EP1437547A2 - Device for producing steam as well as its cleaning method and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The steam generator (11) has an electric heater (16) covered with water (15). There is a low-level sensor (31) and a high-level sensor (32). There is a control valve (23) in the cold water inlet (22) at the top of the chamber (13). There is a steam outlet (20) at the top of the chamber and a water overflow outlet (25) at the bottom of the chamber. The pipe leading from the water overflow outlet forms an S-bend siphon (27) with two 180 degree bends (28,29) and an outlet (30) below the bottom of the water chamber.

Description

The invention relates to a device for generating steam according to the Preamble of claim 1 and a method for cleaning and a Method for operating such a device. In particular concerns the invention a so-called steam generator, such as he is used in steam showers or steam baths.

Such a steam generator is known from EP 0 300 577 A1. There, water is evaporated in a boiler using an electric heater and this steam is introduced into the interior of a cabin. About one Pipe system, the boiler can be filled with water. Another one Pipe system with a branch can be the boiler after a Steam generation process can be emptied. It can also be cleaned of the boiler. However, these pipe systems are susceptible to Pollution and / or calcification.

The invention has for its object a aforementioned device as well as a method for cleaning and a method for operating a to create such a facility with which the disadvantages of the state technology, especially cleaning and operation can be done easily and the construction of such a facility is kept as simple as possible.

This task is solved by a facility with the characteristics of claim 1 and method with the features of claims 12 and 15. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of further claims and are described in more detail below explained. The wording of the claims is by express reference made the content of the description.

According to the invention, a device for generating steam has a housing where there is a water supply. There is also a water inlet and a water drain as well as a steam outlet and heating provided for steam generation. The water drain is automatic working siphon trained and in particular forms the only one Drain from the housing or water supply.

The advantage of an automatic suction lifter is that it does pumps or the like can be dispensed with. Furthermore is in the invention advantageously a water drain or a pipe without branches or the like. educated. This keeps the effort and susceptibility to failure low.

In one embodiment of the invention, the automatic Water drain or siphon from reaching or exceeding one certain water level in the water supply active or activated by itself. Such an automatic or automatic activation has the advantage that there is no need for further sensors or the like can be. The specific water level from which the siphon works, is advantageously in the upper area of the water supply.

In addition to an automatic start of work of the suction lifter can be provided be that it also stops automatically. This is advantageously done at a certain water level in the stock. This water level is for example very low or is present when the water supply is empty.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is advantageous to drain the water to be placed at a low point in the water supply. Especially the lowest point is advantageous here. A funnel-like depression can be used for this provided in the bottom of the water reservoir or in its lower part his. So dirt or other particles can get on this Be deepened and flushed out of the water supply via the water outlet be removed. By placing it at the lowest point particles sink or slip almost automatically to the water drain.

It is possible to have two water level sensors in the water supply or assign it to. An upper water level sensor marks an upper water level, which closes the water inlet should mark. A lower water level sensor sets one accordingly lower water level, which is the point to open the water inlet should mark. It is therefore possible to use the water level sensors the water level in the water supply in a particular Keep area.

In a further embodiment of the invention can be provided To divide the water supply into two areas that are next to each other can. The heater is advantageously arranged in an area while the water level sensors are located in another area could be. A water-permeable partition is advantageous here provided, for example with recesses or holes. These are advantageously provided in the lower area of the partition. The advantage of such a partition is that it allows water movements, which the operation or accuracy of the water level sensors disturb or impair, for example as a result the operation of the heater, only very slightly in the area of the water level sensors reach. This thus increases the reliability of the Detection of the water level.

Furthermore, it is possible to divide into areas that Provide steam outlet in the area of the heating. It is advantageous generally located approximately above the heater, so here the steam can exit as easily as possible. The water inlet can in turn an area of the water level sensors may be arranged so that it not fresh and therefore cold water with the possibly hot Heating directly connects. It is also possible to add water to be provided in another area to ensure movement here too and unrest in the water from the water level sensors if possible keep away.

An electric heater, for example a electric tubular heater. It is arranged in the water supply in such a way that it washes around and at least partially surrounded by water is. In particular, the heating is complete at the upper water level covered and at least partially exposed at the lower water level.

A valve can be provided on the water inlet. An electromagnetic valve is advantageously used, which can be operated in a simple manner and is reliable. The water inlet, in particular also the valve of the water inlet, are advantageously arranged higher than the highest area of the water outlet. So its function is not affected by the water drain.
Furthermore, it is possible to let the water supply flow directly into or onto the housing. It runs particularly advantageously from above into the housing, for example into an upper region or the cover, so that an additional rinsing effect is achieved, especially when cleaning the water supply.

The water drain can be designed such that it has a channel or has a pipe, which start from the water supply and first can run down to a lower bend. Assuming that run up and down again with an upper bend. In this way, the aforementioned suction lifter or a suction lifter knee is created. As soon as the water level starts from the water supply If the upper bend is reached, the water runs off via this upper bend and sucks the water supply empty. This vacuuming is usually done until a substantial amount of air is sucked in the water supply has been emptied.

A method according to the invention for cleaning the aforementioned Device for steam generation can provide that the water inlet is opened and fills the water supply until the siphon water drain is activated. As mentioned above, this takes place on the Point at which the water drain between the water supply and the upper one Bending of the outgoing duct or pipe is filled and the suction effect starts. To do this, the top bend should be at one level which are between the lowest and the highest point in the water supply lies.

The water supply essentially becomes due to the siphon water drain emptied. It advantageously drains it completely. Furthermore, it is possible to design the water drain so that it is emptied stops the water supply to the desired extent automatically, in particular in the same way that it was activated automatically is. The water inlet can again replenish the water supply after emptying. This filling advantageously takes place up to one certain upper water level. Alternatively, he can by next time you use the steam generator, stay empty.

There are two options for water supply during emptying. On the one hand, it is possible to close the water inlet. This can be triggered, for example, by a signal from the water level sensor become. Alternatively, the water inlet can be used for easier drainage and opened a simpler set up during emptying stay. Water runs from the water inlet into the water supply after even during emptying, which is particularly true towards the end of the The process of emptying can be used for increased rinsing of particles or the like from the water supply. After this Stopping the emptying, the water supply refills the water supply on. This replenishment can go up to a certain upper water level take place, for example in the manner as described at the beginning has been.

A method according to the invention for operating an aforementioned device for steam generation can be a multi-step process exhibit. First, the water inlet is used to fill the water supply open. As soon as an upper water level at the upper water level sensor the water inlet is closed. After that starts the operation of the heater to produce steam, the steam being in the sauna or cabin is initiated. Falls below the water a certain consumption by evaporating the lower water level at the lower water level sensor, is via the water inlet the refilling process is initiated. To do this, the water inlet is opened. Refilling to the upper water level is advantageous, as before mentioned. The operation of the heater can advantageously be independent of that Water level between the lower and the upper water level sensor respectively. Likewise, the operation can be carried out independently of refilling run off of water. Alternatively, a fuse can be provided be the heating when the water level falls below switches off until at least the lower water level has been exceeded again.

These and other features go beyond the claims from the description and the drawing, the individual Features individually or in groups in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and others areas to be realized and advantageous as well as protectable Can represent designs for which protection is claimed. The division of the application into individual sections and subheadings do not limit the statements made under these in their generality.

Brief description of the drawing

An embodiment of the invention is schematic in the drawing shown and is explained in more detail below, the drawing shows a section through a steam generator according to the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiment

In Figure 1, a steam generator 11 is a schematic view with partial section shown. The steam generator 11 has a housing 13 with a funnel-shaped bottom 14. In the housing there is a Water supply 15. From this water 16 which consists of a spiral of tubular heaters 17, generates steam.

The heater 16 is connected to the external electrical connections 18 powered.

Via a steam outlet 20 on the left upper part of the housing generated steam discharged. About steam lines, not shown it is inserted into a steam cabin or the like.

A water inlet 22 is arranged on the upper right housing part. He has a valve 23. By means of this valve 23 can water over the Water inlet 22 controlled in the housing 13 or to the water supply 15 can be let in.

From the housing 13, in particular from the bottom end of the funnel-shaped Bottom 14, a water drain 25 goes off. About this water drain 25, for example, after a steam generation process remaining water in the housing 13 drained around on the one hand to avoid standing water in the housing and on the other hand to rinse out dirt and lime particles. this will explained in more detail below.

The water outlet 25 is designed as a suction lifter 27. He points to that a lower bend 28 on the bottom 14 of the housing 13th followed. From there, a drain pipe runs up to the upper bend 29. From there the drain pipe runs down again to a sewage connection 30 or the like.

Furthermore, there is a lower water level sensor in the housing 13 31 and an upper water level sensor 32 are arranged. These are enough from above into the housing and can determine water levels that their Position. The water level sensors 31 and 32 are by means of connections, not shown, with a corresponding control or evaluation connected. Here known ones Water level sensors are used.

In the housing 13 there are two partitions 34 and divide it into three areas. The partitions 34 can also be a tube that the Surrounds sensors 31 and 32. The heater 16 is in the left area arranged. In the middle area are the water level sensors 31 and 32 arranged. The water is refilled in the area on the right in the housing 13 via the water inlet 22. The partition walls 34 are water-permeable in the lower area, for example through larger holes in the manner of a perforated plate. One more way is that they do not fully extend to the bottom of the housing 13 to lead. By means of the partition walls 34, on the one hand, the emergence can violent water movement, especially the surface of the water influencing, avoided. This enables a reasonably exact determination of the actual water level using the sensors 31 and 32. Such water movements can be caused by running of water, on the other hand by boiling or boiling water arise in the area of the heater 16.

Another advantage of the partition walls 34 is that the incoming fresh Water, which is usually cold, does not directly affect the circumstances something exposed heater 16 can hit. This would be true allow increased vapor formation. On the other hand, however due to the rapid temperature changes, the tubular heater 17 under Under certain circumstances, wear out faster and be damaged.

function

An upper water level 15a and a lower water level are shown 15b. They correspond to the positions of the water level sensors 31 and 32. The upper water level 15a is a little above the highest point of the heater 16. At the lower water level 15b protrudes the upper part of the heater 16 out of the water. In the operation of the Steam generator 11, the water level between the water levels 15a and 15b.

At the start of operation, the steam generator 11 or the housing 13 without water, for example. The valve 23 is opened and over the water inlet 22 water flows into the housing 13. The water level the water supply 15 then increases. He reaches the top one Water level 15a and thus the upper water level sensor 32, see above the valve 23 is closed. The heater 16 is activated and steam is created.

Due to the generation of steam, water is consumed, so that Water level drops. As soon as it falls below the lower water level 15b the lower water level sensor 31 registers that it is not A corresponding control opens if more is immersed in the water the valve 23 again. Water is refilled until the top one Water level 15a is reached. This continues in operation.

After operating the steam generator, it is according to one version the invention possible to empty it and thereby accumulated or to remove contaminants. In previous versions Similar steam generators were located on a water drain a valve below the bottom of the housing. This was opened for draining water, while draining the still in the housing water is washed out and removed were. There was often the problem that this was due to the evaporation process hot water as well as the impurities Damaged valves quickly.

As can be seen, there is no longer a valve in the steam generator 11 Drainage of water provided from the housing. In particular is also no further branch or the like is provided, which is general is advantageous for the invention. The suction lifter 27 extends with the upper bend 29 well above the heater 16 and water level sensors 31 and 32, for example up to the uppermost area of the housing 13th

After operating the steam generator, the water level is the water supply 15 for example as shown. To empty which is started automatically or manually by a controller, the valve 23 is opened and water flows through the water inlet 22 into the housing 13. The water level rises in the housing and, as shown, at the same time in the drain pipe between the lower and top bend. After a while the water level is like this high that it extends beyond the upper bend 29.

As soon as the upper bend 29 is filled with water, it begins drain through the sewage connection 30 and the siphon enters Action. Water is thus drained from the housing 13 aspirated, according to the suction lifter principle until the entire water supply 15 is suctioned off and the housing 13 is empty. As mentioned, contaminants such as dirt or Lime particles are flushed out of the housing 13 through the water outlet 25 and also vacuumed. The suction then starts automatically off as soon as 25 air is drawn in via the water drain. Then the system or the steam generator 11 is emptied. I'm emptying The steam generator 11 can then remain in this state until a new process should be initiated for steam generation.

Starting from the emptied state, it can be renewed Steam generation process, the valve 23 can be opened again and Water can be let into the housing 13, as explained at the beginning. The suction lifter 27 only occurs when the housing 13 is completely full or filling the upper bend 29 in action.

During the draining of the housing there is 22 for the water inlet two possibilities. On the one hand, after activating the suction lifter 27 the valve 23 remain permanently open, for example until it drops activation of the water level under the upper water level sensor 32 of the suction lifter 27 can also be determined by the control can. Alternatively, it is possible to use a certain sequence program Specify times that experience has shown after exceeding the both water levels 15a and 15b upwards until activation begins of the suction lifter are needed until the suction lifter 27 is level is activated. After this time, the valve 23 can then be closed become. It is possible to do this before reaching the upper water level sensor 32 when the water level drops determine. This way water can be saved because the water supply 22 is stopped earlier. However, care must be taken that the time is chosen at least so long that in any case the Suction lifter 27 is activated by filling the upper bend 29.

Claims (15)

Device for steam generation, in particular steam generator (11), with a housing (13), with a water supply (15), a water inlet (22) and a water outlet (25), a heater (16) and a steam outlet (20), characterized that the water drain (25) is designed as an automatically operating suction lifter (27). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the automatic water drain (25) is activated from a certain water level in the water reservoir (15), in particular is activated automatically, the particular water level preferably being in the upper region of the water reservoir. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the water outlet (25) automatically stops at a certain water level in the water supply (15), in particular when the water supply is emptied. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water drain (25) is arranged at a deep point of the water reservoir (15), preferably at the deepest point, in particular the water drain at a funnel-like depression (14) in a bottom of the water reservoir is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two water level sensors (31, 32) in the water reservoir (15), an upper water level sensor (32) marking an upper water level (15a) for closing the water inlet (22) and a lower water level sensor (31) marked a lower water level (15b) for opening the water inlet. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water supply (15) is divided into two adjacent areas, the heating (16) in one area and water level sensors (31, 32) are arranged in another area, and wherein the two Areas are separated by a water-permeable partition (34), in particular with recesses or holes in a lower area, the steam outlet (20) preferably in the area of the heater (16), in particular above the heater, and the water inlet (22) in the area the water level sensors (31, 32) is arranged. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heater is an electric heater (16), preferably an electric tubular heater (17), wherein it is arranged within the water supply (15) with water around it, in particular the heater when the upper water level sensor (32) is completely covered and is partially exposed when the lower water level sensor (31) is standing. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (22) has a valve (23), preferably an electromagnetic valve. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (22), in particular the valve (23) of the water inlet, is higher than the highest area of the water outlet (25, 27). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (22) opens directly into the housing (13), preferably in the upper region and / or from above. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water outlet (25) has a channel or a pipe which, starting from the water supply (15), first runs down to a lower bend (28), then upwards and with an upper bend (29) down again. Method for cleaning a device (11) for generating steam according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the water inlet (22) is opened and fills the water supply (15) until the siphon water outlet (25, 27) is activated, whereby the Suction lifter water drain, the water supply (15) is at least substantially emptied. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the siphon water drain (25, 27) empties the water supply (15), in particular stops automatically after emptying, and the water inlet (22) fills it up again, preferably up to a certain upper water level ( 15a). Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the water inlet (22) is open during emptying, water from the water inlet running into the water reservoir (15) during the emptying and refilling it, preferably up to a certain upper water level (15a ). Method for operating a device (11) for steam generation according to claim 5, characterized by the following steps: the water inlet (22) is opened to fill the water supply (15) up to the upper water level (15a) at the upper water level sensor (32) and then closed, the heater (16) generates steam, If the water level falls below the lower water level (15b), the water inlet (22) is refilled by opening the water inlet, in particular the water level is refilled up to the upper water level (15a).

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