RU2752395C2 - Steam boiler - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: boilers.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a steam boiler for generating steam and/or for heating water. The steam boiler is comprised of a metal reservoir equipped with a water inlet hole (14) and a heating element (26). The reservoir (12) comprises a bottom wall (13), an upper wall (15) and a side wall (17). Inside the reservoir (12), one calcareous scale collector (20) installed immovably between the bottom wall (13) and the top wall (15) of the reservoir (12) and partially submerged in water during use, one bottom wall and/or one upper wall of the collector (20) is constantly in contact with the corresponding part of the lower wall (13) and/or the upper wall (15) of said reservoir (12) and/or said heating element (26). Said collector (20) comprises one metal or ceramic filtering element (28) with a netted, corrugated or spiral structure, for accumulation and retention of calcareous scale.

EFFECT: technical result of the invention is development of a steam boiler enabling and increasing the efficiency of accumulation of calcareous scale within a limited area inside the reservoir and preventing, on the one hand, buildup and deposition of calcareous scale on the inner wall of the reservoir and, on the other hand, preservation of calcareous scale in water in form of suspended particles.

14 cl, 7 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a steam boiler for generating steam and / or heating water suitable for use in household appliances and professional machines such as, for example, ironing or cleaning devices, coffee machines, food steamers, steam dryers and the like.

The invention also relates to a device for collecting limescale, fixedly installed in a steam boiler, for collecting limescale that forms inside the steam boiler during use.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Steam boilers used to selectively generate steam and / or to heat water in household appliances and professional machines usually contain a metal reservoir, hermetically sealed and provided with at least a water inlet and optionally a steam outlet.

Some types of steam boilers may also have an outlet for draining the water from the tank and for cleaning or checking it.

A heating element in the form of an electrical resistance or plate is usually connected to a metal reservoir and selectively activated to generate the desired amount and / or quality of steam and / or to heat the water to the desired temperature.

Steam boilers usually also contain one or more detection devices for detecting the temperature and / or pressure inside the metal tank in order to monitor and / or control them depending on the required value, as well as to prevent exceeding critical values.

It is known that during the operation of a steam boiler and due to the heating of the water inside a metal tank, limescale is formed, consisting of calcium carbonate and / or other minerals such as magnesium, potassium and silicon, which usually dissolve in water.

These limescale deposits can remain in suspension or settle to form deposits of increasing thickness on the inner walls of the metal tank, which affects the functioning of both the heat generating means and the detection devices.

Indeed, it is known that said limescale formations, which are deposited on the heat source or around the zone in which the heating element operates, reduce the effect of said heat source.

Reduced heat transfer and / or incorrect or delayed determination of temperature or pressure can lead, on the one hand, to a loss of energy, and on the other, to exceeding critical values and, therefore, at least damage to the steam boiler.

Lime scale deposits suspended in the water inside the tank are dangerous in that they can clog the valve that allows steam to escape from the tank if the boiler is designed to generate steam.

To at least partially solve these problems, one or more elements installed inside the tank are removed from it in order to facilitate the capture and subsequent removal of suspended lime scale in the water.

These known elements are usually made from a removable metal rod immersed in water inside a steam boiler or other similar or comparable solid elements, usually having an elongated and filamentary structure and shape.

Examples of such known removable elements are described in WO 2008/075308, DE 102011086147, DE 102010062939 and WO 2010/139599.

It is also known to use a rod that defines one or more enclosing cavities in which limescale particles suspended in water are deposited.

These known gripping elements do not guarantee effective adhesion of limescale on their surface or within them, which means that a residual amount of limescale remains in the tank, both in suspension in water and on the walls of the tank and / or heat source.

In addition, as the water level inside the steam boiler changes, the gripping element can be at least partially exposed to the water, which leads to a decrease in temperature and therefore to a decrease in the ability to pick up lime scale.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a steam boiler for heating water and possibly also generating steam, which makes it possible, on the one hand, to prevent energy losses, and on the other hand, to constantly and efficiently control physical quantities of interest over time, in particular the temperature and / or pressure inside a metal tank.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple, economical, reliable and durable steam boiler for generating steam.

Another object of the invention is to provide a steam boiler which promotes and increases the efficiency of the accumulation of limescale in a limited area inside the tank and which, on the one hand, prevents the adhesion and deposition of limescale on the inner wall of the tank and, on the other hand, prevents the accumulation of limescale in water in the form of suspended particles.

Applicant has developed, tested and implemented the present invention in order to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to obtain these and other objects and advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in independent claims, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variations of the basic idea of the invention.

In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention relates to a steam boiler for generating steam and / or for heating water, which comprises a metal container, hermetically sealed and provided with at least an inlet for supplying water to the interior of the container.

The reservoir also includes a bottom wall, a top wall opposite the bottom wall, and at least one side wall.

The reservoir may also contain an additional opening for cleaning and / or checking, a heating element and at least a device for determining physical quantities such as temperature, water level and / or pressure and the like.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is at least one collector or reservoir for collecting lime scale within a reservoir that is partially submerged in water during use.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a manifold, which may or may not include at least a frame, is attached, clamped, touched and / or pressed against at least the inner wall of the tank, for example, the top, bottom or side wall, and has a three-dimensional geometry that occupies the internal space of the tank.

A collector stationary inside the steam boiler facilitates the build-up of lime scale around it, since lime scale builds up more easily on the scale layer than on the metal walls of the tank. Thus, the selection of the location for the installation of the detection devices is facilitated and selected, mainly in areas that are not subject to the accumulation of lime scale.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the manifold has at least a metal filter element, however, the filter element may be based on a ceramic material or similar materials with a mesh, corrugated or spiral structure for accumulating and retaining lime scale.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame, if any, can define a containing cavity for receiving the filter element within it.

The frame is preferably made of a metal material or heat-resistant plastic and has through-holes on the surface that allow water to pass freely through the frame.

According to another embodiment, the frame and / or the filter element are at least partially in contact with the heating element, that is, contact with one or more of the inner walls of the tank is provided in a state related to the position of the heating element.

The collector, due to its location and structure, facilitates the adhesion of limescale in the collector to retain the limescale in a specific area of the tank, reducing the suspended scale content in the water.

In addition, if it becomes necessary to drain the water and possibly suspended limescale contained in the tank, a slight inclination of the tank will not change the location of the collector.

In addition, contact of the bottom and / or top of the manifold with the bottom and / or top wall of the tank or with the heating element keeps the temperature of the manifold at high values, even if it is partially exposed to hot water, which increases the adhesion of lime scale on the common surface of the manifold. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the manifold contacts, grips and stably presses against both the bottom wall and the top wall of the tank and possibly also a heating element if it is located inside the tank.

Thus, the contact of the collector with the corresponding sections of the upper and lower walls and, possibly, with the heating element, significantly contributes to the deposition and adhesion of limescale.

The invention also relates to a manifold with the characteristics indicated above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

- fig. 1 is a perspective view of a steam boiler in vertical section in one embodiment;

- fig. 2 is a sectional view of the steam boiler shown in FIG. one;

- fig. 3 is a perspective view of a steam boiler in vertical section in another embodiment;

- fig. 4 is a sectional view of the steam boiler shown in FIG. 3;

- fig. 5 is a perspective view of a steam boiler in vertical section in another embodiment;

- fig. 6 is a perspective view of a steam boiler in vertical section in another embodiment;

- fig. 7 is a sectional view of the steam boiler shown in FIG. 6.

The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention and to identify like common elements. It should be understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment may be included in other embodiments without further explanation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-7 relate to a steam boiler 10 for generating steam and / or for heating water, suitable for use in household appliances and professional machines, such as, for example, ironing or cleaning devices, coffee machines, steamers for cooking, steam dryers and similar devices.

The steam boiler 10 contains a metal tank 12 suitable for storing water and possibly also for converting it to steam.

The reservoir 12 is hermetically sealed and includes an inlet 14 for supplying water.

According to some embodiments of the invention, reservoir 12 consists of a lower portion 12a and an upper portion 12b, which are hermetically sealed and / or welded together to resist possible pressure that is generated within the reservoir 12.

The reservoir 12, consisting of a lower part 12a and an upper part 12b, includes a lower wall 13, an upper wall 15 opposite to the lower wall 13, and at least a side wall 17.

The reservoir 12 may also include a steam outlet 16 connected to user devices and optional steam control devices such as an electromechanical valve or the like.

The steam boiler may include an additional opening for cleaning and / or checking the interior of the tank 12, for example an outlet 18.

The steam boiler 10 comprises a heating element 26 connected internally or externally to the reservoir 12 and configured to heat the water internally to bring it to an evaporation temperature or a desired heating temperature.

In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the heating element 26 consists of a conductor located under the bottom wall 13 of the tank 12. However, within the framework of the present invention, the heating element 26 can be connected to the top wall 15, to both walls 13, 15, or also completely or partially located inside the tank 12.

Devices for detecting physical quantities 32 associated with the reservoir 12, such as temperature, water level or pressure, are preferably located outside or at least partially interact with the interior of the reservoir 12.

According to one embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 6 and 7, the detection device 32 may be a device for detecting the water level 33 within the reservoir 12.

A device for determining the water level 33 can be installed on the side wall 17 of the tank 12.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 7, the detector 32 may be a heat detector 34 in contact with the heating element 26.

In accordance with the present invention, the steam boiler 10 comprises at least a collector or collector for collecting lime deposits 20, located within the tank 12 and which during use is at least partially submerged in water.

The collector 20 is fixedly mounted within the tank and has at least one part in contact with one or more walls 13, 15 or 17 of the tank 12, so that heat from the walls is transferred to the collector 20 and thus increases its ability to accumulate limescale. ...

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 1-5, manifold 20 comprises at least a frame 22 attached to at least one wall of reservoir 12 and having a three-dimensional geometry that occupies the interior of reservoir 12.

According to another aspect of the present invention, at least one filter element 28 is connected to frame 22 and has a mesh or spiral structure for collecting and retaining lime deposits.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 6 and 7, the manifold 20 is fixedly mounted between the lower wall 13 and the upper wall 15 of the reservoir 12.

In particular, the manifold 20 is advantageously compressed between the upper wall 15 and the lower wall 13 so that at the time of welding it is pressed and clamped in such a position as to remain stationary.

Preferably, the manifold 20 can be located in a central position within the reservoir 12.

Thanks to this assembly pattern, the manifold 20 is in thermal contact with at least the bottom wall 13 of the reservoir 12, which in turn contacts the heating element 26 and therefore heats up continuously during use, even in a state in which it is partially exposed to water, which promotes and increases the formation of limescale.

Due to the continuous supply of heat from the heating element 26, the bottom wall 13, due to heat transfer, continues to supply heat to the collector 20, even when the steam boiler 10 is turned off: this continues to contribute to the accumulation and retention of lime deposits on the surfaces of the collector 20.

This also helps to keep the inner walls of the tank 12 clean, in particular where devices for determining the water level 33 and temperature 34 are installed; and also helps to prevent the content of suspended particles of limescale in the water.

In accordance with the options for implementation described herein, the manifold 20 may have a frame 22 and a filter element 28, made in one piece. Thus, by reducing the cost of the raw materials used and the production and assembly costs, a decrease in the cost of the product is achieved.

In accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1-5, the frame 22 defines an enclosing cavity 23 within which the filter element 28 can be mounted.

In the embodiments described herein, the frame 22 is made of a heat-resistant material.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame 22 is made of a highly thermally conductive metal material.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the frame 22 is made of heat-resistant plastic.

In addition, the frame 22 has a plurality of through holes 24 to allow water present in the reservoir 12 to flow freely during use.

The filter element 28 may be, for example, a metal sleeve, braided metal wire, steel wool, or any element having a mesh, spiral or honeycomb structure made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity.

The filter element 28 can also be made of ceramic material.

The design of the filter element 28 enhances the collection of limescale, since water containing limescale easily passes through the screens when entering and leaving the filter element 28 and / or frame 22. Thanks to this design and when water passes through the screens and / or walls of the filter element 28, and also due to the contact and corresponding heat transfer with one or more of the inner walls of the tank 12, a high capture and deposition of limescale inside the filter element 28 is achieved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the frame 22 and / or the filter element 28 can be at least partially located near the heat source consisting of the heating element 26, interacting with it partially or indirectly, for example, through at least one or more of these walls 13, 15, 17 of the reservoir 12.

In particular, the filter element 28 can be configured to provide a large heat exchange surface with the heating element 26, as well as with one or more walls 13, 15, 17, which increases the deposition and accumulation of limescale and increases the content of limescale inside the enclosing cavity 23 of the frame 22 ...

According to an embodiment of the invention, the density of the filter element 28 having a mesh, spiral or cellular structure differs depending on at least the average water level within the reservoir 12, i.e. with respect to the level of lime scale accumulation in the filter element 28. For example, the density of the filter element 28 can be higher with an average water level inside the reservoir 12 to increase the accumulation of lime scale depending on the volume of water.

In accordance with the embodiments of the invention described above, the outlet 18, which can be selectively opened / closed, for example with a lid, is configured to remove water and limescale particles contained in the water that were not trapped in the manifold 20.

According to one embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 1 and 2, the frame 22 may have an omega-shaped cross-section, the ends of which are attached to the wall of the reservoir 12, directly interacting with the heating element 26, and thus defines a containing cavity 23 in which the filter element 28 is installed.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 3 and 4, the frame 22 may have a tubular element 30, the opening of which coincides with the inlet opening 14 and is configured to supply water entering the reservoir 12 directly above the filter element 28.

Thus, although the average water level does not completely cover the filter element 28, the water supplied through the inlet 14 preferably must pass through the filter element 28 to immediately precipitate some of the limescale.

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 5, the frame 22 can be a spirally wound wire, on which, in turn, a filter element 28 is also spirally wound, in which the loops contacting at least the bottom wall 13 can have a pitch suitable for accumulating and retaining lime scale ...

According to another embodiment of the invention, shown by way of example in FIG. 6 and 7, the manifold 20, or an optional filter element 28 forming a part thereof, may have a substantially cylindrical shape or other cross-sectional shape, for example polygonal, with an upper base and a lower base that are substantially flat, suitable for stable bonding. with the corresponding sections of the lower wall 13 and the upper wall 15 of the tank 12.

The manifold 20 and / or filter element 28 may have a three-dimensional structure with a corrugated mesh wound around itself in a spiral manner.

Thus, the corrugated mesh structure increases the contact surface between the manifold 20 and the limescale.

It should be understood that modifications and / or additions to the parts of the steam boiler 10 and the manifold 20 described above are contemplated without departing from the scope and scope of the present invention.

It should also be understood that while the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person skilled in the art will certainly be able to implement many other equivalent forms of steam boiler 10 and manifold 20 having the characteristics set forth in the claims and therefore all they fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims (14)

1. A steam boiler for generating steam and / or for heating water, comprising a metal reservoir (12) equipped with at least an inlet (14) for water supply and a heating element (26), in which the reservoir (12) contains a lower wall (13), top wall (15) and side wall (17), characterized in that it contains inside the tank (12) at least one collector (20) of lime scale, fixedly mounted between the bottom wall (13) and the top the wall (15) of the reservoir (12) and at least partially submerged in water during use, one bottom wall and / or one top wall of the manifold (20) constantly contacts the corresponding part of the bottom wall (13) and / or top wall (15) said reservoir (12) and / or said heating element (26), said manifold (20) comprising at least one metal or ceramic filter element (28) with a mesh, corrugated or spiral structure for accumulation and retention limescale. 2. Steam boiler according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a frame (22) for holding said filter element (28). 3. Steam boiler according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one frame (22) is made of a heat-resistant material. 4. Steam boiler according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one frame (22) and / or said at least one filter element (28) are in contact at least partially with the heating element (26) or with the wall of said reservoir (12) in accordance with the position of said heating element (26). 5. Steam boiler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said at least one frame (22) is made of metal material. 6. Steam boiler according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said at least one frame (22) is made of heat-resistant plastic. 7. Steam boiler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the density of at least one said filter element (28) having a mesh, spiral or cellular structure differs depending on at least the average water level inside reservoir (12). 8. A steam boiler according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank (12) comprises a selectively open / close outlet (18) adapted to discharge water and suspended limescale particles from the tank (12). 9. Steam boiler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-8, characterized in that said at least one frame (22) defines a containing cavity (23), inside which is installed at least one said filter element (28). 10. Steam boiler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-9, characterized in that said at least one frame (22) has a plurality of through holes (24). 11. Steam boiler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-10, characterized in that at least one said frame (22) has an omega-shaped cross-section, the ends of which are attached to the wall of the tank (12), directly interacting with said heating element (26) and defines a containing cavity (23) , in which at least one filter element (28) is installed. 12. Steam boiler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-10, characterized in that at least one said frame (22) may have a tubular element (30), the opening of which coincides with the inlet opening (14), and said tubular element (30) is made with the possibility of water passage, entering the specified reservoir (12), at least one of the specified filter element (28). 13. Steam boiler according to any one of paragraphs. 2-8, characterized in that at least one said frame (22) is a spirally wound wire, on which, in turn, a filter element (28) is spirally wound, and said at least one spiral filter element ( 28) has turns with a pitch that allow the accumulation and retention of lime scale. 14. Steam boiler according to claim 1, characterized in that said manifold (20) is clamped by said lower wall (13) and said upper wall (15) in a substantially central position.

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