewall 116 is separated from the inner wall of the water inlet box 110. This divides the space inside the water inlet box 110 into a water storage area 114 and a water delivery channel 115 distributed along the front-back direction. The water delivery channel 115 extends along the length of the water inlet box 110, increasing the flow path length of water within the water inlet box 110 and ensuring sufficient contact between the water and the electrode plate 131. Figure 4As indicated by the arrows, water enters the water storage area 114 from the inlet 111 and flows towards the end away from the first sidewall 116. Water flows through the gap between the partition 113 and the inner wall of the inlet box 110 to the water delivery channel 115 and towards the first sidewall 116. Within the water delivery channel 115, the water contacts the electrode plates 131 of the electrolytic element 130 and is electrolyzed to generate bactericidal active factors. These bactericidal active factors mix in the water and flow towards the outlet 112. In some embodiments, the length of the water delivery channel 115 is L0, and the distance between the electrolytic element 130 and the outlet 112 is L1, where 1 / 5 × L0 ≤ L1 ≤ 1 / 2 × L0, meaning the distance between the electrolytic element 130 and the outlet 112 is greater than or equal to one-fifth of the length of the water delivery channel 115 and less than or equal to one-half of the length of the water delivery channel 115. For example, the distance L1 between the electrolytic element and the water outlet can be 1 / 5×L0, 1 / 4×L0, 1 / 3×L0, 1 / 2×L0, etc. This can prevent the electrode plate 131 from being too close to the water outlet 112, which would cause the water flow rate to be too high and result in insufficient electrolysis of water by the electrolytic element 130, thus leading to a low content of bactericidal active factors in the water delivered to the heating element 120.

[0040] According to some embodiments of this application, at least one first guide plate 1151 is provided on the side wall of the water conveying channel 115. The first guide plate 1151 protrudes from the side wall of the water conveying channel 115 and is inclined toward the direction of the outlet 112. For example... Figure 4 In this configuration, the outlet 112 is located to the left of the inlet box 110, and the first guide plate 1151 is inclined to the left. By setting the first guide plate 1151, the water flow within the water delivery channel 115 is cut and guided, resulting in a smoother water flow. In some embodiments, there may be at least two first guide plates 1151, spaced apart along the length of the water delivery channel 115. For example, in... Figure 4 In the water conveying channel 115, multiple first guide plates 1151 are provided on the inner walls of both sides, and the first guide plates 1151 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction on each side wall. In some embodiments, multiple second guide plates 1141 may also be provided on the inner wall of the water storage area 114 to guide the water in the water storage area 114 and make the water flow more stable.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, according to some embodiments of this application, a fixing plate 117 is provided on the top outer side of the water inlet box 110. The fixing plate 117 extends upward, and the fixing plate 117 and the top of the water inlet box 110 form an installation area 118. The heating element 120 is disposed in the installation area 118 to improve the integration of the steam generator. The heating element 120 can be fixedly connected to the installation area 118 by fasteners such as screws. In some embodiments, the steam generator further includes a water storage box 140, which is disposed in the installation area 118 and communicates with the water storage area 114 for water storage. When the steam generator starts to generate steam, it can quickly supply water to the heating element 120 and avoid dry burning due to untimely external water supply, thus playing a protective role. The steam generator also includes a water pump 150, which is connected between the water outlet 112 and the heating element 120. Specifically, the inlet of the water pump 150 is connected to the outlet 112, and the outlet of the water pump 150 is connected to the heating element 120, so as to pump the water in the inlet box 110 into the heating element 120 for heating. Both the water pump 150 and the water storage box 140 can be fixedly connected to the installation area 118 by fasteners such as screws.

[0042] In summary, this application provides a steam generator that uses an electrolyzer 130 to electrolyze water to produce bactericidal active factors, thereby achieving disinfection and sterilization. The steam sprayed onto clothing contains bactericidal active factors, improving the clothing care effect. By setting a water storage area 114 and a water delivery channel 115 in the water inlet box 110, and placing the electrode plate 131 of the electrolyzer 130 in the water delivery channel 115, the water electrolysis process and the water delivery process to the heating element 120 are carried out in tandem. During operation, water containing bactericidal active factors can be continuously supplied to the heating element 120, ensuring that the steam generator can stably and continuously provide steam.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and substitutions without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, characterized in that, include: A water inlet box (110) is provided with a water inlet (111) and a water outlet (112). A water conveying channel (115) is provided inside the water inlet box (110). The water conveying channel (115) is connected to both the water inlet (111) and the water outlet (112). Electrolyte (130), wherein the electrode plate (131) of the electrolyte (130) is disposed in the water conveying channel (115), and the electrolyte (130) is configured to be capable of electrolyzing water.

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet box (110) is also provided with a water storage area (114), which is connected to the water inlet (111) and the water supply channel (115).

3. The steam generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water inlet box (110) is provided with a partition (113), which divides the water inlet box (110) into the water storage area (114) and the water delivery channel (115).

4. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The partition (113) is connected to both the top and bottom walls of the water inlet box (110).

5. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The partition (113) extends along the length of the water inlet box (110), the water storage area (114) and the water conveying channel (115) are connected near one end of the partition (113), and the water outlet (112) is near the other end of the partition (113).

6. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the length of the water inlet box (110), the water inlet box (110) has a first sidewall (116), the water inlet (111) is located on the first sidewall (116), and the water outlet (112) is located on the top of the water inlet box (110) and is located close to the first sidewall (116).

7. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The length of the water conveying channel (115) is L0, and the distance between the electrolytic element (130) and the water outlet (112) is L1, where 1 / 5×L0≤L1≤1 / 2×L0.

8. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one first guide plate (1151) is provided on the side wall of the water conveying channel (115).

9. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first guide plate (1151) protrudes from the side wall of the water conveying channel (115) and is inclined toward the direction of the outlet (112).

10. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, There are at least two first guide plates (1151), which are spaced apart along the length of the water conveyance channel (115).

11. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generating device further includes a heating element (120) connected to the outlet (112), and the heating element (120) is configured to heat the liquid to generate steam.

12. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The top outer side of the water inlet box (110) is provided with a fixing plate (117), the fixing plate (117) extends upward and forms an installation area (118), and the heating element (120) is located in the installation area (118).

13. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump (150) connected between the outlet (112) and the heating element (120).

14. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a water storage box (140), which is connected to the water storage area (114).

15. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The main body has an inner cylinder; The steam generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the steam generating device is connected to the inner cylinder.

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